Welcome ! | Log Off | Home

GOODNESS

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.
heart healthy

Cloves: The dried buds of a tropical evergreen, cloves are a wonderful blast of fragrance and flavor. They were the first known breath fresheners, but have a long, rich history in the spice trades. These sweet but pungent buds can overwhelm a recipe, so beware!

Sage: This delightful herb is a key player in some terrific recipes, but it is also a great purifier, fighting both bacteria and viruses. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory, and is used by many to ease the symptoms of arthritis. It also helps to lower blood pressure and control blood sugar. Like rosemary, it has been used since ancient times as a memory enhancer. Although it is just fine in foods, you should avoid excessive quantities of sage if you are pregnant.
helps prevent inflammation and soothe arthritis

Recipe

Grilled Pork Sausages with Spiced Figs

serves
prep time: 10
cook time: 154

ingredients

2 cups red wine vinegar
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups (packed) dried black Mission figs (about 1 1/3 cups)
1 cinnamon stick
12 whole cloves
2 teaspoons water
1 teaspoon cornstarch
5 sweet Italian link pork sausages (about 1 pound)

directions

Stir first 5 ingredients in heavy medium saucepan. Let stand 30 minutes. Stir over low heat until sugar dissolves. Bring to boil, reduce heat to mediumlow and simmer until figs are softened and vinegar is slightly syrupy, about 45 minutes. Mix water and cornstarch in small bowl, stir into fig mixture. Boil and stir to thicken slightly, about 1 minute. Let stand 1 hour. DO AHEAD: Fig sauce can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.

Prepare barbecue (medium heat). Grill sausages until browned and cooked through, turning frequently, about 15 minutes. Remove from grill. Holding sausage with tongs, cut in half lengthwise. Repeat with remaining sausages. Grill sausages, cut side down, until browned, about 3 minutes.

Place 1 sausage half on each plate. Divide figs among plates, about 3 per serving. Drizzle sauce over and serve.