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GOODNESS
Bay Leaf: That green headband around Ceasar's head was bay, and it has a long and glorious culinary history in Mediterranean countries.
Bay can be bitter when fresh, so let it dry for a few days if you pluck it green from the tree. After drying, it keeps nicely in an airtight jar. It gives up its flavor slowly, which is why you add it to the beginning of slow-cooked soups and stews. It has a slightly musty aroma with shades of nutmeg that can overpower a dish, so only use half a leaf for each serving. Don't forget to pull them out before serving!
Cabbage: This big head of leaves is from the ancient family of brassica that includes broccoli, Brussels sprouts, chard, kohlrabi and bok choy. When it is cooked a bit too long, these veggies will give off an odor of rotten eggs. That's due to the sulfur compounds that make them all so healthy, so you have to take the good with the bad. These handy chemicals are cancer fighters that work by pushing potential cancer-causing cells to commit suicide. In addition, they contain antioxidants and help prevent cardiovascular disease. They are also full of vitamins and minerals, so get some cabbage into your diet. The only warning is to people with hypothyroidism, who shouldn't overindulge.
Carrots: We all know that carrots are good for your eyes, but did you know they have anti-cancer properties as well? They have the nicely named carotenoids that are antioxidents -- chemicals that mop up the damage that results from ordinary metabolism. That, in turn, helps to keep your cells from turning rogue and hanging with the cancer gangs. If that's not enough to make you grab a carrot, they turn out to be immune-system stimulators as well, meaning you'll have fewer occasions to ask "What's up, doc?" Yes there's a little sugar in them, but also a lot of fiber to buffer it, so only the most sugar-restricted people should worry. By the way, the vitamin K in carrots is easier to absorb if you eat them with a bit of oil or fat, like a dip.
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.
Ginger: This spicy root is known as the universal remedy. Although it's well-known as a stomach soother, it also improves circulation, fights tumors, reduces inflammation and boosts the immune system. Oh, and it's good for pain and a fever. The only possible drawbacks are for people with gallstones or those on blood thinners.
Turmeric: This is the amazing root that is rocking scientific circles with its anti-tumor properties, among others. It is a potent anti-inflammatory, used in Indian and Chinese medicine to treat arthritis and muscle pains. It helps to lower cholesterol, having a salutory effect on the heart. As an antioxidant, it is helpful to the liver. On top of everything else, it is a delicious herb that is a big part of the attraction of Indian curries.
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Recipe

Indonesian Spiced Rice

serves
prep time: 10
cook time: 36

ingredients

  • Rice
  • 3 tablespoons peanut oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 jalapeņo chilies, seeded but not deveined, minced
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 pound long-grain white rice
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Chopped green onion tops
  • Vegetable Stir-fry
  • 1 pound green beans, trimmed
  • 4 large carrots, peeled, sliced medium-thin on diagonal
  • 1/2 small head red cabbage, halved, then cut crosswise into 0.5 inch-wide pieces
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 4 ginger slices
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons oriental sesame oil

directions

rice:

Heat oil in heavy large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add chopped onion and chilies and stir until onion is translucent, about 8 minutes. Mix turmeric and ground cinnamon. Add rice and stir 2 minutes. Add chicken broth, water and bay leaf. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook until liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes.

Mound rice in center of platter. Sprinkle with green onions. Surround with stir-fried vegetables.

stir-fry:

Cook beans and carrots in large pot of boiling salted water until just crisp-tender, about 4 minutes. Drain. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead of time. Bring to room temperature before continuing.)

Rinse cabbage and drain well just before cooking. Heat vegetable oil in wok or heavy large skillet over high heat. Add ginger, press and stir until aromatic. Add cabbage and stir to coat with oil. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt.

Add broth, reduce heat to low, cover and cook 2 minutes. Uncover, increase heat to high, add green beans and carrots and stir-fry until heated through. Mix in lime juice and sesame oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Discard ginger and serve.