Suzanne Hollander, MS, RD.

Suzanne Hollander, MS, RD

As a dietitian, home cook, and enthusiast of all-things-delicious, I'm often asked, "so what do YOU eat?" Here's a blog to answer that very question! My hope is that you'll find (even just a little) inspiration from some of my favorite recipes, restaurants, party-ideas and food musings for your own happy, healthy, food-loving lifestyle.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Spice Up Your Spice Cabinet

Try cooking with fresh and/or dried herbs and spices! In addition to helping you cut back on salt, herbs and spices have health properties all their own, including their antioxidant properties to help reduce risk of chronic diseases. Perking up your pantry is a great way to make sure affordable meals are never too long of a process. It can be daunting to dive into the spice rack world all by yourself, so check out some combinations below to match what flavor profile you're in the mood for:

  • Curry + Cumin + Coriander Get the great taste of take-out without all the added fat and salt! This adds beautiful yellow color to roasted cauliflower, caramelized onions served over grilled chicken, or bean stews.
  • Basil + Oregano + Caraway Seeds A new take on Italian classics. This mixture with anise flavor mimics the flavors of Italian sausage. Use either fresh or dried basil & oregano and dried caraway in tomato sauce with a bit of garlic or used to flavor lean cuts of meat. 
  • Cinnamon + Cayenne Pepper Cinnamon is too rarely used in savory dishes! The natural sweetness of carrots or sweet potatoes go great with a dash of cinnamon and a bit of hot and spicy flavor. Can't handle the heat? Try it with chili powder instead of cayenne which has loads of flavor but won't leave your lips burning. 
  • Rosemary + Thyme + Sage  This combo always makes me dream of Thanksgiving feasts. While it is delicious on poultry alongside a squirt of lemon, it is also a fabulous addition to roasted beets and parsnips.