Like, did you know it is considered the “life-saving” herb? Well, did you know that ancient Hebrews used it as the bitter herb in the Passover meal? Well, here’s some more little-known information on Cilantro, along with a great cheese dip recipe! (And a yummy, maybe not so healthy, treat!)
Although Cilantro has been used in Mexican and Asian cooking for years, it is believed to have been one of the earliest plantings in North America, where the leaves, rather than the seed, became popular. Today, it is cultivated in the Mediterranean area, Mexico and California. Cilantro is a member of the carrot family, botanically known as Coriandrum sativum. The plant is called cilantro, and the seeds are called coriander. It is a necessity for many Latin dishes, particularly salsa and ceviche, as well as Asian and Indian specialties.
Coriander has been found in 3000-year-old Egyptian tombs, is mentioned in the Bible in Exodus 16:31, and like I said earlier, was used in the Passover meal.Coriander, named after “koris,” the Greek word for “bedbug” (some thought they both emitted a similar odor), was used in Chinese love potions, and believed to provide immortality. In modern-day medicine, Coriander seeds are thought to lower cholesterol and ease gastric discomfort, and are often used to make medications more palatable.
Now for the life-saving part: Chelation therapy, administered intravenously using the chemical agent EDTA, has been used by conventional medicine to eradicate lead from people suffering from lead poisoning. Briefly, it has been found that fresh cilantro is also effective in removing heavy metals from the body. When heavy metal build-up occurs, not only do people experience more colds, viruses and Herpes outbreaks, but getting rid of heavy metals purges your body of:
• Free radicals, allowing tissue healing
• Calcium build-up (causing hardening of the arteries)
• Aluminum and mercury, associated with Alzheimer’s
Also, during experimentation with metal decontamination, patients with cardiovascular disease reported feeling better, and could exercise longer without angina pains or shortness of breath. This could well be a modern day miracle drug, but until the medical benefits are more confirmed, eat it for the wonderful taste! Cilantro should be crushed before using. It is a perfect addition to Mexican dishes, salsas and bean dips. Mix crushed Cilantro into sour cream and use it as a topping for chili, tacos, or enchiladas.
Southwestern Corn Dip
1 lb. (16 oz.) Velveeta Cheese, cut up
1 can (11 oz.) corn with red and green bell peppers, drained
2 jalapeño peppers, seeded, minced
1 medium red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
3/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
Mix Velveeta and corn in large microwaveable bowl. Microwave on high five min. or until completely melted, stirring after three min. Add in remaining ingredients, mixing well. Serve hot with Chips, Snack Crackers, or assorted cut-up fresh vegetables. Makes about 3-1/2 cups.
Swirled Cheesecake Nibbles
36 vanilla wafers
1 10-oz. pkg. Nestlé Toll House Swirled Real Semi-Sweet & White Chocolate Morsels, divided
2-8 oz. pkgs. cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place 36 two-inch foil baking cups on baking sheet. Place one vanilla wafer, flat-side down, on bottom of each cup. Place five to six Swirled Morsels on top of each wafer. Beat cream cheese, sugar and flour in large bowl until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of cream cheese mixture into each bake cup. Bake 15-17 minutes or until just set and not browned. Remove from oven. While still warm, top cheesecakes with remaining Swirled Morsels. Cool completely.