goji berry tea - Guide Site: Did you hear of Holistic Healing<BR><BR>

goji berry ukThe Cuisines of India - The Moghul Influence

The Great Moghul emperors ruled India for two centuries from 1526, when Babur captured Delhi until the death of Aurangzeb in 1707. In between were Humayun, Akbar, Jahangir and Shahjahan (famous for building the Taj Mahal) and afterwards some lesser rulers, who came to plunder the treasury and works of art, the last of whom was finally sent packing by the British in 1858.

The Moghuls were Persian princes descended from Genghis Khan and their lifestyles were, to say the least, lavish. They built fantastic palaces, mosques and tombs, many of which remain as national monuments in India today.

Despite being Muslim, the Moghuls were tolerant of the local religions and customs which they supported enthusiastically.

In accordance with their sumptuous lifestyle, their food was rich and plentiful, incorporating large quantities of meat, cream, yoghurt, clarified butter (ghee), nuts and raisins, in the Persian style, into the local Hindu dishes as well as additional spices. The Moghuls were also responsible for the introduction of Kulfi (rich ice cream with almonds and pistachio nuts) and jilebi (fried pastry soaked in sugar syrup) as well as other sweet dishes.

Some examples of Moghul or Mughlai cuisine would be:

Quail, spatchcocked and marinaded in curd cheese or thick Greek yogurt, ghee, cracked black peppercorns, chilli powder, ground green cardamom, turmeric, salt, grated ginger, crushed garlic and grated onion then barbequed or grilled for 4 minutes or so until done.

Chicken cooked very slowly in ghee to which soaked, seeded dried red chillies and salt have been added. Fifteen minutes before the cooking time is complete, a generous amount of crushed garlic is added then the finished dish sprinkled with garam masala and served with roti (Indian bread).

Lamb Korma, but not as we in the West know it - that rather bland but sweet pale yellow curry. Here, while it is not particularly spicy hot, having only a little chilli powder, it is rich with pistachios, almonds, prunes and raisins added to the dish as well as other flavourings, including saffron.

Kakori Kebab is a very finely minced lamb kebab mixed with various spices, onion paste and fried gram flour. This is then moulded onto large skewers and stroked up and down until almost paper thin. The kebabs are then basted with saffron milk while cooking on a barbeque or under a hot grill. Serve with raw onion rings and lemon wedges.

Other recipes are:

Pot Roast Spiced Lamb

Add 10 split green cardamoms, 6 cloves, 1 cinnamon stick, 2 bay leaves and 10 black peppercorns to 250g heated ghee or oil. When the spices start to pop, add salt to taste and 3 finely chopped red onions and fry until golden. Then add 2 tbsp ground coriander, � tsp turmeric and 2 tsp chilli powder (or to taste) mixed to a paste with a little water. Stir well.

Stir in 6 finely crushed garlic cloves and 4cm finely grated fresh ginger then add 1kg of lamb slices piece by piece to keep the temperature up and stir until all the lamb is coated in the spices. Add 250g diced tomatoes and 300ml of lamb stock and simmer for 30 minutes or until the lamb is tender.

In the TV program in which I saw this dish being prepared, the chef "smoked" the dish by heating a piece of charcoal, pouring hot ghee over it and sealing it (in its own dish) in with the lamb for 10 minutes for a smoky flavour. However, in my experience, this isn't really necessary and a sprinkling of chopped fresh coriander is sufficient garnish.

Creamy Chicken Curry with Almonds

This may seem rather similar to a korma, but it actually has somewhat different ingredients.

Joint a small chicken into about 8 pieces and remove the skin.

Soak 4 finely shredded blanched almonds in a small amount of water.

Heat 85ml of oil and fry a small grated onion for 3-4 minutes, then add 1 tsp grated ginger and 1 tbsp garlic pur�e and fry for 2-3 minutes before adding 2 green chillies, ground to a paste with 1 tsp water and cooking for a further 30 seconds.

Add the chicken with 1 tbsp each of ground cumin and coriander and salt to taste. Fry until the chicken is browned on all sides then add 250ml natural yogurt very gradually, stirring continuously until the chicken is almost cooked. Add 375ml water, bring to the boil, remove from the heat and remove the chicken pieces from the pan.

Blitz the almonds and soaking water to a fine paste. Strain the sauce back into the pan and put on medium heat. Return the chicken to the pan with the almond paste and cook, stirring, for 3-4 minutes.

Add 125ml double cream, 1 tsp ground black cardamom and 1 tsp lemon juice, simmer for another 2 minutes before serving sprinkled with almond slivers and (if you wish) silver leaf.

Liz Canham

As well as a love of Asian Food and Cookery, Liz seeks to help newcomers to the world of internet marketing with tools, tips and training from her Liz-e-Biz.com website.

6 Superfoods For Age-Defying Beauty!

Anti-aging superfoods - the top 6 foods for ultimate age-defying beauty!

1) Goji Berries

Goji berries, hollywoods hottest new food, are one of the most nutritionally dense foods on earth and house a staggering concentration of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, phytochemicals and essential fatty acids. With such an awesome constitution it is not surprising they are reputed anti-aging marvels. Originating in Tibet and greatly favoured in traditional medicine these dried berries have many noted health benefits including boosting immunity, lowering cholesterol, enhancing vision, fighting cancer cells, relieving depression and aiding weight loss.

Goji berries contain 500 times more vitamin C than oranges by weight and more beta-carotene than carrots making them a superb source of vitamin A. Together with vitamin E and essential fatty acids, these berries are ideal for any anti-aging and beauty regime. They also contain polysaccharides, one of which has been found to stimulate the secretion of the rejuvenating human growth hormone by the pituitary gland, as well as B vitamins, 21 minerals and 18 amino acids.

The most well documented case of longevity is that of Li Qing Yuen, who lived to the age of 252. Born in 1678, he is said to have married 14 times with 11 generations of posterity before his death in 1930. Li Qing Yuen reportedly consumed goji berries daily.

A study cited in Dr. Mindell�s book �Goji: The Himalayan Health Secret�, observed that 67 per cent of elderly people that were given a daily dose of the berries for 3 weeks experienced dramatic immune system enhancement and a significant improvement in spirit and optimism.

2) Aloe Vera

Foget botox, Aloe Vera increases collagen production 100% naturally for a youthful, wrinkle-free complexion and plump, beautiful skin. The ultimate botox alternative!

The inner gel of the aloe vera leaf contains around 200 active compounds with over 75 nutrients. These include 20 minerals, 18 amino acids and 12 vitamins (even vitamin B12 � one of the very few plant sources of this vitamin). Aloe vera also has anti-microbial properties fighting fungi and bacteria and houses anti-inflammatory plant steroids and enzymes. Aloe vera is known to aid digestion and elimination, boost the immune system, and be highly effective at healing, moisturizing and rejuvianting the skin, naturally stimulating the production of collagen.

Aloe vera is best eaten fresh when possible (you can order large aloe vera leaves which last a few weeks refridgerated). Scrape out the inside gel, avoiding the outside of the leaf which is a strong laxative, and blend with fruit for the ultimate beautifying smoothie. Aloe vera has a mild flavour though a slight bitter edge, hence is best combined with fruit.

3) Avocados

Avocados are smoothing and softening for the skin and easily absorbed; compared with almond, corn, olive, and soybean oils, avocado oil has the highest skin penetration rate.

Avocados are rich nutrients and like olive oil, contain healthy monounsaturated fats. They can aid weight-management by satiating the appetite and provide healthy oils that can be utilised by the body and protect against heart disease by lowering cholesterol.

Avocado also contains vitamin E (excellent for the skin), antioxidant carotenoids and the master antioxidant glutathione that is exceptionally powerful and has anti-carcinogenic potential. High levels of glutathione are found in the liver where the elimination of toxic materials takes place.

Glutathione is effective against pollutants such as cigarette smoke and exhaust fumes as well as ultra-violet radiation. Research is currently exploring the potential benefits of glutathione for numerous conditions including cancer, heart disease, memory loss, arthritis, Parkinson's disease, eczema, liver disorders, heavy metal poisoning and AIDS.

4) Chlorella

The nucleic acids RNA and DNA in Chlorella (one of the highest known sources of such) direct cellular growth and repair and enable our bodies to utilize nutrients more effectively, eliminate toxins and avoid disease. The production of nucleic acids in the body declines progressively as we age, which is no doubt why their intake is recommended by Dr. Benjamin Frank in �The No-Aging Diet�. Paul Pitchford in �Healing With Whole Foods� writes that �insufficient nucleic acid causes premature aging as well as weakened immunity�, Research at the Medical College of Kanazawa in Japan found that mice that were fed chlorella had a 30 per cent increase in life span. Replenishing RNA and DNA can be key to overall health, immunity and longevity.

In addition to nucleic acids, chlorella is jam-packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, enzymes and amino acids, making it an incredibly rejuvinating and health-promoting superfood. Spirulina is a virtuous equivalent.

5) Bee pollen

When it comes to young and beautiful skin, bee pollen has outstanding gifts. Swedish dermatologist Dr. Lars-Erik Essen uses bee pollen to successfully treat acne and other skin conditions and observes it�s beautifying and anti-aging effects. He reports that bee pollen �seems to prevent premature aging of the cells and stimulates growth of new skin tissue. It offers effective protection against dehydration and injects new life into dry cells. It smoothes away wrinkles and stimulates a life-giving blood supply to all skin cells.� He believes it�s skin rejuvintoin properties are due to its high concentration of nucleic acids RNA and DNA, as well as its natural antibiotic action. Bee pollen has a host of other health-promoting benefits that include fighting infections, lowering cholesterol, strengthening the blood, Boosting the immune system, increasing physical strength and stamina, aiding longevity and enhancing libido! It has been called a 'prefect food' because it is so nutritionally complete.

6) Coconut oil

Coconut oil speeds up your metabolism and can actually help you loose weight. It is also incredibly beautifying and moisturizing for the skin and has antioxidant properties which protect against free-radical damage, keeping the skin youthful and healthy. Taken internally or externally coconut oil is a great ally for any beauty skin care regime. It also contains lauric acid, an anti-microbial fatty acid that kills bacteria, viruses and fungi.

MIRACLE SUPERFOODS: http://www.miracle-superfoods.com THE PINK DRINK Pink Drink MIRACLE MIND: Law of Attraction The Secret

A Sweet Taste of Sunshine

Peaches are the food of kings and royalty. They are extra sweet, filled with juice that runs with each bite, and are versatile. They lend themselves to any meal and are a snack time treat. Eating them fresh and cold is just about the finest indulgence when hot winds blow and the temperature rises.

There are two kinds: namely, clingstone, which are fantastic canned, or freestone, where the pit just slips out with little effort. Fresh peaches should smell "fresh". Don't buy those that are hard or greenish. They won't ripen and will probably decay before they are fit to eat. They were picked green for shipping purposes and to maintain shelf life, but were not given the chance to mature on the tree to ripen with heavenly juices and soft moist flesh.

Peaches discolor quickly so if using in salads or on top of dessert dishes, sprinkle with lemon juice to avoid darkening. If you wish to skin a peach, start at the stem end and separate a bit of skin from the flesh with a small knife, such as a paring knife. Pull the skin off in strips.

For a gourmet fresh salad, layer sliced peaches, fresh mozzarella cheese slices and fresh basil leaves. Season with sea salt and just a tad of olive oil over the top. Perfect, light, and just plain good.

Peaches also work well in salsas. For chicken or fish items, use peaches, cucumbers, red or green bell peppers, red onions, and just picked diced zucchini. Mix lime juice, olive oil and a tiny pinch of sea salt for a dressing. Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and cilantro. Serve in individual dishes or right over grilled chicken pieces or fresh grilled fish. The colors are bright, the flavor is zesty, and the extra touch makes any meal a feast.

Peaches can be sliced, panfried with a tiny bit of butter, just enough to glaze a bit. Sprinkle with brown sugar, not too much, as the peaches are already sweet, and a quick dash of vanilla. When the mixture is warm, place over vanilla ice cream in cups or bowls. The warm peach mixture melts right into the creamy ice cream for a treat that young and old will find irresistible.

Peaches can even be a main part of any kabob you may be planning for your menu. Whether it is steak bits, large shrimp, or even pork medallions, added right along with green/red bell peppers and onion wedges - they are unbelievably the best addition to any BBQ. A quick marinade would be honey, a bit of mustard, minced garlic and thyme brushed on just before grilling. A neat idea is to use a wooden spoon and tie with twine some thyme, marjoram leaves, or even cilantro or parsley and brush your kabobs. This is the freshest way to get extra flavor with a "flick" of a wooden spoon. Neat, quick, and well, fancy if the guests are watching you do your BBQ magic.

Peaches are best fresh, of course, but during the winter months, canned work well. Use your peaches in cereals, hot or cold, diced and mixed in plain or vanilla yogurt, and well, the possibilities are endless and just whatever your imagination can think of. They are sweet and good for you, and the memory of summer-time peaches will keep you waiting for the summer season when cold winter winds blow. Something to think about.
�Arleen M. Kaptur
August, 2007

Arleen M. Kaptur has written many books and articles on everyday living and finding peace and joy in all we do.