Showing posts with label dairy-free. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dairy-free. Show all posts

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Crispy Basil Leaves & Marinade for Tofu or Chicken

Basil crispy

My CSA box came with a glimpse of summer a few weeks ago: a small bag of beautiful basil leaves.  It was a bit unexpected, and I was at a loss for a clever way to prepare the beautiful leaves.  Pesto seemed too obvious and my husband vetoed that idea.  He suggested a Thai basil dish--something I had never made at home before.  I started to do some research and decided to crisp half the leaves in an oven instead of frying them.  I decided to use the remaining basil for a lovely Asian style marinade.


The recipe below was excellent with tofu but would work as well on bite size pieces of chicken.  If you are gluten free or wheat free, please be aware that soy sauce is a common source of hidden wheat. 

By the way if you are looking for an excellent CSA in the Seattle area: Jubilee Farm is a great one to support.   I am as hooked on the fresh produce they send me as I am on farmer Erick's weekly newsletter which is included in every box.  They've started their own blog as well: The Growing Revolution .

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basil-crispy tofu with rice

Crispy Basil Leaves
Wait until serving time to add the crispy leaves to your dish to retain the contrast in texture between the leaves in the marinade and the ones you've crisped.
 
  • Preheat oven to 350F.
  • Oil two cookie sheets.
  • Coat basil leaves with vegetable oil of your choice and lay flat onto the cookie sheets.
  • Sprinkle sea salt on top.
  • Bake for 10-13 minutes or until crisp.  Remove and let cool.
  • Reserve to top your cooked marinated chicken or tofu.

Basil Asian Marinade for Tofu or Chicken
This recipe will make enough marinade for 1 lb of firm tofu, or bite size pieces of chicken tenders.

1 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp GF soy sauce 
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
1 tbsp chili sauce
1 cup basil leaves, cut into thin strips
1 tbsp garlic, minced
1 tsp of brown sugar, or maple syrup

  • Mix all the ingredients in a large dish. 
  • Add your protein of choice and let sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.  You can leave it marinating all day or overnight for convenience.
 
  Print this recipe


Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Oh My...Flourless Brownies

Flourless brownies crumbs

These completely flourless brownies are what memorable dessert dreams are made of:  every bite is moist, rich, intense, and completely delicious.  You'll not only take little nibbles to make the pleasure last just a little bit longer but you'll most likely commit to making another batch before you reach the end of the first one.

I found this recipe idea over at Elana's Pantry.  She always inspires me with her clever use of gluten free and wholesome ingredients. I altered her original recipe just a bit:  maple syrup and a little evaporated cane juice instead of agave nectar, a little extra water, a little easier on the dark chocolate chips.  The result was a batch of very addictive and decadent brownies, blissfully free of (cow) butter or flour.


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flourless brownies

Flourless Brownies
(makes a 9 x 13 dish)


16 oz almond butter, smooth and roasted
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup evaporated cane juice
3/4 cup room temperature water
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup cocoa powder, unsweetened
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
3/4 cup dark chocolate chips
1/4 cup walnut pieces, optional

  
  • Preheat oven to 350F.
    Place the almond butter, eggs, maple syrup in your mixer and blend until smooth.
  • Add the remaining ingredients (except for the walnut pieces)
  • Mix again to combine .
  • Oil a 9 x 13 ovenproof dish.
  • Pour the batter into it and sprinkle with walnut pieces.
  • Bake at 350F for 20-30 minutes (20 minutes will yield some seriously gooey brownies, so leave them for 30 minutes instead if you like yours more dry).

  
 

Friday, March 19, 2010

Chocolate Hazelnut Spread

chocolate hazelnut spread2

I grew up on Nutella and pain brioché (a rich and buttery bread popular in France). My family could empty a jar at light-speed, no problem. Once looked at as a gourmet product, it is now everywhere: on the shelves of Costco and at your local grocery store.  These days I prefer to make my own concoction.  I favor flavor over sugar and I like my own palette of ingredients much better than what you get in the store-bought kind.

chocolate hazelnut spread apple

My kids loved this creation.  My husband agreed that it was really good but he would have liked it better sweeter--he was outnumbered.  The good thing about making it at home is that you can adjust the sweetness according to your taste.  It always turns out just right!


I am about to enter a week of finals and I know that this spread will get me through the long hours of studying--just like Nutella used to do all those years ago.  Only this spread is healthier!
 
 

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chocolate hazelnut spread1

Chocolate Hazelnut Spread                       
I used both a food processor and a blender for this recipe.My blender could not handle the hazelnuts at the beginning and then I switched to the blender to make the spread smoother. If you don't mind a chunkier spread you can make it entirely in the food processor.  Or if your blender is powerful enough to handle it, you can make it entirely in the blender.

1 1/2 cups hazelnuts
2 tbsp roasted hazelnut oil
2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
3 tbsp cocoa powdered, unsweetened or more to taste
2 1/2 tbsp evaporated cane juice (sugar)
1 tsp GF vanilla extract
1 tsp agave nectar or honey (optional)

Place all the ingredients in a food processor and process for five minutes, scraping the sides as needed. Transfer to a blender to obtain a smoother paste.  Taste and adjust the sweetness to your liking.  Transfer to a jar with a lid and store in the refrigerator.


Print this recipe


Monday, March 15, 2010

Amazing Teff Chocolate Chip Cookies

Teff cookies in jar

These unusual cookies came about out of necessity:  we were in the middle of our weekly family night pizza dinner when I realized that we had forgotten about dessert.  Within fifteen minutes, and with the help of two of my children,  a big batch of scrumptious cookies was baking in our oven.  The whole house smelled wonderful by the time the timer beeped.

Teff tastes nutty and earthy.  It goes really well with almond or peanut butter and (as I found out) dark chocolate as well.  These vegan cookies are quite addictive but full of wholesome ingredients.  They are sweetened with maple syrup, which adds a buttery sweetness that does not overwhelm.  The dark chocolate chips are less sweet than regular semi-sweet chocolate chips. I prefer it that way, it allows the flavors to really come through.  My teenage son thought they were even better the next day.

My next post will feature a sinful hazelnut-chocolate spread.  Nutella doesn't stand a chance...

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Teff cookies



                                                                                        Print this recipe

Amazing Teff Chocolate Chip Cookies
 
1 cup roasted almond butter, unsalted
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 oz unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup pure maple syrup

1 1/2 cups teff flour

1/8 tsp salt
dark chocolate chips


  • Preheat oven to 350F.
  • Oil two cookie sheets.
  • In a food processor, place the almond butter, vanilla, apple sauce and maple syrup.  Mix to cream the ingredients together (2 minutes scraping the sides as needed)
  • Add the Teff flour and salt to the food processor and pulse until combined.
  • Scoop batter to make balls 1 1/4" in diameter and then arrange in rows--leave an 1" of space around each one.
  • Flatten with the back of a fork each ball of batter.
  • Arrange dark chocolate chips evenly on top of each cookie.
  • Bake for 13 minutes in the center of the oven.  The bottoms should be slightly golden but the tops will still be slightly soft.
  • Let cool on a rack.
  • Keep in an airtight container in your pantry or on the counter for a few days.



Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Creamy Chocolate Goodness

chocolate cream bar

I can do without a treat on most days but every once in a while a creamy, rich, delectable dessert calls to me--and it usually involves chocolate. 

chocolate cream trio


Silken tofu is the perfect conduit for the rich taste of dark chocolate.  It has other traits to recommend it as well: it is packed in convenient little cartons which you can keep on hand in your pantry; it is relatively healthy if you tolerate soy; and with the help of a food processor, it yields a lovely dessert in minutes.

If you're in the mood for more chocolate treats, be sure to check back for my next posts...

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Chocolate cream top jar

Dark Chocolate Cream 
(serves 6)
If you use agave nectar this treat is completely vegan. The coconut oil is optional but it gives the cream a wonderful extra creaminess and richness.  You might want to serve this dessert with some homemade biscotti or other cookies of your choice for dipping.

2 12.3 oz packages of firm silken tofu
1 tsp GF vanilla extract
1/4 cup + 2 tbsp unsweetened pure cocoa powder
2 tbsp evaporated cane juice
2-4 tbsp honey or agave nectar (according to your taste) 
2 tbsp virgin coconut oil, melted (optional)

Place all the ingredients in a food processor fitted with a blade. Process,  scraping the sides occasionally.  Stop blending when the mixture is smooth and creamyTransfer to a serving dish or individual dishes and store in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving.

Printable Recipe

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Crockpot, or not, Albóndigas Soup

Albondigas soup1

Winter started out in the Fall this year with pipe-bursting temperatures.  Although mother nature has been kinder to us with the new year in the Northwest, I still crave steaming pots of bubbling soup when I come home from a full day of classes.  I have become a bit of an expert at whipping out my crockpot at 5 o'clock in the morning.  I chop my ingredients with a knife in one hand and a hot cup of coffee in another.  It takes some planning ahead but it is worth the effort.  This allows me to spend time relaxing and catching up with my family as soon as I arrive home in the evenings without having to worry about dinner preparations.


Albóndigas soup is one of my husband's favorites.  I use to make it regularly in the early years of our marriage.  It's been at least fifteen years since the last batch--way overdue. This Mexican meatball soup bursts with warm spices and colorful vegetables.  Don't let the long list of ingredients chase you away from making this delicious Latin dish--it's not hard to make and a lot of the prep-work can be done ahead of time.  I have posted two methods for you to choose from: simmer it slowly in the crockpot for 8 hours or for 30 minutes on the stove-top if you are short on time.  The choice is yours but either way it's sure to please everyone at your table. 

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Albondigas soup2

Crockpot or not Albóndigas Soup 
(serves 6)
Here's how to save time:  Chop and prepare all the vegetables the night before and refrigerate until ready to use.  I like to use my food processor and pulse a few times to chop each one finely.  

1 stick cinnamon, cut in three pieces
1 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1/4 tsp ground cloves
2 tsp coriander seeds
1 tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 cups yellow onion, finely chopped (reserve 1/4 cup for the meatballs)
3 cups red cabbage, finely chopped
4 stalks celery, finely chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, finely chopped 
2 turnips, peeled and diced
4 rose skin potatoes, diced (makes 2 cups)
1 cup delicata or butternut squash, diced
1 lb grass-fed lean ground beef
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 cup basmati rice, uncooked
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp oregano
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp sea salt or more to taste
1 tsp chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, chopped (optional)
32 oz  chicken or vegetable broth
15 oz fire roasted tomatoes, chopped + juice

Optional toppings for Serving: 
Chopped cilantro
Pepitas
Diced avocado
Crushed tortilla chips

Crockpot Method:                   Printable crockpot recipe

Cooking time may vary depending on the make and model of your slow-cooker.  You may need to adjust the cooking time according to manufacturer's instructions.                                     

Place a large pot under medium heat, and saute the cinnamon, cumin, ground cloves, and coriander seeds for a minute or two until fragrant.  Place in a spice grinder and pulse until finely ground.  Set aside for now.


Using the same pot, heat 1/2 tbsp of olive oil.  Add the onions mixing occasionally until they start to soften.  Add the cabbage, celery, bell pepper, 1/4 tsp sea salt and continue sauteing for another five minutes.  Transfer to the crockpot.  Add the potatoes, turnips, and squash and mix together.


In a large bowl, combine the meat, egg, rice, 1/4 cup of chopped onion previously set aside, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and two teaspoon of the spice mixture.  Mix until thoroughly combined.  Form meat mixture into golfball sized meatballs and set aside.


Add the remaining spice mixture along with the chipotle (if using), the broth, the tomatoes as well as the bay leaf into the crockpot  and mix well.


Heat remaining 1/2 tbsp of olive oil in the pot under medium heat.  Brown the meatballs in batches until each one is golden brown on all sides.  Transfer into the crockpot.  Gently mix into the broth-vegetable mixture.  Set your crockpot on low temperature and cook for at least 8 hours.  If you have a timer, you can set it so that it stops cooking after 8 hours but still keeps it hot for your dinner.


Serve with bowls of various fun toppings at the center of the table and enjoy!



Stove-top Method:               Printable Stove-top recipe

Place a large pot under medium heat, and saute the cinnamon, cumin, ground cloves, and coriander seeds for a minute or two until fragrant.  Place in a spice grinder and pulse until finely ground.  Set aside for now.


Using the same pot, heat 1/2 tbsp of olive oil.  Add the onions mixing occasionally until they start to soften.  Add the cabbage, celery, bell pepper, 1/4 tsp sea salt and continue sauteing for another five minutes, stirring often.  Transfer to a large bowl.  Then add to it the potatoes, turnips, and squash and mix together.


In another large bowl, combine the meat, egg, rice, 1/4 cup of chopped onion previously set aside, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and two teaspoon of the spice mixture.  Mix until thoroughly combined.  Form meat mixture into golfball sized meatballs.



Heat remaining 1/2 tbsp of olive oil in the pot under medium heat.  Brown the meatballs in batches until each one is golden brown on all sides.  Return all the meatballs to the pot.  Add broth, all the vegetables, tomatoes, bay leaf, remaining spice mixture, and chipotle (if using).  Gently mix together and bring to a boil.  Cover and lower the heat to a simmer.  Continue simmering for 30 minutes.  

Serve with bowls of various fun toppings at the center of the table and enjoy!


 

 

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Picadillo with Sauteed Almonds

Picadillo bowl

Picadillo is a Cuban dish.  This recipe is probably not very authentic but it makes for one delicious meal.  I have adapted it from a wonderful cookbook called: The 150 Best Slow Cooker Recipes.  My friend Marieke gave me the book as a gift years ago and I have been putting it to good use ever since.


This is ideal for a family meal or for company.  The leftovers are only enhanced the next day as the flavors mingle together and the ingredients become good friends.  Leftovers are rare when I make Picadillo, though:  it's just too delicious.

I made it with buffalo meat instead of my usual grass-fed beef.  Although I usually make it in the slow cooker, this time I made a few changes to try it on the stovetop.  It turned out beautifully!

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Picadillo plate close-up

Picadillo with Sauteed Almonds (serves 6)
Serve this wonderful dish with brown rice and sauteed greens.  I especially love sauteed collard greens with garlic.

1 tbsp olive oil
2 lbs ground buffalo  (or lean grass-fed beef)
2 tbsp of minced garlic
2 tsp oregano leaves
1 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1 bay leaf
1 can 6 oz tomato paste + 1 can-worth of hot water
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
12 pimiento-stuffed olives, halved
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1 tsp olive oil

  • Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot and brown the meat under medium to high heat.
  • Add the garlic, oregano, salt, cinnamon, cloves, bay leaf, tomato paste and water, red wine vinegar.
  • Mix well, bring to a boil, and reduce the heat to a simmer and cover.
  • Simmer for 20 minutes
  • Add the olives and continue simmering for 10 more minutes.
  • In a small pan, heat the 1 tsp of oil and add the almonds.  Saute until golden and remove from the heat immediately.
  • Sprinkle sauteed almonds on meat mixture and serve immediately.
Printable Recipe


Picadillo in plate
Enjoy!

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Gluten Free Crunchy Bread

crusty bread on board

When was the last time you sunk your teeth into a decent crunchy gluten free bread? 

crusty bread french toast

With its crunchy crust and chewy interior, this bread is perfection straight out of the oven.  The leftovers make great french toast the next morning. Did you know that french toast is called "Lost Bread" in France?  That's because it's typically made with old bread, usually baguette slices--ah, such delicious practicality!


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crusty bread slices

Crusty Gluten Free Bread (makes one round loaf)
This recipe is based on the French Baguette recipe featured in a 2008 issue of Living Without magazine.


1 cup garbanzo bean flour
3/4 cup arrowroot starch
3/4  cup tapioca starch
1/2 brown rice flour 
2 tsp xantham gum
1 tsp sea salt
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tbsp GF dry yeast

1 1/2 cups barely warm water
1 tbsp olive oil


Oil + Cornmeal for the pan and dish

  • Oil a pyrex or ceramic 2 qt casserole round-dish 
  • In a mixer, combine the first 8 ingredients and mix at low speed for a few minutes while you prepare the wet ingredients (olive oil+water) in a small bowl
  • Keep the mixer on and pour the wet ingredients into the dry. When the batter forms, increase the speed to medium  and mix for 5 minutes.
  • Transfer the batter to the pyrex or ceramic dish and cover with a clean kitchen towel.  Keep in draft-free area and let rise for 1 hour.
  • Preheat oven to 400F.  Place a medium bowl filled with water on the bottom rack of the oven.  Oil a cookie-sheet and dust with cormeal.  
  • Invert the bread onto the prepared cookie-sheet and place in the oven.
  • After 15 minutes, very carefully remove the bowl of water from the oven and dump the content in the sink.
  • Continue baking for another 15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the internal temperature reaches 200F.

Printable Recipe
     

    Thursday, January 21, 2010

    Colorful Salad with Avocado Cilantro Dressing

    Avocado Salad Dressing Bowl


    Fresh is in order even in the Winter months.  It provides a much needed burst of sunshine.    Making a salad dressing at home takes only minutes can elevate a boring salad to something spectacular.  I used frozen avocado for my creamy dressing.  It works great when this fruit is out of season.

    This salad features a wealth of textures, providing  a little something for everyone: crunchy peppers, nutty pepitas, perfumy cilantro, sweet carrots, smoky roasted corn and refreshing romaine leaves.  The final touch is the creamy lime-cilantro dressing.

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    avocado salad dressing close up


    Colorful Salad with Creamy Avocado Cilantro Dressing (serves 6)
    Can be prepared ahead of time.  Refrigerate the salad components separately from the dressing and mix together just before serving.

    2 cups of thinly shredded carrots
    2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
    1/4 cup cilantro leaves
    1 cup roasted corn kernels, thawed
    2 cups red bell pepper, diced
    2 romaine heart salad, torn into bite size pieces
    1/4 cup pepitas

    Dressing:
    1 avocado
    1/4 tbsp olive oil
    2 tbsp fresh lime juice
    1/4 cup cilantro
    1/4 tsp ground cumin
    1/4 tsp garlic powder
    2 tbsp water

    • Place all the salad ingredients in a large bowl
    • In a blender or food processor, blend all the salad dressing ingredients until smooth.
    • Mix the dressing in with the salad just before serving.

    Printable Recipe

    Friday, January 15, 2010

    Gluten Free WholeGrain Baking Fun

    WholegrainbreadwithQuinoaflakes

    A while back, my friend Marie gave me the most delectable jars of homemade Quince Jelly. Any excuse is good for making some homemade bread, so I set out to provide a delivery-device for this lovely jelly.  This earthy bread made good use of the quinoa flakes in my pantry and provided the perfect partner for this rare treat.

    Whole-Grain Bread with Quinoa Flakes 
    (makes 2 small loaves)

     This is a variation on one of my favorite breads. I love exploring new ways of incorporating more wholesome ingredients into my recipes and this one is a winner. It will taste wonderful straight out of the oven with some good salty Irish butter and your favorite jam. Slice and freeze the rest for later use.


    Ingredients:
    1 cup bob's red mill GF mix (or other brand)
    1/2 cup teff flour
    1/2 cup buckwheat flour
    1/2 cup brown rice flour
    1/2 cup quinoa flakes
    1 tsp salt
    2 tsp xantham gum
    1 tbspn GF dry yeast

    2 cups room temperature water
    1 tbsp vinegar
    2 tbsp olive oil
    1/2 cup egg white beaten

    • Mix together in a mixer the dry ingredients.
    • In a bowl mix the wet ingredients
    • Combine the wet into the dry ingredients and mix on medium speed for 3 minutes (scraping the sides if necessary)
    • Cover the bowl with a clean towel and Let rise for 45 minutes
    • Oil two 3" x 8" loaf pans
    • Transfer batter to the two loaf pans and cover again with the towel
    • Let rise while the oven preheats to 375F
    • Bake for 50 minutes
    • Unmold and let cool on a rack.
    Printable Recipe

    Thursday, January 7, 2010

    Amaranth Continued...Spinach Amaranth Herb Salad

    amaranth salad in bowl

    In continuing with my Amaranth exploration, here's a lovely, refreshing salad that will bring some much needed sunshine to gray days of Winter.  My family loved this creation so much they asked me to make it again before they were even done with the first batch.  I've put it on my list of convenient lunches to take with me to school this quarter.  I might throw in some more vegetables and some sheep feta.  This way I can feel good that I am eating  healthy even when away from home.

    amaranth salad 2

    Spinach Amaranth Herb Salad (serves 6)
    Inspired by Tabouleh, this salad is refreshing and delicious.
    As an alternate instead of the fresh herbs you can use 1/4 cup of dry Ghormeh Sabzi herb mix (available at middle eastern grocery stores) but still include the fresh chopped spinach.


    2 cups amaranth
    2 cups of water
    1/2 tsp sea salt
    1/4 cup olive oil
    1/4 cup fresh lime juice
    1/4 tsp ground cumin
    1/2 tsp ground coriander
    1 garlic clove, minced or crushed
    1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
    2 tbsp chopped fresh mint
    1/4 cup chopped cilantro
    2 cups finely chopped baby spinach

    • Simmer covered on a low flame for 12 minutes.
    • Transfer to a bowl and set aside to cool slightly.
    • In a small bowl mix: olive oil, lime juice, cumin, coriander, garlic and chopped herbs.
    • Mix the salad dressing in with the cooked amaranth and chopped baby spinach
    • Refrigerate for at least an hour to let the flavors blend together.

    Printable recipe

    Wednesday, December 30, 2009

    Ending the Year On a Sweet Note: Walnut Cookies with Chocolate

    walnut cookie bite

    Months ago my sister sent me an email with a recipe for walnut macaroons. She wrote that they were deliciously addictive, and that I just had to try them.  I meant to make a batch right away but got busy and forgot about it.



    With all the holiday baking, I ran out of a lot of ingredients in my pantry. I was all set to make my truffles when I realized I was out of hazelnuts.  I decided to make something with the only bag of nuts left on the shelf: walnuts.  I could have made the truffles using walnuts  but then I had an epiphany--I remembered my sister's email.  A few taps on the keyboard and I had it in front of me: the perfect walnut cookie recipe.  I can't leave well-enough alone, however, so I played around with some of the ingredients and altered her wonderful recipe into something that met my own preferences: reduced the sugar, added some brown rice syrup and coconut flour for texture.   These cookies were a huge hit with my family and friends. I'm sure that even my sister would approve if she could only fly over here and share some over coffee.



    walnut chocolate chip cookies close-up

    These cookies are so moist and rich tasting, it's hard to believe that they do not contain butter.  The orange zest works really well with the flavor of the ground walnuts.  A few chocolate chips in the center enhance these cookies and  make them even more memorable.  I had fun watching my seven year-old nibble his way around the cookie.  He carefully worked at isolating all three chocolate chips in the center to dedicate them for his very last bite without getting any of the melted chocolate on his hands--not an easy task!

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    walnut cookies on rack

    Walnut Cookies with Chocolate Chips (makes 36)

    16 oz of walnut pieces, ground in the food processor
    1/4 cup brown rice syrup
    1/4 cup turbinado sugar
    Zest of one orange
    1 large egg + 1/2 cup egg whites, beaten

    1/4 cup coconut flour
    Dark chocolate chips

    • Preheat oven to 350F
    • Oil two cookie sheets and set aside
    • Mix all the ingredients, except for the chocolate chips, together in a bowl until uniform
    • Wet your hands slightly, and take a little under a tablespoon of the batter and roll it into a ball.  Set it on the prepared cookie sheet and continue this step until the batter is all gone.  Set the balls in rows about 1 1/2" apart from each other.
    • Place three chocolate chips in the center of each one and gently push down to flatten slightly.
    • Place the cookie sheets in the oven and bake for 18 minutes.  The bottoms of the cookies should be golden.
    • Let cool on a wire rack.  Completely cooled cookies can be stored for a few days in an airtight container at room temperature. 


    Printable Recipe

     


    Craving more cookies?
    Cardamon Dark Chocolate Cookies 
    Gluten Free Cranberry Pistachio Wedding Cookies  
    Lebanese Gluten-Free Walnut Cookies

    Tuesday, December 22, 2009

    A Warm Winter Meal: Roasted Kabocha White Bean Soup

    kabbeansoup&bread

    Some vegetables are fascinating in their odd appearances. You have to wonder what treasures rest inside, safely hidden by the strange exterior. Once you scratch the surface of these specimen of nature, beauty often emerges in many unexpected shapes and forms. Celery root is one good example and a personal favorite.  The hairy okra is another.  But today I am all about the Kabocha squash.

    kabsquashblogview

    This pumpkin-like japanese squash is dull green and warty--well, at least bumpy.  It would stand little chance of winning the National Pumpkin Beauty Contest-- then again maybe it would...



    I love it because of its incredible velvety texture, its wonderful color, and its fine nutritional pedigree: Vitamin A and C, calcium, folic, iron, potassium, and list goes on. It's a little tough to cut through and peel, so you'll need a good knife. The effort is well worth it and this soup is simply superb.

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    kab&beansoupbowl

    Roasted Kabocha Squash & White Bean Soup (6-8 servings)
    You can replace the Kabocha for a cooking pumpkin or a butternut squash but the texture the Kabocha imparts is well-worth seeking it out.  The pears and coconut milk work really well to create a memorable soup.

    1 tbsp olive oil

    1 medium yellow onion, chopped
    6 cloves of garlic, peeled and smashed
    1 medium zucchini, diced (2 cups)

    5 cups prepared kabocha squash, diced
    1 tbsp ginger, freshly grated
    1 tsp sea salt


    2 cups Bosc Pears, peeled, cored and diced
    1 large potato, peeled and diced

    1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
    3 cups white beans, cooked
    1 piece Kombu seaweed (about 2" long--optional)
    1 tsp ground turmeric
    8 cups water
    1 cup light coconut milk
    1/2 cup cilantro, chopped (for garnish)


    • Preheat the oven to 400F.  
    • Place the first 7 ingredients on an oiled cookie sheet and roast for 30 minutes, stirring halfway through the cooking process.
    • Transfer roasted vegetable to a large soup pot.
    • Add all the other ingredients except for the coconut milk. Mix well.
    • Set on medium to high heat and bring to a boil.  Simmer for 20 minutes covered.
    • Add the cup of coconut milk and heat for another 3 minutes.
    • Blend until smooth with an immersion blender.
    • Serve with a sprinkle of cilantro in each bowl.
    Printable Recipe



    Serving Suggestion: Serve with some homemade cornbread.  You can use your own recipe or a GF cornbread mix and then add:
    • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
    • 1/4 cup pepitas
    • 1 tablespoon of roasted pepper, diced
    • 1/2 cup mexican or cheddar cheese
    Bake according to packaging. Enjoy!


    More Soups:
    Velvet Butternut Squash and Lima Bean Soup
    Tofu Vegetable Soup with Miso

    Friday, December 18, 2009

    Heaven in Every Bite: Dark Chocolate Truffles

    Truffles in bowl

    Holiday time comes alive when you get the whole family involved in making these marvelous treats. Little ones especially have fun with rolling the truffles in sugar or unsweetened coconut flakes if you are sugar-averse. It also teaches them the joys of creating a gift for someone as opposed to purchasing one. In our family, whoever helps gets to taste. I always have helpers!

    Truffles

    I save glass jars all year long to serve as gift delivery devices.  I have been known to break down and actually purchase an unusual looking one. We use them for water cups, food storage and gift giving. When I need to put together a gift, all I need to do is select one, fill it with scrumptious treats and decorate the lid with a piece of fabric and a pretty ribbon. Sometimes, I'll add a little tag with the ingredients or the recipe. It is always very well received. The challenge is to resist eating these yummy truffles long enough to fill up the jar. If you can't help yourself,  you can at least take comfort in the fact that they are relatively healthy as far as truffles go.

    Truffles on platter

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    Dark Chocolate Truffles (makes 13 )
    These treats are delicious and not too sweet. It's important to use the highest quality unsweetened cocoa powder so the richness really comes through. If you like things on the sweeter side you can use only 2 tsp of hazelnut liqueur and then add 1 tsp agave nectar. If you are using the hazelnut extract and water mixture, use only 1 tsp of water and then add the agave nectar.

    1/2 cup hazelnuts
    2 tbsp almond butter
    3 plump dates, pitted
    2 tbsp of unsweetened coconut flakes
    2 tbsp high quality cocoa powder, unsweetened
    1 tbsp hazelnut liqueur (or 1 tsp hazelnut extract + 2 tsp water)
    1 tsp toasted hazelnut oil (or a mild vegetable oil)

    crystallized sugar to roll in
    or sweetened cocoa powder

    • Place all the ingredients (except for the crystallized sugar or sweetened cocoa powder) in a food processor. 
    • Grind into a paste.  
    • Carefully, grab a little bit of the mixture in between your fingers: it should stick together into a malleable dough.
    • Prepare a plate with the sugar. Set aside for the final step.
    • Form the truffles by taking about two teaspoons of the mixture, clumping it together and rolling it into a little ball. Continue until all the mixture has been used.
    • Gently roll each truffle on the plate with the sugar to coat evenly.
    • Store in a jar in the refrigerator.
    Printable Recipe


      Truffle clos-up

      Need more chocolate?
      Almond Bars with a Dark Chocolate Crust
      Figs Stuffed with Chocolate Hazelnut Cream
      Chocolate Caramel Baked Pears

      Monday, December 7, 2009

      The Beauty of Fall: Acorn Squash Salad with Walnut Sauce and Pomegranate Seeds

      acornsquashwithwalnutsauce&pomegranate

      You see it so clearly--a vision of what a dish was always meant to be: a visual stimulation, a harmony of texture, and symphony of good taste. This Acorn dish is all that and more.

      You could just roast your acorn with olive oil, garlic and sea salt, and no one would argue that it isn't, indeed, wonderful that way. But when you are looking for something out of the ordinary, something that pushes the envelop a little, try this stunning acorn salad: it is as beautiful as it is delicious. The pictures don't do it justice...unfortunately, I am having problems with my camera.

      Please share your favorite ways to serve this Fall favorite in the comment section of this post.

      Acorn Squash & Pomegranate with spoon


      Acorn Squash Salad with Walnut Sauce and Pomegranate Seeds
      This would make a great addition to your holiday table. It looks so festive and it's a great make-ahead dish.


      2 acorn squash (previously steamed, skinned, sliced into wedges and refrigerated)
      1 garlic clove, coarsely chopped
      2 tbsp olive oil
      1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
      1/4 cup walnut pieces
      1/4 tsp sea salt
      3 tbsp fresh italian parsley, chopped
      Seeds of half a fresh pomegranate


      Place the cooked acorn wedges on a platter.
      Put all the ingredients for the sauce in a mortar or food processor. If using a mortar: proceed to crush all the ingredients together to form a thick sauce. If using the food processor: pulse a few times until you obtain a thick paste.
      Pour the sauce onto the slices of squash.
      Generously sprinkle the pomegranate seeds onto the whole thing and serve.
      ~serves 6~


      Artsy-Foodie's Tips: Prepare the acorn squash ahead of time. To steam it: just cut it in half, seed it, and place it in a covered pyrex dish. Then microwave it for 8 minutes and voila! It's ready. Let it cool until cold enough to handle and cut it into wedges. Store in a sealed container in the fridge until the sauce is ready.


      Looking for a clean and easy way to seed a pomegranate? Fill a large bowl with cold water. Cut the pomegranate in half, and submerge one half at a time into the water-filled bowl. Separate the seeds from the white pith while submerged. This is a great way to avoid a mess with this beautiful fruit.

      One more recipe for your enjoyment:

      Miso Glazed Acorn Squash

      Tuesday, January 20, 2009

      Quick and Delicious Chicken

      easyweekdaychickenslices2

      Happy Inauguration Day!

      Yesterday was Martin Luther King day and a national day of service. In the past, my eldest son has volunteered in homeless shelters or helped rebuild trails for the community. This year we decided to mark the occasion as a family by purchasing foods to donate to our local shelter. The kids each contributed some of their piggy-bank savings. We purchased a nutritious collection of non-perishables. Unfortunately our efforts came to an anti-climactic conclusion: the shelter was closed! We'll just have to go back during the week.


      And now, on with the recipe... the number one complaint that people have when it comes to chicken breasts is that they are flavorless and too dry. This cooking method traps in the moisture and coats every bite with delicious spices. The chicken is first flattened with a mallet which tenderizes the meat and allows for even cooking. Then a simple mixture of flour and spices coats the chicken breast before it is cooked on high heat. The result is a delicious main dish: flavorful chicken crispy on the outside and moist on the inside.

      easyweekdaychickenbreasts


      Delicious Weekday Chicken
      I like to use chickpea flour (aka garbanzo bean flour) because it's a staple in my pantry and I love its taste. However, if you are not concerned about gluten, you can always use all-purpose instead.

      2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/3" thickness
      1/4 cup chickpea flour
      1/4 tsp ground turmeric
      1/4 tsp granulated garlic
      1/4 tsp paprika
      1/4 tsp sea salt
      Olive oil for frying pan

      Mix the flour, turmeric, garlic, paprika, and sea salt in a bowl together. Coat the chicken breasts thoroughly with the mixture.

      Place a thick-bottom pan coated with olive oil on medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the hot pan without overcrowding-- work in batches if necessary. When the underside is nice and golden, flip to the other side. Cook until a meat thermometer registers 160F. Let the meat rest 5-10 minutes before serving.

      easyweekdaychickenslices

      Artsy-Foodie's Tip: This recipe makes great leftovers the next day. Cut what's left into bite size pieces and combine it with some shredded cabbage, peas, green onions and a homemade asian dressing for a delicious chinese chicken salad. Or, you can mix it in with your favorite rice pasta and some sauce for a quick dinner the next day. I love dishes that make my life easier the next day!

      Tuesday, January 6, 2009

      Food on the Go: Tuna Patties

      tunaricepattybite

      Vacation is over and it's back to reality. The kids are in school and the demands of work are upon on us once again. I did not make any new year's resolution concerning our diet this year. I am committed to providing my family with healthy options but it is not always easy.

      One thing I have learned over the years is that preparation is everything. If I don't spend the time pre-washing the vegetables I get from the farm we don't eat as many as we should. If I don't spend time making food ahead of time, by the time dinner comes often I am too tired to cook.

      tunaricepattyupclose

      My solution is to make things that keep and reheat well such as these wonderful fish patties. They're full of vegetables and refreshing spices. You can freeze them, refrigerate them, take them to work with a green salad for a great lunch or simply enjoy them at the end of long day.

      tunaricepatties


      Tuna Vegetable Patties (makes 13)

      1 medium zucchini shredded
      1/2 cup shredded carrots
      2 large eggs
      1 Lb cooked tuna, skinless, boneless
      1/3 cup chopped parsley
      3/4 cup cooked brown rice or black rice
      1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
      1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
      1/2 teaspoon sea salt
      2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
      olive oil for the pan

      Pulse all the ingredients, except for the olive oil, in the food processor until well combined but not smooth (about 10 times).

      Heat a thick bottom pan. Pour a thin layer of olive oil in a pan. Use 1/4 cup of batter per patty, leaving spaces in between for easy flipping. When the bottom is nice and golden, carefully flip them to the other side and continue cooking until patties feel firm. It takes about 8-10 minutes per batch (about 4 minutes per side).




      Tuesday, December 16, 2008

      No Bake Almond-Chocolate Bars

      almondbartower

      Ever get tired of the "usual" snacks? Here is a treat that will remedy any snack-blues you may be experiencing.

      I was feeling sorry for my snack-deprived children, when I came across this easy, no bake recipe for a power bar on Elena's Pantry.

      almondbarsoncup

      I altered her beautiful recipe slightly by adding more agave nectar and omitting Stevia. I decided to use a different type of oil and less of it than what the original recipe called for. Finally, the addition of unsweetened applesauce made up for the missing oil.

      Delicious treats that feature nutritious ingredients and are low in unnecessary refined sugars are my favorite. These little gems are packed with raw almonds and flaxseeds, providing plenty of healthy fats and protein, not to mention fiber. The melted dark chocolate topping provides a wonderful contrast in flavor and texture. I will be making these treats, and more variations on the original recipe, again soon.

      almondbardcloseup


      Almond Bars with Dark Chocolate Crust

      2 cups raw almonds
      1/2 cup flaxseed meal
      1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
      1/2 cup unsalted roasted almond butter
      1/2 teaspoon sea salt
      3 tablespoons canola oil or almond oil
      1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
      2 tablespoons agave nectar, or honey (if not vegan)
      1 tablespoon GF vanilla extract
      1 cup of high quality dark chocolate, chopped coarsely


      In a food processor, process: almonds, flaxseed meal, coconut, almond butter and sea salt together until coarsely combined, about 10 seconds.
      In a small bowl, mix the oil, applesauce, agave nectar, and vanilla extract. Transfer to food processor with the almond mixture and pulse to combine . Press the mixture in a square brownie pan. Refrigerate for an hour.

      Melt the dark chocolate in a small bowl, using a double boiler or the microwave (in small increments)-- Stir often to avoid burning the chocolate. Spread the melted chocolate evenly on top of the almond mixture and return to refrigerator until chocolate crust forms. Divide into bars and serve. Keep in the fridge in an airtight container.


      almondbarincup

      Artsy-Foodie's Tip: Although the dark chocolate crust is delightful, it does make it tricky to slice--imagine a frozen lake and you'll understand what I mean. The trick is to use a sharp knife with a warm to hot blade. Be careful not to burn yourself.




      More recipes for you to snack on...
      Apple Scones
      Pumpkin Seeds with Spices
      Oat Fig Bars
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