Monthly Archives: February 2013

New Mexico Green Chili Pork Stew

25 Monday Feb 2013

Posted by in seasonal, soup, vegan

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DSCN2628Love:

I know this is a stark contrast from my last two blog post, but I have to say that this recipe is one I just had to share. This recipe is about memories, relationships and the love and hard work of our food community that made it possible for me to make a version of this dish I feel good about eating. I am very picky about eating meat and where that meat comes from. I prefer a vegetarian/vegan diet BUT on occasion I crave dishes that include meat, for us that meat must be local, and sustainable raised without drugs, we want happy healthy meat. When I cook with meat it is usually a special or classic dish like Perfect Roast Chicken or Grass-Fed Beef Stuffed Acorn Squash or even my Fish Tacos, this New Mexico Green Pork Chili fits into that category. The first time I had this dish was at my friend Erin and Nicole’s house for an after Christmas party two years ago, even though they had made a vegetarian Lentil Soup I was drawn to this Pork Chili, I couldn’t get enough! Those flavors were so intense and reminded me of the Chile Verde we ate as kids, up until this point my mom’s is the best Chile Verde I have ever eaten. I had to know this recipe, I begged Erin to share the recipe and teach me how to make it- she said yes. Thanks to Erin for letting me share with all of you.

Fast forward a year. Just before Christmas The Downtown Alliance had their second Winter’s Pop Up Farmers Market. Our good buddy Julie Clifford of Clifford Family Farms was there with her goodies, we usually buy eggs and honey from her but this time I was looking for pork. We had just watched the movie‘ Fresh’ and we were curious about how she handles the slaughter of her animals. Julie is very protective of her animals, she shared with us that it is hard for her, and in the past she wasn’t happy with whom was handling this part of her production so she searched out someone who was gentle with that process, (trust me I know there is no gentle way when it comes to this subject). Now she personally walks her pigs in to be processed so they don’t have to be scared. I tear up just writing this because it is not lost on me that an animal was sacrificed for me to make this dish. If you know Julie, you know it’s not lost on her either. I feel very lucky that I can look in the eyes of the person/farmer who is providing the food that nourishes us, that would not be possible without the love and dedication of these people and our community for supporting that and giving us access in the form of Farmer’s Markets and locally owned specialty shops.

Next I had to locate chilies, see last summer I was so busy canning and trying to get ready to leave for Italy that I didn’t freeze roasted Hatch chilies. I’m still kicking myself about this! You can’t use any old chilies for this recipe, Erin gets her chilies from her family in New Mexico. This recipe is minimal in the ingredient department so each ingredient needs to be the best. Shipping the chilies would have cost us a fortune so I had to hit up my buddy Jorge Fierro of Frida’s Bistro and Rico’s Foods for help, this all took place over Facebook of course. Jorge didn’t hesitate to help me out with the chilies. When I went down to Frida’s to pick up the chilies from Jorge we had some time to talk, standing in the middle of his Rico’s warehouse I was in awe of what he has built for himself. I asked him ‘how did this all start Jorge?’ He told me that he grew up in Mexico, moved to Rawlins, Wy to be a sheep herder and while in Wyoming he realized he needed to learn English so he moved to Utah to attend the UofU. He told me he went to school during the day and worked as a dishwasher at night, one night on the way home he stopped at the store to get tortillas and refried beans. He was horrified by the beans and started making his own and selling them at the Farmer’s Market. So simple but so impactful. Now you can find Rico’s products in all our local major grocery stores, and Frida Bistro just won Best Mexican at our Salt Lake Dining Awards this last week. As I drove away from Frida’s with my chilies I was humbled by the effort that went into making this dish happen, it took a community. OUR COMMUNITY. ENJOY!

Nutrition:

Relationships: Social connections help relieve harmful levels of stress, which can harm the heart’s arteries, gut function, insulin regulation, and the immune system.

Definition Of Community: Community usually refers to a social unit larger than a small village that shares common values. (thank you Wikipedia)

Food:

New Mexico Green Chili Pork Stew– makes a lot!

Ingredients:

4 pounds cubed pork (I used a pork shoulder from Clifford Family Farm)

4 cup roasted, peeled, seeded New Mexican Hatch Green Chiles

8 cups broth (I use chicken broth or veggie broth)

4 c. water

2 lbs tomato, peeled & cored (I used my own canned tomatoes)

4 local medium cubed potato

4 local med diced onion

8 cloves minced garlic, local

Salt to taste

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Directions:

1. Start by placing a heavy bottom pot on the stove over medium heat, drizzle in a little bit of oil. Saute the cubed pork in batches, until just brown on all sides. Season with salt and pepper and don’t over cook. Place the browned pork in a bowl and set aside while you cook the rest of the pork.

2. When you have finished with the pork, set aside. Drizzle a bit more oil into the heavy bottom pot and saute the onion and garlic until soft and caramel colored. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Place a big soup pot on the stove, add the sautéed pork, sautéed onions and garlic into the big soup pot. Next add all the other ingredients to the pot with the pork, onions/garlic. Bring to a boil, then turn down to a simmer and simmer away, the longer the better. (This is one of those dishes that gets better and better with time. SO GOOD!)

4. To serve: ladle pork chili into a bowl, add chopped avocado and a squeeze of lime. We topped ours with a dollop Drake Family Goat Yogurt and served a warm Rico’s tortilla on the side.

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Raw Cherry Chocolate Power Bars- DIY

18 Monday Feb 2013

Posted by in dessert, DIY, Snack, vegan

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DSCN2656Food:

Raw Cherry Chocolate Love Bars– makes 18 bars

3 c. medjool dates, pitted and chopped

1 c. tart dried cherries (local from Farmers Market, you can also find the the bulk section of most grocery stores)

1/2 c. raw cacao powder (find at Whole Foods or Good Earth)

1 c. walnuts

1/2 c. hemp seeds (find at Whole Foods or Good Earth)

1/2 c. ground chia seeds (I use my coffee grinder to grind, store in an airtight container. Find at Whole Foods or Good Earth)

1/2 c. whole chia seeds (for a little crunch on top, thanks Yelana!)

2 T. tahihi

1 tsp. celtic gray salt

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Directions:

1. Place half of the dates, cherries, cacao powder, walnuts, hemp seeds, ground chia (NOT WHOLE CHIA, RESERVE THOSE FOR THE TOP!), 1 T. tahini and 1/2 tsp salt in the food processor. Pulse until well combined. Pour this mixture into a bowl.

2. Place the rest of the dates, cherries, cacao, walnuts, hemp seeds, ground chia, tahini and salt into the processor and pulse again until well combined. Add this mixture to the already processed mixture.

3. Line a large baking dish with parchment paper, make sure the parchment paper hangs over the sides and when folded over covers the entire mixture, this will help when getting the mixture out of the dish. Pour the prepared mixture into the baking dish and spread out evenly with your hands. Press the mixture down and make sure it is even.

4. With a pastry brush or just your hands wet the top of pressed mixture, sprinkle the whole chia seeds over the top of the mixture. Fold the parchment over the mixture, place a heavy book on top and then place in the fridge for a couple of hours or overnight. When ready, cut into pieces and store in an airtight container, place in the fridge until ready to eat, Enjoy!

DSCN2647DSCN2648DSCN2657Nutrition:

Chia Seeds: Chia seeds contain omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids are one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory compounds in nature, as well as being great for the brain. Chia seeds contain even more omega three fatty acids by weight than salmon does. These tiny seeds are also a complete protein, meaning that they contain all 8 essential amino acids that your body cannot synthesize on its own, and must get from food. These little seeds of love need to be ground or bloomed in liquid for your body to absorb and utilize them. Sprinkle on oatmeal, salads yogurt or mix into smoothies.

Hemp Seeds: Hemp seeds is a complete protein source. The oil from hemp seed has the highest percentage of essential fatty acids of nearly any seed on earth! Hemp seed contains over twenty trace minerals, it naturally sprouts on the hemp plant lowering phytic acid (these means no need to soak before you eat) and increasing enzymes which makes the seed even more digestible. Hemp seeds essential fatty acid and protein profile provides a healthy alternative to fish.

Cacao Powder: Cacao contains the HIGHEST concentration of antioxidants of any food in the world! By weight cacao has more antioxidant than red wine, berries, acai, pomegranates and goji berries combined. Antioxidants protect us from age related health conditions and illnesses. They shield our DNA from free-radical damage. Cacao also contains magnesium, iron, chromium, manganese, zinc, copper, vitamin C, omega-6 fatty seeds, trytophan, serotonin, fiber and the list goes on. Cacao is truly a ‘super’ food! We even use it in our coffee on the weekend and I use it in my weekly homemade face mask.

Love:

When I am meal planning for the week I usually plan for one savory snack and one ‘sweet’ snack (the need for a sweet treat is for my honey, but for me it needs to be healthy). This last week I wanted to try my hand at ‘larabars’, have you had these before? They are a great quick healthy snack, especially on the go. In my quest to further my skills in the kitchen and being in control of what goes into our bodies, I couldn’t wait to make my own DIY raw power bars. These are truly ‘power’ bars, full of nutrient dense foods and raw to boot. It helps that they feel like a treat but that will help nourish us when we need that little pick me up mid-morning or mid-afternoon. You can use anything that feels good to you, however you will need the dates and some other dried fruit to hold it all together. But go wild!

Raw Chocolate Banana Love Pie

08 Friday Feb 2013

Posted by in dessert, vegan

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Love:

You are going to love this dessert! It is just the right amount of chocolate and banana, the cashew cream is infused with orange and the melted chocolate and chopped pistachio’s on top- stop! Plus the crust is made of caramely-y dates, salty pistachio’s and cinnamon- Delish. I wanted to come up with something special for a project I have at the end of the month but then realized this would be the perfect dessert for you or your special someone on V-Day. I hope you’ll do yourself a favor and treat you or that special someone (it could even be your mom) to this Love pie. This is me sending love to all of you. Happy Love Day!

Nutrition:

Benefits of Love- 1. Reduces stress 2. Promotes mental health 3. Anti- cancer effect 4. Reduces pain 5. Better blood circulation 6. Live longer 7. Lowers blood pressure 8. Reduces risk of heart disease 9. Faster healing 10. Keeps you young

Food:

Raw Chocolate Banana Love Pie– serves 8

(See where the original idea came from here)

Crust:

1/2 c. shelled pistachio’s

1/2 c. medjool dates, removed seed and chop

1/4 t. celtic salt

1/2 t. cinnamon

Filling:

1 1/2 c. cashews, soaked overnight

zest of 2 oranges

1/4 c. fresh orange juice

1 tsp. vanilla

1/3 c. coconut oil

1/3 c. maple syrup or honey

1 c. smashed banana’s (2 ripe banana’s)

1/3. c raw cacao powder

Toppings:

Melted Chocolate Conspiracy Chocolate Sauce

chopped pistachio’s

Directions:

1. Start with the crust, place all of the crust ingredients in a food processor. Pulse until ingredients easily stick together when you squeeze the dough between your fingers. Press into the bottom of a spring form pan until evenly distributed. Place in freezer while you prepare the filling.

2. Rinse out the food processor. Place the soaked, drained cashews in the food processor. Add the orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla. Mix together. Gently melt the coconut oil and maple syrup/honey in a small saucepan over med-low heat until melted, when melted add to the other ingredients while the motor is running.

3. Pour half the cashew orange cream mixture over the prepared crust, spread over the crust. With the rest of the cream mixture add the banana and raw cacao powder, mix well. Pour the chocolate mixture over the cream mixture and spread evenly. Place the pie in the freezer for 2-4 hours. When ready to serve, take pie out of the freezer and let sit for at least 30 min. and then slice and serve. Top with melted Chocolate Conspiracy Chocolate Sauce and chopped pistachio’s.

DSCN2598DSCN2597DSCN2602DSCN2603DSCN2610Other dessert ideas:

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ricotta Cupcakes

Salted Vegan Chocolate Almond Butter Fudge

Pudding two ways- Vegan Chocolate Pudding

Mousse au Chocolat

Celery Root, Apple Cilantro Salad

04 Monday Feb 2013

Posted by in appetizer, dressing, salad, seasonal, Side dish

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DSCN2593 Food:

Celery Root, Apple Cilantro Salad– serves 4

Salad:

1 medium celery root- peeled, sliced and julienned

2 medium apples- cored, sliced and julienned (I used 1 granny smith and 1 red variety I got at the farmers market)

1/2 c. fresh arugula

1 c. cilantro leaves- whole leaves torn off stem and lightly packed

1/2 c. pistachios- lightly toasted in a dry saute pan over med-low heat

1/2 c. tart dried cherries- chopped (you can find these in the bulk section of the grocery store, mine are from the farmers market)

juice of one lemon

Dressing:

1/4 c. yogurt (I used Drake Family Farms Goat Yogurt)

zest of 1 lemon, juice of half the lemon

1 T. olive oil

1 T. maple syrup

1 inch ginger- peeled and grated

salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. After you have prepped the celery root and apple, place then in a bowl and squeeze the juice of one lemon over the juilenned pieces. Toss lightly with your hands.

2. Next add in the arugula and cilantro leaves, toss lightly.

3. In a small bowl combine the dressing ingredients, season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Divide the salad mixture between 4 plates, drizzle the dressing over the salad and top with the pistachios and tart dried cherries. EAT IMMEDIATELY! ENJOY!

*This salad is best eaten fresh, it will last up to one day in the fridge BUT do not top the salad ingredients with the dressing or nuts and cherries until ready to eat.

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DSCN2587Nutrition:

Celery root: Celery root has a number of vitamins and minerals, most notably vitamin C, potassium and phosphorus. Can be used in mashed potatoes, stews and pairs well with meat.

Pistachios: Pistachios are good for heart health, diabetes, healthy blood, nervous system, eye health, the immune system and skin health. Great raw or slightly toasted.

Cilantro: Helps to eliminate the heavy metal build up of mercury and lead from the bones and the tissues in the body. Cilantro contains, folates, vitamin B-6, vitamin C, A, K and loads of iron and manganese.

Love:

One of the reasons I love living in Utah is the change of seasons and all the possibilities of food exploration that it brings with each changing month. I love warm savory dishes in the winter, but this last week I have been craving lighter fresher flavors, probably because we have been bogged down with loads of smog and snow. All of us are longing for our backyards and deck hang outs, but for now we will have to settle for Super Bowls parties and hopefully some cuddling for Valentine’s Day (I have a love filled recipe coming up next week, stay tuned!). In the meantime we can start by enjoying this refreshing, light and crunchy salad that is a vacation in your mouth. Especially after the Super Bowl junk food you might just need this salad to get you back on track. Celery root is a fun seasonal veggie and thank goodness for something fresh during this time of year, it may make you long for summer with its light bright flavor, but hopefully if you are like me it will remind you that those backyards and decks are closer than we think.