Recipes: Potato & Sweet Potato Appetizers

Sweet Potato Cakes with Black Bean Salsa | bettycupcakes.com.

Hope you’ve been having a wonderful Holiday weekend. Mine has been delightful! Plenty enough seafood lasagna for leftovers. Non-alcoholic cranberry-orange mimosas were a treat, as well as the panettone waffles (sorry, the spelling was incorrect last post, my eyes get so tired sometimes — fixed it!). My edible gifts went over well. I usually only prepare relatively simple items, and this was the first year for marshmallows. I was surprised that so many people are shocked you can make them at home. More about all that another time!

Ever since Chanukah started, I’ve been on a roll with potatoes/sweet potatoes. I think I have consumed them in some form or another every day for the past few weeks. Baked fries, baked chips, mashed, potato salad, hasselback, casseroles, soups, etc. As the cravings continue, I figured I would look up a few easy app recipes for New Year’s. I think just a couple of apps, a dessert, some bubbly, and we’ll be good to go. I may use the Pavlovas with Red Wine Cherry Compote & Mascarpone Whipped Cream as sort of an Eton Mess (all mixed together). I might layer it in a glass, though. I’m still thinking on that one.

The blog post above is actually a round-up of several apps (not all potato), so check it out! Here are a few other spud related recipes I wanted to share with you all:

Baked Potato Bites | cookthestory.com.

Sweet Potato and Toasted Sage Dip | aidamollenkamp.com.

Potato Nests with Sour Cream and Smoked Salmon | homeketeers.com.

Southwestern Sweet Potato Bites | Half Her Size.

Mashed Potato Stuffed Cannoli | Idahoan.com. My step-grandfather, who has since passed, had a potato farm in Idaho. So, this recipe made me a little sad at first. He was such a wonderful, generous man!

Spicy Sweet Potato Appetizers on a Stick | squarepennies.com. You could probably add your fave veggies to these.

Potato Recipe for Kids – Healthy Potatoes Patties Burgers | eatwell101.com.

Healthy Loaded Sweet Potato Appetizer | privatemds.com.

Smoked Trout Potato Skins | chowhound.com. If smoked trout is difficult to find, other types of smoked fish would probably also work.

Baked Potata With Cottage Cheese And Vegetables Stuffing | Pan Gravy Kadai Curry.

Sweet Potato Bruschetta [Vegan] | onegreenplanet.com.

Hope you enjoy these! Modify them to your own diet/lifestyle as necessary. “Shop your pantry” for substitutions (as I saw someone say) if you do not have all of the ingredients readily available. Some of my favorite recipes have come about that way.

See you soon!

Merry Christmas + Cranberry-Orange Mimosas

Cranberry-Orange Mimosas | reciperunner.com.

I wanted to write a blog post simply wishing you all a Merry Christmas (if you celebrate), but I just came across this festive drink recipe. So, bonus for you and me! I think I will make a non-alcoholic version with sparkling juice for Christmas brunch, alongside panettone waffles. I was inspired by the fruit cake/Christmas pudding pancakes for the waffles. Big-time shortcut (as well as a healthier version), with my traditional panettone flavors. I think the waffles + cranberry-orange mimosas sound splendid!

No ham, duck, steak, or goose this year! I think this is my most casual, simple Christmas meal plan to-date: Seafood lasagna, Caesar salad with homemade croutons, 40 Cents No-Knead Bread w/ fresh butter, Christmas Fruit Salad, and wine. My mom is a big sourdough bread lover, so I almost started to make that…but, you know I am La Cashionista. The 40 cents got me! It’s been cold fermenting since Monday, so I’ll see how it turns out. Fingers crossed. I started putting a little annatto in the butter for color. It just seems more appealing to me, haha. I am going to make the lasagna similarly to this, but I’m going to layer vs. roll-up. I have the ricotta made, but the sauce and assembly will be tonight. I thought about preparing the individual Pavlovas with Mascarpone Whipped Cream and Red Wine Cherry Compote again (as I did for Thanksgiving). They were SO GOOD! They will probably show up on my New Year’s table.

I also wanted to share my edible gifts pic (in case you’re still in need of a few last-minute ideas, for gifts or for guests): 

Homemade No-Corn Syrup Marshmallows, biscotti, yogurt banana bread, Fruit and Nut Clusters. The lighting wasn’t that great, so it’s hard to tell the marshmallow is pink. I didn’t have light-colored honey, so I compensated by adding a bit of color (otherwise, they would have been tan, lol). I made peppermint & plain. They were fabulous! I had a mind to make some graham crackers, then cover them in chocolate. Moon pie! I refrained (for now). If you are not an avid pastry baker (like myself), biscotti are some of the easiest cookies to prepare, IMO. You can pay quite a bit if you buy them in a shop, but they are relatively inexpensive to make at home. I did choc-pistachio dipped, choc-dipped, and plain vanilla this year. I think my faves are choc-dipped vanilla-almond and white choc-dipped gingerbread. This was the first year I tried yogurt in place of butter for the banana bread, and I could not have been more pleased. It was just as good as the original version.

I hope you all have a wonderful day tomorrow! Make sure to reach out to those you think might need a kind word or gesture, too. It can make such a difference.

Take care, and I hope to be back soon!

Healthy Fruity Holiday Recipes

Fruit Christmas Tree | favim.com.

I don’t know about you, but after Thanksgiving, pre-Holiday parties, and office goodies…I am ready for some healthier/lighter eats! I did manage to forgo at least two parties/food fests so far. Last year, I indulged in several delightful fried Holiday foods (like cauliflower/eggplant fritters, latkes, and jelly donuts). I was thinking about making jelly donuts as froyo sandwiches, along with other fried goodness, but…this year, the closest I came to any of that was baked cauliflower “cheese” (faux mac and cheese with butternut “cheese” sauce), sautéed veggie & potato hash, hot potato salad with corn-tomato salsa, and this:

Haha! Actually, that was a gag-type gift-exchange gift. Not really too much of a gag, though. I figure if you can’t have a real one, next best thing. I was very satisfied with my alternate meal choices. I didn’t feel I was missing out on anything. Good stuff. The parties, etc. will provide enough extra calories for the season, I think.

I saw this Christmas Fruit Salad recipe on the Fave Healthy Recipes site, and it started me thinking about what other fruity & budget-friendly ideas might be out there.
Christmas Fruit Salad | serenabakessimplyfromscratch.com.

Looks delish, right? Fruit salad is now on my Christmas meal shortlist. Or, here’s another with a yogurt dressing:
Fabulous Fruit Salad | allhealthyrecipes.net.

And, of course, you can vary the fruit depending upon availability. I saw mini trifle dishes somewhere, so I started thinking about fruit trifle. Trifles can be great make-ahead Holiday desserts. You can always lighten them up if you want, too. They don’t always have to be a rich dessert. Don’t laugh, but…it was on the brain, and I couldn’t wait for Christmas. I made a shortcut version for brunch with waffles (yep, waffles!) & took a pic:

Oat, buckwheat, whole wheat pastry flour and homemade yogurt waffles, berry syrup (no sherry 🙂 ), berries, and homemade Greek-style Mexican vanilla yogurt. *As a side note, I edited the last My Way post adding vanilla to the list of sweet potato pie ingredients. It’s so common (like s&p), so I sometimes forget about it.* I wanted to get persimmons and pomegranates, but they only had berries and mangoes. Arizona can be odd with produce, lol. They were just as tasty as in summertime, though (same price, as well). I also made brunch tiramisu with the yogurt, waffles, dark chocolate shavings, cacao nibs, cocoa powder, and rum-flavored espresso (rum extract, not real rum).

What about these? Grinch Fruit Kabobs | school-bites.com.

Awesome! And, these gluten-free, vegan pancakes might make me get over my aversion to fruitcake:
Southern in Law : Recipe : Healthy Fruit Cake Pancakes.

Try these or shortcut waffle trifles for day-after-Christmas brunch (before heading out to shop for all the sale-priced Holiday merch!). You can add a little protein powder to the waffles or pancakes for an extra boost.

Hope you enjoy these! Let them inspire you to whip up your own fruity creations if you so choose.

Have a great night!

My Way, No. 33

*If you’re new to my blog, you may want to read this for info on what ‘My Way’ posts are all about. 🙂 *

— Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! My mind is already on Chanukah & Christmas. Last year, it took me awhile to get into the spirit. I have decided to go with re&upcycled neutral-colored decorations for both this year. Wood, tans, creams, beiges, burlap, and gold. I’m starting to think about edible gifts for friends and parties, but for me, All I want for Christmas is my 2 Beanie Boos. Have you seen the Beanies with the big eyes? They are so adorable. I bought one as a gift, but they have a penguin and pink owl that I’m just in love with.

I started to feel like I was coming down with something last Tuesday night. I made sure to drink plenty of water, took some Vit C, and got as much extra rest as I could. I felt fine Wednesday morning, but started to feel sluggish again by the afternoon. Out for a walk that day, I saw a sign on a car that read, ‘Say No.’ I have no idea what it was about for the driver, but I decided it was good advice — say ‘no’ to anything telling me to overextend myself (cooking and preparing for the Holiday). The point of this year’s menu was to be “less stress,” as I said. So, I prepared as much as I could, but when my body told me “no more”…I listened. I hit the hay very early and by Thursday, I was bright and chipper — ready to tackle French bread and more. I’m glad I paid attention to the Tips on Managing the Holiday Blues. It would have been unrealistic of me to think I could keep going at full speed (when my body was signaling for me to stop). I have kept going in the past and paid for it…dearly.

— The meal turned out fine, and I was able to make the kale salad the day ahead. I have been enjoying Waldorf salads since then, though. I recall the first time I had one (somewhere around middle school, I think), it was prepared by a family friend’s daughter. I thought ewww, apples and grapes in salad??? Salad is lettuce and tomatoes! Lol. But, I was made a believer, and it’s still one of my fave salad preps. More Adventures in Food to tell you about today: pre-Holiday, I made a vegetarian version of this Easy Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole.

I didn’t actually make it ahead, but it was still a wonderful treat. I needed a smaller to-go snack, had a couple of bread ends left over, and this popped into my mind. I mixed 1 egg, an egg yolk, and homemade non-fat yogurt, poured it over the bread cubes, topped it with the sautéed veg/seasonings, then popped it in the oven. I made just an individual portion and cut it into quarters. I’ve prepared this several times and have eaten it hot and room temp. When it was room temp, the yogurt gave it a cheesy taste (I didn’t add any cheese with the veggies). This casserole was so satisfying, and you can do it up any way you like. Sort of a heartier fritatta. I think this will be a brunch hit, for sure. You could put it in muffin tins and have some with veggies and some with meat, perhaps.

Vegan Butternut Squash Veggie Pizza

After a couple of bites, I thought, I could give up tomato sauce pizza for this. Then, of course, I came to my senses. But, the thought was out there for a few seconds. Honey whole wheat crust (1/2 whole wheat & 1/2 whole wheat pastry flour with vital wheat gluten) adapted from The Best New York Style Pizza. Again, little sprinkle of smoked salt on the crust. Sprinkling salt or a sweetener on the outside of baked goods, etc., is a trick I frequently use. If I can taste the saltiness or sweetness a little more directly, I use a lot less in the overall recipe. I didn’t have broccolini, but the kale was delish! I just should have put a bit more on, I think. Next time. 1/2 of the crust recipe made 8 mini pizzas. Fab to pop out of the freezer when the mood struck (often, haha). This was a pre-freezer pic. I use a cast iron pan for my pizzas, but here’s a fun, inexpensive DIY link: 3 Dollar Pizza Stone.

Wow! A little goes a long way for this Mother of All Bread Dips. A crowd pleaser in which you can pretty much make from everything from scratch, or take easy short-cuts. I ran out of sweet paprika, so I subbed smoked, and used fresh oregano & rosemary vs. dry. You can make your own cheese (Homemade Cheese) and bread (like 40 Cents No-Knead Bread or Whole Grain No-Knead Artisan Bread), dice your homegrown veggies, and brine your own olives, or…get bread from the bakery and buy pre-diced tomatoes & peppers, feta, and olives from the local market. Either way, I think your guests will be pleased. Think about this recipe for those upcoming parties and potlucks.

I want to make this “Feeling Your Oats” Triple Oats Bread recipe one day. Pressed for time, I merged the concept with the NY-Style Bagels recipe (no boiling). It features oat flour, oat bran, and rolled oats (along with wheat). I made two loaves (with about 1/2 hr rest/rise time, instead of 10 min), the first for Whipped Feta-Persimmon Crostini w/ Pomegranate Molasses and Mint.

My store-bought pom molasses were a tad runny, so I reduced them a bit. Now is a good time to stock up on fresh cranberries for homemade cranberry molasses/reducs. I added a little homemade Greek-style yogurt to the feta. The persimmons were really sweet, so I balanced them out with the molasses (vs. my initial thought of balsamic) and a sprinkling of sea salt. This was so simple, but filling and delightful.

Finally, a sweet treat: Spicy Sweet Potato Galette:

Homemade Mexican vanilla soft-serve non-fat froyo, pecans, pom molasses reduc. Short-cut to my craving for Thanksgiving sweet potato pie, inspired by the spicy sweet potato soup I made a few weeks ago. Normally, our pie recipe is mashed baked or boiled sweet potatoes (I prefer baked because I love to eat the skins after baking), butter, nutmeg, vanilla, eggs, salt, and sugar in a shortening/butter pie shell. No whipped cream or ice cream, no nuts. Really simple, but loaded with mucho sat fat, cholesterol, cals, salt, sugar, etc. This was a quick mandoline slicing of a couple of potatoes tossed with nutmeg, vanilla,  a little coconut palm sugar, salt, crushed red pepper, and cayenne (not too spicy). I let them sit for a bit while preparing the crust. No sprouted flour left, so oat + whole wheat pastry flour with almond butter. This is my new go-to way to get my SPP crush on! I loved the combo of the sweet, the spicy, the tartness, warm pie with cool froyo, the nuts…just yum! And, it can be made in nearly half the time of the other pie.

— #GivingTuesday. Happy to read these articles: The Telegraph Christmas Charity Appeal 2015: Rethink Mental Illness, Last year’s Guardian and Observer charity appeal: mental health. Also, Trisha Goddard, Ade Adepitan, Lenny Henry Support Rethink Mental Illness Campaign | blacknet.co.uk.

— Going to get a little shimmery & sparkly for the Holidays? Several style inspirations here: Boat People Vintage – DIY style & art de vivre.

Or, what about plaid? Can’t be bad. DIY Plaid Blazer & Skirt | mimigoodwin.blogspot.com.

DIY tea bags from wrapping paper: Love Mae Blog | Tea Bag Gift Tag Tutorial.

Love this circular log holder and porcelain tableware: Porcelain Dinnerware and Ironworks | athome.kimvallee.com.

— Today’s Delights:

Bharwan/Stuffed Fish Recipe – Boldsky.

The Perfect Caramel Cake | cleobuttera.com.

Carrots, Dates, and Mint Salad | foodpleasureandhealth.com.

Beet Sports Energy Shots | yurielkaim.com. Great info in this post!

Butternut Squash Nachos | greenhealthycooking.com. You know I cannot have too much full-fat cheese at one time, so I made a version of these as tacos. Super!

Herring Apple Potato Salad | Kosher Scoop.

Pistachio Mulberry Fruit Nut Clusters | gourmandeinthekitchen.com.

Jack Frost Cocktail | Pretty Drinks | Pinterest.

It’s late, so have a great Wednesday! Until next time. Take care!

85 Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes + Tips for Managing the Holiday Blues

85 Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes from Potluck | ohmyveggies.com.

Happy almost-Thanksgiving to those in the States! Can you believe November has nearly come and gone? It got cool enough for me to pull out my MK peacoat a few times (a gift from last winter), but it’s been back up to the 80’s just recently. Still deciding on a few Turkey Day menu items? This post has you covered for apps, breads, mains, potatoes, stuffings, cranberry sauce, gravies, salads, pies, cakes, and other desserts. If you’re not in the States (or you don’t celebrate Thanksgiving) this recipe round-up is still sure to please.

I have planned a “less-stress” type of Thanksgiving this year. It’s back to the tradition of pasta that was started some years ago. As I said last year, I’m pretty sure I’m the one who started the tradition (as it’s my favorite dish). I’ve actually already been enjoying my own variations of “Thanksgiving-type” food this past week. Come Thursday, one side of my family will still be having a big turkey with cornbread dressing, baked mac and cheese, fried green tomatoes and okra, collard greens with ham hocks (or smoked turkey, if anyone wants a healthier sub), mashed with lots of butta, corn with bacon, and sweet potato pie (no pumpkin allowed).

My easy menu for this year is: Seafood Seville (variety of fish/shellfish with lots of tomatoes, olives, artichokes, sweet peppers, and onions) over a bed of fettucine, salad, Julia Child’s French Bread (from this post) w/ fresh butter (whipped up in the food processor), wine, espresso, and individual Pavlovas with Red Wine Cherry Compote and Mascarpone Whipped Cream. I’m still deciding on a salad. I’m thinking about kale with dried fruits and feta, as it can be made a day ahead. Having as much done as possible prior to the big day helps keep me calm. After gifting myself with the Fawlty Towers series a few months back, though, I keep thinking about making a Waldorf salad. I will start on the bread early Thursday morning, but I just couldn’t get it out of my thinking. Really quite delicious!

I wanted to find (and give) some encouraging words for you all as this Holiday draws near. So, I’m so glad I came across this article:

Tips For Managing The Holiday Blues | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness.

“The Holiday Blues are temporary feelings of anxiety or depression during the holidays that can be associated with extra stress, unrealistic expectations or even memories that accompany the season…The difference between the holiday blues and clinical anxiety or depression is that the feelings are temporary. However, short-term problems must still be taken seriously because they can lead to long-term mental health conditions.”

I know for many people, this can be a difficult time of the year. I found this article to give timely, practical advice, and I hope you’ll take a look at it. Also, if you assess that you are frequently comparing yourself to others or competing with others during this season (which can be easy to do), take a look at my post: How to Keep Your Cool with Competitive People (an offspring of my post: How to Deal with a Copycat).

No matter how the Holidays go — you cook a big, successful meal…or, you didn’t know you had to defrost the turkey, and you end up having to order takeout…your pumpkin pie isn’t as good as grandma’s (or so everyone tells you)…NO ONE helps you clear the table or wash a single dish, haha 🙂 …whatever may come, just know this: you are a wonderful, fabulous person, and I am thankful for you! Thank you for taking the time to read my randomness on this blog, my personal outlet journal. It’s been a great comfort to me.

Be blessed, & I will see you soon after the Holiday.

Kathy

My Way, No. 32

*If you’re new to my blog, you may want to read this for info on what ‘My Way’ posts are all about. 🙂 *

— I’ve told you how I love jackets. I really like this style (with the shirt & pants) I came across: My Style | Pinterest.

With the Holidays fast approaching, I’m sure some of you have youngins in recitals and whatnot. I found this super easy no-sew tutu tutorial I wanted to share: Adorable DIY No-Sew Tutu | simplyrealmoms.com.

You could probably use the same technique for an adult-sized petticoat for, say, a vintage circle skirt (or adult tutu).

— Adventures in Food: After making the citrus-mirin eggplant spread, I decided to prepare a simpler version of one of my all-time fave dishes: Eggplant Parmigiana Zoodles.

Instead of going through the whole bake-fry process, I just cubed it, then added it to my sauce. I think I’ve prepared this at least a dozen times now, and it’s still going strong. This pic, I prepared the zoodles separately. Many times, I just add them right into the sauce, though. I think I prefer them that way. I did my sauce on the stove, but I think I should make a big slow cooker batch soon (if my cravings continue). Extremely filling without being too heavy. Yums!

Moosewood Mixed Vegetable Curry from this post:

I became distracted and almost scorched the forbidden rice. I caught it just in time! This was fab & filling. I only altered it slightly by adding a few raisins while it was cooking (in addition to garnish), just a few mistos of oil, and I threw the carrots and tomatoes in just a couple of minutes before it finished. This can be a super versatile recipe, and you can surely experiment with the veggies you have on hand. Will be making this again soon!

Remember this fancy-dish post: Beetroot-Cured Salmon with Chrain and Herb Salad? While I would love to present this absolutely gorgeous recipe one day, I took the fanciness down a few notches (to my simple level, haha). For my everyday needs, just plain ole bay-goohlz & lahks:

I really liked this change-up from my usual gravad lax recipe. I used rum (as this recipe called for instead of my usual brandy), shredded beets, orange zest, black peppercorns, sea salt, coconut sugar, and basil. I like to weight mine down before placing it in the fridge. Also in this pic is the Rosemary Cranberry Spread from the Pates & Spreads post. I used homemade yogurt cheese for the base. So simple & tasty! I made mini sprouted rye bagels with charnushka (using the NY-Style Bagels recipe) for both. I didn’t have lovage, watercress, or borage flowers for the salad, so I improvised with celery leaves, mint, and toasted walnuts. Yummy! I think I will leave the chrain a bit chunkier next time.

2nd fishy use: Eggs Mornay with Beet-Cured Salmon, Mushrooms, Asparagus, and Chive Oil.

Lighter sauce with skim milk and a wee bit of parm. Sautéed mushrooms and asparagus in the bottom, topped with some sauce, eggs, more sauce, finished with lox, steamed asparagus, and chive oil. If I could have more cheese in my diet, I think I could eat this everyday. Even with a little toast, very satisfying, without being overly heavy.

Last adventure for today: Spicy Sweet Potato-Roasted Apple Soup in a “Pumpkin” Bread Bowl:

I really wasn’t sure how this would turn out, but it wasn’t that bad. The soup part I knew I could handle. Very simple, just baked sweet potatoes, roasted apples & mirepoix (carrots, scallion & leek whites, celery), fresh garlic, chile arbol, nutmeg, few pinches garlic & onion powder (lends a little different profile vs. fresh) few pinches of coconut sugar, a couple of orange segments (at the end, just before blending), water, s&p. I’m not very artistic (even with something as seemingly easy as a pumpkin), so that part made me a little nervy. I think I did OK, considering my lack of talent. I decided to use the bagel dough recipe (without the boiling, just a few spritzes of oil), as it’s a very quick, dense bread. I only made 2 bowls to test it out (1/3 of the recipe, 1 cup of flour w/ 1 TBSP vital wheat gluten). I checked on them after 20 minutes baking time, and they looked just about done. The top of the “stem” was very brown, so I covered it with a piece of foil. They were nicely browned after an additional 5 minutes.

I used sweet potatoes as I prefer them to pumpkin, but pumpkin soup in a “pumpkin” bread bowl is the obvious alternative. The addition of cream would up the luxury factor. I took the bagel dough shortcut, but I know there are all sorts of fab bread recipes out there that would fit the bill. This size bowl is nice for a small app, but you could double it for a main.

— Celebs Call For End To Mental Illness ‘Stigma’ | news.sky.com.

— 17 Genius Uses of Witch Hazel | mixer2mower.com.

— After seeing this, I’m indecisive about making a stone or pottery serving tray. Maybe I’ll do both. Mosaic Serving Tray or Plate | craftideas.info.

How awesome are these silver and gold leaf concrete bowls? Golden moon surfaces | architonic.com.

— Today’s Lovely Dishes:

Most of the time, I have to be in the mood to eat sausage (unlike bacon). But, what to do with all that leftover T-Day turkey? Here’s an idea: Turkey Breakfast Sausage | paleoaholic.com. 

I’m thinking we might just skip the turkey again this year and go for an all-carb meal of spaghetti, wine, and bread, though.

Homemade sausage would be a fabulous addition to this: Easy Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole | Sally’s Baking Addiction.

Some evil person left Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies in the lunchroom (and baskets of candy in other places). I barely escaped with just one cookie consumed, and I never looked back, lol. Looking for mint recipes, I came across this: Homemade Thin Mint Cookies | flavorthemoments.com.

Make sure to support your local Girl Scouts’ cookie sales, though, too (if you have the opportunity)! I have to give mine away, or else I can easily eat the entire box, haha.

Simple Milk Kefir Yeast Bread | culturesforhealth.com. “Kefir contains various strains of yeast. These yeasts are similar in properties to those found in a sourdough starter, so kefir can be used make bread with no additional yeast or sourdough starter!” I wonder if this would work with water kefir as well???

THE MOTHER OF ALL BREAD DIP RECIPES: OLIVE OIL INFUSED WITH FLAVOR AND TEXTURE | glowkitchen.com.

I love a pb&j smoothie! Several smoothies to choose from here: Delicious Smoothies to Enjoy! – Essential Health.

Flavor up this classic recipe any way you like: Duchess Potatoes Recipe – Chowhound.

Vegan Butternut Squash Veggie Pizza | Minimalist Baker Recipes.

Tastes like waffles in a cup, the blog says: Irish Brunch Cocktail | theflairexchange.com.

See you next time!

Recipes: Pâtés & Spreads

I’ve had a carb-loaded weekend! Breads and 2-for-1 crackers & grissini. Same dough for the crackers and breadsticks, just flavored (and shaped) differently. I love putting together baskets like this, as they’re so quick — the more rustic and imperfect it looks, the better (IMO). People will know you made it with love, anyway 🙂 . 

After making pâtés last week, I decided to keep the spread loving going. This time, all about the veggies. My spreads pic’d here are: Asparagus-Avocado-Mint & Roasted Eggplant w/ Citrus & Mirin. I intended the eggplant to be the Miso and Citrus Glazed Eggplant I posted. If you could tell from previous posts, eggplant is one of my absolute favorite things in the world. So, my eyes always zone in when I see a recipe for it. At the last minute, I decided to take the concept and make it a spread (since I had all these carbs waiting for me!). Eggplant, garlic, onion, fresh orange juice, orange zest, homemade mirin, s&p. The zest really gave it a zippiness. The other was just steamed asparagus, avocado, roasted garlic, s&p, and mint. My mint has really taken off, so that was my starting inspiration for the combo. I wanted to find a few ways to use it (beyond juleps, say, haha). 

As I enjoyed these spreads and pâtés so much, I decided to look up a few more to share with you all. They can be such an easy go-to for guests, or those times when you just don’t feel like a big meal prep. Add a bit of crudite, fruit, or wine perhaps, if you like. And, if you don’t feel like making your own bread, etc., your local bakeries always come in handy. We have several fabulous bakeries here in Tucson. Or, forget the bread/crackers & just slather them on your raw veg. 

Terrine de Legumes – Vegetable Pate | phamfatale.com.

Two Salmon Pate Recipe | dairygoodness.ca.

Sweet Almond Pate | healthfulpursuit.com.

PÂTÉ DE CAMPAGNE | whats4eats.com.

Make sure to check out this classic recipe’s variations at the bottom.

Mock Salmon Pate | renewedlivinginc.com.

Rosemary Cranberry Spread | lifesambrosia.com.

Terrine de crabe exotique | cuisineactuelle.fr.

Vegetable Pate | Kirsten’s Kitchen.

Chicken Liver Pâté w/Balsamic Shallots | healthyfellow.com.

Mushroom Pate | natureandhealth.com.au.

Take care!

My Way, No. 31

*If you’re new to my blog, you may want to read this for info on what ‘My Way’ posts are all about. 🙂 *

— “Hot enough for ya?” is an expression you often hear in these neck of the woods. It’s kind of exciting when you actually get to put a coat on the first few cooler weather days. I get over it eventually, haha, but those first few times can be fun. I love shorter, lighter trenches like this, as they can double as a dress (value purchase!): 10 Pecas Basicas No Amario Feminino | uapestilo.blogspot.com.

Speaking of value, I found this office wear page with a lot of great ideas: Work Outfits on Pinterest.

I’ve always liked the idea of versatility within your clothing pieces, so I was attracted to this pic. I love suit jackets, and they are one of my staple pieces. I have a ton, and I will pair them with anything from actual suit bottoms (skirts/pants), jeans with heels, jeans with flats or sneakers, printed skirts…really, quite a few possibilities.

— If you’re in Tucson and haven’t heard about it, I wanted to let you know about RISE Equipment Recycling. “RISE Equipment Recycling Center processes donated office equipment and furniture to sell at a reduced price to non-profit organizations, their clients, and low income familes and their children.” This is a fabulous organization that can always use donations. They also use volunteer staff, if you think that’s something you might be interested in. When I worked as a non-profit operations manager, they outfitted our entire computer center (used for job training computer classes). What a blessing! There were tears of joy!

— Today’s Adventures in Food: Mayocoba beans x 2! Last week, I cooked up a pot and found a couple of different ways to make use of them:

I have always thought I preferred stuffed white potatoes, but this sweetie proved me wrong. Both bean preps had a base of tomato with homemade bread crumbs (from my whole wheat-teff bread) and ground nuts. I added the bread and the nuts recalling the lentil “meatballs” I made here and here. I liked that they gave them a meatier texture. I just varied the base by using “chili-type” seasonings for one & “sloppy joe-type” seasonings for the other (with the addition of green bell peppers). I also smashed half the beans for the sloppy joe, as was indicated in the original lentil “meatball” recipe. I’ve seen several vegan/vegetarian bacons from veggies, but I was unsure of an exact method. For the potato, I just decided to bake off the criminis I had (until crisp) with my smoked sea salt. Pork bacon also has a little sweetness to me, so I hit it with just a few pinches of coconut sugar. Homemade non-fat Greek-style yogurt & chives.

I added homemade coleslaw and zucchini bread & butter pickles (I use turmeric for the pickle coloring) to the sloppy joe. I have never made coleslaw in my entire life, so I was really winging it. I didn’t use a recipe, and I’m sure I broke a few “My grandma makes it this way” rules. I really do not care for it by itself, but I found I really enjoyed it on this hamburger. So, I went for it. I used the Hawaiian rolls recipe from the bread post (I smashed it down a bit) with spelt and vital wheat gluten vs. AP flour. 2 super easy, super casual, yummy meals! I am not sure if mayocoba beans are readily available in many parts of the country. If you’re unable to find them, check out our local Native Seeds/SEARCH online store (also offering a ton of other goodies).

From the last My Way, I made mini Chinese scallion pancakes:

I actually used the traditional recipe from the blog instead of the simplified version I posted (with whole wheat pastry flour & VWG). The traditional version is pretty simple, too, with a food processor — sort of like a tortilla, kicked up with some scallions and 5-spice. I saw a recipe for Asian-style quesadillas, but I forgot to record it. So, I just decided to make my own version with the pancakes. I fermented black beans, then used them to make this Black Bean Sauce – Homemade Spicy Version. Akin to a chunky hoisin. The sauce + pulled chicken + the pancakes. Delish! The pancakes can be pretty addicting, so be forewarned. If you want to make your own hoisin or 5-spice blend, here are a couple of recipes I found: Homemade Hoisin & Chinese 5-Spice Powder. Pic’d with homemade squash ribbon kimchi and squash noodles with ginger-sesame sauce. I wring all of the excess liquid from the noodles before adding the sauce.

Rustic Italian Bread from this post, using whole wheat (+VWG) & the stencil technique. Perhaps you could use edible paint or glitter for the stencils, as well? I added a little beet powder to the stencil flour, but you could do all beet or some other fruit/veg powder:

Was fab with a couple of patés I made and dried figs. I’m always craving dried figs. I would like to find a good figgy-filled cookie recipe. This was a lighter-style wild salmon, white wine, and shingled carrots paté:

— This candlestick holder topiary says it’s for Christmas, but I think you could create one for any time of the year: DIY Christmas Centerpieces.

Or, maybe think about alternatives to the pistachios, like coffee beans or dried berries.

The Busy Broad: DIY Blinged Out Flask.

— Today’s Featured Delights. Hope you enjoy!

Pavlova with Red Wine Cherry Compote and Mascarpone Whipped Cream | Cooks with Cocktails.

Napa & Co’s Sea Bass w/ Artichokes & Blood Oranges – CT Bites – Restaurants.

Eating richly even when you’re broke | Thai Recipe: Son In Law Eggs. 

Just one of those simple, scrumptious meals. You can easily make it vegan or vegetarian, too. Asian: Sesame Chicken and Noodles/ | KeepRecipes : Your Universal Recipe Box.

Miso and Citrus Glazed Eggplant | quitegoodfood.co.nz.

Edamame Navy Bean Salad w/ Orange-Balsamic Dressing | Go Red for Women.

For your inspiration: 25 Yummy Fruit Desserts | designsnext.com.

Pumpkin Spice Margarita | realhousemoms.com.

Take care, & see you next time!