Roasted Butternut Squash, Onion & Garlic Dip

30 Wednesday Nov 2011

Posted by in Side, Vegan, Vegetarian

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , ,

Roasted butternut squash, onions and garlic – how can you go wrong with this colorful, autumn dip. Pair with crackers, brie and a full-bodied red wine for a savory appetizer.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeds removed, and coarsely chopped into cubes
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 5 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced in half, lengthwise
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/4 cup organic, vegetable broth

DIRECTIONS

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
  2. Toss the butternut squash, onions and garlic with oil, herbs and 1/2 tsp kosher salt.
  3. Bake in a shallow dish or on a baking sheet for 20-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until onions and squash begin to caramelize.
  4. Coarsely mash with a fork and add vegetable broth.

Cranberry-Apple Streusel Crisp

29 Tuesday Nov 2011

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

This delicious variation of apple crisp combines the sweetness of local fall apples with the tartness of Canadian fresh cranberries. Serve crisp hot, room temperature, or cold with a couple scoops of vanilla bean ice cream. Recipe adapted from Fine Cooking (click here for the original recipe).

INGREDIENTS

For the streusel

  • 4-1/2 oz. (1 cup) unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup chopped lightly toasted walnuts
  • 1/4 tsp. table salt
  • 3 oz. (6 Tbs.) unsalted butter, melted

For the filling

  • 5 medium tart baking apples
  • 6 oz. fresh cranberries (1-3/4 cups)
  • 3/4 cup plus 6 Tbs. granulated sugar
  • 1 oz. (3-1/2 Tbs.) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

DIRECTIONS

  1. Position a rack in the center of the oven, set a heavy-duty rimmed baking sheet on the rack, and heat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Make the streusel. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, walnuts, and salt. Using your fingers, blend the butter into the flour mixture. Set aside.
  3. Make the filling. Peel, quarter, and core each apple. Cut each quarter lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices and then cut each slice crosswise at 1/4-inch intervals to make tiny rectangles. In a food processor, pulse the cranberries with 3/4 cup of the sugar until coarsely chopped. In a large bowl, combine the remaining 6 Tbs. sugar with the flour, ginger, and cinnamon. Toss in the cranberry mixture and apples.
  4. Mound the filling into a 8X8″ baking dish. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the apple mixture, pressing the streusel between your fingers into small lumps as you sprinkle.
  5. Put the crisp on the heated baking sheet and bake until the streusel is deeply browned and the filling is bubbling vigorously at the edges of the pie, 50-60 minutes. Check every 20 minutes, and if the pastry edge or the streusel browns before the filling is done, loosely cover the top or edges of the pie as needed with aluminum foil.
  6. Transfer to a rack and cool completely before serving. Serve with vanilla ice cream.

Tandoori Turkey

28 Monday Nov 2011

Posted by in Meat, Recipe

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, ,

This is one of the best turkey recipes I have ever had! What a flavorful, tender, and spicy bird! If you are bored with a traditional recipe, you will NOT be disappointed with this one. While I found the recipe rather involved and time consuming, it was worth every minute. But, don’t skimp on the quality of turkey. It’s worth every penny to invest in a free-range, fresh bird from a local farm. Not only to you support your local farmers and environment, but you also support a higher quality of life for the bird. Serve with Cranberry Apple Chutney.

Recipe adapted from Bon Appetit.

INGREDIENTS

Tandoori Masala

  • 2 1/2 tablespoons coriander seeds
  • 2 tablespoons cumin seeds
  • 1 tablespoon mixed colored peppercorns
  • 1 tablespoon ground cardamom
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried fenugreek seed
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ajwain seeds
Turkey
  • 1 12–14-pound fresh (NOT frozen), free-range, organic turkey
  • 1/4 cup kosher salt
  • 10 green cardamom pods
  • 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
  • 1 medium red onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves
Marinade
  • 4 cups (1 quart) plain whole-milk yogurt
  • 1/2 cup chopped peeled ginger
  • 1/2 cup high quality bottled lime juice
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped garlic
  • 1/4 cup paprika
  • 2 tablespoons tandoori masala (see recipe above)
  • 2 tablespoons garam masala (use store bought)
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS

  1. Tandoori Masala. Toast spices in a skillet over medium heat, swirling often, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Let cool. Grind, using a spice mill or a mortar and pestle.
  2. Turkey. Pat turkey dry with paper towels. Rub inside and out with salt. Stuff turkey with cardamom pods and cumin seeds, then onion, celery, and garlic. Transfer to a large marinade bag.
  3. Marinade. Purée all ingredients in a blender. Pour marinade into marinade bag. Smear all over turkey. Tie bag and arrange turkey, breast side down. Refrigerate overnight.
  4. Roasting. Let turkey stand in a bag at room temperature for 1 hour. Turn breast side up and place turkey (and all of the marinade) in a large roasting pan. Cover and seal well with heavy duty aluminum foil. Preheat oven to 400°. Roast turkey for 30 minutes. Reduce heat to 350°. Roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (puncturing bag with thermometer) registers 160°, about 1 1/2 hours longer. Remove aluminum foil and roast turkey until breast is deeply browned but not burned and a thermometer inserted into thigh registers 165°, 15–30 minutes longer. Transfer to a platter. Let rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.
  5. Gravy. Strain juices into a large saucepan. Spoon fat from surface. Simmer over medium heat until sauce is reduced to 3 1/2 cups, about  40 minutes.
  6. Carve turkey. Serve with accompanying gravy.

Cranberry Apple Chutney

27 Sunday Nov 2011

Posted by in Sauce, Vegan, Vegetarian

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, ,

What a tasty change from traditional cranberry sauce! This recipe combine tart cranberries with sweet apples and savory Indian spices. If you want something different to pair with meat, try this delicious chutney. For a very unique Thanksgiving dinner, try this chutney with Tandoori Turkey.

Recipe adapted from Epicurious.com.

INGREDIENTS

  • 4 medium apples
  • 1 medium onion
  • 1 cup packed dark brown sugar, divided
  • 1 cup fresh orange juice, divided
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 teaspoons mustard seeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 lb fresh or frozen cranberries (2 cups), thawed if frozen
DIRECTIONS
  1. Put oven rack in upper third of oven and preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Peel, halve, and core apples, then cut into 3/4-inch cubes. Stir together 2/3 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup orange juice and remaining ingredients except cranberries in a 13- by 9-inch glass baking dish and spread in an even layer.
  3. Roast apple mixture, stirring occasionally, 1 hour. Remove dish from oven and stir in cranberries, then continue roasting until cranberries are softened and most of liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes.
  4. Stir in remaining 1/3 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup orange juice (add more sugar to taste, if you prefer a sweeter chutney, and more orange juice if the chutney is too thick).
  5. Coarsely chop the chutney, to further meld the flavors.
  6. Serve chutney warm or at room temperature.

A Nontraditional American-Canadian Thanksgiving

27 Sunday Nov 2011

Posted by in Dinner, Meal

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, ,

Earlier this year, my husband and I moved to Vancouver, BC from the United States. While I am Canadian, I’ve never lived in Canada. We celebrated Canadian Thanksgiving in early October with family in Princeton, BC. Because we already ate one turkey feast, I wasn’t going to cook another one for American Thanksgiving. But, traditions are traditions. Who says you can’t have 2 turkey dinners in one season. So, inspired by some Canadian friends, I decided to go all out and cook up another feast, in honor of American Thanksgiving. However, I took the opportunity of this being our second turkey feast of the season, to experiment and try something new. The result – a very nontraditional, extremely savory and delicious, American Thanksgiving in Canada. Over the next few days, I will post the various recipes from this unique feast. But here’s a glimpse of the amazing food:

  • Roasted Butternut Squash, Onion & Garlic Dip with Crackers and Brie Cheese
  • Tandoori Turkey with Tandoori Masala Gravy
  • Cranberry Apple Chutney
  • Roasted Tandoori Potatoes
  • Kale, Parmesan & Roasted Pumpkin Seed Salad
  • Yams, Lentils & Black Beans
  • Apple Crisp

 

 

 

Kale, Parmesan & Pumpkin Seed Salad

26 Saturday Nov 2011

Posted by in Side, Vegetarian

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, ,

My friend, Sutton, introduced me to this extremely simple, yet flavorful salad. The combination of shredded kale, parmesan, pumpkin seeds, and a simple vinaigrette create a wonderfully, unique, texture-rich salad.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 bunch of kale (try red russian, or curly)
  • 1 to 1.5 cups thickly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup toasted pumpkin seeds
  • Lemon-Garlic Vinaigrette

DIRECTIONS

  1. Finely shred/cut the kale, rinse well, and remove excess water in a salad spinner.
  2. Combine kale and enough vinaigrette to evenly coat in a large bowl. Let stand for 1 hour.
  3. Toss with parmesan cheese and pumpkin seeds and serve.

Butternut Squash & Mushroom Lasagna

16 Wednesday Mar 2011

Posted by in Entree, Lunch, Meal, Recipe, Vegetarian

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , , , ,

(* indicates Star Hollow Farm produce.)

INGREDIENTS

Butternut Squash Filling

  • 1 large red onion, roughly chopped*
  • 4-6 cloves garlic, peeled and halved*
  • 1 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed*
  • 1/2 tsp dried rosemary*
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme*

Sauce

  • 3/4 cup red wine (such as merlot or cabernet sauvignon)
  • 2 (14.5 oz) cans fire roasted diced tomatoes (such as Muir Glen)
  • 2 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 lb baby bella mushrooms, thinly sliced*
  • 1 medium bunch swiss chard, rinsed and coarsely chopped

Cheese Filling

  • 3 cups organic part-skim ricotta
  • 2 organic, free-range eggs, lightly beaten*
  • 1/2-3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt

Other

  • 3/4 lb uncooked lasagna noodles
  • 6 oz freshly shredded organic mozzarella cheese
  • 6 oz freshly shredded asiago cheese

DIRECTIONS

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
  2. Butternut Squash Filling: Combine onion through thyme in a 13X9-inch glass baking dish, and toss until ingredients are evenly coated with oil. Bake for 30-40 minutes at 425 degrees F, stirring every 10 minutes, until vegetables begin to brown. Mash with a fork and transfer to a medium-sized bowl. Set aside, and reduce oven heat to 375 degrees F. You will need the 13X9-inch dish to cook the lasagna, so do not clean, just set aside for later use.
  3. Sauce: Combine red wine, tomatoes, 2 tbsp oil and oregano in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, heat 1/2 tbsp oil in a large non-stick pan. Saute mushrooms on medium-high heat for 10 minutes, or until tender and beginning to brown. Set aside. Puree tomato mixture in a blender. Transfer back to medium saucepan, and add cooked mushrooms. Stir and simmer for 10-15 additional minutes, until sauce begins to thicken. Stir in swiss chard and set aside.
  4. Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta through salt. Stir well and set aside.
  5. To prepare the lasagna, pour about 1/2 cup sauce into the 13X9-inch dish you used to make the butternut squash filling (no need to clean, just scrape clean with a rubber spatula). Cover the bottom of the dish with a layer of uncooked lasagna noodles arranged close together. Evenly spread on 1 cup of cheese filling and then 1/2 cup butternut squash filling. Spoon on 1/2 cup of sauce. Add a second layer of noodles followed by another 1 cup of cheese filling and 1/2 cup butternut squash filling and 1/2 cup sauce. Finish with a layer of noodles and thoroughly moisten by 1/2 cup of sauce and 1/4 cup butternut squash filling. Evenly sprinkle with shredded mozzarella/asiago cheese mixture.
  6. Cover and bake for 50 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until lasagna is bubbly, the noodles are tender, and the top is browned. Remove from oven and let stand for about 10 minutes before serving.
  7. Serve with a green salad.

Vegetarian Mole Chili

16 Wednesday Mar 2011

Posted by in Dinner, Lunch, Meal, Recipe, Stew, Vegetarian

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , ,

What a unique and complex variation of the standard chili! This recipe combines several different types of chili peppers and chocolate to create an extremely savory chili. Top with organic sour cream.

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 4-6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3-4 tbsp ancho chili powder
  • 4 tsp cumin
  • 1-2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 quart vegetable or chicken broth
  • 4 cups water
  • 2 red bell peppers, diced
  • 2 jalapenos, seeded and diced
  • 4 (8-ounce) cans diced green chilies
  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 large bunch swiss chard or kale
  • 2-3 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1-1.5 oz semi-sweet dark chocolate
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

DIRECTIONS

  1. In a large stockpot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Saute onions until brown, about 10 minutes. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin and oregano. Saute for 1 minute.
  2. Add broth, water and red bell peppers through tomato paste. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until all vegetables are almost tender.
  3. Stir in swiss chard/kale through chocolate. Stir until chocolate is melted and mixed evenly throughout. Cook for another 5-10 minutes until all the vegetables are tender and the swiss chard/kale is cooked.
  4. Stir in soy sauce and vinegar, season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve with organic sour cream.

Mushroom Barley Soup

13 Sunday Mar 2011

Posted by in Dinner, Lunch, Meal, Recipe, Soup, Vegan, Vegetarian

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , ,

This hearty vegan soup is fabulous comfort food for a cold winter day. It’s packed with flavor and texture. If you’re not vegan, don’t worry…you’ll fall in love with this soup! Eat this for dinner, or for lunch. It reheats well and stays good for a week in the fridge.

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large onion or 2 medium leeks, diced or chopped
  • 1 lb. baby bella mushrooms, washed and thinly sliced
  • 1 medium celery root (also known as celeriac)
  • 2 large carrots, diced
  • 1 very small cabbage, or 1/2 medium cabbage, finely shredded and chopped
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (use organic chicken broth if you aren’t vegan or vegetarian)
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 1 cup organic pearled barley
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp cream white balsamic vinegar
  • salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

  1. In a large stockpot, heat oil over medium-hight heat. Add onions and cook until brown, about 10 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook for another 5-10 minutes, until they are tender.
  2. Add celery root through wine. Bring to boil. Add barley. Return to a boil, and reduce heat. Simmer, covered for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
  3. Stir in both vinegars and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Tamale Pie

12 Saturday Mar 2011

Posted by in Dinner, Entree, Lunch, Meal, Recipe, Vegan, Vegetarian

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , , , , ,

This Tamale Pie is a TASTY variation of a vegetable pot pie. As someone who grew up on Tex-Mex food, I absolutely love this dish and make it quite often with all sorts of different fillings. This particular variation uses butternut squash, winter greens and potatoes. Top with organic sour cream and Tomatillo & Cilantro Salsa and serve with Mexican Cabbage Salad or a simple green salad.

Adapted from Moosewood Restaurant Celebrates Cookbook.

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 cups chopped onions
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 jalapeno (seeded if you don’t want it to be as spicy)
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 large buch swiss chard or kale
  • 2 cups potatoes (no need to peel if they are organic, just scrub well)
  • 2-3 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash or sweet potatoes
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 1/2 cup shredded organic cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 2 tbsp unbleached, organic white flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
  • 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, minced
  • 2 organic, free-range eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup organic buttermilk
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

DIRECTIONS

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. In a large stockpot, saute onions, garlic salt and chili in the oil until the onions start to brown, about 10 minutes. Stir in the cumin. Add the water, broth, potatoes and butternut squash. Bring to  boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes. Add kale/swiss chard and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Stire in the lime or lemon juice, transfer stew to a 9X13-inch baking pan (prepared with cooking spray). Sprinkle on the cheese.
  3. In a bowl, stir together cornmeal through cilantro. In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, buttermilk and oil. Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients just until mixed. Pour the topping over the stew and cheese and spread evenly to cover.
  4. Bake for 30 minutes, until a knife inserted in the topping comes out clean.
  5. Serve hot, topped with sour cream (if you aren’t vegan) and Tomatillo & Cilantro Salsa.