The simple things in life!

What if we all just woke up admiring the simple things in life? Just think for one moment how so many take for granted the breeze, the grass, the beautiful sky, the laughter of babies, blooming flowers...the list is just endless! I believe that we have the power to do this if we set our minds to do so. For example, since I work in a hospital I meet different people every single day. That for me is an opportunity to learn something new, and most of all to give someone a little piece of the simple things in life. Therefore, I encourage you all to do the same and I know it may sound like an impossible task for certain personalities but just try it. Smile at strangers anywhere you go or simply greet people in the elevator (it's hilarious to see their reactions), and then at the end of the day think about how many smiles you caused, and pat yourself in back for those simple things in life.

Guess what? Food is the same way! It is time to stop being afraid of that weird looking vegetable in the produce department because it might turn out to be the yummiest piece of heaven you will ever taste. With that in mind I want to introduce you to a root that is dear to my heart- ginger. This weird looking "thing" is native to India and Asia and is well known not just for its particular taste but also for its medicinal effects. Many of you have probably had it and did not even know it because let's face it, sometimes we eat without even wondering: "what on earth is in my food?" Some of the foods that use ginger as an ingredient include: candy, puddings, jam, beer, wine, tea, chicken or beef satay and even in ice cream!

Trust me when I tell you a little goes a long way. Word to the wise- unless you really like super strong flavors take it easy with the amount you use. Also, do not, and I repeat, DO NOT try to peel with with a knife- it just won't work. Grab a spoon, and scrape off the skin- yes it is that simple, and until you feel comfortable I recommend mincing it very fine so that you do not have to chew on big chunks because the flavor will be intensified causing a wonderful discovery of a spice into a cough fest. Believe it or not, ginger is good for arthritis, indigestion, respiratory problems and even motion sickness. Ha! I bet you did not know that one...

Here is a simple and quick recipe for Thai salad dressing with our star ingredient for today-

What you need: T= tablespoon  t=teaspoon c=cup

3 T. rice vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
2 T. peeled and minced ginger root
2 T. fresh lemon juice
2 T. light soy sauce
2 t. Dijon-style mustard
salt and pepper
6 T. vegetable oil
1/4 c. Oriental Sesame oil
1 clove garlic, minced(optional)
2 T. snipped fresh chives (optional)

Preparation:

In  bowl, mix all ingredients except the oils, the garlic and the chives. Once combined adjust flavor with salt and pepper. Then slowly whisk in the oils until emulsified (fancy word for combined). To finish add the garlic and the chives. Makes 1 cup.

Thanks to Epicurean for this recipe...easy, simple, and fast!