Tuesday, May 21, 2013

No Fry Wheat Free Battered Fish

This is how we do fish and chips at home.  Using Corn Flakes or any other flaked cereal (I have also used crisped rice cereal and Cheerios when I have been out of flakes).  The fish is baked at a very high temperature.   This is a very fast meal and a healthy alternative to greasy fish and chips.  Serve it with home made French fries or sweet potato fries (these can be baked at the same time and temperature if you start them 10 minutes before the fish).  Or with rice, cous cous or quinoa.

What you need:
4-8 pieces of white fish (in the photo I used sole)
2 cups of crushed Corn Flakes or other cereal 


Preheat oven to 450.  Prepare a baking sheet with parchment or foil.  Crush the cereal in a Ip lock bag using a rolling pin.  Place each piece of fish in the zip lock individually and coat with cereal, then place on baking sheet.  Bake for approx 10 minutes until fish is oozed through and coating is crispy and slightly browned.  Remove from oven, pair with side and serve.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Super Easy Oatmeal Squares

This version is easy, vegan and uses coconut palm sugar for sweetener so it is diabetic friendly.  They are also wheat free.  Simple to make and really delicious.  I put chocolate on top to add extra decadence but they are just as yummy without.

What you need:
2 cups quick oats
2/3 cup vegan margarine( or butter)
2/3 cup coconut palm sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
A pinch of nutmeg
Bittersweet chocolate chips (optional)

Preheat oven to 350.   In a large mixing bowl put oats and nutmeg.  In a small sauce pan over medium heat melt the margarine, add coconut palm sugar.  Remove from heat and add vanilla.  Pour mixture over oats and mix well.  Pour into approx 8x8 pan (I use an 8x6 and they are bit thicker) bake for 20 minutes.  Remove from oven onto cooling rack sprinkle the top with chocolate chips and let them melt.  Let cool cut into squares and enjoy.

Savory Yeast Free Bead

This is a savory version of the yeast free bread I have posted before (cranberry orange loaf).  It is really good when paired with the the Rolled Fritatta.



What you need:
3 cups whole wheat flour 
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tbs of fresh rosemary
1/2 tbs fresh thyme 
1 1/2 cups rice milk (works with any liquid) I used almond milk this time.
1/4 cup olive oil

Preheat oven to 400.  In a large bowl or stand mixer, mix ingredients in order given.  Form into ball an kneed gently for just one minute.  On baking sheet, form into round or oval, score top and bake for 40 minutes.  Remove from oven, let cool and enjoy.

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Vegetarian Tacos

These are meatless tacos that are quick and easy to prepare.

What you need:
1 tbs olive oil
1 block of firm or extra firm tofu
1/2 can of black beans
1 shredded carrot 
Chili powder, paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, garlic to taste or I package of taco seasoning (start with 1/4 - 1tsp of each and work your way up to suit personal taste).
Taco shells or soft taco tortillas 
Toppings of choice: salsa, cheese, guacamole, tomatoes, lettuce, sour cream, etc...


In a large skillet, add oil and heat to medium high heat.  Crumble tofu into skillet and begin to brown, add black beans and shredded carrot.  Once heated add the spices.  Turn the heat down and stir for a couple of minutes (or add packaged taco seasoning and follow package directions).
While this is cooking heat oven to 350 and heat taco shells on a baking tray for 2-5 minutes.
Spoon tofu mixture into shells and add your choice of 



Thursday, May 2, 2013

Date Squares

Who doesn't like date squares?

What you need:
2 cups pitted dates
3/4 cup water
1 tsp lemon juice

1 1/2 cups do quick oats
1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
3/4 tsp baking soda
1 cup coconut palm sugar
3/4 cup vegan margarine

Preheat oven to 350.
In a medium sauce pan simmer the dates, water, and lemon juice until you can mash the dates.
In a large mixing bowl combine margarine and coconut palm sugar until well blended. Add oats flour and baking soda and mix until combined and crumbly. In a greased 8 x 8 cake pan press in just over half of the oat mixture, spread the dates on top then top with the remaining oat mix. Bake for 20-25 minutes until top is lightly toasted. Cool and cut into squares. Enjoy.


Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Honey Mustard, Potato and Bean Salad

This salad is a fresh alternative to a traditional potato salad. You can use either green beans or any kind of canned beans. My picture shows green beans however I have used mixed canned beans, kidney beans, and Romano beans in the past.

What you need:
About 4 cups of boiled potatoes. I usually use small, new potatoes and halve them however, if you only I have large potatoes just chop them into small pieces.
2 cups of beans ( fresh green or any canned beans). If you are using fresh green beans blanch them first by putting them in boiling water for about 1 minute.
2 tbs yellow mustard
2 tsp liquid honey
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbs olive oil
1 tbs fresh thyme


Rinse and drain potatoes and beans in cold water. Combine in large bowl. In a small bowl combine mustard, honey, vinegar, oil and thyme and mix well. Pour sauce over potatoes and beans and mix to coat. Refrigerate for an hour r two before serving.



Quinoa, Wild Rice & Beet Salad

So, I had this salad at a cafe and this my recreation of it. I used canned beets but I think next time I make it I will try grated fresh beets.

What you need:
1 1/2 - 2 cups cooked quinoa
1 1/2 - 2 cups cooked wild rice
1can sliced beets or 2 cups fresh shredded beets
2 tbs fresh dill
Salt and pepper to taste

In a large salad bowl combine quinoa, rice, dill, salt and pepper. Add beets and mix together. Refrigerate for a few hours prior to serving to let all flavors combine,

* my friend Brad tells me that this salad mixed with Sophie's Favorite Carrot Salad (see previous post) is a very tasty mix.