On another clever foodie website, The Daring Gourmet (grappling each dish by the horns), I found a terrific tutorial on how to make your own crystallized ginger-a candy that's incredibly good for you.

Before I share Kimberley Killebrew's how-tos (she's the chief chef and website author), let's talk about fresh ginger and why you want to include it in your weekly diet. It's among the healthiest (and most delicious) spices on the planet. Consider these 12 health benefits:

1. Ginger contains gingerol, a substance with powerful medicinal properties

2. Ginger can treat many forms of nausea, especially morning sickness

3. Ginger has been shown to be effective against exercise-induced muscle pain.

4. Ginger's anti-inflammatory characteristics help with osteoarthritis.

5. Ginger can drastically lower blood sugars.

6. Ginger improves heart disease risk factors.

7. Ginger is an excellent treatment for chronic indigestion.

8. Ginger can reduce menstrual pain.

9. Ginger lowers cholesterol levels.

10. Ginger contains powerful anti-cancer properties.

11. Ginger can improve brain function and protect against Alzheimer's disease.

12. Ginger's active ingredient is an infection-fighter.

As far as vitamins go, fresh ginger is a great source of riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, and vitamin B6. Because it's so vitamin-loaded, I like to boil ginger root slices in water with lemon or orange juice, and honey when I feel a cold coming on. This drink does a super job of dealing with coughs and a sore throat.

And there's always adding it to various dishes when cooking. But what I really like is to indulge in a few pieces of crystallized ginger every day. I first found this treat in the bulk foods section at our local whole foods store. I brought a few pieces home and the entire family was hooked. Who knew a candy could be so very good for the body?

So with this said, here's Kimberley's tutorial (from www.daringgourmet.com). Let's try our hand at making our own. Kimberley assures us the flavor is even better than the store-bought stuff-it's fresher and minus any mystery ingredients! And even if you don't care for it as a candy treat, it's a versatile ingredient that will liven up so many dishes.

For instance, add crystallized ginger to banana bread, sugar cookies, citrus salad, granola bars, cakes, pies, muffins, cupcakes, shortbread, pancakes, waffles, sprinkled over ice cream, lemon bread, pound cake, ginger snaps, cranberry relish, pear or apple crisp, homemade jam, homemade granola, and the list goes on and on!

The bottom line: Her recipe makes a large batch, keeps for months, and would even make a gorgeous and unique gift!

So first, start with young, small ginger roots (they're less woody/more tender), but medium-sized will also work. Most ginger is imported from China so buy organic if you can.

HOMEMADE CANDIED GINGER

1 pound peeled and sliced fresh ginger root (preferably young, smaller roots), peeled and sliced 1/8-inch thick

Pinch of salt

2 cups organic white sugar

Extra organic sugar for coating

1. Place the sliced ginger in a medium pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes. Reserve ½ of the ginger water and then drain the ginger slices.

2. Place the sliced ginger back in the pot with the reserved ginger water and sugar. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to medium, and simmer uncovered for 35-40 minutes or until the temperature on a candy thermometer reads 225°F.

3. Drain the ginger in a colander over a bowl to catch the syrup (see Note).

4. Lay out the ginger slices on a cooling rack over a cookie sheet, separating the slices the best you can. Let cool for 2 hours (you want them sticky but not wet so that the sugar will adhere without dissolving).

5. Toss the ginger slices in a bowl of sugar so they are coated all over.

6. Place the ginger slices back on the cooling rack to sit overnight.

7. Store in an airtight container in a dark, cool place. Will keep for several months.

NOTE: This recipe makes a delicious byproduct: Ginger Simple Syrup! Add a teaspoon or two to your drinks for a refreshing ZING!

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