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A Walk on the Spicy Side

Enhancing Holiday Flavors with Herbs

By Suzanne Tabor and Dr. Aaron Tabor

Cilantro – From salsa to salad to soup, cilantro adds a unique flavor and zest.

Allspice and ginger – Applesauce goes gourmet when you mix in a dash of allspice and/or ginger. And your pumpkin pie will also acquire a new tang if you use these spicy seasonings. Tip: Have ginger herb tea on hand for anyone who always suffers from post-Thanksgiving-dinner stomach pains (and I hope that you won't be among those this year!). It's a traditional remedy for such ailments.

This holiday, consider serving an alternate low-calorie dessert for any guests and family members who want a light conclusion to the traditional meal: I asked my staff for suggestions, and here's what they concocted, just for you:

Prepare 1 cup of fresh, sliced strawberries, peaches, apples or pears. Combine the fresh fruit with 2 cups of plain, nonfat yogurt, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ginger, several packets of Splenda or Equal and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Refrigerate for about an hour or more, so that the flavors have time to be absorbed into the fruit. For a holiday touch, sprinkle with slivered almonds and/or additional fresh fruit. Serves five.