Showing posts with label make-ahead. Show all posts
Showing posts with label make-ahead. Show all posts

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!

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

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Spinach and Bean Enchilada Casserole

spinachbeanenchiladaslice

Some favorites are born out of necessity.  Although I have been making this dish for many years, I still remember how it came about: I needed dinner, I had very little in the fridge and going to the store was not an option.  I combined refried beans with spinach into an enchilada dish that soon became a family favorite.  It's sort of  a Mexican-style lasagna, with tortillas filling in for the pasta.  This casserole is practical for a weekday meal and yet memorable enough for your best company.  I love to make a colorful salad coated with homemade salad dressing.  Later on this week, I'll feature a delightful salad that compliments this enchilada casserole to perfection.

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spinach bean casserole dish

Spinach and Bean Enchilada Casserole (Serves 6)
This is a great make-ahead dish, just like lasagna it improves over time.  It will keep in your fridge for a few days.

16oz Refried Beans
16oz chopped Spinach, thawed and squeezed dried
2 cups tomato sauce + 1/2 tsp of ground cumin (mixed well together)
6 corn tortillas, soaked in hot water to soften
1 1/2 cup Mexican Cheese Shredded

  • 350F Preheat oven
  • Oil a lasagna dish
  • Spread 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce in the bottom of the dish
  • Place strips of the corn tortillas to cover 
  • Spread the refried beans evenly
  • Add the spinach on top in an even layer
  • Sprinkle 1 cup of the cheese 
  • Add the remaining strips of tortilla on top of the whole thing
  • Finish with the remaining tomato sauce
  • Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top
  • Bake covered for 20 minutes and uncover and bake for another 10 minutes or until bubbly.

 Printable Recipe


     

    Tuesday, January 12, 2010

    Amaranth Black Bean Patties

    amaranth patties

    I am not sick of amaranth yet.  This will, however, be the last post on this minuscule seed for awhile. 


    I am on a mission to make my life both more nutritious and convenient.  My children and I are in school all day.  We all prefer brownbagging over scrambling to find something that we consider acceptable outside the home.  These amaranth patties are easy to take with you.  Pack them alongside a vegetable salad and you are in for a delicious lunch.  They taste great hot off the griddle or at room temperature the next day.  Here are some other make-ahead dishes you might enjoy at school or at work:

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      amaranth tower

      Amaranth Black Bean Patties (makes 12)

      2 cups of cooked amaranth*, cooled enough to handle
      1 cup cooked black beans
      2 tbsp green onions, chopped
      1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
      1/2 cup Mexican cheese, shredded 
      1/4 cup egg whites
      2 tbsp pepitas (optional)
      1/2 tsp ground cumin
      1/2 tsp ground coriander
      1/2 tsp sea salt
      Olive oil for griddle

      *The amaranth should be cooked according to packaging.  I use a 1:1 water to amaranth ratio. Otherwise it cooks like rice:  simmer covered for about 15 minutes, then turn off the heat and set aside for 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

      • Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl
      • making amaranth patties
      • Take 1/4 cup of the mixture and form into a patty.  Continue with the remainder of the mixture until until it is all gone.
      • Heat a griddle on medium-high (400F)
      • Coat with olive oil
      • Gently place patties on the griddle without overcrowding.
      • Fry patties for about 6-8 minutes on each side.  Handle them carefully when the first side is ready to be flipped so that they don't fall apart.  They should be golden and feel somewhat firm when tapped with the back of the spatula.
      • Serve right away with some guacamole or fresh salsa or let cool and refrigerate
      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

        Sunday, December 27, 2009

        Birthday Wishes and Cake for the Birthday Boy!

        birthdaywishes copy

        December is always super busy for us--as it is I am sure for a lot of people. On top of holiday events, we celebrate two birthdays with a fun outing, a special meal and a homemade cake.  This year, I took my husband to paint a bowl with me at our local paint-your-own pottery place.  It was lots of fun.  I highly recommend it for a date. We picked up beverages and then the two of us worked on the piece he selected: a chopstick bowl.  In the afternoon, the kids took him to the movies while I made his special meal and dessert.

        chocolateoverloadcakecloseu



        The chocolate cake was really decadent and rich--definitely not for the faint of heart. It's really dense and wonderful with a dollop of freshly made whipped cream on top. Of course, you don't have to wait for a birthday to try it!

        chocolateoverloadcakeslice

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        Chocolate Overload Cake (serves 8-10)
        Use the very best quality chocolate you can find in order to ensure amazing results.The cake can be made the day before--cool completely, wrap it well and refrigerate until you are ready to frost and decorate.

        8 oz bittersweet chocolate
        10 eggs, yolks separated from whites
        1/2 cup sugar
        1/2 tsp espresso instant powder
        1 1/2 cups almond meal


        1 cup heavy whipping cream
        3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
        3 tbsp confectioner sugar

        Dark chocolate bar to make chocolate shavings (optional)

        • Preheat oven to 350F
        • Oil a 10" springform pan
        • Melt bittersweet chocolate in a double-boiler--or the microwave (in small increments to ensure the chocolate does not acquire a burnt taste)
        • Set aside to cool
        • Beat the egg whites in a mixer to medium stiff-peaks.  Set aside.
        • In a mixer, beat egg yolks with sugar for three minutes on high speed.
        • Drizzle in the melted chocolate while keeping the mixer on medium and then the espresso powder
        • Add the almond meal.  Mix well
        • Using a spatula, gently fold in the egg whites into the almond-chocolate mixture.  This will take a while--you want to work it slowly
        • Pour batter into the prepared cake pan
        • Bake cake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
        • Let cool completely
        • In a mixer, beat the whipping cream, cocoa powder and sugar together until medium-stiff peaks
        • Frost the cake and decorate as you'd like
        • To make chocolate shavings, use a vegetable peeler and slide it over the bar of chocolate.  Then use the shavings to decorate the top of the cake once it's been frosted
        • Store in the refrigerator until 15 minutes before serving
        Printable Recipe



          Chocolateoverloadwholecake

          Thursday, December 10, 2009

          Make-Ahead Meal: Tortilla Chip Stratta

          TortillaStrattainDish

          Make-ahead dishes are the key to a smooth holiday season. I love coming up with a meal that can be made the night before and still garners spectacular reviews.

          tortillastratta2

          My study group enjoyed this casserole dish while we prepared for our upcoming final in Pathophysiology--I won't bore you with the details, or you might lose your appetite. They loved the Stratta though, and asked for the recipe. Serve it to your family and guests, just leave the medical talk off the table and they're sure to enjoy their meal.:-)

          Tortillastratta1


          Tortilla Stratta
          A Stratta is usually made with bread but tortilla chips work really well as a replacement. This is the perfect make-ahead dish for brunch or lunch. It tastes even better as leftovers. This recipe doubles up beautifully if you want to feed a crowd.


          4 cups of crushed tortilla chips
          1/2 cup sliced black olives
          8oz tomato sauce
          1/4 cup spicy salsa
          2 cups lowfat milk
          1/2 cup sour cream
          1 cup shredded cheese (mexican mix or medium cheddar)
          3/4 cup egg white
          3 large eggs, beaten
          1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
          1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
          1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
          1 cup cooked black beans
          1 cup frozen white corn kernels, thawed
          1/2 tsp ground cumin


          The night before:
          Oil a lasagna glass or ceramic dish.
          Combine the chips, olives, tomato sauce, salsa in a large bowl.
          In another bowl add: the milk, sour cream, shredded cheese, egg whites, beaten eggs and cumin. Mix well.
          Then, combine it with the chip mixture.
          Add the cilantro, onion, tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Mix thoroughly and pour into your prepared dish.
          Cover and store in the fridge overnight.

          The next day:
          Preheat oven to 375F.
          Take the dish out of the fridge and let it sit out for about 20 minutes to warm to room temperature.
          Bake in the oven for 1 hour or until golden and puffy. Let cool for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
          ~serves 6-8~


          TortillaStrattabatter


          Tortillastratta3

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