Author Archive

Apricot Quinoa Summer Salad

by on Jun.30, 2018, under Entrees, Salads, Side Dish, Type II Friendly, Vegan, Vegetables, Vegetarian, Wheat Belly


Ingredients

1 cup quinoa, uncooked
2 cups water
4-5 (200g) fresh apricots, halved and then quartered
1 cup cucumbers, chopped
1/2 cup zucchini, chopped
1/3 cup fresh parsley
1/2 cup almonds, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sea salt
juice of 1 orange
1-2 threads of saffron
1 clove garlic, minced

Directions

  1. Bring the water to a boil, add quinoa and seasonings. Cook to simmer for 25 minutes or until quinoa is fluffy.
  2. Using the olive oil, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, sea salt, and saffron whisk until mixed for a dressing.
  3. Take quinoa off the heat, set to cool. Once cool, stir in all ingredients including the dressing and adjust seasonings to taste.
  4. Enjoy at room temperature or cold. Garnish with more fresh parsley and chopped almonds.

Nutrition Information

Serves: 6

Per serving:
Calories: 255;
Total Fat: 15g;
Saturated Fat: 2g;
Monounsaturated Fat: 9g;
Cholesterol: 0mg;
Sodium: 380mg;
Total Carbohydrates: 26g;
Dietary Fiber: 4g;
Sugars: 5g;
Protein: 7g

Nutrition Bonus:
Potassium: 229mg;
Vitamin A: 17%;
Vitamin C: 28%;
Calcium: 5%;
Iron: 11%

Comments Off on Apricot Quinoa Summer Salad more...

Vegan Sour Cream

by on Jun.30, 2018, under Condiment, Dairy Free, Sauces, Vegan, Vegetarian

Vegan Sour Cream

MAKES 2 CUPS
TIME: 10 MINS

1 (12.3oz/349g) pack organic firm silken tofu
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, plus more to taste
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, plus more to taste
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, plus more to taste
1 teaspoon Celtic sea salt
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon finely chopped chives or green onions

  1. Throw all of the ingredients (except the chives or green onions) into your blender, and blast on high for 30 to 60 seconds until smooth and creamy.
  2. Tweak the lemon juice, vinegar, and mustard to taste.
  3. Stir the chives or green onions through (if desired) and serve.
Comments Off on Vegan Sour Cream more...

Hearty Chili Mac

by on Jun.30, 2018, under Chili, Entrees, Pasta, Type II Friendly, Vegan, Vegetables, Vegetarian


8 ounces dry macaroni noodles
1 onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 small red or green bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 8-ounce package vegetarian ground beef substitute, or 4 vegetarian burgers, thawed (if necessary) and chopped
1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 15-ounce can kidney beans, undrained
1 15-ounce can corn, undrained
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin

  1. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain, rinse, and set aside.
  2. In a large pot add onion. Cook until onion is soft, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add bell pepper, garlic and vegetarian ground beef substitute or chopped vegetarian burgers. Mix in tomatoes, beans and their liquid, corn and its liquid, chili powder, and cumin. Cover and simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes.
  4. Add cooked pasta and check seasonings. Add more chili powder if a spicier dish is desired.
Comments Off on Hearty Chili Mac more...

Slow Cooker Loaded “Baked” Sweet Potatoes

by on Jun.30, 2018, under Entrees, Type II Friendly, Vegan, Vegetables, Vegetarian, Wheat Belly

PREP TIME: 10 mins
COOK TIME: 3 hours
TOTAL TIME: 3 hours 10 mins

Cooking sweet potatoes in the slow cooker makes them extra moist and sweet! Top with black beans, corn, avocado, spices, and smoky cashew cream for an easy vegan and gluten-free meal.

Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS

For the sweet potatoes:
4 medium sweet potatoes (about 7 ounces each)
½ cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
½ cup corn, fresh or frozen
? cup canned tomato sauce
2 tbsp chopped scallions
½ tsp cumin
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
½ tsp kosher salt
1 avocado, chopped
2 tbsp chopped cilantro
For the smoky cashew cream:
½ cup raw cashews, soaked for 30 minutes
½ cup water
¼ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp lemon juice
1-2 tsp hot sauce

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Wash and dry sweet potatoes. Place them in slow cooker, cover, and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours (mine were done after a bit less than 3 hours on high).
  2. Place cashews in a bowl of warm water to soak.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine the black beans, corn, tomato sauce, scallions, cumin, cayenne, and salt.
  4. Drain cashews and place in high-speed blender with the rest of the cashew cream ingredients, blending until smooth. Season to taste and set aside.
  5. Remove the potatoes from the slow cooker and cut each lengthwise ¾ the way through. Pull apart to create opening and gently mash flesh with a fork. Divide the bean filling among the potatoes and gently mix it into the potato flesh.
  6. Top potatoes with avocado, cilantro, and cashew cream.
Comments Off on Slow Cooker Loaded “Baked” Sweet Potatoes more...

Sweet and Sour Stir Fry Sauce

by on Jul.26, 2017, under Condiment, Sauces, Vegan

Ingredients

2 Cloves Garlic, minced
1 – 2 tsp Grated Ginger (or ½ tsp dried)
½ Fresh Pineapple
? cup Tomato Paste
¼ cup Rice Vinegar
2 Medjool Dates – Pitted
2 Tbs Low Sodium Soy Sauce
1 tsp Sriracha

Directions

Place all in food processor. Process until smooth. Taste. Adjust sweetness with additional pineapple as necessary.

Comments Off on Sweet and Sour Stir Fry Sauce :, , , more...

Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff

by on Jun.15, 2017, under Entrees, Vegan, Vegetarian

Ingredients:

8 ounces uncooked ribbon noodles
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 yellow onion, chopped
3 tablespoons whole wheat flour, divided
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon tomato paste
1 1/2 pounds mushrooms (half Portobello and half White Button mushrooms), cut into large 2-inch chunks
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried sage
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1/4 cup vegan sour cream (optional)
10 turns of fresh ground, black pepper
1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley, minced

Instructions:

  • Cook the noodles per the direction on the package. Under cook them a bit because they will be cooked again once incorporated into the sauce.
  • Drain and set aside.
  • In a large saucepan, add the olive oil and sauté the onions for 3 minutes over medium heat.
  • Add the flour and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
  • Gradually add the broth, soy sauce, lemon juice, and tomato paste, while stirring at the same time. Stir until mixture becomes thick and bubbly, about a minute.
  • Add the mushrooms, thyme, sage, and salt. Stir to combine.
  • Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently until mushrooms have shrunk in size.
  • Add the vinegar and simmer for 4 more minutes.
  • Add the noodles, sour cream, 1 tablespoon of flour, black pepper, and parsley and cook on low for an additional 5 minutes.
  • Garnish with parsley.

Nutritional Information:

Total Calories: 795 | Total Carbs: 104 g | Total Fat: 21 g | Total Protein: 50 g | Total Sodium: 1,548 g | Total Sugar: 13 g

(Per Serving: serves 4-6 people) Calories: 159 | Carbs: 20.8 g | Fat: 4.2 g | Protein: 10 g | Sodium: 309 mg | Sugar: 2.6 g

Comments Off on Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff :, , more...

Italian Orzo Spinach Soup

by on Jun.15, 2017, under Entrees, Soup, Vegan, Vegetarian

Total Time: 30 Mins
Prep Time: 5 Mins
Cook Time: 25 Mins

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small white onion, peeled and diced
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup diced celery
3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
6 cups chicken or vegetable stock
1 (14-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 1/2 cups (about 8 ounces) DeLallo whole wheat orzo pasta, or other whole wheat pasta
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
4 cups loosely-packed spinach
salt and black pepper
optional toppings: freshly-grated Parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper flakes

Directions:

Heat oil in a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and saute for 4 minutes, until soft. Add carrots, celery and garlic and saute for an additional 3 minutes. Add chicken stock, tomatoes, orzo (pasta), thyme, oregano, rosemary and stir to combine. Bring soup to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.

Stir in the spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until it is bright green and wilted. Taste, and season with salt and black pepper as needed.

Serve warm, garnished with your desired toppings.

Comments Off on Italian Orzo Spinach Soup :, , , more...

Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing

by on May.15, 2017, under Appetizers, Salad Dressing, Salads, Side Dish


Servings: Makes 1-1/3 cups
Total Time: 10 Minutes

Ingredients
2 small garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon anchovy paste
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, from one lemon
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup mayonnaise, best quality
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1-1/2 – 2 heads romaine lettuce washed and torn into bite-sized pieces

Instructions
In a medium bowl, whisk together the garlic, anchovy paste, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt & pepper and mayonnaise.  Whisk until well combined. Taste and adjust to your liking.

Dress the Romaine lettuce.  Sprinkle with Parmigiano-Reggiano & croutons.  Serve.

The dressing will keep well in the fridge for about a week.

Nutrition Information
Per serving (10 servings)
Serving size:About 2 tablespoons
Calories:184
Fat:19g
Saturated fat:1g
Carbohydrates:1g
Sugar:0g
Fiber:0g
Protein:2g
Sodium:296mg
Cholesterol:13mg

Comments Off on Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing :, , , , more...

Old Witch’s Magic Nut Cake

by on Nov.05, 2015, under Cakes, Desserts

Old Witch's Magic Nut Cake

Old Witch’s Magic Nut Cake
(Source: story by Wende and Harry Devlin)

3 eggs
1 (1 lb.) can pumpkin
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup water
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (you can swap out white whole wheat if you like)
2 1/4 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon nutmeg
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup yellow raisins
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, pecans or mixture of both

Icing:
4 oz. cream cheese
3 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla or lemon juice
1/2 box confectioners’ sugar
chopped walnuts or pecans to sprinkle

Beat together wet ingredients, mix together dry ingredients and combine the 2 mixtures. Pour batter into 3 pans (or pound coffee cans–or I just used a 13×9). Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. Cool cake(s). Cream together ingredients for icing. Frost top of cakes and sprinkle with more chopped walnuts if desired.

Old Witch’s Magic Nut Cake – PDF File

Comments Off on Old Witch’s Magic Nut Cake :, , , more...

Chocolate Angel Pie

by on Oct.27, 2015, under Desserts, Pies

Chocolate Angel PieWHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:

For a pie with a balance of chocolate filling, crisp meringue, and fluffy whipped cream, we needed to boost the chocolate flavor. By making a cooked custard, we were able to load nearly a pound of chocolate into the filling, and using part milk and part bittersweet chocolate lent depth and complexity. True meringue takes time, and we found that 2½ hours in the oven was necessary for the lightest, crispest crust. To prevent the crust from sticking to the pan, we rely on a double dose of cornstarch—in the egg whites and as a coating for the pie plate. To finish, we go with lightly sweetened whipped cream and a sprinkling of cocoa powder.

SERVES 8 TO 10

Serve the assembled pie within 3 hours of chilling.

INGREDIENTS

  • FILLING
  • 9 ounces milk chocolate, chopped fine
  • 5 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped fine
  • 3 large large egg yolks
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup half-and-half
  • 1 1/4 cups heavy cream, chilled
  • MERINGUE CRUST
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch, plus extra for pie plate
  • 1/2 cup (3 1/2 ounces) granulated sugar
  • 3 large egg whites
  • Pinch cream of tartar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • TOPPING
  • 1 1/3 cups heavy cream, chilled
  • 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. 1. FOR THE FILLING: Microwave milk chocolate and bittersweet chocolate in large bowl at 50 percent power, stirring occasionally, until melted, 2 to 4 minutes. Whisk egg yolks, sugar, and salt together in medium bowl until combined, about 1 minute. Bring half-and-half to simmer in small saucepan over medium heat. Whisking constantly, slowly add hot half-and-half to egg yolk mixture in 2 additions until incorporated. Return half-and-half mixture to now-empty saucepan and cook over low heat, whisking constantly, until thickened slightly, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stir half-and-half mixture into melted chocolate until combined. Let cool slightly, about 8 minutes.

    2. Using stand mixer fitted with whisk, whip cream on medium-low speed until foamy, about 1 minute. Increase speed to high and whip until soft peaks form, 1 to 3 minutes. Gently whisk one-third of whipped cream into cooled chocolate mixture. Fold in remaining whipped cream until no white streaks remain. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until ready to assemble pie. (Filling can be made up to 24 hours in advance.)

    3. FOR THE MERINGUE CRUST: Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 275 degrees. Grease 9-inch pie plate and dust well with extra cornstarch, using pastry brush to distribute evenly. Combine sugar and 1 tablespoon cornstarch in bowl. Using stand mixer fitted with whisk, whip egg whites and cream of tartar on medium-low speed until foamy, about 1 minute. Increase speed to medium-high and whip whites to soft, billowy mounds, 1 to 3 minutes. Gradually add sugar mixture and whip until glossy, stiff peaks form, 3 to 5 minutes. Add vanilla to meringue and whip until incorporated.

    4. Spread meringue into prepared pie plate, following contours of plate to cover bottom, sides, and edges. Bake for 1½ hours. Rotate pie plate, reduce oven temperature to 200 degrees, and bake until completely dried out, about 1 hour longer. (Shell will rise above rim of pie plate; some cracking is OK.) Let cool completely, about 30 minutes.

    5. FOR THE TOPPING: Spoon cooled chocolate filling into cavity of pie shell, distributing evenly. Using stand mixer fitted with whisk, whip cream and sugar on medium-low speed until foamy, about 1 minute. Increase speed to high and whip until stiff peaks form, 1 to 3 minutes. Spread whipped cream evenly over chocolate. Refrigerate until filling is set, about 1 hour. Dust with cocoa. Slice with sharp knife and serve.

DON’T MAKE THIS MISTAKE: BUSTED CRUST

The egg white crust is part of what distinguishes angel pie. To avoid a sticky, broken meringue shell, add cornstarch to the whites, and grease the pie plate and dust it with more cornstarch. Also, this uses the ideal baking time and temperatures to ensure that the interior and exterior of the meringue cooked properly.

Comments Off on Chocolate Angel Pie :, , more...

Looking for something?

Use the form below to search the site:

Still not finding what you're looking for? Drop a comment on a post or contact us so we can take care of it!

Links

A few highly recommended websites...