Vegetarian Delights: A Confessions of a Foodie Offspring

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Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Tuesday Recipes

Here are today's six vegetarian recipes. Enjoy!

VEGETABLE COUSCOUS STEW

This comes from the January/February 2016 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 82. It begins, “Want a change from chili at your next party? This veggie-laden North African stew is just the ticket. We’ve provided a recipe for the spice blend ras el hanout, which is traditionally used to season the dish, but you can also just use 2 to 3 Tbs. prepared ras el hanout spice blend, which can be found in well-stocked spice sections at supermarkets.” Serves 12.

To view this online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/vegetable-couscous-stew/.

Ras El Hanout

2 tsp. smoked paprika

1 1/2 tsp. ground coriander

1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. ground ginger

1 tsp. ground turmeric

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1/4 tsp. ground allspice, optional

1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon, optional

1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg, optional

Stew

2 medium onions, thinly sliced (3 cups)

2 cups tomato puree or strained tomatoes

2 Tbs. olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

4 zucchini, cut into 3/4-inch pieces (4 cups)

2 1/2 cups small carrot chunks (5 medium carrots)

4 small turnips, cut into 3/4-inch wedges (1 1/2 cups)

1 medium bell pepper, cut into 3/4-inch pieces (1 cup)

2 15-oz. cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained

Couscous and Garnishes

2 cups couscous

1 tsp. salt, optional

2 cups raisins

Harissa

To make Ras El Hanout: Combine all ingredients in small bowl.

To make Stew: Pour Ras El Hanout into large Dutch oven, and add onions, tomato purée, oil, garlic, and 6 cups water. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 30 minutes.

Add zucchini, carrots, turnips, and bell pepper; cover, and bring to a boil. Simmer 30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Stir in chickpeas just before serving.

Slow-Cooker Option: Place Ras El Hanout and Stew ingredients (except chickpeas) in slow cooker, and set on medium or high heat. Cook 8 hours.Stir in chickpeas just before serving.

To make Couscous and Garnishes: Place couscous in large heat-proof bowl; place raisins in medium heat-proof bowl. Pour 4 cups boiling water over couscous, cover, and let plump 5 minutes. Pour 2 cups boiling water over raisins, and let plump 5 minutes. Fluff couscous, and drain raisins.

Serve Stew with couscous, raisins, and harissa.

nutritional information Per Per serving (1 cup stew, 1/4 cup couscous): Calories: 327; Protein: 9 g; Total Fat: 4 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 66 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 136 mg; Fiber: 9 g; Sugar: 23 g; Vegan

ORANGE AND JICAMA SALAD

Serves 2. To view online, go to http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/9.shtml

Ingredients

Butter lettuce leaves

Salt

1 tablespoon fresh orange juice

Freshly ground pepper

1 large orange, peeled and sliced

1/2 cup red onion, chopped

1 teaspoon white wine vinegar

1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro

1 cup Jicama, julienned

1 teaspoon olive oil

Directions

Line plates with lettuce. Top with orange slices. Mound with jicama. Sprinkle with chopped red onion.

Blend juice, vinegar, salt & pepper in small bowl. Whisk in oil in thin stream. Spoon over salads. Garnish with minced cilantro.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving): Calories: 282; Protein: 4.9 g; Sodium: 36 mg; Fat: 2.8 g; Carbohydrates: 10 g; Exchanges: 1 fruit; 1 vegetable; 1 fat; 1 starch

BROCCOLI WITH ASIAN TOFU

Optional: Delicious served on top of brown rice or Asian-style noodles (soba or udon).

Yield: 4 servings

Serving size: 2 slices tofu, with broccoli and marinade mixture

Source: Deliciously Healthy Dinners

Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/995.shtml

Ingredients

1 pkg (16 oz) firm tofu, drained

2 Tbsp lite soy sauce

1 tsp sesame oil (optional)

1/2 Tbsp brown sugar

1 Tbsp fresh ginger root, finely chopped or shredded (or 1 tsp ground ginger)

1 lb fresh broccoli, rinsed and cut into individual spears

1 Tbsp peanut oil or vegetable oil

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper

4 Tbsp garlic, peeled and thinly sliced (about 8 cloves)

1 Tbsp sesame seeds (optional)

Cooking spray

Directions

Slice tofu into eight pieces. Place on a plate or flat surface covered with three paper towels. Top with four more paper towels. Top with another flat plate or cutting board. Press down evenly and gently to squeeze out moisture. Throw away paper towels. Replace with fresh paper towels and press again. (The more liquid you remove, the more sauce the tofu will absorb.)

Place tofu in a bowl just big enough to hold all eight pieces lying on their widest side without overlapping.

In a small bowl, stir to thoroughly combine soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and ginger into a marinade, and stir thoroughly. Pour over tofu. Carefully turn the tofu several times to coat well. Set aside.

Meanwhile, heat a large nonstick saute pan coated with cooking spray. Add broccoli and saute for about 5 minutes, until it turns bright green and becomes tender and crispy. Remove broccoli from pan and set aside.

Heat a grill pan or flat saute pan over high heat. Drain tofu, reserving marinade. Place on grill pan to heat for about 3 minutes. Gently turn. Heat the second side for 3 minutes.

At the same time, in the saute pan over medium-low heat, warm the peanut oil, crushed red pepper, and garlic until the garlic softens and begins to turn brown, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add broccoli and reserved marinade, and gently mix until well-coated.

Place two slices of tofu on each plate with one-quarter of the broccoli and marinade mixture. Sprinkle with sesame seeds (optional).

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 183; Protein: 14 g; Fat: 11 g; Sodium: 341 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg ; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Dietary Fiber: 4 g; Carbohydrates: 13 g

CRANBERRY TART WITH NUT CRUST

This is from The Kitchn, one of my favorite email newsletters. Serves 6. Makes one 9-inch tart.

To view online, click here.

For the pie:

4 cups (16 ounces) fresh (or defrosted) whole cranberries

2/3 cup granulated sugar

2/3 cup golden syrup

Zest of 1/2 unwaxed lemon

For the crust:

1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour

3/4 cup nut flour

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

4 ounces (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces and chilled

1 to 3 tablespoons cold water

In a medium sauce pan, combine the sugar and golden syrup over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is bubbling. Add the cranberries and lemon zest and turn over several times to coat evenly with the sugar mixture. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside to cool to room temperature.

Prepare the dough: If using a food processor, combine the dry ingredients in the processor bowl and pulse to combine. Drop in the butter pieces and pulse several times until the consistency of oatmeal. If preparing by hand, combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add the butter pieces and cut in with two knives or a pastry blender until the mixture is the consistency of oatmeal.

Continue preparing the dough by adding the water one tablespoon at a time until the dough just barely comes together in a ball. Turn the dough out onto the counter and gather up and shape into a disk. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Unwrap the dough and place on a lightly floured surface. Roll out to a rough 9-inch circle. Carefully transfer to a 10-inch tart pan with removable bottom. Press the dough into the pan and then form a lip around the edge by turning the pan while gently pinching the lip between your left thumb on the outside and right thumb and forefinger on the inside. Chill the prepared pan for 10-15 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

When ready to bake, remove the prepared pan from the refrigerator and prick the bottom a few times with the tines of a fork. Line the bottom of the tart shell with pie weights or a layer of parchment paper and uncooked beans. Bake for 10 minutes or until crust begins to show some drying and browning.

Remove the tart shell from the oven and pour the cool cranberry mixture into the shell, spreading it out from the middle so as not to drip on the lip of the crust. Drizzle any remaining sugar mixture from the pan throughout the shell, again avoiding the lip of the tart.

Bake for another 30 minutes, or until crust deepens in color and the filling is bubbling. Cool on a wire rack. Carefully remove the outer ring, and serve while still warm, or at room temperature. Top with a scoop of ice cream, or a dollop of cream.

PUMPKIN PARFAITS WITH OAT CRUNCH

This comes from the October 2009 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 69. It begins, "This recipe makes 1 cup of Oat Crunch, which is more than you'll need for the parfaits. Save the rest to serve with yogurt, fresh berries, or sorbet." Serves 2.

To view this online, click here.

Oat Crunch

1/2 cup puffed rice cereal

1/4 cup gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant), such as Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Rolled Oats

2 Tbs. raw pumpkin seeds

2 Tbs. pure maple syrup

1/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

Pumpkin Mousse

3 Tbs. gluten-free tofu cream cheese, such as Follow Your Heart Vegan Gourmet Cream Cheese Alternative

1/2 cup sweetened pumpkin pie filling

6 oz. vanilla soy yogurt

To make Oat Crunch:

Preheat oven to 300°F. Combine puffed rice, oats, and pumpkin seeds in small bowl. Add maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and pinch of salt; stir well. Transfer ingredients to prepared baking sheet; spread into thin layer. Bake 10 to 15 minutes, or until light brown. Remove from oven; let cool. Break up Oat Crunch with fingers, and set aside.

To make Pumpkin Mousse:

Whisk tofu cream cheese in bowl until fluffy. Add pumpkin pie filling, and whisk until smooth. Chill.

Spoon 2 Tbs. yogurt into serving glasses. Top with one-quarter Pumpkin Mousse. Sprinkle 1 Tbs. Oat Crunch over each parfait. Repeat process with yogurt, Pumpkin Mousse, and Oat Crunch.

Nutritional information per serving: Calories: 227; Protein: 5 g; Total Fat: 8 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 34 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 261 mg; Fiber: 6 g; Sugar: 25 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free

COUNTRY PUMPKIN CHOWDER

This comes from the October 2004 issue of Vegetarian Times, and begins, "Pumpkins are loaded with beta-carotene, the antioxidant that imparts a bright orange color. Current research suggests that a diet rich in beta-carotene offers protection against heart disease and certain types of cancer." Serves 12

To view this online, click here.

2 tsp. olive oil

1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper

5 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 6-oz. pkg. soy “chicken” strips, cut into 1-inch lengths

2 cups cubed baby Dutch yellow potatoes

1/3 cup dry sherry

3 cups vegetarian “chicken”-flavored stock, hot

1 14.5-oz. can Mexican stewed tomatoes, chopped or pulsed in blender

1 15-oz. can pumpkin purée

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

2 Tbs. nutritional yeast

1 Tbs. tamari

Hot pepper sauce to taste

Heat the oil and crushed red pepper in a Dutch oven or large saucepan over medium-high heat for 1 minute. Add garlic, onion and bell pepper, sauté for 2 minutes and add the soy “chicken” strips. Cook for 2 minutes, and add the potatoes. Cook mixture for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the sherry, stir for 30 seconds, and add the stock and tomatoes.

Reduce the heat to medium, and spoon in the pumpkin, stirring to mix thoroughly. Add the cilantro, yeast, tamari and hot pepper sauce to taste. Reduce the heat to low, and cook for 10 minutes, or until ready to serve.

nutritional information Per SERVING: Calories: 177; Protein: 6 g; Total Fat: 1 g; Saturated Fat: 0 g; Carbohydrates: 36 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 732 mg; Fiber: 6 g; Sugar: 13 g; Vegan

Monday, January 11, 2016

Monday Recipes

Here are today's six recipes to help get the week started. Enjoy!

GREEN BEANS WITH SUNFLOWER SEEDS

Makes: About 3 cups (6 Servings)

Source: The New Family Cookbook For People with Diabetes

Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/26.shtml

View recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/867.shtml

Ingredients

1 pound fresh green beans

1/2 cup chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

2 tablespoons shelled sunflower seeds

1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano, or 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

Directions

Snap the ends off the beans. If they are very young, leave the beans whole; if large, break the beans into 2-inch lengths. Place the beans in a saucepan; add 1 cup water and the onion, garlic, salt, and pepper.

Cover and bring to a boil; reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook about 8 minutes, until the beans are crisp-tender; drain.

Sprinkle the sunflower seeds and oregano over the beans. Toss lightly to mix.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 38; Protein: 2 g; Fat: 2 g; Sodium: 37 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Dietary Fiber: 2 g; Sugars: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 6 g; Exchanges: 1 Vegetable, 1/2 Fat

LOW-CARB SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE

This recipe from Diabetic Connect starts off, “You can avoid traditional sweet potato recipes that are closer to dessert than to a side dish. This wonderful recipe will remind you of when you were young, but keep your blood sugars in check.” Makes approximately 18 servings of 1/2 cup.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

8 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

1/3 cup orange juice

1/4 cup half & half

1 egg white

3 TBS coconut oil

2 TBS Splenda brown sugar

1 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

3/4 tsp cinnamon

3/4 tsp nutmeg

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 cup chopped pecans

zest of 1 orange

Directions

Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Grease a medium sized casserole dish and set aside.

When potatoes are done, strain them and pour into a large bowl.

Add the orange juice and half & half and whip with a hand mixer.

Add the egg white, coconut oil and sugar, and beat until well mixed.

Add the vanilla, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg and blend.

Pour into prepared casserole dish and top with pecans and orange zest.

Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes.

Remove from oven and serve.

HERBED MILLET-STUFFED MUSHROOMS

This comes from the October 2015 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 71. It begins, “For an hors d’oeuvre version of this dish, stuff button mushrooms with a spoonful of the millet filling, and bake 10 minutes. In addition to saucepan cooking directions, we’re including instructions for cooking millet in a rice cooker, which yields soft, fluffy results.” Serves 6.

To view this online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/herbed-millet-stuffed-mushrooms/.

1/3 cup millet

4 tsp. olive oil

2 cups chopped button or cremini mushrooms

1/2 cup finely chopped celery (1 stalk)

1/3 cup finely chopped shallot (1 medium)

1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme

1 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary

1 tsp. chopped fresh marjoram

6 halves or 12 quarters marinated roasted tomatoes, coarsely chopped

3 Tbs. finely grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg, lightly beaten

6 large portobello mushrooms, stems and gills removed

1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh parsley for garnish, optional

Bring millet, 1 tsp. oil, and 1 cup water to a boil in small saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 10 to 11 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed. Alternately, stir ingredients together in bowl of rice cooker, and cook millet according to rice cooker instructions.

Heat 1 tsp. oil in large skillet over medium high heat. Add chopped mushrooms, and sauté 5 minutes, or until mushrooms begin to brown. Add celery and shallot, and sauté 3 to 5 minutes more, or until vegetables are tender. Remove from heat, and stir in chopped herbs.

Add cooked millet to bowl with mushroom mixture, and stir to combine. Fold in chopped tomatoes, Parmesan,and egg.

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper, or spray with cooking spray. Arrange portobello mushrooms stem side up on prepared baking sheet, and brush with remaining 2 tsp. oil. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Spoon heaping 1/3 cup millet stuffing into each portobello cap. Bake 20 to 25 minutes, or until stuffing is heated through and lightly browned on top. Garnish with chopped parsley, if using.

nutritional information Per Per mushroom: Calories: 159; Protein: 7 g; Total Fat: 8 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 18 g; Cholesterol: 33 mg; Sodium: 130 mg; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 6 g; Gluten-Free

DECADENT VEGAN CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES

This comes from the January/February 2016 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 71. It begins, “Coconut milk stands in for heavy cream in these easy homemade chocolates. A touch of vanilla extract and an optional dash of orange-flavored liqueur give them a subtle yet sophisticated edge and aroma. Do not use chocolate chips—they will not melt properly.” Makes 16 to 18 Truffles

8 oz. bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped

1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk

1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1/2tsp. orange-flavored liqueur, such as Cointreau, optional

1 pinch salt

3/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut

1⁄3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Place chocolate in medium heat-proof bowl. Bring coconut milk to a simmer in small saucepan. Remove from heat, and let stand 15 seconds. Strain through strainer over chocolate, stir, then let stand 1 minute, or until chocolate has melted. Stir in vanilla, liqueur (if using), and salt. Cool 1 hour, or until mixture reaches room temperature.

Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop 1 1/2-tsp. mounds onto baking sheet with spoon. Chill 30 minutes.

Place coconut and cocoa powder in separate small bowls. Roll chilled chocolate mounds into smooth balls, then roll each in coconut or cocoa powder. Return truffles to parchment-lined baking sheet, and chill 1 hour.

VEGETARIAN "BEEF" AND GUINNESS STEW

Jolinda Hackett is about.com's vegetarian cuisine guide. She wrote, "Beef and Guinness stew, an Irish pub favorite, gets a vegetarian makeover in this recipe, using seitan instead of beef to absorb all that rich stout flavor. Yum! The flavor of the beer is very strong in this recipe, so I've suggest using half the amount of Guinness and adding an equal amount of vegetable broth if you aren't a Guinness fan."

Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 60 minutes

Ingredients:

Approx 14 oz seitan, cut into thin strips

2 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp steak sauce

3 tbsp butter or margarine

1 onion, diced

3 ribs celery, chopped

2 carrots, chopped

2 medium potatoes chopped into 1 inch pieces

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 12 oz bottles Guinness Stout OR 1 bottle plus 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth

2 tbsp flour

1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme

1 tsp brown sugar (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

Sautee seitan in olive oil and soy sauce until slightly browned, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat, add steak sauce and stir until seitan is lightly coated. Remove from heat and aside. In a large pot, sautee onions, celery, carrots, potatoes and garlic in butter or margarine for 3-5 minutes, or until onions are slightly soft. Reduce heat and slowly add Guinness, gently stirring to combine. Add flour, thyme, sugar, salt and pepper and stir well. Add seitan and allow stew to simmer until Guinness reduces and stew thickens, about 40-50 minutes.

Add more salt and pepper if desired and enjoy!

BLACK-EYED PEAS WITH SPINACH AND HERBS

"Here’s an easy and unusual recipe that highlights fresh spinach. If you use baby spinach, you can skip stemming, making the recipe even quicker than it already is. This Persian recipe is a Sabzi—referring to a recipe using greens and herbs, ingredients so typical to this cuisine. Serve with a fresh flatbread and a salad of chickpeas and tomatoes," according to the recipe.Serves: 6

Read more at http://www.vegkitchen.com/recipes/bountiful-beans/bean-main-dishes/black-eyed-peas-with-spinach-and-herbs/#sDx8kzIPtIHIW3To.99.

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

1 cup chopped leek (white part only), well rinsed

Two 16-ounce cans black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed

2 large or 3 medium tomatoes, diced

Juice of 1/2 to 1 lemon, to taste

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

10 to 12 ounces fresh spinach, stemmed and well rinsed (or baby spinach, well rinsed)

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, or more, to taste

4 scallions, sliced

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Hot cooked rice or other grain, optional

Heat the oil in an extra-large skillet or a steep-sided stir-fry pan. Add the onion and sauté over medium heat until translucent.

Add the leek and sauté another 5 minutes or so, until both it and the onion are golden.

Stir in the black-eyed peas, tomatoes, lemon juice, and spices. Cook until everything is hot and the tomatoes have softened, about 5 minutes.

Add half of the spinach, cover and cook until wilted down, then add the rest. Once it’s all wilted down, stir it in along with the parsley, and scallion. Cook for just a minute or two longer, just until then season with salt and pepper.

Serve at once over hot cooked rice or other grain, if desired.

Friday, January 8, 2016

Friday Recipes

Finally, it's Friday! Here are six recipes to help you through the weekend. Enjoy!

VEGETABLE POT PIES

This comes from the June 2011 issue of Vegetarian Times, page. 74. It starts off, "Sometimes you just want pot pie. This one is wholesome, delicious, and freezer-friendly. Make a batch, and freeze some for heat-and-eat weeknight meals. Poultry seasoning (yep, it’s veg) is the secret flavor booster in this recipe." Serves 8.

To view this online, click here.

Dough

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup whole-wheat flour

1/4 tsp. salt

4 Tbs. cold soy margarine, cut into pieces

Filling

2 Tbs. olive oil

1 medium leek, white and green parts chopped (1 1/2 cups)

1 1/2 cups chopped celery or fennel

2 large carrots, diced (1 cup)

8 oz. button mushrooms, thinly sliced

2 Tbs. all-purpose flour

2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)

4 oz. red-skinned potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (1 1/2 cups)2 1/4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

1 tsp. poultry seasoning

2 Tbs. creamy cashew butter, optional

6 asparagus spears, cut into 1-inch pieces

1/2 cup fresh or thawed frozen peas

1/2 cup fresh or thawed frozen corn kernels

To make Dough: Whisk together flours and salt in bowl. Cut or rub margarine into flour mixture until no large pieces remain. Stir in 3 to 4 Tbs. cold water until smooth dough forms. Wrap in plastic wrap, and chill while making Filling.

To make Filling: Heat oil in large pot over medium heat. Add leek, celery, carrots, and mushrooms; sauté 5 to 7 minutes, or until tender. Stir in flour 
and garlic, and cook 1 minute. Add potatoes, broth, and poultry seasoning. Cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 10 minutes. Stir in cashew butter (if using), and 
cook 1 minute more. Remove from heat, and stir in asparagus, peas, and corn.

Preheat oven to 400°F. Roll out Dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 8 4-inch rounds.

Divide Filling among 8 1-cup ramekins. Place dough rounds on top, pressing dough around sides of ramekins with fork to crimp and seal. Poke hole in top of each pot pie. Place pot pies on baking sheet, and bake 30 to 40 minutes, or until tops are golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

nutritional information Per Pot pie: Calories: 244; Protein: 6 g; Total Fat: 10 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 35 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 207 mg; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 5 g; Vegan

CHOCOLATE GUINNESS CAKE

This comes from Nigella Lawson in The New York Times' cooking newsletter. Nigella writes, “For me, a chocolate cake is the basic unit of celebration. The chocolate Guinness cake here is simple but deeply pleasurable, and has earned its place as a stand-alone treat.” Time: 1 hour 15 minutes; one 9-inch cake or 12 servings

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

Butter for pan

1 cup Guinness stout

10 tablespoons (1 stick plus 2 tablespoons) unsalted butter

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa

2 cups superfine sugar

3/4 cup sour cream

2 large eggs

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

For the Topping:

1 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar

8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature

1/2 cup heavy cream

Preparation:

For the cake: heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9-inch springform pan and line with parchment paper. In a large saucepan, combine Guinness and butter. Place over medium-low heat until butter melts, then remove from heat. Add cocoa and superfine sugar, and whisk to blend.

In a small bowl, combine sour cream, eggs and vanilla; mix well. Add to Guinness mixture. Add flour and baking soda, and whisk again until smooth. Pour into buttered pan, and bake until risen and firm, 45 minutes to one hour. Place pan on a wire rack and cool completely in pan.

For the topping: Using a food processor or by hand, mix confectioners' sugar to break up lumps. Add cream cheese and blend until smooth. Add heavy cream, and mix until smooth and spreadable.

Remove cake from pan and place on a platter or cake stand. Ice top of cake only, so that it resembles a frothy pint of Guinness.

PURPLE HAZE SMOOTHIE

This comes from my e-cookbook, titled Off the Wall Cooking, found on Amazon.com.Variation on a theme. You can make smoothies out of almost any fruit and/or juice (or milk), without having to resorting to packaged mixes (unless you like the mixed smoothies). Experiment; use any juice to your liking: apple, cranberry, orange (my favorite), whatever, then add whatever fruits you have around. If none of the fruits are conducive to freezing (berries work best), add a few ice cubes, or better still, frozen juice cubes.

This one is similar to the above smoothies. The blueberries give it a pleasant taste and a beautiful color.

1 – 1 1/2 cups orange juice (see Note)

1/2 C frozen blueberries

4 frozen strawberries (opt.)

1/2 C yogurt

1/2 C frozen cranberries

1 T wheat germ

Blend orange juice & berries. Add yogurt & wheat germ, blend for 5-15 more seconds.

Note: If adding strawberries, add the extra 1/2 C orange juice. Or use 1 C juice and 1/2 C soymilk.

ULTIMATE STUFFED ACORN SQUASH

This is from page 53 of the November 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times. It starts out, “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

ROASTED SQUASH AND APPLE CHOWDER WITH COLORFUL POTATOES

This is from the October 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 76. It starts off, “Puréed roasted butternut squash provides the creamy base for a hearty chowder. If making the chowder ahead, prepare the recipe through step 3, then assemble and reheat just before serving.” Serves 8.

2 lb. butternut squash, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch chunks (6 cups), divided

3 medium apples, peeled and diced (3 cups), divided

2 large leeks, white parts cut into 1-inch chunks (1 cup), plus 1/2 cup thinly sliced leek greens, divided

1 Tbs. olive oil

1 Tbs. pure maple syrup

1 lb. multicolored potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch chunks

1/2 cup apple juice

1 Tbs. apple cider vinegar

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

Combine 5 cups butternut squash chunks, 2 cups diced apple, leek whites, oil, and maple syrup in large bowl, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Spread squash mixture in single layer on prepared baking sheet, and roast 30 minutes, or until tender, stirring occasionally.

Cook potato chunks and remaining 1 cup butternut squash in boiling, salted water 5 to 7 minutes, or until just tender. Drain, and set aside.

Purée roasted vegetables in blender until smooth. Add purée and apple juice to large soup pot with 4 cups water. Whisk in vinegar, and heat over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Add boiled potatoes and squash, remaining 1 cup diced apple, and leek greens, and simmer 5 minutes, or until hot.

nutritional information Per 1 1/4-cup serving: Calories: 162; Protein: 3 g; Total Fat: 2 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 36 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 12 mg; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 12 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free

ENGINE 2 DIET VEGETARIAN LASAGNA

This was on a long-forgotten email list. But it comes originally from a cookbook titled The Engine 2 Diet: The Texas Firefighter's 28-Day Save-Your-Life Plan that Lowers Cholesterol and Burns Away the Pounds. Personally, I'm considering picking up a copy for myself. Check it out!

Ingredients:

1 onion, chopped

1 small head of garlic, all cloves chopped or pressed

8 ounces mushrooms, sliced

1 head broccoli, chopped

2 carrots, chopped

2 red bell peppers, seeded and chopped

1 can corn, rinsed and drained

1 package Silken Lite tofu

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon basil

1 teaspoon rosemary

2 jars pasta sauce

2 boxes whole grain lasagna noodles

16 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and drained

2 sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed

6 roma tomatoes, sliced thin

1 cup raw cashews, ground

Preparation:

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Sauté the onion and garlic on high heat for 3 minutes in a wok or nonstick pan. Add the mushrooms and cook until the onions are limp and the mushrooms give up their liquid. Remove them to a large bowl with a slotted spoon. Reserve the mushroom liquid in the pan. Sauté the broccoli and carrots for 5 minutes and add to the mushroom bowl. Sauté the peppers and corn until just beginning to soften. Add them to the vegetable bowl.

Drain the silken tofu11 by wrapping in paper towels. Break it up directly in the towel and mix into the vegetable bowl. Add spices to the vegetable bowl and combine.

To Assemble:

Cover the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch casserole with a layer of sauce. Add a layer of noodles. Cover the noodles with sauce. This way the noodles cook in the oven, saving time and energy. Spread the vegetable mixture over the sauced noodles. Cover with a layer of noodles and another dressing of sauce. Add the spinach to the second layer of sauced noodles. Cover the spinach with the mashed sweet potatoes. Add another layer of sauce, the final layer of noodles, and a last topping of sauce. Cover the lasagna with thinly sliced roma tomatoes.

Cover with foil and bake in the oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle with the cashews, and return to the oven for 15 minutes. Let sit for 15 minutes before serving.

Makes 10 - 12 servings of sweet potato lasagna.

Thursday, January 7, 2016

Thursday Recipes

Enjoy!

GRANNY SMITH'S APPLE CRISP

Yield: 8 servings

Serving size: 3/4 cup crisp

Online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1123.shtml

Ingredients

1 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon orange zest

1/4 cup orange juice

5 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1/4-inch slices

1 cup uncooked old-fashioned oats

2 tablespoons Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 tablespoons butter, softened

1/2 cup crisp rice cereal

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray an 8-inch square baking dish with vegetable cooking spray. Set aside.

Make Filling: whisk together Splenda Granulated Sweetener, cinnamon, orange zest and orange juice in a large bowl; add apples and toss to coat. Transfer mixture to prepared pan; set aside.

Make Topping: stir together oats, Splenda Granulated Sweetener, and cinnamon in a medium bowl; cut butter in with a pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture is crumbly. Stir in cereal and walnuts. Spoon topping over apples.

Bake 45 minutes or until topping is lightly browned. Serve warm.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 160; Calories from Fat: 80; Protein: 3 g; Fat: 8 g; Sodium: 45 mg; Cholesterol: 10 mg; Saturated Fat: 2.5 g; Dietary Fiber: 4 g; Sugars: 10 g; Carbohydrates: 21 g

LOW-CARB SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE

This recipe from Diabetic Connect starts off, “You can avoid traditional sweet potato recipes that are closer to dessert than to a side dish. This wonderful recipe will remind you of when you were young, but keep your blood sugars in check.” Makes approximately 18 servings of 1/2 cup.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

8 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

1/3 cup orange juice

1/4 cup half & half

1 egg white

3 TBS coconut oil

2 TBS Splenda brown sugar

1 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

3/4 tsp cinnamon

3/4 tsp nutmeg

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 cup chopped pecans

zest of 1 orange

Directions

Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Grease a medium sized casserole dish and set aside.

When potatoes are done, strain them and pour into a large bowl.

Add the orange juice and half & half and whip with a hand mixer.

Add the egg white, coconut oil and sugar, and beat until well mixed.

Add the vanilla, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg and blend.

Pour into prepared casserole dish and top with pecans and orange zest.

Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes.

Remove from oven and serve.

MEXICAN RICE SOUP

This comes from the September 2008 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 84. It begins, “This light soup (traditionally made with chicken and chicken broth) gets its body from diced avocado, which is served with tortilla strips and added at the table, along with lime wedges and freshly chopped cilantro and green onions. The heat of the soup warms the avocado and tortilla strips without turning them to mush.” Serves 6.

To view this online, click here.

Broth

1 Tbs. olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped (3/4 cup)

2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)

3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

1 Tbs. grated lime zest

1 tsp. dried oregano

Soup

1/4 cup short-grain rice

2 small tomatoes, seeded and diced (1 cup)

1/3 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels

1 8-inch flour tortilla

1 avocado, diced (1 cup)

2 green onions, thinly sliced (1/4 cup)

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

6 lime wedges

Hot sauce for garnish, optional

To make Broth: Heat olive oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, and sauté 5 to 7 minutes, or until softened. Stir in garlic, and sauté 1 minute more. Add vegetable broth, lime zest, oregano, and 3 cups water; cover, and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 10 minutes. Strain Broth, discard solids, and return to saucepan.

To make Soup: Add rice to Broth. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat, cover, and simmer 15 minutes, or until rice is soft. Stir in tomatoes and corn, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F. Spray flour tortilla with cooking spray, and cut into thin strips. Arrange strips on baking sheet, and bake 5 to 7 minutes, or until tortilla is crisp.

Ladle Soup into serving bowls. Garnish with avocado, tortilla strips, green onions, cilantro, lime wedges, and hot sauce, if using.

nutritional information Per Serving: Calories: 131; Protein: 2 g; Total Fat: 7 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 16 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 321 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 3 g; Vegan

PITA QUESADILLAS WITH CILANTRO HUMMUS

This comes from the April 2010 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 24. It begins, “There’s no need for cheese when you use cilantro-laced hummus to hold pita quesadillas together. Serve with salsa.” Serves 8 in 30 minutes or less.

To view this online, click here.

Hummus

1/2 cup cilantro leaves

2 cloves garlic, peeled

1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas (or 1 15-oz. can, rinsed and drained)

2 Tbs. lime juice

2 Tbs. olive oil

Quesadillas

4 7-inch whole-wheat pitas, split crosswise

4 jarred roasted red bell peppers, drained and sliced into strips

1 1/2 cups baby spinach leaves

Preheat oven to 350°F. To make Hummus: Process cilantro and garlic in food processor until chopped. Add chickpeas, lime juice, oil, and 1/4 cup water; purée 3 minutes, or until creamy.

To make Quesadillas: Place 4 pita halves on baking sheet. Spread each with 1/2 cup Hummus. Top with peppers, spinach, and remaining pita halves. Bake 10 minutes, or until crisp. Cut into triangles, and serve.

nutritional information Per 1/2 quesadilla: Calories: 193; Protein: 7 g; Total Fat: 5 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 32 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 393 mg; Fiber: 6 g; Sugar: 4 g; Vegan

BLACKBERRY CRISP WITH MAPLE-PECAN TOPPING

This comes from the September 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 60. It begins, “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.

To view this online, click 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

VEGETARIAN LASAGNA

I’d been making lasagna for years, using a favorite cookbook. One time, my oldest son took the same recipe, and replaced the meat with eggplant. His came out tasting better than when I made it.

I tried recreating the eggplant version, but it never quite came out the same. So, I ended up changing the recipe drastically, changing ingredients and amounts. The funny thing is that, while I use one or two packages of tofu crumbles instead of meat, it tastes enough like meat to fool several non-vegetarians. One person, after eating this, even looked at me aghast, asking, “What are you, some kind of vegetarian?” Never heard from him again.

Tomato sauce:

2 – 3 onions, chopped

3 – 5 cloves garlic, minced

28 oz. can tomatoes

2 – 8 oz. cans tomato sauce

2 – 6 oz. cans tomato paste

2 T oil

1 T oregano

1 tsp. basil

1 tsp. thyme

1 tsp. dill

1 tsp. anise

1 or 2 – 10 oz. package tofu crumbles

Brown onions & garlic in oil. Add remaining ingredients, stir well, simmer for 1 hour. While sauce is cooking, in a separate pot, cook 16 oz. lasagna noodles & make cheese layer.

Cheese layer:

2 C sour cream

2 C cottage cheese

2 eggs

4 C mozzarella, grated

2 C cheddar cheese, grated

1 C Parmesan cheese

Mix ingredients together in large bowl.

Assemble:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In 9” X 13” pan, place half the cooked lasagna noodles length-wise. Top with half the cheese mixture, then half the tomato sauce. Repeat. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Let cool a few minutes before cutting, as it tends to be a little runny when it first comes out of the oven. Serve with a salad and a loaf of hot Italian bread. Very yummy.

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Wednesday Recipes

Enjoy!

VEGETABLE-MINESTRONE SOUP

This comes from the August 2015 issue of Taste For Life, page 53. The recipe begins, “A vegan, gluten free, nut free soup recipe that is delicious!” Prep Time: 40 minutes; Makes 6 servings

To view this online, go to http://tasteforlife.com/retail-partners/gluten-free/vegetable-minestrone-soup.

Ingredients

1 c dried gluten-free pasta

2 Tbsp olive oil

3 cloves garlic, chopped

5 c chopped mixed vegetables (your choice of celery, onions, carrots, red bell peppers, spinach)

1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes

4 c low-sodium gluten-free vegetable broth

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set pasta aside.

Heat oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 2 minutes.

Add vegetables and sauté for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.

Add diced tomatoes and their juice and broth. Bring mixture to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Season with salt and pepper.

Add pasta to soup.

Notes: You can swap out the pasta for approximately 1 1/2 to 2 cups of cooked beans.

AFRICAN BEAN SOUP

I'm occasionally amazed at where I find recipes. This one comes from GE Appliances. It begins, “It's the season for soup and what better way to warm up than this hearty, protein packed stew! This dish works well on it's own, or for a more substantial meal, serve over brown rice and spinach.” Serves 6 to 8.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 onion, chopped

2 small yams, peeled and diced (about 2 cups)

2 medium carrots, chopped

2 celery stalks, chopped

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes

1 (15-ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained

3 cups vegetable broth

1/2 cup cilantro or parsley

3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

2 teaspoons curry powder

Directions

Heat olive oil in stock pot over medium-high heat. Saute onion and sweet potato for about 5 minutes.

Add celery, carrots, bell pepper, soy sauce and curry powder and saute for another 5 minutes.

Add tomatoes, beans, cilantro or parsley and vegetable stock.

Blend peanut butter with 1/2 cup warm water and add to soup.

Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until sweet potatoes are tender.

MEERA SODHA'S NAAN

This comes from Sam Sifton in The New York Times' Cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “The British cookbook author learned this recipe from her aunt Harsha, and included it in her “Made in India: Recipes from an Indian Family Kitchen” in 2015. It is simple to make, and results in crackly-soft flatbreads singed by heat and yielding to tenderness within, with a faint tang of yogurt. It is exactly the sort of thing you’d love to dip in a pool of curry again and again. Just set up an assembly line to roll out the dough and cook it in a hot pan. Once you make the recipe two or three times you’ll never buy naan again.” Time: 90 minutes; makes 4 to 6 servings

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons neutral oil, like canola, plus a teaspoon more

4 tablespoons whole-milk yogurt

1 packet of active dried yeast

2 teaspoons sugar

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 level teaspoon baking powder

1 cup whole milk, warmed

Preparation

Put the flour into a large mixing bowl. Make a well in the middle, and add two tablespoons of the oil to it, along with the yogurt, yeast, sugar, salt and baking powder. Use your fingers to combine the ingredients until they resemble crumbs, and then add the warm milk in splashes, mixing until it comes together into a dough.

Put the dough on a clean, well-floured cutting board. It will be very sticky. Flour your hands, and knead the dough for five minutes or so, then scrape off your hands and knead it again, making it into a round ball. Rub a teaspoon of oil over the exterior of the dough, and place it in a clean mixing bowl. Cover with a dish towel, and place in a warm spot to rise for 60 to 90 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.

Using a knife, divide the dough into 12 pieces. Take each piece, roll it into a ball and flatten it between your palms. Dust the dough with flour, and roll each piece out into an oval of about 5 by 8 inches.

Place a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, and allow it to get hot. When it is, cook one naan in it for 30 to 40 seconds on one side, or until it begins to bubble, then use a spatula to flip it over to cook the other side for about the same amount of time, checking regularly to make sure that it does not burn. Flip the naan one more time, and press on it lightly with your spatula for 10 to 15 seconds, then remove to a warm platter. Repeat with the rest of the dough. (Keep the finished naan in a low oven, or wrap in foil until ready to serve.)

ULTIMATE VEGAN CHILI

This comes from the February 2010 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 51. It begins, “This chili is made with a base of seitan and mushrooms for a rich, thick dish that is, for lack of a better word, meaty! In lieu of chili beans such as Bush's Best Chili Beans, you can substitute or 1 can each black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans, partially drained. If you like your chili three-alarm hot, add an extra chipotle chile or two.” Serves 8.

To view this online, click here.

2 Tbs. olive oil

1 large onion, chopped (2 cups)

3 cloves garlic, minced (1 Tbs.)

1 chipotle chile in adobo sauce, drained and minced

8 oz. baby bella mushrooms, finely chopped (1 1/2 cups)

2 8-oz. pkgs. seitan, chopped (3 cups)

3 Tbs. tomato paste

2 tsp. smoked paprika

2 tsp. dried oregano

1 1/2 tsp. chili powder

3/4 tsp. celery salt

3 15-oz. cans chili beans, partially drained

1 cup chopped carrots (2 to 3 large carrots)

2 Tbs. low-sodium tamari or soy sauce

1 Tbs. vegan Worcestershire sauce

Heat oil in Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion, and sauté 7 to 10 minutes, or until beginning to brown, stirring often. Add garlic and chipotle chile, and sauté 1 minute more. Stir in mushrooms; cook 3 to 4 minutes, or until softened. Add seitan, tomato paste, paprika, oregano, chili powder, celery salt, and 1 cup water; cook 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add beans, carrots, tamari, and Worcestershire sauce. Cover, and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 1 hour, or until carrots are tender.

nutritional information Per 1-cup Serving: Calories: 276; Protein: 24 g; Total Fat: 5 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 33 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 844 mg; Fiber: 9 g; Sugar: 4 g; Vegan

MILLET CORNBREAD WITH SPICY HONEY BUTTER

This comes from the October 2015 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 72. It begins, “Cooked millet replaces wheat flour in this simiple cornbread recipe.” Makes 9 slices.

To view this online, click here.

Spiced Honey Butter

1/2 cup butter, softened

2 tsp. honey

1 tsp. hot sauce, or to taste

1/4 tsp. salt

Cornbread

1/4 cup millet

2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels

2 large eggs

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 cup fine corn flour

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

4 green onions, chopped (1/2 cup)

To make Spicy Honey Butter: Blend all ingredients in mini food processor until smooth, or fold together in small bowl with rubber spatula until thoroughly combined. Shape into log, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill.

To make Cornbread: Combine millet with 2 cups water in small bowl. Let soak 8 to 10 hours, or overnight.

Preheat oven to 425°F. Coat 9-inch square baking pan with cooking spray.

Cook corn in medium pot of boiling water, 3 to 5 minutes, or until tender. Drain, and reserve 3/4 cup cooking water.

Transfer corn and cooking water to blender, and purée until smooth. Cool purée 5 minutes.

Whisk together corn purée, eggs, and oil in medium bowl. Sift together corn flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in separate bowl, then fold into corn purée mixture. Fold in 1/2 cup drained millet and green onions.

Spread batter into prepared pan. Bake 15 minutes, or until top springs back when touched in center. Serve warm Cornbread with Spicy Honey Butter.

nutritional information Per Per slice with 1 tbs. butter: Calories: 264; Protein: 4 g; Total Fat: 19 g; Saturated Fat: 8 g; Carbohydrates: 22 g; Cholesterol: 68 mg; Sodium: 540 mg; Fiber: 2 g; Sugar: 4 g; Gluten-Free

BLACKBERRY CRISP WITH MAPLE-PECAN TOPPING

This recipe comes from the September 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 60. It begins, “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.

To view this online, click 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

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Tuesday Recipes

Here are today's six recipes. Enjoy!

BAKED ACORN SQUASH WITH APPLE STUFFING

Yield: 4 stuffed squash halves (4 servings)

Source: The New Family Cookbook for People with Diabetes

Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/26.shtml

Ingredients

2 small acorn squash (1-1/2 pounds total), halved and seeded

1 large or 2 small apples, peeled, diced

2 tablespoons diced celery

2 tablespoons finely chopped onion

2 teaspoons margarine, melted

Pinch of salt

Pinch of freshly ground pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Prepare a square baking pan with nonstick pan spray.

Place the squash cut side down in a baking pan. Bake 20 minutes.

While the squash is baking, combine the apples, celery, onion, margarine, and 2 tablespoons water in a medium bowl; mix well.

Turn the squash, cut sides up. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Divide the apple mixture to fill the cavities of the squash. Bake the stuffed squash halves, covered with foil, for 30 minutes more. Serve hot.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 87; Protein: 1 g; Fat: 2 g; Sodium: 63 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Dietary Fiber: 5 g; Sugars: 10 g; Carbohydrates: 18 g; Exchanges: 1 Starch

TERIYAKI TOFU KABOBS

Yield: 4 servings (2 skewers per serving)

Source: "The Diabetes Food and Nutrition Bible"

Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/11.shtml

Ingredients

8 bamboo skewers

3/4 pound extra firm tofu, drained and cut into 32 cubes

1 red pepper, cut into 16 squares

1 cup canned pineapple chunks, reserve 1/2 cup juice

1 tablespoon lite soy sauce

1 clove garlic, minced

2 teaspoon minced ginger

Directions

Soak skewers in water for 30 minutes to keep them from burning as you cook the skewers.

Meanwhile, put the tofu, red pepper, and pineapple chunks in a plastic bag or container with a lid. Add reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Drain, reserving marinade to baste. Thread the tofu, red pepper, and pineapple on the skewers.

Prepare an outdoor grill or oven broiler with the rack set 6 inches from the heat source. Grill or broil the kabobs about 5 minutes per side, basting with the marinade. Serve with brown rice.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (2 kabobs): Calories: 107, Fat: 2 g, Cholesterol: 0 mg, Sodium: 147 mg, Carbohydrate: 17 g, Dietary Fiber: 2 g, Sugars: 14 g, Protein: 7 g, Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Carbohydrate, 1 Very Lean Meat

GRILLED ENDIVE AND PEAR SALAD

This comes from the January/February 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 76. It begins, “The pear symbolizes female fertility, notes the Stanford Inn by the Sea coproprietor Jeff Stanford. Cinnamon and cloves add spiciness, turning up the heat.” Serves 2 in 30 minutes or less.

To view this online, click here.

Poached Pears

1 Bosc pear, peeled and halved

1 1/2 cups Merlot wine or apple juice

1/3 cup agave nectar

2 Tbs. lemon juice

1 tsp. grated lemon zest

1 cinnamon stick

3 whole cloves

Dressing

1 Tbs. balsamic vinegar

1 Tbs. pure maple syrup or agave nectar

1 Tbs. olive oil

Salad

Vegetable oil, for brushing grill pan

2 red endives, halved lengthwise

1 cup frisée lettuce

1 green onion, thinly sliced on bias (2 Tbs.)

To make Poached Pears: Combine all ingredients in small saucepan with pear halves round-side down; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover, and simmer 15 to 25 minutes, or until tender, spooning liquid over pears to make sure they cook through. Cool in liquid.

To make Dressing: Whisk together all ingredients in small bowl. Season with salt and pepper, if desired, and set aside.

To make Salad: Brush indoor grill pan with oil, and heat over medium-high heat. Brush endives with Dressing, and cook, cut-side down, 5 minutes, or until slightly wilted.

Toss remaining Dressing with frisée and green onion in bowl. Divide among 2 plates. Slice Poached Pears, and fan on one side of each plate. Top frisée with endive halves, and drizzle with pear poaching liquid.

nutritional information Per Serving: Calories: 247; Protein: 1 g; Total Fat: 9 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 42 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 16 mg; Fiber: 5 g; Sugar: 33 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free

CLEAN MEXICAN MERINGUE COOKIES

This recipe was in an email from my favorite health food store, Rollin’ Oats. They have two stores in the Tampa Bay (Fla) area, one in Tampa, the other in St. Petersburg. I have yet to make it to the Tampa store, but I can honestly say that the St. Petersburg store rocks! (Yes, this is a plug for them – go visit them if you haven't already – and no, I haven't been paid or otherwise compensated for writing this.)

Anyway, this recipe is by their Corporate Executive Chef, Mario Martinez and can be viewed online at http://rollinoats.com/recipe/clean-mexican-meringue-cookies/.

Ingredients:

1/2 c. Slivered almonds

1 c. Sugar

5 Tbsp. Dutch process cocoa powder

3 Tbsp. Cornstarch

1 1/2 tsp. Ground cinnamon

4 Large egg whites

1/4 tsp. Cream of tartar

1 tsp. Pure vanilla extract

1/4 tsp. Pure almond extract

1 1/2 oz. Semisweet or bittersweet (not unsweetened) chocolate

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside.

Spread almonds in a pie pan and bake for 5 to 10 minutes or until lightly toasted. Set aside to cool. Reduce the oven temperature to 200°F.

In a food processor, pulse the toasted almonds with 1/3 cup of the sugar until finely chopped. Add cocoa, cornstarch and cinnamon and pulse just until mixed; set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, beat egg whites with an electric mixer on low speed just until frothy. Add cream of tartar; increase the mixer speed to medium and beat until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 2/3-cup sugar, 2 tablespoons at a time, beating until the whites form firm, but still moist, peaks. Add vanilla and almond extracts and beat just until blended. In 2 additions, gently fold the reserved cocoa mixture into the beaten whites just until blended.

Drop heaping teaspoonfuls of the batter, 1 inch apart, onto the prepared baking sheets, or pipe the batter through a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2 inch plain tip. Bake, using both oven racks, for 1 1/2 hours, alternating the positions of the baking sheets halfway through the baking time. Turn off the oven and let the meringues cool in the oven for 1 hour, then peel them off the parchment paper.

Melt chocolate in a small bowl set over a pan of almost simmering water or in the microwave. Use a small pastry brush to apply a thin coating of chocolate to the flat side of the meringues. Let the meringues stand, chocolate side up, until the chocolate has set.

Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

VEGGIE BURGER

This comes from Food.com. It begins, “A homemade substitute for hamburgers, if you ever have a veggie at a party or barbeque. Good, even without the bun!” Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Yield: 4 patties.

To view this online, go to http://www.food.com/recipe/veggie-burger-104977.

Ingredients

1
(15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup mushroom, finely chopped

1/4 cup onion, finelly chopped

1 carrot, shredded

1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

2 tablespoons tomato paste or 2 tablespoons ketchup

1/2 teaspoon salt

pepper, to taste

Directions

Throw all ingredients in food processor (or blender, if you don't have one).

Pulse (or blend) until coarsely chopped.

Chill mixture, then shape into four (4) 1/2-inch thick patties.

Now you can wrap and freeze them for later.

To cook, thaw patties in microwave, then broil 4-6 inches from heat for 10 to 15 minutes (or until warm in the middle).

You can do this in your broiler or on the grill.

Serve like you do your favorite meat patties!

CHOCOLATE CHIP SHORTBREAD

This comes from the November/December 2008 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 45. It starts off, “Rich, buttery shortbread is an ideal holiday cookie option because it keeps well and is sturdy enough to pack into gift baskets or send to faraway friends and family. For party preparation, either premeasure ingredients and combine on-site, or make the dough, press into the pan, and bake when you arrive.” Makes 60 cookies.

This can be viewe online at here.

3 2⁄3 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cornstarch

1/2 tsp. salt

1 lb. (4 sticks) butter, softened

1 cup sugar

1/3 cup real maple syrup

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups mini chocolate chips, divided

Preheat oven to 325°F. Whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt in large bowl, and set aside. Beat butter, sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract with electric mixer 4 minutes, or until light and fluffy. Add flour mixture and mix until combined. Stir in 1/2 cup chocolate chips.

Transfer dough to 15- x 11-inch ungreased jelly-roll pan. Press dough smooth with fingers, and prick all over with fork. Bake 35 minutes, or until edges just begin to brown and dough looks slightly firm. Remove from oven and, using thin knife, cut shortbread into approximately 3- x 1-inch pieces in pan. (First cut 4 3-inch rows lengthwise; then cut 1-inch pieces crosswise.) Allow shortbread to cool completely in pan on wire rack.

Meanwhile, melt remaining 1 cup chocolate chips in top of double boiler on low heat, or melt in glass bowl in microwave 30 seconds to1 minute. Spread melted chocolate onto shortbread, spreading almost to edges. Refrigerate 15 to 20 minutes to allow chocolate topping to set. Break apart, and serve.

nutritional information Per Cookie: Calories: 125; Protein: 1 g; Total Fat: 7.5 g; Saturated Fat: 4.5 g; Carbohydrates: 14 g; Cholesterol: 16 mg; Sodium: 64 mg; Fiber: 1 g; Sugar: 7 g

Monday, January 4, 2016

Monday Recipes

Enjoy!

PUMPKIN GRATIN

This comes from the October 2006 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 76. It begins, “This Provençal dish is a favorite throughout France, where large wedges of pumpkin are sold at vegetable markets in the fall and winter. If you don’t have fresh sage, simply substitute 1 Tbs. dried rubbed sage.” Serves 6.

1 2 1/2-lb. pumpkin, peeled, seeded and cubed

8 cloves garlic, peeled and minced (about 2 1/2 Tbs.)

1/3 cup chopped parsley

2 Tbs. chopped fresh sage

1/4 cup olive oil

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Preheat oven to 350F. Spray 9×13-inch baking dish or gratin dish with nonstick spray.

Toss pumpkin cubes with garlic, parsley, sage, and salt and black pepper to taste. Transfer to baking dish, and drizzle with olive oil.

Bake 1 hour, or until pumpkin begins to soften and brown around the edges, stirring occasionally. Remove from oven, and toss with cheese and breadcrumbs. Bake 15 minutes more, or until top is golden brown.

nutritional information per serving: Calories: 170; Protein: 5 g; Total Fat: 11 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 14 g; Cholesterol: 5 mg; Sodium: 167 mg; Fiber: 1 g; Sugar: 6 g

SAVORY PUMPKIN QUICHE

This also comes from the October 2006 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 76. It begins, “Who says pumpkin pie has to be sweet? This version goes together in no time and makes a great autumn supper served with whole-grain bread and a tossed salad.” Serves 6; makes 1 8-inch pie.

1/2 cup low-fat Gruyère cheese

1 frozen 9-inch prepared piecrust

1 cup low-fat milk

2 large eggs

1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

1 cup fresh or canned pumpkin purée

Preheat oven to 400°F. Sprinkle cheese over bottom of piecrust.

Whisk together milk, eggs, thyme, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Blend in pumpkin. Pour mixture over cheese in crust.

Bake 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 350°F, and bake 45 to 50 minutes more, or until pie filling has set and tip of knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

nutritional information per serving: Calories: 206; Protein: 9 g; Total Fat: 11 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 16 g; Cholesterol: 146 mg; Sodium: 321 mg; Fiber: 1 g; Sugar: 3 g

SPOON BREAD WITH FRESH SAGE

This is from the November/December 2007 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 61. It begins, “A puddinglike side dish from the South, spoon bread goes together in no time and should be eaten piping hot. Before chopping fresh sage, rub the leaves between your fingers to test its pungency. If the scent isn’t strong, increase the amount you’re using to 3 or 4 tablespoons.” Serves 8.

To view this online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/spoon-bread-with-fresh-sage/.

2 Tbs. chopped fresh sage

1 tsp. salt

1 cup yellow cornmeal

2 Tbs. butter, plus more for greasing dish

1 tsp. baking powder

2 large eggs

1 cup low-fat milk

Preheat oven to 425˚F. Butter 9-inch-square glass or enamel baking dish.

Bring 2 cups water, sage, and salt to a boil in large saucepan. Stir in cornmeal, and bring back to a boil, stirring constantly, or until cornmeal begins to thicken. Remove from heat, and stir in butter until melted. Cool 10 minutes. Stir in baking powder.

Lightly beat eggs in bowl, then whisk in milk until combined. Whisk egg mixture into cornmeal mixture, and pour into prepared baking dish. Bake 35 to 40 minutes, or until top begins to brown and spoon bread looks set.

nutritional information Per SERVING: Calories: 137; Protein: 4 g; Total Fat: 5.5 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 18 g; Cholesterol: 64 mg; Sodium: 417 mg; Fiber: 1 g; Sugar: 2 g; Gluten-Free

VEGAN MOUSSAKA

Another recipe from the November/December 2007 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 64. This one begins, “Mashed potatoes replace cream sauce and ground lentils replace lamb in a casserole that serves a crowd. If you don't have a deep (3 inches) baking dish, make this in two separate dishes.”

To view this online, go to http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/vegan-moussaka/.

5 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks (3 1/2 lb.)

4 cloves garlic, peeled

1/4 cup plus 2 Tbs. olive oil, divided

1 large onion, chopped (1 1/2 cups)

3 Tbs. dried oregano

2 15-oz. cans chopped tomatoes

2/3 cup green lentils

1 bay leaf

1 cinnamon stick

2 medium eggplants, sliced

2 small zucchini, sliced

3 tomatoes, thinly sliced

Cook potatoes and garlic in boiling salted water 10 minutes, or until soft. Drain, and reserve liquid. Mash with 1/4 cup olive oil and 2 cups cooking liquid. Season with salt and pepper.

Heat 2 Tbs. olive oil in saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and oregano, and sauté 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, lentils, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, and 3 cups potato cooking liquid. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 45 minutes, or until lentils are tender. Remove bay leaf and cinnamon, and purée lentils in food processor until chunky. Season with salt and pepper.

Place eggplant slices on paper-towel-lined baking sheet, and sprinkle with salt. Let stand 30 minutes. Rinse, and pat dry.

Preheat oven to 350˚F. Coat deep 13- x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spoon 1 1/2 cups lentil mixture into bottom. Top with eggplant, followed by zucchini and tomatoes. Spoon 2 cups lentil mixture over top. Spread half of potatoes over lentil mixture. Top with remaining eggplant, and lentil mixture. Spread remaining potatoes over top, making sure to cover completely. Bake 1 1/2 hours, or until top is browned.

nutritional information Per SERVING: Calories: 274; Protein: 7 g; Total Fat: 8.5 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 46 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 587 mg; Fiber: 12 g; Sugar: 9 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free

SEARED BROCCOLI AND POTATO SOUP

This comes from Melissa Clark from The New York Times' Cooking newsletter. If you haven't already signed up for their newsletter, I highly recommend it.

For this recipe, Melissa writes, “This is not your average broccoli soup. Instead of merely boiling the broccoli to cook it, here, the florets are seared until deeply browned on one side while remaining bright green on the other. This gives the soup a layer of caramelized flavor while also preserving the fresh green taste of the broccoli itself. It’s a technique inspired by Andrew Feinberg of Franny’s restaurant in Brooklyn, who also uses it for zucchini soup. In this version, we’ve added potato for body, chile flakes for spice and lemon zest to heighten the citrus tang at the end.” Time: 45 minutes; makes 4 to 6 servings.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1/2 cup olive oil, plus more as needed

2 heads broccoli (about 2 pounds), separated into small florets, stems peeled and diced

2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, more to taste

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 large Spanish onion, diced

5 cloves garlic, chopped

1/2 teaspoons black pepper, more for finishing

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/2 pound potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

1/4 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, more to taste

Grated Parmesan, to finish

Flaky sea salt, to finish

Preparation

In a large soup pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over high heat. Add about a third of the broccoli, just enough so that it covers the bottom of the pan in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook broccoli without moving it for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until dark brown on 1 side only (leave the other side bright green). Transfer to a big bowl and repeat with remaining broccoli and more oil. When all the broccoli has been browned, season with 1 teaspoon salt and set aside.

Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter and remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to pan. Add onions and garlic, black and red peppers, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook onion-garlic mixture until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Add potato to the pot with 1 quart water and remaining 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a simmer, cover pot and cook until potato is just tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Add broccoli, cover again and cook until tender, another 5 to 10 minutes.

Add lemon zest and roughly purée soup with an immersion or regular blender, leaving some small chunks for texture. Stir in lemon juice. Finish with grated Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, black pepper and flaky sea salt.

GRILLED ENDIVE AND PEAR SALAD

This comes from the January/February 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 76. It begins, “The pear symbolizes female fertility, notes the Stanford Inn by the Sea coproprietor Jeff Stanford. Cinnamon and cloves add spiciness, turning up the heat.” Serves 2 in 30 minutes or less.

To view this online, click here.

Poached Pears

1 Bosc pear, peeled and halved

1 1/2 cups Merlot wine or apple juice

1/3 cup agave nectar

2 Tbs. lemon juice

1 tsp. grated lemon zest

1 cinnamon stick

3 whole cloves

Dressing

1 Tbs. balsamic vinegar

1 Tbs. pure maple syrup or agave nectar

1 Tbs. olive oil

Salad

Vegetable oil, for brushing grill pan

2 red endives, halved lengthwise

1 cup frisée lettuce

1 green onion, thinly sliced on bias (2 Tbs.)

To make Poached Pears: Combine all ingredients in small saucepan with pear halves round-side down; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover, and simmer 15 to 25 minutes, or until tender, spooning liquid over pears to make sure they cook through. Cool in liquid.

To make Dressing: Whisk together all ingredients in small bowl. Season with salt and pepper, if desired, and set aside.

To make Salad: Brush indoor grill pan with oil, and heat over medium-high heat. Brush endives with Dressing, and cook, cut-side down, 5 minutes, or until slightly wilted.

Toss remaining Dressing with frisée and green onion in bowl. Divide among 2 plates. Slice Poached Pears, and fan on one side of each plate. Top frisée with endive halves, and drizzle with pear poaching liquid.

nutritional information Per Serving: Calories: 247; Protein: 1 g; Total Fat: 9 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 42 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 16 mg; Fiber: 5 g; Sugar: 33 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free