GOODNESS
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.

Rosemary: This piney herb adds great flavor to many meats, but the surprise is how good it is for you. It has anti-inflammatory chemicals, making it useful in the treatment of liver and heart disease as well as asthma. It seems to have some potent anti-tumor properties and has been researched for its use against breast, colon and skin cancer. Although still being researched, it may be a useful tonic for the brain and has been used since ancient times as a memory enhancer. Although it is just fine in foods, you should avoid strong tinctures of rosemary if you are pregnant.
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Recipe

Anne's Goat Cheese Gratin

serves
prep time: 10
cook time: 3

ingredients

  • About 1 1/4 cups (300 grams) soft goat cheese or a mix of rindless soft goat and cow or sheep's milk cheese, cubed
  • 2 teaspoons minced fresh hyssop leaves
  • 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary leaves
  • 2 teaspoons minced fresh oregano leaves or a pinch of dried leaf oregano, crushed
  • 2 cups (42 cloves) homemade Tomato Sauce, at room temperature
  • About 24 best-quality black olives (such as French Nyons), pitted

directions

Preheate the broiler.

Scatter the cheese on the bottom of the baking dish or dishes. Sprinkle with half of the herbs. Spoon on just enough tomato sauce to evenly coat the cheese. Sprinkle with olives and the remaining herbs.

Place the baking dish or dishes under the broiler about 3 inches (8 centimeters) from the heat. Broil until the cheese is melted and fragrant, and the tomato sauce is sizzling, 3 minutes.

Serve with a red wine.