Tag Archives: vegetarian recipes

Unbaked Brownies with Chocolate Frosting

If you are looking for a healthy yet delicious dessert try this easy to prepare version of unbaked brownies. It’s made with ground dates, walnuts and cocoa powder topped with the best chocolate frosting made with cocoa powder and sweetened with maple syrup.  This is almost a cross between a brownie and fudge. The best part is that the dessert is flourless  in addition to being low in cholesterol and sodium. I like to cut up into little bite size pieces. Enjoy without the guilt!

From by the bay, wishing you guilt free food memories!

Maryann

Unbaked Brownies with Chocolate Frosting

as featured in Health Magazine by Katie Higgins

  • Prep Time:
  • Cook Time:
  • Total Time:
  • Yield: 16 brownies

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups cups loosely packed pitted dates
  • 1 1/2 cups walnuts
  • 1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp. cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted coconut oil

Directions

1. Combine dates, walnuts, 6 Tbsp. cacao powder, 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla, 2 tsp. water and salt in a food processor. Process until completely smooth.

2. Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish, or line dish with parchment or waxed paper. Transfer dough to dish. Press dough very firmly into dish with your hands until dough is evenly distributed.

3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine remaining 1/4 cup cacao powder, remaining 1/2 tsp. vanilla, maple syrup and oil. Stir until mixture forms a paste (this is the frosting). Spread paste evenly over dough in baking dish. Refrigerate brownies for at least 2 hours to set, then cut into squares. Refrigerate any leftovers in a covered container for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 2 months.

 

Farro Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash and Mushrooms

Farro, an ancient grain that is gaining in popularity. It has a nice nutty taste and chewy texture.  I think of using farro the same way I might use rice or couscous. It’s perfect in soups and salads. It’s a delicious side dish, along with any of your favorite proteins. I love it with a great roast chicken.  I love incorporating farro into my meals. This salad is easy and delicious using some of my favorite vegetables and flavors. Enjoy!

From by the bay, wishing you farro memories!!

Maryann

far-ro

noun

  1. is a type of ancient wheat grain. Triticum dicoccum or emmer wheat produces what is referred to as “true” Farro, Two other wheat species are also considered farro: spelt (Triticum spelto) and einkorn (Triticum monococcum). All three are whole grains husked from whole wheat.

Farro has several health benefits. Farro is considered a high fiber food and an excellent source of protein, fiber and nutrients like magnesium and iron. As an unprocessed whole grain farro added to your diet can assist in reducing risk of stroke, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and asthma. Farro is best used as you would other grains in salads or soups. It can often be used in in place of barley in recipes.

Farro Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash and Mushrooms

Serves 4 to 6

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup pearled farro
  • 8 ounces mixed mushrooms, chopped
  • 8 ounces butternut squash, peeled, seeded and chopped in 1/2 inch cubes
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • pinch red chili flakes
  • 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon sherry wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons roasted and salted pumpkin seeds
  • fine sea salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
  • parsley to garnish

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Toss mushrooms and butternut squash with 2 tablespoons olive oil and red chili flakes.  Season with salt and pepper. Place on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Roast the vegetables in the oven until golden and tender, approximately 30 minutes. Let cool slightly. Place in a bowl. Meanwhile in a medium saucepan bring salted water to a boil. Cook the farro until al dente, approximately 20 minutes. Drain well and add the farro to the bowl with the vegetables.  To the bowl add the remaining olive oil, vinegar, cheese and pumpkin seeds and mix well. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley. Serve at room temperature.

 

Countdown to Thanksgiving-Whole Wheat, Roasted Mushroom and Walnut Dressing

No Thanksgiving meal is complete without a great stuffing and/or dressing recipe. You can use this recipe to either stuff your turkey or bake in a casserole and serve on the side. This is a delicious savory dressing recipe, using whole wheat gives the dish a hearty , robust taste. The mushrooms add an earthy taste enhanced by the roasting and it builds on the savory whole wheat.

From by the bay, wishing you savory food memories!

Maryann

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Whole Wheat, Roasted Mushroom and Walnut Dressing

Serves 8

8 cups good quality whole wheat bread, cut into ½ inch cubes with crust

2 pounds assorted mushrooms, such as baby bella and shiitake

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 bunch leeks, sliced in rings ( approx. 3 cups chopped leeks)

1 tablespoon fresh thyme, minced

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped

1 cup walnuts, chopped

1 teaspoon fine sea salt

5 cups low sodium chicken stock  (or vegetable broth to serve your vegetarian guests)

½ cup parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

1 tablespoon sherry vinegar

1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes

1 egg, slightly beaten

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degree F. Place bread cubes in a single layer on two rimmed large baking sheets. Bake until toasted about 10-12 minutes. Set aside to cool. In another baking tray lined with foil add the mushrooms and olive oil. Mix well. Roast in the oven until mushrooms start to brown and become tender about 30 minutes. Set aside to cool. In a large skillet melt butter and then add leeks, chili flakes, thyme and rosemary. Saute together until softened about 10 minutes, separating the leek rings. Remove from heat and add to a large mixing bowl. Add the toasted bread cube, mushrooms, walnuts, vinegar and parsley to the bowl. Add chicken stock. Mix the ingredients together and season with salt and pepper. Add egg. Mix well.  To bake the dressing, remove from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. Bake in a 400 degree F oven covered with foil for 30 minutes,  remove foil and bake another 20 minutes until dressing is heated through the top is golden brown. Remove from oven and serve warm.

Grilled Eggplant with Creamy Tahini Dressing

Here is a recipe to make use of the abundance of delicious eggplant available this time of year. i like to use petite heirloom eggplant such as  fairy tale or Japanese for this recipe, although you can use the larger purple eggplant if that is what is available just slice lengthwise in 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch slices. This is a great side dish, I love serving with grilled baby lamb chops, especially if you use the same tahini sauce drizzled on top of your grilled chops. Sublime!

From by the bay, wishing you yummy eggplant food memories!

Maryann

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Grilled Eggplant with Creamy Tahini Dressing

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds assorted Japanese or fairy tale eggplant
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon mint leaves to garnish

Directions

To make dressing

Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, cumin, cayenne, and ¼ cup water until smooth. Add salt and pepper and whisk again.

To prepare eggplant

Cut eggplant into lengthwise slices, depending on your width you can cut in half or into widths of 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch. Coat with the additional olive oil. Grill on a medium heat until eggplant starts to brown 1 to 2 minutes and then flip to brown the other side. Pull off the heat and place on a platter. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and then drizzle with the tahini dressing. Garnish with chopped mint. Serve immediately or at room temperature within the hour.

 

Fresh Corn and Tomato Cilantro Salsa

It’s one of my favorite times of year! Farm stands are filled with the freshest local product , picked in the morning and by late afternoon, I have prepared something for dinner. What I most look forward to is the local corn and tomatoes. This is a quick and easy salsa I made marrying my two favorite summer vegetables into a great salsa, dressed with cilantro and lime. This recipe uses fresh raw corn, fresh and sweet, cut from the cob. The recipe works best when the corn is fresh. I like to use heirloom tomatoes if I can find them and then I make a simple dressing which is much like a pesto using cilantro, although basil would work as well. You can serve this with chips along with you evening cocktail or it makes a perfect side dish. Enjoy!

From by the bay wishing you some lovely salsa food memories!

Maryann

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Fresh Corn and Tomato Cilantro Salsa

Serves Six

Ingredients

6 ears of corn

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

2 tomatoes, seeded and chopped

2 cloves garlic minced

1 cup cilantro

1/2 cup olive oil

juice and zest of two limes

1 teaspoon honey

1/2 jalapeno, seeded and chopped

2 teaspoons fine sea salt

1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Directions

Remove silk and husks from corn. Cut corn off cob and place in a medium bowl. Add red onion, tomato and lime zest. In a blender or food processor add garlic, cilantro, honey, jalapeno, olive oil, lime juice , salt and pepper. Blend until smooth. Pour over corn and tomatoes and mix well. Adjust salt and pepper to taste and serve at room temperature.

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Cold Sesame Noodles

Love cold sesame noodles? No need to call your favorite chinese restaurant to deliver, you can make your own delicious homemade noodles just as quickly using a few simple ingredients! Cold sesame noodles are also a great side dish while grilling your favorite meat , fish or vegetable. Love another great side dish to entertain with that can be made in advance and set aside until you are ready to serve. This recipe is from Tyler Florence and my favorite recipe for cold sesame noodles!

From by the bay , wishing you cold sesame food memories!

Maryann

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Cold Sesame Noodles

Recipe by Tyler Florence

12 ounces angel hair pasta
3 tablespoons dark sesame oil
2 tablespoons peanut oil
1 -inch piece fresh ginger, minced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon red chili paste, such as sambal
1 lime, juiced
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
3 tablespoons soy sauce
6 tablespoons hot water
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
2 green onions, thinly sliced on the diagonal
Fresh chopped cilantro leaves, for garnish

Cook the noodles in large pot of boiling unsalted water over medium heat until barely tender and still firm. Drain immediately and rinse with cold water until cold. Drain the noodles really well and transfer to a wide bowl; toss with the sesame oil so they don’t stick together. Chill.
In a blender combine the peanut oil, ginger, garlic, chili paste, lime juice, brown sugar, peanut butter, vinegar, soy sauce, and hot water. Blend. Toss the noodles with the peanut sauce until well coated. Serve at room temperature or chilled; garnish with the sesame seeds, green onions, and cilantro.
Recipe courtesy of Tyler Florence

Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/cold-sesame-noodles-recipe2.html?oc=linkback

 

Charred Spicy Sugar Snap Peas

Here is a wonderful side dish that celebrates some  of my favorite flavors – fresh sugar snap peas, sauteed until they start to brown , adding heat from using rounds of thai red chiles cooled by the use of some fresh chopped mint! It’s a perfect dish and simple to prepare. Enjoy!

From by the bay, wishing you sugar snap food memories!

Maryann

blog charred sugar snaps

Charred Spicy Sugar Snap Peas

Ingredients

1 pound sugar snap peas

1 red thai chile, sliced in small rounds or finely chopped

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon mint, chopped

fine sea salt

fresh ground black pepper

Directions

In a medium saute pan heat the olive oil, when it’s hot carefully add the sugar snap peas to the pan. Cook , stirring the sugar snap peas . When the peas start to soften add the thai chile and continue to saute until the sugar snap peas start to char and brown in places. Add sea salt and pepper to taste. Place in serving bowl and sprinkle with fresh mint.

Wilted Spicy Swiss Chard and Chick Peas

The new year is a good opportunity to make dishes that are healthy and nourishing. Swiss chard is another power green, but with a little more complexity in flavor- slightly bitter and salty. Mixing with chick peas adds some texture. This dish is perfect as side dish, add to some pasta with a little more olive oil and grated cheese or just eat as a light meal.

From by the bay, wishing you power green food memories!

Maryann

blog chard chick peas

Wilted Spicy Swiss Chard and Chick Peas

Serves 4

Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil

3 cloves garlic crushed

1 15 ounce can chick peas

1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes

2 lbs swiss chard

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon fine sea salt

1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

additional salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Remove from can and strain chick pea. Pat dry with paper towel. Place a dutch oven or deep pot on medium heat, add oil and garlic once warm add chick peas and saute until crisped. Stir occasionally. In the meantime, clean the swiss chard in cold water rinse and pat dry. Remove and discard the thick ribs. Coarsely, chop the greens. Once the chick peas are crisp add salt, pepper and red chili flakes. Saute a minute add the chard and saute until it starts to wilt and reduce in volume. Remove from heat adjust salt and pepper to taste, add a squeeze of lemon juice and serve warm.

Mushroom Quinoa Risotto

This is a delicious, healthy and very easy dish to make. Such an infrequent grouping of adjectives. I love making my quinoa risotto , especially during the week when I’m looking to prepare something quickly after a long day at the office but not willing to compromise on the flavor. This mushroom quinoa risotto really delivers. This starts with a base of sweet leeks which is layered with an assortment of wild mushrooms and then quinoa. Red chili flakes add the right under note of heat and parmesan the proper balance of saltiness. The result is a dish that rivals the best risotto. Even better than risotto is that warmed leftovers are just as good the next time!

 

From by the bay, wishing you healthy quinoa food memories!

Maryann

blog mushroom quinoa

Mushroom Quinoa Risotto

Serves 4

Ingredients

2 cups quinoa, rinsed

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 8-ounce package sliced crimini (baby bella) mushrooms

6 ounces fresh assorted mushrooms, stemmed, sliced

1 1/2 cups thinly sliced leeks, cleaned well

1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes

1 teaspoon fine sea salt

1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

3 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme, divided

2 to 3 cups chicken stock

1/2 cup dry white marsala wine

1 piece parmesan rind ( 2″x 3″ x 1/2″ approximately)

Grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Put the butter and oil in a large, deep skillet or saucepan over medium heat. When it is hot, add the fresh mushrooms, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms begin to brown, about 5 minutes. Add the leeks and cook until they soften slightly, about 2 minutes.
Add the quinoa, and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s glossy and coated with butter and oil. Sprinkle with chili flakes, thyme, salt and pepper, and then add the  parmesan rind, broth and wine. Continue to cook, stirring frequently and adding stock as necessary; the mixture should be neither soupy nor dry. Begin tasting the quinoa about 20 minutes after you added it; you want it to be tender but not mushy and to have released some of its starch. Once it reaches that stage, after about 25 minutes, remove the rind and stir in some grated parmesan cheese, along with a little more butter or oil if you like. Stir until the cheeses melt; taste and adjust the seasoning, and serve.

Mixed String Bean Salad

 

Here is a perfect summer side dish using all the wonderful colored string beans you can find in markets this time of year. The special ingredient that makes this salad so delicious is the peppery taste and earthy aroma of cumin. It lends an exotic note to a simple dish.

From by the bay, wishing you exotic food memories!

Maryann

 

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Mixed String Bean Salad

Serves 4

Ingredients

  • 1 pound mixed string beans
  • 6 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons sherry vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

Directions

Blanch the string beans in a large pot of boiling salted water for 3 minutes until crisp-tender. Drain immediately and immerse in a bowl of ice water. When cool drain string beans and place in a large bowl. Prepare dressing by whisking the remaining ingredients in a small bowl. Pour dressing over string beans and mix well.  Serve at room temperature.