A Fresh Take on Old Favorites – Two Bagel Toppings! Curried Cashew Hummus and Curried Cashew Cream Cheese

 Appetizer, Breakfast, Dairy Free, Egg Free, Favorites, Gluten Free, High Protein, Kid Friendly, Native Sun Recipe, Quick and Easy, Six Ingredients or Less, Soy Free, Vegan, Vegetarian  No Responses »
Feb 282013
 

Two Bagel Toppings! Curried Cashew Hummus and Curried Cashew Cream Cheese

Remember some of the diets of the past? Go fat free, they said.  Peanut butter was the devil, nuts were off limits and you couldn’t even LOOK at an avocado. (Be still my heart.)

Curried Cashew Hummus and Cream Cheese

Curried Cashew Hummus and Cream Cheese

(Don’t even get me started on the Atkins craze. That’s a whole post in itself.)

Fat free cheese, fat free cream cheese, fat free yogurt, fat free cookies – Snackwell’s anyone? We were swimming in processed, fat free but sugar filled foods as the obesity epidemic skyrocketed.

Curried Cashew Hummus

Curried Cashew Hummus

Thankfully, times are changing and people are beginning to learn that balance is the way to go and that we do need some fat, some carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and protein in the form of whole foods.

Cashew Cream Cheese

Cashew Cream Cheese

Meet the cashew.  Cashews can be turned into alternatives to almost any dairy you like – milk, sour cream, cheese, cream cheese, but have NO cholesterol and some of that healthy fat we used to miss.  Typically I use raw cashews, but in this case the curry ones were on sale at Native Sun Natural Foods Market, so I decided to give them a try.  I soaked them first so they would blend easier and voila!  Delish!

As for the hummus – this was a little sub I learned from my friend Suzanne.  A co-worker had brought bagels into the office and instead of eating it dry, since she had also cut out dairy, she topped it with some hummus. I tried it and LOVED it, so now it’s my favorite way to enjoy a bagel or baked bread and as the usual dip for crunchy, fresh veggies.

A dash of curry gives these two toppings a little hmm factor without being overpowering.  If you don’t like curry, simply leave out the curry powder, use olive oil instead of the curry coconut oil and use raw cashews instead of curry.

Curried Cashew Hummus

Curried Cashew Hummus

Curried Cashew Hummus

Serves 4 (Hummus serves 4-6)
Vegan, Gluten Free
Printable Recipe

Ingredients

4 GF bagels, such as Udi’s
2 Tbsp chopped curried cashews, soaked for 1 hour or overnight
1 can chickpeas, Tree of Life, drained and rinsed
1 Tbsp nutritional yeast
3 cloves garlic
2 tsp fresh lemon juice
1 Tbsp melted curry coconut oil, Ziggy Marley (you can sub olive oil here)**
Dash of curry powder
1 Tbsp tahini
¼ tsp salt

Directions

1. Blend cashews through salt in a small food processor or blender, adding 1/2 Tbsp water at a time until creamy consistency is reached. Spread ¼ mixture over each of four toasted bagels.

Curried Cashew Cream Cheese

Curried Cashew Cream Cheese

Curried Cashew Cream Cheese

Inspired by this recipe
Serves 4 (Cream Cheese serves 4-6)
Vegan, Gluten Free
Printable Recipe

Ingredients

4 GF bagels, Udi’s
1/2 cup chopped curried cashews, soaked for 1 hour or overnight
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
2 tsp apple cider vinegar, Bragg
Dash of curry powder
¼ tsp salt

Directions

1. Blend cashews through salt in a small food processor or blender, adding 1/2 Tbsp water at a time until creamy consistency is reached.

__________________________________

Nutrition Facts Hummus (without bagel)
4 Servings
Amount Per Serving

Calories 231.5
Total Fat 8.9 g
Saturated Fat 3.8 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.9 g
Monounsaturated Fat 2.5 g
Cholesterol 0.0 mg
Sodium 510.3 mg
Potassium 302.8 mg
Total Carbohydrate 31.4 g
Dietary Fiber 6.4 g
Sugars 0.3 g
Protein 8.5 g

Vitamin A 0.7 %
Vitamin B-12 16.6 %
Vitamin B-6 90.8 %
Vitamin C 11.1 %
Vitamin E 0.6 %
Calcium 6.3 %
Copper 19.5 %
Folate 29.5 %
Iron 13.4 %
Magnesium 13.4 %
Manganese 43.8 %
Niacin 37.3 %
Pantothenic Acid 5.8 %
Phosphorus 18.2 %
Riboflavin 74.7 %
Selenium 10.1 %
Thiamin 86.3 %
Zinc 14.1 %

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Nutrition Facts Cream Cheese
4 Servings
Amount Per Serving 

Calories 99.6
Total Fat 7.9 g
Saturated Fat 1.6 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3 g
Monounsaturated Fat 4.7 g
Cholesterol 0.0 mg
Sodium 255.0 mg
Potassium 104.2 mg
Total Carbohydrate 6.1 g
Dietary Fiber 0.5 g
Sugars 1.1 g
Protein 2.6 g

Vitamin B-6 2.3 %
Vitamin C 2.3 %
Vitamin E 0.5 %
Calcium 0.8 %
Copper 19.1 %
Folate 3.0 %
Iron 5.8 %
Magnesium 11.4 %
Manganese 7.6 %
Niacin 1.2 %
Pantothenic Acid 2.1 %
Phosphorus 8.4 %
Riboflavin 2.0 %
Selenium 2.9 %
Thiamin 2.3 %
Zinc 6.4 %

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Enjoy These A Fresh Takes on Old Favorites – Two Bagel Toppings! Curried Cashew Hummus and Curried Cashew Cream Cheese!

Butternut Squash and Chickpea Quesadilla with Avocado and Fresh Sprouts

 Dairy Free, Egg Free, Lighter Fare, Quick and Easy, Recipe Review, Soy Free, Vegetarian  No Responses »
Aug 022012
 

Just think…warm and sweet butternut squash, bright, sunny lemon, nutty tahini, purple onion and wilted spinach….doesn’t that sound great for summer?  It’s wonderful even cold!
This butternut squash dish was one of the recipes that Cara and I chose to make while she was in town visiting.  In addition to the tahini and olive oil, we stirred in some honey, cumin and fresh baby spinach. 
Once you try that one out….here is a wonderful round two recipe for you with avocado and sprouts that enhance the taste of fresh lemon.

Juicy summer cherries are the perfect compliment!

Butternut Squash and Chickpea Quesadilla with Avocado and Fresh Sprouts
Serves 4
Vegetarian
Ingredients
4 whole wheat wraps
1/2 cup Daiya cheddar cheese
1 avocado, seeded and sliced
1/4 red onion, sliced
1 cup sprouts
Directions
1. Preheat broiler to high.  Stuff 1/4 cup butternut squash salad into wheat wraps, top with 2 Tbsp Daiya.  Spray with cooking spray; broil, on high, 3 minutes per side or until browned.
2. Top with 1/4 sliced avocado, 1/4 of the sliced red onion and 1/4 cup sprouts.
**No nutrition info available for this one.

Vegan Seven Layer Bean Dip with Cashew Sour Cream and Mila and Our Latest Camping Adventures

 Camping, Dairy Free, Egg Free, Favorites, Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian  No Responses »
Jul 102012
 
Seven Layer Bean Dip with Mila
Greetings!  I just got back from our camping trip to St Augustine.  Yes I am crazy and yes, it was definitely hot and yes, there was mosquitoes the size of Texas. But you know what?  I’m a camper and I love it. Ok so I do have AC in my trailer but I still consider it camping.  Hey I know what it’s like….I tented for many years and I’ve ventured three times into the deserts of Arizona with a tent for two weeks at a time.  No running water and scorpions.
This time we spent the days staying as cool as we could.  First thing in the morning we hit our favorite zoological park, the  Alligator Farm, then right afterwards we hit a nice splash park, we ate lunches out and visited the farmers market. In the evenings we enjoyed a few glasses of wine and my daughter roasted up some marshmallows.  This was an all girls trip – no boys allowed!

Here are just a few pics from our adventure. This is where my daughter takes over for the photography.

I was ordered to BE SILLY.
Lunch! Present Moment Cafe offers raw and vegan options.

Here is my daughter trying to roast marshmallows over our smoke signal fire.  It wasn’t me. The wood must have been wet.

And finally we get to the recipe.  I bought this to a 4th of July celebration and it got rave reviews.  Especially the cashew sour cream.  No one could believe it wasn’t regular sour cream!  To me it tastes like a cross between cream cheese and sour cream.  Spread this on your bagels and you won’t miss the other white stuff one bit.

What is Mila?
Mila is an organically grown, non-genetically modified blend of chia seed that is cold pressed and sliced to make it more bio-available. 
It is RAW, GLUTEN FREE, AND VEGAN, perfect for cooking and baking.
It is super high in OMEGA 3s – equal to 6 to 10 fish oil pills per serving.  
A single serving also has FIVE GRAMS OF FIBER, more antioxidants than blueberries, more iron than spinach and many more benefits.
This little seed has anti-inflammatory properties, is excellent for brain function, energy, elimination, sleep and the best part?  It’s a FOOD!

Sound good?  Try some for yourself and see!

***To prepare this dish be sure to soak the raw cashews ahead of time!

Vegan Layered Bean Dip with Cashew Sour Cream and Mila
Vegan, Gluten Free
Ingredients
Layer 1
2 cups cooked chickpeas
1/4 cup chopped red and green onion
1/4 tsp Adobo seasoning
Layer 2
1 14.5 oz can black beans
1 scoop Mila
1/4 tsp Adobo seasoning
Layer 3
1 can light, low sodium refried beans (I used Eden Organic)
Juice 1/4 lime
Layer 4
1 to 2 cups fresh salsa (or salsa of choice)
Layer 5
1/2 cup chopped green onion
1/2 cup chopped cucumber
Layer 6
1/2 cup vegan mozzarella cheese (I used Daiya)
1 cup cashew sour cream: (1 cup raw cashews, soaked a few hours or overnight), 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice, 2 Tbsp Cider Vinegar, 1/2 tsp salt – blend until smooth, adding water if needed.
Layer 7
3 to 4 cups chopped lettuce

Directions

1. Mix the ingredients of each layer, one at a time, in a medium bowl.

2. Press each layer gently into a trifle bowl.  Serve with hearty organic corn chips.

Blast From the Past – Carrot Top Tabbouleh Redo – with Chickpeas!

 Dairy Free, Egg Free, Gluten Free, Lighter Fare, Raw, Salad, Soy Free, Tips, Vegan, Vegetarian  No Responses »
Mar 062012
 

Last season I created this unexpected recipe to utilize the gorgeous tops of my fresh carrots from the farm.  I just couldn’t bear to throw them away!  Since I got a few bunches with my last pick up I had to create it once again, this time using some chickpeas to create a light meal.

I love the mild parsley-ish taste of the carrot tops and the crunch the carrots add to the texture.  The mint makes this super fresh and the lemon adds a tang factor.
Tip: You can save a ton of money buy cooking dried beans in salt free veggie broth and freezing them in 2 cup packages to pull out for later use.
The carrots, scallions and tomatoes came from KYV farm and the mint, parsley and lemon from my garden and my dad’s tree. Now that’s local and seasonal produce!
Tip: Use your food processor for this one to make quick work of the chopping or if you don’t have one, bribe a friend to help chop.
Carrot Top Tabbouleh with Chickpeas
Serves a LOT - bring this to a pot luck or eat it all week and share with friends
Vegan, Dairy Free, (Gluten Free Option)
**Tip: For gluten free option, replace the bulgur wheat with white quinoa (cook to package directions using appropriate amount of veggie broth.)

Ingredients

1/2 cup bulgur wheat**(see above for gluten free)
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
1 bunch carrots with tops (say about 6 small 51/2 inch long)
Handful fresh mint
Handful fresh parsley
1 bunch scallions, chopped
5 small organic tomatoes, chopped
2 cups cooked chickpeas (or 1 can, drained, will work too)
3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Juice 1 lemon
Salt and Pepper
3 cloves crushed garlic

Directions

1. Heat the bulgur and broth to a boil, stirrings constantly, reduce heat, cover and simmer about 10 to 12 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Set aside to cool while you process the veggies.

2. Place the carrots, tops removed, into a large food processor (or in front of bribed friend), pulse several times to rough chop; add the carrot tops, mint, parsley and scallions, pulse until desired texture is reached, I like mine finely chopped.  Pour into a large bowl and add the tomatoes and chickpeas.

3. Whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper and crushed garlic in a small bowl.  Pour over carrot top mixture and toss well.  Reseason with salt and pepper, to taste.

 

Nutritional Information
Total Recipe
Amount Per Recipe
Calories  1255.4
Total Fat 46.9g
Sat Fat 6.2g
Polyun Sat Fat 6.3g
Monoun Sat Fat 31.2g
Cholesterol 0.0mg
Sodium 2357.8mg
Potassium 2156.1mg
Total Carb 151.7g
Dietary Fiber 32.5g
Sugars 17.2g
Protein 29.1g

Lebanese Chickpea Balila

 Dairy Free, Egg Free, Gluten Free, Lighter Fare, Soy Free, Vegan, Vegetarian  No Responses »
Feb 222012
 
There is a group of girls that are my lunch friends.  The same group gets together about every other week and we typically choose sushi or, our favorite Mediterranean restaurant, Mandaloun.
This is one of those hidden gems that is tucked away in a non-descript strip mall.  No one would ever know it was there other by word of mouth. 
Lucky for them I have a pretty big mouth.
The owner’s name is Pierre and he is originally from Lebanon.  His family has a history of catering and hospitality that dates back to the 30s when their first restaurant was opened in the mountains of South Lebanon.

It’s no wonder that anyone I bring there is delighted. My two favorite items to order are an authentic, insanely and deliciously tangy, fresh fattoush salad and a salad bar-complete with naturally vegan options-lentil soup, steaming soft pita, creamy hummus, babaghanouj and beans, salads and a hot bar.
This was another plus to this restaurant. When I cut out meat and dairy, I could still come and get exactly the same thing I would normally get.
Such as this balila. They only make it a few days a week and it was so amazing I asked him what was in it. This is my (much quicker) interpretation.
Lebanese Chickpea Balila
Inspired by Mandaloun Mediterranean and this recipe
Serves 4
Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free

Ingredients
1/4 cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
2 cups cooked chickpeas
1 cup organic, sodium free vegetable broth

4 tablespoons lemon juice (about one lemon)
¼ cup parsley, chopped

¼ cup toasted pine nuts (optional)

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook garlic and cumin about two minutes, stirring constantly. 

2. Add chickpeas and salt, cook 3 to 4 minutes.  Smoosh about 1/3 of the chickpeas with a fork.

3. Add broth and lemon, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer about 7 to 10 minutes or until thickened.  Top with parsley and pine nuts

Pumpkin Spice Cake and Plant Based Sources of 9 Essential Amino Acids

 Dairy Free, Dessert, Egg Free, Gluten Free, Kid Friendly, Soy Free, Vegan, Vegetarian  No Responses »
Nov 152011
 

Recently I flew up to Jersey, well doped for flying with a glass of wine or two at the airport Chili’s, with high hopes of a Snooki sighting upon arrival.

I know, I should be dealing with my fear of flying rather than drinking wine but that just isn’t as much fun.  And luckily I was flying up at night because technically this was a work trip.

The group that went up with me was an easy going and fun. We worked hard during the day and then after work we all gathered to have a drink or two.
After a few drinks our lively group checked out the menu for dinner.

The topic of what to eat came up and, of course, that led to a discussion about proteins after it was obvious I was looking for a plant based dish.

I was promptly advised that I can NOT get all the essential amino acids from plant based sources.

I asked which ones I’m missing out on then.

No one really knew.

Not one to shy away from a good challenge, especially one dealing with food, I got right to researching.  I knew you could get them all from plant based sources but I didn’t know exactly which ones.

Keep reading to see what I found….

These 9 essential amino acids are the only proteins our bodies can’t formulate on their own so we must obtain them from food sources.

(Here comes the technical info that I researched and compiled for the very noble purpose of winning the argument. Skip to the bottom if you are just here for the cake.)

Plant Based Sources of Essential Amino Acids.

Isoleucine (Ile)  muscle production and recovery, formation of blood clots
Some plant based sources. (Source)(Source)
Soy products such as Tofu
Almonds
Cashews
Low fat sesame seed flour

Leucine (Leu) tissue production and repair, produces growth hormones
Some plant based sources.(Source)(Source)
Soybeans
Lentils
Cowpeas
Raw peanuts
Almonds
Chickpeas
Sesame seeds

Lysine ( Lys) needed for calcium absorption and bone development, production of antibodies
Some plant based sources. (Source)
Nuts
Soybeans (particularly tofu, isolated soy protein, and defatted soybean flour)
Spirulina, and fenugreek seed
Brewer’s yeast
Beans and other legumes

Methionine (Met) fat digestion and prevention of plaque in arteries
Some plant based sources (Source)
Sunflower seeds
Pumpkin seeds
Sesame seeds
Peanuts
Lentils
(To a lesser extent grains and beans.)

Phenylalanine (Phe) brain function and mood
Some plant based sources (Source)(Source)
Soy products
Peanuts
Sesame Seeds
Lentils

Threonine (Thr) protein regulation and recycling in the body
Some plant based sources (Source)(Source)
Bananas
Carrots
Wheat germ
Many nuts
Beans
Lentils
Seeds
Sesame Seeds
Vegetables

Tryptophan (Trp) – produces serotonin, regulates sleep and mood, pain management
Some plant based sources (Source)(Source)
Soybeans
Evening Primrose
Brown rice
Peanuts
Sesame seeds
Bananas
Avocados

Valine (Val) muscle growth, repair and endurance, treats brain damage from alcohol, regulates nitrogen
Some plant based sources (Source)(Source)
Lentils
Peanuts
Soy
Mushrooms
Sesame seeds
Butternuts

Histidine (His) –“ the ‘growth amino’ essential for young children. Lack of histidine is associated with impaired speech and growth.” (Source)
Some plant based sources (Source)
Rye
Wheat
Spirulina
Seaweed
Sesame
Soy
Rice
Legumes

Now everyone is very concerned about getting all the essential amino acids in one sitting. Though it has been proven that we don’t need to do this, it’s always a good idea to eat great variety of natural foods in various combinations such as veggie, legume and grain.

How about pumpkin, chickpeas and oats to start?

Pumpkin Spice Cake

Serves 10
Vegan, Gluten Free
Ingredients
1 cup gluten free rolled oats, such as Bob’s Red Mill
1 ½ cups sucanat or brown sugar
½ tsp salt
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or more if you like a lot of spice)
½ tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
2 cans (or 500g cooked) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
¼ cup canned pureed pumpkin
3 Tbsp coconut oil (melted) or oil of choice
2 tsp vanilla
1 cup chopped dried fruit such as cranberries, dates, cherries and apricots
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Pour 1 cup gluten free rolled oats into a food processor or Vitamix.  Process until well ground.
3. Add 1 ½ cups sucanat and process to fine powder; add salt through baking powder and mix well; pour into a medium bowl.
4. Add 500 g chickpeas, ¼ cup pumpkin, oil and vanilla to processor or Vitamix; process until smooth.  Stir in dry ingredients; blend until well mixed. Stir in dried fruit and press into a 10 inch spring form pan sprayed with cooking spray.
5. Bake at 350F for 35 minutes; let cool 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

10 Servings
Amount Per Serving


Calories 267.2
Total Fat 5.4 g
Saturated Fat 3.7 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5 g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.6 g
Cholesterol 0.0 mg
Sodium 267.5 mg
Potassium 239.3 mg
Total Carbohydrate 54.3 g
Dietary Fiber 4.2 g
Sugars 36.2 g
Protein 4.0 g


Vitamin A 24.6 %
Vitamin B-12 0.0 %
Vitamin B-6 12.8 %
Vitamin C 3.6 %
Vitamin D 0.0 %
Vitamin E 1.0 %
Calcium 2.7 %
Copper 6.7 %
Folate 8.7 %
Iron 8.1 %
Magnesium 4.8 %
Manganese 19.3 %
Niacin 2.1 %
Pantothenic Acid 2.2 %
Phosphorus 5.5 %
Riboflavin 1.6 %
Selenium 2.5 %
Thiamin 1.1 %
Zinc 3.9 %


*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Collard Sushi with Hummus and Moroccan Mango Chickpea Salad and My Trip to California

 Dairy Free, Egg Free, Gluten Free, Lighter Fare, Quick and Easy, Soy Free, Travel, Vegan, Vegetarian  No Responses »
Sep 272011
 
Before I launch into my adventures in Wine Country…if you are here for the sushi click here.
I have returned from my 10th anniversary trip with the new knowledge that I am not, in fact, a city girl like I thought I was.  I’m much more of a relaxing and drinking wine all day and eating good food kind of girl.  We arrived in San Francisco last Saturday in the afternoon after a layover in Dallas where we began the celebration with Bloody Marys.

 
 
We pulled our bags off the baggage claim and dragged two bags, two sets of golf clubs and four carry-ons to the BART station where we proceeded to enter the world of public transportation.  When we arrived at our stop we then dragged all our bags to the hotels and got settled in.
 
 
The view from our hotel room at the Westin, Union Square.
 
 
Trolleys (Part of the Muni day-pass we bought.)
 
 
  Sunday we walked from Union Square to Chinatown.
We knew this place must be good.  There was a cat running through the restauraunt and a dead lobster floating in the tank.  But it was PACKED with locals.
 
We really got crazy and went with some kind of sesame ball.
 
From there we walked to the Ferry building and then headed to Fisherman’s Wharf.  On the way we got this view of Coit Tower.  We saw it from every angle that day.
 
 
 In the wharf area we hit a bar and proceeded to drink too much during the Jaguars game…

 
…THEN got bikes (this was a bad idea) because we were on our way to bike the Golden Gate…
 
 
…to Sausalito…
 
 
…we then took the ferry back and returned the bikes and started back to Union Square on foot, passing by Lombard…
 
 
…we made it back to the hotel to get ready for dinner…
 
 
…at Betelnut, a Pan Asian restaurant.
…where we had a noodle dish with sea bass that I added lots of hot chilies too and it needed cilantro. 
 
And then had a drink at the Clift hotel which was very cool but each drink was $15.  I had a blackberry margarita that I can say was almost worth it though; fresh berries and all. They have very cool paintings where the eyes move subtly so you aren’t sure if you actually saw the change or not.  I suggest going there even to see the “paintings”.  Wish I got a photo of those!
 
The next day we got up to walk Golden Gate Park… 
 
…walked to the Haight/Ashbury area where we did some shopping.  I got two super cute dresses, a belt and the flowy top I wore wine tasting for around $100…
 
 
Lunch back at the Ferry building at Delica…if you are there you MUST try this restaurant.  Japanese influence with California ingredients.
 
 
…Spicy Burdock Root Salad, Carrot Ginger Soup, Hijiki and Soybean salad.  I also tried the Wasabi Garlic Potato Salad and the Spinach and Sesame Salad at another time and had a lot of trouble deciding which was my favorite.
 
 
…after lunch we made our way back to take the trip to Alcatraz which was awesome.  You can take a audio self guided tour…
 
 
 
 
We walked back to the Ferry Building where I got dinner from the market there; that I proceeded to dump all over the street from the trolley we were riding.  No photo of my broken frosty wine bottle and salad splayed across the street.  After all the walking I was exhasuted; this was not my finest moment if you can imagine.
 
 
Tuesday day in San Fran the boys played golf and my friend Justine and I got a pedicure, ate at Delica again and then Chris and I had dinner at Perbacco.  I had a lovely lemon ricotta ravioli and Chris had sort of a short rib and egg noodle dish.  They were good but I would try elsewhere if I dined again in San Fran.
 
 
After dinner we hit the Starlight Room in the Drake for dancing.  It was SOO much fun.  Awesome music and a few of the city.  I would DEFINITELY go there again.
 
Wednesday the relaxing started when we got our very comfy minivan and drove over to visit the redwoods. Relishing in the fact that we could get in and out as we pleased without waiting and stopping at each block.  I have a renewed appreciation for what you city folk go through.  You expend so much energy getting around it’s a wonder anyone actually needs to work out.
 
As soon as I stepped out in Muir Woods I felt like I was at home (you know me, the camper that I am).
 
 
We walked through the woods, smelled the pine in the cool misty air and walked through the muffled quiet.  We headed back to the car after a short walk and took the winding (and tad bit foggy) ocean drive to wine country.
 
 
    The hotel there in Petaluma was much quieter, there was a lovely pool and we could park right out front and walk in. 
 
We found a fabulous little café called Luma that was so amazing we ate there two nights in a row. 
 
 
The first night I enjoyed a tomato ginger soup with the most wonderful texture; not too smooth, just perfectly rustic, and then a colorful Asian inspired salad that was topped with sesame seeds, a light sesame vinaigrette and blackened shrimp.  The result was shockingly perfect.  SO mad I didn’t get a photo.
 
 The next day we rented a driver to drive us around to the wineries outside Sonoma Valley.  We chose to go to all wineries with wines that we could not buy at home. 
 
We hit Ledson…
 
 
…Chateu St Jean, our favorite was Chateau St Jean where Bob, the sommelier, took us through the most informative wine tasting as well as gave me a priceless tip on taking daytime photos of sim ply forcing the flash.
 
 
And finally Deerfield.  Yes, only three, but it took us five hours and by the end it was probably good we didn’t hit two more because we started taking silly photos of ourselves stopping to smell the flowers.
Ok drunks…on to “the caves” at Deerfield.

 

Stick a fork in us.  We’re done.  Time for dinner!
We closed out the day back at Luma again with apps, pizzas and salad.
The next morning the boys played their second round of golf at Bodega Bay which was GORGEOUS.  Every hole was on the ocean.
  Justine and I wound our way through the hills close by.  We discovered Wild Flour Café with the MOST amazing scones we have ever experienced. 
Pumpkin, pecan, chocolate chip and an asiago, green onion, which we enjoyed in the actual wildflower garden complete with frolicking children. 
 
We made our way over to the town of Occidental where we found a small gift shop and coffee bar.  We both had a chai tea coconut latte and decided it was the best we ever had.  From there, at the suggestion of a long time yogi that was partaking in a most fabulous concoction called “Desire”, we went to my most favorite meal on the trip at….Lowell’s.  All organic, local, vegetarian. 
I got a macro bowl with brown rice, greens, roasted root vegetables, tempeh, lentils and a miso ginger sauce.  My body had been screaming for that exact sort of dish that I had so been missing since I left home. 
It doesn’t look that great here but in the dish’s defense we bought it in Occidental and didn’t eat it till we got to the beach on Bodega Bay to wait for the boys to finish up. 
Roasted root veggies, greens, tempeh, brown rice, lentils and a miso ginger sauce.  I thought I had died and gone to heaven.
 
Now for the “sushi”.
What did I do with all that delicious mango salad from my last long ago post?
 

I made another take on a Forks Over Knives recipe.  Simply cutting the stems off some gorgeous green collard leaves, blanching them in boiling water for about 30 seconds and then wrapping my delicious fillings.  Not only did the leaves hold up well for three days but they were almost easier than the standard wraps to use!

 
Alas, I can not provide nutrition information for this one as I did not measure the amounts I put in, however, it was so wonderful that I simply had to share.  I know there are those that need to follow exact recipes, however, I hope that this one allows you some freedom to experiment and at the same time, enough information to allow you to do so.
 
Collard Sushi with Hummus and Moroccan Mango Chickpea Salad
Vegan and Gluten Free
Inspired from Forks over Knives pp. 172
Ingredients
Collard Greens (1 leaf per serving)
Fillings such as:
Hummus
Moroccan Mango Chickpea Salad, or any mango salsa would work as well
Sprouts
Corn
Directions
1. Prepare a large bowl filled with ice water.  Bring a large, straight sided skillet or Dutch Oven filled with water to boiling; remove stems from collards and blanch for 30 seconds.  
2. Cut the thick woody part of the stem out, spread the hummus, fill with toppings and top with sprouts, just under and around the main rib line.
3. Fold in the sides and roll from the bottom up until closed.  Cut into sections and enjoy!

(Almost) Raw Moroccan Mango Chickpea Salad

 Dairy Free, Egg Free, Gluten Free, Salad, Side Dish, Soy Free, Vegan, Vegetarian  No Responses »
Sep 162011
 
One more day and I’ll be off; flying through the air, straight to San Francisco where we will be for four nights and then heading over to Sonoma for the next three nights for our 10th anniversary.  This is really the second major trip my hubby Chris and I have taken where we fly out of town (last one was to Mexico about 6 years ago) so I wouldn’t call us major out of state travelers; hence why I’m SOOO excited.  We will be there with another couple, our best friends Justine and Kerry that we have vacationed with before.  I promise to get back to blogging right when I return, but in the mean time I will try and tweet some good photos and updates.
As my parting gift I leave you with this salad.  But it’s not any salad.  It’s an almost raw salad (except for the chickpeas; they would be kinda hard not cooked), so it’s super easy to throw together, versatile; I ate this alone and then in two other recipes, and perfectly balanced.
Lightly sweet and very fresh.
Mango, lime and cilantro are such a classic and delicious combination, don’t you think?
(Almost) Raw Moroccan Mango Chickpea Salad
Inspired by Taste Space
Serves about 8 1/2-cup servings
Vegan, Gluten Free

Ingredients

3 garlic cloves
1 knob fresh ginger (about 1 1/2 inches long)
1 cup baby carrots
1/2 large red onion, quartered
Juice 1 lime
1 tsp garam masala
1 Tbsp agave
1/4 tsp of salt
1 bunch of cilantro, chopped
1 ripe mango, seeded and chopped (1.5 cups)
1 cup cooked chickpeas  (this is the not-raw part so omit if you are eating raw)

Directions

1.  Mince the garlic and ginger in a food processor until very finely diced; add the baby carrots and onion and pulse until finely diced.

2. Mix the lime, garam masala, agave and salt in a small bowl and add to carrot mixture. Pulse to disperse through; add cilantro, pulse once or twice until combined. 

3. Pour mixture into a bowl, stir in mango and chickpeas. 

**Garam masala is an Indian spice mixture you can get in specialy grocery stores or on line at Frontier or Penzey’s.

Nutrition Facts

8 1/2-cup Servings (Perfect for side dish)
Amount Per Serving

Calories 68.2
Total Fat 0.5 g
Saturated Fat 0.1 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2 g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.1 g
Cholesterol 0.0 mg
Sodium 174.6 mg
Potassium 173.5 mg
Total Carbohydrate 15.0 g
Dietary Fiber 2.4 g
Sugars 5.3 g
Protein 2.0 g


Vitamin A 42.9 %
Vitamin B-12 0.0 %
Vitamin B-6 11.3 %
Vitamin C 19.5 %
Vitamin D 0.0 %
Vitamin E 2.0 %
Calcium 2.2 %
Copper 5.1 %
Folate 7.4 %
Iron 3.1 %
Magnesium 3.7 %
Manganese 12.3 %
Niacin 2.0 %
Pantothenic Acid 2.1 %
Phosphorus 4.1 %
Riboflavin 2.4 %
Selenium 1.8 %
Thiamin 2.8 %
Zinc 2.8 %

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Crunchy Kale Fattoush

 Dairy Free, Dressing, Salad, Soy Free, Vegetarian  No Responses »
Sep 122011
 
I do believe I have discovered the dressing secret of my favorite salad at Mandaloun Mediterranean.  It is tart, tangy, sweet perfection and I think I figured it out by accident.  On a whim, while at the St Augustine Farmers Market I decided I would make a version of the fattoush salad with the organic kale I had just bought.  I got all the fresh herbs I would need, twice-baked my own pita chips for superb crunch, ruby red tomatoes, red onion instead of radish and Forks Over Knives 3-2-1 dressing recipe of 3 Tbsp vinegar, 2 Tbsp mustard and 1 Tbsp sweetener of choice (now my favorite oil-free dressing). 
How did I discover the secret of the dressing you ask? (Especially when theirs is laden with so much oil, as restaurants are known to do, and I have failed at my fattoush attempts in the past.)
I decided to try a reduction with the 3-2-1 dressing and when I tasted it, I knew I had hit gold.
It is almost an exact match, but oil free; tart, tangy, sweet and rich.  Oh baby it is SOOO good.  I was dipping kale leaves in and munching like they were potato chips.
Here is what I did.
Crunchy Kale Fattoush
Salad inspired by Mandaloun Mediterranean and dressing inspired by Forks Over Knives 3-2-1 dressing pp.118
Serves 4-5
Ingredients
1 bunch curly kale, washed and de-stemmed**
1 bunch fresh mint
1 bunch fresh parsley
1 bunch fresh oregano
1/2 red onion
2 large tomatoes, seeded
1 15oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed or about 1 1/5 cups cooked
1 cup pita chips, (bake your own from fresh pita*** or use Stacy’s Pita Chips)
Dressing
6 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
3 Tbsp mustard
1 1/2 Tbsp maple syrup
Directions
1. Heat the vinegar, mustard and syrup in a small pan to just boiling. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring regularly, until reduced by half and has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and cool.
2. Meanwhile, chop kale and set in a large bowl. De-stem and chop mint, parsley and oregano finely and set aside (do not mix in with kale yet).  Chop onion and tomato and set with herbs.
3. Once balsamic mixture has cooled, pour over kale and massage in until it begins to wilt a bit; about 30 seconds.  Add herbs, onion, tomato and chickpeas; season with salt and pepper, toss salad to mix.  Top with pita chips.
**Romaine can be used in place of the spinach; do not massage dressing in first.  Add all ingredients together except pita chips and toss to mix.  Add pita chips and serve.
***To bake your own pita chips, preheat oven to 250F, cut edges from pita and separate sides.  Spray with cooking spray and lay rounds directly on oven racks, start checking at 10 minutes as different areas of the oven may brown faster, remove from oven, break up, season, place on tray and re-bake 3 minutes or until super crunchy.  Keep a close eye so they don’t burn.
Nutrition Information
5 Salads (Including 4 oz Stacy Pita Chips)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 281.4
Total Fat 5.7 g
Saturated Fat 0.6 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.8 g
Monounsaturated Fat 3.5 g
Cholesterol 0.0 mg
Sodium 483.6 mg
Potassium 618.3 mg
Total Carbohydrate 50.5 g
Dietary Fiber 8.1 g
Sugars 6.4 g
Protein 9.7 g
Vitamin A 446.6 %
Vitamin B-12 0.0 %
Vitamin B-6 30.4 %
Vitamin C 140.5 %
Vitamin D 0.0 %
Vitamin E 7.6 %
Calcium 15.6 %
Copper 20.8 %
Folate 19.5 %
Iron 21.3 %
Magnesium 14.1 %
Manganese 67.4 %
Niacin 6.0 %
Pantothenic Acid     4.3 %
Phosphorus     12.4 %
Riboflavin 9.4 %
Selenium 5.3 %
Thiamin 9.2 %
Zinc 9.7 %
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Cheesy-Chick Quesadillas

 Dairy Free, Egg Free, Gluten Free, Kid Friendly, Quick and Easy, Soy Free, Vegan  No Responses »
Aug 292011
 
Ha!  I’ve now got four vegetarian recipes under my belt that my 3 year old daughter loves.



1) Pizza.  I use her brown rice bread, slap on some organic tomato sauce, some rice cheese and Italian seasoning then place under the broiler.
2) Baked potatoes topped with smashed white beans, cauliflower and broccoli
3) Sunflower seed butter and hazelnut agave pudding
4) The Cheesy Chick Quesadillas shown here (that I happen to be smitten with as well.) 


According to Dr Oz in last month’s Oprah magazine, it takes a child 12 tastes to develop a taste for something.  So don’t give up on introducing foods such as chickpeas to your kids.

My daughter likes them simple with chickpeas and cheese only.


I prefer my cheesy-chick quesadillas with the addition of roasted veggies.  

I cut a variety of vegetables up about 1/3 inch thick, such as tomato, zucchini, summer squash, onion, mushroom and sweet potato each weekend.  Simply preheat the oven to 350F, spray baking sheets with non-stick spray; lay the veggies out and roast for 45 minutes to an hour, turning halfway. Keep a close eye on them as different pans will brown veggies at different rates.


Here is the photo of mine with the roasted veggies.
On the side is a fabulously light guacamole; recipe to follow!
Cheesy-Chick Quesadillas
Serves 4
Vegan, Gluten Free (if Rice Cheese and Brown Rice Wraps used)

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas or 1-15oz can chickpeas/garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed, such as Eden Organic
1 recipe taco seasoning (Recipe below)
1/2 cup rice cheese, such as Daiya (or regular Mexican blend shredded cheese)
4 rice tortillas, I used Food for Life brand (or tortillas of choice)
Olive oil spray
Roasted Vegetables (optional if you happen to have some)

Taco seasoning
(Seasoning from these Walnut Lettuce Wraps)
1/2 Tbsp tamari
1/8 tsp ground chipotle
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground chili powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp olive oil
Directions

1. Toast chickpeas in a skillet, sprayed with non-stick cooking spray, over medium heat until just browned, about 5-8 minutes; stir gently every now and then. Wipe out skillet to make quesadillas.

2. Place chickpeas and taco seasoning in magic bullet or small food processor.  Pulse until just combined. Be sure not to over mix as you will get a paste.

3. Lay 4 tortillas out; cut each in half.  Spread 1/4 of chickpea mix and about 2 Tbsp rice cheese evenly over one half of each.  Top with the second half of tortilla. Spray outside of each quesadilla with non-stick cooking spray. 

4. Heat skillet over medium high heat.  Lay 1 quesadilla, cooking-spray side down; cook until browned, about 5 minutes; spray top side, flip and cook additional 5 minutes or until browned.  (Alternatively, preheat the broiler, place all four quesadillas on a baking sheet and broil until browned, flip and broil second side until browned.) Remove from heat, cool a few minutes; slice.  Repeat with remaining three quesadillas.

Nutrition for taco seasoning
1 Recipe
Amount Per Recipe

Calories 35.0
Total Fat 2.5 g
Saturated Fat 0.3 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3 g
Monounsaturated Fat 1.7 g
Cholesterol 0.0 mg
Sodium 516.2 mg
Potassium 59.4 mg
Total Carbohydrate 2.2 g
Dietary Fiber 0.7 g
Sugars 0.4 g
Protein 1.3 g

Per Quesadilla (Not including roasted veggies)
Nutrition Facts

4 Servings
Amount Per Serving


Calories 335.9
Total Fat 10.1 g
Saturated Fat 2.2 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5 g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.7 g
Cholesterol 0.0 mg
Sodium 838.2 mg
Potassium 264.7 mg
Total Carbohydrate 51.9 g
Dietary Fiber 7.1 g
Sugars 0.1 g
Protein 7.8 g

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