All About Fresh Ginger

Fresh Ginger

The other day, I panicked as I ransacked through the refrigerator in search of the one essential ingredient I needed for the recipe I was making. I pulled all of the fresh veggies from out of the crisper, scanned the back corners of the refrigerator on all four shelves to no avail. 

I was befuddled because it’s a staple that’s always in my fridge, but it just wasn’t there that day.  

What I was looking for was a piece of knobby ginger root to prepare my yummy red lentil curry dahl I was cooking for supper.

Red Lentil Curry Dahl

I love ginger spice for its warm peppery taste and I think it brings a dash of delight to many meals.

Sometimes it can be a challenge to find fresh ginger in grocery stores (and in my fridge, obviously!) At the store, it’s often tucked away in seemingly illogical places. If it happens you can’t find it, just ask an employee where it’s hidden – it’s worth the effort.

When purchasing ginger, look for a fresh-looking piece, not one that’s withered or wrinkly. It should be firm to touch. And don’t be afraid to snap off a section of a bigger piece. There’s no need to purchase more than you need.

I always use a small paring knife to peel my ginger, but I have seen folks use a vegetable peeler or even the back edge of a spoon – it really does work. With the peel on, fresh ginger will keep in your fridge for up to four weeks. I’ve even heard of people keeping it in the freezer to extend its life even more.

If you love ginger as much as I do I suggest you try the easy, tasty lentil dahl recipe  (which I did end up making after rushing back to the grocery store to get some fresh ginger.) Or the others listed below!

Other Recipes With Ginger:

Fried Rice with Tofu

Apple Chutney on Pork Loin

Lentil Cauliflower Curry Soup

Double Ginger Chocolate Cookies

Ginger Chocolate Cookie

Here’s a double ginger chocolate cookie you’ll definitely want to try. It’s a combination of a tasty chocolate cookie with chocolate chips and cocoa powder plus a ginger cookie, with molasses, spices and crystallized ginger. 

The cookie is like a blended family; the ingredients are from different recipes, but they all go together perfectly.

Red Lentil Curry Dahl With Coconut Milk

Curry Dahl

 Here's a red lentil curry dahl you will want to make! It's loaded with spices, coconut milk and has veggies. It's versatile, because you can throw any veggie you like in it. It's also a fast recipe to make, which for me, is the perfect recipe!

Rhubarb Ginger Compote

Rhubarb compote with fresh ginger and lemon

All is well in Vancouver now that rhubarb has arrived!

It was a little dire this spring, but, finally, rhubarb appeared on the grocery shelves, and all was good. This ruby red veg/fruit was seasonally late, but heck, it was worth the wait.

The colour of rhubarb reminds me of Dorothy’s shiny red shoes from the Wizard of Oz. Not only are they both brilliant red, but they sparkle and have transformative powers. Dorothy magically goes home because she is wearing her ruby red slippers, and adding rhubarb to any dish guarantees that it will magically transform into brilliance. 

It’s known as a vegetable but acts like a fruit. It’s sour as heck, but when you add a little sugar, you get a delightful blend of sweet and sour…it’s truly magical!

When it’s acting as a vegetable, it is good in compotes, chutneys, or relishes. These condiments add a dash of pizazz to many a dish!

When dressed up as a fruit, it’s a bit ‘high maintenance’ because it needs accessories, namely sugar. However, once dazzled up and ready to go, rhubarb desserts will always want you to come back for more.

I’ve got four rhubarb recipes to share with you today. The first is one I call  rhubarb delight cake here….it's like an upside-down cake, (without the upside down) with a sponge-like cake on top. 

Next is a rhubarb, apple crisp here which is always popular.  

Next is a rhubarb-current chutney recipe here h to be served with pork tenderloin. And Finally below  there’s a rhubarb ginger compote to go on ice cream or vanilla yogurt.

Rhubarb Apple Crisp

Rhubarb Apple Crisp

Everyone loves old-fashioned crisp desserts especially in our house where they are a staple. The ones I make are always different because they’re made with whatever seasonal or frozen fruit I have in the house. 

This delicious rhubarb apple crisp has a nice blend of sour (rhubarb) and sweet (apple).

Add a splash of whipping cream and you have a yummy dessert.  

Rhubarb Delight Cake

Rhubarb Delight Cake

Here’s a rhubarb dessert recipe you’ll definitely want to try. It starts out with rhubarb on the bottom of a cake pan and finishes with a sponge-like cake topping. It’s easy to make when there’s a plentiful supply of fresh rhubarb, which makes it a perfect spring dessert.

Rhubarb-Current Chutney with Pork Tenderloin

Rhubarb Chutney served with Pork Tenderloin

Looking for a little razzle-dazzle to go with your pork tenderloin? Try this delightful rhubarb-current chutney.  It's spiced with cinnamon, lemon, and fresh ginger. It's a perfect spring dish to make when rhubarb is plentiful.

Simple Grocery Shopping Tips

Simple Grocery Shoppng Tips

Grocery shopping for the family can be confusing and stressful, but it doesn't have to be. Here are 18 simple tips to help you grocery shop for the family stress-free and with success!

Chocolate Brownie With Pecans

Easy Chocolate Brownies with Pecans

Chocolate…what does it mean to you?  Children relish it, lovers share it, chocoholics stash it, and everyone loves it.  Here’s a chocolate brownie recipe to share with all.

Easy Sheet-Pan Chicken with Potatoes, Lemons & Feta Cheese

Simple Sheet Pan Chicken with Chicken Thighs

Sheet-Pan Chicken with Potatoes and Lemons

Here’s a fast delicious chicken recipe perfect for an easy weekday meal. There’s little prep involved and even less mess to clean up. Serve with an easy-to-make salad and you’ll have a perfect meal.