Jimaca Stars with Fennel and Ginger-Carrot Puree

I found the inspiration for this elegant, inclusive hors d'oeuvres at the gala for the International Association of Culinary Professionals this week. At the party after the awards ceremony, we were offered dime-sized rounds of jicama with a dab of dark, intense jam, perhaps pomegranate jam. The slightly sweet crunch of the jicama contrasted with the tartness of the jam to create a explosion of flavor and texture. Yet the beautiful tiny bites had no meat, dairy, eggs, or gluten so nearly everyone could enjoy them.

In this recipe, I cut the jimaca into stars about the size of quarters and topped them with pureed carrot and ginger, then crowned each one fresh fennel. I'll use the frames left around single stars to decorate servings of mashed sweet potatoes and chop the rest to tucked into tacos.

Click to read more ...

Roasted Carrot and Garlic Soup

I actually did a little dance of delight when first tasting this soup. Such rich flavor and so easy!  Roasting elevates inexpensive and easy-to-keep ingredients to gourmet heights. Just the ticket if you having Brad Pitt or Alicia Silverstone over for dinner.

Click to read more ...

Slow Cooker Carrot Cardamom Oatmeal

I’m so glad that Linda gave me a little time with all of you to share one of my oatmeal recipes.

If you’ve visited my blog, Healthy Slow Cooking, you already know I’m more than a bit oatmeal obsessed. I just counted and I have 61 oatmeal recipes just to keep Winter breakfast exciting.

I am also madly in love with Indian food and eat it whenever possible. Carrot Halwa is a traditionally a thick paste of carrot, sugar and cardamom that’s sometimes topped with saffron and pistachios.

If you’re not sure if you’re a fan of cardamom or not just use 1/2 teaspoon instead of a whole teaspoon. You can always add more but you can’t take it back out!

Click to read more ...

Chickpea Triangles

Serve these delicious Chickpea Triangles in place of turkey for a vegetarian or vegan Thanksgiving. Omnivores will want to have both. These savory wedges say "main-dish protein" without resorting to faux meat charades.

Top them with Mushroom Gravy, made while the triangles bake.

Active time: 20 minutes, starting with cooked chickpeas. Total time: 40 minutes. Serves 4.

Recipe ingredients

2 cups cooked chickpeas
1 clove garlic
1 tablespoon butter or 2 teaspoons corn oil
1/2 onion
1 carrot
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon coriander
1 tablespoon tahini
2 teaspoons soy sauce

Recipe method

1. Cook chickpeas if needed, reserving broth for gravy,

Click to read more ...

Ready Up Rice and Lentils

Start your morning raring to go with a big bowl of Ready Up Rice and Lentils. Let this hearty, savory breakfast streamline your morning routine, your budget, and your waistline. Brown rice and lentils balance each other to provide a complete source of protein. Carrots add sweetness, color, and beta-carotene. If you'd like, drizzle on a little maple syrup for a pancake vibe without the jitters. Or stir in some tahini for bacon-y goodness without the mess or the saturated fat.

Click to read more ...