Wellness Weekly

By Sandy Considine

What is considered a condiment?
The meaning of CONDIMENT is something (such as a seasoning, sauce, garnish, or topping) that is added to food usually after the food is prepared and that enhances or adds to its flavor. A condiment is about enhancing the overall taste.

Why pay for store-bought sauces and condiments that are likely filled with added preservatives when you could be making your own? Homemade is tastier and healthier almost every time.

You should make this dip and start calling it YOUR “secret sauce”. Tzatziki will add so much tangy FLAVOR to just about everything.

Try this as a: Fresh veggie dip for cucumbers, bell pepper slices, broccoli florets, cauliflower, carrots, celery, tomato wedges. Great for everyday snacks, or party trays!
Healthy alternative to mayonnaise on sandwiches.

Flavorful Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

Ingredients
•2 fresh garlic cloves, pressed fine
•1 English cucumber, very finely diced, or grated with a thick grater
•2-3 Tbsps. fresh dill, minced (depends on your taste! I love dill!)
•1 1/4 cups thick-style plain Greek yogurt
•1 Tbsp high quality olive oil
•1/2 a fresh lemon, juiced
•1 tsp lemon zest
•Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to your taste

Instructions
1.Using a towel or paper towel, squeeze excess water from cucumber.
2.In a medium glass bowl add all the ingredients and stir well to combine.
3.Taste and adjust seasonings if desired.
4.Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Cranberry Orange Butter

Ingredients
•1 cup grass-fed butter or ghee, at room temp
•1/3 cup finely chopped dried cranberries
zest from 1 fresh orange
•1/4 cup raw honey or pure maple syrup
•2 tsps. pure vanilla extract
•Tiny pinch of sea salt

Instructions
1. Place your softened butter or ghee in a medium mixing bowl.
2. Add finely chopped dried cranberries, orange zest, honey, vanilla, and sea salt.
3. Use an electric mixer to mix until thoroughly combined.
4. Transfer to a jar and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
5. Spread over toast and sprinkle with sea salt flakes for the perfect appetizer or breakfast treat.
Enjoy!

Burger Sauce

Ingredients
•1-1/4 cups mayonnaise
•1/2 cup ketchup
•2 tablespoons finely chopped sweet pickles
•2 tablespoons sweet pickle juice
•2 tablespoons prepared mustard
•1 tablespoon sugar
•1 tablespoon smoked paprika
•1 tablespoon white vinegar
•1 teaspoon onion powder
•1 teaspoon garlic powder
•1/2 teaspoon pepper

Directions
In a small bowl, combine all ingredients.

Mayonnaise: The creamy base that adds richness. Swap in Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangier, lighter option. Vegan mayonnaise can be used as a plant-based alternative.
Ketchup: Brings tanginess and a hint of sweetness.

Finely chopped sweet pickles: Adds crunch and a sweet and tangy flavor. Substitute pickle relish if you can’t find pickles in a pinch.

Sweet pickle juice: Enhances the tanginess, adding to the complexity. If not available, apple cider vinegar mixed with a small amount of sugar can substitute for sweet pickle juice.

Prepared mustard: Introduces a mild heat and sharpness.

Sugar: It adds a bit more sweet notes to balance the tangy flavors.

Smoked paprika: It gives a smoky flavor that pairs well with grilled foods. Chipotle powder or a dash of barbecue sauce are two alternatives for a smoky flavor with a bit of heat.

White vinegar: Another layer of tanginess to the sauce.

Onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper: These spices deepen the sauce’s flavor profile.

Cocktail Sauce

Ingredients
•1/2 cup ketchup
•3 Tbsp prepared horseradish (or less to taste)
•1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce
•1/4 tsp fresh lemon juice
•Dash of Tabasco sauce to taste

Instructions
Mix all ingredients together. Chill for at least 1 hour.

Homemade Worcestershire Sauce

Ingredients
•1/2 cup white wine vinegar or rice vinegar
•1/2 cup coconut aminos, tamari, Braggs liquid aminos, or low-sodium soy sauce
•3 large Medjool dates, pitted
•1 fresh garlic clove, pressed
•1 tsp smoked paprika
•1 fresh shallot, grated
•4 fermented anchovy filets

Instructions
1. In a saucepan combine all the ingredients.
2. Place over medium-low heat and bring it to a high simmer while stirring constantly.
Once it is nice and bubbly, remove from heat and cool for a bit.
3. Transfer everything to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth.

If you desire, you can strain the sauce through a fine mesh strainer or sieve.

Keep your Worcestershire sauce refrigerated in a sealed glass container for up to 1 month.

Please feel free to email on what you what to know about for a future article at
sandra.considine@yahoo.com