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Tired of white rice? -- Add some flavor.  Follow the directions on the package, but instead of cooking the rice in plain water, use chicken broth or water mixed with a bouillon cube.

Don't waste money on expensive pots and pans -- I never spend a lot of cash on pots and pans because they get beaten up pretty badly from constant use.  You could pay a fortune, then stress yourself out every time you cook trying not to scratch or scrape them, but why?  Remember, kitchen tools are tools that are meant to be used. 

Finishing oils follow up -- Last week, I recommended that you not use extra virgin olive oil for cooking because it is a finishing oil, and therefore you should pour it on foods like pasta, vegetables and breads just before serving.  Lisa from New York questioned that recommendation because extra virgin olive oil is healthier than vegetable and other heavier oils.  Lisa, it is healthier but cooking dilutes its amazing delicate flavor.  Also, extra virgin olive oil is expensive, so when you cook with it, you are wasting money.  I suggest that you use the much cheaper regular olive oil (aka pomace or second pressing) for cooking.  That way you'll get the health benefits and some of the flavor.   Extra virgin olive oil also works well in salad dressings and marinades. 

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Chef Lauren Von Der Pool, Vegan/Raw Food Cuisine Expert

Relax with some valerian root -- This herb has been used to relieve stress and anxiety for centuries.  Studies show that it calms the nervous system.  Medicinal benefits range from treating nausea and insomnia to epilepsy and hysteria.  I love it in tea after a long day at work.  Try my recipe below. 

Learn more about Von Der Pool's exotic vegan and raw food cuisine at vonderpoolgourmet.com.

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Valerian Herbal Tea (single serving)
Ingredients (you can find the following at Whole Foods)
*1 Tbsp. dried valerian root
*1 tsp. dried French lavender
*1 1/2 tsps. dried mint leaves
*1 tsp. dried lemon verbena
*1 to 2 cups boiling water
*Agave nectar or raw sugar to taste
Directions
*Add all ingredients except agave nectar to boiling water.
*Let sit for at least 10 minutes to overnight.
*Strain tea; add agave nectar and enjoy.

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Do you have a culinary question or tip to share? 
Email your questions and tips, along with your city and state, to  drakeel@drakeelenterprises.com.  We will do our best to publish as many as we can.  

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