by Lalitha Subbaraman

Created on: May 03, 2009   Last Updated: June 02, 2010

Dare to enter the land of spices,dried and fresh herbs . Password please- " open sesame ".Here we go ! Enjoy the magic carpet ride. Every twist and turn there can be a whiff of aromatic basil , Italian parsley. Here comes lemon grass.

Lemon grass dances with its tangy fresh flavor for spicing up chicken or salmon for grilling. Sesame seed , toasted and grounded can enhance the regular burger with magic touch of oriental wand. Simple toast can burst open with aromatic rye seeds.

Craving for sweet -. Here comes the aromatic Cinnamon with sugar dressing up a simple whole wheat toast. Cinnamon is also helpful in keeping the heart healthy. Sweet bread wants to stroll with Cinnamon and raisin for fun.

Dash of oregano , hint of paprika, ballet of flavors for stringy, hot melting cheese pizza from the oven avenue.Curry powder can enhance steamed peas or corn with a twist of oriental aroma. Burger patty can dazzle with flavor of hint of curry powder and sea salt.

Ginger is available as a fresh herb or dried powder. Ginger candy can be used in sugar cookies. Fresh ginger and lemon can tango together in any baked salmon . Ginger seems to have healing power for digestive problems.

Garlic may have the power to improve and maintain healthy heart . Garlic toast or warm pasta with olive oil and toasted garlic can be a simple dinner. Cheesy garlic bread is a tasty snack anytime.

Turmeric powder is a product of turmeric root which has its origin in India. It can add color to any dish. Turmeric contains curcumin with the healing property for heart. Healthy heart can put a spring in any one's walk for  daily life.

Sticking with a popular spice can be boring some times. Here we fly with our magic carpet in the realm of spice land. Here comes miss muffin with dazzling cinnamon, cardamom and sugar dress.

Coriander seed is an oriental dried aromatic spice.Toasted and ground powder can add a flavorful twist in a tomato sauce with a pasta .

Seafood lovers can serve shrimp with curry and coriander and lemon for a tangy ,zesty aromatic dish with a hint of sea-salt and paprika.

Hint of a garlic salt can sprinkle flavor magic in any plain dish of pasta. Vegetable soup with a dash of sea-salt, hint of paprika and curry powder is a healthy and tasty side dish or a snack some times.

Health is wealth. To have a healthy and happy lifestyle, no body should give up their favorite foods completely.  Having a moderate balance of food choices can add spice to any one's lifestyle.

Here comes the magic carpet. I hope you enjoyed the voyage in the land of spice, fresh and dry herbs. So long-until you read my article next time.

Learn more about this author, Lalitha Subbaraman.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.