G is for Garlic and Ginger!

Garlic and Ginger....they add flavor and intensity to your meals and heal your soul! I am a bit of a garlic addict...when a recipe calls for 2 cloves, I add 4-5!!! When I am making up a dish on the spot, garlic is a must! Roasted garlic is the ultimate indulgent. Ginger on the other hand is something that I have grown to appreciate! If I feel a little cold brewing, I boil some hot water and add a chunk of ginger root and I feel the healing powers immediately! Add some lemon and it's even better!
There are many health benefits that Garlic offers including:
-reduces blood pressure
-lowers blood sugar levels
-digestive stimulant
-diuretic
-antihistamine
-anti-parasitic
-antimicrobial
-antibiotic (making garlic a good wound medicine)
-cardioprotective

Research has shown that garlic inhibits cancer cell formation and proliferation. Garlic is an antioxidant and helps to stimulate the immune system. Garlic protects organs from damage induced by synthetic drugs and chemical pollutants. Garlic also helps to maintain healthy blood circulation!
*Did you know that 1 raw clove of garlic provides 6 grams of protein?!!! I didn't until I read 'The Vegan Cook's Bible'!!!! It also provides 29 mg of calcium, 529 mg of potassium and 15 mg of vitamin C! Sweet!

There are many health benefits to ginger including:
Ginger root calms nausea, morning sickness and can prevent vomiting. Ginger stimulates blood flow to the digestive system and increases the absorption of nutrients and increases the action of the gall bladder. Ginger is also known for protecting the liver against toxins and preventing the formation of ulcers.
Some studies show that people suffering from arthritis may find relief from pain and swelling by consuming ginger root in their diet.
*Ginger is wonderful and has many healing properties but should be taken with or after meals as it can irritate the intestinal mucosa.
If you feel a cold brewing, boil some water and cut some ginger root into 1" pieces. Place in the hot water along with 1/2 lemon squeezed and let the ginger root sit in the water for 5-10 minutes. Drink and enjoy the cold-fighting effects!


So now that I have touched briefly on some of the health benefits of garlic and ginger...who wants a YUMMY recipe to try?!!!

OKAY!!!!


(Sorry I am easily excitable)!!! The following recipe is amazing!!! I love roasted garlic and maple syrup and so why not mix the two together?! This glaze tastes amazing spread over steamed veggies, on top of a veggie burger patty, on toast, or over a salad. Be creative! I love this recipe so much that I will serve it next time we have friends over!!!! YAY!


Roasted Garlic and Maple Glaze

2 bulbs of roasted garlic

1 tbsp. of pure maple syrup

1 tsp. of balsamic vinegar

pinch of sea salt

1/4 tsp. of cinnamon

1) Roasting Garlic: Pre-heat the oven to 400'F. Take the 2 garlic bulbs and slice 1/4 inch from the top. Place in a baking dish and drizzle the bulbs with 2 tsp. of olive oil. Tightly cover with a lid or tin foil. Bake in the oven for 40 minutes. The garlic is finished when you can easily pierce a clove with a fork.

2) Squeeze the roasted garlic into a bowl and mash with a fork. Add the maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, salt and cinnamon.

3) Store the leftover glaze in a tight container (glass preferably), in the fridge for up to 1 week! Enjoy!

Noah presenting our black bean and almond burger with the Roasted Garlic and Maple Glaze!!! YUM! So delicious!
Dan and I chowing down!!!! After his hot yoga session (I did it earlier this morning and then Dan went this evening), and my run...we were ready for a hearty burger...vegan friendly!!!!!!
*We modified the almond burger recipe (found on a previous post), by adding black beans, onion and mushrooms...yummy!