Spices of Life: Simple and Delicious Recipes for Great Health 
By Nina Simonds    

Nina Simonds’ Spices of Life, Simple and Delicious Recipes for Great Health is an intriguing blend that’s part travelogue, part cookbook and part wellness book. The intermingling of these elements is a guide to 21st century modern eating and living.

 As she leads us through her weekly meal-planning routines, Simonds marries recipes with nutritional and holistic elements. Then at the end of each chapter, varied, carefully selected experts weigh in with relevant commentary bringing a unique balance to the Spices of Life.

 This cookbook is just the answer for busy people, especially families, who want to eat well without spending precious time planning, shopping, and cooking. Simon shares successful tips for planning ahead, stocking up (don’t miss the pantry list) and recommends cooking extra, because time and work saving leftovers are the building blocks for other meals.

 Spices encountered in her far-ranging travels have had a significant impact on Simonds’ cooking and you’ll find a world of them incorporated into most dishes. Global recipes range from star anise beef stew, hoisin-glazed spareribs, Moroccan spiced lamb stew, spicy salmon curry, chicken and black bean salad to lovely desserts like mango lassi, and gingery peach-a-berry cobbler.

 The health experts ring in with fascinating facts about tea and its therapeutic effects, advice about food supplements, and anti-aging benefits of herbs and spices to name a few. Don’t miss Simonds’ riff on her daily routine: you’ll be inspired when you see how minor variations in diet and exercise spice things up in every way. Spices of Life has a place in every cook’s life.

 Reviewed by Judith Lane, wine and food writer

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