Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Rice Pudding Loaf - vegan

Want to make Rice pudding portable?  This recipe is based off my previously posted Savory Quinoa Rice Loaf.   I made this vegan but it does not have to be.  

What you need:
1 1/2 cups brown rice
3 cups rice, coconut, almond or soy milk(or for non vegans cows milk)
1 tsp cinnamon 
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup raisins 
3 tbs ground Chia seeds or Flax seed mixed with 9tbs warm water (or 3 eggs)

In a medium sauce pan over medium high heat combine rice, milk and cinnamon.  Cover, bring to a boil then lower the heat to medium low and simmer until all the liquid is absorbed.  Remove from heat, add vanilla, raisins and seed mixture.  Stir to combine then transfer to greased loaf pan.  Bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes until centre springs back when depressed and edges are browning. Let cool, slice and enjoy!

Friday, February 21, 2014

Catalin Fish Stew

Fish is always a popular meal in my house so, I am always on the lookout for new ways of preparing it. I came across this dish on one of those Roaming Foodie TV shows and then could not find the recipe anywhere.  So, I have created this one based on memory and some Google research.  This dish is simple with few ingredients and is prepared with only one cooking dish.  It is Candida and paleo friendly.

What you need:
4 servings of white fish.  Steak cut is best but fillets work too
1 bunch fresh parsley
1-2 cloves garlic or 1-2 tsp garlic purée
1 can diced tomatoes with juice
Salt and pepper to taste
approx 2 cups of water

The TV episode had a woman mashing the parsley and garlic together with a mortar and pestal, I however, used my Magic Bullet to blend together the parsley and garlic.  In a large skillet spread the parsley mixture, place the fish on top(I used talapia fillets this time).  Pour the tomatos with liquide over top then add enough water just to cover fish.  Cook over medium heat until fish is cooked through.  Serve right away with some fresh bread.  If you are yeast free try this savory bread:

http://heathhealthy.blogspot.ca/2013/05/savory-yeast-free-bead.html

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Savory Quinoa Rice Loaf

So I came across this recipe while looking for a homemade rice cake recipe(will let you know if that one works too).
This is an easy recipe for a light dinner, simple lunch or a a healthy snack.  It is baked in a loaf pan and it is highly adaptable as far as flavors go.  My version is dairy free, gluten free, wheat free and it can be made vegan easily by using flax or chia eggs.




What you need:
2 cups cooked brown rice
1 cup cooked quinoa
3 eggs. (Want to make it vegan? Try flax or chia eggs)
*the following are the ingredients I used however, you can change to any flavors your like
1 cup grape tomatos washed and halved
1 cup black beans rinsed and drained
1/2 cup frozen corn
1/2 a bell pepper chopped
1 cup Daiya mozzarella shreds
1 tbs fresh cilantro
1tsp chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste.

Grease a loaf pan and preheat your oven to 350.   Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and mix well.  Pour ingredients into the loaf pan, sprinkle top with some more cheese and bake for 45 min to one hour minutes until it is firm and browning around the edges.  Let cool slightly, slice to serve.  Enjoy!

Here are some alternate ingredient ideas:
Cheddar, bacon and spinacho
Broccoli, cheddar, ham
Chicken, cheese and salsa

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies

These are to satisfy my chocolate craving.  I used non processed sugars and they are dairy free.


What you need:
1/2 cup vegan margarine
1/2 cup coconut oil melted
1 cup coconut palm sugar 
1/2 cup xylitol
2 eggs
1tsp vanilla
1 1/3 cups whole wheat flour
1/3 cup cocoa powder
A pinch of sea salt
1 tsp baking soda
A bunch of chocolate chips

In a stand mixer or large mixing bowl combine ingredients in irder listed.  Drop by Tbs into prepared cooking sheet and bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes 

Enjoy!

Friday, January 17, 2014

Chicken Casserole

This is a great weekend dish, it's a full meal in one dish.  I based this recipe on one my mom made when I was a kid.  That one was made with canned cream of mushroom soup, chicken and rice.  This I hope is a healthier alternative, dairy free and gluten free.



What you need:
6-8,skinless, boneless chicken thighs
2 tbs olive oil
2 cups brown rice
1 large carrot peeled and chopped
1/2 head broccoli, chopped
1 parsnip peeled and chopped
I cup sliced mushrooms  
2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
1 can coconut milk or 6 tbs coconut cream mixed into 2 cups warm water.
1 tsp parsley
1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp sage
Salt and pepper to taste
Water as needed

In a roasting pan or casserole on the stove top heat olive oil over medium high heat.  Brown chicken then remove from heat.  Add remaining ingredients to the dish spread throughout the whole pan. Add some water if the liquid doesn't cover ingredients   Bake at 375 for about 45 minutes to an hour until chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.  Or, you can slow cook it for about 2 hours at 225.  This is good comfort food that tastes pretty close to the old soup can recipe.

Monday, January 13, 2014

Salsa Rice

This one is for those I need a side dish fast or the I really don't want a time consuming meal days.  Super easy, pretty quick and you can do just about any variation you want.  Another bonus, this can been served hot or cold!

What you need:
Brown rice I usually do about 2 cups uncooked but you can use more or less depending on your needs.
Salsa

The remaining ingredients are just suggestions, use what you like or what you have:
Frozen corn
Pineapple
Black beans
Left over chicken
Bell peppers



Cook the rice according to directions.  When the rice is almost finished throw in frozen corn, peppers or any vegetables that you want slightly tender.  When the rice is done add black beans, chicken, pineapple etc....  Mix together, add salsa to taste, mix and enjoy.  You can refrigerate for an hour or so to serve as a rice salad.

Saturday, January 11, 2014

Ripple Cut Baked Potato Chips

Home made fries that look like potato chips!  With a little paprika to spice them up.



What you need:
2-4 potatoes (depending on the size and how many you are feeding
A wave cutter I got mine at Kitchen Stuff Plus
Olive oil
Paprika


Wash and peel the potatoes.  Slice with the wave cutter into wavy circles.  Brush lightly with olive oil.  Spread out on a baking tray and sprinkle with paprika.

Bake at 450 for 20 minutes turning half way through.  Serve with Baked Fish and Chips, Muffin Cup Turkey Burgers or just as a snack on their own.