Great Taste: Astrology lover's cookbook

(FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) - With the start of the new year, it might be a good idea to combine two of the phrases that have stood the test of time to lead you to a better diet. "What's your sign?" and "What's on the menu" is a new book that combines your sign of the zodiac with the the perfect food -- lobster for Leos, cookies for Capricorns. It's the new new astrology lover's cookbook from celebrity chef and astrologer Sabra Ricci.

ARIES
(the brain)

Acai Berries. This unique berry has the same antioxidants and vitamins as blackberries and blueberries, but also has protein and omega-3s, making them excellent to keep that Aries brain sharp and quick-witted. Acai berries have quickly been declared a superfood, great for supporting the “super” exuberance possessed by Arians, which often gets them in trouble when their mouths are on overdrive.

Acai Berry Smoothie
SERVES 2
Juice is the most well- known form of this great berry. Smoothies are easy to make and great on those busy mornings for people on the go.

1 cup Acai berry juice
1 banana
1 cup plain yogurt (if lactose intolerant or vegan, substitute soy yogurt or almond milk)
1⁄2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1 cup crushed ice
Agave nectar to taste
Add all the ingredients to a blender and, using the smoothie option, if available, blend until smooth and creamy. If needed, add more ice or liquid for the desired consistency.

VIRGO
(the nervous system)

Split Peas. These great dried peas have been used as healing remedies as well as a great protein source for hundreds of years. They are nutritious and delicious with antidepressant, anti-anxiety properties, great for the Virgo nervous system. Other health properties also include fiber, tryptophan, manganese, and folate, all of which will stimulate the touchy nervous systems of those who are prone to depression, which plagues the overworked Virgo. A nice bowl of split pea soup will really soothe those frazzled nerves!

Split Pea Soup with Roasted Pork Belly
SERVES 8
I started using pork belly with this because of my husband. It reminds him of his European roots.

12 thick slices pork belly
1 onion, cut into small dice
2 carrots, peeled and cut into small dice
3 celery stalks, cut into small dice
3 garlic cloves, minced
6 cups chicken stock
1 pound split peas, rinsed and drained
1 bay leaf
6 sprigs fresh thyme
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1⁄2 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

1. Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the pork belly and cook until crisp. Transfer to paper towels to absorb excess fat. Leave just enough of the fat from the pork belly in the pot to brown the vegetables.

2. Add the onions, carrot, celery, and garlic to the fat in the pot and sauté until the onion is translucent. Add the water, split peas, bay leaf, and thyme.

3. Crumble 8 pieces of the pork belly and add to the soup. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 11⁄2 hours, stirring occasionally, or until the peas are soft. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley and the remaining crumbled pork belly pieces.

SAGITTARIUS
(the liver)

Avocado. Avocados contain glutathione, which reacts as an antioxidant and can rev up a sluggish liver. The monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats in avocados are healthy fats that do not damage the liver. There is some evidence that symptoms of alcoholic liver disease will respond to avocado consumption. So Sagittarians can certainly benefit from a scoop or two of guacamole or slices of avocado on their sandwiches.

Lobster Guacamole
SERVES 8
Two of my favorite foods ever, combined into one! To die for!
4 avocados, peeled, pitted 1⁄2 cup finely minced red onion 1 jalapeño, seeds and membrane removed, fi nely minced 3 garlic cloves, finely minced 1⁄2 cup minced, fresh cilantro plus sprigs for garnish 1⁄4 cup mayonnaise
Juice of 1 lime Garlic salt Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1⁄2 pound cooked lobster meat, chopped 1 lime, cut into wedges for garnish

1. Mash the avocado with a masher in a medium bowl just until chunky. Add all the remaining ingredients except for the lobster, cilantro sprigs, and lime wedges, and mix well. Fold in the lobster meat.

2. Transfer the guacamole to a serving bowl and garnish with the lime wedges and cilantro sprigs. Chill for 1 hour before serving.