Chimmichurri, Spicy Sweet and Sour Sauce, and Toasted Pumpkin Seed Sauce

Seasonal Recipe of the Week
Sauces are the difference between “Oh. Another piece of grilled chicken,” and “My! Doesn’t this look special!” All three recipes can be made ahead of time and stored ‘til needed.

Chimmichurri

Ingredients
1/4 cup olive oil
2/3 cup white wine vinegar
3 tablespoons sherry
3/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 cup parsley chopped
3 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
3 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
6 large cloves garlic, chopped
1 shake of red Chile flakes
Salt and pepper to taste

Procedure
Put everything but the oil in the blender or food processor and pulse till smooth. Then while machine is running, add the oil in a slow steady stream.

Spicy Sweet and Sour Sauce

Ingredients
2 1/2 tsp. cornstarch
1 c. cold water
4 tbsp. sugar
5 tbsp. brown sugar
4 tbsp. ketchup
1/3 c. green onions cut in 1-inch lengths
1/4 tsp. red hot pepper flakes or Tabasco sauce, optional
1/3 c. fresh ginger, finely shredded
1/2 tbsp. dry sherry wine
2 tbsp. sesame oil

Procedure
Combine cornstarch and 1/4 cup water. Stir in remaining water. Stir in white sugar, brown sugar and ketchup. Set aside. Heat 1 teaspoon sesame oil in a small saucepan. Add onion, pepper and ginger. Mix thoroughly and then add wine. Cook for 1 minute or until flavor from ginger becomes aromatic. Add onion, pepper, ginger, wine and sesame oil. Cook until it boils, reduce heat and stir constantly. Slowly add the cornstarch mixture and cook for about 1 more minute. Add 1 teaspoon sesame oil to finish off.

Toasted Pumpkin Seed Sauce

Ingredients
1 large onion, chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
3 cloves chopped garlic
1 diced Jalapeno
1 cup pumpkin seeds
3 slices white bread, crusts removed and cut into small pieces
1 cup half and half with 1 teaspoon Knorr chicken base mixed in
1 cup water
3 shakes Tabasco (optional heat)

Procedure
In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil then add the onions, garlic, Jalapeno, and cumin. Cook till onions are tender. Then add the pumpkin seeds and cook till seeds appear toasted and brown. Next add the bread cubes and cook till the bread starts to brown and absorbs all the oil in the pan. Now add the half and half and stir and cook till it reduces by half. Now put the whole thing into the food processor and mix till a smooth paste forms. Add water to thin to a sauce consistency. Adjust seasonings.

The 11 Best Foods We Never Eat

This is from a New York Times article from this summer. It's worth thinking about!

• Beets Rich in folate (which is a B vitamin), a potential cancer fighter. Try some Jewish borscht, or make roast beets and add them to your salad.
  
• Cabbage Full of cancer fighting enzymes, Sautéed as a side dish at dinner, coleslaw is easy and great on sandwiches.
  
• Swiss Chard Full of carotenoids, good for the eyes, sautéed greens are super healthy, cheap to buy, and really easy to grow.
  
• Cinnamon May help control blood sugar and cholesterol. Put it on everything!
  
• Pomegranate juice Full of antioxidants may lower blood pressure. Eat the fruit, drink the juice, reduce the juice into a syrup and add it to your vinaigrette.
  
• Prunes Packed with antioxidants. Use them in Hamentachen or other cookie fillings, or nice to serve with lamb.
  
• Pumpkin seeds Packed with magnesium, which is associated with lowering risk of early death. As a snack or on salads
  
• Sardines High in Omega-3. Loaded with calcium, as well as B vitamins and lots of other minerals. It’s an acquired taste. I like the French ones packed with good olive oil and a simple lemon slice. On rye bread with a little butter, Heaven!
  
• Turmeric The superstar of spices-has anti-inflammatory and anti cancer properties. Put a pinch in your eggs or on your veggies, makes food golden in color.
  
• Blueberries Helps improve memory, if you remember to eat them! Great in baked goods, cereal, yogurt, smoothies, or as a snack.
  
• Pumpkin High in fiber and immune-stimulating vitamin A. Canned is available all year and so easy to eat. Warm and mix with some butter, cinnamon, and honey or bake a pie.