Vegetarian Delights: A Confessions of a Foodie Offspring

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Showing posts with label Quinoa Pilaf with Red and Yellow Peppers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Quinoa Pilaf with Red and Yellow Peppers. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Tuesday Recipes

Here are today's six vegetarian recipes to try. Enjoy!

BREAKFAST EGG NESTS

This is from the January 2007 issue of Vegetarian Times. It begins, “Classic omelet ingredients—eggs, cheese and herbs—get a stylish makeover when baked in a ‘nest’ of whole-wheat bread.” Serves 6.

To view this online, click here.

6 slices whole-wheat bread, crusts removed

4 medium cremini mushrooms, chopped (about 3/4 cup)

1 green onion (white and green parts), thinly sliced (about 2 Tbs.)

1 Tbs. finely chopped fresh tarragon, plus extra leaves for garnish

6 large eggs

1/3 cup shredded Swiss cheese

1/2 tsp. smoked or regular paprika

Adjust oven rack to lowest position. Preheat oven to 325F. Coat 6 6-oz. ramekins with cooking spray, and place on sheet pan. Flatten each bread slice with rolling pin to 1/8-inch thickness. Line prepared ramekins with bread slices, pressing against bottom and sides, and overlapping where necessary (bread may extend over top).

Combine mushrooms, green onion and tarragon in small bowl. Season with salt and pepper, and divide among remekins. Break 1 egg carefully into each ramekin. Top with cheese and paprika; sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Bake 20 to 25 minutes, rotating pan after 10 minutes, or until whites are completely set and yolks begin to thicken but are still creamy. Bake slightly longer for hard-cooked yolks. Cool on rack 2 minutes, then unmold, and transfer to serving plates. Garnish with tarragon leaves, if desired.

nutritional information Per SERVING: Calories: 164; Protein: 11 g; Total Fat: 8 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 14 g; Cholesterol: 218 mg; Sodium: 428 mg; Fiber: 2 g; Sugar: 2 g

SHIRRED EGGS WITH RICOTTA AND FRESH BASIL

This also comes from the January 2007 issue of Vegetarian Times, and begins, “If you can't find fresh basil for this recipe, substitute 3/4 cup prepared pesto.” Serves 6.

To view this online, click here.

1 cup tomato sauce

3/4 cup part-skim ricotta cheese

1/3 cup packed fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus sprigs for garnish

2 Tbs. grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

6 large eggs

Set oven rack in lowest position, and preheat oven to 350F. Coat 6 6-oz. ramekins with cooking spray, and place on small baking sheet. Spoon 1 1/2 Tbs. tomato sauce into each ramekin. Bake 10 minutes, or until sauce is hot.

Combine ricotta, basil, Parmesan and pepper in colander to drain excess liquid. Divide cheese mixture into 6 2-inch round disks.

Remove ramekins from oven, and place one ricotta disk in each. Crack 1 egg into each ramekin. Bake 15 to 18 minutes, or until whites are just set and yolks thicken but are still creamy.

Heat remaining tomato sauce in microwave. Spoon 1 Tbs. over each egg. Season with pepper, and garnish with basil sprigs.

nutritional information Per SERVING: Calories: 137; Protein: 11 g; Total Fat: 8 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 5 g; Cholesterol: 223 mg; Sodium: 348 mg; Fiber: 1 g; Sugar: 2 g

STRAWBERRY FOOL

This comes from Mark Bittman in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Mark wrote, “This Minimalist recipe is as basic as dessert gets, and especially in strawberry season it’s just perfect. It is essentially fresh strawberries and whipped cream (substitute heavy cream, sour cream or yogurt). It can be eaten right away or refrigerated. Only a fool would pass this up.” Yield: 4 servings; Time: 30 minutes.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 pint strawberries

1/2 cup sugar, or to taste

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional

Preparation

Hull strawberries, then wash them and chop into 1/4-inch-thick pieces. Toss with half the sugar, and wait 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they give up their juices.

Place half the strawberries and all the juice in a blender, and puree. Pour puree back in bowl with chopped strawberries.

Whip the cream with remaining sugar and vanilla until cream is stiff and holds peaks easily. Fold berries and cream together, and serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to two hours.

FRUIT NUGGETS

Yield: 36 Nuggets (1 per serving)

Source: 1,001 Delicious Recipes for People with Diabetes

Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/650.shtml

Ingredients

2 cups finely ground low-fat graham crackers

1/2 cup finely ground gingersnaps or low-fat graham crackers

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 cup dried apples

1/2 cup dried apricots

1/2 cup pitted dates

1/2 cup golden raisins

1/2 cup orange juice

2-3 tablespoons honey

3 tablespoons sugar

Directions

Combine graham cracker and gingersnap crumbs and spices in medium bowl. Finely chop fruit in food processor, using pulse technique, or by hand; add to crumb mixture.

Add orange juice and honey to fruit mixture, stirring until mixture holds together. Roll into 36 balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Measure 1 tablespoon sugar into large plastic bag; add 1 dozen nuggets and shake to coat with sugar.

Repeat with remaining sugar and nuggets. Store in covered container at room temperature.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 57; Protein: 1 g; Fat: 0.5 g; Sodium: 29 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Carbohydrates: 13 g; Exchanges: 1/2 Fruit, 1/2 Bread

QUINOA PILAF WITH RED AND YELLOW PEPPERS

Yield: 2-1/4 pounds; Serves: 12

Serving Size: 3 ounces

Source: The Professional Chef's Techniques of Healthy Cooking

View recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/611.shtml

Note: This recipe originally calls for using either chicken or vegetable stock. I've changed that to simply vegetable stock.

Ingredients

2-1/2 tablespoons minced shallots

2 tablespoons minced garlic

20 fluid ounces Vegetable stock

12 ounces quinoa, well-rinsed

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper

1 bay leaf

1 sprig thyme

7 ounces roasted red and yellow peppers, diced

Directions

In a medium saucepan, sweat the shallots and garlic in 2 fluid ounces of the stock until the shallots are translucent.

Add the quinoa, remaining stock, salt, pepper, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring the liquid to a boil.

Cover the pot tightly and place in a 350 degree F. oven until the quinoa is tender and has absorbed all the liquid, about 15 minutes.

Remove and discard the bay leaf and thyme. Fluff the quinoa with a fork to separate the grains and release steam. Fold in the peppers and serve.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 130; Protein: 5 g; Fat: 2 g; Sodium: 150 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Dietary Fiber: 2 g; Sugars: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 22 g; Exchanges: 1 Bread/Starch, 1 Vegetable

WHITE BEAN PATTIES

This comes from the January 2006 issue of Vegetarian Times. It begins, “Serve this easy entrée with a tossed salad and crusty, whole grain bread.” Serves 6 in 30 minutes or less.

To view this online, click here.

1 15.5-oz. can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

1 large egg

3 Tbs. all-purpose flour

2 Tbs. olive oil, or as needed

2 Tbs. lemon juice

3 cloves garlic, minced (1 Tbs.)

1 cup frozen peas

1/2 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs

1/2 cup spaghetti sauce for garnish, optional

1/2 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley, for garnish

Purée first 6 ingredients in food processor or blender until smooth, adding more oil if needed to process. Transfer to bowl.

Fold in peas and breadcrumbs. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Shape mixture into 6 patties, about 1/3 cup each.

Spray large skillet with cooking spray, and warm over medium heat. Cook patties 5 minutes, or until golden. Spray tops of patties, flip and cook 5 minutes more, or until golden.

Meanwhile, warm spaghetti sauce, if using, in small pan or microwave.

Serve patties with spaghetti sauce, if desired, and parsley.

nutritional information Per SERVING: Calories: 183; Protein: 7 g; Total Fat: 6.5 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 24 g; Cholesterol: 35 mg; Sodium: 367 mg; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 2 g

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Tuesday Recipes

Before diving into today's recipes, there are four recalls to warn you about. All four were in a recent The Diabetic News e-newsletter. The first recall involves Blue Cheese from Maytag Dairy Farms. The voluntary recall is due to potential for contamination from Listeria monocytogenes. Click here to read the recall.

The second recall involves certain flax seed products which may have Salmonella contamination. The products were sold under the Organic Traditions brand name. Click here to read the recall.

The third recall involves macadamia nuts produced by Marathon Ventures. This is also due to a risk of Salmonella contamination. Click here to read the recall.

And finally, pistachios are being recalled due to a possible Samonella contamination risk. According to the beginning of the recall, Salmonella “can be especially dangerous for people with diabetes.” To read the recall, click here.

And now for today's six recipes. Enjoy!

QUINOA PILAF WITH RED AND YELLOW PEPPERS

Yield: 2-1/4 pounds; Serves: 12

Serving Size: 3 ounces

Source: The Professional Chef's Techniques of Healthy Cooking

Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/96.shtml

Print Version: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/611.shtml

Ingredients

2-1/2 tablespoons minced shallots

2 tablespoons minced garlic

20 fluid ounces Chicken or Vegetable stock

12 ounces quinoa, well-rinsed

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper

1 bay leaf

1 sprig thyme

7 ounces roasted red and yellow peppers, diced

Directions

In a medium saucepan, sweat the shallots and garlic in 2 fluid ounces of the stock until the shallots are translucent.

Add the quinoa, remaining stock, salt, pepper, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring the liquid to a boil.

Cover the pot tightly and place in a 350 degree F. oven until the quinoa is tender and has absorbed all the liquid, about 15 minutes.

Remove and discard the bay leaf and thyme. Fluff the quinoa with a fork to separate the grains and release steam. Fold in the peppers and serve.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: (3 ounces)

Calories: 130, Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 150mg, Carbohydrate: 22g, Dietary Fiber: 2g, Sugars: 1g, Protein: 5g; Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Bread/Starch, 1 Vegetable

FRUITFUL FROZEN YOGURT

Yield: 6 servings

Online version: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/841.shtml

Source: Diabetic Dream Desserts

Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/61.shtml

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups frozen fruit, coarsely chopped and thawed (such as raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, cherries, or peaches)

4 cups light vanilla yogurt (or use the same flavor yogurt as the fruit you choose)

Sugar substitute equal for 1/4 cup sugar

Directions

Place the fruit and the accumulated juices in a large bowl and mash slightly with a fork.

Stir in the yogurt and sugar substitute.

Pour the mixture into a 1-1/2 quart ice cream maker and proceed as directed by the manufacturer.

Spoon into dessert dishes and serve immediately.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 114; Protein: 8 g; Fat: 0.4 g; Sodium: 122 mg; Cholesterol: 4 mg; Carbohydrates: 19 g; Exchanges: 1 Carbohydrate

ORZO-STUFFED EGGPLANT

This comes from Diabetes Self Management. Prep Time: 25 minutes; Cooking Time: 50 minutes; Serves 4, Serving Size: 2 halves.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

4 small eggplants (approximately 7 ounces each)

Nonstick cooking spray

1 cup orzo pastina, uncooked

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups canned tomatoes, drained and chopped

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and pepper, to taste

8 ounces part-skim mozzarella, diced

1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Directions

Heat oven to 400°F. Wash and pat dry the eggplants, cut off their stems, and cut them in half vertically. Place them with the cut side down on a baking pan coated with nonstick cooking spray. Bake for 30 minutes.

Remove eggplants from the pan, cool under running water, and pat dry. Using a spoon, carve out and chop the pulp, leaving just a thin shell (about 1/4 inch). Place pulp in a bowl and set aside.

Cook the orzo according to package instructions, but keep it slightly undercooked (1–2 minutes less than directed). While the orzo is cooking, heat the olive oil in a medium-size frying pan over moderate heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add the chopped eggplant pulp and sauté for 4–5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the tomatoes, dried herbs, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat.

When the orzo is ready, drain and add to the eggplant mixture. Toss in both cheeses and mix well.

Divide eggplant–cheese mixture into 8 equal portions and fill the eggplant shells. Spray the top of each with cooking spray. Place stuffed eggplant halves on baking pan and bake for 10 minutes. Remove and serve immediately.

TANGY LEMON SQUARES

These bars are tangy and rich in flavor, but not in fat, carbs or calories. No need to feel guilty after eating one!

Yield: 16 servings

View this recipe here: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/943.shtml

Ingredients

Crust Ingredients:

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/3 cup Equal Spoonful or Granulated*

1/8 teaspoon salt

6 tablespoons cold stick butter, cut into pieces

1 teaspoon grated lemon peel

1 teapoon vanilla

Filling Ingredients:

2 eggs

3/4 cup Equal Spoonful or Granulated**

1/2 cup lemon juice

4 tablespoons stick butter, melted

1 tablespoon grated lemon peel

* May substitute 8 packets Equal sweetener

** May substitute 18 packets Equal sweetener

Directions

For Crust, combine flour, 1/3 cup Equal and salt in medium bowl. Cut in 6 tablespoons butter with pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon lemon peel and vanilla. Mix with hands to form dough.

Press dough evenly on bottom and 1/4-inch up sides of 8-inch square baking pan. Bake in preheated 350F oven 8 to 10 minutes or until set. Cool on wire rack.

For Filling, beat eggs and 3/4 cup Equal. Mix in lemon juice, 4 tablespoons melted butter and 1 tablespoon lemon peel. Pour mixture into baked pastry.

Bake about 15 minutes or until filling is set. Cool completely on wire rack. Cut into squares. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 95; Protein: 2 g; Fat: 8 g; Sodium: 30 mg; Cholesterol: 45 mg ; Carbohydrates: 5 g; Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat

LEMON-GLAZED BABY CARROTS

Yield: 4 servings

Source: America's Everyday Diabetes Cookbook

See the recipe here: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/950.shtml

Ingredients

1 pound peeled baby carrots

1/4 cup chicken stock, or vegetable stock

1 tablespoons margarine or butter

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon grated lemon rind

1/4 teaspoon salt

Pepper to taste

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley or chives

Directions

In a medium saucepan, cook carrots in boiling salted water for 5 to 7 minutes (start timing when water returns to a boil) or until just tender-crisp; drain and return to saucepan.

Add stock, butter, brown sugar, lemon juice and rind, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, 3 to 5 minutes or until liquid has evaporated and carrots are nicely glazed.

Sprinkle with parsley or chives and serve.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 91; Protein: 2 g; Fat: 3 g; Sodium: 251 mg; Cholesterol: 8 mg; Dietary Fiber: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 15 g; Exchanges: 2 Vegetables, 1/2 Fat

ZUCCHINI AND CARROTS WITH FRESH HERBS

Yield: 6 servings

Serving size: 3/4 cup

View online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/768.shtml

Source: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Terrific Diabetic Meals

Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/76.shtml

Ingredients

2 medium carrots, sliced

4 medium zucchinis, cut into julienne strips

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 tablespoon chopped fresh or 1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon chopped fresh or 1/4 teaspoon dried dill weed

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Place a steamer basket in 1/2 inch of water in a saucepan (water should not touch the bottom of the basket). Place carrots in the basket. Cover tightly and heat to boiling.

Reduce heat and steam carrots 5 minutes. Add zucchini and steam 4 to 6 minutes or until carrots and zucchini are crisp-tender.

Melt butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Stir in carrots, zucchini, thyme, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Cook uncovered, stirring gently for 2 to 3 minutes, or until hot.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 55; Protein: 2 g; Fat: 4 g; Sodium: 61 mg; Cholesterol: 10 mg; Dietary Fiber: 1.5 g; Carbohydrates: 4 g; Glycemic Index: 22, Glycemic Load: 1; Exchanges: 1 Vegetable

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Thursday Recipes

Enjoy!

ALL-IN-ONE CHOCOLATE CAKE

This comes from Nigella Lawson, from The New York Times' cooking newsletter. If you haven't signed up for their newsletter, I highly recommend it. Nigella writes, “This is the perfect chocolate cake: beautiful, melting, intense but not heavy. The batter comes together quickly in a food processor, and the cake bakes at 350 degrees for a while, giving the baker time to assemble the frosting, which is given a luscious sheen by a bit of corn syrup. Use the best chocolate you can find for the frosting, and gild it however you like: with a few flowers, some birthday candles or nothing at all.” Time: 1 hour 15 minutes; 10 to 12 servings

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

Butter for greasing baking pans

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/3 cup best-quality cocoa powder

6 ounces (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature

2 large eggs, at room temperature

2 teaspoons vanilla

3/4 cup sour cream, at room temperature

For the Frosting:

6 ounces good-quality semisweet chocolate, broken into small pieces

3 ounces ( 3/4 stick) unsalted butter

1 tablespoon light corn syrup

1/2 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted

Preparation

For cake: heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter sides of two 8-inch cake pans, and line bottoms with parchment paper. In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a knife blade, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, butter, eggs, vanilla and sour cream. Process to make a smooth, thick batter.

Using a rubber spatula, divide batter between pans, and smooth tops. Bake until a cake tester inserted in center comes out clean, 25 to 35 minutes; do not overbake. Transfer to a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes before removing from cake pans.

For frosting: Combine chocolate and butter in a large heat-proof bowl, and heat until melted in a microwave oven or over a pan of simmering water. Remove from heat, and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Stir in corn syrup, sour cream, and vanilla. Whisk in confectioners' sugar until very smooth. Frosting should be thick and spreadable. If necessary, add a teaspoon or two of boiling water to thin it, or additional sifted confectioners' sugar to thicken.

Cut four strips of waxed or parchment paper, and place them side by side on a cake plate, covering the surface. Place one cake layer domed-side down on plate.

Spoon about a third of the frosting onto center of cake, and use a knife or a spatula to spread it evenly. Place the other cake on top, domed side up. Spoon another third of frosting on top of cake, spreading to make swirls or a smooth finish. Spread sides of cake with remaining frosting, and allow to sit for a few minutes until set. Carefully remove paper strips. Place cake under glass or in an airtight container, and set aside in a cool place until serving.

QUINOA PILAF WITH RED AND YELLOW PEPPERS

Yield: 2-1/4 pounds; Serves: 12

Serving Size: 3 ounces

Source: The Professional Chef's Techniques of Healthy Cooking

Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/96.shtml

Print Version: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/611.shtml

Ingredients

2-1/2 tablespoons minced shallots

2 tablespoons minced garlic

20 fluid ounces Chicken or Vegetable stock

12 ounces quinoa, well-rinsed

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper

1 bay leaf

1 sprig thyme

7 ounces roasted red and yellow peppers, diced

Directions

In a medium saucepan, sweat the shallots and garlic in 2 fluid ounces of the stock until the shallots are translucent.

Add the quinoa, remaining stock, salt, pepper, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring the liquid to a boil.

Cover the pot tightly and place in a 350 degree F. oven until the quinoa is tender and has absorbed all the liquid, about 15 minutes.

Remove and discard the bay leaf and thyme. Fluff the quinoa with a fork to separate the grains and release steam. Fold in the peppers and serve.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: (3 ounces)

Calories: 130, Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 150mg, Carbohydrate: 22g, Dietary Fiber: 2g, Sugars: 1g, Protein: 5g; Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Bread/Starch, 1 Vegetable

MEATLESS-BALL SUBS

1 package Meatless Balls (see note)

1 26 oz. Jar spaghetti sauce

4 hoagie rolls

cheese slices

Place spaghetti sauce and meatless balls into a good-sized saucepan. Stir, and cook over medium-low to medium heat, stirring occasionally.





Open hoagie rolls, add cheese, cover with meatless balls and sauce.



Makes 4 meatless ball subs.

Note: I use Veggie Patch Meatless Meatballs, though really, you can use any brand you like. I had used another brand for a number of years, but unfortunately, I can no longer find that particular brand anywhere now. Whatever brand you buy is fine, as well as the jarred spaghetti sauce.

SODA BREAD BUNS

This comes from Melissa Clark in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Melissa writes, “In this new incarnation of my soda bread recipe, I kept the crosses, but to maximize the surface area of the crumbly, crunchy outer crust, I baked the dough into small buns instead of a large loaf. That way, I was able to get more of the bumpy-textured crust in each bite.” Time: 45 minutes; makes 8 servings.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cubed, more for greasing pan

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, more as needed

3/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour

1/4 cup sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

3/4 teaspooon baking soda

2/3 cup buttermilk, more for brushing

1 large egg

2/3 cup (about) dried currants

1 1/2 teaspoon (about) caraway seeds

Ingredients

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease a large rimmed baking sheet.

In a large bowl, whisk together flours, sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work in butter until mixture forms coarse crumbs. In a small bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg. Stir wet mixture into dry one until they just form a moist dough. Stir in currants and caraway seeds.

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape into a 7-inch round about 1-inch thick. Cut into 8 wedges. Using lightly floured hands, roll each wedge into a ball and transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Using kitchen shears, snip a small “x” into the top of each bun. (You can also use a knife.) Brush tops with a little buttermilk, and dust lightly with flour.

Transfer baking sheet to oven. Bake until buns are golden brown and firm, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool 10 minutes before serving.

DARK CHOCOLATE – ORANGE BROWNIES

This decadent recipe is from page 46 of the November 2015 issue of Vegetarian Times. It begins, “Cointreau, a sweet orange liqueur, gives fudgy brownies an elegant touch.” Makes 16 brownies in 30 minutes or less.

To view this online, click here.

1/3 cup plus 1 tsp. melted coconut oil, divided

8 Medjool dates, pitted

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup coconut sugar

1/3 cup maple syrup

2 Tbs. Cointreau liqueur

1 Tbs. vanilla extract

1/4 tsp. sea salt

1 large egg

1 cup hazelnut or almond meal

1/3 cup gluten-free oat flour

2 Tbs. grated orange zest

1/2 tsp. baking powder

2 oz. dark chocolate, chopped

Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat 8-inch-square baking pan with 1 tsp. coconut oil.

Pulse 1/3 cup oil, dates, cocoa powder, coconut sugar, syrup, Cointreau, vanilla, and salt in food processor until smooth. Blend in egg, then nut meal, flour, orange zest, and baking powder. Pour into prepared pan, sprinkle with chocolate, and bake 20 minutes, or until edges are firm.

nutritional information Per Per brownie: Calories: 191; Protein: 2 g; Total Fat: 10 g; Saturated Fat: 6 g; Carbohydrates: 26 g; Cholesterol: 12 mg; Sodium: 59 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 20 g; Gluten-Free

BLACKBERRY CRISP WITH MAPLE-PECAN TOPPING

This recipe is from page 60 of the September 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times. It starts off, “Tangy blackberries have a great affinity for pecans and maple, but you could certainly make this crisp with blueberries or a combination of berries. Leftovers are delicious for breakfast!” Serves 8.

This recipe can be viewed online here.

5 Tbs. maple syrup, divided

1 tsp. balsamic vinegar

6 cups fresh blackberries (1 3/4 lb.)

3 Tbs. sugar

16 Tbs. all-purpose flour, divided

1/4 tsp. plus 1/8 tsp. salt, divided

2/3 cup rolled oats

2/3 cup chopped toasted pecans

1/3 cup brown sugar

3 Tbs. canola oil

Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat deep baking dish with cooking spray.

Whisk together 2 Tbs. maple syrup and vinegar in bowl. Place blackberries in large bowl, and drizzle maple mixture over them. Add sugar, 3 Tbs. flour, and 1/8 tsp. salt to berries; toss to combine. Transfer to prepared baking dish.

Combine remaining 13 Tbs. flour, oats, pecans, brown sugar, and remaining 1/4 tsp. salt in separate bowl. Drizzle oil and remaining 3 Tbs. maple syrup over dry ingredients. Use fingers to combine thoroughly until small clumps form. Arrange topping clumps over berries.

Bake 30 to 45 minutes, or until topping is lightly browned and berry juices are bubbling just around edges of crisp.

nutritional information Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 319; Protein: 5 g; Total Fat: 12 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 50 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 115 mg; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 27 g; Vegan