All About the "Q" - and Spanish Almond Caper Sauce! A guest blog by Intern Haley Warren

This week is all about quercetin! If you have never heard of this, this will be a great read for you. You may be asking what quercetin is and why it is good for you? Well, here is the answer! Quercetin contains many phytonutrients, vitamins that are essential for health, and antioxidants. Studies have shown that quercetin acts as an anti-carcinogenic, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory agent. Not only does it provide all this goodness, it also has good levels of vitamins and minerals. So basically, it is REALLY good for you!

Now, you may also be asking, why is the world is she talking about quercetin? Well folks, capers are the second highest sources of quercetin bringing 180 mg of quercetin for every 100 grams of capers, and the recipe I would like to talk about today is Spanish Almond Caper Sauce. Last week, Chef Nancy taught a group how to make this sauce for skewers from the grill. YUM! I have been wanting to make it for my family ever since the class, and I was given the perfect chance to over the weekend. It was a major success that everyone loved!

Spanish Almond Caper Sauce:

1/3 Cup Toasted Whole Almonds

1 TB Water

3 TB Sherry Vinegar

1/2 Tsp Sea Salt

1/2 Tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper

2/3 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2 Cloves Garlic, Peeled

1 Tsp Smoked Paprika

1 Tin Anchovies, drained

1 Cup Capers

Chopped Parsley for Garnish

In a food processor or blender, pulse the almonds until coarsely chopped. Add the water, vinegar, sea salt, pepper, olive oil, garlic, paprika and anchovies and pulse to combine. Place in a bowl and add the capers. Stir until thoroughly combined. Serve over protein from the grill-and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

** Also, quercetin is found in skins of apples, onion, tea, green vegetables, berries, herbs and red wine.