Spices Chef Can't Live Without

By Dale Van Sky
@RedMountainSpa
Executive Chef

When I am asked what spices are a “must have” in my pantry, I not only think of the health benefits of these spices but also of versatile flavors.

Cayenne pepper is, of course, my first choice. Not only because of the “health and heat” factors, but because it can be used to enhance sweet flavors - goes great on fruits and chocolate.

Although I prefer fresh herbs and spices, sometimes I need to use dried. I always have on hand garlic powder, basil, oregano, thyme and fennel seed for Cajun, Italian and Mediterranean cuisines.

Buy dried herbs in the smallest containers that you can find and replace them about six months after opening. They lose their flavors quickly once exposed to air.

A good dark chili powder, ground cumin and paprika are essential for southwestern and Mexican fare. I would also recommend ground ginger for Polynesian and Asian cuisines because it helps sooth the stomach and aids in digestion.

With these basic ten spices you can create a wonderful assortment of culinary delights.

Quote for the Day

"Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude." ~Ralph Marston

Quote for the Day

"All experience is an arch, to build upon." ~Henry B. Adams

Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of magnesium, which is vital to bone health and nervous system function. They are also bursting with B vitamins.

Quote for the Day

"Harmony with land is like harmony with a friend; you cannot cherish his right hand and chop off his left." ~Aldo Leopold

Quote for the Day

"All is connected... no one thing can change by itself." ~Paul Hawken

M.E.E.T. the Mustangs

Mustang. Educational. Experiential. Training.

Join us for a unique, one-on-one experience "where heart meets horse." You will connect, spirit to spirit, with these amazing American Wild Horses, learn to speak their language and create a willing relationship. These horses, creatures of the natural world, will carry you beyond words and unbridle you to find peace, balance and harmony. A fun and transforming experience using American Wild Horses to transform fear into curiosity, resistance into cooperation, and tolerance into willingness. Most participants have little or no experience with horses, and learn to replace fear, stress, anxiety and emotional trauma with peace, strength and emotional balance.

Price: $89 Advance Sign-up required
Tuesdays, Thursdays & Sundays 1:30 - 3:30 pm (October - April)
Kayenta Corrals (transportation included in fee)
To book this adventure please Contact the Concierge at concierge@redmtn.com or 435.652.5724

About Windhorse Relations
Mary Lee Brighton and Marcia Thayne have created this dynamic and effective program using wild mustangs as teachers. The program incorporates 35 years of Mary's professional training skills and Marcia's experience in education into a powerful Equine Experiential Training which is very successful in Utah. Mary Lee chose wild mustangs rather than domesticated horses because of their intelligence, awareness, and physical capabilities that have allowed them to survive over the years. To learn more about Windhorse Relations, visit their website.

Quote for the Day

"Change brings opportunity." ~Nido Qubein

Quote for the Day

"Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter."
~ Mark Twain

Are You Ready to M.E.L.T.?

Created by Sue Hitzmann in 2004, this practice of self treatment is done by utilizing three small balls of different sizes and firmness. What seems like child’s play is actually a very sophisticated way of hydrating your neurofascial system, which results in improved:

• flexibility and mobility


• posture


• exercise effectiveness


• range of motion


• sleep and digestion


• overall well-being

Our bodies are constantly under some type of stress, whether it be emotional, physical or environmental. Unfortunately, our daily worries manifest in the body as tension and create adhesions in our myofascial system. When this occurs, we limit our range of motion or let other muscles take over and create imbalance in our system.

The instructor begins the class by assessing where you are today in your body alignment; then takes you through a 45-minute self-treatment of controlled movement and light Hands-Off Bodywork™ massage techniques. The class ends with a reassessment of body alignment to see how responsive your body really is.

Source: www.meltmethod.com