EP Series - Herbs & Spices ~ Basil and Cardamom 'Event Announcement'

Dear All,

I'm really glad and excited to announce the guest hosting of Julie's EP Series-Herbs & Spices for the month of June 2012. Thank you so much dear Julie for giving me this opportunity. As many of you know that Julie started this monthly event which I believe helps us know the health benefits and use of all the herbs and spice much better. Of course we all use many herbs and spices in our daily menu, but when you are asked to cook with some particular herbs and spice as a main ingredient I'm sure you will definitely give it a second thought which will make you explore much innovative recipes. What say??? Don't you think so?? Give it a try and I'm sure you'll come up with new, interesting and excellent  recipes. 

The Herb and Spice I choose for the month is Basil and Cardamom both being my favorite. 

Did you know Basil is originally native to India? Me neither, I believed Holy Basil(Tulsi) was of Indian origin and Basil are of Italian as I see them being used in Italian cuisine more till I read about it in Wiki.Where ever may be the origin it is treated as the 'king of herbs' by many chefs and is treated with great respect in many parts of the world. Does Cardamom needs any description?? Not really, I know. But do you know Cardamom is the world's third most expensive spice by weight, outstripped in market value only by saffron and Vanilla(says Wiki). 

Before moving onto the important aspects of the event let me mention some of the benefits of Basil and Cardamom. (Health benefits mentioned here are based on the info found in wikipedia and other sources found on web. If you are told to use it for any health related medication don't rely on the notes here, please check with your physician.)

Benefits and Use of Basil:-

Compound in basil is considered to have potent antioxidant, antiviral and antimicrobial properties and potential for use in treating cancer.

Fresh Basil leaves are an excellent source of Iron.

Basil contains good amount of minerals like potassium, manganese, copper and magnesium.

Basil is traditionally used for supplementary treatment of stress, asthma and diabetes in India. 

Holy Basil(Tulsi) is used as a healing agent for cold, cough and fever.

And yes, it is used as a main ingredient in many Cuisines. 

Benefits and Use of Cardamom:-

• Cardamom are used as flavorings in food and drink and as a medicine
• It is said to be used to treat infections in teeth and gums, to prevent and treat throat troubles, congestion of the lungs and pulmonary tuberculosis, inflammation of eyelids and also digestive disorders.
• It is also used to break up kidney stones and gall stones.
• It is used as a healing agent for cold, cough and fever.

Now let me walk you through the essentials of this Event:-

1. The event runs through the period of June 1st - June 30th 
2. The theme for this month is Basil and Cardamom. You can use one ingredient in a dish or use both but that ingredient should be one of the main ingredients.
3. It can vary from starter,main dish ,dessert or any other recipes,sweet or savory anything.(No recipes which don't follow this rule will not qualify for the event) 
4. Bloggers and Non bloggers can participate. Bloggers can link their recipes with the linky tool below. Non-bloggers and blogger who find it difficult who has issues linking the recipes can send in their recipes to email id:- cookezee@gmail.com with the following details:-

Your Name:
Recipe Name:
Recipe Details:
Pic of the Dish:
(If blogger send in recipe link)

       5.  Recipe must be linked to this event announcement page and to Julie's Event Announcement  page.
      6.   You can link both Veg and Non Veg recipes.
      7.   Send in any number of entries.You can link in your old entries too (limiting 2 per person), just add the logo and the link under the post (2 archived posts)
      8.   Usage of the below logo is appreciated for all the entries.

That is not the end to it; There are 4 awards for the BEST INNOVATIVE RECIPE AWARD, TOP CONTRIBUTOR AWARD, BEST HEALTHY DISH AWARD & PARTICIPATION AWARD.

So, friends put on your innovative caps and think tight, do right and send in your recipes at the earliest before 30th June.

Notes:-
1.   Either Basil or Cardamom pods can be used or both can be used.
2.   When I say Basil, it can be Fresh basil leaves, dry basil leaves, Holy Basil(Tulsi), Lemon Basil or any variety of Basil. But make sure it is a compulsory ingredient and at-least 1 tsp of them should be used.
3.   If Cardamom is being used at-least 3-4 cardamom pods should be used.

Best Wishes to All, Happy Cooking !!!!