GOODNESS
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.

Ginger: This spicy root is known as the universal remedy. Although it's well-known as a stomach soother, it also improves circulation, fights tumors, reduces inflammation and boosts the immune system. Oh, and it's good for pain and a fever. The only possible drawbacks are for people with gallstones or those on blood thinners.

Nutmeg: What would egg-nog be without nutmeg? But this sweetly aromatic spice is good for much more. As well as flavoring cakes and fruity desserts, it works wonderfully with strong vegetables like cabbage and cauliflower.
Nutmeg quickly loses it's flavor when ground, so get whole kernels and grind them just before using them. The taste is a sweet blend of woody pine and cloves.
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Recipe

Brown Sugar-Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows

serves
prep time: 10
cook time: 73

ingredients

  • 4 pounds red-skinned sweet potatoes (yams), peeled, cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 2/3 cup packed golden brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of ground ginger
  • 2 cups miniature marshmallows
  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds

directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Arrange potatoes in 13 each 9 each 2 inch glass baking dish. Combine sugar, butter, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg and ginger in heavy small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Pour over potatoes, toss to coat. Cover dish tightly with foil.

Bake potatoes 50 minutes. Uncover, bake until potatoes are tender and syrup thickens slightly, basting occasionally, about 20 minutes. Increase oven temperature to 500 degrees. Top potatoes with marshmallows and nuts. Return to oven, bake until marshmallows begin to melt and nuts begin to brown, about 3 minutes.