Winter: Bell Peppers and Paprika

Peppers and peppers are the ingredients this week! Lot’s of vitamin C to keep your immune system strong.  Enjoy!

Menu:

Red Pepper Hummus: serve with pita bread

Roasted Pepper Crostini: sourdough baguette, goat cheese, mango chutney, balsamic reduction

Pumpkin Soup:

6 cups pumpkin

8 T butter

2 onions

4 garlic cloves

1 T paprika

1/2 tsp cumin

1 green apple

4 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)

1 cup milk

3/4 cup cream

1 tsp thyme

1/4 tsp sage

salt, pepper, sugar to taste

Chipotle Chili: turkey, onion, garlic, kidney beans, potato, corn, tomato, green bell pepper, paprika. serve with goat cheese mozarella

Brown Rice Salad: edamame, red and yellow bell peppers, carrot, green onion, soy and olive oil

Shrimp from the Garden: grape tomatoes, celery root, celery, fennel, red bell pepper, paprika

Sausage, Peppers, and Onions: sweet Italian sausage, bell peppers, onion, oregano, basil, garlic, salt and pepper, splash of beer

Tonic:

Grappa-served in glow in the dark shot glasses

Nutritional/medicinal benefits:

Bell peppers are very high in Vitamin C.  Red, yellow and orange are a great source of beta-carotene.

Paprika is also high in vitamin C.  It has antibacterial agents and can aid in regulating blood pressure. As a stimulant, paprika peppers improve circulation and digestion.