GOODNESS
Celery: Celery isn't just for Bloody Marys, although that's as close as many people get to this healthful veggie. Celery may have been used as a hangover cure in ancient Rome, but its real power lies in its ability to lower blood pressure and to keep your weight under control. If you have either of these problems (and they often travel together) you could do worse than grabbing a stalk of celery to chew on.

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.

Pickling Spice: These spices are not only good for making pickles, they are the key ingredient of corned beef.
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Recipe

Mango Gazpacho with Pickled Shrimp

serves
prep time: 10
cook time: 600

ingredients

  • Pickled shrimp
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 4 1/2 teaspoons pickling spice
  • 1 tablespoon minced lemongrass
  • 4 1/2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons minced jalapeņo chile
  • 12 uncooked medium shrimp (about 1 cup), peeled, deveined
  •  ,
  • Gazpacho
  • 2 large ripe mangoes, peeled, pitted
  • 1 small green apple, peeled, chopped
  • 1 small celery stalk, chopped
  • 3/4 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/2 cup chopped seeded peeled cucumber
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons chopped peeled ginger
  • 1 large jalapeņo chile, seeded, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  •  ,
  • 4 fresh cilantro sprigs
  •  ,
  • *Available in the spice section of some supermarkets and at specialty foods stores and Asian markets.

directions

pickled shrimp:

Combine first 6 ingredients in medium saucepan. Cover, bring to boil. Remove from heat. Stir in cilantro, onions, and jalapeņo. Transfer to glass jar and add shrimp. Chill uncovered until cold, then cover and chill overnight.

gazpacho:

Puree first 10 ingredients in blender. Chill 2 hours. do ahead Can be made 8 hours ahead. Keep refrigerated.

Ladle soup into 4 bowls, top each with 3 shrimp. Garnish with cilantro.