Thursday Recipes

We're almost to the end of the week. Yay! Here are six recipes to help you through the day, including Vegan Stir-Fried Garlic Tofu and Eggplant and Cheesecake-Stuffed Red Velvet Cookies. Enjoy!

APPLE GINGER CRISP

This comes from GE Appliances. Makes 6 - 8 servings in 10 minutes.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

8 tablespoons butter, divided

1 1/2 tablespoons grated ginger

3/4 cup unbleached flour

1 1/4 cup granola, preferably maple-pecan

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

7 Fuji apples, cored, skinned and wedge-cut into 1/16-inch cubes

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 cup apple cider

2 teaspoons lemon juice

Directions

Preheat oven 375 degrees F.

In a 12-inch, oven-safe skillet (cast iron works well), melt 6 tablespoons of the butter and add 1/2 tablespoon grated ginger to it. When the ginger releases its aroma, turn off the heat.

For the topping, combine flour, granola (maple-pecan preferably), brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Add the butter and ginger; mix well and set topping aside.

In large bowl, toss apples together with sugar, and 1/2 tablespoon grated ginger. Set aside.

In the same pan used for the butter and ginger, reduce cider over high heat to 1/2 cup. Mix in lemon juice. Pour mixture into a separate container and set aside.

Return pan to low heat, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Add remaining grated ginger. Mix together thoroughly and let ginger release its aroma. Turn up heat to high and add apple mixture. Cook, stirring frequently, until the apples are translucent and soft. About ten minutes.

Remove from heat and add cider and lemon mixture, toss well. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples. Put the skillet into the oven for 45 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

UPDATED IRISH STEW

This is from Vegetarian Times, and begins, “This stew tastes even better as leftovers, once the flavors have had a chance to develop. Serve it over mashed potatoes for a deliciously comforting meal. Traditional Irish stout is not vegan, but to find a beer that is, log on to veganconnection.com.”

Makes 2 servings.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 Tbs. olive oil

10 small frozen pearl onions, thawed

1 medium carrot, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (2/3 cup)

1 Tbs. flour

4 oz. seitan, cut into 1-inch pieces

2 slices smoky tempeh bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1 clove garlic, minced (1 tsp.)

1 tsp. fresh thyme, chopped

1 cup stout beer

1 14-oz. can low-sodium vegetable broth

6 oz. butternut squash, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (1 cup)

1/3 cup frozen shelled edamame

Preparation

Heat oil in saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onions and carrot, and cook 5 minutes. Stir in flour, and cook 2 minutes more. Add seitan, tempeh bacon, garlic, and thyme, and cook 2 minutes.

Pour in beer, and bring mixture to a boil. Cook 3 minutes, stirring and scraping any bits that may be stuck to bottom. Add vegetable broth and butternut squash, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, and cook 20 minutes. Add edamame and cook 10 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper, and serve.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 308; Carbohydrate Content: 36 g; Fat Content: 8.5 g; Fiber Content: 6 g; Protein Content: 23 g; Saturated Fat Content: 1 g; Sodium Content: 384 mg; Sugar Content: 7 g

VEGAN STIR-FRIED GARLIC TOFU AND EGGPLANT

This was in an email from TheKitchn. I absolutely love TheKitchn, as well as its sibling site, Apartment Therapy. If you haven’t checked out either site, I highly recommend them. (Go ahead, I’ll wait…tap, tap, tap.)

Anyway, Christine Gallary, Food Editor-at-Large at TheKitchn wrote, “Eggplant can be a polarizing vegetable. There are those who don't care for it, but I'm in the other camp. I love eggplant in any form, whether roasted, grilled, or even puréed into baba ganoush. But my absolute favorite? When eggplant is stir-fried with lots of garlic and coated with a glossy, savory sauce that I can spoon over a big bowl of steamed rice. I'm not vegan, but this recipe can lean that way if you can get your hands on vegetarian oyster sauce.

“There are a number of ways to make crispy tofu, but the method I turn to uses a nonstick pan, which ensures that the tofu browns nicely, but doesn't stick to the pan. Once the tofu browns, the pan is free to stir-fry the eggplant with garlic until it's nicely seared on the outside, but creamy on the inside. I love using Japanese or Chinese eggplants here since they're smaller and less bitter than their larger Italian counterparts.

“The sauce that holds everything together is a mixture of oyster sauce (vegetarian if you want to keep the dish vegan), soy sauce (or tamari), cornstarch, rice vinegar, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

“The finishing touch is a big handful of basil leaves. Sweet and slightly spicy Thai basil is the perfect choice here, although regular Italian basil will work beautifully too. I like this stir-fry heaped over steamed white or brown rice, but rice noodles would also work great.”

To view this online, click here. Serves 4.

For the sauce:

1/3 cup water

2 tablespoons regular or vegetarian oyster sauce

2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine or dry sherry

1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari

1 teaspoon cornstarch

1 teaspoon rice vinegar

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

For the stir-fry:

1 (14- to-16-ounce) package firm tofu, drained and cut into 3/4-inch cubes

4 tablespoons vegetable oil

Salt

1 pound eggplant, preferably Asian, cut into 3/4-inch dice

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1/2 cup packed fresh Thai or Italian basil leaves

Steamed rice, for serving

For the sauce: Whisk all the ingredients together in a small bowl, making sure the cornstarch is dissolved.

For the stir-fry: Line a large plate with two layers of paper towels. Place the tofu in a single layer on the paper towels to drain.

Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a 14-inch flat-bottomed wok or large nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the tofu, spread into a single layer, and season generously with salt. Cook, flipping rarely, until golden-brown on at least 2 sides (be careful, it will splatter), about 10 minutes total. Remove to a clean plate.

Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the pan and add the eggplant. Season with salt and stir-fry until charred in spots, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Add the reserved tofu and stir to combine. Whisk the reserved sauce to recombine and dissolve the cornstarch, and add it to the pan. Reduce the heat to medium and stir-fry until the sauce has thickened and coats the tofu and eggplant, about 1 minute more. Remove the pan from the heat, add the basil leaves, and toss to combine. Serve immediately with steamed rice.

Recipe Notes

Gluten-free: To make this dish gluten-free, look for oyster sauce labeled gluten-free and use tamari rather than soy sauce.

Vegetarian oyster sauce: Regular oyster sauce is usually made from oysters, but vegetarian oyster sauce, which is made from mushrooms, is a vegetarian and vegan alternative.

1-BOWL CHOCOLATE ZUCCHINI BREAD

This is from the Minimalist Baker, and begins, “Fluffy, tender, insanely delicious Chocolate Zucchini Bread! Made in just 1 bowl, naturally sweetened, SO delicious!”

Prep time: 15 mins; Cook time: 1 hour; Total time: 1 hour 15 mins

To view this online, click here.

Cuisine: Vegan, Gluten-Free

Serves: 10

Ingredients

2 flax eggs (2 Tbsp flaxseed meal + 5 Tbsp water)

1/4 cup applesauce

1/4 cup maple syrup

1/3 cup coconut sugar

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp sea salt

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 cup melted coconut oil (or sub another neutral oil)

1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk

1 cup grated zucchini (squeezed dry and lightly packed in measuring cup)

3/4 cup gluten-free flour blend

1/3 cup gluten-free oat flour (finely ground rolled oats)

1/3 cup almond flour (or almond meal, though I haven't tested it this way)

1/3 cup dairy-free semisweet chocolate chips + more for topping (I like Enjoy Life brand)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 C) and line a standard 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, prepare flax eggs and let rest for 5 minutes. Then add applesauce, maple syrup, coconut sugar, baking soda, baking powder, sea salt, and cocoa powder, and whisk again.

Next add the melted coconut oil and almond milk and whisk to combine. Add grated zucchini (that's been squeezed of excess moisture) and stir to combine.

Add gluten-free flour, oat flour, and almond flour and whisk until just combined. If the batter appears too thick, add a touch more almond milk. But it should be thick and scoopable.

Lastly, stir in chocolate chips. Then transfer batter to the loaf pan and top with a few more chocolate chips (optional).

Bake 45 minutes - 1 hour or until a toothpick comes out clean and the edges feel semi-firm to the touch.

Let cool for 5 minutes in the pan. Then carefully lift onto a cooling rack using the parchment paper. Texture is best when cooled completely. Will keep covered at room temperature for 3-4 days or in the freezer up to 1 month.

Notes

*Nutrition information is a rough estimate for 1 of 10 slices.

*Recipe adapted from my Chocolate Chocolate Chip Muffins.

Nutrition Information: Serving size: 1 slice (of 10): Calories: 216; Fat: 10.8 g; Saturated fat: 7.1 g; Carbohydrates: 31.1 g; Sugar: 15 g; Sodium: 58 mg; Fiber: 4.1 g; Protein: 3.4 g

RED VELVET DOUGHNUTS

This is from Diana Rattry, Southern food expert for The Spruce. Diana wrote, “These red velvet doughnuts are as delicious as they are attractive. They make a wonderful treat for any time of the year, and the vibrant red color makes them an excellent choice for a Valentine's Day or Christmas morning.

“Glaze the doughnuts with a cream cheese frosting or plain vanilla icing and decorate them with red sugars or candies. These doughnuts will be an instant hit!”

Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 25 minutes; Yield: 10 servings.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

Doughnuts

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (5 1/2 ounces)

1 tablespoon cocoa powder

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 large egg

1/2 cup buttermilk*

1 tablespoon red food coloring

4 tablespoons butter ( melted, cooled slightly)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon white vinegar

Vanilla Icing

1 1/4 cups powdered sugar (sift after measuring)

1 tablespoon light corn syrup

1 tablespoon butter (melted)

1 tablespoons water (or more, as needed)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Icing

1 1/4 cups powdered sugar (sift after measuring)

2 tablespoons cream cheese (softened)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 tablespoons milk (or more, as needed)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 F.

Spray doughnut pans with nonstick cooking spray.

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir with a whisk or spoon to blend thoroughly.

In a large bowl, whisk the egg with the buttermilk (or sour milk), red food coloring, melted butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and vinegar.

Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and stir just until blended.

Spoon the batter into a small plastic food storage bag.

Cut a small corner from the bag and pipe the batter into the cavities of the doughnut pan, filling them about half full.

Bake standard size doughnuts for about 10 to 12 minutes. Bake mini doughnuts for about 6 minutes.

Dip the tops of the doughnuts into the cream cheese or vanilla icing to glaze or spread with the icing (see below).

The recipe makes about 10 standard baked doughnuts or about 16 to 18 mini baked doughnuts.

Vanilla Icing

In a mixing bowl with an electric mixer on low speed, combine the sifted powdered sugar with the light corn syrup, melted butter, 1 tablespoon of water and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Beat the icing, adding more water in small amounts until the desired consistency is reached.

Cream Cheese Icing

In a mixing bowl with an electric mixer on low speed, combine the powdered sugar with the softened cream cheese, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 3 tablespoons of milk.

Beat the icing, adding more milk in small amounts until the desired consistency is reached.

*Sour milk is a good buttermilk substitute. To make sour milk, put 1 1/2 teaspoons of white vinegar or lemon juice in a measuring cup. Add milk to the 1/2-cup line. Stir and let stand for about 5 minutes. It might look curdled, but that's okay.

CHEESECAKE-STUFFED RED VELVET COOKIES

This comes from the Food Network Kitchen, and begins, “The classic flavors of red velvet cake are transformed into cookies with the cream cheese baked right inside.”

Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes; Active Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 12 cookies; Level: Easy

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

Filling:

One 8-ounce package cream cheese, at room temperature

1/3 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons sour cream

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Cookies:

1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour, scooped and leveled (see Cook's Note)

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, scooped and leveled

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1 1/4 cups granulated sugar

1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted

1 tablespoon buttermilk

1 teaspoon red food coloring

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 large eggs

Confectioners' sugar, for coating

Directions

Watch how to make this recipe.

Make the filling: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, sour cream and vanilla in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Spoon 1 tablespoon of the filling at a time onto the parchment so that you have 12 dollops. Freeze until solid, about 2 hours.

Make the cookies: Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt and baking soda in a medium bowl. Whisk together the granulated sugar, butter, buttermilk, food coloring, vanilla and eggs in another bowl. Fold the flour mixture into the sugar mixture with a rubber spatula until smooth. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled, about 30 minutes (it will still be soft).

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment.

Coat your hands generously with confectioners' sugar and scoop a heaping tablespoon of the cookie dough into your hand. Put one of the frozen cream cheese dollops in the middle of the dough and place another tablespoon of the dough on top of the cream cheese. Shape the dough around it to completely enclose the cream cheese, and then roll to coat in the confectioners' sugar. Repeat with the remaining dough and cream cheese, coating your hands in confectioners' sugar as needed.

Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake until the cookies are firm around the edges and can be easily lifted with a spatula, 10 to 12 minutes. Let the cookies cool on the trays for 10 minutes, and then transfer to a cooling rack and cool completely.

Cook's Note

When measuring flour, we spoon it into a dry measuring cup and level off excess. (Scooping directly from the bag compacts the flour, resulting in dry baked goods.)