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Allspice: No, this isn't a mixture of everything in your spice rack, but rather a dried berry of the pimenta tree. If that's a surprise to you, imagine how Columbus felt -- he thought it was pepper (thus the name pimenta, which is Spanish for pepper). The berries look a little like plump peppercorns and the flavor is pungent, but it is not pepper. The best allspice comes from Jamaica.
For the freshest flavor, you should buy allspice in berry form and grind or crush it as needed. The taste is a pleasant mix of cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg. Used in jerks and for pickling, it goes great with meat and gives a nice kick to soups and stews.
lowers blood pressure

Bay Leaf: That green headband around Ceasar's head was bay, and it has a long and glorious culinary history in Mediterranean countries.
Bay can be bitter when fresh, so let it dry for a few days if you pluck it green from the tree. After drying, it keeps nicely in an airtight jar. It gives up its flavor slowly, which is why you add it to the beginning of slow-cooked soups and stews. It has a slightly musty aroma with shades of nutmeg that can overpower a dish, so only use half a leaf for each serving. Don't forget to pull them out before serving!

Carrots: We all know that carrots are good for your eyes, but did you know they have anti-cancer properties as well? They have the nicely named carotenoids that are antioxidents -- chemicals that mop up the damage that results from ordinary metabolism. That, in turn, helps to keep your cells from turning rogue and hanging with the cancer gangs. If that's not enough to make you grab a carrot, they turn out to be immune-system stimulators as well, meaning you'll have fewer occasions to ask "What's up, doc?" Yes there's a little sugar in them, but also a lot of fiber to buffer it, so only the most sugar-restricted people should worry. By the way, the vitamin K in carrots is easier to absorb if you eat them with a bit of oil or fat, like a dip.
helps prevent cancer

Cinnamon: Cinnamon comes from the bark of a tropical evergreen, just like its cousin cassia. It has an ancient pedigree, even being used to embalm a few pharaohs. That may not sound appetizing, but it has been found to be good for the heart, the stomach and the joints. Not impressed yet? Well consider that it also seems to mimic insulin and therefore helps diabetics moderate their sugar levels. So don't be shy with this tasty and healthy spice.
heart healthy

Garlic: Garlic is in the same family as onions and leeks, and purportedly provided ancient Roman soldiers the courage to battle the barbarians. Whether or not it gives you courage, it is known to lower blood pressure, which is great for your heart and helps prevent stroke. In addition, it has a long history as a digestive aid, so don't be shy with this wonderful herb, no matter what it does to your breath!
heart healthy, lowers blood pressure, prevents stroke, lowers bad cholesterol

Parsley: This refreshing herb is good for your breath and is apparently refreshing to the rest of your body. Like all green herbs, it is loaded with chlorophyll, which is just good for people. It helps you build tissue and fight inflammation. It has even been shown to help manage blood sugars and helps to keep your weight in check. More studies are needed, but it may even help to fight cancer. All that, and a breath freshener too? Who could ask for more?
helps prevent inflammation

Recipe

Braised Lamb Shanks with Rutabaga and Carrots

serves
prep time: 10
cook time: 136

ingredients

6 lamb shanks (about 1 pound each)
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 medium onions, halved lengthwise and cut crosswise into 0.25 inch-thick slices
3 large garlic cloves, minced
1 28 ounce can whole tomatoes, chopped, with juice
1 quart water
1 bay leaf
2 cinnamon sticks
3/4 teaspoon dried orange peel
2 teaspoons salt
1 medium rutabaga (about 2 pounds), peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces
6 carrots, cut crosswise into 1 inch pieces
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley leaves
Accompaniment: cooked rice

directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Pat lamb shanks dry. In a heavy skillet (preferably cast iron) large enough to fit 1 lamb shank, heat 2 tablespoons oil over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking and brown lamb shanks, 1 at a time, transferring as browned to a 2 1/4 gallons heavy ovenproof kettle. Pour off fat from skillet and cook onions in remaining tablespoons oil over moderate heat, stirring, until golden. Stir in garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. To kettle add onion mixture, tomatoes with juice, water, bay leaf, cinnamon sticks, allspice, orange peel, salt, and pepper to taste and bring liquid to a boil. Braise lamb, covered, in oven until just tender, about 1.75 hours.

Stir in rutabaga and carrots and braise, covered, in oven until vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes. Braised lamb shanks improve in flavor if made 1 day ahead. Cool mixture, uncovered, and chill, covered. Skim fat, discarding it, and reheat lamb, if chilled, over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. Transfer lamb and vegetables with a slotted spoon to a platter and boil braising liquid until reduced to about 4 cups.

Remove meat from 2 lamb shanks and chop fine, reserving chopped meat and 1 cup braising liquid for making pastitsio.

Return remaining 4 lamb shanks and vegetables to kettle and simmer, covered, until heated through.

Discard bay leaf. Sprinkle lamb and vegetables with parsley and serve with rice.