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Healthy Simple Lunch!


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Melitsanosalata, Heirloom Tomato Salad, Eggs, Roasted Peppers, Non-Dairy Cheese – Monterey Jack Flavour

Delicious, healthy lunch! Segragate in containers and take to work.

Melitsanosalata Recipe:

Roast an Eggplant by cutting in half lengthwise, placing cut side down on a cookie sheet or other flat pan, drizzle olive oil on top – enough to cover the top and have some dripping down the side. The amount of olive oil depends on the size of the eggplant. Spread the eggplant around as the cut side also needs olive oil. Shouldn’t be much left in the pan. Roast on middle rack in 350° oven until done. Should be easy to press down. Usually 30 – 45 minutes, depending on size of eggplant. Remove from oven, let cool. Don’t touch! Once cooled, remove skin by leaving the eggplant in the pan and peeling the skin off – carefully.

Place in bowl. With a sharp knife, cut lengthwise strips and then cut cross-wise. Using a fork with the knife, keep cutting cross-wise until eggplant is chopped up. (5 min.).

Add approximately 1 tsp. to 1 tbsp. Tahini, 1 tbsp. or more, olive oil, 1 tbsp. fresh squeezed lemon juice. Amounts depend on the flavour you would like to achieve and the size of the eggplant. Mix up well.

Add finely chopped – garlic, green onions, and parsley. Mix well and serve!

If you like, add roasted red peppers and/or tomatoes. In place of parsley add basil or cilantro.

Either salad can be made any way that suits you!

Heirloom Tomato Salad:

Tomatoes cut up how you like them
1/2 Ripe avocado cut up
Kalamata Olives – optional
Green onions diced small or red onion
Cilantro chopped up
1 small garlic clove finely chopped
Artichoke Hearts in a jar – chopped into small bite size pieces
Drizzle with Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Add cucumber, celery, basil, parsley, peppers, whatever your taste buds would like!

No salt necessary as the olives contain salt. Onions provide a bite and with the garlic an umami flavour!

Yes, there is garlic in both salads but there is also parsley and lemon juice and the acidity from the tomato. Don’t worry. If taking to work, you may have to rinse your mouth or drink mint tea.

Boil an egg – water in a pot, add egg, bring to boil for approximately 4 minutes and then turn off. Do not remove pot. Leave on stove for at least 15 minutes. Rinse with cold water. Remove the shell. Cut into four and sprinkle with black pepper and paprika. For lunches, I boil several eggs and keep the unused ones in the fridge with the shell on – no cracks! I remove the shell before going to work as removing the shell releases an odour that you don’t want in your office. If you are eating outside or in a airy lunch room, go ahead and peel the egg at the office.

Roasted red peppers – Confession … I now buy a jar (from Greece) at the Greek Store (Kalamata Grocery). I used to make roasted peppers all the time but it does take a lot of time.

Daiya Monterrey Jack Cheese is pretty good as a side cheese for lunch or a quick snack.

More lunch ideas coming up soon!

Category:

Daily, Dairy-Free, Delicious, Diet, Gluten-Free, International Cuisine, lunch, Simple, Vegetable, vegetarian, weight loss

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Split Pea Soup on a Cold Winter Day – Easy and Filling


First winter back in the frozen north … and they told me it doesn’t snow here, where I chose to live … uh huh … warmest area in Canada …  oh sure … There are icicles on my car!
And so … the fireplace is on and I have 2 smoked pork hocks simmering on the stove. Smells like bacon cooking. I don’t know about you but I LOVE the smell of bacon and really LOVE eating it too! My comfort food – well, one of them. The love for bacon is so intense that I must limit myself to devouring a pound of bacon (yep, in one sitting), to a maximum of 4 times per year. Who can have just 3 slices? Not me!

Back to the pork hocks (bone in) … They are simmering with about a tablespoon of black peppercorns and six small bay leaves in 16 cups of water. If you’re making a pot of something, make a big pot! Whether it’s soup or stew or sauce, it doesn’t take up much more time and it freezes well for a quick dinner or lunch. Mine go into 4 cup, sealable, glass jars and are stacked in the freezer.
My apologies. Another digression … bear with me, please. Back to the soup.

My mom used to make the tastiest pea soup and she gave me the recipe. The miracle is that I managed to find it amongst all the papers in my storage locker! Here it is.

Mom’s recipe:
8 cups of water
2 bay leaves
6 – 8 peppercorns
1 lb. washed, split, dry green peas
1 large carrot – chopped
1 medium onion – diced
1 stalk of celery – diced
salt to taste
1 ham bone with some meat on it.
Toss all into a pot and simmer for 8 to 10 hours. Remove ham bone, take off meat and add back to soup. Remove bay leaves.

Really? That’s it? Doesn’t sound like much … definitely wouldn’t be enough to freeze … Hmmm …

And so … after a slight tweak … my recipe for a really big pot of soup:

1.7 Kilos (about 4 lbs of smoke pork hock)
6 smallish bay leaves
1 tbsp. black peppercorns
16 cups of purified water (Hate the chlorine taste in my soup. Yes, you can taste the difference!)
Simmer (on low heat – #3 on the dial) for 4 hours.
Let cool. Place in refrigerator. I don’t have the time to make this in one day. 🙂
Next day, remove pork hocks, skim off fat, fish for all the peppercorns and bay leaves or if you have another really big pot, use a sieve and pour the liquid/stock through. Separate the meat from the fat and bone. Dice up the tender morsels (must taste to be assured of the flavour). Add to stock.
6 – 8 carrots – depending on how much carrot you enjoy, keeping in mind this will make about 16 bowls of       soup.
3 – 4 stalks of celery (same tip as the carrots)
1 1/2 large onion
8 cloves of garlic
3 lbs of dried, split peas (washed up)
Chop up the veggies to the size you like. Add all the remaining ingredients into the stock. If the water has evaporated too much, add more (purified).
Do Not add any salt as the smoked pork hocks are salty enough. If you can’t find smoked hocks use a ham bone from the butcher.
Allow to boil and then lower to a simmer for about 1 hour or more, until the peas are mushy.

Make a nice salad. Some gluten free garlic bread. Enjoy!

Cool to slightly warm before placing in jars for the freezer. If you freeze this soup in smaller containers, it makes a delicious, warming, light and filling lunch to take to work!

After the holidays eating light and healthy is a relief for your digestive system and will help you to lose those holiday pounds! Soup and salad is heartwarming, tasty and filling, while being light and easy to digest. Just choose your salad dressing carefully! 🙂

Category:

Daily, Dairy-Free, Delicious, Diet, dinner, Gluten-Free, lunch, Simple, Uncategorized, Vegetable, weight loss

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Addendum to MC Veggie Puffs … :)


Well … I added 5 eggs (whipped), about 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, 1 cup of coconut flour (slowly – add a bit, mix … etc.), 1/4 cup quinoa flakes, 1 tsp. salt and for some reason I had the idea to add 1 tsp. of baking powder.

1st photo – the consistency you want to have – the wooden spoon stands up and you can make a definite hole in the mixture without any of it running in. Dryish not too dry. Still quite wet when you are rolling it but does stick together.
IMG_2469
You then proceed to roll them into little balls and flatten out a bit, placing into the pan with the coconut oil. Oven is at 350℃, ready to go. I made 48 in the second pan and 35 in the first – just jammed them a bit more in the second pan, (was getting tired of rolling!).
And here we are:

IMG_2471
Five are already missing … must do a taste test … 😉

They will be a perfect grab and go snack!
The rest – yes, there was MORE mix … I put into an 8 x 8 pyrex dish and it is cooking now. This is the one I will be sampling for the next few days!
Definitely a keeper recipe as they smell delicious, taste divine – puffy, spicy but not too much, just a hint of warmth and notes of curry and will go well with any number of dips/sauces or just a quick bite, straight out of the fridge when you are on the go.
Next time, I will reduce the amount of coconut flour and add mashed potato and cauliflower, see what the difference would be. When I do, I will let you all know!

These would go well with a Salsa Verde, Tsatsiki (made with Toffuti Sour Cream), or a Mango Chutney/Salsa.
Wine pairing: Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay, Rosé, Beaujolais Nouveau.
Happy Cooking!

Category:

Daily, Dairy-Free, Delicious, Festive Days, Fun, Gluten-Free, International Cuisine, snack, Vegetable, vegetarian

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Multi-Cultural Veggie Puffs?


Christmas is coming and so is company, one being a vegetarian … What to make?
Made my list of food must haves and requests. Placed a couple of coolers outside (it’s cold enough for them to sub in for the refrigerator), to hold the extras, such as the turkey and the 25 pound bag of carrots (a deal I couldn’t resist) and have begun cooking.
Here’s the list for your inspiration:

Miso soup (to warm the belly upon arrival – it’s chilly here)
Turkey with stuffing and gravy (my favourite!)
Sweet Potato Pie (with mini marshmallows – a request made in a pleading tone which I couldn’t resist … against my better judgement but oh well, marshmallow topped sweet potatoes, once a year, isn’t going to hurt … right?)
Broccoli and Cauliflower salad (easy and delicious – also a request)
Peas and Carrots (a standard)
Roasted Beets (requested with cloves/garlic/vinegar)

Kourambiedes – (Greek, almond shortbread, covered in icing sugar that takes all bloody day to make – but well worth the effort. Even though I can’t partake). Don’t have a choice here … it’s a must!
Melamacarona – (more Greek cookies – not as labour intensive as above but still a lot of work!). Also a must.
Chocolate cake – There’s a Birthday involved as well as the Holiday meal. (Gotta feel sympathy for those born right at Christmas time … )

A lot of food for Christmas dinner, yes and probably enough for leftovers the next day. But … what to have on hand for grazing/snacking? Something simple to make, easy to grab and eat, straight from the refrigerator/cooler (wherever it will fit – I’ll get to that later), and healthy?
Houmous, always good in a pinch, very easy to make – it takes more time to clean up than to make the dip. It’s on the list.
Devilled Eggs? Nope. Too much work – not enough time to enjoy the company and they don’t stay fresh for long.
Hmmm …
Gigantes? Greek style, Delicious giant white beans in a flavourful tomato sauce. Lasts for days in the refrigerator but does need warming … Nope, they’re  off the list.
Pakoras? Okay, I’ve never made them but they’ll go well with the houmous and … they will last and can be frozen beforehand, thawed as needed! Bingo!

And so, this is how this recipe which was supposed to be Pakoras (recipe isn’t quite done yet … I’ll keep you posted today as the making of the “puffs” progresses), began …

Shopping at the grocers’, I spy a 1 kilo bag of baby zucchinis on sale for $1.00! Steal of a deal! But what to do with 1 kilo of zucchini? I can’t eat all of that … In the food processor it goes, mushed zucchini poured into a freezer bag and then popped into the freezer …
Okay, so it’s not going to be Pakoras … but I do like the idea of the Indian flavours instead of plain zucchini puffs … Hmmm …
What do I have on hand? Onions – check, Red Peppers – check, Garlic – check, Indian spices – got them. Off to buy a bag of Red Split Lentils, eggs and cilantro – sounded like a good combo … No?
This morning:
Not knowing exactly what I am doing, I pour the thawed zucchini mash into a pot – it’s very liquidy … so I pour in the lentils and turn the stove on to low … add more lentils, stir … add more lentils, stir (all told, about a cup and 1/3) … Turned off stove and let sit.
Finely chopped the carrots – about a cup, 2 large red peppers, a large head of garlic and the cilantro … the onions have just come out of the freezer where they were placed to cool off a bit before chopping (it prevents teary eyes). Added the carrots and peppers to the zucchini and lentils. Placed the garlic in a pan with about 2 tbsp. of olive oil and a whole lot of turmeric, cumin and coriander. This is what it looks like so far …
Oh God I hope this works …

veggie mash about to be made into puffs
Mix of Indian spices with garlic.

The photo on the left is the zucchini mash (what else would you call it?), and the one on the right is a mound of spices with garlic waiting to be fried – for 20 seconds and then added to the pot.
So … here’s my next steps …
Quick fry spices/garlic and to mash.
Finely chop onions and toss into the pot.
Finely chop cilantro and figure out how much to add to this mix? mash?
Whip 3? 4? eggs and add in (hope the mash in the pot has cooled enough!)
Melt coconut oil onto a cookie sheet (one with sides), it’s chilly here and the oil hardens … the perils of living up north …
Add coconut flour or quinoa flakes until mixture firms up enough to roll into small burger shapes – a flat “meatless” ball.
Bake in a 350℃ oven … cross fingers and hope for success …

For a list of accompaniments (sauces/salsas and wines), see the excerpt or Facebook.

Will keep you posted on my Facebook Page – simplyyummy123.
https://www.facebook.com/SimplyYummy123-139865369835/
Wish me luck!

Category:

Dairy-Free, Festive Days, Gluten-Free, International Cuisine, snack, Uncategorized, Vegetable

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Best Turkey Burgers Ever!


Delicious! Child Friendly

Versatile & Yummy!

Turkey burgers are so versatile. The flavour, depending on the herbs/spices used, can be akin to a christmas turkey (sage, gravy topping), or a tropical treat (coriander, pineapple/pepper salsa) and everything in between. Burgers can be cooked and frozen for future quick meals, packed for lunches, made as a “meatloaf”, after work-out snack (provides a blast of protein), and of course, made into a delicious burger with your choice of trimmings!

The Basics:

2 lbs (1 kilo) of Ground Turkey (I prefer turkey breast. Either white or dark turkey meat can be used)
4 Fresh Carrots – grated – not too fine.
1 Large Red Pepper – diced (small)
3 – 4 Sticks of Celery – diced (small)
1 Large Onion (yellow, white, red … your preference) – diced (small)
4 – 8 Cloves of Garlic – minced. (Amount depends on size of cloves & how much garlic flavour you enjoy).
3 Large Eggs – beaten
1 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Tbsp. Mayo (Make your own or add your favourite)
*1 Cup Quinoa Flakes
*1/4 Cup Coconut Flour – if necessary, add a little more when mixing.
1 1/2 Tbsp. Dried Thyme
1 Tbsp. Dried Basil
1 Tbsp. Paprika
Optional:
1 Cup Cooked, Diced Bacon – Not Crispy or it won’t dice properly

Those are the basic ingredients.

*If you cannot find Quinoa Flakes or Coconut Flour, use TOASTED gluten-free bread. Not toasted, the bread becomes soggy and melts into the mixture, not providing any firmness. Coconut Flour absorbs a lot of the moisture before and during cooking. Be careful how much extra you add.

In the past I have experimented with Corn Meal, Mashed Potato, Quinoa (cooked), Rice (cooked, different varieties), Gluten-free Bread (toasted) and various gluten-free flour mixes. None provided the texture and firmness I was looking for, although mashed potatoes and the bread came close! Experiment and let us know what you come up with!

Once, while in a rush, I placed all the veggies in a food processor – the result – soggy burgers that fell apart … never doing that again!

Suggestions for 3 different Flavours: BBQ, Roast Turkey, Tropical

BBQ:

Add:
1/2 to 1 Tsp. of Cumin
1 Tsp. to 2 Tsp. Chili Flakes or dried Chilies (Poblano, Ancho, Chipotle) – depending on the heat of the chilies used and how hot you like it.
Although I love the heat of chilies, too much can reduce the flavour components of the whole meal, i.e. … your mouth is on fire and you can’t really taste anything!
1 Tbsp. Honey or Maple Syrup
2 Tbsp. Gluten Free Tamari/Soya Sauce/Bragg’s Liquid
1 Tbsp. Black Pepper
2 Tbsp. Tomato Paste
1 Tbsp. of your favourite Gluten Free Mustard

If you do not have the honey, tamari, tomato paste or mustard, add 2 – 3 Tbsp. of your favourite BBQ sauce.

Sage Burgers:

Add:
2 Tbsp. Dried Sage
2 Tbsp. Fresh Parsley – minced
2 Tsp. Black Pepper
1 Tsp. Cumin

For added colour and flavour, toss in a handful of dried cranberries!

Tropical Patties:

Add:
2 Tsp. Coriander
1/4 Tsp. Curry
1/2 Tsp. Dried Hot Pepper
1 Tbsp. Dried Coconut
2 Tbsp. (or more … up to you) Grated Sweet Potato
1/4 Cup Finely Diced Pineapple

Method:

Place Turkey in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle herbs/spices on top. Add beaten eggs. Add the binder (quinoa/coconut flour, etc.). Lastly, add the diced/minced veggies. Mix well. Form into patties. Place on greased (coconut oil) cookie sheet. They can be placed quite close together as they do shrink a little. Cook in a 350℉ oven on the middle rack. Depending on the thickness of the patties, cook for about 30 minutes. The Turkey burgers do not gain much colour when cooked – a little golden and that’s all.

Yield: 10 Large Patties

Two of us finished these in 24 hours! They are delicious and so easy to snack on – directly from the refrigerator – just one more bite … and soon another patty was devoured. Doubling the recipe provides extras for freezing or lunches. The patties keep in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3 days (If they last that long!) For freezing, layer each patty with wax paper and freeze in a sealed bag. Only freeze as many together that you will need for a meal.
Pressed for time? Make this into a meatloaf – grease a meatloaf pan and firmly pat the mixture in.

Gravy, Mango/Pineapple Salsa, Cranberry Sauce, Fig Compote … any of these may be served with these burgers.
Sweet Potatoes/Yams are a favourite side dish. Wash well, slice into 1/2 inch/1.5 cm, lay on a cookie sheet, pour extra virgin olive oil, orange/pineapple juice, GF tamari over top – just enough of each to “wet” the slices. Sprinkle paprika over each slice. A dash of cinnamon on each slice works well for the children. If you love garlic, as I do, add some peeled cloves in the pan – yum!

ENJOY!

Category:

Dairy-Free, Delicious, Diet, dinner, Fowl, Gluten-Free, Uncategorized

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One Pan Chicken Dinner! With a Side of Green Beans!


Easy Chicken Dinner – one pan.
Place rinsed chicken breast or thighs in pan. Drizzle EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) all over. Add Wine (red or white) OR orange juice OR lemon into the pan. About 1/2 cup of wine or 1/4 cup juice. Chop (chunky pieces) up potatoes or cauliflower, carrots, onions (just a bit), garlic (lots!) and add to pan. Mix with the juice/wine and oil. Cover the chicken in Dijon mustard – be liberal. Sprinkle entire contents of pan with paprika (lots), cumin (just enough to have a sprinkle – more on the chicken), black pepper, thyme, if you have fresh rosemary, add a 2 or 3 sprigs for extra flavour. Add capers on top of the chicken, it’s okay if a few roll off. Add lots! They are delicious with Dijon mustard. Bake/Roast covered at 350℉ (180℃ or Gas Mark 4), for approximately half an hour (half the time). Uncover and cook until done – browned. Bone in chicken will take about one hour. Boneless will take less time. Cover for only half the time!
Enjoy with a salad or a side of green vegetables!
And here’s a green vegetable idea I made up the other day …
Green Beans, fresh or frozen, whichever you can find! As many as you need – approx. 1/2 cup per person.
Crush some cashews or used slivered/sliced almonds. About 1/3 cup per cup of green beans.
Sesame oil to generously coat pan.
Balsamic vinegar or Lemon juice or Orange juice. Tsp. of Balsamic or 1 tbsp. of Lemon or Orange juice per cup of Beans.
Coriander – crushed.
Black Pepper – a sprinkle will do.
Garlic, chopped. Doesn’t have to be diced up small. Chunky will do. As much or as little as you like.
Fresh Cilantro, Parsley or Basil, chopped up and added after other ingredients have begun to cook.
Add all ingredients into a pan, medium-low heat. Cover for 5 – 10 minutes (depending on how much you have in the pan). Remove cover, add fresh herbs, increase heat to medium-high and stir-fry until done. About another 5 minutes.
Optional: Red Pepper – diced. One Hot Pepper, fresh or dried, cut in half. Only 1 hot pepper, first time I made this, I added 3. Love heat but not THAT much!
Sun-Dried Tomato – about 1 tbsp. per cup of beans … tomatoes will dilute the flavour of the beans if you add too many.
A few fresh green/spring onions … scallions, chopped fine and sprinkled on the beans before serving.
This green vegetable dish would be great on a date night – I’ll tell you why in the book!
Which wine to serve? A crisp Sauvignon Blanc, an unoaked Chardonnay or a Pinot Noir … 🙂
Enjoy!

Category:

Aphrodisiac, Book, Daily, Dairy-Free, Fowl, Gluten-Free, International Cuisine, Simple, Vegetable

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New Year, New Beginnings … New Book!


Happy 2015! It’s a new year, a new beginning and a new book!

So … You Want to Get Laid Tonight?
A how-to guide for a romantic dinner that won’t have you watching TV afterwards!

What happens after dinner … in the bedroom, the living room or, heck!, on the kitchen floor … is up to you … provided you are with a consenting adult!

What the book will do is offer a selection of Romantic, Erotic foods, how to cook and eat them, the setting, the food, the fun, the ideas … date friendly (sex enhancing) dinners and more!

Tantalizing aromas, sauces glistening on your lips, nibbling a tasty morsel offered, finger licking and lip wetting deliciousness …

Whew! Need a moment …

Okay, back to the food …

Garlic, usually a no-no for romantic dinners, will be on the menu … too many excellent qualities in garlic to exclude it. How you cook the garlic is the key.

Cucumbers, parsley, lemons are great breath fresheners (after the garlic)! Let me show you how and why.

Spicy, Sweet, Sour, Savoury, Salty … a cornucopia of tastes … Kiss as each new flavour is sampled … sharing flavours with a kiss is so erotic!

There will be plenty left for a midnight foray to the kitchen too … All you do is follow the DIY guide and have fun! 😉

All Gluten and Dairy Free … of course!

Stay tuned! More to come …

Category:

Aphrodisiac, Book, Dairy-Free, Delicious, Fish, Fowl, Fun, Gluten-Free, Info, International Cuisine, Romance, Sexy, Simple

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Melamakarona – Greek Christmas Cookies


My favourite cookies … I began making these cookies with my Yaya (Greek grandmother) and Mom when I was a little girl.  Although they are traditionally dairy-free, they are not gluten-free.  This year I am taking a leap of faith and making them with a gluten-free, cake & pastry flour … will post results – good or bad!  These cookies can be made up to two weeks in advance, stored in the refrigerator, in a tin, with wax/parchment paper between the layers.  This recipe makes lots of cookies – up to 6 dozen – and they disappear quickly, which is why I make two batches.  One batch two weeks before the 24th and one the week before!  If possible make these with a friend/family member … They do take a while to prepare and company always helps the time go by … 🙂

Melamacarona:
6 Cups Cake & Pastry Flour
1 Cup Crushed Walnuts (crushed to a flour consistency)
1 Tsp. Baking Soda
2 Tsp. Baking Powder
1 Grated Orange Rind
4 Tsp. Ground Cinnamon (or more)
3/4 Tsp. Ground Clove (NO more)
Pinch of Salt … 1/8 Tsp. (or less)

Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl and set aside.

1 1/2 to 2 Cups Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3/4 Cup Warm (Room Temperature) Orange Juice
1/3 Cup Brandy
3/4 Cup Sugar (Berry Sugar)

Mix “liquid” ingredients in a large bowl. Slowly begin adding dry ingredients until a soft but not sticky dough is formed. Form cookies by rolling a small amount in your hand and shaping into a short, plump, sausage looking lump. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. When all the cookies are rolled, delicately pinch the ends and squeeze gently toward the middle of the cookie. Now you will have a somewhat diamond shaped cookie. With the fork tines gently flatten the tops of all the cookies – only the top, not the whole cookie. Bake for 15 minutes in a 350° oven.

Set out wax paper (or parchment paper) sheets on the table. Crush 1 to 2 cups of walnuts and sprinkle over the sheets of paper.

Consistency of crushed walnuts.

Consistency of crushed walnuts.

Syrup:

1 Cup of Fragrant Honey
1/2 Cup of Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice
1/2 Cup Maple Syrup (my Canadian addition)
2 Tablespoons Brandy
1 1/2 Cups of Water
1 Whole Navel Orange, small one – sliced
1 Whole Lemon – sliced
4 Sticks of Cinnamon
10 Whole Cloves
4 Whole Nutmeg

Bring the liquids (including syrups), to a boil and immediately remove from heat.  Add in the orange/lemon slices and whole spices.  Cover and simmer on low heat for at least 1/2 an hour and no more than 1 hour.  Must be quite warm for cookie dipping!  When cookies are ready to be dipped, with a slotted spoon remove the fruits & whole spices.

Walnuts:

Crush 1 1/2 cups of Fresh Walnuts in a food processor.  Sprinkle liberally over several sheets of wax paper.  I spread the wax paper, overlapping each piece, over a 4 x 4 foot (1.1 x 1.1 metre), square section of my kitchen table.

Once cookies are removed from the oven and have cooled for 2 – 3 minutes, dip them in the syrup ,

Simmering syrup - remove oranges, lemons & whole spices before dipping cookies!

Simmering syrup – remove oranges, lemons & whole spices before dipping cookies!

roll them over, remove and place on walnut covered sheets of wax paper. Sprinkle more crushed walnuts over all. When cooled arrange on a serving dish with more crushed walnuts under and atop the cookies (use the walnuts left on the wax paper).  Save remaining walnuts and syrup (in separate containers) to use on other desserts – Apple Crisp, Honey Cake, Walnut Cake or as a topping for Sweet Potato Pie!

Melamacarona!

Melamacarona!

That’s it … Enjoy!

ps. after all this work, when clean up is done … have a brandy with tea and a cookie. You deserve it! 🙂

Category:

Festive Days

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Why Turkey?


Ever wonder what we would be dining on at our Christmas dinner if the Pilgrims had “found” a deer … moose … duck … fish … instead of a turkey … Yep, you get where I’m going with this …

Festive holiday dinners are for family, friends … sharing time, food and stories together.  A time of cheer, fun, love and laughter.  Stressing out over the cost, presentation and “perfection” of a holiday meal drains the spirit!  Whether you serve up a roast beef, lamb, chicken, turkey, lasagna, mousaka, ribs, fish, tofu, … a meal made with joy is one remembered by all.

After many years of large turkey dinners, that took at least 3 days to prepare (leaving me exhausted and a little cranky) … I changed tradition … egads!  The first Christmas we enjoyed a roasted chicken (roasted in the grocery store and spiced up and re-cooked by me), sweet potatoes, peas & carrots, green salad, a tomato salad and a store bought pie – it was relaxing, tasty and FUN!  Instead of waking up at 6 a.m. and stuffing a huge bird, we slept in – as much as possible when young children are a part of your life – opened gifts together, visited friends in the afternoon, revelled in the company of friends at dinner – and … clean up was soooo easy!  The following years were a mix of going to the mountains with friends/family,  dinner shared at a friends home or dinner at our table with guests bringing a dish to share – the dinner options are endless.  Make it simple, relaxing and fun!

This years’ menu for 10 will be a roast leg of lamb with potatoes – sweet and russet, broccoli & cauliflower salad, peas (must have!), pickled beets, tomato & avocado salad … maybe carrots, maybe a green salad – depends on what the day brings, another dish or two supplied by guests … add music, a few candles and voilà a celebration.  I am looking forward to enjoying the time with family and friends!  Beats stressing out over dinner and table settings … 🙂

Enjoy!  The perfection of a meal is in the love added by those who make it and the enjoyment of the loved ones sharing it.

Photos will be posted on Christmas Day!

Leg of Lamb

Lamb
Fresh squeezed lemon juice
Red wine
Extra virgin olive oil
Fresh garlic
Mustard
Oregano or Thyme
Black pepper
Cumin

Poke lamb and stuff with garlic cloves – as many as you like!
Pour lemon juice, wine and oil over – in this order – making sure that all areas are covered
Spread mustard – Dijon or regular – all over – except bottom
Sprinkle on herbs & spices
Start roasting, time depends on size and your oven!

Potatoes

Potatoes
Extra virgin olive oil
Lemon juice
Garlic
Paprika

Cut up potatoes into bite size pieces.  Mix in the remaining ingredients (be liberal!)
Add to lamb roast.
Depending on size of pieces, cooking time is usually one hour.

Broccoli & Cauliflower Salad

Broccoli & Cauliflower – fresh
Lemon juice
Black pepper
(Is there a theme here?)

Place cleaned cauliflower head (take off leaves and cut out center – from the bottom) in a pot with approx. 4 cm. (2 inches) of water.
Arrange Broccoli “trees” around cauliflower
Steam, covered, medium to low heat, for 5 – 10 minutes.
Drain and cut up in pot by running a sharp knife through the veggies in a checked pattern.
Drizzle oil, juice over all and sprinkle pepper.

 

Keep posted … More holiday recipes coming … with photos!

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Festive Days

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Informative Article from the Calgary Herald


Great article, giving relevant information on eating “glutenless” :). While it is true, once one is “off” the gluten, the tests will be inconclusive, unfortunately the wait for both the required tests can be very long. Not sure what the benefits are of knowing positively … I suppose you may not have Celiac Disease and therefore there is no need to be ultra careful … but if you do … the sooner you are off the gluten the better. In the last 16 years of enjoying a gluten & dairy-free lifestyle, other than feeling much better, looking and being healthier, there hasn’t been any direct benefit in “knowing” that I have Celiac Disease. Of course this is my experience and should not deter anyone from receiving a definitive diagnosis for themselves.
This article makes no mention of the relation between Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance to Lactose Intolerance or a Dairy Allergy. There is a growing body of evidence showing the prevalence of a lactose intolerance or dairy allergy among many Celiac sufferers. One should probably have that tested too or at least be aware that there may be more than one cause for your pain and discomfort.
One point that is stressed a few times in this article and is one I am constantly on my soapbox espousing … endlessly is: DO NOT attempt to replace breads, sweets and treats in a Gluten-Free form. Even though the label displays the words “organic”, “gluten-free”, etc. etc. etc., this does not make it a health food. It is processed and most of the “goodness” that it may have contained as a whole food no longer exists in the processed form. On a daily basis, focus on FRESH, WHOLE foods and if you can, buy organic foods. I will post the “Clean 15” list again – foods that don’t necessarily have to be organically grown.

Of course once in a while – as in once a month or so – a treat is a good thing … 🙂

This article appeared in the July 5th issue of the Calgary Herald.
http://www.calgaryherald.com/health/diet-fitness/Gluten+free+goes+mainstream+expert+cautions+against+adopting+food+whim/6836585/story.html

Enjoy!

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Berried Salmon


Thought I might try a little native twist to the wild sockeye salmon tonight …

This is completely new and untried (by me)!

Drizzled a little olive oil over all three pieces of salmon … ’cause olive oil is sooo good with almost everything!  This part is not native but … creative license … a lot of this recipe is not … 🙂

Looks Delicious!

Before The Oven!

Then drizzled a little REAL CANADIAN maple syrup over all.  A splash of Tamari Sauce (wheat-free) and a heaping tablespoon or more of minced, fresh ginger.  At this point I couldn’t decided whether to add anything else … garlic, dijon mustard, spices, herbs … so decided on nothing else … just fresh blueberries.  Probably about 1 cup of fresh, delicious blueberries were poured on top.  Popped the pan into the oven at 375° for about 20 minutes and immediately tasted, almost burning my mouth!  Blueberries and salmon definitely go together well but I think it needs a little something extra.  Definitely a little too much ginger – a little less or none at all next time … Perhaps mustard?  Horseradish?  More maple syrup?  Will definitely keep refining this recipe and keep you up to date!

Light, Refreshing, very berryish!

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Daily, Fish

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What’s happening in the kitchen today …


Having allergies and celiac disease, it is easy to blame every little DISorder on an improperly functioning immune system.

The latest:  my hands … constantly dry, splitting skin, chapped fingers … ugh!  Although I do have a dishwasher, many items used in cooking – pots, pans, crockery – are washed by hand.  My dry, chapped hands.  Finally I decided to buy gloves and place some hand cream in a prominent spot on the counter.  Foolishly thinking this would solve the problem.  I hate to admit it but the problem isn’t any immune problem or allergy, it’s me!  I like to feel things, a very tactile kind of person … always forget to wear gloves when gardening … forget or just don’t want to, not sure which.  In the kitchen I like to feel how hot the water is, if I am scrubbing every unseen bump on the pan … Whilst cooking, I am constantly washing my hands.  So, even though I bought a bright pink pair of rubber gloves and placed them right next to the sink … really, you can’t miss them … I always seem to “forget” to wear the darn things.  I do occasionally remember to apply the cream but then … I wash my hands again.  Do I have a “clean” problem?  Nope, just constantly have my hands in everything – squeezing lemons, chopping onions, washing meat … you know the drill … wipe the counter, wash the cloth, disinfect the cutting board, scrub the pan, clean the sink … If I can’t get into the habit of wearing those gloves – which just take away the “feeling” of cooking for me – I guess I will have to live with dry, chapped hands and nails!  Really … can’t wear gloves whilst chopping veggies or stirring some concoction in a pot on the stove.  Can’t wear gloves when writing down a recipe.  Can’t wear gloves when seasoning the food.  Put the gloves on, take the gloves off … it’s too much!

I know!  I need a sous chef … or a cleaner-upper … but I’d still have to wash my hands whilst cooking/creating a delicious meal, ’cause I gotta feel it in my hands!

If and when I find a solution to these dry, chapped hands of mine (and yes, I do slather them with olive oil every night, but…), I will let you know!  Enough ranting …

Meanwhile back to the kitchen …

Hmmm … what to make for dinner tonight?  Chicken?  Salmon?  Had beans yesterday, pork the day before … haven’t had Salmon in a while … Salmon it is!

Mmmm, with Saki, Sesame Oil, a drizzle of Tamari Sauce, Fresh Ginger – grated/sliced, Fresh Garlic, Black Pepper, a light sprinkle of Chili – for a little added heat.

Bake for 20 minutes at 350°, fast, simple and Yummy!

Mmmmm!

Might pop a whole, scrubbed, washed & poked, Sweet Potato in with it.  There is a bit of Steamed Broccoli & Cauliflower salad leftover from yesterday … Perfect!  Dinner will be ready soon!

Little Olive Oil, a squeeze of Lemon and a sprinkle of Black Pepper.

Happy Eating!

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Combat the Flu!


Returned from Mexico earlier than planned because of Montezuma … Thank God I had no “issues” on the plane!  A few days later, I thought all was well, this nasty flu bug that’s going around decided to pay me a visit.  Bad head/sinus cold, queasy tummy, sneezing, coughing, aching … OK, enough of this.  Now I am on the attack, blasting this virus with my entire arsenal.  And what is that?  Here is the list:

Green Tea – which I drink every morning anyway;”
Milk Thistle Tea – great for detoxing the body and something I drink occasionally but now 2 cups a day;
Echinacea – liquid form.  It’s actually IMM formula, containing echinacea, golden seal and more – once a day;
Vitamin C – tablets 4,000 mg per day;
Probiotic – usually one a day but discovered, perhaps due to coeliac disease?, two a day is better, taken first thing, BEFORE anything else;
Organic Apple Cider Vinegar – 1 tablespoon;
Vitamin D – liquid form.   This too I take every day, in the winter – just a few drops.  Living in the northern hemisphere, where during the winter it is too cold – most days – to go outside, skin exposed, and allow your body and the sun’s rays to make vitamin D for you, this is necessary.

Food stuffs:

MORNING

Juicing 5 – 6 medium sized carrots, 1 lemon, a small piece of ginger and 1 to 2 apples (depending on size).
– peel the carrots, remove both ends of the lemon (peel part) & cut into 4 wedges, core the apple & cut into pieces to fit the juicer;
–  start with a few apple pieces, add a couple of lemon wedges, toss in the ginger bit, finish of with the carrots;

Drink immediately.  Contains many vitamins, enzymes and other goodies to help boost your immune system.

Wash the juicer parts.  Done!

Next a shake containing many vitamins and minerals, Ultra Clear, also been taking this every day for the past 5 years.  Add one heaping tablespoon to 3/4 of a glass of purified/spring water.  Mix and drink.

More tea.

Yes, I am floating by now but that’s the idea.  This virus must be flushed out by your body’s amazing elimanation system – pores, coughing, nose blowing and other flushes … 🙂

AFTERNOON

 A smoothie is next on the agenda.  In a blender combine 1 banana, 1 heaping tablespoon of a protein powder (I use Vega – allergry-free & vegan), 2/3 glass of purified/spring water and start blending (lid on!).  Next toss in about 1/2 cup frozen blueberries and 1/2 cup other frozen berries (blackberries, raspberries, strawberries … ).  Keep blending until smooth – there is a little eddy happening on the top of the mix.  Drink immediately.

More tea – if you can stand it … 🙂  Milk Thistle, Lemon, really any herbal tea will do – no caffein

EVENING

Artichoke – cut off the bottom (about 1/2 an inch, 1 1/2 cm) & the top points (about 1 inch, 3 cm or more).  Place in pot, fill pot with purified/spring water until 1/2 way up the artichoke, cover and turn on medium heat until it begins to boil.  Turn down to low, wiggle artichoke around to avoid sticking to bottom of pot, continue cooking until you can pull an artichoke leaf off easily.  Pour a little (1 tbsp.) EVOlive Oil and the juice of half a lemon in a dipping dish.  Remove the artichoke from the pot and place on a plate or any available dish.  Careful ’cause it’s hot!  Remove one leaf at a time, dip the fleshy end into the … well … the dip, and with your teeth scrape off the tender bits.

Asparagus – Wash and remove stems.  Save the stems!  Roast asparagus in the oven with a touch of water (yes, purified/spring), just until a little soft – about 10 – 15 minutes.  Remove, drizzle Extra Virgin Olive oil and the juice of 1/2 or a whole lemon.  Sprinkle black pepper and oregano over all and munch away.  Add fresh garlic if you like.

Miso soup – In a pot of purified/spring water add the washed asparagus stems and boil.  Reduce heat and let simmer until stems become swollen, then remove.  Add some diced tofu and let simmer for 10 minutes.  In the “broth” add 2 – 3 sheets of Nori or Kombu or really any seaweed you can find at your health food store.  Ripped up, of course, not whole.  Let simmer until it begins to “melt” down – approx. 5 minutes.  Add a few drops of wheat-free soya sauce, japanese rice vinegar & saki (for flavour).  Next add a bunch of chopped up green onions/scallions.  Once this has simmered for about 5 minutes, add the miso, remove from heat and stir until miso is blended in.  Eat it up.

Sweet Potato – Scrub clean.  Remove any nasty bits.  Poke holes with a fork.  Place on a pan and cook in a 350° oven until it is soft.  Split open and eat it all – yep, peel too!

Sounds like a lot to do but each item is only a few minutes of work and the benefits are worth it.  You will shorten the duration of your cold.  If you can’t find Artichoke or Asparagus try some broccoli – well steamed but not soggy, or cook up a plate of greens – chard, kale.  Use lots of extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice on the veggies.

I am now on day 2.  Will let you know how it goes.

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Valentine’s Day Menu!


This dinner will leave you feeling light, sated, relaxed and full of energy for the night ahead … The foods used for this menu are flavourful, nutritious and are said to have aphrodisiac qualities … Perfect for a romantic meal!

Watch the video!

Here’s what you will need:

1 Squash; either butternut or acorn
2 Halibut Fillets
8 Spears of Asparagus
1 Ripe Tomato
Salad Greens
1/2 Cup Dairy & Gluten-Free Chocolate Chips or Chunks
1/4 Cup Frozen Blueberries
2 Tbsp. Frozen Raspberries
Parsley or Fresh Basil
4 Scallions/Green Onions
1 Lemon
1 Orange
Balsamic OR Apple Cider Vinegar
Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Spices/Herbs
Paprika
Cinnamon
Black Pepper
Cayenne Pepper (or pimento)
Dry Mustard Powder
Thyme, Oregano OR Basil
2 Cinnamon Sticks
Vanilla

White Wine
3 oz. Grand Marnier
1 oz. Amaretto

METHOD

1. Wash the squash on the outside and cut in half, lengthwise.  Scoop out the seeds with a spoon and discard.  Place cut side up on a pan and drizzle with olive oil.  Sprinkle liberally with cinnamon.  Flip over so cut side is down.  Place in oven at 350° for approx. 45 minutes.  It is done when you can easily press it with a spoon.  Remove, scoop out “meat” and any liquid  remaining in pan, place in bowl and mash/whip until light and fluffy.

Cooked Butternut squash

2. Cut Tomato in half (not through stem part but through the middle).  Place in a small pan, cut side up.  Sprinkle a little water on the bottom of the pan – not on the tomato!  Place in oven with the squash for only 20 minutes.  Remove and set aside (still in pan!).

3.  Snap off woody ends of Asparagus and save in a freezer bag, (great for soup broth!).  Wash and lay in a pan – single layer.  Place in oven at the same time as the Halibut.

4.  Wash Halibut, arrange in a pyrex or corningware dish that just fits it – not too big of a dish.  Pour approx. 1/2 cup (or more) white wine over all.  Drizzle about 1 Tbsp. olive oil, sprinkle liberally with paprika and add a light dusting of mustard powder.  Chop up the parsley and green onions, sprinkle over each piece of fish.  Place in oven with asparagus when the squash is almost done (10 minutes of cooking time left).  Fish and asparagus will cook for approx. 20 minutes.

      

5. Before removing and mashing squash, add approx. 1 Tbsp. frozen raspberries to 2 Tbsp. olive oil in an ovenproof dish and set in oven for 2 – 3 minutes.  Arrange salad greens in a pretty bowl.  Remove raspberries from oven and mash – carefully, add at least 1 tsp. or more of thyme, basil or any herb you like, add 1 tsp. balsamic vinegar, a pinch of salt/pepper (if desired) and pour over salad greens just before serving.

6. Mash/whip the squash.

7.  Remove the asparagus and place in a serving dish, a little olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, shake of black pepper and a sprinkle of oregano or thyme.

A few slices of peppers added but not necessary!

8.  Place tomato on top rack, 4 inches from broiler.  Move halibut to very bottom rack.  Put broiler on high for 3 – 5 minutes – watching carefully, don’t want to burn the tomato halves, just brown them!  Drizzle with olive oil.  Sprinkle with a little fresh garlic before or after cooking (or not), or a little pinch of salt & pepper.

9.  Serve!

This dinner takes less than an hour to prepare, from start to finish, which gives you time to set the scene and pamper yourself!

Dinner is served with the remaining wine – plenty to savour.  Dessert is served with a Blueberry Tea – in a cup or large brandy glass, pour 1 1/4 oz. Grand Marnier and 1/2 oz. Amaretto.  Add one slice of fresh orange – rind and all, and one cinnamon stick.  Pour orange flavoured tea slowly over the cinnamon stick.  I like to drink a bit and add more tea – keeping it warm and flavourful for a long lasting night cap!

Speaking of Dessert … 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks, 1/4 frozen blueberries (or fresh if available), 1/2 oz. Grand Marnier, a 1/2 tsp. of vanilla and a small pinch of cayenne pepper.  All in a small pot, set on low until it all melts and blends together.  This can be poured over dairy-free ice-cream or a baked banana.  Make it the night before and spoon into small cups lined with parchment paper or muffin tin liners.  Leave to set and enjoy a lovely, soft, creamy, libido enhancing treat … Enjoy!  Chocolate mixed with pimento is a true aphrodisiac!

A small velvety smooth, soft, chocolate delight!

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Festive Days, Fish

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Halibut, Leeks & Potatoes …


So simple, so yummy!

1 Leek per person – cleaned, outside layers (2-3) removed, cut in rounds
4 Potatoes – washed, sliced
Liberal Drizzle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 cup of white wine – cheap chardonnay/sauvignon blanc/pinto grigio – save the pricey stuff for you and your guests/family.
Garlic – if desired – as much as you like!
Black Pepper – shake it all over … 😉
Herbs – any one or two or three of the following: Parsley, Lemon Grass, Rosemary, Thyme, Basil, Savory, Marjoram, Herbs de Provence, Dill … anything but Oregano!

Layer potatoes on bottom of pan/Pyrex dish, arrange leeks on top.

Ready for "dressing".

Pour oil & wine over all.  Add remaining ingredients.  Always add the liquid before the spices/herbs!

All dressed and ready to go!

Cook in 350° oven for approximately 1 hour or until it looks like this:

All done, Yummy!

Next, the Halibut!

1 Fillet for each person
4-6 Green Onions/Scallions – chopped fairly fine
Cilantro/Fresh Basil/Fresh Parsley – chopped up – just a bit.  Any of these fresh herbs are perfect for the fish.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil – enough for a liberal drizzle over each piece
White Wine – use the same as for the Leeks. A good pour over all – approx. 1 cup
Paprika – see picture
Garlic – not too much (1 clove) – don’t overpower the delicate flavour of the fish
Mustard Powder – just a sprinkle for a little spice or use Chili Peppers – again … just a light sprinkle!

Wash fish – really any white fish will do for this dish. Place in Pyrex or corning ware dish.  Drizzle EV olive oil over top, pour white wine on all pieces of fish.  Add paprika, garlic (if desired), mustard powder.

A little spice flavour!

Top with green onions and cilantro/basil/parsley.

Topped up for cooking

Place in oven with the leeks, 40 minutes after leeks have begun cooking.  bake for 20 minutes – depending on thickness of fish.  Test with a fork – if it flakes easily, it’s done.

Mmmmm.... Hungry?

That’s it!  Simple & Yummy … Enjoy!

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Fish

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Chakra Stew ;)


Fun, new way to embrace a delicious, nutritious, winter comfort food.  Almost all the colours of the chakras are included in this stew. We begin with the roots … work our way up, through the colour spectrum – Red (pepper, paprika, tamarind), Orange (carrots, sweet potatoes), Yellow (onion, mustard powder), Green (celery, zucchini, herbs), Blue (water – ok, this is a stretch but…), Violet (eggplant, wine), Indigo (no indigo veg., so serve on an indigo plate or drink some violet liquid, such as red wine, from an indigo glass!)  There that covers all the colours!

If you would like to add meat to this stew and cut time in the kitchen, cook the meat the night before.  Add lots of red wine, a good dollop of olive oil if you are using poultry, sprinkle thyme, paprika, cumin, garam masala, mustard powder&/or chili peppers.  Refrigerate and reheat by chopping and quickly stir-frying before adding to the vegetables.

Chop up various root vegetables, including carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, celery root.  Toss into a large pan with a good dollop of olive oil and start frying … we want them caramelized!  Next add some chopped onion and pepper (red is my favourite).  Stir it all together and add some spice – black pepper, mustard powder, garam masala, cumin, paprika and stir again.  Spices are better with a little frying – brings out the flavour.  Tamarind is great to add, if you can.  If not, add a bit of HP sauce – it contains tamarind.  Add some chopped celery and garlic.  The order of veggies is important to maintain cooking equality – hardest veggies lead as they take longer to cook!  Now add the potatoes to absorb the earthiness of the root vegetables and the freshness of the other veggies.  The root chakra must flow both ways – root vegetables first to give aroma, potatoes (another root veg.) last to take in the qualities of the root veg. – earthiness, grounding.  

Once the onion becomes almost translucent, pour a good amount of a robust red wine (cabernet, pinot noir, shiraz – doesn’t have to be expensive), over all. Now we are ready to add soft vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, peas and the herbs.  Savory, thyme, basil, oregano, marjoram, parsley, all contribute to a flavourful stew.  Add a little of all or a lot of two or three.  Use your nose to guide you.

Breathe in the aroma, if it needs tweaking – ie. more herbs/spices, add them now.  Turn down heat and stir it all up.  Add a little more wine – why not?  I used 1/2 bottle in the stew I made, which would feed 8 people at one sitting.  If red wine is not on the menu for you, add orange juice.  OJ provides the same type of acidity and sweetness as wine, although it will change the flavour slightly.

Fry up any meat or tofu you wish to add, spice it up … or not … more wine?  Sure!

Spinkle/pour a little GF boullion onto the veggie mixture.  Stir a tbsp. of GF flour or cornstarch into a cold glass of water, make sure there are no lumps, then pour over all the veggies.  Now you can add your meat/tofu.  Cover and let simmer on low for a while … at least 1/2 hour.  Serve over rice or GF pasta or just eat it up from a bowl.  Any wine left over?  Enjoy a glass with this lovely, tummy warming, soul-satisfying, chakra aligning, 😉 dish!

Tofu Version

Meaty Version

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