Tag Archives: vegetarian recipes

Grilled Watermelon and Feta Salad

A classic Greek salad combination is watermelon with feta., it’s one of those perfect food pairings- sweet and juicy watermelon paired with creamy and salty feta cheese. This recipe gives this classic a new twist by grilling the watermelon. The natural sugars in the watermelon caramelizes when grilled, heightening the sweetness of the fruit. It’s and easy salad to make and perfect summer food fare. Enjoy!

From by the bay wishing you sweet and salty food memories!

Maryann

Grilled Watermelon and Feta Salad

Serves 4

Ingredients

1 small red onion
2 limes
4 watermelon slices cut inch thick (sweet and ripe)
8 ounces feta cheese
1/4 cup fresh italian parsley leaves
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, torn
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
fresh ground black pepper

Directions

Peel and halve the red onion and cut into very fine half-moons and put in a small bowl adding the juice of two limes. This will soften the onion and making it more transparent and pink.
Slice the the watermelon into 1 inch slices including the rind. Cut into triangle shapes. Heat grill and brush both sides of each watermelon slice using 1 tablespoon olive oil. Place on grill for about 3 minutes per side, until charred. To assemble the salad place watermelon on platter. Crumble feta cheese over the watermelon. Toss over the salad the parsley and mint. Sprinkle the red onion over the salad along with lime juice. Drizzle remain olive oil and add pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Blackberry Corn and Jalapeno Salad

This simple and delicious corn salad combines great flavors of the season : corn, blackberries, jalapeno peppers and basil. Fresh lime juice brightens the flavors. It’a a refreshing and colorful side dish , that works with most grilled entrees.

From by the bay, wishing you corn and blackberry food memories!

Maryann

Blackberry Corn and Jalapeno Salad

Serves 4

Ingredients

5 ears of corn, shucked
1/2 red onion, sliced
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice ( 2-3 limes)
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 jalapeno, seeded and thinly sliced in half rings
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper to taste
6 ounces fresh blackberries
3 tablespoons torn fresh mint leaves

Directions

In a large pot of salted water boiling water add corn for 3 minutes. Drain and immerse in ice water to stop cooking. cool corn down with water. While corn is cooling, place red onion in lime juice and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes to soften. When corn is cool, cut the kernels off the cob. Place kernels in a large bowl, along with the olive oil, red onions with lime juice and jalapeno. Toss well. Add salt and pepper to taste and toss again. Just before serving add the blackerries and mint and gently toss.

Arugula, Strawberry and Ricotta Salata Salad with Balsamic Dressing

Arugula, Strawberry and Ricotta Salata Salad with Balsamic Dressing

Serves 4

Dressing:

¼ cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Directions for dressing:

Take a clean jar with lid, place all dressing ingredients into jar and shake well. Put to side.

Salad:

6 cups arugula
4 ounces ricotta salata, grated using large hole
4 ounces sliced fresh strawberries
2 tablespoons toasted sliced almonds

Directions for toasted almonds :

Use a small dry fry pan heat and add the almonds stirring until they are golden brown. Remove from heat and let cool.

Directions to assemble salad:

To a bowl add the arugula and then half of the following ingredients: ricotta, strawberries and almonds. Shake jar with dressing and add to bowl. Combine gently and divide between four plates. Top with remaining ricotta, strawberries and almonds on top of each plate.

10 ways to use Dill Pesto

Looking in my refrigerator I saw this big bunch of fresh dill left over making my carrot soup with dill, which really requires very little dill at the end of the day. I hate to waste ingredients, so I decided to make some dill pesto sauce, This pesto sauce should be in every cook’s recipe box. It has so many uses, I’ve just listed a quick ten at the end of this blog, but there are many more , many I’m sure I have not even thought of. If you are ever confronted with some leafy green herb left over such as dill, basil, or parsley consider this pesto sauce to be an easy way to use your herbs. I’m using the classic pine nuts here for texture but you could use any raw or toasted nut you prefer, such as walnut or pistashio.

Lemon Dill Pesto Sauce

Makes approximately 3/4 cup

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups fresh dill

1/2 cup fresh flat leaf parsley

1 garlic clove, smashed

2 tablespoons pine nuts

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

4 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

2 tablespoons fresh grated parmesan cheese

Directions

In a food processor add the dill, parsley, garlic and pine nuts. Process until minced. Add the lemon juice, olive oil , cheese and salt and blend into a smooth paste. If you are not using right away don’t add the cheese at this point, you can fold the cheese in to the pesto sauce right before using. You can also use the sauce without the cheese. Depending on personal preferences you might choose to not add the cheese when using with fish.

10 Ways to use Lemon Dill Pesto Sauce

1.Use to top fish, such as salmon.

2. Add to cooked pasta, toss with a little extra pasta cooking water and more grated parmesan.

3. Add to cooked potatoes with more olive oil or mayonnaise to make a salad.

4. Serve with fresh vegetables as a dip.

5. Add to some ricotta cheese and mix, making a nice spread for bread as an appetizer.

6. Use as a spread for a sandwich such as chicken on ciabatta bread.

7. Add to tunafish with mayonnaise for a great tunafish salad.

8. Top a fresh vegetable soup such as carrot or pea.

9. Add to mayonnaise as an alternate to tartar sauce.

10. Add more olive oil and a little mustard to make a salad dressing for your greens

—– EXTENDED BODY: —– EXCERPT: —– KEYWORDS: —– COMMENT: AUTHOR: Troy EMAIL: Foxtroy67@gmail.com IP: 70.192.73.20 URL: DATE: 4/4/2013 2:39:40 PM Love this post! Your recipes are always delish…but also love the 10 ideas for other ways to use this recipe. And, I bet it tastes like Springtime! —– COMMENT: AUTHOR: entertaining by the bay EMAIL: maryannkraker@aol.com IP: 63.118.185.66 URL: DATE: 4/4/2013 3:41:32 PM I had to stop myself at 10 ideas…………..it’s so yummy! —– ——– AUTHOR: Petrosonic TITLE: Asparagus and Spinach Lasagna STATUS: draft ALLOW COMMENTS: 1 ALLOW PINGS: 1 DATE: 4/1/2013 8:42:46 PM —– BODY: —

Carrot Dill Soup

While planning a menu for my Easter brunch by the Bay, I was looking for a clever way to serve carrots with a nod to our small bunny friends. I decided on this delicious and easy carrot soup. The color is a wonderful vibrant orange. The soup is a feast for the eyes and mouth, with the slightest under note of heat to contrast the slightly sweet taste of the carrots. This soup is great served warm with a dollop of creme fraiche which just melts into the soup or cold with a drizzle of olive oil. Sprinkle fresh chopped dill on top for either version. You can serve the soup in bowls or in little shot glasses. The bottom line is this soup is great no matter how you eat it! Enjoy this springtime soup!

From by the bay wishing you – springtime food memories!

Maryann

Carrot Dill Soup

Serves 6

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 leek, cleaned, chopped and using the white part

2 cups carrots peeled and sliced

1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes

4 cups chicken broth

1 teaspoon fine sea salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

4 tablespoons heavy cream

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons chopped dill

Dill chopped and olive oil or creme fraiche to garnish

Directions

In a large soup pot heat butter and oil, add leeks and sauté until soft about 5 minutes. Add chili flakes and carrots, sauté for another minute. Slowly add the chicken broth, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 30 minutes uncovered until the carrots soft. Puree in food processor until very smooth. Stir in lemon juice, dill and heavy cream. Serve soup either hot or cold. Garnish with chopped dill and a drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of creme fraiche.

Ratatouille

My friend Eva, make my day with a basket of vegetables, the results of the summer harvest in her garden. The basket was filled with beautiful eggplants, zucchini, squash and tomatoes. I remembered how my mom Ceil, would love to make ratatouille every summer using these same ingredients. It was a staple barbecue side dish, when we were in the height of summer. I’ve tried different variations and this by far is my favorite and reminds me the most of mom’s only with a few extra ingredients to kick up the volume on the taste. Tyler Florence really has the ultimate recipe, so no need for me to mess around. I’ve offered a few suggestions below for ingredient options. For example, instead of opening a tin of anchovies, I always keep a tube of anchovy paste handy in the fridge. I like how the paste just melts into the dish as an ingredient. I made this over the weekend and used the leftovers the next day for pasta. Celebrate the summer harvest using this recipe!

From by the bay wishing you great summer harvest food memories!

Maryann

Ratatouille

Serves 4

Adapted from Tyler Florence – “Tyler’s Ultimate” published in 2006

Ingredients

1/3 cup plus 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 pound small Italian eggplants, cut into 1-inch cubes
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound zucchini, cut crosswise into 1-inch sections
3 anchovy fillets, finely minced or 2 teaspoons anchovy paste
2 onions, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Leaves from 1/2 bunch fresh basil, coarsely chopped
Leaves from 4 fresh thyme sprigs
2 pints cherry tomatoes or 3 medium size Heirloom tomatoes, chopped
1 dried chile or 1 teaspoon dried red chili flakes
Splash balsamic vinegar

Directions
Line a large platter with paper towels. Heat 1/3 cup olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the eggplant, season generously with salt and pepper, and let that cook down for 10 to 12 minutes, until the eggplant is soft and wilted. Remove the eggplant from the pan and onto a platter to drain. Next stop, zucchini: cook it the same way in 1/4 cup oil, then add it to the platter with the eggplant.

Add another 1/4 cup olive oil to the pan, then the anchovies or paste, onions, garlic and herbs. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until the onions get nice and caramelized. Add the tomatoes and cook that down for 10 to 12 minutes, until pulpy. Return the eggplant and zucchini to the pan, crack open the chile, and add that too or season with red chili flakes. Season with salt and pepper and let the ratatouille cook slowly for about 20 minutes, until the mixture is soft, mushy and juicy; you want all the flavors to come together. Stir in the vinegar and let cool to room temperature.

Read more at: www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/the-ultimate-ratatouille-recipe2/index.html?oc=linkback

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Ratatouille Penne

Serves 4

Ingredients

1 recipe ratatouille , see recipe above

1 pound penne

1/2 cup grated imported parmesan cheese

1/2 cup pasta cooking water

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chiffonade

Directions

Cook pasta according to directions. Once cooked set aside 1/2 cup cooking water. Place the penne in a bowl, top with room temperature ratatouille, grated cheese and cooking water. Mix well. Top with a little more grated cheese and basil. Serve immediately.

Pasta with Roasted Summer Vegetables

It’s after Labor Day, and the signs of fall are sadly arriving everywhere. Acorns are dropping onto the deck, leaves are gently falling into the pool, evening’s are getting a little cooler and the farmer’s market stalls are starting to fill with up with chrysanthemums and gourds. I am determined to savour the end of summer by snapping up in my shopping basket eggplant and summer squash. Once I arrive home, I enjoy the task at hand , figuring out what I’ll make with all that eggplant and squash. I came up with this easy pasta dish , which is light and delicious and uses alot of fresh eggplant and squash. Roasting vegetables in a little olive oil , can make the most finicky eater love vegetables. I chopped the vegetables into nice little cubes, toss with a little olive oil, thyme, salt and pepper and roast in the oven. Next, I saute until crisp some great quality slab bacon or pancetta also cut into cubes. Cook some pasta and use some grated cheese and you have a fantastic meal. Enjoy your last days of summer with some fresh vegetables and savour the moment!

From by the bay, wishing you memorable end of summer food memories!

Maryann

Pasta with Roasted Summer Vegetables

Serves Four

Ingredients

8 ounces dried pasta such as tagliatelle or thin spaghetti, cooked according to directions.

2 cups cubed eggplant

2 cups cubed assorted summer squash, such as zucchini

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

4 ounces chopped good quality pancetta or slab bacon, cut into cubes

1 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 cup cooking water from pasta

fine sea salt and fresh black pepper to taste

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Dice your eggplant and summer squash into cubes, approximately 1/4 inch in size. Dice your bacon or pancetta into similar size cubes. Line two roasted pans with foil. Place the eggplant cubes on one pan and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, coating the cubes. On the second pan add the squash, thyme and remaining olive oil. Toss well coating the squash. Place both pans in the oven and roast in the oven for about 20 minutes until the vegetables become soft and start to brown. Watch the vegetables as cooking time could vary depending on the cube size. Remove from oven and place in bowl and keep to the side. While the vegetables are roasting in the oven take a medium saute pan and add the pancetta or bacon and cook until crisp. Drain on a paper towel. Cook the pasta according to directions. Just before straining the cooked pasta, reserve 1 cup of cooking water. Place the pasta in a bowl , add the roasted vegetables, bacon and cheese. Add some of the cooking water to make the sauce creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.

Sauteed Kale with Garlic

Guess what the new spinach is ? Kale! That’s a quote from a recent episode of “Modern Family” when Mitch, just returning from shopping the farmer’s market, asked Cam. Kale, an under appreciated green vegetable is having it’s moment to shine in the food world. I have joined the legion of fans of Kale and have started to make this vegetable a more regular guest on my dinner table and yes it is the new spinach. Mitch is right! I’m sharing two kale side dishes today, one is preparing kale the way I would broccoli rabe and the second is replacing kale for romaine in my favorite Caesar Salad recipe, using a dressing that doesn’t include raw eggs but packs the same taste! So get on the kale bandwagon and try it tonight!

From by the bay, wishing you tasty and new green leaf memories!

Maryann

Sauteed Kale with Garlic

Serves 4

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds kale, stems and leaves coarsely chopped

1/4 cup white wine

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 garlic cloves, chopped

1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes

sea salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Place saute pan on medium heat add kale and wine and cover , stirring occasionally until kale is soft, about 10 minutes. Remove kale and strain off any liquid left. Place pan back on medium heat and heat up oil , add garlic and chili flakes saute a minute then add kale, let cook 2-3 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste and serve.

This is a great side dish , but I also use this at room temperature on toasted bread top with fresh ricotta and then the kale and lastly a shaving of pecorino cheese or also as part of a pizza topping as just a few other serving ideas.

Green Spring Vegetable Salad

Today Febuary 3rd is National Wear Red Day. “Go Red for Women” is in celebration of women bonding together to create awareness and fight heart disease. It’s a good time for each of us to reflect on how we might change our lives in order to lead happier, healthier lives. It doesn’t always have to be big changes, we can make several small changes to our lifsestyle that can result in being healthier. For example, I have decided to walk to work twice a week. It may not seem like a lot but in my case that is 5.2 miles per week, 270 miles a year and 27000 calories a year. Another small change you can make is increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables in your diet. I do this and limit the amount of fats in my diet and focus on eating lean protein. I suggest cooking with olive oil which is a monosaturated fat which is the healthiest one to incorporate into your diet – besides the fact that it tastes better. So in honor of day I am sharing a few of my favorite heart healthy dishes! Think about how you might lead a healthier life today!

From by the bay wishing you healthy food memories!
Maryann

Green Spring Vegetable Salad
Serves 4
4 cups assorted blanched green vegetables ( fava beans, asparagus, scallions, peas)
6 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon fine grey salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh mint chopped

Directions

Place all ingredients into a bowl and mix well, Serve at room temperature.

To blanch vegetables:
Fava beans – to pan of simmering water add shelled fava beans. Simmer for 2-3 minutes. Remove and place into cold water. Drain beans and remove bean from waxy casing. Use for salad.
Fresh Spring Peas – to pan of simmering water add shelled peas. Simmer for 2-3 minutes. Remove and place into cold water. Drain and use for salad.
Asparagus – snap off woody ends of asparagus. Cut into 2 inch pieces and to pan of simmering water. Simmer for 2-3 minutes. Remove and place into cold water. Drain and use for salad.
Scallions- cut off ends with roots and tops using just the white and light green part of the scallion. Cut this into 2 inch pieces. Add to pan of simmering water and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Remove and place into cold water. Drain and use for salad.

Tip: to make this process easier I use a strainer to remove the vegetables from the simmering water leaving the heat under the pan and keep reusing the hot water.

Enjoying Corn Two Ways :Fresh Corn Pesto with Tagliatelle and Fresh Corn and Zucchini Salad

It’s the beginning of September , Labor Day is this weekend and it’s time to take advantage of the abundance of fresh corn that is still available. Here are two more recipes to try this weekend. Both of these recipes are tasty ways to think of fresh corn beyond eating on the cob. The first recipe is for cooked corn with a fresh zucchini dressing to create a lovely side dish that would compliment any main course. The second recipe features corn as the main event by creating a corn pesto to use on pasta. Using corn as the base of the pesto makes a sauce that is creamy in texture and very delicious! So run out this weekend, buy some corn and give a try to these recipes . Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

From by the bay, wishing you bright and fresh food memories!

Maryann

Fresh Corn and Zucchini Salad

Serves 6

8 ears of corn, cooked

1/4 cup mint

1/4 cup chives, chopped

1 1/2 cup zucchini or summer squash, coarsely chopped

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/2 cup olive oil

1 tablespoon coarse sea salt

1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Directions

Cut corn off off the cob and place in a bowl. Add to a food processor mint, chives, zucchini, lemon juice , salt and pepper and blend. Slowly add the olive oil and continue to blend to a smooth consistency. Pour dressing on top of corn and mix well. Serve at room temperature.

Fresh Corn Pesto with Tagliatelle

Serves 4

6 ears of fresh corn

6 slices bacon

1/2 cup pecans, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup olive oil

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/4 cup basil leaves

1 tablespoon fine sea salt

1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

12 ounces tagliatelle

Directions

In a frying pan cook bacon until crisp, drain and place to the side. While bacon is cooking cut the corn off the cob. Once the bacon is done cooking, keep 1 tablespoon of the rendered fat from bacon and place frying pan back onto a medium heat and saute the corn for 2-3 minutes until tender. Remove from heat and let cool. Take half of the corn and place into a food processor along with the pecans, remaining olive oil, cheese, basil and salt and pepper and blend until it’s a creamy consistency. Cook pasta as directed, before straining take 1 cup of hot pasta water and place to the side. Place the strained pasta into a bowl, top with the corn mixture, remaining whole corn kernels and 1/2 the pasta water. Mix well. You are looking for a creamy sauce that covers the pasta well, , add more water if needed. Sprinkle the top with crumbled cooked bacon and more parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

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