With Thanksgiving right around the corner, millions of homes across the United States are preparing for a decadent feast. The scents of thyme, mint, and cinnamon filling kitchens as friends and families get set to gather around the dining room table in a show of gratitude. But rather than focusing on the turkey, or the cranberry sauce, we should instead praise the underrated stars of the holiday show…spices.
Spices have been used for thousands of years around the globe to season food, add a touch of heat, or blend flavors in masterful culinary creations. But, they are often viewed as optional flavor boosts rather than the nutritional powerhouses they actually are. Let’s take a look at a few of the most commonly used holiday spices and how they can protect you from cold season and more!
Cinnamon
A primary spice of many holiday dishes and drinks, cinnamon is not only spicy and sweet at the same time but is also one of the most ancient medicinal spices available. Ceylon cinnamon may help lower blood sugar in those with diabetes and can even help with indigestion. Cinnamon has also been shown to help reduce the risk of Altzheimers. Try adding cinnamon to your morning coffee for a seasonal twist.
Peppermint
As candy cane season approaches, so do various peppermint flavored specialty coffee drinks. Try brewing your own cup of peppermint tea at home to improve digestion, settle the stomach, and even deliver a healthy dose of antioxidants.
Tasty Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened almond butter
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup coconut sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- Pinch of sea salt and crushed candy cane, if desired
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Combine all ingredients in large mixing bowl. Make sure to eliminate any clumps. Use a stand mixer, if available.
- Line a cooking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll into 1” balls and flatten slightly with a fork.
- Bake for 10 minutes or 12 if firmer cookies are desired.
- Let cool for at least 10 minutes before removing. Cookies will fall apart if removed before then.
- Place in an airtight container on the counter for up to 3 days.
Ginger
Ginger tea, gingerbread, and ginger muffins, not to mention savory stews and warming soups. This sweet and spicy root can be utilized in hundreds of delicious dishes and can even settle a nauseous stomach. Its active component, known as gingerol is particularly effective in relieving inflammation and joint pain associated with swelling. Try mixing a pinch of ginger powder into a glass of fresh, warm almond milk and sweeten with honey, if desired. Drink after enjoying all of those Thanksgiving delicacies to aid in digestion.
Cloves
When used correctly, cloves can add a delightful flavor to any dish. Use in apple cider, cakes, and cookies for spectacular holiday treats. This potent spice is known for its antioxidants and omega three fatty acids. Cloves are a wonderful expectorant and can be used to help dislodge mucus buildup from the common cold and relieve other symptoms. They can also help soothe the throat and reduce coughing.
Chinese star anise
Perhaps one of the lesser known holiday spices, star anise has a flavor similar to cloves and contains abundant amounts of shikimic acid which is commonly used to boost the immune system and keep your body clean of any nasty infection that may threaten you over the winter season.
You may want to add star anise to your Thanksgiving lineup but have no idea where to start. If so, try whipping up a batch of these healthy roasted sweet potatoes in lieu of the traditional marshmallow encrusted sweet potato casserole.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. sweet potatoes washed and cut into 1” cubes
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 star anise
- 1 1” piece fresh ginger, grated
- 1 lime, zested and juiced
- ½ tsp sea salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees farenheit.
- Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add all ingredients to large bowl and toss to coat or use hands.
- Lay out potatoes in single layer on baking sheet.
- Cook for 10 minutes, remove and stir. Cook for another 10 minutes.
- Potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork when done.
-Susan Patterson