Monthly Archives: January 2012

Farmers Market Lasagna

30 Monday Jan 2012

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…where I use some of the lovely produce I found at the farmer’s market!

I am truly fortunate to live within easy walking distance of a pretty amazing farmers market.  Yet, while I always enjoy my strolls through the stalls, I find myself feeling a bit overwhelmed and even intimidated at times.  Not only do I want to buy everything in sight, but I feel like I should be eating so much better than I am – I mean, this is Mecca for a plant-based eater, right?

I see people buying all sorts of things I have never cooked with before– huge armloads of squash blossoms, kohlrabi or kumquats – and I wonder what they are doing with them.  And the greens!  I feel so inadequate when I stroll by the greens, knowing that I should be eating all of them all the time – or at least be able to identify them all!

Now that I am a plant based eater, I have promised myself that I will try something new each time I go to the farmers market – broaden my horizons a little bit and take my blog readers along for the ride.

I’m sure all of those folks with kohlrabi are making far more exotic dishes than my humble Farmers Market Lasagna, but I’m okay with that.

The trick to this one is to do all of your prep work up front.  Once the vegetables and herbs are chopped, this goes together very quickly. Continue reading »

Potato-Kale Gratin

29 Sunday Jan 2012

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There’s a new romance in town: potatoes and kale. And like the best romances, their combination brings out the very best in both. This recipe results in tender, sweet kale and lovely browned potatoes and cheese – all in a creamy sauce.  A lot like scalloped potatoes, but SO much better! Continue reading »

Broccoli-Stuffing Casserole

28 Saturday Jan 2012

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Nothing says comfort like a casserole – especially one that brings you back to the flavors you remember from childhood.  My mother didn’t make many things out of a box – she was mostly a scratch cooker, but she did make stuffing – and I loved it.  I never had a problem passing up blue-box mac & cheese, but red-box stuffing?  My idea of heaven.

As a kid, I heard of mysterious dishes like tuna-noodle casserole, green bean casserole and stuffing bake, but never actually had them.  I also knew that my friends’ parents gave them potato chips and soda – and let the TV stay on during dinner.  I envied them at the time – but now I appreciate the time and care my mother took to give her five children nutritious, budget-friendly meals, not to mention requiring everyone to sit down together for dinner.

So on a dreary Sunday afternoon, I decided to try my hand at a stuffing bake, complete with some of the usual components (boxed stuffing, mushroom soup).  But as with everything, I had to 1. make it vegan and 2. create a more nutritious version of the original.  Now I wouldn’t call this dish nutritious, but it’s a far cry better than its counterpart which includes cream of mushroom soup, butter, eggs, and mayonnaise or sour cream. Continue reading »

Orzo Salad

27 Friday Jan 2012

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I have had an incredibly busy week and was grateful to have this easy, nutritious, delicious orzo salad on hand when I needed something quick.  I even ate it for breakfast one morning before running out the door!  Some pasta salad are heavy and dull, but this one combines orzo with bright, fresh flavors for a light, yet filling side or entrée. Continue reading »

Orange You Glad There’s Cake?

21 Saturday Jan 2012

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Sometimes, you just want a piece of cake.  Nothing fancy, no gooey sugary frosting, just a good hunk of cake. When that’s what you’re in the mood for, this concoction fits the bill. I like to eat healthy, but I also don’t want to live in a world without cake.

Moist, orangey goodness…that’s what I’m talkin’ about! Continue reading »

No-Cook Ovenight Oatmeal

18 Wednesday Jan 2012

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Am I the last person on earth to try overnight oatmeal?  I remembered seeing a recipe online a few months back – but when I went to find it again (with my old friend Google), there must have been 200 different recipes! Everyone seems to have their favorite technique and flavors.  So I played around and came up with one that my husband and I really like.  For me, what it comes down to is simple: oats +liquid + clean, lidded jar = overnight oatmeal.  No cooking necessary! Continue reading »

Mushroom Bourguignon

16 Monday Jan 2012

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This may be very well be the best thing I’ve eaten in a long time. Perfect for winning over the meat-eaters in your life.  I can’t take credit for this one – it’s simply a vegan interpretation of a recipe from Smitten Kitchen. Continue reading »

Strawberry Kale Forever

15 Sunday Jan 2012

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With my husband recovering from his recent hospital stay, I really want to provide him with some nutrient dense treats.  Enter today’s creation: a green smoothie I have dubbed “Strawberry Kale Forever.” Continue reading »

Vegan Black Bean Burgers with Seasoned Polenta Fries

14 Saturday Jan 2012

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On tonight’s menu: burgers and fries…with a twist! These low-fat black bean burgers are ridiculously easy to make – and a lot more nutritious than anything you’ll pull out of the freezer.  And if you’re wondering what to do with leftover polenta (like I had from my batch of Polenta with Mushroom-Spinach Ragout), search no more!

Review: Zia Gourmet Pizza

13 Friday Jan 2012

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When you visit the website for Zia Pizza, you see this quote: 

“I wanted to create pizza that wasn’t just life sustaining food. Simply said, I wanted art. Pizza lends itself so naturally to this task. It’s like a round canvas that can be dressed to fit any occasion” -Khlaed Waleh, Founder

 

Sure enough – Khlaed has brought pizza to a whole new level.  Chances are you’ll meet him if you visit – he’s usually manning the counter.  If you have any questions, he’ll be happy to answer them…and tell you how they use a separate oven and utensils for vegan pizzas.

 

If you’re expecting a New York style pizza with tomato sauce and cheese, you’ve come to the wrong place. If, however, you’re looking for super fresh ingredients and bold flavors, run, don’t walk to Zia.  Our go-to pie is the vegan eggplant: a delicious crisp crust loaded with spicy eggplant, green onions, tomato sauce, and big chunks of savory potatoes.
Don’t be surprised if you find innovative pies that aren’t on the regular menu. A few weeks ago we tried the day’s special: butternut squash puree with cranberries and onion – an unexpectedly addictive combination.

 

I cannot say enough positive things about Zia Gourmet Pizza.  Just go.

 

3311 Adams Avenue, San Diego (Normal Heights).

 

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