Jazz up your sun-dried tomatoes by preserving them in olive oil mixed with herbs and spices such as basil, rosemary, or garlic.
Shubhra
Who knew that laying out in the sun to the point of getting shriveled would be a good thing? It works for tomatoes and turns them into a gourmet ingredient, sun-dried tomatoes. These days ovens and fancy dehydrators are used to make sun-dried tomatoes, but we enjoy the old-fashioned and natural way of using the sun. We especially love them in pasta dishes and to top off on salads. Here’s how to make your own …
Homemade Sun-dried Tomatoes
- Organic tomatoes (Roma, Cherry, or any variety)
- Salt
Wash the tomatoes and then slice them in half. Place them on a raised screen and lightly sprinkle with salt. Place outside in the sun and depending on your weather conditions, this could take anywhere from four days to two weeks. Bring them in during the night, so the dew will not undo the drying process. About 10 standard tomatoes yields one ounce of dried tomatoes. The end product must be perfectly dry but not crispy, with no inner moisture in order to avoid bacteria growth.
Written by Greenista Girl Shubhra
Photos by Trade Note
Recipe Adapted from About.com
Sundried tomatoes keep their nutritional value and are high in lycopene, antioxidants, and vitamin C and low in sodium, fat, and calories.
Mix one part champagne with one part chilled orange juice for a fun and festive Sunday New Year’s brunch!
Shubhra
Nothing says New Year’s Eve like a bottle of bubbly. Grab yours and ring in the New Year by toasting with a bubbly that makes you feel good all over. Pommery POP Earth Champagne is eco-friendly champagne that is good for you and good for the environment. Pommery makes this champagne with sustainably-farmed grapes, and uses limited water and energy consumption in the production process. The bottle is made of lighter glass with a label made of recycled paper. And to put a cork in it, we love the crisp and fruity flavors of this champagne. Cheers!
Written by Greenista Girl Shubhra
Photos by Tonic.com
Champagne has similar health benefits as red wine, such as lowering blood pressure and therefore reducing the risk of heart problems and strokes.
For the best deal on buying spices, look in the international of your grocery store.
Shubhra
Wondering what to do with all those bottles of wine your friends gifted to you during the holidays? Transform it into mulled wine – a warm elegant drink with sugar and spice.
Mulled Wine
Serves 10; Cook time: 20 minutes
- 2 bottles dry red wine
- 4 ounces port or brandy
- 12 whole cloves
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 large orange, zested
Combine ingredients in a large pot and bring to a simmer. Do not allow mixture to boil. Heat for 20 minutes and serve in a large, heat resistant punch bowl. For a cute garnish, place a cinnamon stick in each glass.
Written by Greenista Girl Shubhra
Photo by Eco Salon
Recipe Adapted from Food Network – The Cookworks
Cloves are a very good source of calcium, vitamin C, K, and dietary fiber.
Sweet potatoes and yams are two different vegetables, but in the US, a sweet potato is also
called a yam. Yams are not common in US markets and may be found at ethnic grocery stores.
Brianne
Everyone loves fries but you don’t typically see them at your Holiday dinner table. Here is an elegant version of fries made from sweet potatoes that will fit right into your Holiday menu.
Sweet Potato Wedges
Serves 4 to 6; Prep time: 30 minutes
- ½ cup, plus 2 tablespoons butter
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 4 sweet potatoes, scrubbed and cut lengthwise into wedges
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1.Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2. In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Remove the pot from the heat
and stir in the cinnamon. Add the potato wedges to the butter and toss to combine. Season the
potatoes with the salt and pepper.
3. Spread the potatoes in an even layer on a baking sheet. Bake the potatoes, turning
occasionally, until tender, about 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the oven to a serving dish and
serve.
Written by Greenista Girl Shubhra
Photos by
Recipe Adapted from Food Network- Paula Deen
Sweet potatoes are one of the healthiest vegetables to eat. A medium sized sweet potato
contains more than your daily requirement of vitamin A, nearly a third the vitamin C you need,
almost 15 percent of your daily dietary fiber intake and 10 percent of the necessary potassium
You can also decorate with raw cranberries. String them on twine to make garland or just add them to a bowl.
Brianne
Cranberries are an iconic holiday staple. Whether you are eating them or decorating with them, cranberries are must. One of the Greenista Girls’ favorite recipes has a special spicy twist. Make it for your holiday party or Christmas dinner. Your guests will go crazy for it … and go crazy trying to find out your secret spices.
Spicy Cranberry Sauce with Pinot Noir
Makes 2 1/2 cups; courtesy of Simply Recipes
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (about 8 ounces)
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
- 2 cups Pinot Noir or other dry red wine
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons chopped crystallized ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
- Large pinch of Chinese five-spice powder
- Heat oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add cranberries and fresh ginger; stir until cranberries begin to burst, 3-5 minutes.
- Add wine and sugar; boil until mixture is reduced to 2 1/2 cups, about 15 minutes.
- Add crystallized ginger, curry powder and five-spice powder.
- Serve sauce cold or warm.
Written by Greenista Girl Shubhra
Photo by Closet Cooking
Cranberries have been linked to treating urinary tract infections and help to prevent cancer, hardening of the arteries, heart disease, and plaque and cavities.
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