Vegetarian Delights: A Confessions of a Foodie Offspring

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Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Taco Tuesday

It's time for another Taco Tuesday! Here are today's six vegetarian taco recipes to help you through the day. Enjoy!

POTATO TACOS

Potato Tacos? Sure, why not? This comes from Vegetarian Times, and begins, "These tasty tacos are spicy! Feel free to reduce the amount of chipotle if you prefer milder flavor." Serves 2.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients:

1 tsp. vegetable oil

1/2 medium onion, diced

1/2 small red bell pepper, diced

1 small clove garlic, minced

1/2 canned chipotle chili in adobo sauce

1/2 tsp. ground cumin

1 medium potato, baked and diced

1 to 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice

1 Tbs. chopped fresh cilantro

2 whole wheat tortillas, warmed

Instructions:

In large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, bell pepper and garlic and cook, stirring often, until almost tender, 3 to 4 minutes.

Add chipotle, cumin and oregano and stir 30 seconds. Add potato, toss well to coat and heat through. Stir in lemon juice and cilantro and remove from heat. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.

Divide potato mixture among tortillas and serve hot, garnished with condiments as desired.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 226; Protein: 6 g; Total Fat: 3 g; Saturated Fat: 0 g; Carbohydrates: 51 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 181 mg; Fiber: 6 g; Sugar: 0 g

CARROT-AND-BLACK BEAN CRISPY TACOS

This recipe comes from Country Living, and begins, “Dig into vegetarian tacos with tons of fresh flavor.” Total Time: 30 minutes; Prep Time: 30 minutes; Level: Easy; Yield: 4 servings.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1 small onion, chopped

1 poblano pepper, diced

1 tsp. chili powder

1 (15.5-oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 tbsp. fresh lime juice, plus wedges for serving

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1/2 lb. medium carrots, cut into 3" to 4" sticks

1 tsp. ground cumin

8 whole-grain taco shells, warmed

Sliced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, and chopped fresh cilantro and radishes, for serving

Directions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 4to 6 minutes. Add chili powder and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 seconds. Add black beans and 1/3 cup water. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 4 to 6 minutes. Mash beans with the back of the spoon until thick. Stir in lime juice. Season with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, toss carrots with cumin and 1 1/2 tablespoons oil on a rimmed baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper. Roast, turning once, until just tender, 10 to 12 minutes.

Divide beans and carrots between taco shells. Top with avocado, queso fresco, cilantro, and radishes. Serve with lime wedges alongside.

PER SERVING: protein: 8 g; fat: 17 g; carbohydrate: 42 g; fiber: 10 g; sodium: 261 mg; cholesterol: 0 mg; calories: 334.

CRUNCHY BLACK BEAN TACOS

This comes from The Kitchn’s e-newsletter. If you haven’t signed up for The Kitchn’s e-newsletter yet, I highly recommend that, as well as its sibling site, Apartment Therapy.

This recipe serves 3 to 4, or makes 8 tacos; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes and can be found online by clicking here.

2 cups cooked black beans

1/2 cup minced red onion

2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon paprika

Pinch of salt

4 to 6 ounces (1 heaping cup) grated Pepper Jack cheese

2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil

8 corn tortillas

Toppings

Avocado

Hot sauce

Salsa

Sour cream

In a medium bowl, add beans along with red onion, cilantro, cumin, and paprika. Add a pinch of salt and lightly mash all the ingredients together. Grate the cheese and have it ready as well.

In a large, nonstick or cast-iron skillet, add the 2 tablespoons oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add one corn tortilla at a time and let each get hot in the oil for a few seconds. Then add about 1/4 cup of the bean filling to one half of the tortilla. Top with a sprinkle of grated cheese. Try not to overfill the tacos, or you might have issues flipping them without losing filling.

Using a spatula, carefully fold the other half of the tortilla over to form a shell. Press down lightly on the tortilla so it holds its shape. If some cheese spills out, don’t worry — it will get crispy and delicious.

As the first taco cooks, move it to the side and begin a second one. Depending on the size of your pan, you can cook two or three tacos at once. A griddle will hold even more.

Cook each taco until they are nicely browned and crispy, about 3 minutes per side. When flipping the taco to cook on the other side, use a spatula and flip the taco toward the fold so the filling doesn’t fall out. If your pan is very dry between batches, add another drizzle of oil.

Place the cooked tacos in a warm oven while you finish the rest. If the tacos are very greasy, blot them with a paper towel before moving them to the oven.

Serve tacos with toppings like hot sauce, salsa, avocados, and sour cream.

Recipe Notes:

Corn tortillas are resilient to heat. Don’t worry about burning them; they are very sturdy. Just be sure to cook tortillas on each side long enough to get them really crispy.

JAMAICAN CURRIED TEMPEH TACOS

This comes from Vegetarian Times, and begins, “The yellow curry filling, mustard greens, and red pepper strips lend these spicy tacos the colors of the tropics.” Yield: Serves 4.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients:

1 Tbs. peanut oil

1 small sweet onion, such as Vidalia or Walla Walla, diced (1 cup)

1 8-oz. pkg. tempeh, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1/2 cup unsweetened pineapple juice

2 Tbs. chopped cilantro

2 1/2 tsp. curry powder

1 1/2 tsp. grated fresh ginger

1 Tbs. lime juice

1 tsp. grated lime zest

4 6-inch corn or flour tortillas, warmed

1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper

1/2 cup curly mustard greens, finely chopped

2 Tbs. chopped peanuts, optional

Instructions:

Heat oil in nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, and cook 3 to 5 minutes, or until onion is softened. Stir in tempeh, pineapple juice, cilantro, curry powder, and ginger. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook 5 minutes, or until pineapple juice evaporates and tempeh starts to brown, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, stir in lime juice and zest, and season with salt and pepper.

Fill tortillas with tempeh mixture. Add red bell pepper and mustard greens. Top with peanuts, if desired.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 220; Protein: 14 g; Total Fat: 7.5 g; Saturated Fat: 1.5 g; Carbohydrates: 26 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 313 mg; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 6 g

BLACK BEAN & TOASTED CORN TACOS

This also comes from Vegetarian Times, and begins, “Surprise! These brown-bag-friendly tacos are just as good chilled as they are served hot.” Yield: Makes 4 tacos.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients:

1 cup cooked black beans

1/2 cup prepared salsa

2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)

2 1/2 tsp. ground cumin, divided

1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

4 6-inch corn tortillas

12 baby spinach leaves

1/2 cup jarred roasted red pepper strips

1/4 cup coarsely chopped cilantro

2 small green onions, finely chopped (1/4 cup)

1/4 cup crumbled cottage or feta cheese, optional

Instructions:

Bring beans, salsa, garlic, and 1 tsp. cumin to a simmer in saucepan. Reduce heat to medium low, and cook 5 to 6 minutes, or until soft. Remove from heat, and mash with fork to crush beans for creamier filling, if desired.

Heat skillet over medium-high heat, and coat with olive oil cooking spray. Wrap corn in paper towels, and squeeze out excess water. Add corn to skillet in single layer, and sprinkle with remaining 1 1/2 tsp. cumin, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste. Cook 5 to 10 minutes, or until golden and crispy, stirring frequently.

Preheat oven or toaster oven to 350°F. Toast tortillas in toaster oven 1 minute to soften. Alternately, bake tortillas on taco baking rack in oven 7 to 10 minutes, or until crisp. Fill each tortilla with 1/4 cup beans, 1/4 cup corn, 3 spinach leaves, red pepper strips, cilantro, and green onions. Top each taco with 1 Tbs. cheese, if using. Serve immediately, or pack into lunch container, and chill.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 362; Protein: 14 g; Total Fat: 4 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 74 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 904 mg; Fiber: 14 g; Sugar: 9 g

BLACK BEAN TACOS WITH ROASTED PEPPERS AND ONIONS

This is also from Vegetarian Times. This one begins, “For a fast meal that’s a surefire crowd-pleaser, these tacos fit the bill.” Yield: Serves 8.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients:

Roasted Peppers and Onions

3 red bell peppers, thinly sliced (3 cups)

1 large onion, thinly sliced (1 1/2 cups)

1 Tbs. olive oil

Tacos

2 Tbs. olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped (1 cup)

6 cloves garlic, minced (2 Tbs.)

2 15-oz. cans black beans, drained and rinsed

1 15-oz. can diced organic fire-roasted tomatoes

1 Tbs. chili powder

1 Tbs. ground cumin

1/8 tsp. hot sauce, or more to taste

16 organic corn taco shells, warmed

Toppings

3 cups shredded lettuce

1 16-oz. container prepared salsa

2 large tomatoes, diced (2 cups)

2 avocados, diced (2 cups)

1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

1 cup low-fat sour cream

Instructions:

To make Roasted Peppers and Onions: Preheat oven to 450°F. Toss peppers and onion with oil on large baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper. Roast 15 minutes, stir, and roast 15 minutes more, or until vegetables are tender and peppers are beginning to blacken. Transfer to small bowl.

Meanwhile, to make Tacos: Heat oil in large pot over medium heat. Add onion, and sauté 5 to 7 minutes, or until soft. Add garlic, and cook 1 minute more, or until fragrant. Stir in beans, tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, hot sauce, and 1 cup water. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 15 minutes, or until most of liquid has evaporated, stirring occasionally. Mash beans until filling is thickened, but chunky, and most beans remain intact. Adjust seasonings, if necessary. Transfer to serving bowl. Pass taco shells, filling, Roasted Peppers and Onions, and Toppings around the table.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 482; Protein: 16 g; Total Fat: 22 g; Saturated Fat: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 57 g; Cholesterol: 17 mg; Sodium: 665 mg; Fiber: 12 g; Sugar: 14 g

Monday, November 14, 2016

Mexican Recipes

Here are six vegetarian Mexican recipes to get your week started. Enjoy!

FARROW BLACK BEANS MEXICAN BOWL [VEGAN]

This recipe comes from One Green Planet, and begins, “My idea was to make a one pan, flavorful, Mexican meal – so I flavored the warm oil with garlic and oregano first and then mixed in the rest of the ingredients except lettuce and avocados. I love the fresh and crunchy texture of lettuce, and fresh sliced avocados give this Farro Black Beans Mexican Bowl a light creamy texture. Serve this healthy, nutritious and vegan Mexican bowl to yourself and feel the happiness and energy flowing in your body.” Cook Time: 10 minutes; Serves: 4; Calories: 435

To view this online, go to http://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-recipe/farro-black-beans-mexican-bowl/.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp chopped garlic

2 tsp oregan

1 cup red onions (chopped)

1 cup green bell pepper (chopped)

1 tbsp jalapeno pepper (seeds removed and chopped)

1 tbsp chopped cilantro

3 roma tomatoes (blanched, peeled and mashed)

1/2 tsp sugar

1/2 cup sweet corn kernels

1 15 oz. can black beans (rinsed and drained)

1 1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp lime juice

2 cups farrow (cooked)

1 cup shredded lettuce

1 whole avocado (seed removed and sliced/chopped

Preparation

Heat oil in a nonstick pan and add garlic, oregano and onions. Saute well.

Add green bell pepper, jalapeno, cilantro, tomatoes. Mix, cover and cook for 2 minutes.

Add sugar, corn, black beans, salt, lime juice.

Mix very well and cover and cook for 3 – 4 minutes.

Lastly add farro and mix well so that farro is properly coated and turn off the flame.

In a serving bowl/plate empty the pan. Top it with lettuce and avocado and serve.

CORN SALSA

This yummy salsa comes from country singer Trisha Yearwood on The Food Network's website. Total Time: 1 hr. 15 minutes; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Inactive: 1 hour; Yield: Servings: about 5 cups; Level: easy

Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/trisha-yearwood/corn-salsa0.print.html?oc=linkback

Ingredients

1 15 -ounce can yellow corn, drained

1 15-ounce can white corn, drained

1 4-ounce can chopped green chiles, drained

1 2 .5-ounce can sliced black olives, drained

4 scallions, finely chopped

2 tomatoes, finely chopped

2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped

3 tablespoons white vinegar

1/3 cup olive oil

Kosher salt

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

Mix the yellow and white corn, chiles, olives, scallions, tomatoes, jalapenos, vinegar, olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Chill at least 1 hour.

Just before serving, add the cilantro to the salsa.

WILD MUSHROOM QUESADILLAS

Maybe it’s just me, but I’ve always been a little leery about going out picking wild mushrooms. I wasn’t wild about mushrooms as a kid, but I’ve grown to just about like them. But wild mushrooms? Nah-ah, no thanks. I’ve heard too many horror stories…

That said, this comes from Kim Severson in The New York Times cooking email. Kim wrote, “You don't have to use wild mushrooms, of course, but if you can get chanterelles — oh man. It takes a bit of time at the stove, but when the quesadilla is done, you have a great handheld food that is, among other things, very kid friendly.” Phew! Thank you, Kim, for adding that disclaimer about not having to use wild mushrooms!!!

This recipe yields 8 servings (Time: 30 minutes) and was featured in “THE CHEF: TRACI DES JARDINS; Tortillas Let a Cook Come Home Again”. It can be viewed online here.

Ingredients

4 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 pound chanterelles, black trumpet or other wild mushrooms (or substitute oyster, crimini or clamshell mushrooms; do not use shiitake), roughly chopped

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup minced yellow onion

4 ounces grated Oaxaca or domestic Muenster cheese

4 ounces grated panela or aged mozzarella cheese

4 ounces grated cotija or Parmesan cheese

1/3 cup finely chopped cilantro leaves

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Pinch of ground coriander

8 8-inch flour or corn tortillas, preferably homemade (recipe follows)

Preparation

Place a medium sauté pan over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. When oil shimmers, add mushrooms and a generous pinch of salt. Sauté until mushrooms release their liquid, liquid evaporates and mushrooms begin to brown, about 10 minutes.

Add onions. Sauté, adjusting heat as necessary, until onions are soft and entire mixture is golden brown but not burned, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Using a food processor or a knife, finely chop mushroom-onion mixture, then transfer to a large bowl. Add grated cheeses, cilantro, oregano and coriander. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Place a large nonstick or well-seasoned skillet over medium heat, and add remaining 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. While pan heats, place a large spoonful of mushroom-cheese mixture into center of a tortilla, and fold tortilla in half to make a half-moon. Place filled tortilla in preheated skillet and cook, turning once, until tortilla is nicely browned on both sides and cheese is melted. Repeat to make 8 filled tortillas. Serve immediately.

GRANDMA SALAZAR’S TORTILLAS

This also comes from Kim Severson in The New York Times cooking email. Kim wrote, “This recipe for flour tortillas came to The Times in 2005 from Traci Des Jardins, a San Francisco chef whose heritage is Cajun on one side and Mexican on the other, via her maternal grandmother, Angela Salazar...These make for really delicious tortillas.” Kim had added, “You’ll see ‘bacon drippings’ in the ingredients.” I've omitted the bacon drippings, as well as lard (it originally read ‘bacon drippings, lard or vegetable shortening’) and left it as simply the vegetable shortening.

Makes 12 8-inch tortillas.

This was featured in “THE CHEF: TRACI DES JARDINS; Tortillas Let a Cook Come Home Again” and can be viewed online here.

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons vegetable shortening

Preparation

In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Add bacon drippings and mix by hand or with a pastry cutter until mixture is crumbly. Slowly mix in 1 cup cold water. Add just enough additional water (about 1/3 cup) to make a smooth, slightly sticky dough.

Divide dough into 12 balls of equal size. Place on a board or baking sheet and cover with a kitchen towel; allow to rest for at least 20 minutes or up to an hour.

On a lightly floured surface, roll tortillas into 8-inch rounds. Place between sheets of waxed paper. At this point dough may be covered and refrigerated until cooking time, or used immediately.

Heat a griddle over medium heat. Remove tortillas from waxed paper and cook one at a time until puffy and slightly brown, about 30 seconds a side. Wrap in a clean kitchen towel to keep warm until serving.

PIPIAN MOLE PUMPKIN ENCHILADAS

This is from Vegetarian Times, and begins, "Pipian mole, a Mexican sauce made with pumpkin seeds (pepitas) and fresh greens, is used to flavor squash-stuffed enchiladas. For extra protein, you can add 1 1/2 cups cooked black beans to the enchilada filling." Makes 8 enchiladas.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

Pipian Mole

1 cup raw pumpkin seeds

2 cups packed cilantro leaves

3 cloves garlic, peeled

2 tbs. olive oil

7 tomatillos (1 Ib.), quartered

1 large white onion, cut into chunks

1 serrano chile, halved and seeded

1 1/2 cups chopped romaine lettuce

1/2 cup epazote leaves, radish leaves or arugula

2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

1/2 tsp. dried oregano

Enchiladas

2 lbs. fresh pumpkin, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (4 cups)

4 small yellow squash, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

8 8-inch flour tortillas

8 oz. queso fresco

2 oz. grated Monterey Jack cheese, optional

1 cup fresh prepared salsa, optional

Instructions

Toast pumpkin seeds in skillet over medium heat, or until they pop, puff, and turn golden brown. Transfer to paper towel to cool.

Blend pumpkin seeds, cilantro, and garlic in food processor 1 to 2 minutes, or until finely chopped and paste starts to form. Transfer to bowl, and set aside.

Heat oil in large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add tomatillos, onion, and serrano chile, and cook 7 to 10 minutes, or until beginning to brown. Transfer to food processor and blend until smooth, adding lettuce and epazote leaves, radish leaves, or arugula.

Add 1/2 cup broth to pan, and bring to a simmer to deglaze pan. Stir in remaining broth, oregano, tomatillo mixture, and pumpkin-seed mixture; season with salt and pepper, if desired. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 20 minutes, or until mixture has thickened.

To make Enchiladas: Preheat oven to 350˚F.

Remove 2 1/2 cups of Pipian Mole from pan, and set aside. Add pumpkin and squash to remaining Pipian Mole in pan, cover, and simmer 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, spread 1 cup reserved Pipian Mole in 9- x 13-inch baking dish.

Spread 3/4 cup pumpkin mixture in center of each tortilla, sprinkle with 1 Tbs. queso fresco, roll into tight cylinder, and set in baking dish on top of sauce.

Pour remaining Pipian Mole over enchiladas. Sprinkle with remaining queso fresco and grated cheese (if using).

Bake 30 minutes, or until Enchiladas are hot and bubbly. Serve with salsa, if desired.

Nutrition Information: Unit (Serving Size): per enchilada: Calories: 454; Protein: 17 g; Total Fat: 25 g; Saturated Fat: 9 g; Carbohydrates: 42 g; Cholesterol: 20 mg; Sodium: 730 mg; Fiber: 5 g; Sugar: 7 g

TORTILLA LASAGNA

This is from the January/February 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 48. It begins, "This easy, crowd-pleasing dish is also a kid favorite. Toasting the tortillas before building the lasagna keeps them from getting soggy as the dish bakes. Feel free to mix things up with different beans, cheeses, or vegetables between the layers." Serves 8.

To view this online, click here.

6 8-inch fat-free flour tortillas

1 Tbs. olive oil

1 small onion, chopped (1 cup)

2 Tbs. chili powder

2 tsp. ancho chile powder

2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)

2 cups strained tomatoes, such as Pomì, divided

1 1/2 cups cooked black beans, or 1 15-oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 medium chayote, peeled and diced, or 2 medium zucchini, diced (1 1/2 cups)

1/2 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels

1 1/2 cups grated Monterey Jack or pepper Jack cheese

Preheat oven to 350°F. Toast tortillas on 2 baking sheets in oven 5 minutes, or until light brown, turning once.

Heat oil in saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, and sauté 5 minutes, or until soft. Stir in chili powder, ancho chile powder, and garlic, and cook 30 seconds. Add 11/2 cups strained tomatoes, beans, chayote, corn, and 1/2 cup water, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Cover, and cook 10 minutes, or until chayote is tender.

Coat 2-inch-deep x 8-inch round baking dish with cooking spray. Spread 1/4 cup strained tomatoes in bottom of pan. Set 1 toasted tortilla in pan; top with 3/4 cup bean mixture and 1/4 cup cheese. Repeat layering 4 more times. Top with last tortilla, and spread remaining 1/4 cup strained tomatoes over top. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup cheese. Bake 30 to 45 minutes, or until casserole is bubbly and cheese has melted. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting into 8 wedges.

nutritional information Per Wedge: Calories: 226; Protein: 11 g; Total Fat: 9 g; Saturated Fat: 4 g; Carbohydrates: 27 g; Cholesterol: 19 mg; Sodium: 506 mg; Fiber: 10 g; Sugar: 4 g

Friday, November 11, 2016

Friday Recipes

It's Friday after a very strange election week. It's also Veterans Day. THANK YOU, VETS!

Here are six vegetarian recipes to help you through your weekend. Enjoy!

CURRIED PUMPKIN AND PEAS

This recipe comes from Country Living, and begins, “Flavor tender pumpkin and tomatoes with a touch of curry powder in this tempting dish.” Total Time: 45 minutes; Level: Easy; Serves: 6.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

2 tbsp. unsalted butter

1 medium onion

1 garlic clove

2 1/2 tsp. curry powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. Freshly ground pepper

2 lb. pumpkin

2 medium red potatoes

1 1/2 c. low-sodium chicken broth

3/4 c. golden raisins

3/4 c. frozen baby peas

fresh cilantro

Directions

Heat butter in a large pan over medium-high heat, add onion, and cook until golden-brown, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Stir in curry powder, salt, and pepper. Add pumpkin and potatoes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour in broth and raisins, cover, and reduce heat to medium. After 15 minutes, add peas. Replace cover and continue to cook until pumpkin and potatoes are tender, 5 to 10 minutes more. Garnish with cilantro.

MULLED APPLE-CRANBERRY CIDER

This comes from Weight Watchers. Unfortunately, it was sent to me a number of years ago (try 2006) and while I tried to find the link for it on the WW site, I couldn’t locate it. If anyone reading this can shed light on this, I’d appreciate it if you’d let me know.

POINTS® Value | 2; Servings | 6; Preparation Time | 5 min; Cooking Time | 15 min; Level of Difficulty | Easy

This begins, “This hot drink is perfect for chilly autumn nights. Curl up with a good book and indulge.”

Ingredients

3 cup apple cider

3 cup cranberry juice cocktail

1 Tbsp unpacked brown sugar

1/2 tsp ground allspice

1/4 tsp ground cloves

1 Tbsp orange zest

3 average cinnamon stick

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan. Bring to a slow boil over medium-high heat and then reduce heat to simmer. Simmer for 15 minutes and then strain into mugs. Yields about 1 cup per serving.

EASY LAYERED PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE

This is from Diana Rattray, About.com’s Southern Food expert. Diana wrote, “ This cheesecake is completely homemade, and it takes just minutes to prepare.

“From the homemade cinnamon-spiced graham cracker crust to the luscious double layer pumpkin filling, this cheesecake will look (and taste!) like you spent half the day in the kitchen!

“The cheesecake is made in a 9 1/2- X1 3/4-inch deep dish pie plate. If your pie plate is slightly smaller, you might have a little extra filling. There's very little expansion, so you can fill it nearly to the rim. Just be careful moving it to the oven!

“If you do plan to use a smaller ‘ready’ crust, I listed the measurements for a smaller amount of filling below the recipe.

“Make this cheesecake at least 4 hours before you plan to serve it to give it plenty of chilling time.” Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 57 minutes; Total Time: 72 minutes; Yield: Serves8.

Ingredients

Graham Cracker Crust

2 cups fine graham cracker crumbs

1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

8 tablespoons melted butter (1 stick)

Vanilla and Pumpkin Filling

3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened

3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 large eggs

1 cup canned pumpkin

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

whipped cream or whipped topping for serving, optional

caramel sauce or butterscotch sauce for serving, optional

Preparation

Heat the oven to 375° F.

For the crust, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 8 tablespoons of melted butter in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly until all crumbs are blended into the butter.

Spread the crumbs in a 9- to 10-inch pie plate and tamp down firmly over the bottom and the sides.

Bake for 12 minutes. Remove to a rack to cool.

Reduce the oven temperature to 325° F.

In a large mixing bowl with electric mixer, beat the cream cheese with the 3/4 cup of brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla and eggs and beat until well blended. Pour 1 1/2 cups of the cream cheese mixture into the cooled crust.

Into the remaining cream cheese mixture, beat the pumpkin, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and the nutmeg. Spread over the first layer.

Bake the pie for 40 to 50 minutes, until set and just slightly jiggly in the center.

Cool on a rack. Cover and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled (about 3 to 4 hours) before slicing.

Serve topped with whipped cream and drizzle with caramel or butterscotch sauce, if desired.

Serves 8, or up to 12 if slices are quite small.

Filling amounts for a smaller pie:

2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2/3 cup canned pumpkin

3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Follow the directions above, using 1 cup of the plain vanilla filling for the bottom layer.

Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes.

Top the whole pie with whipped cream or whipped topping before serving, or add a generous dollop to each serving.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH WITH APPLES, CRANBERRIES, AND WALNUTS

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

2 teaspoons butter

3 cups cubed (about 1/2 inch) peeled butternut squash

1 tablespoon packed brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup water

1 cup cubed (about 1/2 inch) peeled Granny Smith apple

2 tablespoons dried cranberries

2 tablespoons chopped walnuts

Directions

Melt butter in large skillet coated with nonstick cooking spray over medium heat. Add squash; mix to lightly coat with butter. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and pepper; mix with large spoon. Add water; cover, bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes. Add apple and cranberries; mix to combine. Cover and simmer 10 minutes or until squash is tender. Add walnuts; mix gently.

Yield: 4 servings. Serving size: 3/4 cup.

Nutrition Facts Per Serving: Calories: 129, Carbohydrates: 23 g, Protein: 2 g, Fat: 4 g, Saturated Fat: 1 g, Cholesterol: 5 mg, Sodium: 170 mg, Fiber: 3 g, Exchanges per serving: 1 1/2 Bread/Starch, 1/2 Fat.

LEMON DRIZZLE CAKE

This yummy cake is from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking email. Melissa wrote, “This light and moist lemon poundcake has a crunchy sugar glaze that crystallizes on top, giving a contrasting texture to the soft crumb underneath. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing cake that’s excellent on its own but takes well to embellishments. A scoop of ice cream or sorbet, fruit compote and-or lemon curd are all wonderful alongside.” Yield: 24 servings; Time: 45 minutes, plus cooling.

This was featured in “’The Great British Bake Off’ Changes the Way the British Bake” and can be viewed online here.

Ingredients

1 cup butter (2 sticks), softened, more for greasing pan

2 cups plus 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

5 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Finely grated zest and juice of 2 1/2 lemons

2 1/4 cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs

1/4 cup whole milk

Preparation

Heat oven to 325 degrees and place a rack in the center. Grease a 9-by-12-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper, allowing a 2-inch overhang on the long sides.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt and lemon zest.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat together butter and half of the sugar (1 cup plus 2 tablespoons) until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until incorporated, then beat in milk, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary (mixture will look curdled, and that’s O.K.). Mix in flour mixture until combined, then scrape into prepared baking pan, smoothing the top.

Bake until golden brown and springy, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes, then use the paper overhang to lift the cake out of the pan; transfer to wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet and carefully remove paper.

While cake bakes, in a small bowl mix together remaining half of the sugar (1 cup plus 2 tablespoons) and enough lemon juice to make a runny mixture. While cake is still warm, spoon the sugar mixture evenly over the top. (The cake has to be cooled slightly to prevent topping from melting, but warm enough that it soaks into the cake, leaving a crunchy sugar coat on top.) Let cool, then cut into squares.

CHOCOLATE-CRUSTED PUMPKIN PIE

This comes from the October 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 71. It starts off, "Tweak the holiday pie tradition with a chocolate crust and pumpkin filling that's thickened with cornstarch, not eggs." Makes 1 9-inch pie (serves 8)

This recipe can be viewed online here.

Crust

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar

1 stick Earth Balance margarine, cubed

1/4 tsp. vanilla extract

Filling

1 1/2 cups Oven-Roasted Pumpkin Purée or 1 15-oz. can puréed pumpkin

1 cup almond milk

2 Tbs. lemon juice

1/2 cup light brown sugar

1/4 cup cornstarch

1 tsp. ground ginger

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/8 tsp. ground cloves

6 Tbs. Earth Balance margarine, melted

To make Crust: Pulse flour, cocoa, and confectioners’ sugar in food processor until combined. Add margarine, and process until mixture resembles sand. With processor running, add vanilla and 3 to 4 Tbs. cold water, and process until smooth dough forms. Chill 2 hours.

Roll out dough to 11-inch circle on floured work surface. Press into 9-inch pie pan. Chill 30 minutes.

To make Filling: Drain pumpkin in mesh strainer over bowl 30 minutes.

Combine almond milk and lemon juice in bowl. Whisk together brown sugar, cornstarch, ginger, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and cloves in bowl. Whisk in almond milk mixture, then pumpkin and margarine.

Preheat oven to 400˚F. Place Crust on baking sheet, top with parchment paper, and fill with dried beans to weigh down. Reduce oven heat to 350˚F, and bake Crust 10 minutes. Remove parchment and beans, and bake 5 minutes.

Pour Filling into Crust, and bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until Filling is bubbling in center. Cool completely before serving.

nutritional information Per Slice: Calories: 377; Protein: 3 g; Total Fat: 20 g; Saturated Fat: 8 g; Carbohydrates: 47 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 361 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 24 g; Vegan

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Thursday Recipes

I'm getting a late-ish start this morning. Some days are like that.

I realize that the first recipe is a New Year's dish, but I felt that it was a good recipe to start off with, especially since black-eyed peas at New Year's is for luck and good fortune. We could definitely use both!

That said, here are today's six vegetarian recipes to get your day started. Enjoy!

NEW YEAR'S BLACK-EYED PEAS AND GREENS

This recipe is from the December 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 68. It starts off, “'Eat poor on New Year’s, and eat fat the rest of the year,' goes the saying in the American South, where black-eyed peas are eaten at New Year’s for luck and good fortune. The peas are said to represent coins, and are often eaten alongside collard greens, which represent paper money, as well as golden cornbread. This version replaces the collards with superfood kale.” Serves 6.

To view this online, click here.

1/2 lb. dried black-eyed peas (1 1/4 cups)

1 bay leaf

2 Tbs. red wine vinegar

1 3/4 tsp. salt, divided

1 12-oz. bunch kale, stems removed, leaves torn into pieces

2 Tbs. lemon juice, divided

2 large tomatoes, seeded and diced (1 1/2 cups)

2 Tbs. olive oil

4 green onions, sliced (1/2 cup)

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley

1 Tbs. finely chopped fresh oregano

Set peas in saucepan, and cover with boiling water; let sit 1 hour. Drain, return peas to saucepan, cover with fresh water, and add bay leaf. Bring to a boil, and cook 20 minutes. Add vinegar and 1 tsp. salt, and cook 10 to 25 minutes longer, or until peas are tender but keep their shape.

Bring large pot of salted water to a boil. Add kale, and boil 3 to 5 minutes, or until tender. Drain, and toss with 1 tsp. lemon juice.

Toss tomatoes with 1/4 tsp. salt in colander. Let sit, shaking occasionally, to drain juices.

Combine remaining 1/2 tsp. salt, remaining 5 tsp. lemon juice, oil, green onions, parsley, and oregano in large bowl.

Drain peas, and remove bay leaf. Add to bowl with lemon juice and herbs, and mix well. Add tomatoes, and mix again. Serve warm, with kale on side.

nutritional information Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 195; Protein: 10 g; Total Fat: 6 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 28 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 701 mg; Fiber: 8 g; Sugar: 6 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free

PEANUT BUTTER SANDWICH COOKIES

This comes from the December 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 55. It starts off, “These sandwich cookies are held together by a rich (and ridiculously easy) chocolate filling.” Makes 24 sandwiches.

To view this online, click here.

Cookies

2 cups smooth natural-style peanut butter

4 oz. Earth Balance margarine (1 stick)

1 cup dark brown sugar

1/2 cup evaporated cane sugar

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 cup plain soymilk or almond milk

3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp. baking soda

2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

1/3 cup roasted unsalted peanuts, chopped

Filling

1/2 cup coconut creamer or soy creamer

8 oz. vegan chocolate chips (1 1/4 cups)

To make Cookies: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper, or coat with cooking spray.

Cream peanut butter, margarine, brown sugar, cane sugar, and vanilla 2 to 3 minutes with electric mixer, or until smooth. Beat in soymilk and 1/4 cup water.

Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and peanuts in separate bowl. Add flour mixture to peanut butter mixture, and beat just until dough forms.

Scoop 1 Tbs. dough onto prepared baking sheets 2 to 3 inches apart. Make crisscross pattern on top of each Cookie by pressing down with fork. Bake 9 to 11 minutes or until edges of Cookies begin to brown. Cool on baking sheet.

To make Filling: Heat creamer in top half of double boiler over medium heat until steaming. Pour hot creamer over chocolate chips in bowl, and let stand 30 seconds. Mix creamer and chocolate with wooden spoon until chocolate is melted, then whisk until smooth.

Spread 2 tsp. Filling on flat sides of 24 Cookies. Top with remaining Cookies.

nutritional information Per Cookie sandwich: Calories: 344; Protein: 7 g; Total Fat: 18 g; Saturated Fat: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 38 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 304 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 18 g; Vegan

BRUSSLES SPROUTS, RADICCHIO, AND PICKLED RED ONION SALAD

This is also from the December 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 49. It states, “Leftover picked onions will keep a few days in the fridge, so make extra, and use them on grilled cheese sandwiches or chopped in deviled eggs.” Serves 4.

To view this online, click here.

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup sugar

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

1/2 large red onion, very thinly sliced (from root end to top, not horizontally into half circles)

3/4 lb. medium Brussels sprouts, quartered lengthwise

1 2/3 cups coarsely chopped radicchio (about three-quarters of 1 large head)

2 1/2 oz. coarsely crumbled Maytag blue cheese

1 1/2 Tbs. olive oil

Stir vinegar, 1/2 cup water, sugar, salt, and pepper in bowl until sugar and salt dissolve. Mix in onion, and press down to submerge. Let stand 45 minutes, checking to be sure onion stays submerged.

Steam Brussels sprouts in steamer or on rack over boiling water 6 to 8 minutes, or until just tender. Lift out rack, and cool.

Place Brussels sprouts in large bowl, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Drain onion slices, and discard brine. Add onion slices to Brussels sprouts along with radicchio, blue cheese, and oil, and toss to combine.

nutritional information Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 160; Protein: 7 g; Total Fat: 11 g; Saturated Fat: 4 g; Carbohydrates: 12 g; Cholesterol: 13 mg; Sodium: 418 mg; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 4 g; Gluten-Free

ITALIAN STYLE VEGETARIAN RICE AND BEANS

This comes from Jolinda Hackett, About.Com's Vegetarian Food guide. She writes, “Using just five ingredients, you can serve this easy vegetarian rice and beans dish with Italian seasonings as a side, or, add some sauteed tofu or seitan to make it a main meal. Recipe courtesy of Bush's Beans.

To view online, click here.

Ingredients

1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes with Italian herbs (do not drain)

1 14.5 ounce can Great Northern or cannellini beans, drained

2/3 cup instant rice

1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

fresh pepper to taste

Preparation

Place all ingredients in medium saucepan. Cook 3-4 minutes, covered, over medium-high heat. Uncover pan and continue cooking 2-3 minutes, or until rice is tender. Dish is slightly saucy when completely cooked.

CHAI RICE PUDDING

This comes from the February 2006 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 86. It starts off, “If you like chai tea, you'll love this creamy, comforting dessert studded with apples and raisins. For the best flavor, choose a strong, spicy chai tea; we used, Tazo's chai tea bags.”

3 1/2 cups unsweetened soymilk or low-fat milk

4 black chai tea bags

1 cup short- or medium-grain white rice

1/2 cup light brown sugar

1/8 tsp salt

1 medium-sized apple, peeled, cored and diced

1/4 cup dark raisins

whipped cream for garnish, optional

cinnamon for garnish, optional

Bring 2 cups water and 1 cup soymilk to a boil in large saucepan. Remove from heat, and add teabags. Cover, and steep 5 minutes. Remove tea bags, squeezing out any liquid.

Stir rice, sugar and salt into tea mixture. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 10 minutes. Add remaining 2 1/2 cups soymilk, and simmer, uncovered, 20 minutes, or until rice is soft. Stir in apple and raisins; remove from heat. Cover pot, and let sit 10 minutes.

Spoon pudding into 2-quart heatproof dish. Serve warm or cold, with whipped cream and cinnamon, if desired.

Per serving: 208 cal; 5 g prot; 2 g total fat (0 g sat. fat); 43 g carb; o mg chol; 75 mg sod; 1 g fiber; 20 g sugars

CREAMY RICE PUDDING

Maybe ten years ago, this recipe was in several issues of Vegetarian Times, in ads for Mahatma Rice. I'd lost track of the recipe, which I'd made several times for a certain someone who loved homemade rice pudding. I had to admit, it was definitely worth the time it took to fix it.

1 1/2 quarts 2% milk

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup Mahatma rice (see note)

1/2 cup raisins

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Note: The recipe called for Mahatma, Water Maid, Carolina, or River rice.

Combine milk, sugar and rice in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to simmer and cook uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. (The milk should just barely simmer, with bubble breaking only at the outside edge of the surface. After an hour, the rice should be soft.)

Add raisins, increase heat to medium heat, and cook, stirring frequently, until rice has absorbed most of the rest of the milkl, but not all, and the pudding is creamy (about 30 minutes longer).

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. When cool, pudding will thicken, but will still be very creamy. Serve warm or well chilled. Serves 8.

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Pumpkin Recipes

Here are six pumpkin recipes to help you through the day. Enjoy!

CLASSIC SPICED PUMPKIN PIE

This is from Diana Rattray, About.com’s Southern Food expert. Diana wrote, “This pumpkin pie is a good classic version, perfect for Thanksgiving or any fall or winter dinner or potluck. Use canned or homemade pumpkin puree in this recipe.” Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 50 minutes; Total Time: 70 minutes; Yield: Serves 8.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups pumpkin puree

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon all-purpose flour

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 cup evaporated milk, undiluted

2 tablespoons water

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

9-inch pie crust, unbaked

Preparation

Preheat oven to 425°. Line a 9-inch pie plate with pie pastry, homemade or purchased.

In mixing bowl, combine pumpkin, sugar, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Add eggs; mix until well blended. Add evaporated milk, water and vanilla; mix until smooth and well blended. Pour pumpkin pie mixture into the prepared pastry lined pie plate.

Bake at 425° for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350° and bake for about 35 minutes longer, until the pumpkin filling is set.

EASY LAYERED PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE

This also comes from Diana Rattray, About.com’s Southern Food expert. Diana wrote, “ This cheesecake is completely homemade, and it takes just minutes to prepare.

“From the homemade cinnamon-spiced graham cracker crust to the luscious double layer pumpkin filling, this cheesecake will look (and taste!) like you spent half the day in the kitchen!

“The cheesecake is made in a 9 1/2- X1 3/4-inch deep dish pie plate. If your pie plate is slightly smaller, you might have a little extra filling. There's very little expansion, so you can fill it nearly to the rim. Just be careful moving it to the oven!

“If you do plan to use a smaller ‘ready’ crust, I listed the measurements for a smaller amount of filling below the recipe.

“Make this cheesecake at least 4 hours before you plan to serve it to give it plenty of chilling time.” Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 57 minutes; Total Time: 72 minutes; Yield: Serves8.

Ingredients

Graham Cracker Crust

2 cups fine graham cracker crumbs

1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

8 tablespoons melted butter (1 stick)

Vanilla and Pumpkin Filling

3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened

3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 large eggs

1 cup canned pumpkin

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

whipped cream or whipped topping for serving, optional

caramel sauce or butterscotch sauce for serving, optional

Preparation

Heat the oven to 375° F.

For the crust, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 8 tablespoons of melted butter in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly until all crumbs are blended into the butter.

Spread the crumbs in a 9- to 10-inch pie plate and tamp down firmly over the bottom and the sides.

Bake for 12 minutes. Remove to a rack to cool.

Reduce the oven temperature to 325° F.

In a large mixing bowl with electric mixer, beat the cream cheese with the 3/4 cup of brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla and eggs and beat until well blended. Pour 1 1/2 cups of the cream cheese mixture into the cooled crust.

Into the remaining cream cheese mixture, beat the pumpkin, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and the nutmeg. Spread over the first layer.

Bake the pie for 40 to 50 minutes, until set and just slightly jiggly in the center.

Cool on a rack. Cover and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled (about 3 to 4 hours) before slicing.

Serve topped with whipped cream and drizzle with caramel or butterscotch sauce, if desired.

Serves 8, or up to 12 if slices are quite small.

Filling amounts for a smaller pie:

2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2/3 cup canned pumpkin

3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Follow the directions above, using 1 cup of the plain vanilla filling for the bottom layer.

Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes.

Top the whole pie with whipped cream or whipped topping before serving, or add a generous dollop to each serving.

PUMPKIN ROLL

This comes from Trisha Yearwood, country music star and star of The Food Network’s Trisha’s Southern Kitchen. Total Time: 1 hr 20 min; Prep: 15 min; Inactive: 50 min; Cook: 15 min; Yield: 16 servings; Level: Intermediate

Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/trisha-yearwood/pumpkin-roll-recipe.html?oc=linkback

Ingredients

3 large eggs

1 cup granulated sugar

2/3 cup canned pumpkin

1 teaspoon lemon juice

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 cup pecans, finely chopped

1 cup confectioners' sugar, plus more for sprinkling

Two 3-ounce packages cream cheese, room temperature

1 stick butter (1/2 cup), room temperature

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 17 1/2- by 12 1/2-inch jellyroll pan.

With an electric mixer, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, pumpkin and lemon juice until smooth. Sift together the flour, ginger, salt, baking powder and cinnamon. Add the sifted ingredients to the egg mixture and blend until fully combined. Spread the batter in the jellyroll pan. Sprinkle the dough with the chopped pecans. Bake until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 14 minutes. Let the cake cool in the pan for 5 minutes.

Invert the cake onto a wire rack. Sprinkle some of the confectioner' sugar on a large tea towel and carefully transfer the warm cake to the towel, folding the sides of the towel over the cake. Roll the cake up in the towel and cool in the refrigerator thoroughly for about 45 minutes.

With an electric mixer, combine the confectioners' sugar, cream cheese, butter and vanilla and beat until smooth. Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread the mixture on top of the cake. Gently re-roll the cake up and refrigerate it until you're ready to slice and serve. Dust with confectioners' sugar just before serving.

GINGER PUMPKIN PIE

Kathy Kingsley is one of About.com's American Food experts. She writes, “Flavored with fresh ginger and honey, this pumpkin pie is sure to become one of your go-to holiday recipes.” Prep Time: 35 minutes; Cook Time: 50 minutes; Total Time: 85 minutes; Yield: Serves 8

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

Pastry

1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1/4 cup solid vegetable shortening

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces

3 tablespoons ice water

Pumpkin Filling

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1 16-ounce can solid-pack pumpkin

1 12-ounce can evaporated milk

1/3 cup honey

1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar

1 tablespoon finely grated peeled fresh ginger

1 teaspoon pumpkin-pie spice

1/4 teaspoon salt

Honey Whipped Cream

3/4 cup heavy or whipping cream, chilled

1 tablespoon honey

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation

Make the pastry dough: Combine the flour, sugar, vegetable shortening, and butter in a food processor and pulse on/off until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. With the motor running, add the ice water through the feed tube, and process just until the dough leaves the sides of the bowl and forms a ball.

Press the dough into a ball, then flatten it into a disc, about 1-inch thick.

On a lightly floured surface using a lightly floured rolling pin, roll the dough out into a 12-inch circle. Line a 9-inch pie pan with the dough. Turn the edges under, and crimp or flute the crust. Set the pie shell on a rimmed baking sheet.

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until blended. Brush about teaspoon of the egg around the edge of the crust.

Add the pumpkin, milk, honey, sugar, ginger, pumpkin pie spice and salt to the eggs, and mix until well blended. Pour the filling into the pie crust.

Bake the pie for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the filling is set. If the edges become too dark during baking, carefully cover them with foil strips (see Recipe Notes). Set the pie on a wire rack to cool. If not serving right away, cover and chill.

When ready to serve, make the honey whipped cream. Put the cream into a medium bowl. Add the honey and vanilla and beat with an electric mixer until soft peaks form when the beaters are lifted. Serve the pie topped with the whipped cream.

Recipe Notes

• To make a foil collar to prevent edges of pie from browning too much, fold a 12-inch-long piece of foil into a strip with 3-inch-high sides. Stand the strip on the oven rack around the pie dish. Secure the overhang with a paper clip. The collar doesn't have to touch or cover the crust to protect it.

SPICY PUMPKIN PIE

Servings: 8

View recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/154.shtml

Print Friendly: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/bin/print.cgi?ID=154

Ingredients

1 (9-inch) pastry shell

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1-1/2 cup pumpkin (canned)

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

2 eggs; beaten

1/2 tsp ground ginger

1 cup low-fat milk

1/4 tsp Salt

3 tbsp liquid cal-free sweetener

1 pinch ground cloves

2 tbsp brown sugar, packed

Light vanilla ice cream

Directions

Prick pastry shell with a fork. Bake in 450F oven for 8 min.

Stir together pumpkin, egg, milk, sweetener, sugar and seasonings. Pour into partially baked pie shell.

Bake in 350F oven for 50 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool slightly and then refrigerate.

Cut into 8 wedges and serve each with 2 tbsp light vanilla ice cream.

Nutritional Information Per Serving; Calories: 173; Protein: 5 g; Fat: 9 g; Carbohydrates: 20 g; Exchanges: 1/2 Starch/Bread, 1-1/2 Fat, 1 Dairy, 1/2 Fruit

VEGAN PUMPKIN RISOTTO

This is from Jolinda Hackett, About.com’s Vegetarian Food expert. Jolinda wrote, “A vegetarian and vegan twist on classic Italian risotto - pumpkin! Why not? Pumpkin adds a sweet and unique flavor perfect for fall, as a vegetarian Thanksgiving entree, or anytime. Whether or not you're actually vegetarian or vegan, pumpkin risottos is a delicious, unique and creative entree choice for a fall, Halloween or Thanksgiving meal. It's also a great way to use up any leftover pumpkin you might happen to have on hand from the holidays.

“This Italian risotto recipe is both vegetarian and vegan, as long as you use a vegan margarine instead of butter. If you need it to be gluten-free as well, just be sure that the vegetable broth that you use is gluten-free, since all the other ingredients - including the rice, white wine, pumpkin and seasonings - are all gluten-free.” Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 35 minutes; Yield: 4 - 6 servings.

To view this online, click here.

Instructions:

1 onion, diced

1 tbsp olive oil

2 cups arborio (risotto) rice

1 cup white wine

4 cups vegetable broth

1 cup canned pumpkin

1 tsp fresh ginger, grated or minced

1 tsp nutmeg

1 tbsp chopped fresh basil

1 tbsp vegan margarine or butter

salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Sautee the diced onion in the olive oil over medium heat for about three to five minutes, or until the onion is mostly soft. Next, add in the rice. Allow to cook, stirring, for a minute or two, just to lightly toast the rice, and being carefuly that it doesn't burn. Slowly add in the white wine.

Next, start to add the vegetable broth, 1/2 cup at a time. Allow the moisture to cook off before adding the next 1/2 cup.

Stir frequently, and continue adding the vegetable broth 1/2 cup at a time. Many chefs advise keeping the vegetable broth heating on the stove so that it is already simmering and hot when you add it to the rice.

Once you've added all the vegetable broth and the rice is nearly cooked, add in the canned pumpkin, fresh ginger, nutmeg, fresh basil and vegan margarine or butter. Stir well to combine everything well, and season lightly with a bit of salt and pepper, to taste.

All everything to heat, just for another minute or two, until everything is thoroughly heated through, and stirring frequently.

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Taco Tuesday!

It seems like Taco Tuesday is fairly popular. That said, I'm going to try having Taco Tuesdays on Vegetarian Delights for the next few weeks. Who knows - maybe for longer.

That said, here are today's six vegetarian taco recipes to get you started. Enjoy!

Note: Today is election day. If you're legally allowed to vote and haven't already done so - by absentee ballot or early voting - get out and Vote like your life depends on it!

TASTY BLACK BEANS AND CORN TACOS

This also comes from Vegetarian Times, and begins, "Filled with beans and vegetables, these healthful tacos will be a kid’s favorite." Makes 12 tacos.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients:

Black Beans and Corn Filling

1 15-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 medium-sized zucchini, diced

1 cup frozen corn kernels

1/2 cup mild enchilada sauce

Tortillas

12 6- to 8-inch corn or flour tortillas

Toppings, Optional

Note: No toppings were listed, but I would suggest shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and/or sour cream. A diced avocado would be nice, too. Or if there's something else that you love to top your tacos with, go for it! Just one thing: Enjoy!

Instructions:

To make Black Beans and Corn Filling: Put all ingredients into a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low. Cover, and cook for approximately 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until heated through.

To prepare Tortillas: Preheat a cast-iron skillet or griddle on stove over medium-high heat. Lay tortillas in single layer on skillet or griddle for about 10 seconds. Turn and warm other side. Remove from heat, and wrap in a napkin or dishcloth until ready to assemble tacos.

To assemble, set a tortilla on a plate, and spoon on some filling. Top as desired, roll up and eat.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 100; Protein: 4 g; Total Fat: 1 g; Saturated Fat: g; Carbohydrates: 22 g; Cholesterol: mg; Sodium: 170 mg; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 1 g

SNAPPY TACOS

This is another good taco recipe from Vegetarian Times. This one begins, "Just two of these tacos provide nearly all the soy protein of the daily FDA recommendation of 25 grams." Yield: Serves 4.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients:

4 tsp. vegetable oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

12-oz. pkg. soy crumbles, plain or taco-flavored

1/4 cup dark beer (see Note

1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth

2 tsp. chili powder

1 tsp. dried oregano

2 large jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped

1/2 cup salsa, drained

1/2 cup chopped cilantro

8 taco shells

Garnishes: See my note under Toppings for the Tasty Black Beans & Corn Tacos, above.

Note: If you - like me - don't have dark beer (or any beer, for that matter), I suggest simply increasing the low-sodium vegetable broth to 3/4 cup

Instructions:

In large nonstick skillet, heat 2 teaspoons oil over medium-high heat. Add 1⁄4 cup onion and 1⁄4 teaspoon garlic and cook, stirring often, until onion is softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce heat and mix in soy crumbles, beer and broth. Reduce heat and simmer until liquid has almost evaporated, about 8 minutes. Transfer mixture to plate and set aside. Wipe out skillet.

Heat remaining 2 teaspoons oil in skillet over medium-low heat. Add remaining onion and garlic and cook, stirring often, until onion is softened, about 4 minutes. Add chili powder, oregano and jalapeños, stirring until mixture is fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add reserved crumbles, salsa and cilantro and stir well. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 3 to 4 minutes.

Spoon 1⁄4 cup filling into each taco shell. Top with some or all garnishes and serve hot.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 302; Protein: 22 g; Total Fat: 11 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 28 g; Cholesterol: mg; Sodium: 633 mg; Fiber: 8 g; Sugar: g

HOMEMADE TORTILLAS

This, as well as the next two recipes (Cocoa Black Bean Avocado Cream Tacos and Banana Chocolate Tacos), are from the May 2016 issue of Runner’s World, and can be found here. This one begins, “Corn tortillas are rich in flavonoids, which help protect against certain cancers.”

Ingredients

2 cups masa harina (corn flour)

1/2 tsp. salt

1 1/2 cups warm tap water

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine masa and salt. Slowly pour the water into the dry ingredients and mix until the dough is just moistened and forms small clumps. Add more water, if needed by the tablespoon, but don’t let dough become too moist. It should feel like play-dough.

Divide dough into 12 golf-ball size balls. Cover with a damp paper towel. Cut a quart-size ziptop plastic bag up both side seams. Place one ball of dough between the plastic sheets and press down firmly with a medium pot or a tortilla press to form a 4 -5” circle about 1/8” thick.

Heat a heavy skillet or griddle over medium and lightly brush with some oil. Cook the tortilla for 1 minute, or until darkened in some spots and the dough looks dry. Flip and cook for 30 seconds more. Transfer to a clean kitchen towel and fold over to keep warm. Repeat with remaining tortillas, brushing the skillet with more oil as needed.

Nutrition Information: Calories per serving: 69; Protein: 2 g; Carbs: 15 g; Fiber: 1 g; Total fat: 1 g; Saturated fat: 0 g; Sodium: 99 mg

COCOA BLACK BEAN AVOCADO CREAM TACOS

This one begins, “Cocoa adds richness to this hunger smashing fiber-rich bean filling. As a giant cousin of the banana, plantain contains twice as much vitamin C to keep your blood pressure from boiling over. The creamy avocado sauce adds a dose of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat.”

Ingredients

2 tsp. canola or grapeseed oil

1 small yellow onion, diced

2 plum (Roma) tomatoes, seeded and diced

1 ripe plantain, lots of black spots on skin, peeled and diced

1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed

2 Tbsp. cocoa powder

1/2 tsp. chili powder

1/2 tsp. ground cumin

1/3 cup chopped cilantro

1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from 1 large lime)

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 avocado

8 small corn tortillas

1 jarred roasted red bell pepper, thinly sliced

1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

Instructions

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, 3 minutes. Add tomatoes, plantain, black beans, cocoa powder, chili powder, cumin, 1/4 cup water, and 1/2 tsp. salt and pepper; cook 3 minutes more. Stir in cilantro and 2 Tbsp. lime juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper and remove from heat.

Blend together sour cream, avocado, remaining 2 Tbsp. lime juice and a pinch of salt until smooth.

Top tortillas with beans, red pepper, avocado cream and pumpkin seeds. Serves 4.

Nutrition Information: Calories per serving: 408; Protein: 11 g; Carbs: 59 g; Fiber: 12 g; Sugar: 12 g; Total fat: 16 g; Saturated fat: 5 g; Sodium: 320 mg

BANANA CHOCOLATE TACOS

Chocolate? Bananas? On tacos? Sure, why not? This one is from the May 2016 issue of Runner’s World, and begins, “This taco is a smart dessert choice as research shows dark chocolate can improve brain functioning. Each bite also has the carbs needed to restock your muscles after a spirited run. Plus, ricotta is rich in whey protein to make it easier to build stronger muscles.”

This can be found here.

Ingredients

1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese

2 Tbsp. almond butter

1 Tbsp. maple syrup

1–2 tsp. orange zest

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 oz. chopped dark chocolate

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

4 small bananas, sliced into 1/2" pieces

4 small (6") whole-wheat tortillas, heated according to package

1/4 cup unsweetened toasted coconut flakes

Instructions

Stir together ricotta, almond butter, syrup, orange zest and vanilla.

Place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until chocolate is melted. Stir in cinnamon.

Spread ricotta mixture on tortillas and top with banana. Drizzle chocolate sauce over top and sprinkle on coconut flakes. Serves 4.

Nutrition Information: Calories per serving: 439; Protein: 14 g; Carbs: 54 g; Fiber: 13 g; Total fat: 20 g; Saturated fat: 9.5 g; Sodium: 342 mg.

CHICKPEA TACOS

This comes from the March 2008 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 36. It begins, “Turns out, tacos don’t have to be hot to be delicious. The chickpea-avocado mash used as a filling here is prepared and served at room temperature. (It makes a great sandwich spread as well.) Because the fat content of taco shells can vary, look for brands that contain approximately 6 grams or fewer per shell.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.

To view this online, click here.

1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced

1 15-oz. can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

3 Tbs. chopped cilantro

4 tsp. fresh lime juice

1 clove garlic, minced (1 tsp.)

8 corn taco shells

2 cups baby salad greens

1 cup prepared salsa (medium or hot)

1/2 cup nondairy sour cream

Place avocado in small bowl, and mash with fork. Stir in chickpeas, cilantro, lime juice, and garlic; season with salt and pepper.

Set taco shells in napkin-lined basket. Place salad greens, salsa, and sour cream in separate bowls, and set out alongside chickpea-avocado mash.

To serve, let each person build their own taco by filling each shell with 1/4 cup chickpea-avocado mash, some greens, salsa, and sour cream.

nutritional information Per Serving (2 tacos): Calories: 402; Protein: 11 g; Total Fat: 19 g; Saturated Fat: 4 g; Carbohydrates: 51 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 800 mg; Fiber: 10 g; Sugar: 2 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free

Monday, November 7, 2016

Meatless Monday

I can almost hear someone thinking Meatless Monday? This is a vegetarian blog! Exactly! But it got your attention, right?

Whether you're checking out this blog to get meatless recipes for your once-a-week foray into meatless meals or because you're a full-time vegetarian, you're bound to find yummy recipes. When I first started this blog, it seemed as though the majority of recipes I found were from Vegetarian Times. And while this is one of my favorite magazines (one of three that I either subscribe to or buy on the news stand whenever a new issue comes out), I've found quite a few places that have vegetarian recipes - including my own inventions, as well as recipes from my family. If you're interested in vegetarian food and lifestyle, subscribe to my updates (it's free!), check out Vegetarian Times (no, I'm not getting paid to promote V.T., just a satisfied reader), and try a few recipes on your own.

In the meantime, here are six recipes to try out today. Enjoy!

PARSLEY, SAGE, ROSEMARY, AND THYME GRAVY

This comes from the December 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 36. The recipe begins, “Oven-browned vegetables and lots of fresh herbs give this gravy its robust flavor. Be sure to use russet or Idaho potatoes, which are high-starch varieties that have a smooth, creamy texture and begin to fall apart when boiled.” Makes 2 1/ 2 cups.

To view this online, click here.

2 8-oz. russet potatoes, divided

12 button mushrooms

3 carrots, cut into chunks

3 celery stalks, cut into chunks

2 small onions, each cut into eighths

3 cloves garlic, smashed

1 Tbs. olive oil

1/4 cup dry red wine

1 Tbs. tomato paste

4 sprigs fresh parsley

4 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 tsp. dried thyme

2 sprigs fresh rosemary or 1/2 tsp. dried rosemary

2 sprigs fresh marjoram or 1/2 tsp. dried marjoram

2 sprigs fresh sage or 1 tsp. dried rubbed sage

2 bay leaves

12 peppercorns

Preheat oven to 425°F. Quarter 1 russet potato, and place in large Dutch oven with mushrooms, carrots, celery, onions, and garlic. Toss with olive oil. Roast 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, or until vegetables are deep brown on edges.

Transfer Dutch oven to stove top, and stir in wine, tomato paste, and 8 cups water. Add fresh herb sprigs, bay leaves, and peppercorns, and bring to a boil. Simmer, uncovered 30 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes.

Strain liquid (you should have 5 cups), and discard solids. Peel remaining potato, and cut into small cubes. Return broth to pot with potato, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Simmer, uncovered, 30 minutes, or until liquid is reduced to 2 1/2 cups. Blend liquid with potato in blender or using immersion blender. Strain gravy through sieve or fine-meshed strainer. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Reheat before serving, if necessary.

nutritional information Per 1/4-cup serving: Calories: 33; Protein: less than 1 g; Total Fat: 1 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 5 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 15 mg; Fiber: less than 1 g; Sugar: less than 1 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free

SLOW-COOKER BARLEY AND CHICKPEA RISOTTO

This comes from Foxes Love Lemons, by way of ivillage.com. To view int online, go to http://foxeslovelemons.com/slow-cooker-barley-and-chickpea-risotto.

Ingredients:

1-1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

3 carrots, peeled and chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 head cauliflower, cut into small florets

1/2 small yellow onion, minced

4 sprigs fresh thyme

1-1/4 cups pearl barley, rinsed

1 can (15.5 ounces) garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained

2-1/2 cups less-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

1-1/4 cups water

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1-1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

Heat oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add carrots, garlic, cauliflower and onion. Cook until vegetables being to soften, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Stir in thyme and barley; cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

Transfer mixture to slow-cooker bowl. Stir in garbanzo beans, broth, water, salt and pepper. Cook on high 2 to 2-1/2 hours or until barley is tender and most liquid is absorbed.

Remove and discard thyme sprigs; stir in lemon juice. Serve in warm bowls garnished with cheese and parsley.

ULTIMATE STUFFED ACORN SQUASH

This comes from the November 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 53. It begins, “The Native American “three sisters”—corn, beans, and squash—come together in these individual holiday entrées stuffed with corn pudding and black beans.” Serves 8.

To view this online, click here.

3 Tbs. olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced (4 tsp.), divided

4 acorn squash, halved and seeded

1/2 tsp. ancho chile powder, plus more for sprinkling squash

1/2 tsp. ground coriander, plus more for sprinkling squash

3 cups fresh or frozen organic corn kernels, divided

2/3 cup yellow cornmeal

1 tsp. sugar

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper, optional

1 cup low-fat buttermilk

2 large eggs

4 Tbs. melted butter or olive oil

3 oz. soft goat cheese or low-fat cream cheese (1/3 cup)

3 oz. grated extra-sharp Cheddar cheese (3/4 cup), plus more for sprinkling tops, optional

1 1/2 cups cooked black beans or 1 15-oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 large poblano chile or 1 small red bell pepper, diced (1 cup)

8 green onions, white and green parts thinly sliced (1 cup), plus more for sprinkling tops

Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine oil and 2 tsp. minced garlic in small bowl. Brush squash halves with garlic oil, and sprinkle lightly with ancho chile powder and coriander. Season with salt and pepper, if desired, and place on large baking sheet.

Pulse 2 cups corn kernels in food processor until finely chopped and milky. Set aside.

Whisk 1/2 tsp. each coriander and ancho chile powder into cornmeal, along with sugar, baking soda, salt, and cayenne (if using) in medium bowl. Set aside.

Whisk together buttermilk and eggs in separate bowl. Whisk in butter, then puréed corn, remaining 1 cup corn kernels, goat cheese, Cheddar, and remaining 2 tsp. garlic. Fold in cornmeal mixture with spatula, then fold in black beans, poblano chile, and green onions.

Divide filling among squash halves. Sprinkle each squash with extra Cheddar (if using).

Bake squash halves 30 to 45 minutes, or until squash are tender and filling is set. Sprinkle with green onions. Squash can be prepared 24 hours ahead, then reheated 20 minutes at 325°F.

nutritional information Per Stuffed squash half: Calories: 425; Protein: 15 g; Total Fat: 20 g; Saturated Fat: 10 g; Carbohydrates: 53 g; Cholesterol: 80 mg; Sodium: 533 mg; Fiber: 8 g; Sugar: 6 g; Gluten-Free

LENTIL SOUP WITH PLANTAINS

This comes from the December 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 44. It starts off, “Cheesecloth-wrapped bundles of garlic, herbs, and spices infuse this soup with flavor. The process of straining the broth and then adding it to the lentils lets you adjust the soup’s thickness—make it thick and hearty for a main dish or thin and brothy for a first course.”

To view this online, click here.

1 large onion

6 cloves garlic

1 cinnamon stick

3 whole cloves

5 sprigs fresh thyme

8 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

1 1/2 cups brown lentils, rinsed and drained

3 Tbs. olive oil

2 ripe (black) plantains, peeled and diced (1 1/2 cups)

3 carrots, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (1 1/4 cups)

1/2 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. ground allspice

3/4 cup chopped cilantro

Cut half of onion into chunks and other half into dice. Mince 3 cloves garlic; keep 3 remaining cloves garlic whole.

Tie onion chunks, whole garlic cloves, cinnamon stick, and cloves in square of cheesecloth. Tie fresh thyme in separate square of cheesecloth.

Bring broth and cheesecloth bundles to a boil in stockpot. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, uncovered, 30 minutes. Stir in lentils, and cook 15 minutes more. Strain lentils, discard onion bundle, and set lentils aside; reserve cooking liquid and thyme bundle.

Heat oil in saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onions, and sauté 6 to 8 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low; add plantains, carrots, and salt. Sauté 15 minutes, or until plantains are golden. Stir in minced garlic and allspice; cook 5 minutes more. Add lentils, reserved liquid, and thyme bundle; simmer 15 minutes. Remove and discard thyme bundle. Stir in half of cilantro. Ladle soup into bowls, and garnish with remaining cilantro.

nutritional information Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 228; Protein: 10 g; Total Fat: 6 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 36 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 304 mg; Fiber: 11 g; Sugar: 9 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free

MAPLE-GLAZED CARROTS

This comes from the November 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 58. It starts off, “Maple syrup brings out the natural sweetness of carrots, while Dijon mustard adds a hint of tanginess.” Serves 8 in 30 minutes or less.

To view this online, click here.

2 Tbs. olive oil

2 lb. baby carrots, halved lengthwise if thick

1/3 cup pure maple syrup

2 tsp. Dijon mustard

1 Tbs. chopped fresh tarragon.

Heat oil in large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add carrots, and sauté 5 to 7 minutes, or until beginning to brown. Add maple syrup, mustard, and 1 cup water; season with salt and pepper, if desired. Cover, reduce heat to medium, and simmer 10 minutes, or until carrots are tender. Uncover, increase heat to medium-high, and simmer 5 minutes, or until liquid is syrupy and carrots are glazed. Stir in tarragon just before serving.

nutritional information Per 1/2-cup serving: Calories: 106; Protein: less than 1 g; Total Fat: 4 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 19 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 120 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 14 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free

SPINACH, PEPPERS, AND CHERRY TOMATOES WITH PENNE RIGATE

This comes from the November 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 28. It starts off, “Fresh cherry tomatoes and spinach add bright color, flavor, and body to this Mediterranean-style dish.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less>

To view this online, click here.

2 1/2 cups penne rigate pasta (6 oz.)

1 Tbs. olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)

1 12-oz. jar roasted red peppers, rinsed, drained, patted dry, and sliced

10 oz. cherry tomatoes, halved (2 cups)

4 cups packed baby spinach leaves (8 oz.)

1/4 cup chopped pitted kalamata olives

1 Tbs. finely chopped fresh oregano

1 1/2 tsp. grated lemon zest

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Prepare pasta according to package directions. Drain, and reserve 1/2 cup pasta-cooking water.

Meanwhile, heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, and cook 1 minute, stirring frequently, or until lightly browned.

Increase heat to high. Add roasted peppers, and cook 3 to 4 minutes, or until lightly browned, stirring occasionally.

Add tomatoes, spinach, olives, oregano, lemon zest, and pepper. Cook 4 to 6 minutes, or until tomatoes soften and spinach wilts, stirring frequently. Add pasta and reserved pasta-cooking water; cover, and cook 3 minutes more, or until heated through.

nutritional information Per 1 1/2-cup serving: Calories: 266; Protein: 8 g; Total Fat: 6 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 46 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 340 mg; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 4 g; Vegan