De Ma Cuisine

Appetizer Archive

Wednesday

18

March 2015

0

COMMENTS

Crispy Tofu with Black Bean Purée and Microgreens

Written by , Posted in Appetizers, Beans, Dairy-Free, Dinner, Fruit, Gluten Free, Herbs, Legumes, Lunch, Main Dishes, Quick and Easy, Sandwiches, Sides, Snacks, Vegan, Vegetables, Vegetarian

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I think of this dish as a sort of open faced sandwich. We eat bread in our house. We also eat gluten. But, there are plenty of folks who don’t. There are also plenty of vegan-loving people out there. This is a shout out to all of you. But, but but but, not just for you GF+V friends! Because let me tell you, as a carnivore and gluten-eater, I loved this meal. So much so that I re-heated the leftovers and ate it again for dinner the day that I made it.

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My goal was to make a bean purée (ish) topping. I love to eat beans. They’re full of protein and add so much to most any dish. But, I didn’t want it to taste like I’d just opened a can of beans and mashed them up. So I added things like a touch of lemon and vinegar for acidity and brightness, butternut squash for creamy richness, and cayenne for a hint of spice.

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Which all tasted great topped with these super cute microgreens. Hello yum! Hello packed with nutrients!

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I mixed up a lemony dressing to toss the microgreens in. Note: wait until right before serving to toss them. They will wilt if left too long (lesson learned). If you have extra dressing, just save it for tomorrow’s lunch, use it for drizzling on some soup, or make a double batch of these yummy treats and have a party!

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I’m seriously digging crispy pan fried tofu these days. I love to sprinkle it with lots of cayenne and a bit of ginger (plus salt and pepper). In a super hot pan they’ll cook in no time at all.

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The tofu gets spread with beans and topped with the microgreens (mine were kinda swimming in the dressing, so I had to quickly consume as many as possible – not a problem).

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The perfect little gluten-free, vegan treat for lunch, dinner, snack, appetizer… maybe even for breakfast!

Happy Eating!

Crispy Tofu with Black Bean Purée and Microgreens

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 22 minutes

Total Time: 32 minutes

Yield: 2-3

Crispy Tofu with Black Bean Purée and Microgreens

Ingredients

  • 1 C black beans (if canned, drained and rinsed)
  • 1/4 C water
  • 1 T lemon juice
  • 1 t rice vinegar
  • sprinkle cayenne
  • 1/4 C mashed butternut squash or sweet potato
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • 1/4 C lemon juice
  • 1 T parsley, minced
  • 1 t mint, minced
  • 1 T green garlic/green onion/chives/garlic, minced
  • to taste salt
  • 2-3 T olive oil
  • 1-2 C microgreens
  • olive oil, for frying
  • 14 oz. tofu (extra firm or firm)
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • to taste cayenne
  • to taste ground ginger

Instructions

  1. Heat beans, water, 1 T lemon juice, rice vinegar, cayenne, squash, salt, and pepper in a saucepan over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Mash, taste and adjust seasoning if needed, and set aside and keep warm.
  2. Whisk lemon juice, parsley, mint, green garlic, and salt. Stream in olive oil while whisking. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add olive oil. Add tofu and sprinkle with salt, pepper, cayenne, and ginger. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Work in batches so the pan isn't overcrowded, adding more oil as needed. Set on a paper towel lined plate as they are done.
  4. Spread beans on top of tofu, toss microgreens with dressing (right before serving, being careful not to overdress, as they will get soggy) and place them on top of the beans.
http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/crispy-tofu-with-black-bean-puree-and-microgreens/

Thursday

11

December 2014

0

COMMENTS

Spring Rolls with Spicy Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce

Written by , Posted in Appetizers, Dairy-Free, Dinner, Fish, Fruit, Gluten Free, Herbs, Lunch, Meat, Nuts, Quick and Easy, Sauces, Sides, Snacks, Vegan, Vegetables, Vegetarian

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Today, I was inspired to try something new. Something I’ve never attempted before.

Spring Rolls.

What a fun idea!

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I felt like I was playing as I cut the avocado and veggies into matchsticks.

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And then as I whisked the dip and the emulsion came together, I knew I was on to something. Because honey and mustard compliment each other so well, lemon adds a bright note, and Sriracha brings the spice.

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I just followed the instructions on the back of the rice paper package, which instructed me to soak the paper in warm water for 5 seconds (if your package says something different, by all means, follow those instructions).

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A few long sticks (or many short sticks, depending on the type of radish used) are added to the center of the paper.

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Then the paper is folded in half, keeping the sticks in the center.

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Sides are folded in towards each other, then it’s all rolled up.

I don’t know if this is how an expert would make these. But, it’s how I did it, and they worked just fine.

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After rolling, slice in half on a bias (because it looks fancy).

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You could totally switch up the dip, if you have a favorite Asian dip to use. You could just dip in wasabi and soy sauce too. You could also play with the contents of the rolls. I think that the following would be wonderful additions (maybe not all at the same time though):

– cucumber

– cilantro

– green onions

– bean sprouts

– sugar snap peas

– napa cabbage

– sesame seeds

– almonds

– tofu

– fried tempeh

– salmon

– shrimp

– crab

Obviously, the seafood would make these not vegan. Also, I’d cook any meat I was planning to use as I prefer it that way. If you don’t, and know how to safely prepare sashimi, then go for it.

I served these raw. I liked the crisp veggies in the sticky rice paper with the sweet and spicy dip. But, maybe next time I will try cooking the filling (not the avocado though) and then pan frying for a minute or two. Could be fun. Hmmm… maybe tomorrow.

Happy Eating!

Spring Rolls with Spicy Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce

Spring Rolls with Spicy Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce

Ingredients

  • Dip: 2 T lemon juice
  • 2 T dijon mustard
  • 1 T plus 1 t honey
  • 1 to 1 1/2 t Sriracha (or your favorite hot sauce)
  • 2 t soy sauce
  • to taste salt
  • 3 T olive oil
  • Rolls: 1 small ripe but firm avocado, julienned/cut into 4" matchsticks
  • 1/2 carrot, julienned/cut into 4" matchsticks
  • 2 celery ribs, julienned/cut into 4" matchsticks
  • 4 small radishes, julienned/cut into 1"-4" matchsticks
  • (Other options could include: cucumber, cilantro, green onions, bean sprouts, napa cabbage, sugar snap peas, sesame seeds, almonds, crab, shrimp, salmon, tofu, and fried tempeh.)
  • 10-15 pieces of rice paper
  • warm water

Instructions

  1. Whisk together lemon juice through soy sauce. While whisking, stream in olive oil. Taste and adjust quantities if needed.
  2. Follow rice paper package's instructions for soaking. (Should be around 5 seconds in warm water.) After soaking (one at a time), set on a plate and place about 4 pieces of each: avocado, carrot, celery, and radish (you may need more radishes if they are shorter pieces). Fold the paper in half, keeping the filling in the middle, fold the ends in towards each other, then roll it up. Slice in half.
  3. Serve with sauce for dipping.
http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/spring-rolls-with-spicy-honey-mustard-dipping-sauce/

Monday

10

November 2014

0

COMMENTS

Apple Rosemary Flatbread

Written by , Posted in Appetizers, Baking, Bread, Breakfast, Cheese, Fruit, Herbs, Kid-Friendly, Lunch, Pizza, Quick and Easy, Sides, Snacks, Vegetarian

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I love when it’s apple season. I think I say that every season about something. I love the changing of the seasons and the promise of something new that comes with it.

I especially love fall.

There are things to love and things to be ready to be done with no matter what season we’re in. But, after a long summer, today’s cool breeze and cloudy sky is a literal breath of fresh air. Combine that with an apple or pear, eaten out of hand, while at my desk editing photos, and that makes for quite a nice fall day.

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The day I made this flatbread it was still hot and sunny. Today I want to eat all the soup.

This flatbread would go nicely with soup. Apples pair nicely with winter squash, so this might be delicious alongside a Vegan Roasted Butternut Squash Soup, a Browned Butter and Four Cheese Broccoli Soup, or a Leek and Potato Soup. I always want bread with my soup. Often it’s some sliced homemade baguettes with salted butter. But, sometimes I want bread with a little bit more. This flatbread meets that requirement.

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Apples are usually just eaten raw at our house. We love them as a snack. They’re full of fiber and are a great way to tide me over when I’m already starving and it’s not nearly time for the next meal.

In this case though, they’re thinly sliced and then chopped.

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They’re going to top this lavash (you could also use whole wheat or regular tortillas, or a par-baked pizza crust). But first, some olive oil.

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Then a good handful of cheddar. Cheddar is probably my favorite cheese to pair with apples. And to eat with some crackers after a good workout… or any time of the day or night.

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The cheese is topped with rosemary, salt, and pepper, then baked for a little bit, just to get things started.

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Raisins are added about two minutes before the end of the baking time. They get just a bit soft and warm.

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And that’s it. Easy, peasy, apple peel… I dunno.

Happy Eating!

Apple Rosemary Flatbread
Recipe Type: Appetizer, Side, Bread, Snack
Author: Rachel Oberg – De Ma Cuisine
Prep time: 5 mins
Cook time: 7 mins
Total time: 12 mins
Serves: 2-4
Ingredients
  • 1 flatbread or large whole wheat tortilla (I used lavash, you could also use a par-baked pizza crust)
  • 1 t olive oil
  • to taste salt
  • 1 small apple, thinly sliced and chopped
  • to taste pepper
  • 1/4 to 1/2 t dried (or 1 t fresh) rosemary, chopped
  • 1/4 C cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1-2 T raisins
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat oven to 350F.
  2. Top lavash with olive oil and brush over surface. Sprinkle with salt. Top with apple, rosemary, pepper, and cheese. Bake for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese has mostly melted.
  3. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with raisins. Return to the oven and bake for 2 minutes more.
3.2.2802

Monday

6

October 2014

0

COMMENTS

Grape Toasts

Written by , Posted in Appetizers, Baking, Bread, Cheese, Fruit, Kid-Friendly, Lunch, Quick and Easy, Sandwiches, Sides, Snacks, Toasting, Vegetables, Vegetarian

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One of my all time favorite snacks is crackers and cheese with grapes. When I used to teach aerobics many years ago, I’d come home starving, and would eat like it had been a really long time since I’d last eaten (when in fact it had probably just been a few hours).

Back then, I wasn’t eating seasonally. I didn’t realize that grapes were a late summer/early fall fruit. I didn’t know, guys. I mean, the grocery stores have almost everything available year round. I didn’t really question where things were coming from or if it was beneficial to be eating things that were coming from so far away. I didn’t realize that they were often so flavorless because they were picked green and transported to us, so we could have oranges in June and peaches in December.

That’s just the way it was.

No longer.

At least, not for us, if we can help it.

I love that we’re eating with the seasons. Some say it’s better for your health, some say it doesn’t matter. Whatever. I’m not going to argue with them. Potential health benefits aside, I love that by buying things that are in season, we’re supporting our local/California farmers. We’re also doing the environment a favor by not buying foods that are shipped from ridiculously far away, whenever possible. We’re just two of us here in our little home, but we’re trying to do our part.

This means we wait all year for things like grapes.

It’s worth it.

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These sweet fall treats are sliced in half, seeds removed.

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A baguette is sliced about 1/2″ thick.

I would always prefer homemade. But, I don’t have any right now. They’re a bit of a process, so I don’t make them as often as I wish I would. Every time I do I decide that I’m never going to buy a baguette again (unless we’re back in Paris, obviously). Then we run out and the cycle starts over.

I digress.

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Bari’s olive oil is second to none. This goodness gets drizzled on the baguette.

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So many good things come from a sentence that begins with, “cheese is grated”. Cheddar or monterey jack would be great. Gruyère would be awesome. Havarti would be divine. Use whatever cheese is your favorite, even if it’s not one of my suggestions.

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A generous plomp of the cheese is placed on the grapes. And then it’s sprinkled with a bit of cayenne.

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I’ve used the broiler at our new house now twice. I’m a little bit scared of it. No one knows why. I think it’s that it gets so very hot and can burn things when they’re forgotten about for just a minute. Thankfully, the stove has one of those broiler drawers that pulls out, so I don’t have to lay on the floor to check on the foods. Makes it much less scary.

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I love the little crispy cheese crumbles that get stuck to the pan. I don’t usually share those.

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Last step is to drizzle each toast with a bit of honey.

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A little sweet, savory, kick of spicy treat. Perfect for right now.

Happy Eating!

Grape Toasts
Recipe Type: Appetizer, Snack, Fruit, Cheese
Author: Rachel Oberg – De Ma Cuisine
Prep time: 5 mins
Cook time: 3 mins
Total time: 8 mins
Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • 6 slices baguette, about 1/2″ thick
  • 1 t olive oil
  • 9-12 grapes, halved lengthwise and seeded
  • to taste salt
  • 1/4 C cheddar or monterey jack cheese
  • pinch cayenne
  • 1 t honey
Instructions
  1. Drizzle bread with oil. Top with grapes, a sprinkle of salt, cheese, and a sprinkle of cayenne.
  2. Broil for about 2-3 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
  3. Serve drizzled with honey.
3.2.1311

Monday

28

July 2014

0

COMMENTS

Parsnip Fries with Dip

Written by , Posted in Appetizers, Cheese, Condiments, Dinner, Gluten Free, Herbs, Kid-Friendly, Leftovers, Lunch, Quick and Easy, Roasting, Sides, Snacks, Vegetables, Vegetarian

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I have something to confess. Other than roasting parsnips, or using them in soups, I don’t have many other ways that I use them.

Maybe because I know how good they are roasted. Think fried plantains meets roasted carrots.

I figured that it was time to try something a little bit different. I mean, I’m still roasting them, but this time there’s dip.

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As with most of the veggies that I roast, they are tossed with Bari’s Organic Olive Oil, salt, and pepper. Simple.

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Then they go onto a baking sheet with a bit of room around each one. They’ll roast a bit better that way. I used two baking sheets for the seven parsnips, flipping the parsnips and rotating the sheets in the oven partway through.

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And then there is dip.

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A creamy, herby, garlicky dip.

You could dip so many things in this. Roasted veggies, obviously. Fresh veggies, yum. Or you could thin it out a little with some buttermilk and make it into a salad dressing.

The taste is a bit like caesar dressing meets ranch dressing.

Or, goodness in a bowl.

Confession number two: I couldn’t stop dipping.

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I can’t get enough of roasted veggies. They get all crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.

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I made these to eat while we watched the All-Star Game the other week.

They’re best hot out of the oven, but room temperature is perfectly acceptable too.

If you don’t eat them all in one sitting (it was difficult for me to not eat them all before Tim even got home from work) and there are leftovers here are some yummy ways you could use them:

  1. Re-heated in some tinfoil (closed to start with, then once they’re warm, open to let them crisp up).
  2. Chopped up and sautéed with some greens.
  3. Re-heated and pulsed a couple times in the food processor (regular blender/hand blender) with some of the dip to serve alongside a roasted chicken.
  4. Chopped and added to soup (near the end of the cooking time).

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If you do eat them all in one sitting, I understand.

Happy Eating!

Parsnip Fries with Dip
Recipe Type: Side, Snack, Appetizer
Author: Rachel Oberg – De Ma Cuisine
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4
Sweet and crispy roasted parsnips are dipped in a creamy garlicky herb dip, making a delicious appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
  • 7-8 parsnips, cut into 3/8″ x 3/8″ x 3″ sticks (or French fry shape)
  • 1-2 T olive oil
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • dip: 3/4 C yogurt
  • 1/4 C parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1-2 cloves garlic
  • pinch ginger
  • 1/2 T honey
  • 1 T balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 to 1/2 t dried thyme
  • 1/4 to 1/2 t dried parsley
  • 1/4 C fresh basil
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • 1/4 C olive oil
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat the oven to 400F.
  2. Toss parsnips with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place on two baking sheets, without overcrowding. Bake for 10-15 minutes, flip, rotate position in the oven, and bake for about 10 minutes more (or until parsnips are crispy outside, tender inside).
  3. Blend dressing ingredients together (in food processor or blender). Adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Serve immediately.
Notes
This makes a lot of dip, so you could probably halve the recipe and be just fine… probably. 😉