Tomato, Cucumber, Kohlrabi salad with Cilantro Pesto

The Easter Bunny was good to us this year bringing several little pots of herbs. One in particular has done extremely well--cilantro. So glad this one decided to be the herb of choice, because it's one of my favorites. I decided to use a chunk of our harvest to make pesto to serve as the dressing for the veggies multiplying in my fridge. It turned out so yummy I had to distract my four year old with a homemade popsicle to keep him from eating all the pesto on crackers (our preferred taste-test method). Hope it's a winner at your house, too!

Ingredients
1-2 garlic cloves
2 cups cilantro, washed*
1/2-1 cup parsley leaves*
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
1/4-1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
sea salt to taste
Veggies that need eating--couple of tomatoes, cucumber, summer squash, kohlrabi, etc.
a little feta cheese ('cause feta makes everything betta!)
*I decided not to get anxious about the stems of the cilantro or parsley, because it was quite a lot of leaves to pull. Didn't seem to make a difference in the final product, so pull the leaves away from the main stem, but do it several leaves at a time to keep it simple. Also, small hands can help here!

Directions

1. Add garlic to bowl of food processor or blender and chop.
2. Add cilantro and parsley to garlic, chop, then add pumpkin seeds and chop.
3. With the blade running, add olive oil and sea salt.
4. Taste and adjust seasonings.
5. Combine chopped up veggies and feta and toss with pesto to coat well.
6. Enjoy!

Quick Cucumber Salad

Cucumbers are one of those summer crops that can quickly overtake your fridge, which helps me understand why someone came up with the pickling option. Today, I found a simple way to enjoy cucumbers as a side dish (i.e. use up several at once!), leave the oven in the "OFF" position, and give thanks for cucumber's ability to keep me cool.

Ingredients
2-3 small to medium size cucumbers, washed and quarter chopped* (remove skin if you'd like)
1/2 small red onion, chopped
Fresh parsley leaves, chopped
Rice wine vinegar
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Sea Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

*I removed skin from some, cut in half, placed flat side down, and cut in half again. Then chopped into smaller pieces.

Directions

1. Combine cucumbers, onion, and parsley leaves.
2. Drizzle vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper and toss to coat. Taste and adjust seasonings.
3. Cool off and enjoy!

Carrot Soup for a Rainy Day

It has been a wet, cold day, and I've been home with a sick child. When given the opportunity to choose between chicken/beets/greens and carrot soup, he chose the soup (and we've never made it before). So grateful to be led down this road--it was just what we needed to nourish us both.

Ingredients
1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed in a fine mesh strainer
2 cups water
1 T Garlic Grapeseed Oil* or other high heat oil
1/2 Vidalia onion, roughly chopped
3-4 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
1 T ground cumin
1 T turmeric
4-5 carrots, roughly chopped
3-4 beet green stems (optional), rough chopped
handful of beet greens (or other green)
4- 6 cups stock or water (or combination of the two)
1/2 inch piece of fresh ginger root, grated
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
raw pumpkin seeds (or sesame seeds or walnuts), dry roasted in a skillet
fresh, flat leaf parsley, finely chopped (cilantro would be yummy, too!)
*email here to order

Directions

1. Place rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water in saucepan with tight fitting lid. Bring to a boil, reduce to simmer, and cook for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed.
2. While quinoa cooks, place oil in bottom of soup pot and turn heat to medium. Once the pot warms, add the onion followed shortly by the garlic. Saute together for 3-4 minutes on medium-low.
3. Add cumin and turmeric and coat well.
4. Add carrots, beet stems, beet greens, and stock. Turn heat to medium/medium-high until it just boils, then reduce to simmer and cook 20 minutes or so, until veggies are soft.
5. Add quinoa to soup pot followed by ginger, salt, and pepper. 
6. Use an immersion blender to blend all ingredients together to a smooth consistency. Add stock or water as necessary. Taste, adjust seasonings and blend one last time.
7. Top individual servings with parsley and toasted pumpkin seeds. Enjoy!
8. Freeze leftovers to pull out for the next rainy day.

Salmon Croquettes with Avocado Yogurt Dip

I had to post this recipe, because I've tried croquettes in the past without much luck keeping them together. I don't know what sort of magic was swirling in my kitchen, but this time around they stuck together beautifully. Boy am I grateful!

Now I can't decide which of these two I like better--they are both off the charts outstanding. I had a leftover croquette over salad greens with the remaining dip, and I think it may have been even better the second day.

The carrots don't cook down very much, which leaves a nice crunch in every bite. I would have thrown in greens, too, but only had salad on hand. Next time, I'll add some kale or collards. That's another great thing about the croquettes--I can "hide" all kinds of veggies in them. Not to mention it's main ingredient--wild, Alaskan salmon--the heart healthy stuff. Since "heart month" is upon us, it seems only natural to cook these up. So love on your heart with these yummy croquettes.

Ingredients
15 oz can wild, Alaskan salmon (bones included & packed in water is best), drained or 1-2 cups leftover salmon fillets
1/2-1 cup leftover cooked brown rice
2-3 carrots, grated or chopped finely
1 small red onion (or green onions or sweet onion)
2-3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 egg
1 t Dijon mustard
as much fresh or dried parsley as you can stand (start with a Tablespoon)
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
some bread crumbs (maybe 1/4-1/2 cup)
1/4-1/2 cup high heat cooking oil (I used Grapeseed oil, but Coconut oil or butter would be good, too)

Directions

1. Combine everything through salt and pepper in a bowl and mix well.
2. Add enough bread crumbs to help hold things together, but too many, which will dry the mixture out.
3. Pour bread crumbs onto work surface or plate.
4. Form mixture into patties (you decide what size you'd like--I got 7 largish patties out of this recipe) and coat well with bread crumbs.
5. Place on wire rack (best option) or plate and put in refrigerator for 15-30 minutes (or more--I made these ahead of time, picked up at school, ran a couple of errands, then came home to cook them).
6. Heat a skillet on medium high heat for 2-3 minutes.
7. Add oil enough to generously cover bottom of skillet and reduce heat to medium.
8. Cook croquettes until brown on both sides--about 3-5 minutes per side--I actually set a timer and prepared the avocado yogurt dip while the croquettes cooked.
9. Remove from heat and drain on paper towels.
10. Serve with Avocado Yogurt Dip or lemon wedges and get ready for a delightful taste explosion in your mouth!

 Avocado Yogurt Dip
This is so tasty on top of the croquettes, but is good with chips or cut up fresh veggies, too. It doesn't keep extremely well, so try to consume it within 24 hours.

Ingredients
1 avocado
juice of 1 orange
juice of 1-2 lemons (to your particular taste)
1/2 cup Greek style yogurt
some minced up red onion (maybe a heaping Tablespoon?--again to taste)
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions

1. Place flesh of avocado and juices in bowl of a food processor or blender and process/blend until liquid.
2. In a bowl, mix with yogurt, onion, and salt and pepper.
3. Adjust seasoning to taste and enjoy!

Quinoa + Sweet Potatoes = Y.U.M.

I had every intention of doing something similar to this as a stuffing alternative for Thanksgiving, but somehow, it never got made (so many recipes, so little time...). When I finally got around to putting it together, I realized a couple of things. First, it makes a lot. Not kidding--we ate on it for a week. Second, it's wonderful as a side dish/stuffing alternative, but it also make a great meal in and of itself.

I've had the thought that it will be a great holiday dish to mix up as a side, then add leftover turkey/ham/sausage to create a "new meal" that's healthy, involves little preparation, and would be a real crowd pleaser. I look forward to hearing how it goes over at your house!

Ingredients
1.5 cups quinoa, rinsed thoroughly in a fine mesh strainer
1 cup broth (chicken or veggie)
1/8 to 1/4 cup oil (I used Garlic Grapeseed)
1 onion, chopped (I used 1/2 red and 1 small white)
1 bulb of fennel, chopped (optional)
3-4 garlic cloves, chopped
2-3 teaspoons dried thyme
3 medium sweet potatoes, washed and cut into bit size pieces*
1 cup frozen edamame (baby soybeans)
1 bunch greens, washed and finely chopped (kale or collards would be my first 2 choices, but use what you've got)
1/2 cup unsalted sunflower seeds, roasted
fresh parsley, chopped
salt and pepper to taste

*smaller pieces = reduced cooking time

Directions

1. Combine quinoa, broth, and 2 cups of water in a medium saucepan, bring it to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed. NOTE: don't bother with this once you put it on the stove--set a timer and check it after 15 minutes. It took a little longer than that to cook it completely on my stove, so I kept checking it every 2-3 minutes until the liquid was mostly gone, then turned off the stove and let it sit while working on everything else.
2. Heat enough oil to generously cover the bottom of a large saucepan with tall sides over medium heat. Add onion and fennel and saute until it's soft (or until you get everything else prepared!) maybe 8-10 minutes. 
3. Add the garlic and thyme followed closely by the sweet potatoes. Mix well to coat and let the seasoning infuse its flavor. Cover and cook 15-20 minutes until sweet potatoes are soft.
4. Add edamame and greens, mix well to warm through.
5. Get a gigantic bowl to combine quinoa and sweet potato mixture with sunflower seeds and parsley. Add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature.
7. Enjoy!

Leftover Surprise

About once a month...or so....I open the refrigerator with a mission....to create a meal from what's in there.... only. Doesn't it seem like things just accumulate? Remnants of the last recipe you cooked, partial meals, fruits, veggies & herbs that appear to need using within the next 15 minutes or it's over. Today was that day for me.

The mission: Use the food in my fridge & pantry and create a delicious, healthy & interesting meal

The contents: Uncooked sweet potatos, oranges, about 1/3 of a rotisserie chicken, 3/ 4 of a purple onion, 4 small heads of wilted Napa Cabbage, 1 wilted bunch of Red Russian Kale, some shallots, 6 strawberries (I mentioned before those fruits that need using within the next 15 minutes- these would qualify), some random sprigs of parsley, basil & mint, avocado, plain yogurt, flour tortillas, a box of spinach that expires tomorrow, small wedge of Manchego cheese, 2 sort of shriveled up cloves of garlic

The results: A colorful and creative array of summer flavors (except for the oranges) and tasty combinations

The recipes:

Sweet Potato Salad

4 sweet potatos- peeled and roasted
3 oranges- peeled and cut into bite size pieces
3 T diced red onion
1/2 cup minced basil
2- 3 cups fresh spinach
Salt & Pepper to taste

Apple Cider Vinaigrette

1/2 cup canola oil (or other neutral oil)
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (I use Bragg's Raw Unfiltered)
1 shallot- minced
1 heaping teaspon dijon mustard
1-2 teaspoons honey
salt & pepper to taste

I put all the ingredients together in a bowl while the sweet potatoes were still warm which wilted the spinach a bit. Tossed with the dressing and let it sit a couple of hours before serving. This would also make a really nice warm holiday side dish- use a more savory herb like thyme for a different flavor.


Funky Chicken Quesadillas with Green Yogurt Dipping Sauce

I caramelized the rest of the purple onion (aka: sliced it in strips and cooked it in a little olive oil until caramel colored and very sweet- probably 30 minutes or more)- I threw the garlic in there too just for kicks

While the onions were cooking I sliced the strawberries and finely minced some parsley and mint (probably about 1/4/ cup of each. I picked the rest of the chicken meat off the bone and diced it. When the onions were cooked, I turned the heat off and added the strawberries, herbs and chicken. Stirred it around a couple of times. Added a bit of salt & pepper and a splash of balsamic vinaigrette. I let that mixture sit until time to cook the quesadillas.

I added the mixture plus some of the Manchego cheese to the flour tortillas and browned in the skillet until the cheese was melty and the tortilla was slightly browned.

Green Yogurt Dipping Sauce

1 avocado- mashed
salt & pepper to taste
1/4 cup yogurt
1 T mayo
generous squirt of Rooster sauce (or tabasco)

Mix them all together- let sit for about 20 minutes before serving


How to bring wilted  greens back to life

I had a bunch of napa cabbage and kale which, frankly, looked like it needed to be thrown out. Out of reverence to the farmer's hard work in growing those greens I was determined to make it work!

I chopped everything and put in a bowl, covered with cool water....in about 30 minutes the greens were back to life- plump and ready to cook. I drained the water, threw them in a large skillet, put a top on it and steamed for about 8 minutes.....drizzled with a small amount of maple syrup (the real stuff), a splash of balsamic vinegar and some sea salt & pepper. Even my boyfriend who doesn't like greens said they tasted sweet & good.

Bean Salad with Fennel

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: None!
Yield: 6 servings
 
Ingredients
2 15oz cans of garbanzo beans, drained & rinsed
1½ cups fresh sliced fennel bulb
12 cherry tomatoes, quartered
4 TBS finely minced onion
2 cloves garlic, pressed
4 TBS fresh lemon juice (or juice from one lemon)
3 TBS chopped fresh parsley
3 TBS chopped walnuts
Olive oil to taste
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh lettuce greens, washed

Tools/Equipment
Can opener
Colander
Sharp knife and cutting board
Garlic press
Lemon juicer
Salad spinner

Directions
1.    Mix all ingredients to salt and pepper together.
2.    Serve over lettuce greens.
3.    This salad gets better as it sets, so if you have time, prepare it in advance.
4.    Enjoy!

Variations
Try a different kind of bean—azuki, black beans, kidney beans, soy beans, white beans—mix several different kinds
Add a little vinegar (balsamic, rice wine, red wine) for a twang
Grate a little carrot to add more color

Super Salmon Salad

This one is a staple at our house. We eat it on top of salad greens or throw it in a wrap with some sort of green. Full of good fats, protein, and calcium, it's a winner all the way around.

Ingredients
1 can of wild salmon, preferably with skin and bones in water
½ red onion, peeled and diced small
¼ cup parsley, minced
1-2 celery stalks, diced
1-2 carrot sticks, diced
1/3 cup olive oil
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. honey
3-4 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
Sea salt and pepper to taste
Mixed greens

Tools/Equipment
Large mixing bowl
Colander
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Measuring cup & spoons

Directions
1.    Drain salmon and put into mixing bowl.
2.    Combine with diced red onion, celery, carrots, and parsley.
3.    Whisk olive oil, mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar and sea salt and pepper to taste.
4.    Mix dressing and salmon.
5.    Serve on bed of mixed greens.
6.    Enjoy!