Breakfast Archives - Page 4 of 15 - De Ma CuisineDe Ma Cuisine

Monday

12

October 2015

0

COMMENTS

Pomegranate and Purple Basil Iced Tea

Written by Rachel, Posted in Breakfast, Brunch, Cocktails, Dairy-Free, Drinks, Fruit, Gluten Free, Herbs, Vegetarian

When I think of basil, I think of things like pesto, soup, risotto… even french toast. I love basil so much that I grow it in my garden – I can never seem to get enough. It’s one of the best things about summer (and fall, at least around here). The smell is intoxicating. So when purple basil came in the weekly Abundant Harvest Organics box, it seemed like the perfect time to try something new with it. I made tea.

While basil is one of the stars of this tea, it has some pretty powerful co-stars: pomegranates and ginger. I like this combination for a few reasons.

It’s fun to find something new to do with pomegranates. I sometimes have trouble using them up. This recipe used two whole pomegranates. Perfect!
Ginger – spicy and flavorful, but that’s not all. Did you know that ginger is good for you? It’s great for the tummy and intestines. It’s anti-inflammatory, can help with nausea, and is said to reduce pain levels for individuals with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Ginger tea is diaphoretic (warms from the inside out), so it’s great if you’ve got a cold, or if you just want to warm up.
On the healthy note, there are lots of studies going on about the many health benefits of pomegranates. They are being researched to find out their effect on things like free-radicals, memory, and even the common cold. Basil is also known to be a digestive aid, to help with headaches, and poor circulation. It’s also said to be an antioxidant, anti-viral, antimicrobial, and a stress reliever.

Great tasting, great for you.

To begin, those pomegranate seeds need to be removed from the pith or membrane (for a refresher on how to do this, check out last year’s post on deseeding pomegranates). Once they’ve been removed and the skin and pith discarded, the rest of the ingredients are added.

The seeds, ginger, basil, and honey are covered with boiling water and left to steep for a while.

Once the tea has come to room temperature, it’s mashed (to extract as much pomegranate flavor as possible) and strained.

After cooling completely in the fridge, it can be drunk as is with a sprig of basil for garnish.

Some fun twists: To serve it hot, either reheat the chilled tea, or just let it steep for a bit and then strain. I have a cold today, so I turned the leftover cold tea into a hot therapeutic tea. I added some more fresh ginger, a pinch of cayenne (helps me with congestion), and a bit more honey (soothes my throat) On a day when I’m feeling better, I might consider turning it into a cocktail (it could be used as a mojito base). Fresh lemons could also be added for a yummy take on lemonade.

Happy Sipping!

Pomegranate and Purple Basil Iced Tea

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Pomegranate and Purple Basil Iced Tea

Ingredients

8 C water
2 pomegranates, seeds removed from peel and pith
2-3 t fresh ginger, diced
1/4 C purple basil
(could also add mint or lemons)
1 T + 2 t honey (or more, to taste)

Instructions

Boil water.
Place pomegranates through honey in a heat-proof container. Pour boiling water over. Let stand until room temperature (unless serving hot - in that case steep until flavorful enough). Mash, then press through strainer and cool completely in the refrigerator. (Could freeze some in ice cube trays to use in place of ice for serving.)

Notes

Some fun twists: To serve it hot, either reheat the chilled tea, or just let it steep for a bit and then strain. Or, to drink when I have a cold: I turned the leftover cold tea into a hot therapeutic tea. I added some more fresh ginger, a pinch of cayenne, and a bit more honey. It could be used in a cocktail (it could be used as a mojito base). Fresh lemons could also be added for a yummy take on lemonade.

http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/pomegranate-and-purple-basil-iced-tea/

Possible health benefits are my opinions and ideas, based on the research that I’ve done, but are in no way intended to replace the advice of a qualified health care professional.

Sources:

The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods by Michael Murray, N.D., and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D., with Lara Pizzorno, M.A., L.M.T., Atria Books 2005

Reader’s Digest Foods That Harm Foods That Heal, The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc. 1997

Wikipedia

Monday

21

September 2015

0

COMMENTS

Whole Wheat Pear Muffins

Written by Rachel, Posted in Baking, Bread, Breakfast, Brunch, Dairy-Free, Dessert, Eggs, Fruit, Gluten Free, Grains, Kid-Friendly, Lunch, Nuts, Quick and Easy, Snacks, Vegan, Vegetables, Vegetarian

I’ve never been the best baker. I like to think that it’s because of my lack of skill when it comes to all things science. I got a D in chemistry in high school. Sometimes I wonder, if they’d told me how much I would care about science when I grew up, or if someone had shown me science in action, in the form of different baked goods, if it would have clicked. Maybe not, but I wonder.

So I’m slowly learning about baking. I’m a kinesthetic learner – I learn by doing, so it’s taking some trial and error to figure things out. What comes the most naturally to me when cooking is figuring things out as I go; recipes used for inspiration more than direction. That doesn’t really work with baking. But, I guess I’m learning, because these muffins did.

It helps that I know what the batter should look and feel like. The more I bake the more I know about doughs and batters and the like.

The stars of this recipe are Asian pears and figs, but any seasonal fruit will do: apples, berries, cherries, persimmons… Use what you love and what you have on hand.

There are also carrots, but you could use parsnips or summer squash in their place.

I used whole wheat flour and butter. But, of course, adapt it to suit your family’s needs. You could try a gluten-free flour blend if you’d like, or to make it vegan, use cold coconut oil and substitute flax seeds and water for the egg.

I love Burroughs Family Farms’ eggs, so that’s what I used today. The yolks are always the most brilliant golden yellow. I just can’t get enough!

I’m pretty picky about what I eat when it comes to sugar. I’m ok with the occasional treat, but in general, I avoid refined white sugar like the plague. Instead I like to use honey and maple syrup. Combine that with the oats, whole wheat flour, vegetable, and fruit that these muffins contain, and I feel great about them for breakfast, lunch, or a satisfying snack.

I was totally going to add chocolate chips. I even had them out on the counter. Then I forgot. Add ’em if you’d like. You could also add nuts. I’m not crazy about them in baked goods. But, to bump up the protein, or just because you like them, you could add some almonds or walnuts either to the batter, or gently press them into the top before baking.

I enjoyed these with some homemade butter. They’d been cooling for a little while when I finally got a taste, but were still warm enough to melt the butter just slightly. But even without butter (which is how I ate my second one), they’re absolutely delicious.

Happy Eating!

Whole Wheat Pear Muffins

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 22 minutes

Total Time: 37 minutes

Yield: 1 dozen

Whole Wheat Pear Muffins

Ingredients

1 C whole wheat flour
1/4 t salt
1/2 t baking powder
1/2 t baking soda
1/4 t cinnamon
1/4 t ginger
1/2 C cold butter (or coconut oil), cut into small chunks
1 C oats
3/4 C any of the following: Asian pears, pears, apples, parsnips, carrots, squash, persimmons, (grated)
1/2 C any of the following: figs, berries, cherries (pits removed), chopped
1/4 C honey (or maple syrup)
1/4 C maple syrup
1 egg (or use ground up flaxseeds and water)
1 t apple cider vinegar
1 t vanilla extract
(optional: almonds or walnuts, chopped, for topping)

Instructions

Position the rack in the center of the oven and pre-heat to 350F.
Whisk flour through ginger. Mix in butter with a pastry blender or hands until coarse meal or small (pea sized) chunks remain. Stir in oats through fruit. Set in the freezer while you assemble the wet ingredients.
In a separate bowl whisk honey through vanilla. Add to dry ingredients and stir to combine.
Scoop about 3T of batter into each compartment of a greased muffin pan (should yield 1 dozen). Top with nuts if desired, pressing them gently into the batter. Bake for about 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean and the center of the muffin springs back when touched.
Remove from the oven and cool for about 5 minutes in the pan. Transfer to a cooling rack and cool completely.

http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/whole-wheat-pear-muffins/

Monday

24

August 2015

0

COMMENTS

Cantaloupe Smoothie

Written by Rachel, Posted in Breakfast, Brunch, Dairy-Free, Drinks, Fruit, Gluten Free, Kid-Friendly, Lunch, Quick and Easy, Snacks, Vegan, Vegetables, Vegetarian

There’s nothing like a chilled melon on a hot summer day. Seriously. Nothing. Give me all of the watermelons, honeydews, and cantaloupes and I’m a happy gal. I can’t grow them for anything, so thankfully they know what they’re doing at JND Farms.

I’ve mentioned before that I prefer melon just plain. Super cold, cut into chunks or sliced, that’s my favorite. But, as I’ve also admitted, I’m loving these new ways to eat them too. Melon and Feta Salad? Yep! Watermelon Gazpacho? Absolutely! And now, a smoothie.

For this smoothie I added some frozen peaches and bananas. Fresh would be great too. I just had some in the freezer to use up. Whatever type of fruit, I’d suggest using as ripe as you can find ’em. Super sweet and juicy. Best way to go. If you wanted to switch things up you could also add some greens (like kale, spinach, or chard), berries, other types of stone fruit, pears, apples, or honeydew melon. Use what you have on hand.

I used cow’s milk, because it’s what we drink. But any kind of milk will do. Coconut, soy, almond, hemp… use what you prefer. Same goes for the yogurt. Any kind will work. Or, to keep it vegan, try some silken tofu.

Then grab your favorite blender and blend away. I like my smoothies super smooooooth, so I blended long enough that the guy working at the house next door looked over to see what the noise was (during the break he took from whatever noisy machine he was using 😉 ). I also overfilled the blender just a tad. I got a little cantaloupe happy. If I hadn’t had my hand on the lid we may have had cantaloupe colored walls. Whoops. The good thing about making so much is that I made enough for four, so tomorrow’s breakfast is already done.

Smoothies are a perfect breakfast, full of protein and nutrients. But, they’re also a great snack, or an accompaniment to a meal. I’m thinking that a Dandy Sandi paired with a smoothie sounds yummy. Maybe the extra servings will become lunch.

Happy Eating!

Cantaloupe Smoothie

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Yield: 4

Cantaloupe Smoothie

Ingredients

3 C cantaloupe, cut into chunks
1 frozen banana, cut into chunks
1 C frozen peaches (or fresh), cut into chunks
1 C plain yogurt or silken tofu
1 C milk (any kind)
pinch ginger
pinch salt
1 T maple syrup
Could also add: greens (kale, spinach, chard), berries, stone fruit, pears, apples, honeydew melon

Instructions

Put all ingredients in a blender and blend well.

http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/cantaloupe-smoothie/

Monday

17

August 2015

2

COMMENTS

Bread Pudding with Seasonal Fruit

Written by Rachel, Posted in Baking, Bread, Breakfast, Brunch, Dairy-Free, Dessert, Eggs, Fruit, Gluten Free, Lunch, Main Dishes, Nuts, Vegetarian

Today I’ve come up with a treat for the sweet tooth that’s both dessert and main dish. It’s a variation on a bread pudding, but we ate it for lunch.

It’s sweet, but not too, thanks to the maple syrup. It’s filling enough to be the star, thanks to the eggs and bread. It’s a great way to get some fruit into a dish, thanks to whatever fruit is in season. We’ve got figs and peaches on hand, so that’s what I used.

During the spring and summer the figs and peaches could be swapped out for blueberries, strawberries, or plums. In the cooler months, pears, apples, and persimmons would be perfect. Perfect for any time of the year. If you don’t have fresh fruit, frozen works (just drain it a bit first). You could even add some jam. I used softer figs and frozen peaches, that way they kinda became one with the eggy-bread mixture.

I was thinking that this would be yummy if it was chocolatey. You could add cocoa powder to the egg mixture (hello chocolate and cinnamon!). You could add chocolate chips too. I think figs or berries would be fabulous with chocolate.

Whatever bread you have on hand will be great. Gluten-free, whole wheat, croissants, baguettes… I like to use stale bread, but mostly because I feel bad using fresh bread for something like this.

I filled two 6″ ramekins to make two main dish sized portions. But, you could use smaller ramekins or one larger dish. Adjust the baking time accordingly.

To serve, I topped with some Greek yogurt and chopped almonds. You could also add some fresh fruit, walnuts, pecans, cream or crème fraîche, or if you’ve got an extra sweet sweet tooth, a drizzle of maple syrup.

Happy Eating!

Bread Pudding with Seasonal Fruit

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Yield: 2-4

Bread Pudding with Seasonal Fruit

Ingredients

1 t coconut oil (or canola)
2 C stale bread (any kind), torn in small(ish) pieces
3 eggs
1 T white vinegar
1 C whole milk (any kind)
1/4 t cinnamon
pinch ginger
pinch salt
1/4 C maple syrup
1 t vanilla
2 C fairly ripe seasonal fruit (berries, figs, stone fruit, apples, persimmons, pears), most chopped, a few sliced for topping
toppings (optional): chopped nuts, fresh fruit, plain yogurt, crème fraîche, maple syrup, cream

Instructions

Pre-heat the oven to 350F.
Pour vinegar into a measuring cup. Add milk to the 1 C line. Stir and let stand for about 5 minutes (it will thicken slightly and become buttermilk).
Grease two 6" ramekins with coconut oil. Add bread and fruit. Toss.
Whisk together eggs through vanilla. Pour over bread and fruit. Top with sliced fruit. Place ramekins on a baking sheet. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until eggs are mostly set and have come to at least 160F. Remove from the oven and let them stand on a cooling rack for 10-20 minutes.
Top with desired toppings.

http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/bread-pudding-with-seasonal-fruit/

Monday

13

July 2015

0

COMMENTS

Watermelon and Mint Gazpacho

Written by Rachel, Posted in Breakfast, Brunch, Dairy-Free, Dessert, Drinks, Fruit, Gluten Free, Herbs, Kid-Friendly, Quick and Easy, Snacks, Soups, Vegan, Vegetarian

When I get a watermelon that’s as perfectly ripe and sweet as the one that came in our Abundant Harvest Organics box today, I have a really hard time not eating the entire thing in one sitting. I like to slice the melon in half and just eat with a spoon. If I can stop myself, I like to save the center for last, because it’s the best.

But, if you can resist, here’s a fun way to eat watermelon… in soup!

It’s a cold soup though, don’t worry. It’s called a Gazpacho. Traditional gazpachos often consist of raw veggies and have a tomato base. But, there are many variations, including this simple watermelon one.

Since everything will be blended up, you don’t have to be too careful about how the watermelon is cut. I figured large chunks would work just fine. The seeds of a watermelon are edible (and some say they’re even good for you), but I don’t like to eat them. They ruin the texture for me. I don’t even like chunks in my ice cream. Tim says that’s weird, but I’m fine with my choices. If you want to leave the seeds in and blend them up, that’s fine with me.

Watermelon pairs well with things like orange juice, maple syrup, and balsamic vinegar, so I added a little bit of each.

It also tastes great with some refreshing mint. I added about 15 smallish leaves. You could add way more or way less, depending on how minty you want it. Basil would be another great addition (along with or in place of the mint). If you don’t want to add the herbs that’s fine. But, they add a cool, fresh burst of flavor.

If the melon is already chilled, you can consume immediately. If not, pop it into the fridge for an hour or so before serving. You could serve it as a gazpacho, just on its own. You could add a dollop of yogurt or whipped cream. You could freeze it in an ice cube tray and use it in place of ice or frozen fruit in smoothies or summer drinks, or just pour it into a glass and drink it.

If you have cantaloup or honeydew melon on hand, they’d be a great addition, or could be used in place of the watermelon.

I don’t really like change, especially when it comes to my favorites. That’s why I prefer a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, I love to re-watch Gilmore Girls, and I think watermelon is best served super freezing cold, halved and eaten with a spoon. But, with change comes learning new things and growth, so I’m ok with it (ahem, in moderation). I will bravely taste a new dish at Thanksgiving, try watching a new show, and I will, for the first time ever, branch out and do something different with watermelon. And I will enjoy it.

Happy Eating!

Watermelon and Mint Gazpacho

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Yield: 2-4

Watermelon and Mint Gazpacho

Ingredients

2 1/2 - 3 C watermelon (or cantaloupe or honeydew or mixture of all 3), seeds removed, cut into large chunks
2 t balsamic vinegar
1-2 t maple syrup
1/4 to 1/2 C orange juice
10 to 12 large or 15-20 small mint leaves

Instructions

Blend all ingredients until smooth.
Then either: Chill and serve as a gazpacho.
Freeze in an ice cube tray for summer drinks and smoothies (use in place of ice cubes or frozen fruit).
Make into a sorbet in an ice cream canister (freeze according to manufacturer's directions).

http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/watermelon-and-mint-gazpacho/

Newer Entries →

← Older Entries

Breakfast Archive

12

0

Pomegranate and Purple Basil Iced Tea

Happy Sipping!

Possible health benefits are my opinions and ideas, based on the research that I’ve done, but are in no way intended to replace the advice of a qualified health care professional.

Sources:

The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods by Michael Murray, N.D., and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D., with Lara Pizzorno, M.A., L.M.T., Atria Books 2005

Reader’s Digest Foods That Harm Foods That Heal, The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc. 1997

Wikipedia

21

0

Whole Wheat Pear Muffins

Happy Eating!

24

0

Cantaloupe Smoothie

Happy Eating!

17

2

Bread Pudding with Seasonal Fruit

Happy Eating!

13

0

Watermelon and Mint Gazpacho

Happy Eating!

Looking for Something?

Support My Cookbook!

Favorites

Instagram

Recent Posts