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Romancing The StoveŽ |
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THE MYSTIQUE OF SPICE
"If my countryman had had It is a misconception that all spices are hot and burn the tongue and stomach. This, certainly, is not the case with spices such as cinnamon, saffron, cumin, just to name a few. Only some members of the pepper family have that chilli-hot, spicy effect. The importance of spice has been recognized from ancient times for its medicinal, preservative and seasoning properties. Vast sums of money were invested by powerful European monarchs of the day to find alternative sea routes to India to trade for spices. Why? In the days when there was no refrigeration, spice was prized for its usefulness as a preservative as well as for its ability to enhance the nourishing power and taste of food. Since imported spice was scarce and as costly as gold, silver, coral and precious stones it was not affordable by the general public. Even to this day the Dutch have a saying: "It is as costly as pepper". All of the above contributed to the mystique of spice. Now, of course, we cross continents in a matter of hours with the result that the price of Indian spice is reasonable and affordable. Its availability and the increasing awareness of the medicinal as well as the exotic qualities of spices and herbs has motivated a large number of people in Europe and America to use spice in their cooking. What is the secret of spicing food? The magic of spicing is in the blending. It is called "Masala". Mastering the art of cooking is in knowing how to blend the different spices. The intent of this book is to make you a master in no time. You will have the key to not only cooking mouth watering dishes, but also the key to perfect health. The third step in Romancing The Stove is to open up your mind to the world of spice, take away the prejudices of the past, and enter into the adventure of new ways of cooking and eating. Spice Up Your Life Most spices do not set fire to your insides. Only the hot peppers of the spice world have such an effect, and even then it depends on how much is encountered at any one time and in what strength. We are so used to cinnamon toast, ginger bread and cumin bagels that we tend to forget that ginger, cinnamon, cumin, as well as cloves, coriander and fennel are the great exotic spices. They are medicine as well. They enhance the power of food. Learn more about them. Spice up your life and continue to enjoy living. Next time you hear: "I cannot eat spicy food", just remember they are talking only about some hot peppers and not the exotic spices. While not everyone may like hot spices, most people enjoy the flavours of spicy food. Spice is medicine. It is a catalyst for power. Even in our day-to-day language we say: "Spice up your life". It doesn't necessarily mean create a burning sensation.
Spice up your
life and eat as much as you want! When through practice you become familiar with the recipes contained in this book, you will find that you really begin to look forward to your meals. Eating will no longer be routine, but a celebration of the charm of life. Your taste buds and your entire body will become alert and alive: a veritable shrine for your soul.
Discover how to spice and cook dishes like The Power House in which wrestlers, body builders, poets, and musicians will find everything they need. Learn how Venus and Mars On A Plate can reinforce, stimulate, strengthen and awaken you. Find out how to create
The Body's Delight
with a mystical
lentil from antiquity to strengthen the weak
and add energy to the
warrior. Copyright Š 2005-2007 Omnilux Communications Inc. Last modified: October 12, 2008 |
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