An easy way to avoid getting sick, and to recover from long-standing illnesses like arthritis, adult acne, and allergies, is to include anti-inflammatory spices in your cooking. These spices are easy to include in holidaycooking and work on many levels to reduce pain without the nasty side-effects of prescription drugs or over-the-counter pain pills. You can even make life easier by ordering take-out meals that include these ingredients (think Indian food):

Ginger
Turmeric
Black Pepper
Cinnamon
Cardamon
Cloves

Whip up a batch of this delicious rice pudding for your office pot-luck or even Thanksgiving!

Anti Inflammatory Rice Pudding

(4 servings)

2 cups rice milk
(vanilla or plain)

1 cup unsweetened coconut milk

1/2 cup short grain brown rice

1/4 cup brown rice syrup

1/4 teaspoon each: ground cardamom, ground ginger

1/8 teaspoon each: turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon

1/3 cup organic raisins

• Combine the rice and coconut milks in a medium pot over medium-high heat.
• Bring the rice milk and coconut milk to a boil and add the rice. Bring back to a boil, lower to a simmer and cook, covered for about 30 minutes. Add the spices and cook for another 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked.
• Add brown rice syrup and raisins after the rice is cooked. Allow the rice to cool and refrigerate in individual bowls for a few hours before serving.
• Optional: Add a drop of vanilla extract or cashews if you like!