The term “stone fruit” refers to a fleshy fruit that has a large stone seed in the center. Familiar examples include apricots, nectarines, peaches, plums, pluots and cherries. With the exception of cherries, which prefer being stored in the refrigerator, stone fruits like to ripen at room temperature. Simply rinse and dry them right before […]
This is the season for celebrating dark leafy greens. Packed with fiber, vitamins and minerals, they are some serious food. Kale, collards, chard, spinach, and mustard greens top my list. Before cooking with greens, fill a sink basin or large bowl with cold water and swish the greens around in it, then lift them from the water, leaving any sand and grit behind in the water. Repeat this process until the water is clear.
This week’s post is a collection of recipes designed to inspire you to add more dark leafy goodness into your diet. Get on with it!
Served warm, this dish is tangy and satisfying. It makes a great side kick to chicken, fish, or a hunk of crusty bread. It would also be delicious as part of a composed salad that included grilled vegetables, feta cheese and greens. Lentils are a legume, low in fat and high in fiber. The dark green French lentils called for in this recipe, commonly called “Le Puy” lentils, take a little longer to cook than other varieties, but they hold their shape well. I use milder brown lentils for soup, stew and other side dishes. Read more for recipes!
Polenta is basically medium-grind cornmeal boiled in water and/or milk and salt. It becomes a thick, porridge-like mixture. Incredibly quick and versatile, polenta can be served creamy, like mashed potatoes. Add grated Parmesan cheese to the mix and some fresh herbs – oh my. Or, you can spread it out in a sheet pan and chill it, then slice it and grill it with a little olive oil and salt. It can also be spread into thin layers like lasagna noodles (a great gluten-free alternative!). Read more for the recipes…
Since I published my recipe for Superfood Salad, I’ve gotten quite a few inquiries about quinoa (pronounced keen-wa). Quinoa is an ancient (gluten-free!) food, more closely related to spinach than rice. Widely available these days, quinoa is treated like a grain and is one of the few vegetarian sources for complete protein. When cooked, the grains “unravel,” triple in size, and become translucent.
This week’s post includes instructions for cooking one cup of quinoa and a collection of recipes showcasing its versatility. Enjoy!
One of my all-time favorite meals to prepare, Thanksgiving dinner is a great time to mix the old with the new ~ recipes, that is. We all have our tried and true favorites when it comes to stuffing, potatoes and pie, but I like to shake things up every now and then. Here are some […]
Who out there has never roasted a spaghetti squash? If you raised your hand, then I hope you try this recipe. In the event that you are familiar with spaghetti squash, you will want to add this quick and healthy fix to your arsenal…
It happened. Yesterday. It’s suddenly cooler; noticeably darker. I feel ready for the shorter days, longer evenings at home and some settling down after a busy, busy summer. My menu planning is definitely being inspired by the change in season.
A visit from my parents-in-law yielded pounds of Roma, Early Girl and Purple Prince tomatoes. Organic, fresh and home grown, they don’t get better than this. In celebration, I wanted to make a light and summery sauce for pasta, so I turned to Pim’s Super Quick and Fantastic Tomato Sauce. I used fresh basil, red pepper flakes and sherry vinegar to boost the flavor of the tomatoes. It is indeed fantastic!
Read more for links to other great recipes featuring fresh tomatoes that will deliver the taste of summer to your table. Enjoy!
Here is what I love about this recipe. In combination, the grilled polenta, balsamic mushrooms and arugula make a delightful meal. Individually, the methods for preparing the polenta and mushrooms can be used over and over again in a variety of ways. For instance, the balsamic mushrooms are nice sliced over grilled steak. Serve the grilled polenta on its own as a side dish for any grilled vegetables or meats. Make the polenta ahead of time so it has time to chill before grilling. Enjoy!
