Kimchi |

I used to hate spicy foods. To me, they were absolutely inedible. Fast forward about five years and I can’t get enough of spicy food! It’s probably due of the influence of my spice loving native Texan boyfriend. Or maybe it is that whole “your taste buds change every 7 years.” Regardless, I love it.

Spicy foods are not only awesome because they give your food a kick, but they rev up your metabolism. The capsaicin in hot peppers (the source from which hot peppers get their heat) is a natural anti-inflammatory.

I was totally in the mood for spicy yesterday and wanted to come up with some awesome recipes. A couple of weeks ago, Keith (the boyfriend) and I went to a restaurant called Westville. Westville is a fantastic restaurant with TONS of healthy options (If you are in the Manhattan are, totally check it out.) They offered something called “Kimchi Kale Slaw” which instantly peaked my interest. Unfortunately, it was made with Mayo (a no-no for me). I made a note in my mind “I MUST MAKE THIS MYSELF”.

Kimchi Kale Slaw

**Kimchi is a Korean spicy pickled cabbage.

about 4 servings

1 cup Kimchi chopped (I got mine from Trader Joes, they sell it at whole foods, wegmans, or any Asian market)
about 2-3 cups chopped raw kale (start with less and you can always add if needed)
2 carrots peeled and chopped
1 pear chopped (leave skin on)
2 spears chopped celery
1/4 avocado
2 tbs plain greek yogurt (I used So Delicious brand, but any plain yogurt will do!)
salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp toasted sesame oil (optional)

Chop and combine all ingredients. Mix well and refrigerate. serve cold.

Next I attempted to make a spicy salsa, but then blended it too much. I decided to add some pepper, and cucumber and make some GASPACHO!!

(It may look disgusting, but it tastes amazing!)

Summer Time Gaspacho

8 roma tomatoes
1 clove garlic
1/4 large onion (1/2 small)
1/2 cucumber
1/2 pepper
2 tbs red wine vinegar
1 jalepeno (more if you want more spice :) ))
1/2 cup water (or more depending on how thick you want your soup)
salt and pepper to taste

cut vegetables so that you can easily fit them in your blender (I use a vitamix). Put EVERYTHING into the blender and blend until you get a soupy consistency! I really eyeballed all of the ingredients so taste yours and see if you need more of something! (I also added some hot sauce)

Serve COLD