Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Let's talk Turmeric!!! Turmeric Chicken with Corn and Pineapple Salsa

The unknown Indian gem; turmeric! After some severe injuries I've developed arthritis in my right hip. I was told by a loved one and then by my Dr. "Why don't you try Turmeric?" Who knew turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory. But let's not stop there because it gets way more interesting. I spoke to a beautiful Indian-American friend who enlightened me with her family's traditions of turmeric and it arose my curiosities even more. She told me to use turmeric on acne it really works. Well the reason it truly does work is because turmeric is found to have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties! Move over proactive! While I was investigating I also found out Phytochemicals found in turmeric have been investigated in preliminary research for their potential effects on diseases,such as cancer,Alzheimer's disease,arthritisdiabetes and other clinical disorders. As an example of such basic research, turmeric reduced the severity of pancreatitis-associated lung injury in mice.
In another preliminary research example, curcumin or turmeric is being studied for whether it alters the response to chemotherapy in patients with advanced bowel cancer, as found in a laboratory study. Haldi doodh (turmeric milk) is warm milk mixed with some turmeric powder. It is commonly used in India as a home remedy when someone is suffering from fever.Turmeric paste is often used in India as an antiseptic in open wounds,while chun-holud (turmeric with slaked lime) is used to stop bleeding as home remedies. It is also used as a detanning agent in India. I've also come to learn turmeric aids in raising progesterone levels in women. Progesterone is a hormone needed in a women's body to hold a successful pregnancy. I'm sure there are many more great reasons we should all have a little turmeric in our lives! 


Turmeric Chicken Drumsticks with Corn Pineapple Salsa!

Ingredients

Chicken Ingredients
2 Lbs Free Range Drumsticks
2 C Oraganic or Fresh Squeezed OJ
Turmeric 
Garlic Powder
McCormicks Poultry Seasoning 
Salt 
Pepper

Salsa Ingredients
1 bag Organic Sweet Corn
1 Pineapple cubed
2 Red Bell Peppers Sliced and Roasted
1 bunch Green Onion diced
1/4 C Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt 
Pepper
Garlic Powder

Marinate Drumsticks in Orange Juice with all seasonings over night.

Mix together Corn, Pineapple, Red Pepper and Green Onion. Toss salad with Olive Oil. Season to taste with Salt, Pepper and Garlic Powder. Set aside in the refrigerator.

Start BBQ Grill on high and heat it up for approximately 5 mins. Then grill Drumsticks constantly basting them with Orange Juice Marinade. Add additional Turmeric when basting. Cook Drumsticks for approximately 20 mins or till Chicken is white all the way through. Serve on top of Corn Pineapple Salsa. And Enjoy!!!!
 




Summer Salad


Ingredients

1 whole pine apple
1 container fresh strawberries
2 avocados
1 bunch French green beans
Extra virgin olive oil
Balsamic glaze
Sea salt
Pepper
McCormicks poultry seasoning
Garlic powder

In boiling water steam French beans until tender. Give them a ice bath and set aside. Cube pineapple, slice strawberries and cube avocados. Mix beans, pineapple, strawberries, and avocado in a large mixing bowl. Add olive oil until completely coated. Add balsamic glaze to taste and all seasonings to taste.