Ginger Tofu Miso Ranch- Turmeric Mint Lime Vinaigrette

31 Monday Mar 2014

Posted by cosmohippiechef in appetizer, dips, DIY, dressing, gluten-free, salad, vegan

Tags

cilantro, garlic, ginger, gluten free, lemon, miso, salad, tofu, turmeric

Food:

Ginger Tofu Miso Ranch

inspired by Bon Appetit

4oz silken tofu (I have made this with sprouted firm tofu, sprouted is better for you but it makes the dressing gritty. I like the silken better.) If you don’t eat any soy sub with 4oz of hemp seeds

3 T. miso (I change-up my miso all the time, for this recipe I used Cold Mountain organic unpasteurized red miso)

1 lemon, juice and zest

1 inch ginger, peeled and grated

2 tsp. apple cider vinegar or Honey Wine Vinegar (local)

1/2 c. Drake Family Farm Goat Yogurt

1 T. cilantro, chopped

2 T. chives, chopped

1 T. heaping homemade dry ranch mix (2T. dried parsley, 1t. dried dill, 1t. garlic powder, 1t. onion powder, 1/2t. dried basil, 1/2t. pepper, make a double batch and store in a glass container with a tight fitting lid)

salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Place the tofu, miso, ginger, vinegar, lemon juice, zest and dry ranch into the food processor and mix well. Drizzle in the goat yogurt while the motor is running. Stop the machine and scrape down the sides, add in the chives and cilantro and pulse just to incorporate. Taste for salt and pepper and adjust seasoning.

2. Store in a glass container with a tight fitting lid and place in the fridge and let the flavors meld together for at least an hour. Eat!

We will be enjoying this dressing on my Spinach, Beet Quinoa Salad for dinners this week!

Turmeric Mint Lime Vinaigrette

inspired by Food Matters

1/4 c. olive oil

1/3 c. fresh lime juice (this was 4 limes for me)

zest from 2 limes

1/4 c. water

2 T. almond butter

1/4 c. tamari (organic gluten-free soy sauce)

2 tsp. dry kelp seasoning

2 small garlic cloves, chopped

1 tsp. grated fresh ginger

1 tsp. grated fresh turmeric

2 T. fresh mint

Directions:

1. All of the ingredients go into the food processor except the olive oil and mint, mix well. Next drizzle in the olive oil with the motor running. Stop the machine, scrape down the sides and add the mint, pulse just to combine.

2. Store in a glass container with a tight-fitting lid and place in the fridge for the flavors to meld together for at least an hour. Eat!

I think this dressing would be killer on my “SLO” Salad.

Nutrition:

Tofu- In my opinion soy gets a bad wrap, maybe because we are using soy in everything and all soy isn’t created equal. I suggest you stick to sprouted tofu (sprouted anything is always better and easier to digest), tempeh, miso (which are fermented and fermented means good gut bacteria and better digestion), and edamame. Always look for Non-GMO! Silken tofu if a great veggie/plant based protein to add to your smoothies.

Miso- Miso is full of good bacteria, best when eaten raw like in this dressing to maximize all it has to offer. Can be added to soup, just remember to add it to the soup after it has been taken off the heat so you don’t kill the living bacteria. I LOVE MISO!

Turmeric- The list a benefits for turmeric is a mile long, most notable is that it is a big cancer fighter and a anti-inflammatory. I dare say that this will be the year of turmeric. Spicy like ginger, add it to soups, dressing, stir-fry’s and even juice it or add it to smoothies!

Kelp- One of the benefits for kelp is that its abundance of vitamins and minerals that promote healthy hair and skin. Kelp is mostly taken for its naturally high iodine content, which helps the functioning of the thyroid gland. Iodine is essential for the formation of thyroid hormones, which regulate the body’s energy production, promote growth and development, and help burn excess fat. It also adds a nice salty taste without actually adding salt, great sprinkled on eggs, veggies and grains.

Love:

These two wonderful tasty dressings have been on my “to-do” list for about a month! My friend Kim who runs the Downtown SLC Farmers Market asked me to come up with some fun dressings that would get you all excited for spring greens that will be popping up at future farmers market. Well, finally I am ready to share these dressings, I have made them a few different ways, photographed them twice and they are getting checked off my list today!

I am very picky about salad dressings, probably because I grew up eating my salads with vinegar and oil just like my grandpa. We loved vinegar and oil so much that when we were done with our salads if any dressing remained we slurped it up! That’s right we drank our leftover vinegar and oil! My grandpa and I also shared a love of mashed potatoes and gravy and though I didn’t share his passion for root beer floats I was always in charge of making them for him at family get togethers. Sadly my grandpa passed away two weeks ago, this is one of the reason’s I have been MIA on my blog. I am doing my best to keep up with life and it’s demands but when someone who has been a constant figure in your life passes away everything else seems to stand still, at least for me. I miss him terribly and I am trying to find peace in knowing (trusting) that him and my grandma are together and all is right in their world, whatever that may be. Sometimes the “to-do” list can wait, it is important to me that what I share with you is the best it can possibly be and from time to time that may take me just a little longer.

I love these two new dressings and I think you will to, they are very different and should get you excited about a new season of bounty headed our way. ENJOY!

Miso Roasted Broccoli and Potato Soup

19 Thursday Dec 2013

Posted by cosmohippiechef in gluten-free, soup, vegan

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

broccoli, garlic, gluten free, lemon, onions, potatoes, soup, vegan

Food:

Miso Roasted Broccoli and Potato Soup serves 4-6

1 1/2 lb broccoli florets, cut from the thick stem

1 lb russet potato, peeled and cubed

1 large yellow onion, chopped

2 large garlic cloves, chopped

1/4 c. miso (I use an organic chickpea miso)

2 T. olive oil, coconut oil or ghee

1 lemon, juice and zest

4 c. veggie broth

Real,Himalayan or Celtic salt and pepper

olive oil, coconut oil or ghee for sautéing

*optional- 4-6oz cubed local/organic sharp cheddar

Directions:

1. Roast the broccoli- pre heat oven to 375 degrees, in a large bowl whisk together the miso, 2 T. olive oil, juice from lemon and a little pepper. Toss and coat the broccoli florets in the miso mixture and place them on a parchment lined baking sheet (I place a rack over my baking sheet but this isn’t vital step). Place in the oven and roast for 20 min.

2. While the broccoli is roasting, start sautéing the onions in your favorite soup pot in a little oil of choice over medium heat until softened and fragrant. Next add the garlic and cook for just a few minutes. Stir frequently. Season with just a pinch of salt and pepper.

3. When the broccoli is done take it out of the oven and set aside to cool. Next add the potatoes and veggie broth to the pot with the onions and garlic, simmer for 20 minutes or until potatoes are knife tender.

4. When the potatoes are tender roughly chop the broccoli and add it to the soup pot. Heat through, add lemon zest and serve, top with cheese if you so desire. EAT!

Side notes: I have had this soup chunky and pureed, it is good both ways. Also, after Thanksgiving I had some leftover garlic mashed potatoes I added to a batch of this soup- delicious, and the extra garlic was an added bonus since I was under the weather.

Nutrition:

Broccoli- Want something high in Vitamin C but don’t feel like eating fruit? Broccoli is very high in Vitamin C, making 1 cup of chopped broccoli the Vitamin C equivalent of an orange. One cup of raw chopped broccoli will give you your entire daily needed intake. Broccoli is also very high in Vitamin A. Vitamin A helps fight cancer within your cells, as well as keep your eyes healthy and stave off glaucoma and other eye degenerative diseases. It also helps to promote healthy skin, break down urinary stones (a big issue with the summer heat and dehydration) and maintain healthy bones and teeth. Perfect when you are sick! (Borrowed from MINDBODYGREEN)

Miso- B-12 is one of the vitamins most commonly deficient in the diets of those vegetarians who exclude dairy products as well as meat from their diet. Recent research, however, has shown that there are a number of excellent vegetarian sources of vitamin B-12 including fermented soyfoods (tempeh, natto, miso, shoyu) and sea vegetables. Vitamin B-12 is produced by certain bacteria or molds. (Borrowed from Tradition Miso)

Russet Potatoes- The fiber and protein in potatoes will help to fill you up so you eat fewer calories. Fiber may also help lower your risk for constipation, heart disease and diabetes. Vitamins like B-6, niacin, folate, thiamine and riboflavin are B vitamins, which turn the food you eat into energy, help your nervous system function properly and keep your hair, skin, eyes and liver healthy. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant and is important for growing new tissues and repairing wounds. Minerals in potatoes like iron is essential for forming red blood cells and transporting oxygen around your body, and magnesium is needed for heart, nerve and immune system function.

Love:

I was craving a flavorful creamy broccoli soup that wasn’t full of dairy, I have nothing against dairy but this time of year I try to balance my intake of decadent indulges like dairy. Call it a 90/10 rule, 90% clean eating and 10% whatever my little heart desires. There are too many fabulous get togethers, parties and family meals to be perfect, even if I have to be in a bikini in February! This soup is a clean eat, full flavored, vegan and gluten-free. It came in very handy a week ago when I got really sick and if you read my side note above this was the batch I pureed and added the leftover garlic mashed potatoes too, the extra garlic provided much-needed defense for my cold. We need a few easy, clean recipes this time of year to sneak into our families and friends in between the decadent ones. I hope all of you are surviving this holiday season. ENJOY!

Persimmon Date Bars- For Sadie

26 Tuesday Nov 2013

Posted by cosmohippiechef in cookies, dessert, gluten-free, vegan

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

coconut oil, dates, fruit, gluten free, honey, lemon, oats, persimmons, seasonal, vegan, walnuts

Love:

I am dedicating this post to my dear friend and fellow TBC (Tall Bitches Club) Sadie. A couple of weeks ago I got an unexpected package delivered to my house, when I brought it inside and saw Sadie’s return address I thought it was one of her cool paintings (that came later!) but then I saw the word “Perishable” all over the box, it was a whole box of persimmons from the tree in her backyard in California! I was speechless (hard to believe, I know) and excited beyond believe, a whole BIG box of persimmons, do you know how much these babies are at the grocery store? A lot! It took me just a bit to come up with the perfect recipe for Sadie and her family, so in the meantime we enjoyed them for breakfast. These bars are completely decadent and sweet but there is a little a secret… they are totally gluten-free and vegan! This means everyone can enjoy them, including my thoughtful amazing friend Sadie. I’m lucky to have her in my life and you’ll be lucky to have this recipe. ENJOY!

About Sadie:

1. Sadie is sweet, tender and soft spoken but if you mess with her she’ll kick your butt!

2. The story about how her and her husband JD met and fell in love is one of my favorite stories, and when I hear the song “At Last” by Etta James I instantly think about them.

3. She’s not only a terrific friend but she’s a TERRIFIC MOM to some of the sweetest, most polite and loving little girls you’ll ever meet.

4. She’s the kind of friend who just knows when you are having a bad day and will sent a “you doing okay friend?” text. I miss her tons.

Food:

Persimmon Date Bars makes 18 bars

Filling-

2 T. local honey

3 large persimmons, diced

1 1/2 c. Medjool dates, pitted and chopped

1 lemon, zest and juice

Crust-

2 1/2 c. oats flour (I grind oats in my blender to make the flour)

1 c. walnuts, chopped

1/2 c. sucant (or any sugar you have)

1 c. coconut oil

2 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. real salt

Directions:

1. Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees. Place a small saucepan over medium heat, add all of the filling ingredients except the lemon zest and cook until tender and soft, about 10-15. Stir a few times to make sure the fruit doesn’t stick to the pan. Take the fruit of the heat and let cool just a bit, add the lemon zest.

2. Line your glass baking (9×13) dish with parchment or rub it down real well with coconut oil. I have done both, I think the parchment might work the best. In a medium bowl add all of the crust ingredients except the coconut oil, you can either cut in the coconut oil with a pastry cutter or your fingers. The last time I made these I accidentally melted the coconut oil, they turned out fine.

3. Spread half to 3/4 of the crust mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish, next spread the filling mixture over the crust. Finish with the remaining crust mixture, distribute evenly.

4. Bake 40-50 minutes, until golden brown on top. Let cool completely, (you can place them in the fridge to speed up the process!) and then slice into 18 bars. EAT!

*Note: I keep mine in the fridge, use a sharp knife when slicing them and be careful pulling out the first one.

Nutrition:

Persimmons:

1. Improves weight loss- lots of fiber

2. Protect and nourish eyes- contain vitamins A, C & K

3. Improves digestive system- they help you poop!

4. Cancer fighting- neutralizes free radicals

5. Detoxify the body- they help clean out the colon

Cashew Milk Two Ways- Plain and Spiced Pumpkin

18 Monday Nov 2013

Posted by cosmohippiechef in DIY, Drinks, gluten-free, seasonal, vegan

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

coconut milk, dates, gluten free, nuts, pumpkin, seasonal, vegan

Love:

We are huge fans of cashew milk at our house, we drink it exclusively. I have made every nut milk under the sun, almond, walnut, Brazil, coconut plus many blends. The cashew milk is a little richer and full flavored and when well blended creates no waste, the nuts blend completely smooth into milk! The plain cashew milk we use for smoothies and hot cereal on the weekends, really anywhere milk is called for. I have also been trying to create a spiced pumpkin milk for all you pumpkin loving fools out there buying those yucky processed substitutes at the grocery store. Hopefully you all saw my post for Homemade Spiced Apple Cider Pumpkin Syrup, this is the next step to making your own perfect pumpkin latte at home. Whip some up, now! ENJOY!

Food:

Cashew Milk Two Ways- Plain and Spiced Pumpkin

1 c. raw cashews, soaked overnight, drain and rinse

Plain Cashew Milk- makes 2 cups

1/2 c. soaked/drained and rinsed cashews

2 c. water

Directions:

1. Cashews and water go into the blender, blend well. I blend mine twice in my blentec.

2. Pour milk into your favorite glass bottle and store in the fridge. It will last 4-6 days.

Pumpkin Spiced Cashew Milk– makes 2 cups

1/2 c. soaked cashews

1/2 c. fresh roasted pumpkin puree (here is a old recipe using fresh roasted pumpkin puree)

2 Medjool dates, pits removed and chopped

1/4 tsp. EACH ground cinnamon, ground/fresh grated ginger, fresh grated nutmeg, ground cloves, ground cardamom and Chinese five spice, fresh lemon zest (use organic lemons) OR 1 3/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

pinch of Real salt, Celtic salt or Himalayan salt

1/2 vanilla bean, scraped- save pod

2 c. water

Directions:

1. All of the of the ingredients go into the blender and blend twice. Strain through a fine mesh strainer.

2. Pour into your favorite glass jar, add the reserved vanilla pod to the milk and store in the fridge. Will last 4-6 days.

Nutrition:

Cashews-Cashews are a great source of monounsaturated fats. Cashews have excellent nutritional value, they have a lower fat content and higher protein and carbohydrate content than most other nuts. The fat they contain is derived from oleic acid, a monounsaturated oil with benefits that help protect against heart disease and cancer.

Homemade Spiced Apple Cider Pumpkin Syrup

17 Thursday Oct 2013

Posted by cosmohippiechef in breakfast, DIY, Drinks, gluten-free, seasonal, vegan

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

apple cider, cinnamon, gluten free, honey, local, pumpkin, seasonal, vanilla, vegan

Food:

Homemade Spiced Pumpkin Syrup

2 c. local apple cider (farmers market) or water

1 c. fresh pumpkin puree (fresh pumpkin puree is easy, find out how here and here)

1/2 c. local honey (if vegan use pure maple syrup)

2 cinnamon sticks

4 cardamom pods, lightly crushed

1/2 vanilla bean, split and insides scraped out

4 whole cloves

Celtic salt or Pink Himalayan, a healthy pinch

1 inch nob of ginger, peeled and sliced (not pictured because I forgot!)

Directions:

1. Place all of the ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a boil, turn heat down to medium low heat for 40-45 minutes until thick and bubbly and reduced by half.

2. After 45 minutes let the mixture cool for just a bit and strain through a fine mesh strainer, be sure to push the pumpkin through the strainer and then scrape it off the under side of the strainer.

3. Pour into your favorite glass container and let it cool completely before you store it in the fridge.

Love:

This time of year everyone (including me) go nuts for all things pumpkin! Pumpkin cookies, Pumpkin doughnuts, Pumpkin risotto, and the all to favorite Spiced pumpkin lattes! It seemed silly to me to buy a spiced pumpkin creamer that is full of high fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated oils, so I set out to make a spiced syrup I could feel good about adding to my local fair trade coffee and homemade cashew milk lattes on the weekends. This syrup is just the right amount of sweetness from the honey and spice from the spices, using fresh pumpkin and apple cider gives it that extra depth of flavor. Plus, you feel like a total rockstar that you just made your own syrup! I think this would be great on pancakes and waffles, try it and let me know. ENJOY!

Raw Oatmeal with Roasted Pumpkin

27 Friday Sep 2013

Posted by cosmohippiechef in breakfast, gluten-free, seasonal, vegan

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

bee pollen, gluten free, nuts, oats, pumpkin, seasonal, vegan, walnuts

Food:

Raw Oatmeal with Roasted Pumpkin

Start with the directions for the Raw Oatmeal here

Roasting pumpkin:

1. Pre heat oven to 400 degrees. Cut a pie pumpkin (find at farmers market) in half, scoop out the seeds and membranes. Place the pumpkin halves cut side down on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 30-45 minutes, until flesh is tender. Let the pumpkin cool, then scoop the flesh out into a food processor and puree until smooth. (You may need to add just a bit of water to get things moving). Store puree in an airtight container in the fridge.

Putting the two together: this is for 2 servings

1. After you have drained and rinse two containers of your buckwheat and sunflower seeds place them in a food processor.

2. Add 1/4 c. milk (I used homemade cashew milk), add 1/2 c. pumpkin puree, 1 tsp. cinnamon, 2 T. pure maple syrup and a pinch of real salt. Puree until you get the consistency of oatmeal.

Toppings:

Each bowl gets…

1/2 c. goat yogurt (Drake Family Farms, find at farmers market, Liberty Heights Fresh, Whole Foods)

Divide the pumpkin oatmeal puree between the two bowls

1 T. chopped walnuts

2 tsp. bee pollen (local, find at Whole Foods)

1 T. chia seeds (I grind mine)

1 T. coconut butter (find at most health food stores, worthy purchase)

EAT!!!

Nutrition:

Pumpkin: Pumpkins are among the most versatile members of the entire gourd- squash-melon food family. Pumpkins aid in antioxidants support, regulates blood sugar and have anti- inflammatory benefits.

Bee pollen: Bee pollen is a raw living food that contains amino acids our bodies don’t produce. It is an immune booster, treats allergies, aids in digestion, energy booster and good for the skin. Bee pollen is great for everyone but especially vegans and vegetarians.

Love:

This raw oatmeal with roasted pumpkin is so good and the perfect breakfast to transition into the fall. The great thing about this recipe is that you can make it anytime of year using seasonal ingredients. I was reminded of this recipe last week when I taught a grains class for the U of U LifeLong Learning program. I expressed to my students that grains sometimes get a bad wrap, but they contain vitamin B which give your body the building blocks to produce serotonin to help keep moods stable as well as helping you stay fuller longer and they don’t spike your blood sugar because they are WHOLE GRAINS. This grain is also gluten-free which means it won’t cause inflammation in the body, when mixed with the pumpkin it is a double dose of anti-inflammatory benefits. I love having a breakfast that is good for me and tastes even better, I also love that which each changing season we get a new bounty of food to experiment with. ENJOY!

Peach Date Smoothie

13 Friday Sep 2013

Posted by cosmohippiechef in breakfast, dessert, DIY, Drinks, gluten-free, seasonal, vegan

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

dates, fruit, gluten free, hemp seeds, honey, local, nuts, peaches, seasonal, vegan

Food:

Peach Date Smoothie serves 2

4-6 fresh local peaches, (I like S&R Fruits, they are located on the north side of the market) peeled, pit removed and chopped

6 Medjool dates, pit removed, chopped (Whole Foods)

4 T. hemp seeds (optional, Whole Foods)

1 vanilla bean, insides scraped (Tony Caputo’s, save the pod for flavoring sugar or syrup) or 1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 c. fresh nut milk or milk of choice (Winder Dairy or Real Foods Raw milk are nice options)

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 T. local honey (I like Clifford Farms)

1 c. ice

Directions:

1. Place everything BUT the ice in your high speed blender, blend for 60 seconds or until the dates are well blended. Then add ice and blend again. Serve in two frosty glasses and ENJOY!

Love:

I was kindly asked again by the Downtown SLC Farmers Market to come up with a peach recipe for their upcoming newsletter, I didn’t even have to think twice about this one. The mister and I have been enjoying this smoothie for the last couple of weeks. It’s a great treat to have after the market on Saturday afternoon with lunch. I am trying to eat as many peaches as I can right now before there gone, I highly recommend you do the same! See you at the market on Saturday.

EASY End of Summer Salsa

11 Wednesday Sep 2013

Posted by cosmohippiechef in appetizer, dips, DIY, gluten-free, seasonal, Side dish, Snack, vegan

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

cilantro, garlic, gluten free, lime, onions, seasonal, tomatoes, vegan

Food:

Easy Summer Salsa

(measurements are adjustable and not exact, trust yourself!)

1 large pint of your favorite local cherry tomatoes (I used purple cherry tomatoes from Kenyon Organics)

1/2 large onion (Farmers Market)

1 small green pepper, you could also use a jalapeno or your favorite chile (Farmers Market)

garlic (Farmers Market)

handful of cilantro (Farmers Market)

lime

Celtic salt

Directions:

1. You will need your food processor or blender. Cut the onion in half, peel it and chop into large pieces, add to the processor. Save the other half of the onion for another recipe. Cut the pepper or chile in half, remove seeds and cut into pieces, add to the processor. Smash and peel the garlic and add it to the processor with a large pinch of gray/Celtic salt. Pulse to break down the pieces.

2. Next cut the cherry tomatoes in half and add then to the food processor, add the cilantro and squeeze in the lime juice. Pulse everything together until you get the desired consistency. I like mine chopped pretty fine but not completely liquid. Use your judgement and no need to worry about messing this recipe up. Taste it, does it need more salt? lime? you decide. If it is to spicy add a teaspoon of honey. Feel free to add any spices you may like.

3. You can spoon the salsa into your favorite class container and refrigerate or grab a bag of chips and start ENJOYING!

Love:

If you give me a choice between a cookie or chips and salsa, guess which one wins? CHIPS and SALSA of course! I love salty spicy treats.

This salsa has saved my behind more than once when I have been invited to a last-minute get together and all I have to do is walk out to the garden or use what is hanging around from the farmers market. It is ridiculously easy to throw together!

I hate to call this “End of Summer Salsa” but it’s been so hot here in Salt Lake that the tomatoes are just about done in my garden. This change of season is so bitter-sweet, we suffered through an outrageously snowy winter, a short spring and a sweltering hot summer. I will miss the long nights, backyard hangouts, rained out summer weddings, early mornings at the farmers market and swinging in my hammock. Most of all I will miss the fresh local produce overflowing on my kitchen counter. I am doing everything I can to soak up the last of those summer flavors before I move on to new ones, this salsa is pure summer in a jar. Oh I’ll make salsa in the winter with my canned tomatoes but it just isn’t the same, so hurry up and whip a batch of this “End of Summer Salsa” and don’t forget the close your eyes and play back all your summer adventures with each bite. Long live summer.

Corn Pudding and Cashew Vanilla Cream

05 Thursday Sep 2013

Posted by cosmohippiechef in dessert, gluten-free, vegan

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

cashews, corn, gluten free, honey, nuts, vanilla, vegan

Food:

Corn Pudding and Cashew Vanilla Cream serves 6

2 1/2 c. fresh cashew milk (soak 3/4 c. cashews in water overnight, drain, rinse, place soaked cashews in blender with 3 c. water and blend until smooth. Place in a glass jar and store in the fridge.)

1/2 c. local honey (I use Clifford Farms, farmers market), if vegan use maple syrup

3 T. non-gmo cornstarch

6 peppercorns

1 fresh vanilla bean, cut in half and scraped (Caputo’s Market)

2 ears of local corn (farmers market)

pinch of real salt (local)

2 T. ghee, if vegan use coconut

Directions:

1. Start by cutting the kernels off the cobs, then cut the cobs in pieces. Place the kernels, cob pieces, 2 c. of the cashew milk, a pinch of salt, peppercorns and scraped vanilla bean (save the insides for the cashew vanilla cream) in a wide saucepan. Over medium heat bring the milk to a boil stirring occasionally, as soon as it starts to come to a boil turn the heat down to a simmer for 10-15 minutes.

2. Pull the cob pieces and the vanilla bean out of the milk mixture, pour the rest of the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Strain the corn mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl, push the mixture through the strainer as well as you can. Discard the solids.

3. Rinse out the saucepan and pour the strained corn milk mixture back into the saucepan over medium heat, add the honey and whisk until dissolved. In a small bowl whisk the cornstarch into the remaining 1/2 c. cashew milk until dissolved. Whisk the cornstarch mixture into the corn milk mixture. Continue to cook over medium heat until the starch begins to thicken, about 5 minutes. Whisk in the butter. Let cool and then ladle into ramekins. Wrap each pudding so a skin doesn’t form on top. Place in the fridge until well chilled.

Cashew Vanilla Cream

1 1/2 c. cashews, soaked for 4 hours or overnight, drained and rinsed

1/4 c.- 1/3 c. water

1/4 c.- 1/3 c. maple syrup

inside of scraped vanilla bean

pinch of real salt

Directions:

1. Place the soaked, drained and rinsed cashews into your blender or food processor, pulse to break down the nuts. Next add the pinch of salt and inside of scraped vanilla bean, start the motor of whatever machine you are using. While motor is running add the maple syrup and then the water. You want it smooth but not runny. Place in the fridge until chilled. Use this to garnish the Corn Pudding!

Love:

This dessert is gluten-free, dairy free and totally indulgent! Sweet corn is a summer staple during the summer and an it seems that grilled corn was all the rage this year, but I couldn’t pass up this recipe when I was perusing last years fall issue of Edible Wasatch. I thought this was a great recipe to transition from summer to fall, it’s not to sweet and a creative way to extend that sweet summer corn just a bit longer.

Baked Ratatouille

30 Friday Aug 2013

Posted by cosmohippiechef in breakfast, gluten-free, seasonal, Side dish, vegan

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

chilies, eggplant, garlic, gluten free, local, onions, parsley, potatoes, seasonal, tomatoes, vegan, vegetables, zucchini

Food:

Baked Ratatouille serves 8-10

2-3 zucchini, cut into 1/2 inch chunks (gifted)

4-6 baby red potatoes, cut in quarters (Farmers Market)

6-8 baby japanese eggplant, cut into 1/2 inch chunks (gifted)

a head of garlic, chopped, if cloves are big use about 4-6 (gifted)

4-6 shallots, chopped (gifted)

a couple of chilies, your choice, chopped (I used three Thai chilies from the Farmers Market, chilies are optional)

a medium size container of your favorite cherry tomatoes, cut in half (Kenyon Organics)

2 T. olive oil

2 T. ghee, you can use regular butter or coconut oil

salt and pepper

a couple of sprigs of fresh thyme (my garden)

a couple of sprigs of fresh rosemary (my garden)

parsley, chopped (my garden)

Parmesan cheese, optional (Caputo’s Market)

Directions:

1. Pre heat the oven to 400 degrees.

2. Place all the chopped veggies in a your favorite baking dish. I used my big yellow one that is really deep, when I made my Gluten-free Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler it held 15 cups of fruit! So used a big baking dish.

3. Toss the veggies and season with salt and pepper. Next drizzle the olive oil over the veggies and toss again. Lastly, dollop the ghee on top of the veggies and place the thyme and rosemary on top as well.

4. Cover with foil and bake for 45 min. After that 45 minutes remove the foil toss the veggies around and bake for another 45 minutes. I know it is done when the juice from the veggies is almost covering the veggie mixture.

5. Remove from oven and let it cool just a bit and top with chopped fresh parsley and fresh grated Parmesan cheese. EAT!

This is how we enjoyed our Baked Ratatouille…

The day I made the Baked Ratatouille we had it for dinner with Wild King Salmon, super delish.

The next morning we had the baked Ratatouille for breakfast with poached Clifford Farm eggs and Crumb Brothers sourdough bread slathered with Amour Spreads heirloom tomato jam. Holy crap this was good!

Love:

This time of year is usually a little bitter-sweet for me, I’m completely exhausted from all of our summer fun but this is when we have the most abundance of fresh food available. Part of me wants to start easing into the laziness of fall but the beautiful summer produce reminds me to enjoy every last morsel it has to offer. So was the case last weekend, we had just got back from our annual camping trip with our friends and I was feeling under the weather but I had just been gifted a huge box of veggies from my friend Dean’s garden. Instead of spending all day in the kitchen I decided to through this dish together and let the oven do the work for me. Voila, the best of both worlds, a little laziness with a side of summer. The bonus is we got to enjoy this dish for a few other meals which comes in handy when you need a little break. Long live summer. ENJOY!