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Spices of Life: A Cookbook of Simple and Delicious Recipes for Great Health

Nina Simonds,

Tina Rupp (Photographer)

4.16 · Rating details · 64 ratings · 8 reviews

In this groundbreaking cookbook, Nina Simonds offers us more than 175 luscious recipes, along with practical tips for a sensible lifestyle, that demonstrate that health-giving foods not only provide pleasure but can make a huge difference in our lives.

With her emphasis on the tonic properties of a wide variety of foods, herbs, and spices, this book also brings us up to dat In this groundbreaking cookbook, Nina Simonds offers us more than 175 luscious recipes, along with practical tips for a sensible lifestyle, that demonstrate that health-giving foods not only provide pleasure but can make a huge difference in our lives.

With her emphasis on the tonic properties of a wide variety of foods, herbs, and spices, this book also brings us up to date on the latest scientific research. In every recipe-gathered from cultures around the world in which good eating is a way of life-Simonds gives us dishes that are both irresistible and have a positive effect on one's well-being. For example:

-Cardamom, a key digestive, subtly seasons her Steamed Asparagus with Cardamom Butter.

-Cinnamon, which strengthens the heart and alleviates nervous tension, adds spice to her Fragrant Cinnamon Pork with Sweet Potatoes.

-Basil has long been used as a healing salve and in teas. So who wouldn't feel rejuvenated by a delicious bowlful of Sun-Dried Tomato Soup with Fresh Basil?

-Peanuts, which fortify the immune system and lower cholesterol, provide a tasty, crunchy accent in Sichuan Kung Pao Chicken.

-Mint, which has many healing properties, from taming muscle spasms to dissolving gallstones, can be relished in Minty Snap Peas accompanying Pan-Roasted Salmon or in a Pineapple Salsa served with Jerk Pork Cutlets.

-And peaches give us vitamin C, beta carotene, and fiber. So enjoy them in a wonderful Gingery Peach-a-Berry Cobbler.

To help us understand what part these health-restoring foods can play in our lives, Simonds peppers Spices of Life with lively interviews with a variety of experts, including Dr. Jim Duke, who offers anti-aging advice from his Herbal Farmacy; Dr. Andrew Weil, who discusses his latest nutritional findings; and Dr. U. K. Krishna, who explains basic Ayurvedic practices for healthy living. And more.

With its delicious, easy-to-prepare recipes and concise health information, this delightful book opens up a whole new world of tastes for us to enjoy every day and to share with family and friends. ...more

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Hardcover, 400 pages

Published February 1st 2005 by Knopf Publishing Group

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Lists with This Book

The River Cottage Meat Book by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall

James Beard Award Cookbooks2

99 books — 23 voters

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· 64 ratings · 8 reviews

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Start your review of Spices of Life: A Cookbook of Simple and Delicious Recipes for Great Health

May 14, 2012 Toni rated it it was amazing

Shelves: cookbooks

Another great cookbook from Nina Simonds. Enjoyed reading this for pleasure as much as looking to see what to make for dinner.

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Sep 08, 2018 Beka rated it liked it

Shelves: cookbooks

Everything looks healthy and uses plenty of spices, but nothing appealed to me in any way.

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Apr 21, 2010 Rachel rated it really liked it

Shelves: cookbooks-and-food

I enjoyed looking through this cookbook and its helpful hints about nutritional and healthy food. Most of the recipes are quick and easy, and would be easy to implement into everyday life.

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Apr 25, 2008 Lori rated it it was amazing

There is a great Spanikopita recipe in this book and it calls for 4 cups! of dill. I used only one. It worked out perfect.

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Sep 23, 2008 Ginny rated it really liked it

This is my favorite cookbook, by far. Delicious, easy, and healthy recipes, plus some great information about food-based natural remedies. The miso soup recipe is especially good.

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May 28, 2010 Sarah Yasin added it

this book is different because it offers contributions from specialists all over the world. It's well arranged and the recipies are interesting. ...more

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