ginger

Motion sickness, tummy problems, and a sore throat: is there anything ginger can't help? Not likely. A new study says that the spicy root also soothes away sore muscles that often come after working out.

In two separate studies, researchers divided 74 healthy adults into two groups — one group of participants were given a daily ginger supplement, while the other group was given a placebo. Over the course of 11 days, all participants performed a variety of exercises that led to the kind of achy, sore muscles that a good workout is prone to do. At the end on the study, the group that was taking the ginger supplements had a reduction in pain of almost 25 percent when compared to the placebo group. Researchers believe that ginger may have anti-inflammatory properties — nature's own ibuprofen! Be sure to read up on other ways to beat post-workout pain.

Tonight look to Asia for a meal that is quick, delicious, healthy, and filling. The secret to this noodle dish is a simple homemade broth infused with garlic, ginger, and scallions. The noodles are cooked in the fragrant mixture that is enhanced with several teaspoons of salty soy sauce. The ingredient list calls for bok choy, snow peas, and serrano chiles, but feel free to incorporate your favorite vegetables. Get the recipe now.

This weekend, the weather in San Francisco was glorious, and I couldn't help but realize that Summer is just around the corner! The arrival of bikini season will be here before we know it, and there's no time like the present to start eating healthful and light meals in smaller portions. This scallop and snap pea stir-fry is an ideal figure-friendly dinner. Thanks to fresh lime juice, grated ginger, garlic-chili sauce, and tons of cilantro, it's super flavorful and therefore, totally filling. For a complete meal, serve this seasonal dish with a side of sautéed mushrooms. If scallops aren't your thing, consider using shrimp, tofu, or chunks of chicken instead. Get the uncomplicated recipe when you read more

Recently Skyy vodka came out with a new addition to its infusion line, the brand's wide collection of flavored vodkas. With flavors like passion fruit and grape, it's no surprise that the latest Skyy infusion is ginger. I'm a huge fan of Canton's ginger liquor so I was excited to get my hands on a bottle of Skyy's variation. It's made with all natural ginger flavors and tastes slightly sweet with a hint of spice on the finish.

I decided to try it in a simple yet refreshing drink created for the vodka company's initiatives to promote Dining Out for Life, a fundraiser created by ActionAIDS. The easy concoction is a combination of vodka, 7UP, and fresh lime juice. 7UP isn't an ingredient I use often in cocktail making, but I was surprised at how well it works with the ginger vodka. It's smooth, easy to drink, and just the sort of thing you want to order when out dancing on a Saturday night. Get the quick recipe and read more.

A couple of weeks ago, I had a very hard time peeling fresh ginger. It was so nubby, I had to cut chunks off before I could properly peel it with my everyday vegetable peeler. I felt so bad about wasting so much ginger that over the weekend, when I needed to peel lots of it for a cocktail, I decided to try a new technique. Instead of using a peeler or knife, I scrapped the rough, papery skin off with a small spoon. It worked like magic! Now, I'll always peel ginger with a spoon.

Do you have a tip for cooking with ginger? Please share it below.

Everyone has had pickled ginger as a condiment in a sushi restaurant, but did you know it can be made at home? The preparation isn't that time consuming, but the ginger has to sit in a vinegar mixture for several hours. Considering that the pickled ginger can last for up to six months in the fridge, it's well worth the effort! The final product has a wonderful color and is fresh in both flavor and texture. Not only is it great on sushi, but it's a delicious addition to marinades, stir-frys, salads, and if you are feeling exceptionally adventurous, Vietnamese sandwiches. Keep reading for the recipe.

For a refreshment so popular, it's interesting to note how many misconceptions exist about ginger beer.

The drink, which originated in the mid-1700s in England, was first known as a fermented alcoholic beverage made from sugar, ginger, water, and a starter culture known as ginger beer plant. But today, the name "ginger beer" is actually a misnomer, as most commercial ginger beer is a soft drink, and contains no alcohol.

In comparison to ginger ale, ginger beer is more robust in flavor, with a spicy quality. Ginger beer can be enjoyed alone, but also plays a starring role in cocktails such as the Dark and Stormy and the Moscow Mule. How do you like to drink it?

Source: Flickr User blmurch

Although there's no customary drink associated with Chinese New Year, I'm serving a potent signature cocktail at my singles-only dinner on Valentine's Day. The flavor profile of the drink? Ginger! It's a key component in a lot of traditional dishes and it highlights the clean flavors of Chinese cuisine. This beverage has a double dose of ginger thanks to an easy homemade ginger syrup and my favorite ginger liqueur, Canton. Vodka is the base spirit, and the resulting libation is smooth, easy to drink, and packs a spicy kick. To serve this at your Chinese New Year celebration get the recipe and read more

I believe little indulgences are a part of life, and cookies are one of mine. While a cookie will always be a cookie, made with sugar, butter, and eggs, all cookies are not on equal standing. Some of these sweet treats contain less butter, sugar, and eggs than others, and this ginger molasses cookie falls into the healthier category. I know it's still just a cookie, but since it's packed with a spicy flavor and a snappy crunch, one cookie easily satisfies your sweet craving. Plus it makes a great dessert with sliced pear. Make these for the big game tomorrow or for your sweetheart and friends for Valentine's Day.

Check out the recipe and see how I tweaked it when you read more.

Instead of ordering takeout on this Friday night, stay in and whip up a healthful, but uncomplicated chicken stir-fry. How simple is this? You toss zucchini, carrots, onion, and red pepper (or whatever veggies you have on hand) in a searing hot pan to cook, then throw in boneless skinless chicken breasts. Season with your favorite store-bought stir-fry sauce and ground ginger. Serve with cooked rice and you've got a crowd-pleasing meal quicker than it could be delivered. Sound delish? Then get the recipe now