Tag Archives: vegetarian

Gruyere Cheese and Basil Sandwiches

Posted in comfort food, sandwich, Snacks, vegetarian by

grilled cheese

Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Makes: 2 Servings

Ingredients

  • 4 Slices Sourdough Bread
  • 3-4  Ounces of Gruyere Cheese
  • 4-6 large Basil Leaves
  • 2 Tablespoons Butter

Preparation:

Prepare ingredients:
Pick the basil leaves off the stems; discard the stems. Wash and dry the basil leaves. Thinly slice the cheese into large pieces.

Assemble the sandwiches:

Lay the bread slices on a clean, dry work surface. Divide the cheese slices and half of the basil between 2 of the bread slices;  Complete the sandwiches with the remaining bread slices.  Spread 1/4 of the butter on each of the top slices of bread.

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Cook the sandwiches:

Heat a griddle or fry pan on medium until hot. Add the sandwiches (butter side down) and cook 3 to 4 minutes on the first side, or until golden brown and crispy. Add the remaining butter on the unbuttered bread and carefully flip the sandwiches. Cook 3 to 4 minutes, or until the cheese has melted. Transfer to a clean, dry work surface.
Plate your Dish:
Cut the cooked sandwiches in half and divide between 2 plates. Serve with Easy Tomato Soup on the side. Enjoy!

Gingered Carrots with Mint

Posted in holiday favorites, low-carb, side dish, vegetarian by

gingered carrots with mintI recently learned of the many benefits of eating carrots.  Here are some great reasons to include more of these crunchy superfoods in your diet:

FIVE Benefits of eating carrots:

1.  Improves vision
Carrots are rich in beta-carotene and that translates to “good for the eyes”.

2.  Slows down aging 

That same beta-carotene found in carrots also acts as an antioxidant to cell damage so it helps slow down the aging of cells.

3.  Promotes healthier skin 
Carrots are also rich in Vitamin A that protects the skin from sun damage, prevents premature wrinkling, acne, dry skin, and uneven skin tone.

4. Helps prevent cancer
Carrots reduce the risk of lung cancer, breast cancer and colon cancer.

5.  Prevents heart disease and stroke

Carrots have not only beta-carotene but also alpha-carotene and lutein.  Studies show that diets high in carotenoids are associated with a lower risk of heart disease. In addition, a Harvard University study showed that people who ate more than six carrots a week are less likely to suffer a stroke than those who ate only one carrot a month or less.

Conclusion: Eat more carrots!  Here’s a delicious way to enjoy them.

Carrots, seasoned with sweet and spicy crystalized ginger, glazed in butter and honey, are a beautiful accompaniment to roasted chicken or even lamb. Use a fragrant honey, such as orange blossom, thyme or tarragon. If you cannot find baby carrots, peel and cut slender full-size carrots into 2-inch lengths.

gingered carrotsIngredients:

  • 2 Tbs. unsalted butter
  • 1 Tbs. honey
  • 1 Tbs. finely chopped crystalized ginger
  • 1 lb. small, thin carrots, peeled
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
  • 2 Tbs. chopped fresh mint
  • 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice

Directions:

Continue reading →

Sundried Tomato Pesto Zoodles

Posted in AP's Favorites, cut calories, italian, low-carb, vegetarian, weight loss ideas by
Sundried Tomato Pesto and Zoodles 
I love this dish as it replaces traditional pasta with low-carb zucchini ribbons and the sundried tomato pesto is to die for. We can’t get enough at my house!

Sundried Tomato Pesto Zoodles

Time: 30 minutes (prep + cooking) | Serves: 2

Ingredients:

  • 4 zucchini squash, rinsed + cut in very small strips or spiralized
  • 2 cups of grape or cherry tomatoes, rinsed
  • 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1 cup of fresh basil leaves
  • 1 cup of walnuts
  • 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tsp. of crushed red pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. of chopped, fresh rosemary leaves, (1/4 tsp. if you use dried rosemary)
  • 1/2 tsp. of italian seasoning
  • S+P, to taste
  • 1/3 – 1/2 cup of olive oil for pesto
  • 2 Tbsp. of olive oil for zoodles

Directions:

  • Cut the zucchini. (I use the Microplane Spiral Cutter because it makes pretty ribbons of healthy and delicious vegetables)spiralized zucchini
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F
  • Lay tomatoes on a lined baking sheet
  • Sprinkle with S+P and 1 Tbsp. of olive oil
  • Roast for 6-8 minutesroasted tomatoes
  • Meanwhile, add sun-dried tomatoes, basil, walnuts, cheese, red pepper, rosemary,  italian seasoning, and S+P to a food processor
  • Sundried Tomato PestoWhile processing on low, slowly add in the olive oil
  • IMG_6971In a  large saute pan, heat 1 Tbsp. of olive oil on medium heat
  • Add zoodles and S+P to pan + saute for 3-4 minutes
  • Add roasted tomatoes  and S+P to pan and cook another 3-4 minuteszoodles and tomatoes
  • Stir in pesto and toss gently, cooking another 2-3 minutes
  • Serve with extra parmesansundried tomatoes and zoodles

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Tilapia Meunière with Moroccan-Spiced Lentils & Rainbow Chard

Posted in main meal, vegetarian by

Tilapia and Moroccan-spiced Lentils And Rainbow chard

Tilapia Meunière with Moroccan-Spiced Lentils & Rainbow Chard*

Ingredients:

2-3 Tilapia Fillets
½ Cup Black Beluga Lentils
2 Cloves Garlic
1 Bunch Rainbow Chard
1 Red Onion
1 Lemon
2-3 sprigs of  Parsley (for garnish)
4 Tablespoons Butter
2 Tablespoons Capers
2 Teaspoons Ras El Hanout (moroccan spice blend of cardomom, nutmeg, anise, mace, cinnamon, ginger, various peppers, and turmeric)
⅓ Cup Panko Breadcrumbs

Directions:

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Simple Salad

Posted in AP's Favorites, dressing, italian, low-carb, salad, vegan, vegetarian, weight loss ideas by

simple saladThis is my go to salad. It compliments any meal and is so light and simple.

Favorite Vinaigrette Dressing

½ cup cider vinegar (or your favorite vinegar, I like lemon or grapefruit-infused vinegars)
1T. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. minced shallot
½ tsp. honey
6 T EVOO
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients but salt and pepper in a small jar with a tight fitting lid. Shake well. Season with salt and pepper.

 

Salad

Mixed greens (any mix of red and green romaine, red and green oak leaf, kale, frisee, and spinach)
Thinly sliced red onion (just a few)
Shredded carrots (handful)
Sliced tomatoes (homegrown are the most flavorful)
Fresh ground pepper to taste

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Quick Herbed Quinoa

Posted in Moni's Favorite, side dish by

Herbed QuinoaWhen I first started making this side dish, I used white Basmati rice instead of quinoa.  Recently I tried using quinoa due to the great health benefits that quinoa offers.  Although it is eaten like a grain, it is technically a seed.  It is a great source of protein, something that is rare in the plant world.  Quinoa is also high in iron and calcium as well as fiber.  Quinoa is also naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with celiac and others needing a gluten-free diet.  Oh, did I mention it’s tasty too?

Quick Herbed Quinoa

1 cup quinoa ( I like tri-color)

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. fresh rosemary, minced (1/2 tsp. if dried rosemary)

1/2 tsp. marjoram

1 tsp fresh thyme, minced (1/2 tsp. if dried thyme)

1 tsp. onion flakes

1 1/2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth if you are a vegetarian)

1 T. butter

 Directions
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Wild Mushroom and Thyme Frittata

Posted in breakfast, brunch, vegetarian by

Mushroom and Thyme Frittata
Wild Mushroom and Thyme Frittata

Ingedients

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus a little for the dish)
  • 8 oz. Morel or Baby Bella mushrooms sliced
  • 1 ½ cup Havarti cheese shredded
  • ½ cup whipping cream
  • ½ teaspoon dry mustard
  • ¼- ½ teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves (Use only half as much if using  dried thyme instead of fresh)
  • 7-8 large eggs
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

 

Preparation

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

In a large frying pan over high heat, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter and add mushrooms. Cook stirring often until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.

Butter a 10 inch quiche pan and sprinkle cheese in the bottom.

In a small bowl, mix cream, mustard, thyme, salt and pepper.

Pour just half of the cream mixture over the cheese.

Top with mushrooms and eggs. Pour remaining cream mixture over the top.

Bake until eggs are set, about 35 minutes.

Serves eight.

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Heavenly Deviled Egg Salad

Posted in appetizer, brunch, low-carb, salad, vegetarian by

IMG_3595.JPG
I adapted this recipe from one I found in Celebrate Cookbook by Sheila Lukins. I love her deviled eggs and make them every year at Easter. This modified recipe allows you to enjoy this vegetarian delight for lunch or as a snack. Continue reading →

Best Vegetable Chili Ever

Posted in Dani's Favorite, low-carb, main meal, soup, vegetarian by

best vegetable chili ever

Vegetable Chili

Serves 8

Ingredients

1/2 cup olive oil
2 zucchini, cut into ½ inch dice
2 onions, cut into ½ inch dice
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 large bell peppers, cored and cut into ¼ inch dice (I like to use one red and one yellow)
1 large can Italian plum tomatoes, w/ juice
1 ½ lbs. ripe tomatoes, cut into 1-inch dice
2 T chili powder
1 T ground cumin
1 T dried basil
1 T dried oregano
2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. fennel seeds
½ cup fresh Italian (flat leaf) parsley, chopped
1 can canned dark red kidney beans, drained
1 can canned chick-peas (garbanzos), drained
½ cup fresh dill, chopped
2 T fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese, grated (optional)
4 scallions (green onions), white bulb & 3  inches green, sliced diagonally (optional)

 Directions

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Artichoke Cheese and Rosemary Frittata

Posted in breakfast, brunch, low-carb, vegetarian by

artichoke rosemary and cheese fritatta

Artichoke Cheese and Rosemary Frittata

¼ cup chopped onions
1 jar (8oz) drained artichoke hearts, cut up
1 cup grated cheese (any kind you like, I like Sharp Cheddar & Monterey
Jack)
4 eggs
1/4 cup Bisquick
1 cup milk
½ tsp. fresh rosemary (or ¼ tsp. dried rosemary)
salt and pepper to taste
fresh shaved or grated Parmesean cheese (optional)

Directions: Continue reading →

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