BETTER LIVING

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

 

For the Sesame Dressing

    ¼ cup reduced sodium soy sauce or Tamari

    2 tablespoons honey or agave, brown sugar, or maple syrup

    1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

    1 tablespoon rice vinegar

    1 teaspoon minced garlic

    1 teaspoon grated ginger root Ingredients

For the Noodle Salad

    8 ounces spaghetti noodles

    3 cups broccoli slaw

    1 cup thinly sliced red or yellow bell pepper

    ½ cup sliced green onions

    ½ cup chopped cilantro optional

    1 tablespoon sesame seeds optional

    ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional

Instructions

    To prepare the dressing, whisk together ¼ cup reduced sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon grated ginger root, and ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes together in a large mixing bowl. Set aside

    Bring a large pot of water to a rapid boil. Add a large pinch of salt and 8 ounces spaghetti noodles to the water once boiling. Cook the noodles according to package directions. Once the noodles are cooked, drain well in a colander but do not rinse the noodles.

    Add the pasta to the large bowl with the prepared dressing and toss to coat. Allow the noodles to cool slightly (10-15 minutes) before adding the vegetables.

    Add the 3 cups broccoli slaw, 1 cup thinly sliced red or yellow bell pepper , ½ cup sliced green onions, and ½ cup chopped cilantro, if using, to the noodles and toss to combine.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours before serving.

Before serving, add 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toss, and serve.

HERBS/HOME REMEDIES FOR THE MONTH

Hawthorn berry is a herb that strengthens the heart. It can even bring the heart rate back to normality in the case of heart arrhythmia.

This berry can be also used to reduce high blood pressure. As all herbs do, it works with the body's systems. The plant's active ingredients have a balancing effect, so they can also raise the blood pressure if it is too low.

If taken as a tea, the recipe is two tsp. of dried berries to one cup of water. This is gently simmered for ten minutes.

Hawthorn berries and tea