De Ma Cuisine

Vegetarian Archive

Friday

27

June 2014

2

COMMENTS

Vegan Fruit Crisp

Written by , Posted in Baking, Breakfast, Brunch, Dairy-Free, Dessert, Fruit, Gluten Free, Kid-Friendly, Quick and Easy, Vegan, Vegetarian

 

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A few weeks ago we were invited to a barbecue at the house of some friends. I brought the dessert. The only dessert.

One of my favorite go-to desserts is fruit crisp. I like to make it because it’s easy and because my mom used to make it all the time when I was growing up, so I have a sentimental attachment to it.

For this particular evening, I chose to make it because the friends who hosted are vegans. I wasn’t sure about trying to make a vegan cake. So I went with simple, and adapted my crisp to suit them.

Their son, Theo, was not impressed. He was expecting dessert. To a three year old, dessert means cake.

Oops.

The still warm crisp was dished out. Generous helpings. I was anxious to know if they liked it. As Theo was handed his plate his little face just crumpled and the cutest three year old voice says, “That’s not desse-wrt! Where’s the cake?”

Thankfully his parents liked it. 😉

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It’s the perfect dessert for whatever fruit is in season. Spring and summer: berries and stone fruit. Fall and winter: apples, pears, persimmons, and grapes. And it makes a fabulous breakfast the next day. Cold with some Greek yogurt, that’s how I like it. Or just standing in front of the fridge with the door open, shoveling spoonfuls into my mouth as I try to decide what to make for dinner. (I know, I know, I’m not supposed to decide with the fridge door open… My mom has told me a thousand times…)

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Sugars and juice are whisked together. Sweet sweet. But, it’s honey, maple syrup, and coconut palm sugar. No refined white sugar here. You can use white or brown sugar if you prefer. This is how I like it though.

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Super sweet and juicy, the fruit is tossed with the liquid and poured into a greased baking dish.

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I opted for summer fruits, because that’s what’s in season. Aren’t the colors pretty?

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A slightly less sweet, oaty, crumbly mixture will top the fruit.

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Oats for hearty goodness. And to make this a perfectly acceptable next day breakfast.

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Invite your favorite people over, or bring this to a barbecue.

Just be sure to remind them that it’s not cake.

(Sorry Theo.)

Happy Eating!

Vegan Fruit Crisp
 
Recipe Type: Dessert, Vegan, Fruit
Author: Rachel Oberg – De Ma Cuisine
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 8-10
Perfect for any time of year, for vegans and non-vegans alike.
Ingredients
  • 2 C blueberries
  • 1 C strawberries (could sub blackberries), chopped
  • 2 C (heaping) nectarines (could sub apples, pears, plums, persimmons), chopped
  • 1/2 C apriums/apricots (could sub peaches), chopped
  • 1 T cornstarch
  • 1 t vanilla extract
  • 3 T orange juice
  • pinch salt
  • 1/3 C honey
  • 1/3 C coconut palm sugar (honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar will work too)
  • 1/3 C maple syrup (or honey)
  • 4 C oats
  • 1/3 C coconut palm sugar
  • 2 T whole wheat or Gluten-free flour
  • 1 t cinnamon
  • dash nutmeg
  • pinch allspice
  • 1/3 C maple syrup
  • 3 T coconut oil, melted
  • 2 T honey
  • 1 T coconut oil, plus more for greasing the pan
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat the oven to 350F.
  2. Combine fruit in a bowl.
  3. Whisk together cornstarch, vanilla, orange juice, salt, honey, coconut palm sugar, and maple syrup. Toss with fruit.
  4. Combine oats, flour, coconut palm sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Add maple syrup, oil, and honey.
  5. Pour fruit into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Top with oat mixture. Press down slightly with a spatula. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until bubbly and hot.
  6. Let stand for at least 10 minutes before serving – it’s best just a little warmer than room temperature.
 
Notes
If you’d prefer a non-vegan crisp, use butter instead of coconut oil. If you have vegan friends who don’t eat honey, just use maple syrup. For gluten-free, use your favorite GF flour and oats.

Tuesday

24

June 2014

0

COMMENTS

Aaaand We’re Back… With Squash’n Eggs

Written by , Posted in Breakfast, Brunch, Cheese, Dinner, Eggs, Gluten Free, Herbs, Kid-Friendly, Lunch, Main Dishes, Quick and Easy, Sides, Vegetables, Vegetarian

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Simple.

So simple.

So simple that I didn’t think about posting this until I’d started chopping the zucchini…

I mean, it’s eggs. It’s squash. It’s cheese.

There is fresh savory. You could use any fresh herb that pairs well with eggs.

It’s so simple.

But, then I thought, you might need simple. Right? For those lunches or dinners when there’s just nothing to make… then you spy the carton of eggs.

Eggs and pasta (sometimes together) have rescued many a meal at my house.

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Squash is gonna be around for a while. I don’t like to eat the same thing, prepared the same way, over and over again.

This is not the same old squash.

These may be the best eggs I’ve had in a long time. Ok, except for the Eggs Benedict that I tried for the first time a few weeks ago. Right. I almost forgot. Those were excellent. Let’s call it a close second.

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It all starts with some butter. Many of my favorite meals start with butter. I used salted butter. Unsalted will work fine too, just add a bit more salt to the dish.

A heap of zucchini (or whatever squash you have on hand) is plomped into the hot buttery skillet to cook on its own for a few minutes.

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When the eggs join in they don’t need too long to cook, so don’t forget about them.

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What really makes this dish is a bit of extra sharp cheddar cheese that’s sprinkled in. But it doesn’t just melt on top, it’s stirred in, so maybe there will be some crispy bits. Those are the best part.

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That’s it. Done. Easy as… eggs.

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Serve with some fruit, some homemade blueberry jam laden toast, and you’re golden.

Happy Eating!

Squash ‘n Eggs
Recipe Type: Main, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Eggs, Squash, Summer Squash, Zucchini, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Vegetables, Quick and Easy
Author: Rachel Oberg – De Ma Cuisine
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 1
A delicious, quick, and easy way to use summer squash, while making the best eggs.
Ingredients
  • 1 T salted butter
  • 1 C summer squash*, chopped
  • 1/2 t savory (or any fresh herb that compliments eggs: dill, basil, chives, parsley, tarragon, thyme), chopped
  • pinch salt
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 T milk
  • pinch salt
  • 1/4 C sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Instructions
  1. Heat a skillet over medium. Add butter. When butter is hot, add squash, savory, and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Whisk eggs, milk, and salt in a bowl. Add to the skillet. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until eggs are mostly set, stirring occasionally.
  4. Sprinkle with cheese, then stir cheese in. Cook 1 minute more.
Notes
*Depending on what’s in season, other veggies could be added, like: bell peppers, broccoli, greens, tomatoes, radishes…

 

Wednesday

28

May 2014

0

COMMENTS

Simple Summer Salad

Written by , Posted in Bread, Cheese, Condiments, Gluten Free, Herbs, Lunch, Main Dishes, Nuts, Quick and Easy, Salads, Toasting, Vegetables, Vegetarian

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It. Is. Hot.

Weather like this calls for a celebration of all things summer… even if it is only May.

We’re picnicking in our yard, enjoying fresh veggies dipped in homemade hummus, and barbecuing sausage to savor while we watch the Red Sox game.

I don’t really like hot weather, but this sure is fun.

Don’t remind me that I said that in October when it’s still 100 degrees… Actually, I may be over it already… Oh wait, there’s salad, and stone fruit, and watermelon season is soon. I’ll just have to keep repeating those things to myself.

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Salad. Crispy, crunchy, wonderful salad.

My salad spinner just plum rolled off the counter and smashed the other week. I have to wash and dry the lettuce by hand. It has become a chore. But, I get to eat salads like this as a result of my hard work, sooooo yeah.

Can I say “plum rolled off the counter”?

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You can totally make your own croutons. It’s so easy. I had the oven on anyways (why did I pick the week when it’s one million degrees outside?!). I was working on some dried tomatoes, for a later post. That’s why the oven temp is low. I thought about changing it, and you can, but these turned out great. If you up the temp, decrease the cooking time. Obvious.

Old bread makes great croutons. Not like moldy bread. Like stale bread. If you freeze it, not only do you get to open the freezer and enjoy a blast of cold air on a hot day, but if you want to rub a clove of garlic over the bread, it’s much easier.

Garlic plus olive oil plus salt equals some darn good croutons.

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Raw squash is not Tim’s favorite. But, if it’s sliced thin like this he’s cool with it.

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Almonds for crunch and protein.

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A beautiful new cutting board makes for an excellent salad making station.

Peas add a delicate reminder of spring to this salad. I used frozen, but fresh would be even better (although then there’s no freezer action, so up to you).

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I prefer to make my salad dressing from scratch. This one is a simple vinaigrette. There are also some herbs and garlic, and a bit of dijon mustard to help it emulsify. And salt, always need a bit of salt.

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Table for two. (Side note: I totally love the new kitchen island that Tim made for me. Just gotta brag about my sweet man sometimes.)

Happy Eating!

Simple Summer Salad
Recipe Type: Main, Salad, Quick and Easy
Author: Rachel Oberg – De Ma Cuisine
Prep time: 10 mins
Cook time: 30 mins
Total time: 40 mins
Serves: 2-3
A quick and easy salad that’s perfect for those hot summer days.
Ingredients
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 2-3 slices stale bread (frozen is best, for garlic)
  • 1 T olive oil
  • salt
  • pepper
  • 3-4 C lettuce, torn
  • 1/4 C peas (fresh or frozen)
  • 20-30 almonds, chopped
  • 1/2 C squash, thinly sliced
  • parmesan cheese, grated
  • dressing: 2 T balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 t dijon mustard
  • 1 t fresh savory, chopped
  • 1 T fresh or 1/2 t dried basil, chopped or crushed
  • 1 t fresh or 1/4 t dried oregano, chopped or crushed
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • 3 T olive oil
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat the oven to 250F.
  2. Rub a clove of garlic onto the slices of frozen bread. Cut bread into cubes. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until bread is crispy, turning once or twice. Let stand and cool.
  3. Whisk together balsamic vinegar through pepper. Slowly stream in olive oil, whisking as you do, creating an emulsion. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Assemble lettuce, peas, almonds, squash, cheese, and croutons. Top with dressing.
3.2.1303

 

Monday

28

April 2014

1

COMMENTS

Massaged Kale Salad with Radish and Apple

Written by , Posted in Dairy-Free, Dinner, Gluten Free, Herbs, Lunch, Quick and Easy, Salads, Sides, Vegetables, Vegetarian

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Kale kale kale kale.

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Radish radish radish radish.

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(Sung as I’m writing to the tune of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5. Yes.)

Things I’ve been really into lately (besides singing regular words in non-fitting songs): Massaged Kale Salads.

What a wonderful phenomenon. Massaging the kale makes it easier to digest because it is broken down a bit before you eat it (I learned this from my friend, Genevieve’s blog).

Good digestion is important, so why not!?

(Now I’m listening to Symphony No. 5 instead of just singing it to myself… it’s making me type fast because it’s super intense!)

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Olive oil and salt are our massage aids.

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Then add two hands (after you’ve taken a photo… don’t try grabbing your camera or phone with your after massaging hands… they will be all green and oily).

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Massaged kale will make the room smell all springy, grassy, and fresh.

I like this.

It will become dark, limp, and will decrease in volume.

It’s like science in a bowl.

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More science, if you want, while making the dressing. By adding the olive oil last, and whisking it in, an emulsion is created.

If you want simpler, just toss some lemon juice, salt, and oil on to the salad. That’ll work too.

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Buuuut, I think dressings are pretty easy to make. Plus my dad-in-law gave me a cool old whisk with a copper handle, so it makes whisking super fun.

This one has a little more than just lemon and olive oil, but not by much. There’s a bit of thyme, a pinch of cayenne, and a smidge of honey.

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I wanted the salad to look pretty, even if I was just going to mess it up in a minute. I think it kinda looks like a flower.

I used some of the veggies that I’d gotten in this week’s Abundant Harvest Organics box: kale (obviously), radishes, and a carrot. Apple is added for a bit of sweetness, to counter the a little bit tart lemony dressing.

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If you have any leftovers, you could toss them into a skillet for lunch tomorrow and scramble some eggs once the veggies are tender.

To make this into a main dish, you might add some grilled chicken or beef.

Quick and easy, massaged kale peasy… I don’t know…

Happy Eating!

Massaged Kale Salad with Radish and Apple
Recipe Type: Salad, Raw, Greens, Vegetables, Vegetarian
Author: Rachel Oberg – De Ma Cuisine
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
  • 1 bunch kale, sliced into ribbons or chopped
  • 1-2 T olive oil
  • salt
  • 3-4 radishes, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 C almonds, chopped
  • 1 apple, chopped
  • 1 carrot, thinly sliced
  • dressing: 1/8 to 1/4 C lemon juice
  • 1 t red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 to 1/2 t dried thyme (fresh: 1/2 to 1 t)
  • dash cayenne
  • to taste, salt
  • 1 t honey
  • to taste, olive oil
Instructions
  1. Combine kale with olive oil and salt. Massage with hands for about 3-4 minutes, or until kale is darker in color and a bit limp.
  2. Whisk lemon juice through honey. Stream in olive oil as you whisk, creating an emulsion. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  3. Top kale with radishes, almonds, apple, carrot, and dressing.
3.2.1269

Wednesday

9

April 2014

0

COMMENTS

How To: Take the Bite Out of Radishes

Written by , Posted in Dairy-Free, Dinner, Fruit, Gluten Free, Herbs, How To, Lunch, Quick and Easy, Roasting, Sides, Vegan, Vegetables, Vegetarian

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Radishes they have a bit of a bite.

They’re peppery.

I get it.

They can be great raw, when mixed with the right flavors (ahem, two recent posts: Radish and Feta Toasts, and Radish Slaw).

They’re super in soups (yep, did that on purpose), tasty in frittatas, impossibly good (and impossible to detect) in Shepherd’s Pie.

Buuuut, let’s try one more way. Let’s roast them.

Let’s tame the heck out of them.

Oh, and this is gonna be really simple.

You ready?!

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When I was working on this recipe I tried a few different things. I was going to make a sauce for the radishes, or maybe add a little more to them when roasting. But I realized that they didn’t need it.

They have a fun and interesting flavor. Why mask it?

I thought they’d be good quartered. They could be halved, or left whole. Just adjust the roasting time.

Then they’re tossed with just a few things: thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

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On to a baking sheet and they’re ready for the oven.

I told you it was going to be easy.

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Just like their flavor, the colors become muted.

The remind me a bit of Easter eggs.

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They’re served with a squeeze of lemon.

Simple as that. They’ve been tamed.

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In my experience, cooking is generally a good way to tame a bold food. Whether it’s braised, roasted, sautéed, grilled… the heat usually mellows things out. However, if you’d like to try keeping things raw, mixing with complimentary flavors will also do the trick.

For radishes, think things like:

Lemon + dill + crab cucumber + cream cheese.

Lemon juice + olive oil + parsley + onions.

Shrimp soy sauce + scallions.

I like to chop or grate loud veggies when they’re going to be eaten raw (hello garlic, red onion, and radish!). It lets them continue to sing, just a little bit quieter, in harmony with the other ingredients.

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There’s no need shy away from radishes any more. Whether they’re raw or cooked, I’ve got you covered.

Happy Eating!

Roasted Radishes
Recipe Type: Side, Roasting, Vegetarian, Vegan, Vegetables, Radishes
Author: Rachel Oberg – De Ma Cuisine
Prep time: 5 mins
Cook time: 25 mins
Total time: 30 mins
Serves: 2
Taming radish’s peppery bite by roasting them.
Ingredients
  • 1 bunch (about 8) radishes, tips and tails removed, quartered
  • 1 t olive oil
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • 1/4 t dried thyme, crushed
  • lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat the oven to 375F.
  2. Toss radishes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme. Place cut side down on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes. Flip and roast for 5 minutes more.
  3. Serve with a squeeze of lemon.
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