GOODNESS
Chipotle: These are dried and smoked versions of jalapeno peppers, and add a wonderful flavor to Mexican or South American dishes. Or barbecues, for that matter. They can have a wide range of heat, so be careful and taste as you go. It's easy to add more chipotle -- it's hard to take them out.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon comes from the bark of a tropical evergreen, just like its cousin cassia. It has an ancient pedigree, even being used to embalm a few pharaohs. That may not sound appetizing, but it has been found to be good for the heart, the stomach and the joints. Not impressed yet? Well consider that it also seems to mimic insulin and therefore helps diabetics moderate their sugar levels. So don't be shy with this tasty and healthy spice.

Garlic: Garlic is in the same family as onions and leeks, and purportedly provided ancient Roman soldiers the courage to battle the barbarians. Whether or not it gives you courage, it is known to lower blood pressure, which is great for your heart and helps prevent stroke. In addition, it has a long history as a digestive aid, so don't be shy with this wonderful herb, no matter what it does to your breath!

Oregano: This tasty herb finds itself in much Mediterranean cooking, and is just loaded with nutrients. It is good for the digestion, and has many powerful anti-oxidants (even more than blueberries) and anti-carcinogens. It also has antibacterial and antiparasitic properties. As if that weren't enough, is also an antifungal, even taking on the notorious candida yeast. You want to use fresh oregano, as the dried herb loses the volatile oils that are responsible for its many benefits.
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Recipe

Chicken with Tomatillo Sauce and Braised Fruit

serves
prep time: 10
cook time: 178

ingredients

  • 1 (3-pound) chicken, quartered
  • 1 tablespoon dried Mexican oregano
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, halved, thinly sliced crosswise
  • 4 large garlic cloves, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons minced chipotle chiles (from canned chipotles in adobo)
  • 2 pounds tomatillos, husked, rinsed, quartered
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 pound pears, peeled, cored, cut into 0.5 inch cubes
  • 1/2 cup dried apricots (about 2/3 cup)
  • 1/3 cup dried cherries (about 1/2 cup packed)
  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • 10 large fresh epazote leaves, finely chopped (optional)
  • Warm corn tortillas

directions

Rub chicken with salt, pepper, and oregano. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Keep refrigerated.)

Heat oil in a heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to plate. Add onion to pot, saute 2 minutes. Add garlic and chipotles, stir 1 minute. Stir in tomatillos and cinnamon stick, return chicken pieces to pot. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until chicken is cooked through, stirring occasionally, about 35 minutes. Add pears, apricots, and cherries and simmer until pears are tender, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes. Transfer to serving dish, sprinkle with chopped green onions and epazote, if desired. Serve with warm tortillas.