Over the weekend, I made this Holiday Spice Bread and gave it out to the neighbors. I got the recipe from Rouge Tomate, home to modern American healthy cuisine, where I did a stage (that’s restaurant speak for an apprenticeship). It got rave reviews! I think the secret ingredient is carrot juice, which I was able to buy in the produce section at my local grocery store (trust me, nothing fancy about this store). Carrots are packed with natural sugars, keeping the added sugar to a minimum. Whole wheat pastry flour, coconut oil, palm sugar, pineapple, golden raisins, cardamom, and cinnamon combine to make for a deliciously spiced homemade treat. This recipe works well for small bread pans, muffin cups, or single loafs. Cooking time will vary, of course, so watch it closely, and remove your treats from the oven (whatever their form!) once a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Your neighbors will thank you.
Holiday Spice Bread November 27, 2011
Outstanding in the Field + Ideas for a Happy 4th June 30, 2011
This past weekend, we attended an Outstanding in the Field dinner in Northern California. Drenched in sunshine, the Baia Nacchia farm served as host to some 130-odd diners under the stars. These events are a wonderful way to connect with food, farmers, and the great outdoors. After a guided tour of the farm, we were served a four-course meal prepared by a local chef and his team. Among other interesting things, I learned that Sweet Alyssum is used in organic farming to control pests. They host dinners all across the country, so check it out. Fresh, delicious, and educational – it doesn’t get much better than that!
In preparation for the long weekend, I am searching my recipes for good potluck fare. Some of my recommendations for wowing friends and family with healthy eats include Broccoli Apple Salad, Zesty Coleslaw, Curried Potato Salad, Soba Noodle Salad, Pea Salad, Tabouli, or a Summer Squash Salad. For grilling, try Grilled Cheddar Cornmeal Cakes or one of these tasty burger recipes. Top it all off with a seasonal fruit crisp or Basil-Blackberry Crumble. Have a great weekend!
Another One Bites the Dust: Coleslaw June 10, 2011
I am still on my kick to find healthy, tasty ways to reinvent some traditional summer barbecue side dishes. This week’s victim – coleslaw.
Ninety-five percent of the recipes I look at include mayonnaise, sugar, or both. My goal is a tangy, crunchy slaw that rises to the occasion instead of being weighed down by its dressing.
My search is over – thanks to my sister. She sent me a recipe for coleslaw served up on a fried chicken sandwich at Bakesale Betty in Northern California. (Upon further investigation, it appears this sandwich has a bit of a cult following!) I adapted the recipe a bit. Instead of using jalapeno in the slaw, I used chili sauce in my dressing to guarantee I’d get some heat in every bite. It’s great as a side dish or as a topping for fish tacos. This is my new slaw for the season!
Life’s a Picnic August 17, 2009
Lucky us. A friend was headed out of town for the weekend and just had to unload some tickets for a concert under the stars. We were more than happy to help him out with this little problem. Time for a picnic!
When I think picnic, I think salads and side dishes. I had some thin green beans to use from my farm share, so I went straight to epicurious.com and searched for a new dish that I might try. I stumbled upon a recipe for Haricot Vert and Red Onion Salad with Pistou and made a friend for life. This simple, healthy recipe made for a lovely “green” salad highlighting summer herbs and vegetables. I also packed some Curried Chicken Salad, Tabouli, mixed nuts, and wine. Oh, yes, and some brownies.
When was the last time you had a picnic? It had been a while for us. I was reminded of how nice it is to sit outside under the stars on a hot summer’s night and enjoy bare feet, a delicious meal, and music. Yes, it’s a little extra effort to make dinner and pack it to go, but it’s so worth it.
What’s happening under the stars in your neighborhood this weekend…?
