Flavor of the Month: Ginger

      One spice that always reminds me of the holidays is ginger. Most commonly used in baking around this time of year, ginger has a large range of uses in cooking and has even been found to have medicinal properties.

Ginger comes in a variety of forms.

Whole raw ginger root is the fresh form and can be minced, cut or sliced and is often used in oriental and seasonal holiday dishes.

Powdered ginger is made from dried ginger that has been ground up and can be used in various baked goods, desserts and beverages.

Pickled ginger is made from fresh ginger root that has been sliced and pickled in a vinegar solution. This form of ginger, also known in Japan as gari, is what you find served with sushi.

Medicinal Properties

            Ginger has been studied for is possible digestive, anti-nausea, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor promoting properties.  Although, gingerale on an upset stomach always seems to help, research is inconclusive on whether or not ginger actually helps decrease nausea. On the other hand, research does suggest that ginger may have anti-inflammatory activities and chemopreventive effects. Meaning, eating ginger may provide health benefits for those with arthritis, rheumatism and cancer.


         Here are two delicious holiday recipes using ginger. The first recipe is a healthy spin on your favorite gingerbread cookies that replaces 1/2 of the fat with applesauce, making a moist, soft, and delicious cookie! The second recipe is a fun holiday version of pot roast. I made this recipe for a holiday party, and not only was it easy to make but it was a hit with all my friends! Enjoy!

Low Fat Gingerbread Men
Cut the fat not the flavor. These gingerbread men use half the butter normally used in most gingerbread cookie recipes. Applesauce helps the cookies retain their moisture and gives them a soft texture. 

Ingredients

•1/4 cup butter, softened
•3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
•1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
•1 egg
•1/3 cup dark molasses
•3 cups all-purpose flour
•1 tsp baking soda
•2 tsp ground ginger
•1 tsp ground cinnamon
•1/2 tsp allspice
•1/4 tsp ground cloves

Directions:
In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, sugar and applesauce until smooth. Add egg and molasses and mix well. In another large bowl, combine flour, baking soda and spices. Add to sugar and molasses mixture, stirring well. Divide dough in two; cover with plastic wrap and chill for 2 hours. 
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll out dough to 1/4 or 1/8-inch thickness. Cut gingerbread men with a cookie cutter. Add candies or raisins to decorate. Place 1-2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes. Add frosting or more decorations when cool. Makes 30 cookies. 

Per cookie: Calories 94, Calories from Fat 16, Fat 1.8g (sat 1g), Cholesterol 11mg, Sodium 48mg, Carbohydrate 18g, Fiber 0.4g, Protein 1.5g



Holiday Pot Roast
Makes 16 servings
(Ideal slow cooker size: 6 quart)
















Ingredients
1 Tbsp. olive oil
2-lb. boneless beef top round roast
2 cups apple cider
16 oz. can tomato sauce
2 small onions, chopped
3 Tbsp. white vinegar
2 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp ground ginger, or 1 Tbsp. fresh ginger root, minced
1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 cup water

Directions:
1. Brown roast in olive oil on all sides in a skillet. Then place it in your slow cooker.
2. Combine cider, tomato sauce, onions, vinegar, salt, ginger, and cinnamon. Pour over roast.
3. Cook on high for 5 hours.
4. Mix cornstarch and water until smooth. Remove roast and keep warm on platter. Stir cornstarch water into juices in cooker.
5. Return roast to cooker and continue cooking for 1 hour on high, or until meat is done and gravy thickens.

Per serving: 150 calories (45 calories from fat), 5 g total fat (1.5 g saturated fat, 0g trans fat), 50mg cholesterol, 400mg sodium, 9 g total carbohydrate (less than 1g fiber, 5g sugar), 17 g protein.