Herbed Apple Cider Vinaigrette

@RedMountainSpa #recipe

Ingredients:
1/2 C Vegetable Stock
1/2 C Apple Cider Vinegar
1 t Dijon Mustard
1 T Chopped Fresh Herbs (Basil, Oregano, etc.)
To taste Agave Nectar

Directions:

• Combine 2 teaspoons arrowroot with approximately 1 teaspoon cold water.


• Bring vegetable stock to a boil and thicken with approximately 1 tablespoon arrowroot slurry- stock should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Allow to cool.


• Combine all ingredients in a blender.

New Mexico Green Chile Posole

@RedMountainSpa #recipe

Serves 8

Ingredients:
1/3 large Onions, diced
1/2 stalk Celery, diced
2 1/2 t Garlic, chopped
1 1/4 t Olive Oil
1/2 lb Pork Loin, lean, boneless
3 1/2 oz. Hominy
1/2 cup Canned Green Chiles, diced
3 oz. Tomatillos, whole
2 t Cumin
2 t Chile Powder
Pinch Salt
Pinch Black Pepper
2 3/4 cup Chicken Stock, skimmed of all fat
2 T Fresh Cilantro, chopped

Directions:

• Sauté diced onions, celery, and garlic in oil until tender.


• Add diced pork and continue cooking until meat has browned.


• Add hominy, green chilies, tomatillos, cumin, chile powder, salt, pepper and chicken stock and simmer 1 hour.


• Mix in the cilantro and serve.

Red Mountain's Gratuity Policy

@Redmountainspa

In lieu of a mandatory service charge or resort amenity fee often found at inclusive resorts, gratuities are at the discretion of our guests at Red Mountain, and are greatly appreciated by our team members who strive to provide you with memorable service.

A 15% gratuity is added for your convenience to one-on-one experiences, such as Spa Services, Personal Training or Private guided hikes.

At any time that you wish to leave gratuity for an individual, you may charge this to your room. At dinner, you will receive a check so if you wish to provide gratuity for your server you may charge this to your guest room, and pay for wine or other incidentals.

If you prefer, we will of course add a daily gratuity fee to your room rate, of which 100% is distributed directly to our team members.

Vegan Vegetable Lasagna

@RedMountainSpa #recipe

Ingredients
1 T Olive Oil
4 Large Peeled Idaho Potatoes
6 Large Roasted Red Peppers
3 Large Zucchini
5 Large Yellow Squash
2 Eggplant
4 Cleaned Portobello Mushrooms, sliced thin
1 T Parsley, Finely Chopped
1/2 T Oregano, Finely Chopped
1/2 T Basil, Finely Chopped
1/2 T Thyme, Finely Chopped
1/2 t Cayenne Pepper
1 t Garlic Powder
2 t Chili Powder
1 t Onion Powder
1 t Salt
1 t Ground Black Pepper
1/4 Cup Arrowroot Starch

Directions:

• Spray all side of a 9-inch casserole dish with olive oil.


• Combine all the fresh herbs.


• Combine all the spices.


• Slice the potatoes 3/8 inch thick.


• Layer the potatoes, making sure to overlap the edges on the bottom of the casserole dish. Season with spices and herbs. Dust with arrowroot starch.


• Next, slice the zucchini 3/8 inch thick and place over the potatoes, making sure to overlap the edges. Season with spices and herbs. Dust with arrowroot starch.


• Repeat this process, creating individual layers of yellow squash, eggplant, and bell peppers - each layer seasoned with spices and herbs, and dusted with arrowroot starch.


• After creating the pepper layer, repeat the entire layering process in the opposite order making certain to season each layer and dust with arrowroot starch. The last layer should be potato.

Cooking:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.


• Bake covered for 30 minutes.


• Uncover and bake another 20 minutes or until vegetables are soft.


• Let cool before cutting.

Yield: About 12 lbs
Servings: 8
Serving Size: 24 oz.

Exercise to Re-Energize Your Day

@RedMountainSpa
Side raises: Slide to the front edge of your chair. Keep the elbows slightly bent as you raise your arms from your sides, lifting the water bottles or weights upward. Try to get the elbow as high as the shoulder, and then slowly lower your arms back down to your sides. 8-12 repetitions

Try This At Home Manicure

By Myrna Beardshear
@RedMountainSpa
Director of Spa & Wellness

1. Start by removing polish from fingernails. For natural nails, use a non-acetone remover.


2. File nails, filing in one direction starting at the edges and moving toward the top.


3. Soak in soapy water for a few minutes to soften cuticles.


4. Dot a moisturizing cuticle cream on the cuticles and rub in gently.


5. Push back the cuticles, gently, using an orange wood stick. Do not cut cuticles, as this can cause infection and damage the nail.


6. Massage hands with a moisturizing hand lotion.


7. Massage Technique: make small, firm circular motions with your thumb, concentrating on the muscles on inside of hand, near the thumb and little finger, and the base of each finger. Turn hand over and use your index finger to make small circles down the gaps between tendons.


8. Wipe the excess oils or cream off the nails, using a damp cloth.


9. Apply your favorite nail polish.

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.