Chimichurri Sauce

Recently I was a guest at the Disneyworld Coronado Springs Resort and ate at the Maya restaurant.  The chimichurri sauce was so good that I just had to share this with you!   

Chimichurri is an Argentinean sauce or condiment that is similar to pesto.  The basic version (which is the one I prefer) uses fresh parsley, oregano, garlic, oil and vinegar.  If you like it hot you can add a touch of chili pepper.  You can add variations to the sauce to your tastes and likes so the combinations are endless.  In Argentina folks use this both as a marinade or a sauce for grilled steak, but try it on fish, chicken or pasta.   

Ingredients:

• 1 cup firmly packed fresh flat-leaf parsley, thick stems trimmed
• 3-4 garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves (or 2 teaspoons dried oregano)
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red or white wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions:

Finely chop the parsley, fresh oregano and garlic (or use several pulses on your food processor).  Place in a small bowl.

Stir in the olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes.  Adjust the seasonings to taste.

Serve immediately or refrigerate either as a sauce or accompany with a soft bread for dipping.  If chilled, return to room temperature before serving.  Can keep in the refrigerator for a day or two.

Serves 4.

Hansen's Fruit Stix

In January of this year I began adopting a new “healthy living” plan that includes diet, exercise, physicial, mental and spiritual health. With my friend Nancy we get together every week, compare notes and help one another through the “ups and downs” of changing one’s lifestyle. We all know that living healthier also involves drinking enough water and staying hydrated. Well and good and I don’t have anything against water, per sey, but I have to say, I do get tired of only drinking water.

So, I started looking at all the water flavor enhancers and all that good stuff. Most have aspartame, sucralose or some other artificial sweetener that is not only not digestable or brain “friendly.” Hmmm, that does not work either, so back to the drawing board.

I tried a squeeze of fresh lemon, fresh lime and even peaches but it wasn’t doing the trick. Then, last week I discovered in my local grocery store Hansen’s Fruit Stix. No artificial sweetener and is made with Truvia, a natural sugar from stevia extract. While I’m not crazy about the cellulose that Truvia has in it, I don’t think there’s enough in this product to warrant not using it. I picked up the Natural Berry flavor and love it!

Here’s the “skinny” (yes, pun intended!):

• Packaged in individual serving stix

• Serving size: ½ packet = 8 oz

• Calories: 5 per each 8 oz

• Dissolves easily in a 16 oz water bottle

• Fat / Sodium / Sugars / Protein = 0 g

• Total Carb = 1 g

The only drawback I see is that if you spill the drink after it’s mixed, it does stain your hands, clothing or anything that it comes in contact with. You can find Hansen’s in most local grocery stores or online with Amazon.com.