Spotlight On Glossary

Though many herbs have been used throughout time for their medicinal properties, herbs are most often used in the kitchen, where they add depth to dishes with their flavors and scents. When used in cooking, herbs are often grouped together in familiar pairings that reflect the origin of the dish at hand. For example, mint and oregano, paired with lemon, are often used together in Greek dishes, while parsley, mint, and dill might call to mind dishes from another area in the Mediterranean. Basil is often used in Southern Italian cooking; thyme and rosemary are frequently paired together in Southern French dishes. In your own kitchen, try adding an herb mix to salads, eggs, potatoes, fish, or steamed vegetables--a combination of chopped dill, cilantro, chives, parsley, and mint will give your palate a lift.

Ginger is a spicy, aromatic rhizome of a tropical plant called zingiber officinale that's used fresh or dried in various countries around the world. Asian cuisines use fresh ginger in many dishes. At home, try mincing and adding ginger to sauteed snap peas or green beans. If you're making stir fry, peel and slice the ginger into thin rounds and add to the pan in the beginning of cooking. The flesh will soften and the flavor will permeate the dish.

Fresh ginger is also used in beverages. Add slices of fresh ginger to hot tea, iced tea, or lemonade for a bracing, refreshing drink.

What is hypothermia?
Hypothermia occurs when the body gets cold and loses heat faster than the body can make it. A normal rectal body temperature ranges from 97.6 °F(36.4 °C) to 99.6 °F(37.6 °C) and for most people is 98.6 °F(37 °C).

Sometimes a normal, healthy adult has a low body temperature, such as 96 °F(35.6 °C). If the person with the low body temperature is not ill, does not have any other problems, and is not an infant or an older adult, then evaluation usually is not needed.

What can cause hypothermia?
Hypothermia can occur when you are exposed to cold air, water, wind or rain.  Your body temperature can drop to a low level at temperatures of 50 °F(10 °C) or higher in wet and windy weather, or if you are in 60 °F(16 °C) to 70 °F(21 °C) water. If you have mild hypothermia, home treatment may be enough to bring your body temperature back up to normal.

What are the symptoms?
Early symptoms include:
Shivering;
Cold, pale, or blue-gray skin;
Lack of interest or concern (apathy);
Poor judgment;
Mild unsteadiness in balance or walking;
Slurred speech;
Numb hands and fingers and difficulty performing tasks.

A hardy green that can withstand frost, kale is a member of the brassicas family, which includes cabbage, broccoli and brussels sprouts. And while broccoli is thought to be the most nutritious of the brassicas vegetables, kale has more beta-carotene and more lutein, and ounce per ounce, it also delivers 600% of the daily value for vitamin K. It’s high in antioxidants and fiber, too.

Kale benefits from being braised or added to soups. Blanched or steamed, then stewed with tomatoes and garlic, kale can be a tasty side dish. It can be finely chopped and added to soups, sauces, and stews.

With busy schedules and the demands of work and school, family dinners are precious resources these days. Sitting down as a family for meals is a great way for parents and children to connect and unwind together. Having children help out in the kitchen is another. Helping in the kitchen allows kids to feel responsible, to learn new skills, and to get introduced to new foods before they end up on the plate - which might help kids get over finicky attitudes at the table. Teaching children the skills they need to prepare meals for themselves is an important lesson for parents to pass on. It's practical, active family bonding time, and it spreads out the workload for the cook, too.