Antioxidant Acai Smoothie

Acai is a small,purple grape-like fruit that is native to the Brazilian Amazon.Known as the "purple pearl of te Amazon", this fruit is rich in antioxidants,healthy omega fats,protein, and fiber with a raspberry/chocolate flavor.It is used in a wide range of foods from juices, smoothies,ice cream, and as a sauce for roasted,grilled meats.
Acai is impossible to find fresh outside of Brazil but you can find acai frozen pulp in any health food store.Here's my recipe for a smoothie using acai puree.

Servings:2

Ingredients:
1 1/2c regular soy milk
1/2c blueberries
1/2c bananas, sliced
1-2 Tbsp. agave nectar
1-3.5 oz.packet acai puree

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.Serve immediately.

Rooibos African Red Tea

Meaning "red bush" in Afrikaans, rooibos is a small, slender stemmed bush that is native to South Africa.The branches of the bush contain fine,needle-like leaves which are chopped into very fine pieces then bruised and left out in the open air to oxidize then dry.Rooibos has a sweet taste with a a hint of vanilla.It is usually consumed as a cold or hot beverage in Spoth Africa or used as a flavoring for pork or chicken dishes and desserts.It is high in Vitamin C and antioxidants.
Rooibos is sometimes drunk because it is believed to relieve allergies,lessen digestive problems, and calm nervous tension.Here in the U.S., rooibos is found in herbal tea blends.A good one is Celestial Seasonings Madagascar Vanilla Red.

Pizza with Collioure Anchovies and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Coullioure Anchovies are a specialty of Coulliere, a small Meditteranean port in the Roussillon region of France where they are the main producer of this salted anchovy in the world.Granted PDO(Protected Designation of Origin)status by the European Union, Coullioure anchovies now face stiff competition from cheaper producers in Morocco.Coullioure anchovies are produced from the Engraulis Encrassicholus(European anchovy)species of the anchovy.They are fished from April-May and September-October.They are prepared by local women known as anchoieuses, who hand pick and salt the fresly caught fish.
Below is a recipe for a pizza with coullioure anchovies. Because I couldn't find these anchovies as they are very hard to find where I live I went ahead and substituted regular anchovies, so feel free to substitute as well.

Servings:6 servings

Ingredients:
1 prepared pizza dough package preferably Pillsburry's
3-3 1/2c tomatoe sauce
2 c mozarrella cheese
4 large white mushrooms, sliced
2 small containers sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil
1 small container Collioure anchovies or other kind


1.Preheat oven to 350F.
2.Prepare dough as directed on package and spread the tomatoe sauce evenly throughout it.
3.Top with mozarella cheese. Add the sliced mushrooms throughout.Then add repeat with the sun-dried tomatoes and anchovies.
4.Bake in oven for 25-30 minutes.Serve hot.

Hearts Of Palm Salad

Hearts of Palm also go by the not so nice name of "swamp cabbage" where they are known as in Florida are the sprouting tips and core from various types of palm tree.Hearts of Palm where originally harvested in Florida but because thier method of harvesting leads to the palms death they are now considered a protected species there.Instead, they are grown in the Carribean,Central America, and the Amazon where they are harvested from either the Cabbage Palm(Sabal Palmetto)or peach palm.
Hearts of Palm have a smooth, firm texture with a taste being a cross between that of artichokes and asparagus.They are usually eaten in salads where they are served sliced or they can be steamed, sauteed,or fried.Hearts of Palm are available year-round.They are usually available cut into pieces and shrinkwrapped or canned.They can usually be found in Latin markets or in the canned vegetable section of most major markets.Below is my recipe for a simple green salad using this tropical vegetable.

Yeild:6 servings

Ingredients:
1 ripe avocado, pitted and sliced
1/2c mushrooms, sliced
6c mesclun salad mix or romaine lettuce, shredded
1c cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
1/2 med. red onion, thinly sliced
1/2c alfalfa sprouts
1-14oz. can hearts of palm, drained,chopped in peices
your favorite dressing, to serve

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl minus the dressing and mix to combine.
2. Serve with a drizzle of your favorite dressing.

Baked Cod with Tahina Sauce

Tahina aka Tahini is an oily,nutty sesame-flavored paste that is commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine.Its color ranges from a light beige to dark beige.Tahina is an essential flavoring in Middle Eastern cuisine as well as those from Israel and the Meditteranean where it is used to flavor anything from appetizers to desserts.One of the most well-known dishes to use tahina are the Middle Eastern dishes hummus and baba ghanoush.Tahina is available in most Middle Eastern markets or any large well stocked supermarket.Below is a simple Middle Eastern recipe using this flavoring.
Yeild:6 servings
Ingredients:
3 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 tsp. black pepper
2 Tbsp.ground cumin
2oz. lemon juice
2 lbs. cod fillets or other white,firm fish
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
2c tahina
1/3c pine nuts
2 Tbsp. fresh parsley
lemon wedges, for garnish

1. Preheat oven to 350f.grease oven proof dish with olive oil.
2. In a bowl, combine salt, pepper,cumin, and lemon juice and mix to combine.
Coat cod fillets with mixture and set in a baking dish.
3. Sprinkle top of fish with onion, red pepper flakes, and pine nuts.Drizzle with
tahini and garnish with parsley.
4. Bake for 45 minutes.Serve with basmati rice.

Flor de Jamaica Iced Drink (Mexican Hibiscus Drink)

Refresco de Flor de Jamaica is an iced drink that is popular throughout Mexico where it is served everywhere from road side stands to restaurants.It's perfect enjoyed by itself or with any spicy Mexican dish.Flor de Jamaica is known as Hibiscus here in the U.S.To make this simple and refreshing drink you would need to get a hold of some dried hibiscus petals which are usually available in Latin markets in the dried spices aisle or you can try my Amazon store.Refresco de Flor de Jamaica has a beautiful ruby red color and a tart, citrus cranberry-like flavor.It's the perfect alternative to cranberry juice or if your looking for something authentic to go with Mexican food.Below is my recipe for Refresco de Flor de Jamaica.Hope you enjoy it.

Yeild:4-5 servings.

Ingredients:
1c dried hibiscus flowers
5c cold water
1 1/2c sugar
ice

1. Add water and hibiscus flowers to a pot and bring to a boil, then simmer for about 5-10 minutes.
2. Remove pot from heat and strain hibiscus flowers and discard them.Let juice cool.Pour hibiscus drink in a pitcher and add sugar and stir.Then put pitcher in refrigerator to chill.
3.When ready to serve remove from refrigerator and stir again.Adjust sweetness if necessary.Serve with ice.