Zucchini Fudge Brownies

No one will ever guess these brownies are healthy! They are gooey and delicious.

black bean brownies

black bean brownies

Recipe

  • 1 c. organic Black beans, drained

  • 1 under-ripe Banana, cut into 5 pieces

  • 1/4 c. organic GF Oat or Buckwheat Flour

  • 1/4 cup organic Raw Cocoa powder

  • 1/4 c. organic Zucchini, shredded

  • 1-1/4 tsp. pure Vanilla Extract

  • 1/2 - 3/4 tsp. Cinnamon

  • 3/4 tsp. Baking Powder

  • 1/2 tsp. Baking Soda

  • 3 Tbs. Birch Xylitol or 1/4 tsp. Monk Fruit powder

  • 3 Tbs. pure Maple Syrup (opt)

  • 2 Tbs. brewed Green Tea or Water

  • Toasted Pecans (opt.)

Preheat oven to 375º F. Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper and set aside.

Place beans and banana in food processor and pulse until completely mashed.  Add the rest of the ingredients and process until combined, scraping often.

black bean brownies 4

black bean brownies 4

Pour batter into pan, spreading it evenly, and push pecan pieces into batter.

black bean brownies raw

black bean brownies raw

Place pan on middle rack of oven.

Bake for 22-27 minutes, or until edges curl away from paper. The brownies may seem a little gooey, but they harden as they cool. Place pan on a rack and wait 20 minutes before cutting into squares.

Hot-Weather Recipes

Below are 3 Summertime Recipes

Quinoa and Mango Salad

This recipe can be made several hours before and refrigerated. Take it out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving.

Mango Quinoa salad

Mango Quinoa salad

  • 2 c. brewed Green Tea

  • 1 c. uncooked Quinoa

  • 1 c. Mango, cut into small chunks (not too ripe to cut back on sugar content)

  • 1/2 c. sliced organic Green Onion

  • 2 Tbs. dried Cherries, chopped (opt.)

  • 2 Tbs. organic Parsley, chopped

  • 1/4 c. extra virgin organic Olive Oil

  • 1 Tbs. Apple Cider Vinegar (I recommend Bragg's organic)

  • 1 tsp. Dijon Mustard

  • 1/2 tsp. Sea Salt

  • 1/8 tsp. Black Pepper

Combine tea and quinoa in a medium saucepan, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand for 15 minutes. Then transfer to a large bowl.

Add mango, onion, cherries and parsley and mix well.

Combine liquid ingredients with spices and whisk until blended. Pour over quinoa, and mix. Makes about 8 servings.

Tropical Chicken Macadamia Salad

Spicy Vinaigrette

Combine the following in blender, adjusting seasoning as preferred:

Tropical Chicken Salad

Tropical Chicken Salad

  • Scant 1/4 c. organic E.V Olive Oil

  • 1/4 c. Red Wine Vinegar

  • 2 Tbs. Worcestershire Sauce

  • 1 Tbs. Cayenne sauce

  • 2 tsp. Curry Powder

  • 2 tsp. Stevia or Bocha Sweet

  • 2 Cloves Garlic, minced

  • 1/4 tsp. Sea Salt

  • 1/8 tsp. Black Pepper

Reserve 1/2 c. of dressing.

Chicken Salad

  • 1 lb. boneless, skinless Organic free-range Chicken Breasts

  • 8 c. rinsed and torn Watercress and Boston or Green Leaf organic Lettuce

  • 1/4 c. coarsely chopped unsalted Macadamia Nuts

  • 1/2 c. shredded organic Coconut, toasted

  • 1 Tbs. organic Red Bell Pepper, diced (opt.)

Place chicken in large resealable plastic food storage bag.  Pour remaining dressing over chicken. Seal bag, and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Heat oven to broil, or prepare barbecue grill. 

chicken-1379373_1280.jpg

Remove chicken from marinade. Grill or Broil 10 - 15 minutes or until center is no longer pink (165º F).  Arrange greens on a platter. Slice chicken breasts and arrange over greens. Tops with nuts, coconut and bell pepper. Serve with reserved dressing. Makes about 4 servings.

Egg White Salad

This high protein salad has less than 2g. of fat per serving, and a whopping 11 g. of protein.

  • 6 Hi Omega-3 hard-boiled Egg whites, chilled and chopped

  • 1/2 c. chopped organic Celery

  • 1/4 c. chopped organic Red Onion

  • 1 Tbs. chopped dill or sweet organic Pickles

  • 2 Tbs. chopped organic Parsley

  • 3 Tbs. Vegenaise

  • 1 tsp. Dijon Mustard

  • 1 tsp. organic Lime Juice

  • 1/2 tsp. organic Lemon Juice

  • 1/8 tsp. Sea Salt

  • 1/8 tsp. Black Pepper

  • 1/4 tsp. Cayenne (opt.)

Mix dry ingredients in a medium size bowl.

Mix dressing ingredients in small bowl, whisking till blended.  Pour over egg mixture.  Chill for 30 minutes.

Serve on lettuce leaves, whole grain crackers or on Gluten Free organic bread or WASA Rye Crackers

Power Breakfast Ideas

During treatment, one of the last things you feel up to doing is thinking about what to eat. You already know it's critical that you alter your diet if you haven't yet, but to call upon mental resources to focus on cooking the right things is a challenge. I am blessed that many family members live within 1 - 10 miles of us, so three of my nieces took it upon themselves to rotate weeks and cook 2 main dishes for me (compliant with my diet), which they delivered the 3rd day after each Chemo treatment...when the side effects manifested! They made enough so that I got at least 4-5 meals out of each delivery.

Breakfast was easy once I got into the habit of shopping for the groceries I would need early in the week, (either my daughter or Jon would replenish fresh produce as we ran out), and developed a few routine favorites.

Lunch and snacks depended on what I had in the fridge or the pantry, so I was sure to stock healthy, easy to prepare foods...Sardines, organic beans, hi-fiber bread or RyeVita crackers, salsa, baby carrots, spinach, lemons (for squeezing in tea and on almost anything), almond butter, organic fruit spreads, coconut milk, homemade hummus, avocados and nuts. I'll post some ideas for these two meals soon.

Remember that you are eating to both support your immune system and to boost your energy during treatment. Spice up your food to instantly add antioxidants.

To help you develop the knack of easily creating healthy breakfasts, or for someone who may prepare them for you, I put together the Power Breakfast Guide below.  Be generous with the use of spices you like in any of these breakfasts.

~*~*~*~

Berry Oats: ¾ c. of organic oats, 1 cup blueberries, blackberries, raspberries or sliced strawberries, 1 Tbs. chopped almonds or pecans, 1 Tbs. freshly ground flax seeds, coconut or cashew milk, a sprinkle of nutritional yeast and cinnamon. Add cup of Matcha* or Sencha green tea (buy in bulk on Amazon).

*Matcha is premium green tea powder from Japan used for drinking as tea or as an ingredient in recipes. Matcha is rich in nutrients, antioxidants, fiber and chlorophyll. One glass of matcha is the equivalent of 10 glasses of green tea in terms of nutritional value and antioxidant content

Parfait: 6oz. of organic soy or coconut yogurt, 2 Tbs. fresh ground flax meal, and 1 cup organic berries (blueberries, cherries, raspberries, blackberries, mulberries..), a slice of gluten free hi-fiber toast with a tsp. of Coconut Oil, and a cup of matcha or sencha green tea.

Jeanne's Special: One or two boiled organic hi-omega-3 eggs with 1/2 cup steamed spinach, kale or swiss chard and 1/2 cup rosemary-baked sweet potatoes, cup of green tea.

Tasty Lebanese Eggs: Poach 1 or 2 organic hi-omega-3 eggs. Mix 2 Tbs. tomato paste, dash of salt, and 1 Tbs. hot water and stir.  Finely chop 1-2 fresh organic garlic cloves and lightly sauté in 2 tsp. ev olive oil on medium low heat, until pale golden. Add tomato paste and stir. Top poached eggs with tomato mixture and sprinkle with black pepper. Serve with 1 hi-fiber piece of toast, 1 c. fresh spinach or a handful of watercress and a cup of green tea.

Mediterranean: Whole grain toast topped with 1 tsp. flax or hemp oil, 1 clove garlic crushed with a dash of salt and 1 tsp. nutritional yeast, cucumber, basil and fresh tomato slices, and a cup of green tea with dash of black pepper.

Oats n Apples: 3/4 c. Organic steel-cut oats with grated red apple (with skin), 1 Tbs. chopped almonds or walnuts, 5 - 6 organic raisins, 1 Tbs. flax seeds freshly ground, cinnamon and coconut milk.  Remember your tea!

Miso-Veggie soup: (miso, spinach, bok choy, mushrooms, tamari, scallions), and 1 slice of whole-grain rye-flax toast with almond butter, cup of green tea with dash of black pepper.

Breakfast Burrito: Fill a whole wheat or gluten-free high-fiber tortilla with 1/2 cup black beans, chopped romaine lettuce, chopped green onion, avocado slices, salsa, grated home-made Almond cheese and a chopped boiled egg.

smoked_salmon

smoked_salmon

New Yorker: Hi-fiber Rye bread or mutli-grain topped with tofu sour cream, smoked salmon, red onion and organic lemon slices, and 1/2 cup steamed green beans. Don’t forget your green tea with dash of pepper!

Tofu scramble: cook silken tofu with grated carrots and zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, garlic and a dash of cumin, or do the same with scrambled hi omega-3 eggs, and 1 slice whole grain toast topped with "better butter" (mix equal parts organic grass-fed butter/flax oil).

CheeseyToast: Toast 2 slices hi-fiber Flax Seed bread (like Udi's) topped with sliced cassein-free Almond cheese, tomato slices and a sprinkle of organic thyme. Serve with 1/2 c. steamed Spinach drizzled with olive or flax oil and a dash of salt and cinnamon. Cup of Matcha tea.

~*~*~*~*

~ Be Well! ♥

The Sweet Potato Story

1. Did you know that a medium-sized sweet potato contains more than your daily requirement of vitamin A, nearly a third the vitamin C you need, almost 15 percent of your daily dietary fiber intake and 10 percent of the necessary potassium?

2. Did you know that orange-fleshed sweet potatoes may be one of nature's unsurpassed sources of beta-carotene?  And that the beta-carotene and vitamin C in these tubers work together to rid the body of cancer-friendly free radicals?

3. Well did you know diabetics can eat sweet potatoeswithout worry as they have a low glycemic index?

4. How about the fact that they contain Vitamin D which is critical for immune system and overall health, especially for women.

It's important to have some fat in your sweet potato-containing meals if you want to enjoy the full beta-carotene benefits of this root vegetable. Recent research has shown that a minimum of 3-5 grams of fat per meal significantly increases our uptake of beta-carotene from sweet potatoes. This can be 1 Tbs. of virgin olive oil (also recommended for breast cancer suppression) per serving for 4.

Organically grown sweet potatoes are free from the harmful effects of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and inorganic sprays. They cook relatively quickly and are rather versatile, lending themselves both to sweet or savory dishes.
Below is a recipe I adapted from Plenty: Vibrant Recipes from London's Ottolenghi , so it fits in with our Anti-Cancer Diet.  Instead of pan frying, we're going to bake these patties, and instead of dairy yogurt we're using soy or coconut yogurt.

SWEET POTATO CAKES (Vegetarian and Gluten Free)

  • 1 3/4 lbs peeled organic Sweet Potatoes, cut in large chunks
  • 2 tsp. organic Butter or Coconut oil, plus more for cooking
  • 2 Tbs. organic Green Onions, thinly sliced
  • 1-1/2 tsp. Tamari sauce
  • 1 clove Garlic, minced
  • 3/4 tsp. Sea Salt
  • pinch of Red Pepper flakes
  • Scant 1/2 c. organic Oat flour (gluten-free)
  • 1 Omega-3 Egg, well whisked

Sauce

  • 1/2 c. Soy or Coconut Yogurt
  • 2 Tbs. Lemon juice
  • 1 Tbs. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 Tbs. chopped organic Dill
  • 2" section of organic Cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1 Tbs. organic Red Onion, thinly sliced (opt.)
  • pinch of Sea Salt and Black pepper

Steam the potatoes until tender throughout. Set aside in a colander to drain and cool.

While the potatoes cook, warm the butter or oil in a cast iron pan. Sauté the green onions in 1 Tbs. coconut oil over medium heat until softened, about 4 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Meanwhile, blend all of the yogurt sauce ingredients, besides the dill, together in a mini blender or food processor. Lastly, add the dill and give it one or two more whirls just to blend. Set aside.

When the potatoes have released most of their moisture, transfer them to a bowl and mix them with the tamari sauce, garlic, salt, red pepper flakes and flour to combine. You want the mix to be tacky not wet, add more flour if it seems too moist to hold shape. Add the green onions and egg and mix to combine.

Add enough coconut oil to baking sheet to coat lightly.

Drop potatoes by 2 Tablespoonfuls onto sheet, and flatten into patties. Bake at 375 for 12 minutes, flipping after 6 minutes. Add another 2 -3 minutes if not quite browned on top.

Remove to a plate. Serve with some lightly dressed greens and a generous portion of the sauce. Garnish with a dill stem.

These would be so wonderful with a poached egg and a few leaves of watercress on top.

~ Enjoy! ♥

Dreaming of Minty Kabobs

Minty Lamb Kabobs

This recipe makes about 4 servings.

  • 1 Tbs. whole wheat Bulgur, rinsed (use bran flakes or quinoa for Gluten Free version)

  • 2 tsp. Coriander

  • 2 tsp. Cumin seeds

  • 3 whole Cloves

  • 3 green Cardamom pods

  • 6 black Peppercorns

  • 1/2 inch piece of fresh Ginger

  • 2 Garlic cloves

  • 2 Tbs. chopped fresh Mint

  • 1 small organic Onion, chopped

  • 14 oz. ground organic grass-fed Lamb

  • 1/2 tsp. Sea Salt

Dip

  • 1/2 c. plain Soy or Coconut Yogurt

  • 1 tsp. Lemon juice

  • 2 Tbs. chopped fresh Mint

  • 3-inch piece of organic Cucumber, grated

  • 1 tsp. Mango Chutney

Soak bulgur wheat in 1/4 c. of warm water for 5 minutes. Drain.

Preheat oven on Broil.

Heat skillet over medium heat, and dry-fry the coriander, cumin, cardamom pods, cloves and peppercorns, until they turn a shade darker and release a roasted aroma. Watch and stir often to avoid burning.

Grind the spices in coffee grinder, spice mill or with mortar and pestle.

Put ginger and garlic in food processor or blender and process to a puree.  Add the spices, bulgur, mint, onion, lamb, and salt and process until finely chopped. You may alternately do this by hand, chopping garlic and ginger.

minty lamb kabobs

Mold kabobs into small sausage shapes or  4 metal or pre-soaked wood skewers. Cook under broiler for 10 - 15 minutes, turning skewers occasionally.

To make dip, mix all ingredients together in a small bowl.

Serve kabobs with lime slices and the cucumber - yogurt dip. Garnish with mint leaves.

~ To Your Health! ♥

Tart Cherries Invade Unsuspecting Brown Rice!

A lovely blend of flavors, fit for a luncheon served with a grilled fish or lime glazed chicken breast. Keep some tart dried Cherries around for this impromptu dish.  In a pinch you may substitute dried Cranberries.

You may cook the Gaba rice in advance (like early morning) since it takes about 35 - 40 minutes, and leave pot out until you're ready to make the Pilaf. I always have pine nuts in my freezer for immediate availability.

Recipe

Serves 8

  • 1 c.  chopped organic Green onion
  • 2 c.  chopped organic Celery
  • 1/2 c.  dried, Tart organic Cherries
  • 1/2 c. Pine Nuts
  • 1 Tbs. chopped fresh organic Thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1/2 tsp.  ground Black pepper
  • 1 Tbs. Coconut Oil (or Virgin Olive Oil)
  • 2 c. cooked brown Gaba rice (may use Wild Rice)

Put onion, celery, cherries, nuts, thyme, pepper and oil in a large skillet.

Cook, uncovered, over medium heat 10 minutes, or until vegetables are tender; stir occasionally. Add rice; mix well.

Cook 3 to 4 minutes, or until thoroughly heated.

That's it, simple and scrumptious!

~ Enjoy! ♥

Chia Chocolate Cupcakes - GF & Vegan

For extra goodness: Melt 10 oz. 75 - 80% dark chocolate in a double boiler, add 1 Tbs. almond or coconut milk and 1 packet Stevia. Stir well and smear on the cupcakes as they reach room temperature.

Recipe

  • 3/4 rounded c. Sorghum flour

  • 3/4 rounded c. Potato starch or tapioca starch

  • 1/2 c. unsweetened raw Cocoa Powder

  • 1/4 c. Chia seeds

  • 1 Tbs. ground Flax seeds

  • 3/4 c. Birch Xylitol (or 3 packets pure Stevia)

  • 1/2 tsp. Sea Salt

  • 1 tsp. Psyllium Husk Powder

  • 1 tsp. Baking Powder

  • 1 tsp. Baking Soda

  • 1 Pasture-Raised Egg (or 2 Tbs. freshly ground Flaxseed for Vegan)

  • 3 Tbs. virgin Olive Oil

  • 2 tsp. Vanilla

  • 1/2 tsp. Distilled Vinegar

  • 1 c. warm Water, Green Tea or Decaf Coffee

Line a 12-c. cupcake pan with paper or silicon liners. Preheat oven to 350º F.

Whisk together the dry ingredients.

Add in the warm water (or tea or coffee), egg, chia seeds, oil, vanilla, and vinegar and beat until smooth. Beat for 2-3 minutes.

Scoop the batter into the 12 lined muffin tin cups.

Bake for about 15-20 minutes, until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

Remove the cupcakes to a wire rack and let cool completely.

~To Your Health! ♥

 

When Chia Met Chocolate Almond Milk..

They danced all night, and in the morning... they were one!

I happened upon this recipe for Chia Chocolate Pudding at Simplysugarandglutenfree.

I tried a version with Coconut Milk which I posted before, but I have to admit I prefer less coconutty flavor so this one is right up my alley!

Got a Chia recipe you like?  Share it with us!

 

The recipe makes 2 servings, so double it for leftovers!

  • 1 c. unsweetened Chocolate Almond Milk
  • 1/4 c. Chia seeds (regular or Salba brand)
  • 2 Tbs. currants, dried cherries, or dried cranberries (optional)
  • 5 - 6 drops liquid Vanilla Stevia (alcohol-free), or to taste

Pour almond milk in a pint mason jar. Stir in the chia seeds and dried fruit.

Place the lid tightly on the jar and refrigerate overnight.

Stir well, and add additional almond milk to adjust the consistency if desired.

                                    photo courtesy of Chow.com

Sweeten to taste with liquid vanilla stevia.

Serve in stemmed glass pudding cups with a sprig of Mint for a beautiful presentation.

~ Cheers! ♥

Wrap It in a Leaf - Vegetarian

This recipe looked and sounded so good I had to re-post! Will be making some tomorrow (if I remember to pick up a head of iceberg!)

 RePosted from : http://vegetarianventures.com/

Tofu Lettuce Wraps

  • 1 head of organic iceberg lettuce
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
  • 1 block firm tofu, drained and cut into small “match-like” sticks
  • 1 organic carrot, cut into small “match-like” sticks
  • 6 small organic mushrooms, thinly sliced
  • 1 Omega-3 egg
  • 1/2 a head of red cabbage
  • 2 organic spring onions, sliced
  • 2 cups organic bean sprouts
  • 2 Tbs. soy sauce
  • 3 Tbs. teriyaki sauce
  • dash of chili powder
  • 1 Tbs. extra virgin organic olive oil
  • dry roasted peanuts, for garnish

In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger and saute for a minute.

Next, add in the tofu, carrot, mushrooms, cabbage, and spring onions and saute another minute (if the pan gets try add a little water). Mix in the lime juice, soy sauce, chili powder and Teriyaki sauce.

Push ingredients to the side and crack the egg in the skillet. Stir quickly to break the yoke and then incorporate the egg with the rest of the mix. Once the egg is cooked, remove from heat and add in the bean sprouts.

Assemble by filling a whole piece of lettuce with 2 or 3 tablespoons of mixture and then sprinkle peanuts on top.

~ Bon Apetit! ♥

Kale to the Chief? .and How to Plan Your Meals

He'd be a lot healthier! If you told me 6 years ago, that I would grow to love this vegetable with a head of curls that vies my own, I would have fallen over into the clover, laughing like crazy Maizy (whoever she is)!

kale2
kale2

But the seemingly impossible has once occurred. It happened with Eggplant about 22 years ago.

1/2 cup of cooked Kale has an ORAC (Oxygen radical absorbent capacity) of 1150.  A minimum of 6500 is the recommended daily intake.  Add just 1/4 tsp. of Cinnamon and you've upped the dish by another 2675 to give you over half the daily goal in a 1/2 c serving of food!

If you have a cup of blueberries for breakfast or dessert (ORAC 3250), you've met your daily minimum of health supporting anti-oxidants.  Easy when you use the ORAC Chart.

shiitake
shiitake

I am always experimenting with Kale, since it lends itself to flavor exploration. Below is recipe that includes Shiitake Mushroomswhich are known for their anti-fungal, anti-tumor and anti-viral properties. Lentinan, an active compound found in shiitake mushrooms, helps boost the immune system, enhancing your ability to fight infection and disease.

Kale with Shiitake and Garlic

  • 2 Tbs. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 med. organic White Onion, diced
  • 1 head of organic Kale, washed, and chopped
  • 7-8 Shiitake Mushrooms, sliced or diced
  • 2 c. hot Water
  • 4 cloves organic Garlic, chopped
  • 1 Tbs. freshly squeezed organic Lemon Juice
  • 1 tsp. Sea Salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp. Black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. Cinnamon

Place a large pot over medium heat for 1 minute.  Add oil and wait 2 minutes.  Add onion and turn to medium low.  Saute, stirring, until onion is translucent.

Add kale and cook stirring until kale is bright green. Add mushrooms and stir to mix. Add hot water, return heat to medium, cover and cook for 15 minutes.

Add garlic, lemon and spices, stir to mix.  Cover and simmer on low for another 10-15 minutes or until Kale is cooked through.

Kale and Shiitake
Kale and Shiitake

Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve with lemon wedge alongside brown rice and chicken or fish.

~ Sahtein (double health)! ♥

When Fish Meets Spicy Red Sauce

I keepf frozen, wild-caught Cod in my freezer at all times.  Fish is a favorite protein of mine, and hopefully of yours!  It's versatile, cooks quicker than other meats and is oh soo good for you. Herein lies one of my favorite fish toppings. The wonderful omega oils in the fish and the high antioxidant content of cooked tomatoes blend in a wonderful nutrition-filled dish. It's quick and easy to boot.

This recipe can be made with Salmon or Snapper (not farm raised) if you prefer.

Cod in Spicy Red Sauce

  • 2 Tbs. virgin Olive Oil

  • 1/3 c. finely chopped organic Onion

  • 1 Garlic clove, minced

  • 1 Shallot, minced

  • 3 c. canned organic Plum Tomatoes, drained, seeded and coarsely chopped

  • 1/2 c. chopped Green Olives

  • 3 Tbs. organic Tomato Paste

  • 1 tsp. Thyme

  • ¼ tsp. ground Fennel

  • 1/8 tsp. Cayenne Pepper

  • 2 Tbs. minced organic Parsley

  • Sea Salt and pepper to taste

  • 6  6-oz. cold water Cod filets

  • Cilantro leaves for garnish (opt.)

Preheat oven to 425º F.

Heat the oil in a heavy saucepan over medium heat.  Cook onions, garlic and shallot until soft but not brown.

Add remaining ingredients, stir to blend, and then simmer for 10 minutes on medium low.  Taste and adjust seasoning.

Lightly oil a baking dish large enough to accommodate the fish in a single layer.  Arrange filets in the dish.  Pour sauce over fish and bake for 15 – 20 mins.  or until fish is no longer translucent and the sauce is bubbling. Serve with wild rice, or GF pasta and a vegetable.

~ Sahtein! ♥

Authentic Baba Ghannouj... or When Eggplant Meets Tahini

It's difficult to translate the name Baba Ghannouj literally because there isn't one word that captures the adjective "Ghannouj" but I'm going to try. When someone, usually children or girls up into their early 20's, act cutesy, shy and cuddly we say they are a "ghannouj" for a male, or a "ghannouji" for a female.

Baba means father.. so Baba Ghannouj means Dad is being cutesy and cuddly!

Now here is my creative genius at work:

The term fits the unusual looking Eggplant... perhaps because it has to act cutesy and shy to tempt us into eating it! Or, it could be that this dish is so yummy, that Father had to act all cutesy and shy before he had the nerve to ask the Mom to make it!

Choose your version... either way... it's delicious!  :)

Recipe

  • 1 large organic Eggplant (close to 1 lb)

  • 2 medium cloves organic Garlic

  • 1/2 tsp. Sea Salt

  • 1/4 - 1/3 c. freshly squeezed Lemon Juice

  • 1/4 c. Sesame Tahini, mixed well to incorporate oil Garnish:

  • 2 tsp. virgin Olive Oil

  • 1 Tbs. chopped organic Parsley

  • Pomegranate seeds (opt.)

  • Sprig of fresh Mint

Charring the Eggplant

Remove leaves from around stem, but don't but stem off.  You'll need to use it as a 'handle'. Cut several small gashes around the eggplant to allow steam to escape during charring.

Place Eggplant in preheated 375º oven, and bake for 30 minutes, or until outside is crisp and inside is soft.

Allow to cool for 20 minutes.

Holding by stem, cut open eggplant and scoop out the flesh into colander. Discard the skin and stem.

Drain for about 10 minutes. Allowing the liquid to drain will eliminate the bitterness.

Making the Dip

Mash garlic with salt in a mortar and pestle until a smooth paste. Scrape into a medium bowl, and add eggplant pulp. Mash together with pestle until it is of uniform consistency with very few lumps.  (Small ones are ok).

Add the lemon and mix, then add the Tahini and mix again until well incorporated.

Once cool, cover and refrigerate for an hour.

Transfer Baba Ghannouj to a shallow serving dish.  Wet the back of a large spoon, and use it to smooth the surface of the dip. You can create a moat around the edges and drizzle with olive oil, or decorate and sprinkle olive oil around design.

baba ghannouj

Decorate with sprigs of mint, parsley, pomegranate or carved red radish skin. Serve with whole wheat Pita bread, or crudités.

~ Sahtein! ♥

Green Bean, Carrot and Red Pepper Salad

Tonight was my night to cook 15 to-go dinners. Three times a week, people from our community volunteer to cook for 15 -20 people in the neighborhood who sign up for take away dinners.

I made Fasoulia, Green Bean/Carrot Salad and Pearl Barley Pilaf.

I'm not usually a fan of red peppers, but in some recipes, like this one, I love the flavor they bring to the dish.  This is a salad that is best at room temperature, but can also be served chilled.

You'll need:

  • 1 lb. organic Green Beans, trimmed and cut in half
  • 1 lb. organic Carrots, sliced in 1-inch pieces or julienne
  • 1/2 organic Red Pepper, diced
  • 1/2 organic Red Onion, diced

 

 

Dressing

  • 2 Tbs. Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 Tbs. Red Wine Vinegar
  • 1 tsp. Stevia
  • 2 tsp. organic Tomato Paste
  • Sea Salt and Black Pepper to taste

Steam green beans and carrots until crisp-tender, about 15 minutes.

Drain and place in a large bowl. Add peppers and onion.

Mix dressing with a fork until blended. Pour over vegetables and mix well.

Serve at room temperature for maximum flavor.

~ Bon Apetit! ♥

When Eggs Meet Vegetables - à la Lebanese

Two of the main spices in Lebanese cooking are Allspice and Cinnamon.  These are used in both savory and some sweet dishes. They were made for each other in terms of flavor compliments. Third in line would be Black Pepper, followed by Cumin. This is the basic 'Omelet' in Lebanon. As with many recipes it includes fresh vegetables and aromatic spices.  I was very scrawny as a girl, and Mom used to tell me stories and feed me bites of breakfast until my plate was clean.

This was one of my favorite egg-based breakfasts, with a few slices of tomato on the side, drizzled with virgin Olive Oil pressed from our own olives. It's still a popular choice at our home.

I'd love to hear how you like it!

*~*~*~*~*~*

Lebanese Garden Omelet

  • 2 Omega-3 Eggs
  • 1-1/2 Tbs. parsley
  • 1 Tbs. finely chopped organic Green Onion
  • 2 Tbs. chopped organic Tomato
  • 2 tsp. pine nuts (opt.)
  • 1/4 tsp. allspice
  • 1/8 tsp. cinnamon
  • Dash of salt

Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl.

Place a sauté or omelet pan over medium-high heat, and brush lightly with organic butter just to coat bottom.

Wait 1 minute, then pour egg mixture into pan.  When edges turn light brown, turn heat to medium-low.  Fold omelet in half and cook for one more minute.

Flip omelet and cook an additional 2 minutes, or until just set in the center. (you can make a small slice to peek).

Serve with fruit, non-dairy cheese, cucumber or tomato slices and whole grain bread.

~ Sahtein! ♥

 

My Marvelous Meatball Soup

We may have seen the last of the cool weather in Northern California, so I wanted to close the season with one more gathering around soup bowls. In the valley where we live, summer temps can reach 102ºC...HOT.  Today it was in the high 80's, still tolerable, but around 3pm I had to get the a/c going.

I realized that it has been forever since I made Mom's meatball soup. Rolling the tiny meatballs was an activity I liked participating in. Mom taught me how to roll two at a time, since we'd make about 150 of them sitting on the pink vinyl couch in our spacious kitchen, with a low table in front of us.

There was al,ways something going on in the kitchen. We had two live-ins since our house was a two-story with 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, 3 living rooms, a formal dining room a laundry room and kitchen.  (Makes me pant to think about it).

My 4 aunts and uncle lived just 4 miles away and dropped by often.

So deciding to make this soup today was a trip down memory lane.  I seem to be doing that often these days.

You will need:

  • 1 1/2 lbs ground lean Grass-fed Beef (or Lamb)

  • 2 tsp. Wheat germ or Oat Bran

  • 1/2 c. organic Parsley, chopped fine

  • 1 tsp. cinnamon

  • 2 tsp. Sea Salt

  • 1 tsp. black pepper

  • 1 c. chopped organic Tomatoes

  • 1/2 c. Tomato sauce

  • 1/2 c. chopped organic Onion

  • 1 organic Carrot, shredded

  • 1 large organic Carrot, sliced into thin rounds

  • 1/3 c. Brown Rice

  • 2 Tbs. Parsley, chopped (as topping)

Mix meat, seasoning, wheat germ, parsley, onion and shredded carrot well.

meatball soup1

Form into tiny meatballs, a little larger than a hazelnut.

meatball soup2

Heat 6 cups of water in a large pot, and drop meatballs in a few at a time.

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As it starts to boil, turn down heat and skim surface until clear.

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Add tomato sauce, rice and round carrots, cover, and cook until rice is done, about 35 minutes, depending on rice you use.

Season with salt and pepper and a generous dash of cinnamon.

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Cook 5 minutes longer, and add some chopped parsley.

Enjoy with a side salad and roasted sweet potatoes.

~ Sahtein (double health!) ♥

Baked Tomato Saucers

As the youngest of 7, I was still at home and got to help Mom in the kitchen over a 5 year span, as she re-created every recipe she knew and had collected, for her cookbook.  She needed to write the measurements (she never measured when she cooked). Most of my siblings were married and away, except for my sister #4 and me. So we were her tag team. We have all been blessed with Mom's love of cooking. My brothers are amazing chefs too.

In this photograph, she's making Middle Eastern couscous (mograbiyeh) from scratch, I mean the actual ingredient, not the dish.  It starts with a handful of bulgur wheat, flour and water, and a lot of patience as you spray the wheat, add flour swirl the grains around until coated and not stuck to each other, spray with water, add more flour...etc.. until the couscous are the size you want them to be!

Years ago, when I stayed with my #3 sister in Virgina during summer breaks from college...we cooked dinner for the family together.  We had gourmet nights, take out the Grill nights, and Eating on the Mediterranean nights.

One of the tomato side dishes I fell in love with was this recipe for Baked Tomatoes. I have modified it to fit in with our Anti-Cancer diet... but it's just as delicious. I call these Saucers because I use beefsteak or heirloom tomatoes, and they're huge!

If you have a Baked or Grilled Tomato recipe, do share!

Baked Tomato Saucers

  • 2 large ripe organic Tomatoes, sliced 1/3" thick (about 5 -6 rounds each)
  • 3 c. Whole Wheat or Gluten Free Bread crumbs (tear bread into tiny pieces)
  • 1/2 c. organic Parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp. fresh Thyme leaves, minced
  • 1 tsp. Sea Salt
  • 1 packet Stevia or 1 tsp. Xylitol
  • 1/4 c. Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 c. shredded Almond or Rice Cheese (if you are eating dairy, use 3/4 c. Parmesan Cheese)

Preheat oven to 325º F (165º C).

Place tomatoes on large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Mix the rest of the ingredients in a bowl.  Divide bread mixture evenly among the tomatoes, pressing down a little.

Place in middle of oven and bake for 35 - 40 minutes, or until tops are crisp and tomatoes are soft.

Excellent with grilled meats... choose organic chicken, wild caught fish, or a 3 oz. serving of grass-fed lamb or beef.

~ Bon Apetit! ♥

Chia n Chocolate, Cha Cha Cha

I wanted to make a non-dairy pudding using Chia seeds, since they are just like tapioca once add to liquid.  I found a couple of recipes and tried one, but was not happy with the results. (Read about Chia Seeds here.) After an experiment or two I came up with an acceptable version!

Let me know how you find it!

Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding

choco chia pudding2
choco chia pudding2
  • 1/4 cup Chia seeds
  • 1/4 c. organic Almond Milk
  • 3/4 c. Coconut Milk (canned)
  • 2 packets Stevia or 1 Tbs. Xylitol (to taste)
  • 1 small ripe Banana, mashed
  • 3 ounces 75% or more Dark Chocolate, melted
  • 2 Tbs. Cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp. pure Vanilla Extract (optional)

In a medium bowl, whisk Chia and almond milk, and let sit while you mix the rest of the ingredients.

Whip Coconut milk until thickened. Add sweetener and banana and mix well. Add melted chocolate, cocoa and vanilla and whisk to mix.  Add Chia mixture and whisk again to combine.

Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.

choco-chia-pudding
choco-chia-pudding

Stir pudding, ladle into glasses and garnish.

~ Chia cheers! ♥

Eat Wild Thyme for a Wild Time!

Thyme

, botanically known as

Thymus vulgaris

, is a perennial garden herb that has been employed since ancient times for medicinal and culinary uses.

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The World's Healthiest Foods

notes that thyme has traditionally been associated with courage, with medieval women giving sprigs of thyme to knights going into battle; it has also been used as an herbal remedy for a host of ailments (PMS, Indigestion, Coughs..). It is an excellent source of iron and manganese, a very good source of calcium and a food source of dietary fiber.Since the 16th century, thyme oil has been used for its antiseptic properties, both as mouthwash and a topical application. Thyme tea, rich in volatile oils, minerals, beneficial phenols and flavonoids, is a healthy beverage choice. One of the popular culinary herb plants, thyme is native to Southern Europe and Mediterranean regions.

For thousands of years, herbs and spices have been used to help preserve foods and protect them from microbial contamination. Research shows that both thyme and basil contain constituents that can both prevent contamination and decontaminate previously contaminated foods.

Thymol has been found to protect and significantly increase the percentage of healthy fats found in cell membranes and other cell structures. In particular, the amount of DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid) in brain, kidney, and heart cell membranes was increased after dietary supplementation with thyme.

In Lebanon we use green and dried thyme extensively.  Dried thyme mixed with sumac, toasted sesame seeds and salt is called Zaatar.

It is the main ingredient in the most traditional breakfast food, namely the Man'oushi...or Zaatar pie, which is sold in every bakery and many street vendor carts.

Mom was certain to serve us Zaatar on mornings when we had exams at school.  She said it helped with memory.  Although she wouldn't have known science was behind her belief, she was right!

Man'oushi

(photo courtesy of Stephen Masry)

Culinary Tips

Green wild thyme makes a very healthy salad!  Serve it with grilled meats and fish, or accompanied by Feta cheese and tomatoes for breakfast.  I like to use it in place of Oregano in some pasta dishes.  Dry Zaatar is delicious sprinkled on yogurt, hummus and plain omelets.

You can find Zaatar at most Middle Eastern markets. Make sure you choose Jordanian or Lebanese Zaatar.  There are some inferior products out there that taste like dirt!

Amending Store Bought Zaatar

For each cup of store bought Zaatar (Middle Eastern Thyme mix) you will need:

  • 1 Tbs. dried Sumac (available at Middle Eastern markets in packets or jars) 1/2 tsp. of salt

  • 2 tsp. toasted Sesame Seeds (even if there are some in the mix)

Mix all together and store in airtight jars in the refrigerator for 6 months, or freeze for up to 2 years.

zaatar, green

Green Wild Thyme Salad

  • 1 bunch of green Wild Thyme, rinsed and leaves picked off stems

  • 1 very small Onion (yellow or white), finely chopped

  • 1/3 c. finely chopped organic Green Onion

  • Juice from 1 freshly squeezed Lemon

  • 1 Tbs. extra virgin Olive Oil

  • 1/4 tsp. Sea Salt (opt.)

Mix all together in non-metal bowl.  Serve at room temperature for best flavor.

~ Sahtein! (double health)  ♥