Leek, Artichoke & Blue Cheese Wellington

Ingredients
3 tbsp. olive oil
100 g. pine nuts
1.25 kg. leeks, sliced
3 tbsp. fresh thyme leaves
500 g. frozen puff pastry, thawed
150 g. blue cheese, crumbled
200 g. sliced artichokes in oil, drained
175 g. sundried tomatoes in oil, drained
1 egg, beaten

Directions
Heat the oil in a large pan and cook the pine nuts for two minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden. Using a slotted spoon, remove the nuts from the pan and drain well on paper towels. Meanwhile, add the leeks to the pan and cover and cook over medium heat for 15 minutes, stirring occassionally, until tender. Stir in the thyme, remove from the heat, uncover, and allow to cool. Stir in pine nuts.

Lightly grease a large baking sheet. Roll the pastry into a 13 x 14.5" rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Place the pastry on the baking sheet. Spoon half the leeks onto one half of the pastry and within an inch of three of the edges. Scatter half the cheese. Arrange artichokes and tomatoes on top, then spread over remaining leeks and cheese.

Brush the edges of the pastry with water. Fold over pastry to enclose the filling and pinch the edges together. Using a sharp knife, knock up the edges and flute. Brush with the egg and score the surface with a sharp knife to decorate. Cover and chill for 2 hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Uncover the wellington and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden. Remove from the oven and allow to stand for 5 to 10 minutes.

Cranberry Cashew Biryani

Ingredients
1 tsp. vegetable oil
1 tsp. cumin seeds
1 tsp. mustard seeds
3 cloves garlic, crushed
2 medium carrots, diced
1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
200 g. basmati rice
1-1/2 tsp. garam masala
1/4 tsp. tumeric
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
3/4 tsp. salt
1000 mL water
5 tsp. tomato paste
60 g. dried cranberries
80 g. roasted unsalted cashews, chopped
50 g. frozen peas
fresh cilantro and chopped scallions, for garnish

Directions
Preheat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add cumin and mustard seeds and cover. Let the seeds pop for about 30 seconds and stir a few times. If seeds are not too brown, allow to pop for about 30 seconds more. Add garlic and saute for about a minute more. Add carrots, chickpeas, rice, spices, and stir constantly for about a minute. Dissolve tomato paste in warm water, and add to mixture. Cover and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer. Allow to cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occassionally; at this point most of the liquid should be dissolved. Stir in the cranberries, cashews, and peas. Cook a little longer, if necessary, until liquid is completely absorbed. Fluff with a fork and garnish to serve. Serves 4 as an entree, 6 as a side.

Veggie Stew a l'Orange

Ingredients

1 onion, diced

2-3 carrots, diced

1 small butternut squash or 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped

2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed

28 oz. tomatoes, diced

1-1/2 c. veggie broth

1 c. roasted red peppers, sliced

1 tbsp. chipotle peppers in adobo sauce

1 tsp. cumin

salt and pepper, to taste

zest of one orange

1 tbsp. fresh thyme

avocado, to serve

Directions

Saute onions and carrots in a touch of olive oil. Add squash or potatoes and cook a bit longer. Add black beans, tomatoes, veggie broth, roasted red peppers, chipotles, cumin, salt and pepper. Simmer until veggies are tender and stew has cooked down to your desired thickness. About 15 minutes prior to serving, stir in the orange zest and thyme. Serves 4 to 6. 

NOTE: This recipe will probably do very well in the crockpot. Add all ingredients except for zest and thyme and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Add zest and thyme an hour prior to serving. 

Mexican Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients
6 bell peppers
2-1/2 c. brown rice, cooked
1 tbsp. canola oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-15 oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 1/2 c frozen corn, thawed
1 c. tomato puree
2 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. cumin
Cheddar cheese, shredded

Salt & pepper, to taste

Directions

Cut out stems and centers of peppers. Remove all seeds. Mix all other ingredients and cook all in skillet until tender. Fill peppers. Bake at 375 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes. Top with cheddar cheese and return to the oven for 5 minutes, or until melted and golden.

Serves 4. 

Greek Couscous with Fennel & Tomatoes

My sister-in-law discovered this recipe, made with shrimp (Food Network magazine 3/2013). I omitted the shrimp for a fast, filling, veggie lunch!

Ingredients
1 c. whole-wheat couscous
2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
pinch of red pepper flakes
1 pt. grape tomatoes, quartered
1 small bulb fennel, halved, cored & sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 c. dry white wine or vermouth
1-15 oz. can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2 scallions, sliced
2 tbsp. fresh dill, chopped
1/2 c. Israeli feta, crumbled

Directions
Prepare couscous by boiling 1 cup of water, adding couscous, turning off the heat, and covering. Set aside. Meanwhile, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add fennel, cook for a few minutes, then add red pepper flakes, and garlic. Cook until slightly more tender, then add tomatoes. Once the veggies are tender, add the wine, bring to a simmer, then add chickpeas and another 1/3 cup of water. Cook, stirring occasionally, until chickpeas are slightly softened. Turn off the heat, add scallions and dill.

Fluff couscous with a fork. Layer couscous and veggie mixture into a casserole dish. Top with the feta and transfer to the broiler and broil until golden.

Serves 4 as a side or 2 as a main dish.

Carrot & Leek Quesadillas

Ingredients
2 tbsp. olive oil
2 leeks, halved lengthwise and sliced thinly (whites and light green parts only)
4 carrots, shredded (about 2 c.)
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1 tsp. honey
1/2 tsp. Sriracha
1 tbsp. fresh lime juice
1 c. sharp cheddar, shredded
6 flour tortillas

Directions
In a medium nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Add the leeks and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in the carrots and cook until the vegetables are nearly tender, about 4 minutes. Add the cumin, sea salt, honey, Sriracha, lime juice and 1/4 cup of water. Continue to cook until the liquid is absorbed and the carrot mixture is tender, about 3 minutes.

Arrange the tortillas on a work surface. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of cheese over half of each tortilla. Top each with the carrot mixture. Divide the remaining cheese between the tortillas and fold them in half, pressing to help them stick together.

Wipe out the skillet and brush lightly with half of the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook 2 of the quesadillas over moderately high heat, turning once, until browned and the cheese is melted, about 2 minutes per side. Repeat with the remaining oil and quesadillas. Cut each quesadilla in half and serve with salsa and/or guacamole. 

Serves 2 as dinner, 4 as appetizer.

Buffalo Quinoa "Mac" & Cheese

Ingredients

1-1/4 c. quinoa, rinsed and drained

salt and pepper

2 tbsp. flour

1 c. milk, divided

2 scallions

1 c. extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1/4 blue cheese, crumbled

1/3 c. Buffalo sauce (see Buffalo Cauliflower recipe)

Directions

Preheat broiler. Cook quinoa and set aside. 

Whisk together flour and 1/2 cup of milk in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Pour in remaining milk, and green onions. Switch to a spatula and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, then cook for one minute while boiling. 

Remove the pan from the heat and add in Buffalo sauce and cheddar cheese. Season with a few dashes of salt and pepper. Stir until the cheese is completely melted, then add in cooked quinoa and stir to combine. 

Pour into non-stick sprayed casserole dish and top with blue cheese. Broil for 5 to 7 minutes, or until cheese is golden brown and sauce is bubbly. You can also use individual ramekins. 

Serves 4.  

Basic Chunky Tomato Sauce (for canning)

Ingredients

2 pecks canning tomatoes (15 lb. each)

8 c. onions, chopped

24 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 bulbs)

6 c. red wine

fresh basil, chopped

fresh parsley, chopped

2 tbsp. pickling salt

4 tsp. brown sugar

6 little cans tomato paste

Directions

Blanch, peel, core, and chop tomatoes. Add tomatoes and all other ingredients to the pot, and simmer for many hours. If you get impatient, add more paste. Otherwise, cook down sauce to desired consistency. Process 40 minutes in a hot water bath, 20 minutes in a pressure canner. 

Peeling and dicing will take an hour per person. All other preparations take about an hour.  

Eggplant Parmesan Cutlets

We follow this process for freezing eggplant parmesan cutlets. Buy in bulk when eggplants are in season and make delicious, homemade eggplant parmesan all winter long. Can your own tomato sauce and all you need to buy is the mozzarella. 

Ingredients

10 medium eggplants

2 qt. peanut oil (combine two pans into one towards the end)

flour

Egg mixture: 

12 to 13 eggs

1/2 c. water

Breading (will need multiple rounds): 

1/2 bag Panko bread crumbs (from a big box from BJ's or Sam's Club)

1/2 tbsp. dried marjoram

1/2 tbsp. dried thyme

1/2 tbsp. dried basil

1/2 tbsp. dried oregano

1/3 tbsp. parsley

Directions

You will do many, many rounds of this technique. Peel and slice eggplant. Salt and pepper both sides. Coat in flour. Dunk in egg mixture. Coat in breading mixture. Fry in peanut oil. Cool completely on cookie racks. Using a fan in the kitchen speeds up the process of cooling. Bag in freezer storage bags with parchment paper in between layers of eggplant. Makes about 100 cutlets. 

Soap Scum Remover

Great for glass shower doors! 

Ingredients

3 c. hot water

4 tsp. borax

2 tsp. liquid castile

1-1/2 c. white vinegar

1 tsp. essential oils (I like Thieves: http://www.youngliving.com/natural-cleaner/Thieves-Cleaner)

Directions

Mix all ingredients well and pour into a spray bottle. Shake well before using. 

Glass Cleaner

Ingredients

2 c. water

1/4 c. alcohol

1 tbsp. cornstart

1/4 c. vinegar

Directions

Mix ingredients well and pour into a spray bottle. The cornstarch will settle to the bottom, so always shake before using. 

All-Purpose Spray

The only thing I don't use this all-natural, effective cleaning spray for, is glass. Otherwise, it smells great and works like a charm. 

Ingredients

2 tsp. liquid castile soap

5 tbsp. white vinegar

2 tsp. borax

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. essential oils (I like Thieves: www.youngliving.com/natural-cleaner/Thieves-Cleaner)

4 c. hot water

Directions

Fully mix all ingredients and pour into a spray bottle. 

Homemade Laundry Detergent (dry)

Ingredients
1 c. super washing soda
1 c. borax
1 natural bar soap, grated
(Kirk's, Dr. Bronner's, Fels-Naptha, and Ivory all work well!)

Directions
Mix well. Use about a tablespoon for each wash. Works well in high efficiency washers and traditional washers. This recipe fills a quart-sized mason jar.

Shakshuka

This is a traditional Israeli breakfast, best served with warmed pita.

Ingredients
1 tbsp. olive oil
1/2 medium brown or white onion, peeled and diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 medium green or red bell pepper, chopped
4 c. ripe diced tomatoes, or 2 cans (14 oz. each) diced tomatoes
2 tbsp. tomato paste
1 tsp. chili powder (mild)
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. paprika
Pinch of cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
Pinch of sugar (optional, to taste)
Salt and pepper, to taste
5 to 6 eggs
1/2 tbsp. parsley, freshly chopped
1/3 c. Israeli feta

Directions
Heat a deep, large skillet or sauté pan on medium. Slowly warm olive oil in the pan. Add chopped onion, sauté for a few minutes until the onion begins to soften. Add garlic and continue to sauté till mixture is fragrant. Add the bell pepper, sauté for 5 to 7 minutes over medium, until softened.

Add tomatoes and tomato paste to pan, stir till blended. Add spices and sugar, stir well, and allow mixture to simmer over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes till it starts to reduce. At this point, you can taste the mixture and spice it according to your preferences. Add salt and pepper to taste, more sugar for a sweeter sauce, or more cayenne pepper for a spicier shakshuka.

Crack the eggs, one at a time, directly over the tomato mixture, making sure to space them evenly over the sauce. The eggs will cook "over easy" style on top of the tomato sauce. Cover the pan. Allow mixture to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the eggs are just cooked and the sauce has slightly reduced. To make sure the eggs stay over easy, serve as soon as any clear whites or yolk is gone.

Garnish with the chopped parsley and feta.

Raw Apple Crisp

Ingredients

4 Honeycrisp apples, cored and diced

1/4 c. orange juice

3/4 c. pecan halves

3/4 c. hazelnuts

3/4 c. raisins

3/4 tsp. ground ginger

3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon

Directions

Toss diced apples with orange juice and put into casserole dish. Smooth the top. In a food processor, combine nuts, raisins, ginger and cinnamon and pulse until chopped and well combined. Spoon the nut mixture over the apple mixture and serve. Serves 8.

NOTE TO SELF: One and a half of this recipe fits into my oval Corning-ware casserole dish. Also, I used raw almonds in the nut mixture, as well, which was terrific. Use up whatever you've got on hand! 

Quinoa Fried Rice

Ingredients
2 tbsp. olive oil, divided
2 large eggs, beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
8 oz. shitake mushrooms, sliced
1 head broccoli, cut into florets
1 zucchini, chopped
1/2 c. frozen corn
1/2 c.  frozen peas
2 carrots, peeled and grated
3 c. cooked quinoa (1-1/2 c. uncooked)
1 tbsp. grated fresh ginger
3 tbsp. soy sauce
2 green onions, sliced
Sriracha, for serving

Instructions
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium skillet over low heat. Add eggs and fry until cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side, flipping only once. Let cool before dicing into small pieces.

Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium high heat. Add garlic and onion, and cook, stirring often, until onions become translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add mushrooms, broccoli and zucchini. Cook, stirring constantly, until vegetables are tender, about 3-4 minutes. Add corn, peas, carrots and quinoa. Cook, stirring constantly, until heated through, about 1-2 minutes. Add ginger and soy sauce, and gently toss to combine. Cook, stirring constantly, until heated through, about 2 minutes.

Stir in green onions and eggs. Serve immediately, drizzled with Sriracha, if desired.

Serves 4 to 6.

Tomato Basil Soup

Ingredients

6 tbsp. olive oil

4 large carrots, peeled and diced

1 large onion, sliced

1 tbsp. dried basil, crushed

3 28-ounce cans tomatoes

1 qt. chicken broth (I used "no-chicken" boullion)

1 pt. heavy cream

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

In a large, heavy saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add carrots and onion and cook until beginning to soften, 10 minutes, then add basil and cook until vegetables are completely soft, about 5 minutes more.

Add tomatoes and broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20-30 minutes, or up to 45 minutes if time permits.

After allowing soup to cool somewhat, purée in a blender or food processor until smooth, doing so in batches if necessary. For a much silkier texture, strain the purée before returning to the pot.

Stir in cream little by little over over low heat, until desired texture is reached and soup is just heated through. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Grilled Cheese

Ingredients
1/2 lb. Brussels sprouts, stems removed and chopped or shredded (I tossed them in the food processor)
2 tbsp. olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper, freshly ground
balsamic glaze 
havarti cheese, sliced
8 slices sourdough bread
softened butter for spreading

Directions
Heat a large skillet oven medium heat and add olive oil. Toss in shredded Brussels sprouts and garlic with salt and pepper, tossing to coat. Cook until wilted and golden, stirring occasionally, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove sprouts from the skillet and place them in a bowl.

Heat a skillet oven medium-low heat. Butter the outsides of every bread slice, then layer the sandwiches with slices of cheese, the Brussels sprouts, a good drizzle of balsamic glaze and more cheese. Top off with a slice of bread, buttered-side up. Cook until each side is golden and crisp and cheese is melted, then gently flip and do the same.

Makes 4 small sandwiches.

Cream of Broccoli Soup with Aged Cheddar

Ingredients

1 1b. broccoli, roughly chopped (use the stems here!)

2 leeks, sliced (mostly whites)

a few tbsp. unsalted butter

1/4 c. flour

4 c. vegetable stock, warmed

1 tbsp. fresh thyme

1 tbsp. lemon juice

2 c. heavy cream, light cream or half-and-half

1/2 lb. aged cheddar, shredded

salt and black pepper, freshly ground, to taste

Directions

Saute leeks in butter until just browning. Add flour and whisk to create a roux. You may need to add a bit more butter. Whisking continually, add the stock. Toss in your broccoli, thyme, lemon juice and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer until broccoli is tender, about 15 minutes. 

Once broccoli is tender, puree the soup mixture and add the cream. Continue to warm on low heat, adding cheese, a little at a time, melting. Season to taste with salt and pepper. 

Serves 6 to 8. 

Roasted Potatoes

A very easy, filling side dish when potatoes are in season. 

Ingredients

1 qt. small potatoes, sliced

dry onion soup mix or salt & pepper

olive oil or butter

Directions

Toss sliced potatoes in olive oil or melted butter, and soup mix. Roast in a 9x13-inch casserole dish for 30 minutes at 425 degrees. Turn once while cooking. Some of the potatoes should be crispy! 

Apple & Sweet Potato Kugel

I threw this together in about 25 minutes. It's appropriate for any meal of the day, and you can toss in whatever leftovers you have and change up the spices for a whole new dish.

Ingredients
1 lb. sweet potato or butternut squash, chopped into 1-inch pieces
1 onion, chopped into 1-inch pieces
2 apples, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
1 tsp. vegetable oil
1-12 oz. bag of broad egg noodles
4 eggs
1 c. sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 c. whole milk (I used 2%, actually)
dash of thyme and black pepper, freshly ground
1/4 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. butter
Panko bread crumbs, sugar, and salt for sprinkling over the casserole before baking

Directions
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Toss vegetables with oil, salt, and pepper, then roast on a pan (in one layer) for about 20 minutes. Toss once during the roasting process. When the veggies are ready, they will have just started to brown. Once you've removed the veggies from the oven, reduce the temperature to 350 degrees.

While the veggies are roasting, cook your noodles until they are just cooked through. Beat the eggs and then whisk in the milk, sour cream or yogurt, and spices, and set aside.

Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish and create the kugel by layering noodles, veggies, noodles, veggies and so on. Then, pour the egg mixture over the casserole. Press the noodles into the egg mixture with the back of a big spoon. Sprinkle Panko, sugar and salt over the top and bake for 40 minutes, or until the top starts browning. Let sit for 20 minutes prior to serving.

Serves 6 to 8.

Grilled Avocado & Goat Cheese Tacos

From Naturally Ella, a VERY quick and easy weekday meal. 

Ingredients
1 tbsp. coriander seeds
½ tbsp. cumin seeds
pinch dried pepper flakes
½ c. black beans, with liquids
1 avocado
1 tsp. olive oil
juice and zest from ½ lime
2 tsp. honey
¼ c. goat cheese
4 corn or flour tortillas

Instructions
Preheat Grill. In a dry skillet over medium-low heat, toast the coriander and cumin seeds for 2-3 minutes. Seeds should be fragrant and beginning to brown. Place in a pestle with dried pepper flakes and crush until spices are ground.

Return spices to the skillet and add ½ cup of black beans and liquids. Heat over medium low and let cook until liquids have cooked out, anywhere from 5-10 minutes. Taste and adjust pepper if needed.

Take avocado and slice in half. Brush with the one teaspoon of olive oil and place cut side down on grill. Let cook until lightly charred. Remove and carefully slice avocado out of skin.

To assemble tacos, place ¼ of the black bean mixture in the center of the tortilla, layer avocado and goat cheese on top. Finally, whisk together juice and zest from half a lime along with honey. Lightly drizzle over taco filling.

Homemade Soft Scrub

Totally non-toxic with excellent scrubbing power; great for bathrooms! 

Ingredients

1 c. baking soda

1/2 c. liquid castile soap

1 tbsp. warm water

a few drops of Thieves 

(http://www.youngliving.com/natural-cleaner/Thieves-Cleaner) 

Directions

Mix together and store in an airtight container. 

Curried Broccoli Salad

This fresh broccoli salad recipe combines broccoli florets, raisins and crunchy sunflower kernels in a creamy curry flavored dressing. It literally takes 15 minutes to whip up.

Ingredients
1/2 c. Greek yogurt
3 tbsp. mustard (spicy, dijon, just not yellow)
2 tsp. honey
1/2 tsp. curry powder
3 c. fresh broccoli florets, quartered
1/2 c. raisins
1/3 c. sunflower seeds, roasted & salted

Directions
Mix yogurt, mustard, honey and curry powder in large bowl until well blended. Add broccoli, raisins and sunflower kernels to mayonnaise mixture; toss lightly. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Thai Peanut Zucchini Noodles

Ingredients
2 medium zucchini
1 carrot
1 c. edamame, shelled
¼ c. chopped cashews
½ avocado, cubed
1 tbsp. black sesame seeds
½ c. assorted herbs (mint, basil, cilantro)
1 tbsp. salted peanut butter
1 tbsp. lime juice
½ tbsp. honey
1 tsp. sesame oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp. garlic chili paste (sriracha)

Directions
In a small bowl, combine the peanut butter, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, garlic and chili paste. Whisk to combine, then set aside while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

Peel the zucchini and carrot, then using a julienne peeler and cut the vegetables into long strands. In a medium bowl combine the zucchini, carrot, edamame and avocado, add a few tablespoons of the dressing and toss lightly to combine. Garnish with the herbs, sesame seeds and cashews and serve.

Spinach Enchiladas

The is an excellent white sauce for the traditional "Mexican Flag" enchilada dish you might find. 

Ingredients
For the enchiladas:
1 lb. fresh organic spinach (we used the Wegmans 11 oz. organic baby spinach)

2 tbsp. chopped garlic
1 large onion, chopped
1 lb. fresh mushrooms, halved
1 tbsp. butter
2 slices white bread, crusts removed
salt
2 tsp. white pepper
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. chili powder
2 eggs, beaten
2 c. grated monterey jack and cheddar cheese blend, divided
6 to 8 flour tortillas

For the cilantro cream sauce:
1-1/2 c. half-and-half
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tbsp. cornstarch, plus 1 tsp. cornstarch, dissolved in a small amount of cold water
1-1/2 c. cilantro, chopped finely

Directions
Wilt spinach in large pot. Combine garlic, onion and mushrooms in food processor, and process until coarsely chopped. Melt butter in sauté pan, and sauté onion mixture until onion is translucent. Remove pan from heat, and set aside.

Make bread crumbs in food processor from sliced bread. Add spinach, salt, pepper, nutmeg, chili powder and eggs. Process until blended thoroughly. Transfer to mixing bowl, and stir in onion mixture and 6 tablespoons cheese.

Preheat broiler. Spoon a portion of filling onto each tortilla and roll it up. Place each enchilada in casserole dish, seam side down. Repeat until you've used up filling. 

For cream sauce, mix half-and-half, cayenne, salt and a little of the dissolved corn starch in medium saucepan, and heat until thickened. The sauce should be creamy, not runny; add more cornstarch mixture as necessary. Off the heat, stir in cilantro. Pour cilantro cream sauce over tortillas, and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Broil until cheese melts and turns a nice golden color.

Brown Butter Bourbon Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients
2 1/4 c. cake flour
1-1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1-1/4 tsp. baking soda
1-1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1-1/4 c. (2-1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, browned
1-1/2 c. brown sugar
3/4 c. granulated sugar
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 tbsp. bourbon
2 eggs, at room temperature
10 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions
First, brown the butter by melting it in a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisking constantly. The butter will begin to bubble and foam and then quickly after, turn a golden brown with amber specks in the butter. Immediately remove from heat and pour browned butter into a small bowl and place in the refrigerator until cool to the touch.

In a large bowl whisk together the cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.

When butter is cooled, cream together with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Mix in the vanilla extract, then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Finally, mix in the bourbon.

Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.

Refrigerate dough for at least 1 hour or up to 3 days. (You may think you can skip this step. You cannot.)

When the dough has chilled, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with a Silpat baking sheet. Scoop dough into 1 1/2 tablespoon (golfball-sized) balls (I used an ice cream scoop). Bake for 10-12 minutes. Allow to cool a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Makes about 24 large cookies.

Buffalo Chickpea Quinoa Burgers

Ingredients
1/4 c. uncooked quinoa
1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/2 c. rolled oats
1/4 c. minced shallot
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 c. buffalo sauce (see recipe for Buffalo Cauliflower)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 c. breadcrumbs
whole grain hamburger buns
crumbled blue cheese or blue cheese dressing
lettuce, tomato and/or avocado

Directions
Bring 1/2 cup water to a boil. Add quinoa, cover, reduce heat and let simmer 15 minutes. Remove from heat and keep covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.

Meanwhile, add chickpeas to the bowl of a food processor or mini chopper and pulse until they are broken down into crumb-sized pieces. Transfer to a large bowl. Add oats to same food processor and pulse a few times to break them down into fine crumbs (but not a powder). Add to chickpeas in large bowl. Add to the bowl the shallots, garlic, buffalo sauce, egg, salt, and pepper. Add the cooked quinoa. Mix everything together with a large fork until well combined. If mixture is still too wet to form patties, add the 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs (or enough to hold the mixture together). Divide and shape into patties (made about 3).

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and cook patties for about 4-5 minutes per side.

Assemble burgers by placing patty on bun, topping with additional buffalo sauce, a bit of blue cheese, lettuce, and avocado or tomato if desired.

Buttermilk Farro Salad

Another one from Heidi Swanson's 101Cookbooks. Farro is all the rage now, so I thought I'd use up some buttermilk while trying to be hip.

Ingredients
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. fine grain sea salt
1/2 c. buttermilk
1/8 c. white wine vinegar
1/8 c. extra virgin olive oil
1/8 c. dill, chopped finely
1/4 . chives, chopped finely
3-4 radishes, sliced paper thin
2 small zucchini, sliced paper thin
1/2 bulb fennel, trimmed and sliced paper thin
2 c. farro, cooked and cooled

Directions
Combine garlic and salt on a cutting board. Mash into a paste using the flat side of a knife. Combine in a medium medium jar or bowl with buttermilk and vinegar. Whisk together and let sit for 5 minutes. Gradually whisk in the olive oil, then the herbs.

In a large bowl, gently toss the radishes, zucchini, and fennel with the farro grains. Add the dressing and toss again. Let sit for 10 minutes, taste, and adjust with more dressing and salt, to taste. Serve sprinkled with chives.

Serves 4 as a side.

Spicy Roasted Veggie Macaroni & Cheese

Made without butter and WITH lots of veggies, making this macaroni and cheese a little healthier.

Ingredients
2 to 3 c. fresh vegetables, like broccoli, carrots, red pepper, and squash, chopped
2 c. whole wheat pasta
1/4 cup olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
3 tbsp. all-purpose flour
1-1/2 c. milk
2 c. cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp. Panko breadcrumbs

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Set a medium pot of salted water to boil. Prepare a large baking sheet by lining with parchment paper, and coating with a little olive oil or nonstick cooking spray. Toss vegetables onto the baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, or until vegetables have softened. Remove from oven and set aside.

Once the water is boiling, lower heat slightly and add pasta, cooking according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until mixture is slightly thickened. Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar cheese until well distributed and melted. Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper. Add macaroni and vegetables.

Place mixture in a large casserole dish and sprinkle with panko breadcrumbs. Place under the broiler in your oven (500 degrees) for 3-4 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

Bowties with Sugar Snap Peas, Lemon & Ricotta

Perfect for early summer when the snap peas arrive at the market!

Ingredients
Salt for pasta water
1 lb. sugar snaps
1 lb.  dried pasta bowties
1/2 c. (about 1 oz.) pecorino romano or parmesan, finely grated
A glug, then a drizzle, of olive oil
Coarse or fine sea salt for sprinkling
Black pepper, freshly ground
Juice of 1 lemon, plus more to taste
Few leaves of mint, slivered
1 c. ricotta

Directions
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to boil. While waiting, string sugar snaps and cut into 1/2-inch segments. Cook bowties for two minutes less than the suggested cooking time on the package, then add sugar snaps to pasta. Cook for one minute more. Reserve one cup pasta cooking water, then drain the sugar snaps and bowties. Add them back to the empty pot with 1/2 cup pasta cooking water, grated cheese, a glug of olive oil, salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook on high for one minute, tossing constantly. Add a splash more cooking water if pasta looks too dry. Turn the heat off, dollop ricotta all over in large spoonfuls and, without stirring, tip pasta mixture into a wide serving bowl. (I do this because I love the idea of finding slightly unmixed pockets of ricotta.) Drizzle pasta with a small amount of olive oil, then squeeze lemon juice over the whole dish, sprinkle with mint, and finish with an extra sprinkling of parmesan. Serve quickly. 

NOTE: Lemon juice, rather rudely, discolors green vegetables so be sure to add this only right before serving.

Serves 4 as a main course, 8 as a side dish. 

Enchilada Skillet

I found this recipe on www.plainchicken.com, but obviously needed to adjust to accommodate my meatless preference. This is quick and easy, and tastes very similar to traditional enchiladas without all the work! 

Ingredients

2 c. mixed veggies, like zucchini, carrots, and red peppers, chopped

1 tbsp. olive oil

1/2 c. onion, chopped

1 tsp. garlic, minced

1-12 oz. jar enchilada sauce 

1-15 oz. can black beans

1/4 c. vegetable broth

1 c. salsa

1/2 c. heavy cream

8 oz. pasta, like penne or campanelle

1 c. cheese, shredded

2 tbsp. cilantro, chopped

Directions

Heat olive oil over medium high heat in a 12-inch skillet, until hot. Add onions, garlic, and veggies until slightly softened. They don't need to be completely cooked because they will continue to cook with the pasta. Add enchilada sauce, black beans, broth, cream, salsa, and pasta. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cover skillet. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until pasta is tender. Remove skillet from heat. Top with cheese and mix in. Serve with chopped cilantro. 

NOTE: I believe this would work well in a crockpot! Just toss in all the ingredients and cook on low for several hours. Check often to make sure veggies are not mushy and pasta is tender. 

Serves 4. 

Coconut Corn Salad

Yet ANOTHER Heidi Swanson special. Her recipes are so fresh and delicious. This one is perfect when you have farm fresh corn... I probably wouldn't make it at any other time of year. I made a couple of adjustments based on what I had on hand.

Ingredients
3 tbsp. of butter or olive oil
5 ears of corn, shucked
fine grain sea salt
2 tbsp. fresh thyme leaves
1 c. unsweetened coconut flakes, well toasted
1 c. sliced almonds, well toasted
3 tbsp. red onions, diced
juice of one lime

Directions
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the corn, sprinkle with a couple of pinches of salt and stir well. You want all the corn to be coated. Cook for just a minute, until the corn looses its raw edge, stir in half the thyme, and then transfer the corn to a large serving bowl. Just before you're ready to serve, add most of the almonds, most of the coconut flakes, the rest of the thyme, red onions, and juice. Stir well. Taste, season with more salt to taste, and serve topped with the remaining coconut and almonds (and another jolt of juice, if needed!).

Serves 4 as a salad.

Yellow Bean Salad with Coconut-Cilantro Dressing

My adaptation on a recipe from Heidi Swanson's 101 Cookbooks, for beans fresh from the garden!

Ingredients
1 lb. yellow runner beans (or, use green beans!)
1 jalapeno, stemmed and seeded
5 green onions, green parts trimmed and reserved
a big handful of cilantro
1 clove garlic, peeled and smashed
3/4 tsp. fine grain sea salt
1 tbsp.sunflower oil
1 c. coconut milk, well mixed
1-2 tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice, or to taste1 tsp. agave
2 big handfuls pepitas, toasted
1 avocado, diced (optional)

Directions
Cut the beans into 1-inch segments on a deep bias. Cook in a pot of well-salted water for just 30-45 seconds, drain, and run under cold water to stop cooking. Drain, and aggressively shake off as much water as possible. Set aside.

To make the dressing, pulse the chile, onions, cilantro, garlic, salt, and sunflower oil into a paste with a food processor. Pulse in the coconut milk in two additions, before adding the lemon juice to taste, a half tablespoon at a time.

Place the beans and avocado (if using) in a large bowl with most of the pepitas. Toss well with a generous amount of the dressing. Serve in a bowl or platter topped with the remaining pepitas and scallions. 

Chickpea Quinoa Burgers with Pineapple

A recommendation from Tracey Henderson, this veggie burger is one of the few that holds up on the grill! Full of protein and Indian flare, it was super easy to throw together for a quick dinner! Sweet potato fries accompanied ours! 

Ingredients
1 can chickpeas, drained
1/2 c. coconut milk
1/2 tsp. curry
1/2 tsp. garam masala
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. adobo seasoning
1/4 c. fresh chives or scallions, chopped
1/2 c. quinoa, cooked
2/3 c. panko breadcrumbs
4 slices fresh pineapple
3 tbsp. olive oil
2 tbsp. toasted sesame seed oil
1/4 c. Veganaise
lime zest
black pepper, freshly ground
4 whole wheat hamburger buns

Directions

Place the chickpeas, coconut milk, curry, garam masala, adobo seasoning, and garlic powder in a food processor. Pulse until pureed. Stir in the chives, Quinoa, and panko crumbs. Form into 4 patties.
Heat a grill to medium-high heat. Mist patties with olive oil spray and grill patties until golden brown on each side. Then set aside the patties, mist pineapple with sesame seed oil spray and grill until grill lines appear on each side of the fruit.

In a small bowl, stir together the lime zest, pepper, and Veganaise.
Serve the Chickpea burgers topped with grilled pineapple, your flavored Veganaise, and a bit of lettuce on top of of your burger buns.

Savory Cornmeal Waffles

Ingredients
DRY:
1 1/4 cup flour
1 1/4 cup cornmeal
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
WET:
2 eggs
1 1/4 cup buttermilk
1/3 cup melted butter
MIXINS:
3 tablespoon chopped chives
1 small-dice jalapeno
3/4 cup shredded cheese
1/4 cup diced onion
POSSIBLE TOPPINGS:
Fried eggs
More chives
Scallions
Salsa
Tomatoes
Avacado

Directions
Whisk together the dry ingredients. Whisk together the wet ingredients. Pour wet over dry ingredients and stir together gently with fork, until no dry ingredients remain at bottom, but there are still some clumps within the mix. Fold in the mixins.

Cook in a waffle iron per the directions. Serve with any or all of the possible toppings.

Adapted from Joy the Baker.

Strawberry XYZ Cocktail

Ingredients
2oz light rum
1oz Cointreau (or triple sec)
1oz lemon juice
1oz strawberry juice
Ice

Directions
Cut your lemon garnish before squeezing the lemon (twist or very thin slice to float on top). Shake all liquids with ice, strain into chilled cocktail glass. Add garnish.

This makes a lot, feel free to reduce all ingredients by 25%. We get strawberry juice by letting a lot of strawberries defrost in a container. You can make a regular one without strawberry juice, too.

Bufala Negra Cocktail

Ingredients
4 basil leaves
1tsp balsamic vinegar
1/2 oz simple syrup
1 1/2 oz bourbon
1 1/2 oz chilled ginger ale

Directions
In cocktail shaker, muddle 3 of the basil leaves, vinegar, and simple syrup. Add ice and bourbon and shake. Strain into glass. Add ginger ale and 4th basil leaf as garnish.

Runny Honey

Ingredients
1part water
1part raw honey

Directions
Boil water. Turn down heat. Add honey and stir until thoroughly mixed. Remove from heat. Add to cocktails or other cold beverages. The idea is that it will mix with cold liquids much better than straight honey.

Simple Syrup

Ingredients
1 part water
2 parts sugar

Directions
Boil water. Turn off heat. Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Boiling longer makes the syrup thick. Use white sugar for a clear syrup and neutral flavor. Use unprocessed/turbinado sugar for a dark color and slightly caramely flavor. Add to cocktails.

Smoky Sweet Potato Burgers with Roasted Garlic Cream

Ingredients

2 c. yams, coarsely mashed

2 bulbs garlic, roasted

1 c. cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/3 c. panko bread crumbs

1/3 c. oat flour (or all-purpose, wheat, etc.)

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1-1/2 tsp. smoked paprika

1 tsp. onion powder

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

1/8 tsp. cumin

2-3 tbsp. olive oil

1 avocado

2/3 c. plain Greek yogurt

1 tsp. maple syrup

Salt and pepper, to taste (for cream)

Whole wheat buns

Directions

To Roast Garlic

Cut off the top of the garlic head. Take off most of the paper. Pour about a teaspoon of olive oil on the garlic head and let it soak. Roast in the oven for about 45 minutes.

For the Garlic Cream

Combine yogurt with 2 bulbs (squeezed out) of roasted garlic cloves, maple syrup and a sprinkle of salt and pepper in a blender or food processor. Process until smooth then set aside until ready to use.

For the Burgers

Pierce potatoes (I used 2 large) all over with a fork and place on a paper towel, setting in the microwave. Microwave for 5 minutes, then flip and cook for 5 minutes more. Remove, slice in half and let cool until you can scoop out the flesh.

In a large bowl, coarsely mash beans with a fork. Add in sweet potato and mash together, then add in spices, salt and pepper, minced garlic, egg, panko and flour. Mix together until combined, then place bowl in the fridge for 15-20 minutes. This helps form them into patties, but as a warning they are still somewhat messy.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Remove mixture from fridge and form into 4 equal patties, then place in the skillet once hot. Since the mixture can be wet and messy, do not move until they are fully cooked and golden on one side! This takes about 5-6 minutes. Then, add more oil if needed (this really helps cook them) and flip burgers very gently. Cook for another 5-6 minutes. Toast buns if desired.

Assemble by topping burgers with roasted garlic cream and avocado!

Lean Green Power Salad

Ingredients

4 c. kale, chopped

1 avocado, diced

1/2 c. quinoa, cooked

1/2 c. pomegranate seeds

1/2 c. pecans, chopped

1/4 c. goat cheese, crumbled

1/4 c. olive oil

1/4 c. apple cider vinegar

1 Meyer lemon, juiced and zested

1 tbsp. agave

Directions

If you’re using baby kale greens, you can keep them raw. Mature kale may be too tough for your taste, so feel free to blanch and cool very briefly. Combine kale, avocado, pomegranate, pecans and goat cheese and toss. Whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, vinegar, olive oil and agave. Dress salad to serve. 

Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

Ingredients

Filling
1 qt. strawberries, stemmed and quartered
4 stalks rhubarb, cut into 1/2-inch lengths
1/2 c. sugar
2 tbsp. cornstarch, rounded
1 orange or Meyer lemon, zested and juiced
2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar

Topping
1-1/4 c. whole-wheat flour
1/2 c. rolled oats
1 c. brown sugar
1-1/4 sticks butter, cut into pea-sized pieces
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Pinch salt
1-2 tbsp. water

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Filling
Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl and stir to be sure everything is well combined. Spoon the filling into 8 individual ramekins or 1 wide shallow baking dish.

Topping
In a food processor, combine the flour, oats and brown sugar and pulse to combine. Add the butter, vanilla and salt and pulse, pulse, pulse, until the mixture looks dry and crumbly. Add 1 tablespoon of water and pulse until the mixture starts to come together and look crumbly. If the mixture still seems dry add 1 more tablespoon of water and pulse to combine.

Crumble the topping over the filling. Bake in the preheated oven until the filling is hot and bubbly all the way through and the topping looks crispy and light brown, about 25 to 30 minutes. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.

Chilled Cucumber Buttermilk Soup

An excellent accompaniment to my Buffalo Cauliflower. Creamy and cool. 

Ingredients

1-1/2 cucumbers, peeled, seeded and chopped

2 stalks celery, chopped coarsely

1 shallot, chopped coarsely

1/4 c. olive oil

1/2 c. buttermilk

1/2 c. sour cream

Salt and pepper, to taste

Chives, to garnish

Directions

Combine cucumbers, celery, shallot, 1 tsp. kosher salt, and olive oil in a blender and puree until smooth. Strain through a medium-mesh sieve, pressing solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Whisk in buttermilk, sour cream and freshly ground black pepper. Refrigerate for at least an hour. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and chopped chives. Serves 2.

Buffalo Cauliflower

It's always the guilty pleasures that I miss as a vegetarian... like Buffalo wings and hot dogs. Here's a pretty awesome substitute for the former. 

Ingredients

1 head cauliflower, cut into florets

1 c. flour

1-1/2 c. buttermilk

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. salt

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/3 c. Frank’s Red Hot (or similar)

1/2 c. unsalted butter

1/3 c. ketchup

2 tbsp. honey

Directions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Whisk together flour, buttermilk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The batter should be thick, similar to brownie mix. Coat the cauliflower in the batter. You may want to coat each individual floret, or add to the batter and gently toss to coat. Bake in one layer, on a cookie sheet or shallow pan for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown and a little crispy.

Meanwhile, combine Frank’s Red Hot, butter, ketchup, and honey in a saucepan and heat on low until well mixed.

Once the cauliflower is baked, remove from the oven and coat with Buffalo sauce. You may find it easiest to put the cauliflower in a large bowl and toss to coat. Put the cauliflower back in the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes. Serve with bleu cheese dressing and celery. 

Beer Mac & Cheese Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp. butter

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 carrots, diced

• 2 stalks celery, diced

• 1 jalapeno pepper, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• Additional veggies, like broccoli or peas

• 1/4 c. flour 

• 2 c. vegetable broth

• 1-12 oz. bottle beer

• 1 pinch nutmeg

• 1 c. elbow macaroni

• 1/2 c. heavy cream

• 1 tsp. dijon mustard

• 1 tbsp. worcestershire sauce

• 3 c. cheddar cheese, shredded

• cayenne to taste

• salt and pepper to taste

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Directions
Add the onion, carrot, celery and jalapeno to melted butter and cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Add additional vegetables, like broccoli or peas. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about a minute. Mix in the flour and let it cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the broth, beer, nutmeg, and macaroni and let cook until the macaroni is al-dente, about 7-8 minutes. Add the cream, mustard, Worcestershire sauce and cheese and cook until the cheese has melted without bringing it back to a boil. Season with cayenne, salt and pepper to taste.

Habanero & Cashew Chili

Ingredients

16 oz. tomato puree

1 bottle dark beer (stout)

2 small/medium yellow onions, chopped

2 carrots, chopped

2 habanero peppers, chopped

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 banana pepper, chopped (or another bell pepper)

1 tsp. granulated garlic

1 tsp. cumin

1 tbsp. chili powder

1/2 tsp. sea salt

2 c. cooked black beans (or 1 can)

1 1/2 c. cooked white beans (or 1 can)

1/2 c. cashew pieces

1/2 c. bulgur

28 oz. can diced tomatoes

Directions

Put everything up through salt in crock pot, cook on low for 4 hours. Then add beans, cook for another 2 hours or so. About 1 hour prior to serving, add cashews, bulgur and diced tomatoes. Tasty topped with Greek yogurt!

Serves 4 with leftovers.