Delicate Herbs Dictionary

Herbs and spices are a true goldmine. So versatile, exciting and healthy. Many herbs offer anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, anti-cancer and antioxidant benefits. Herbs contain plant chemicals that promote heart health. Get started today adding delicate flavor with these milder herbs. Add to your recipes in the final minutes of cooking. Consider snipping into tiny pieces with sharp scissors.

• Chervil – often used in French cuisine, along with tarragon, parsley and chives, aka ‘Fines Herbes.’ Has a subtle parsley/licorice flavor. Resembles carrot top leaves. Can be used at the end of cooking process or in cold food prep. Great with string beans, green salads and tomatoes as well as soups, fish and meat dishes.
• Chives – Has a light onion, mild garlic flavor. Particularly easy to snip with scissors. Add to seafood dishes, eggs and omelets, green beans, tomatoes, potatoes and salads.
• Dill – Particularly delicate flavor. Use leaves on fish and seafood dishes, and with vegetables, including cucumbers, green beans, potatoes and potato salad, tomatoes and beets. This feathery herb is delicious in tzatziki sauce.
• Mint – Refreshing, bright, slightly sweet taste. Comes other varieties: spearmint, orange/apple/lemon and peppermint. Use in dessert recipes, beverages (such as iced tea and cocktails) and salads, including grain and veggie salads (tabbouleh). Goes well with lamb and other veggies including corn and potatoes, string beans, eggplant and tomatoes.
• Parsley, – Subtle flavor, faintly herbal. There are 2 main types, flat-leafed and curly (also known as Italian parsley). The flavor is generally better in the flat-leafed variety. Works well in tomato sauces, salads and salad dressings, nearly all vegetables, widely used as a garnish, in marinades, seafood, meat, egg and seafood dishes.

Cilantro lime chicken

Cilantro lime chicken

A simple and tasty grilled or baked chicken dish.

Ingredients (5 servings)

Juice of 4 limes and zest of 1 lime
2 TB olive oil
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tsp salt
3 garlic cloves, smashed and minced
1 tbs freshly ground black pepper
1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (may also use chicken thighs or breasts)

Whisk the lime juice, zest, oil, cilantro, salt, garlic and pepper in a large bowl. Add chicken pieces and coat well. Marinate in the refrigerator at least 1 hour, may marinate overnight. Remove chicken from marinade, shake off excess and discard remaining marinade. Cook on a preheated grill, turning occasionally, until done. Juices should run clear and internal temp (near bone) should read 165 degrees. Takes approximately 25 to 35 minutes. You may also cook this in a 350 degree oven, about 30 minutes.

Motivation tips

Motivation, whether internal (intrinsic) or external (extrinsic) is what keeps you focused and on track for reaching wellness goals. It is said that internal (intrinsic) motivators are more valuable because they come from within and are based on what is important to you, such as your health. Extrinsic motivators, such as a deposit into your Health Savings Account (HSA) by your employer for engaging in a wellness activity gets you on track initially but typically doesn’t keep the fire burning for making long term changes.

1. Write down your goals and view them often. Write down the reasons for your goals. For example, outcome goal: “I want to reduce my fasting blood sugars to less than 99 mg/dL,” process goal (steps or how you will do it): “I will walk for 3 miles, four times/week in the morning from 8 to 9 am. And the why “My poor blood sugar control is damaging my eyes/vision,” or “I want to be healthy and fit to keep up with my grandchildren, not sick.” Keep a journal in reach.
2. Have what you need to accomplish your goal. Be equipped with the resources and tools you need to engage in behavior change and make it a part of your routine. For walking, make sure you have quality walking shoes and a path/route as well as a specific routine planned. Don’t ‘wing it’ and do it whenever you find the time. Results are motivating. Without a solid plan and action the results won’t come.
3. Surround yourself with positivity – positive people, affirmations, motivating quotes placed where you can see them, photos that drive you to engage in the behaviors what will give you results. Positive self-talk is a must. Speak good things into existence.