Tag: garlic

Gluten Free · New Favorite · Skinny · Soups and Stews · Vegan · Vegetarian

Sweet Potato and Cauliflower Soup…surprisingly delicious!

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Sweet Potato and Cauliflower Soup, with only 5 ingredients, sounded too easy to be good. I was wrong.

It was full of flavor and, depending on your taste buds, could be enhanced with additional vegetables and spices. I think I will add a bit of curry next time.

What would you add?

 SWEET POTATO AND CAULIFLOWER SOUP

1 head cauliflower
3 sweet potatoes
1 sweet onion
Olive oil
2 cloves garlic
7 cups water
Salt and pepper

  • Preheat oven to 400F.
  • Cut up cauliflower and lay out on a cookie sheet, drizzle with oil, and bake for 25 minutes.
  • In a large pot bring water, sweet potato, onion and garlic to boil.  Cook until sweet potatoes are tender.
  • Remove half of soup and puree in food processor.  Return to soup pot.
  • Garnish with green onion, salt and pepper, parsley.

Recipe adapted from Living Paleo Cuisine

New Favorite · Skinny · Vegan · Vegetarian

Asparagus Tapenade…almost Springtime treat!

cathysmaha1 Comment

Tender stalks of asparagus at the store are a sign that Spring is upon us (or at least we hope it is). This recipe for Asparagus Tapenade has been in my stack of ‘must try’ recipes for a long time.  I wish I could remember where the recipe came from so I could give proper credit.

Asparagus Tapenade is a great recipe for anyone, but is a tasty treat for those practicing a Vegan or Vegetarian diet.

I served the Tapenade with vegetables and bits of bread.  It was great with both but I LOVED it on artisan bread. 

ASPARAGUS TAPENADE

1 pound asparagus (thick spears work fine)
1/4 cup pine nuts
2 large cloves garlic
1/2 cup fresh basil or fresh tarragon
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons fresh thyme, optional
1/4 teaspoon fresh pepper
Additional salt and pepper to taste
  • Bring pan of water to boil over high heat.
  • Rinse and trim ends from asparagus, then cut in 1 – 2 inch pieces.
  • Add asparagus to water, return water to boil, reduce heat to medium. Cook until just soft and still bright green, about three minutes. Drain well.
  • Meanwhile, toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium high, stirring occasionally, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  • Add remaining ingredients to a food processor. Add toasted pine nuts and cooked asparagus. Pulse until thoroughly blended but still roughly chopped.
  • Transfer to clean container and refrigerate until fully chilled. Serve with crackers, vegetables and/or on crostini/bread.

 

Garden · New Favorite

Bacon Swiss Chard Frittata

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Gardening is an adventure.  This year, I planted several greens including Radicchio. Turns out the Radicchio was really Swiss Chard.  Bonus! Growing up our neighbor, Lucille, always made a Swiss Chard and egg dish and I so wish I had the recipe.  As a substitute I found this recipe and have enjoyed several breakfasts, warming a piece in the microwave each morning.

I quickly realized that I started with too large of a pan for the frittata so transferred the cooked ingredients to my Mother’s favorite pie pan where I added the Parmesan and then broiled the frittata.

BACON SWISS CHARD FRITTATA

6 strips bacon, sliced
1 bunch Swiss chard, wash thoroughly, stems removed, chopped
1 clove garlic, finely minced
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 pound russet potatoes, cooked, cut in chunks
salt and black pepper to taste
8 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • Cook the bacon in a large skillet, over medium heat until crisp. Remove and drain all but 1 tbsp. of the bacon fat. Reduce the heat to med-low, and add the Swiss chard. Don’t worry about crowding the pan, as the chard will quickly wilt down.
  • Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the greens are completely wilted. Add the garlic and pepper flakes; sauté for 1 minute. Add the potatoes, salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste, and mix into the greens.
  • Pour in the eggs, and cook stirring for about 5 minutes, or until the eggs begin to set. Sprinkle the Parmesan over the top and finish cooking the frittata under a preheated broiler, about 8 inches from the heat, for 4-5 minutes, or until the top is browned and the eggs are set. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving in wedges.
Recipe from:
Garden · New Favorite · Vegan · Vegetarian

Raspberry Salsa

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Raspberries have always been my favorite fruit.  My Mother grew red and black raspberries on the farm.  When we moved into our home in 1988 we, too, planted red raspberries in our yard.  Very few raspberries make their way into the house, instead being consumed right there on the spot.

Through the years I’ve tasted several wonderful commercial raspberry salsas and it was time to make one from scratch.  Several recipes call for tomatoes but I’m a raspberry purist and didn’t want to ruin the tart, tangy goodness of fresh raspberries.

The salsa was good with tortilla chips (I’m thinking a cinnamon chip would be great with it!) and as a side to fresh grilled salmon.  The salsa would be wonderful with a grilled or broiled chicken breast as well.

Our summer bounty will fast come to a close so enjoy while you can! Also try the fresh peach or tomato salsas:

Peach Salsa
Fresh Tomato Salsa

English: Raspberries Français : Framboises Deu...

FRESH RASPBERRY SALSA

2 cups fresh raspberries
1/4 cup chopped sweet onion
3 tsp.  finely chopped jalapeno chile peppers
1 clove minced garlic
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 tsp. sugar
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice

  • Combine raspberries, sweet onion, jalapeno, garlic, cilantro, white sugar and lime juice.
  • Cover and chill in the refrigerator at least 1 hour before serving.
  • Optional: Mash berries slightly before chilling and garnish with whole raspberries.
New Favorite · Skinny · Vegan · Vegetarian

Mediterranean Edamame Salad

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Edamame and Edamame Salad was a new discovery about 4 years ago.  I loved Edamame at our favorite sushi restaurant and I’ve enjoyed Edamame Salad at potlucks but have never made one.  When this recipe popped up in a recent issue of Relish.com it inspired me to try it.  As I mentioned on Tuesday, it paired well with the Yogurt Marinated Chicken.

The salad kept for days and I’ve enjoyed it as an entrée as well.  The Salad would be equally good without the Feta cheese, for those that are following a Vegan diet.

Mediterranean Edamame Salad

Vinaigrette:
1/4 cup white wine vinegar or sherry vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh oregano
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt

Salad:
2 cups cooked, shelled edamame
2/3 cup thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup black olives (Kalamata–I used mixed Spanish olives), pitted and halved
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 cups lettuce or greens

  • To prepare vinaigrette, combine vinegar, garlic and oregano, and mix with a whisk or in the blender.  Slowly add olive oil and mix well.  Add salt and pepper.
  • To prepare salad, combine edamame, tomatoes, onion, olives, feta and vinaigrette. Let marinate 30 minutes (or longer).
  • When ready to serve, toss or serve salad with lettuce or greens.

Courtesy of Get Fresh Memphis; Relish.com

New Favorite

Spanakopita Bites

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New recipes are such fun for me and I loved the idea of Spanakopita bites.   Spanakopita is a favorite but would never have the patience to make the real deal.  I had no idea that you could buy phyllo cups at the local grocery store but they make simple work of this yummy recipe.

The recipe is simple and the results are great.  The bites can be served hot or at room temperature.  Either way, you’ll enjoy!

SPANAKOPITA BITES

30 frozen phyllo cups (2-15 count packages)
1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 small onion, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
salt & pepper
10 oz. frozen spinach, thawed then squeezed dry
6 oz. crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
pinch ground nutmeg
1 egg, whisked

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees then place phyllo cups on 2 baking sheets and set aside.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  • Add onion, season with salt and pepper, then sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 30 more seconds then transfer mixture to a large bowl and cool slightly.
  • Add spinach, feta cheese, parsley, nutmeg, and egg then stir to combine.
  • Spoon mixture into phyllo cups then bake for 12-15 minutes, or until cups are golden brown around the edges.
  • Serve hot or at room temperature.

Spanakopita bites from Iowa Girl Eats

New Favorite

Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms…Filet Mignon of Mushrooms

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Portobello Mushrooms are an adult favorite. I enjoyed button mushrooms and morels growing up but the Portobello Mushroom is my Filet Mignon of mushrooms. They are so hearty and delicious I use them as my entrée. This is just one of many ways to cook them. Experiment with your favorite ingredients!

STUFFED PORTOBELLO MUSHROOMS

4 large portobello mushroom caps
Baby Spinach
Grated/crumbled goat cheese
Garlic Salt
Grated Parmesan Cheese
1-2 tablespoon olive oil

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Rinse mushroom caps under cold water and pat dry.
  • Brush mushroom caps lightly with olive oil, and place on a baking sheet cap side down. Sprinkle with garlic salt.
  • Put crumbled goat cheese in mushroom cap.  Top with a handful of baby spinach.
  • Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
  • Bake at 350 for 30 minutes, or until the mushroom is cooked, cheese has melted, and the spinach is wilted.
New Favorite

Italian Pie…Buon appetito!

cathysmahaLeave a comment

Italian Pie is a family favorite for my good buddy, Jan.  She suggested I give it a whirl. I can certainly see why it’s a favorite.  The crisp crust paired with the hearty meat layer and the yummy cheese layer result in a wonderful, easy meal for your family. Pair with a nice salad, French bread and you’re set!

Next time, I plan to serve it with a side of marina sauce for those that may enjoy a little extra tomato flavor with their pie.  Buon appetito! 

ITALIAN PIE

1 refrigerated pie crust

  • Bake a pie crust (I used Pillsbury refrigerated pie crust). Pierce unbaked crust with fork and bake for 10 minutes at 425 degrees.  While the pie crust is baking, brown the meat layer:

Meat Layer

1 pound ground chuck
1 onion, chopped
1/2 pound mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 cloves garlic, minced
salt & pepper

  • Cook ground chuck, onion, mushrooms, garlic and seasonings until cooked through.  Drain.

Cheese Layer:

1 cup small curd cottage cheese
2 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
garlic salt & pepper
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • Combine all cheese layer ingredients together

Assembly:

  • Pour cooked meat layer into baked crust.
  • Top with cheese mixture.
  • Sprinkle top of Italian pie with 3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese.
  • Sprinkle with dried parsley.
  • Place aluminum foil around the crust edge to protect from over baking.

  • Bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees.

Family Favorites · Gluten Free · New Favorite · New Traditions · Vegetarian

Pesto Schmesto…on Pizza and Caprese Salad

cathysmaha3 Comments

Have I told you I love pesto?  Fresh ingredients and CHEESE…what’s not to like?  My basil did well this year and I’ve enjoyed a few batches of this tasty delight. This year I tried a recipe from Iowa Girl Eats blog.  After all, a recipe originating from a cook in my home state of Iowa gets my attention. I like her recipe because it’s small in proportions but you can double, triple, etc. based on your desired volume.

PESTO SCHMESTO

25-28 fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons pine nuts
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 garlic clove
salt & pepper to salt
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

  • Combine the basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt and pepper in the food processor.
  • Pulse until finely ground.
  • Slowly stream in the olive oil and pulse until smooth.

Adapted from Pesto by Iowa Girl Eats

PESTO PIZZA

Udi’s GF pizza crust (or precooked crust of your liking)
Pesto
Thinly sliced zucchini
Slow roast tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes
Turkey or chicken (or omit for vegetarian pizza)
Shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Mozzarella)

  • Layer the ingredients on the pizza crust in the order given.
  • Bake per crust instructions until pizza is hot, cheese is melted.  YUMMMMM.

PESTO CAPRESE SALAD

Fresh sliced tomatoes
Fresh sliced buffalo mozzarella
Pesto
salt & pepper

  • Layer in order above and enjoy!
New Favorite · Skinny · Vegan · Vegetarian

Summer Veggie Stir Fry

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Recently I went to the Highland Ranch Town Center Farmer’s Market,  http://www.denverfarmersmarket.com/locations.htm, a dangerous place to be when you are hungry. My daughter, Megan, and son-in-law, Christian, and I strolled through the market sampling and buying more than we really needed.  However, the wonderful dishes that came from the veggies and fruit were summer delicious! There is nothing in the world like fresh vegetables and fruits.

We bought a squash new to us, a round, globe squash. I asked the vendor how she cooks the squash and one of her suggestions was a Vegetable Stir Fry. I also decided to throw in a chopped Japanese Eggplant.   I tried, I liked, I shared.  Enjoy!

SUMMER VEGGIE STIR FRY

Chopped yellow squash, globe squash, zucchini, eggplant (optional), peppers (bell, Anaheim or whatever you like), onion, garlic, fresh sweet corn, fresh tomatoes, herbs of your choice (I used a blend of thyme, oregano, marjoram, rosemary, and basil), salt & pepper.

Sauté the onions, peppers and garlic in about 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil.  When softened, add the chopped squash, eggplant, peppers and seasoning. When the squash is beginning to soften, add cut cooked fresh sweet corn and 1-2 chopped fresh tomatoes. Continue to cook/stir until all vegetables are cooked to your liking.

I made a large batch and had leftovers for 2 days. It seemed to get better every day, just like a wonderful batch of soup.