Saturday, May 30, 2009

spinach garbonzo bean soup

I got this idea from http://kalynskitchen.blogspot.com/2008/02/chickpea-garbanzo-bean-soup-recipe-with.html I changed it a bit.

Easy/ nice flavor makes 4 servings


2 cups of garbanzo beans (cooked)
3 cups of the liquid you cooked the garbanzo beans in (I save liquid it is better than Chicken broth and vegan--) or you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth.
1/2 chopped onion
4-5 cloves minced garlic
1 15 ounce can diced tomatoes with juice
4 cups baby spinach (cut as small as you like)
1/2 tsp Worcester sauce (they make a vegan one too)
pepper
salt (optional)
3 large basil leaves

Saute onions 5 minutes in a bit of water. Add garlic and cook another 2-3 minutes. Combine beans, broth, tomatoes with juice, and onion and garlic. Cook 30 minutes. Add cut spinach, pepper and salt. Cook about 15 minutes. Add basil and cook 2 minutes more

Friday, May 29, 2009

Vegetable Tacos from Southern Living (16 cups veggies)

This was fantastic---so many veggies and the seasonings flavor it so nicely--great for soft tortillas or over rice!

Makes 16 tacos. Prep 20 minutes Cook : 20 minutes

1/2 poun fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
2 medium zucchini, diced
2 medium tomatoes, chopped (I used cherry tomatoes cut up)
1 large red bell pepper , chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, chopped (my addition)
1/2 of a small eggplant (I used more), diced
1 small white onion, chopped
1 Tbs lime juice (I used the juice from one small lime)
1 and 1/4 tsp salt (I used way less--sea salt)
3/4 tsp garlic powder
3/4 tsp ground cumin
3/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper
1 tbs vegetable oil (I omitted)

1. Bring all ingredients except for soft taco tortillas) to boil with 1 cup water. over medium high heat in Dutch oven. Reduce to medium low and cook about 20 minutes until tender. Serve vegetables with slotted spoon with warm tortillas and desired toppings.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Brussels Sprout Salad



I believe I found this in an old magazine from the 80's. It is a nice way to have a different salad! It called for 1/2 cup of oil (I just omitted it since we are trying to go more oil free) I used the baby brussels that come in a microwave bag--I cooked them for less time then called for--you want them lightly cooked.

1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1 tsp honey Dijon mustard
1 tsp Worcester sauce (I used a gluten free)
1/2 tsp salt (I didn't use this much--might have used a pinch or nothing)
1/2 tsp basil (I just used some fresh basil--about 2-3 leaves)
1/4 tsp crushed dried thyme (I used fresh--several sprigs)
1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper.
1 and 1/4 cup small Brussels sprouts lightly cooked (I used the baby ones)
1 jar of pimentos (I just used 2 ounces).
1/3 cup green onions (I happened to omit , but it would be good)
Oil if desired--see note above

Mix and chill.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Polenta Pizza (and it is gluten Free)

This may look strange , but it was so wonderful--kudos of flavor!! Serves 4-6 I found this in Dr. Esselstyn's book called Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease. It was wonderful and the fresh pineapple really adds to the flavor so don't omit this!! This takes a long time of preparation , so I think I may try to find a faster way to prepare it.SEE THE NOTE END If you have another person helping it may aid in the time. It took me almost an hour to prepare and then 25 minutes to cook the finished product---but it was well worth it.

Polenta:

3 & 1/3 cups water
1 cup cornmeal (use Hodgson Mills brand )
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil

*Topping:(see note at end of recipe)

1 red bell pepper
1 large onion, sliced and slices halved
2 portobello mushrooms , sliced (I used 2 packages 6 ounces each of sliced ones)
1 & 1/2 cups broccoli florets, chopped in 1 inch pieces
1 16 ounce package frozen chopped spinach , thawed
4 garlic cloves, chopped
2 cups no-oil pasta sauce (ours had a bit of oil--I would have to make own to be free
1 cup chunked fresh pineapple

1. preheat oven 400

2. Place water in pot and bring to boil. Slowly add the cornmeal--mixing all of the time you are adding so lumps don't form. Then cook on low stiring occasionally for about 15 minutes until nice and thick. Stir in the garlic powder, oregano, and basil. Spread on a pizza stone or nonstick baking sheet--making as thick or thin as you like--spreading with spatula and trying to create an edge. Easier to handle as it cools. Can use fingers.

3. Bake it 15 minutes.

4. Meanwhile cut up onions, and portobello mushrooms. Place on baking sheet with the whole red bell pepper. You broil these (after you have removed the polenta from oven.
Stir them occasionally. The mushrooms will cook faster--so remove them unto a dish. Then when the onions are done remove them. Then when the pepper is done remove it.The pepper should be slightly black.

5. Hold the pepper under cold running water --this will enable the papery skin to fall off. Remove the seeds and slice.

6. Steam broccoli lightly and drain.

7. Thaw spinach in microwave or under running water--drain completely and squeeze out the moisture.

8. Stir fry the garlic (with just a bit of water)for a minute and then mix it with the spinach. Let all water evaporate.

9. Chop pineapple

10. Spread the spinach over polenta. Next place the sauce, the porobello strips, the onions, broccoli florets, pineapple and finally, roasted red pepper strips.

10. Bake for about 25 minutes. (or longer until the crust is as crisp as you desire)

* a faster version---you can saute the veggies of your choice in an iron skillet. I like green bell pepper, onions and broccoli. I lace these on the pizza crust that has already cooked the 15 or 20 minutes. Then I add a bit of sauce (can use marinara sauce). Then I bake it 25 minutes or much longer if I make the crust thick. Also I now use parchment paper under the crust while cooking the pizza.
Image may contain: food
Since my hubby is not a fan of mushrooms on pizza I can omit them. Also good combo is spinach, 3 large tomatoes sliced, cup pineapple cubes, 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, nutritional yeast 1/3 cup

Dip for vegetables

We love this for dipping veggies

Monday, May 25, 2009

Sloppy Lentil Joes


This had a nice flavor (very tasty!) and it does taste quite a bit like a sloppy joe. It is from DR. Esselstyn's book. It said it makes 8-10 servings, but for us it is more like 6. We had it served on rice--it would be great with cooked spinach in it or with it also!! It can be served on buns, or rice, or eaten plain etc


3 & 1/2 cups water
1 large onion, chopped (1 cup)
1 bell pepper--any color--seeded and chopped (I used green and red)
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 & 1/2 cups dried lentils, red or brown (I can't find red ones)
1 15 ounce can crushed tomatoes (I used half of a 26 oz can)
1 tab low-sodium tamari or Bragg Liquid Aminos (I omitted--)
2 tab mustard, Dijon or your choice (I used a honey dijon)
1 tab brown sugar
1 tablespoon of rice vinegar (I forgot and it was still great)
1 tsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (I used regular and mine was gluten free)
1 bunch cilantro, chopped
fresh ground black pepper, to taste




1. Place 1/3 cup water in large pot. Add onions and bell pepper and cook about 5 minutes, until onions soften slightly, stirring occasionally.

2. Add chili powder and mix well.

3. Add remaining water, the lentils, tomatoes, and the rest of the ingredients. Mix well, bring to a boil, lower heat, cover, and cook over low heat for 55 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Whole Wheat Bread


This is my same basic recipe but I used flour that my family liked better. 3 cups of Hodgson Mill's whole wheat, and 3 cups of King Author's White Whole Wheat. Using this recipe:

http://nannykimsrecipes.blogspot.com/2008/08/whole-wheat-bread.html

Baby Lima Bean Salad--no oil



Got this from Dr. Dean Ornish's book --I doubled the recipe and you serve it on lettuce--It is a nice change for a refreshing lunch. The picture above had most of the lettuce eaten!

Note--soak beans the night before. In the morning when you get up cook the beans for 1 hour (following the directions below for the seasoning) or until tender. (the recipe said 40 min--mine took longer--keep checking). Refrigerate beans. When cool add the rest. See directions below.

NOTE--MAKE MORE THAN THIS-AT LEAST DOUBLE THE RECIPE FOR MY FAMILY--IT SAYS IT MAKES 3 SERVINGS--but I like more. The picture on the top is doubled (a whole bag of baby lima beans --2 cups dry)

1 cup dry BABY lima beans (use baby ones , but see above note) (I usually double this and whole recipe.
4 cups water
4 bay leaves
1 tsp dried thyme (I also used fresh along with this)
1 tsp dried sage (I also used fresh along with this)
1/2 cup finely diced fresh tomatoes (used cherry tomatoes)
1/2 cup finely diced celery
1 tsp freshly chopped parsley
1 tab red wine vinegar (sometimes I like a bit more--do it to taste)
1/2 tsp freshly minced garlic
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Sort the baby lima beans, rinse, and then soak overnight in the water. Cook the beans for 40 -65 minutes in the water with the bay leaves, thyme and sage. Cook until tender but not falling apart. Remove the bay leaves and drain.

Toss the beans with the tomatoes, celery, parsley, vinegar, celery, garlic, slat and pepper. Can serve on lettuce.

Red Pepper hummus--oil free and also bean spread

We tried this and love it--it is from Dr. Esselstyn's book. It is good with pita, crackers, veggies and on pasta. Very easy to make and no tahini or oil! See another similar recipe here: http://nannykimsrecipes.blogspot.com/2010/03/veggies-and-hummus-good-snacking.html

2 19 ounce cans of chickpeas, drained and rinsed (I only had 15 oz cans so I should have put a bit less of the water from the red pepper jar--but it is great this way on pasta)
1 12 ounce jar roasted peppers, including liquid (make sure to delete any seeds first!!)
1 tsp ready to use chopped garlic or 2 garlic cloves, chopped
1-3 tsp lemon juice (I use 3)
1 tsp ground cumin
(salt, if desired--the recipe didn't call for it)


Combine all in food processor and process until smooth. Adjust for thickness desired.
FOR A BEAN SPREAD I LIKE THE FOLLOWING:
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) of chick peas
2. picante sauce as much as desired
3. a tablespoon or so of Frito bean dip (has no fat)
4. enough water to get the consistency you desire
Blend together in food processor

Potato and Spinach Masala

I love this dish--you serve it over rice. It has a nice combo of flavors since it uses indian spices , lime, coconut milk. I found this here at ruth' vegetable soup blog: http://ruthsvegetablesoup.blogspot.com/2009/04/potato-and-spinach-masala.html

Ingredients:
2 1/2 lbs Yukon Gold or Klondike yellow-fleshed potatoes, cut into cubes
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 T minced fresh ginger
1 jalapeno chile, chopped (I think I will omit this for less heat)
1 t ground coriander
1/2 t ground cumin
1/2 t turmeric
1 13.5-oz can lite coconut milk
4 oz fresh spinach, chopped (I used more)
1 1/2 t garam masala
2 T lime juice
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
(I added salt and pepper--I may even like it a bit heavier on the other spices too!)
Optional: great with yellow raisins added as a side to add when serving the dish

Procedure:
Steam the potatoes in steamer basket for about 10 minutes, until just tender.
Meanwhile, saute the onion in 1/4 cup water in a large nonstick skillet. Add the garlic, ginger, and jalapeno, and continue sauteeing until golden and fragrant, adding more water if needed. Stir in the coriander, cumin, and turmeric. Stir in the potatoes. Add coconut milk and 1/4 cup of water. Bring to a simmer, and cook 5 minutes. Stir in the spinach and garam masala, and cook 2 minutes until spinach is wilted. Stir in lime juice and cilantro just before serving. Serve over brown rice. (add salt and freshly ground pepper)

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Red Quinoa Black Bean Salad

I found this recipe in the red quinoa box. This has some good flavor and it is good warm and cool. It would be good served with fat free baked fries or with some taco shells or just alone or on top of greens etc HOWEVER, MY HUBBY DOES NOT REALLY LIKE THE CONSISTENCY OF QUINOA...SO I USUALLY ONLY USE IT IN SOUPS AND STEWS!

1 cup red quinoa (you can use the regular kind if you don't have the red)
2 cups water
4 tsp fresh lime juice, or more to taste
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp ground coriander
1 tab finely chopped fresh cilantro
1 tab finely minced scallions (I used green onions)
1 & 1/2 cups cooked black beans (one 15 oz. can)
2 cups diced tomatoes (one 24 oz can, drained and diced)
1 cup diced red bell pepper (this can be omitted--it is still very tasty)
2 tsp minced fresh (or canned green chilies)
salt and pepper to taste

Add red quinoa to 2 cups of water. Cover and simmer about 10-15 minutes, unti all the water is absorbed. Set aside to cool.

Combine lime juice, cumin, coriander, cilantro, scallions, beans, tomatoes, bell peppers, and chiles. Add ccooled quinoa, salt and pepper to taste. Serves 2-3. (probably around 6 or 7 cups it filled my 1.75 quart container which is 1.65 liters)

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Gluten Free Chocolate Mousse and Chocolate Syrup-also dairy free

My family loves chocolate so I was trying to find a dairy free, lower in fat, gluten free dessert--found this somewhere online--I didn't record where! This is quick! HowEVER you have to really mix it for quite a while if you use the firmer tofu. Also I tried this again and mixed all of the chocolate syrup into the batch to give it more chocolate taste--and I added more sweetener and vanilla--I like a richer chocolate taste. The above picture is the mousse--the one in front has some maple syrup drizzled on it. I am going to try some with chocolate syrup--below on it.

1 package of light SILKEN SOFT tofu (I used the firm WHICH MAKES IT SLIGHTLY GRAINY UNLESS YOU PROCESS LONGER)
1/3 cup maple syrup (this is what I used, can also use honey or sugar)needs more
2 tab. of cocoa powder (a bit more)
1 tsp vanilla (needs a bit more)
salt to taste
optional (instant coffee mixed in is very good with this --1 or 2 Tab--to taste!)


Puree in food processor. Add some (or all) of the chocolate syrup below. Refrigerate 2 hours--serves 3-4. It tasted great just after I blended it so I am not sure why it says to wait 2 hours. Perhaps cause I used the firm?


THE CHOCOLATE SYRUP:
3 tab sugar
2 tab cocoa powder
1/2 cup water
2 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp vanilla
salt to taste
Combine and heat over water until thickened. Let cool.
This is good served over strawberries or bananas.

Monday, May 18, 2009

vegetable lasagna gluten free




This was very tasty. The filling was great. I used the tinkyada brand of brown rice lasagna. My family loves this--and it is pretty quick to assemble especially since you don't have to cook the noodles before hand. I also like it without the zucchini and without the bell peppers.

Yield 8 servings

1 pkg Tinkyada Rice Lasagna Pasta, uncooked
1 jar 32 ounces of spaghetti sauce or more (I made my own --see post below-or now I actually use two regular jars of Marinara (24ounces each for a total of  48 ounces).
http://nannykimsrecipes.blogspot.com/2009/05/spaghetti-sauce-using-canned-italian.html
1 pkgs firm tofu, crumbled
1 c shredded carrot
1 c shredded zucchini (optional)
2 c chopped frozen spinach, thawed and drained
1/4 c dried basil (I sometimes use a bit of fresh also)
Optional-1/2 ea yellow and red pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
add salt and pepper if desired
Roasted red bell pepper optional addition to the filling— I like the added sweetness but I also like without.
Optional: an extra sauce for pouring over each serving when served if  not using 2 jars.
Nutritional yeast is a great addition also

In a food processor, mix the tofu, carrot, zucchini, spinach, and basil and roasted red bell pepper if using. And nutritional yeast if using until well blended. Spread sauce on the bottom of a 13x9 pan. Place a layer of lasagna noodles (uncooked)over sauce, then spread a layer of the tofu filling mixture over the noodles, layer of sauce, then noodles, filling, noodles, and ending with sauce. Sprinkle chopped peppers over top and bake tightly covered @ 375 degrees for 40-60 minutes or until noodles are soft (usually takes mine a solid hour.

Spaghetti Sauce using canned Italian Plum tomatoes



This was a nice flavor and consistancy

1 28 ounce Can of Italian Plum Tomatoes cut up
1 6 ounce can of tomato paste
1 8 ounce can of tomato sauce
1-2 tab of minced garlic (from jar)
1 large fresh Basil leave finely chopped
several sprigs of fresh parsley chopped
some fresh oregano leaves
1/2 to 1 tsp oregano (dried)--or to taste
a sprinkling of dried red pepper flakes
sea salt (to taste--
1/4-1/2 cup of water
sugar (optional)

Simmer all for about 20 minutes You can add a tsp or so of sugar if it is too tart. NOTE: This recipe is also good using a large 28 ounce can of fire roasted tomaotes (crushed) instead of the Italian plum ones.

Strawberry Rhubarb delight


If you like sweet and tart you will like this combo. This dish I found online,
but I failed to note where! It came out a bit too watery so I had to thicken it with some cornstarch.


1 pound of rhubarb cut in 1/2 inch pieces (about 3 stalks)--
1/2 cup maple syrup
zest and juice of 1 orange (perhaps less juice)
squeeze one lemon
1/8 tsp ground cloves
1 quart or more (I used 2) of sliced strawberries
1. Bake all except the strawberries at 400 degrees Covered--for 25 minutes or until done.
2. Remove from oven, layer strawberries on top. Cover with foil and let set until ready to serve.
3. Thicken with cornstarch if needed.

Meatless crock pot chili


This was from the above website--a great website full of info. This website explains how to cook beans (and the importance of draining the water from presoaked kidney beans). It also tells how to have money saving meals. Below is a direct quote except the red:


"
Recipe: Red Bean Chili
Colorful and spicy, red bean chili is nearly a whole meal by itself. It's full of beans, of course, but also tomatoes, onions, peppers, and garlic. Use chipotle pepper if you can for a smoky, rich taste.

Active time: 45 minutes. Total time: 3 to 8 hours, plus optional 6 to 10 hours soaking time. Makes 12 servings, 1 cup each.

1 pound dried kidney beans (6 cups cooked)
6 cups cold water
2 teaspoons salt

1 tablespoon corn or canola oil (I omitted)
2 large onions, chopped (2 cups or 1 pound)
2 large green peppers, chopped (2 cups or 1 pound)
8 cloves garlic, diced (scant 1/4 cup or 1 ounce)
1 tablespoon dried chipotle or cayenne powder, or to taste (Nannykim only used 1 tsp cayenne-HOT)
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 cans (28 ounces each) diced tomatoes with juice


Method
Clean the beans. If you want to, soak beans for 6 to 10 hours. (See the Basic Bean recipe for details on cleaning and soaking beans.) (if you click on the above link you will see a link for these directions)
In a crockpot or a big pot on the stove, cook beans and salt in 6 cups of water. Your times will vary based on the age of the beans and whether you soaked them first, but this should give you an idea about the relative speed of each way. I usually soak the beans and use the 3-hour way.
7-hour way — Put beans and salt in cold water in the crockpot. Turn the crockpot on low and cover.
3-hour way — Heat cold water in a tea kettle or pot. Put beans, salt, and hot water in the crockpot. Turn the crockpot on high and cover.
2-hour way — Put beans in cold water in a pot on the stove. Cover pot, bring to a boil, then turn down heat to low.
About 30 minutes before the beans should be done, chop the onions, green peppers, and garlic. In a medium pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add the onions and green peppers as you chop them, stirring occasionally. When the onions are translucent, add the garlic and stir once or twice. Add the spices and stir until the vegetables are coated with spices.
Bite a few beans to make sure they are tender. When the beans are tender, drain them. Add the onion mixture and the tomatoes, stirring to combine. Simmer for 30 minutes to combine flavors. Taste and adjust spices as needed.
Serve with over rice or with corn bread or toast. Optionally, garnish with a spoonful of plain yogurt or chopped green onions.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Gluten Free vegetable Pizza dairy free

This is a gluten free version--if you want a regular crust use regular flour and 2 tsp less of the yeast. You would also need to knead the dough until smooth. The Flour:

1 & 1/4 cup soy flour

1 cup cornstarch

1 cup tapioca starch/flour

1 cup white or brown rice flour


Mix the above (I usually sift it together)--then use the amount called for in the recipe--the recipe does not use all of this.

Make your sauce (below) before mixing the dough--this gives the sauce time to get full of flavor. I often make it earlier in the day.


SAUCE:

1 ---15 ounce can of tomato sauce
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce (use a GF brand)
1-2 drops of hot sauce
1/4 to 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
black pepper



The Crust:

1 tab sugar
1 tab of olive oil
1 and 1/4 cup water
1/2 tsp salt
4-1/4 tsp yeast
3 to 3 & 1/2 cup of the above flour
3/4 tsp Xanthan gum (omit if using regular flour)
1- tab Italian seasoning (I used Mrs. Dash salt free.) optional

Put sugar, oil, and water in a microwave bowl. Microwave for about 1 minute or until water is lukewarm (around 115-120 degrees F.) Add yeast. Let sit a minute till it gets frothy. Add 1-1/2 cup of the flour mixing until smooth. Add salt (and Italian seasoning if using)and then enough of the rest of the flour (around 1 & 1/2 cup or so until the dough is just barely firm enough to handle. Stir until smooth. Put in 15 inch non-stick cookie sheet pan ( sprayed lightly with pam). You may have to add a bit more flour on hands and dough surface to get it to spread.

Let rise 25-35 minutes--so that it gets a bit puffy. (I like to cook the dough at this stage in the pan for about 3 minutes before spreading with the sauce and toppings then continue cooking after spreading with sauce and toppings )Spread with the sauce and toppings you desire. Cook in preheated oven 425 degrees for about 15 minutes or a bit more until slightly browned (you want the middle area on the bottom to get brown as well--so test it)

Topping: I used red bell pepper, green bell pepper, onion, cooked mushrooms, and black olives (cooked spinach would probably be good)

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Creamy button mushroom/ roasted red pepper pasta sauce

This makes about4-5 servings. I always forget to take pictures so again sorry for the quality. My family raved about this dish!
The dish before adding the milk.




The above picture was only 1/3 of a cup of what was left because I forgot to take a picture of the cream sauce alone!! Why don't I remember these things!!
1 & 1/2 cups of plain soy milk (or milk of your choosing)
1 tab of cornstarch
8 ounces (1/2 pound) of button mushrooms sliced in half or left partly whole
1 jar of roasted red peppers
2 -3 tab of ( jar )dried red TOMATOES packed in oil
1/4 cup dry white wine
1/8 to1/4 cup of basil water (*see below in this post--optional but adds a lot of flavor)
extra cornstarch
fresh basil (a few large leaves chopped finely)
fresh oregano (3 large sprigs-remove the leaves from the 3 large stems-about 2 tab fresh?)
sea salt & pepper
Nutritional yeast (optional)


Mix the milk and 1 tab cornstarch and set aside.

In large non-stick or iron skillet spritzed with olive oil saute the mushrooms, roasted red peppers and 2-3 tab of sun dried tomatoes with some of the oil. Saute about 5 minutes on medium heat. Add the basil water and allow to simmer for a few minutes. Sprinkle the mushrooms lightly with a bit of cornstarch. Add the wine--the liquid will thicken. Add the basil, oregano, salt and pepper. Add the soy milk that has the cornstarch in it---heat while stirring . It should thicken fairly quickly. (you can add nutritional yeast if desired) Serve over pasta

*BASIL WATER---take 1 cup of boiling water and 1 cup of tightly packed basil leaves --mix and let steep in frig about 24 hours. Remove the leaves and you have a very flavorful water for cooking or to add to your drinks.




Basil Iced Tea

Yup, this glass is only a third full. I just wanted a picture to go with my post. You make a basil syrup or a basil water and add a bit to your iced tea. (Southern Living had this idea for something else)

Basil syrup

1 cup of boiling water
1 cup of firmly packed basil leaves
(if you like sweetness you can dissolve up to a cup of sugar in the water)

If using sugar stir sugar into boiling water until it dissolves (I omitted the sugar). Remove from the heat and add the basil leaves and set in the frig to cool. Let cool for 24 hours with the basil leaves in the water. Then remove the leaves. This makes a fragrant basil water. I use it without the sugar to add to my tea or to give basil flavor to different dishes.

Friday, May 8, 2009

Eggplant tomato pate

Ok, I admit I was very skeptical of this pate. But I really like it and it is great on rice crackers. It has lots of flavor! Would be nice with some wine as an appetizer (or with a glass of lemon water or whatever) You need to do the eggplant ahead--any time you have your oven on--and then you can refrigerate it and make it up after it cools. I roasted mine the day before the day I made it, but you can do it the same day. I got this idea from a book called "vegetarian cooking without"--but I made some changes.

1 medium sized eggplant
1 large tomato
2 and 1/2 rice cakes
1-2 tablespoons of sun dried tomatoes packed in oil with the oil.
1 heaping tbsp of tahini
a bit of water
1 heaped tsp chopped fresh thyme (I think I actually used a bit more)
1 heaped tsp chopped fresh chives (I actually used a lesser amount of dried--I forgot to plant some in the garden ---I must do!!!)
Salt and pepper to taste
Chili powder (optional --to taste and or texas pete hot sauce)

1. Wrap the eggplant in foil and bake for 1 hour at 375 -400degrees. Or until soft. Refrigerate to cool. If it is a large one it will take much longer
2. Place the tomato in boiling water for 30 seconds to loosen the skin and then peel off the skin.
3. Place rice cakes in food processor and process to small crumbs.
4. Add the eggplant, tomato, sun dried tomatoes with the oil they are packed in, tahini, fresh herbs. Process until smooth adding a bit of water if need be. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add chili powder or hot sauce if desired.

Serve any way you like--you can put in small custard cups, serving with rice crackers or whatever---it might be good with carrots and celery.

Basil Pesto---dairy free

I needed a dairy free basil pesto. I have a ton of pesto in my garden!! This was great. I love a bit mixed in brown rice as a snack!

1/4 cup pine nuts (some say you can substitute walnuts--I haven't tried this)
2 cloves garlic
2 cups fresh basil leaves loosely packed
virgin olive oil, as needed (I used 1 tablespoon)
salt and pepper to taste
1. Process top 4 ingredients to a rough paste in processor (could also use mortar and pestle)
2. With machine running slowly pour oil in feed tube to form the consistency you desire. Add salt and pepper.
3. Use now or store in glass container in frig or freeze in cubes in your ice tray--

Friday, May 1, 2009

Gluten Free Strawberry shortcake??

This was good--I wanted a shortcake type experience without the gluten and fat. So I made a slightly thicker version of the gluten free oat/banana pancakes and covered it with sweetened strawberries and powdered sugar. The pancake recipe is found here: http://nannykimsrecipes.blogspot.com/2008/10/gluten-and-dairy-free-pancakes.html

Black-eyed pea salad

Again a bad picture but I love this salad--I should have chopped the cucumbers a bit smaller too!! You can make this with or without pasta. I got this from a Light and Tasty edition April/May 02 This is pictured without pasta or tomatoes

6 ounces small shell pasta (cooked and rinsed)
1 can or 15 ounces of black-eyed peas rinsed and drained
1 cup sliced green onions
3/4 cup diced seeded cucumber (I leave the seeds in)
3/4 cup diced green pepper (or 1 medium)
3/4 cup diced tomatoes (you can omit this and it is still great)
1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped

Dressing:

3 tab of olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar or cider vinegar
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp hot pepper sauce
1/2 tsp seasoned salt (ie 1/4 tsp Mrs.Dash garlic and herbs and 1/4 tsp salt OR you can use salt)

In Bowl combine first 7 ingredients. In a jar with tight lid combine dressing stuff. Pour over salad ad stir to coat. Refrigerated at least 2 hours---makes 6 servings

NOTE: I sometimes use a fat free basil lime dressing from Maple Farms and just throw in some chili powder. I sometimes eat it right away ;-)