Raw cashews are the perfect non-dairy substitute for cream or mayonnaise in lots of recipes. Soaking them in water then whipping in a blender creates a smooth, creamy texture (more or less water will make a thinner or thicker cream). I love using this recipe hack for creamy salad dressings because you’re getting the added…
Category: Appetizers
Chimichurri
One of the best ways to elevate your meals is to have a few easy sauces in your fridge. Green sauces can be found in so many cuisines around the world. Basil-packed Pesto in Italy, Salsa Verde in Mexico, and Chimichurri from Uruguay and Argentina. Chimichurri has a tangy, salty, spicy flavor from fresh parsley,…
Creamy Yogurt Cheese
Yogurt cheese, or strained yogurt, is a method of removing the liquid or whey from the yogurt to create a thick, creamy, slightly tangy “cheese” that is similar in texture to cream cheese. Labneh is a strained yogurt used in many Middle Eastern cuisines and is served as a savory dip, drizzled with olive oil…
Fruity and Zesty Cranberry Sauce in Under 15 minutes!
If you’ve never made homemade cranberry sauce, this is the year to give it a try. This recipe is so easy, taking only about 15 minutes to make so you can skip the canned version. I like my cranberry sauce tart rather than sweet. I think it brings a balance to all the sweet and…
Veggie Bean Dip
Chickpeas are not the only bean and hummus is not the only bean dip. This veggie bean dip is a great way to experiment with other beans. You can use any type of bean including chickpeas but what about kidney beans, white beans, cannellini beans or black beans. Use canned beans or cooked from dried….
Sweet and Spicy Snacking Nuts
Nuts and seeds are nature’s perfect snack package. Full of healthy fats, fiber, protein not to mention magnesium, zinc, and even melatonin. Up to a handful a day (1 ounce) of nuts/seeds are recommended as part of a heart healthy eating plan. Portioned right out of the jar, unsalted or lightly salted nuts and seeds…
Dakos: The Mediterranean Salad of Crete
I discovered this simple, yet so delicious, salad while visiting Crete several years ago. I knew right away I would be making it when I got home. It’s a beautiful salad to make in the summer when tomatoes are bursting with flavor. The base of the salad is a thick, crunchy barley bread called rusks….
Rustic Tomato Toast (Pan Con Tomate)
When you have overly ripe tomatoes, almost too soft to slice, make Pan Con Tomate. This humble, rustic toast is a way to take tomatoes and bread and turn them into a meal. You need only a few simple ingredients but the quality of these ingredients is what creates perfection. Be sure to use the…
Vietnamese Meatballs with Minty Chili Lime Sauce
A flavor power punch! That’s what these little meatballs are all about. They are easy to make, freeze well and any extra sauce can be used to perk up eggs, fish, rice… just about anything! Yes, there may be some ingredients you don’t have on hand, ie., chili crunch, fish sauce and dried mint, but…
Sushi Bake
This is sushi in a 9×13 inch baking dish! It’s so easy and it if your sushi lovers, it will become your families new favorite any night meal. Make some rice (ideally sushi rice but any short grain rice will do), add some seasonings, mix up some salmon, tuna or crab filling and bake for…
Cheesy White Beans
This is so easy, and so pantry friendly, I couldn’t believe the intensity of flavor from so few ingredients. Just beans, tomato paste, olive oil, garlic and some cheese! Add a few other herbs and spices or not. It’s great as is and makes a fast and simple lunch or dinner. I serve it with…
White Beans with Sage and Fennel
When using fewer ingredients in a recipe, you want to make the most of each ingredient, layering flavors whenever possible. Here, we are using sage in three different ways. Chopped and cooked with the beans, “fried” in oil for a crunchy garnish and the sage infused oil for a flavorful drizzle just before serving. This…