6 Ways to Use Turmeric

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6 ways to use turmeric via RDelicious Kitchen @RD_Kitchen

A cousin of ginger, turmeric is a golden root that’s rich in curcumin, a compound known for its cancer-fighting and anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric also contains a substance known as lipopolysaccharide, which helps stimulate the body’s immune system. Its antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal agents also help strengthen the immune system. A strong immune system lessens the chance of suffering from colds, flu, and coughs and may help prevent the development of certain diseases.

Turmeric has a gorgeous orange color and, when added to recipes, makes dishes bright and vibrant in color.  You can use alone or as part of curry powder – turmeric is typically included in this spice blend.  You can find ground turmeric in the spice section of any grocery store. If you opt for the dried version, be sure to check the label and make sure you’re getting 100% turmeric, not a blend or anything with artificial colors added.

You can also buy turmeric fresh (usually next to the ginger root) in the produce section of the grocery store. Dean’s Natural Food Market almost always has it available.  Peel fresh turmeric just like ginger root using the edge of a spoon. Then simply grate with a microplane grater or cut off whole pieces. You can wrap the unused portion tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for a week to 10 days.

Six ways to enjoy turmeric:

  1. Blend into a smoothie
    While fresh turmeric root is especially great in juices and smoothies, a pinch of the ground spice is good too. The slightly pungent flavor is usually well masked in smoothies.
  2. Sip on tea
    Steep ginger and turmeric for a soothing warm beverage.
  3. Toss it with roasted vegetables
    Turmeric’s slightly warm and peppery flavor works especially well with cauliflower, potatoes, and root vegetables.
  4. Try it with greens
    Sprinkle turmeric into sautéed or braised greens like kale, collards, and cabbage.
  5. Use it in soups
    A bowl of soup feels even more warming when it’s tinged with golden turmeric.
  6. Enjoy as a latte
    Golden Milk Latte is a nutrition trend is buzzing on the internet. Sip on this beverage of simmered turmeric with non-dairy milk and honey to make an earthy and comforting beverage.

Adding a touch of fresh cracked pepper to your dishes that contain turmeric may increase the amount of time the powerful compound curcumin remains in your bloodstream, so feel free to add a twist from your grinder before enjoying the recipes above.

Getting Kids Involved in the Kitchen

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Having children help you prepare family meals is one of the most effective ways to encourage them to try new foods and improve their overall diet quality, both now and later in life.
One of my favorite things to do at work is teaching kids classes. I get so much joy seeing the excitement on their faces being creative in the kitchen and learning about new foods. The kids that I work with are sponges. They remember every detail from class to class. That is why it is so important to get kids involved in the kitchen at a young age. I don’t have any children myself, just yet, but I feel like children can relate to me because I’m a big kid at heart. It is so important to make learning about food and nutrition fun instead of it being a chore.
At any age, kids can start being involved in the kitchen. ChopChop Magazine is a fun cooking magazine for families, and their free ChopChop Cooking club has a national healthy cooking campaign to invite every family to join and pledge to cook dinner together! The Fall 2016 magazine includes recipes like ricotta pancakes, shakshuka, and Chinese congee. Plus, each magazine includes cooking skills and other fun family activities.
Disclosure: This giveaway is sponsored by Cabot. I was not compensated for my time to write this post. 

Getting Kids Involved in the Kitchen via RDelicious Kitchen @rd_kitchen{via}

ChopChopKids is an innovative non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire and teach kids to cook real food with their families. They believe that cooking and eating together as a family is a vital step in resolving the obesity and hunger epidemics. ChopChop Magazine reaches more than 2 million families each year and is endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, was named publication of the year by the James Beard Foundation, and is a two-time winner of the Parent’s Choice Award. Subscribe to ChopChop Magazine here.

Getting Kids Involved in the Kitchen via RDelicious Kitchen @rd_kitchen

Getting Kids Involved in the Kitchen via RDelicious Kitchen @rd_kitchen

There are more wonderful resources out there to get kids more involved in the kitchen like:

Getting Kids Involved in the Kitchen via RDelicious Kitchen @rd_kitchen
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Leave a comment letting me know your favorite childhood memory being in the kitchen. 
One reader will win a $25 Cabot Cheese gift box AND a 1-year subscription to ChopChop Magazine. You have until 11:59:59 pm EST on Monday, 10/31 to enter. The winner will be chosen at random on Tuesday, notified by Saturday, November 5th.
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