De Ma Cuisine

dill Archive

Friday

29

January 2016

2

COMMENTS

Pickled Beets and Cabbage

Written by , Posted in Canning, Condiments, Dairy-Free, Gluten Free, Pickling, Quick and Easy, Vegan, Vegetables, Vegetarian

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Pickles are one of life’s great mysteries. I don’t quite understand why or how they are so awesome. They just are. They can add so much to a dish. They’re fun to eat. And, they’re a lot simpler to make than I would have thought. I’ve tried to make pickles a few times before. I’ve followed recipes and made up my own. Nothing worked. I tried with raw veggies and lots of apple cider vinegar. Nothing tasted good. So I was a little apprehensive when I was thinking about pickling for a post… But, I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised.

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It all starts with some veggies. I chose steamed beets (because I’d tried to pickle raw beets once… nope, not a good idea) and raw cabbage. I used them because that’s what I had on hand. But, I think that with this particular brine, I might also try carrots, cauliflower, radish, green beans, greens, leeks, cucumber, or onions. I’d steam any root veggies and cauliflower, but I’d probably leave the rest raw.

For the brine, I went with white vinegar and rice vinegar. I like their mild flavors. I also added some water, salt, and honey. Water to dilute a bit, honey to counter the sharp vinegar, and salt, well, because I like salt (and I think you’re supposed to use salt when pickling, although this was just plain table salt, not pickling salt).

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I added a few extras, based on the veggies I was using. To go with the beets I used: garlic, orange zest, and peppercorns. With the cabbage I used garlic, red pepper flakes, and peppercorns. You could also add dill, chives, fresh ginger, or lemon zest, depending on the veggie to be pickled.

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I let them sit for about a week and a half in the fridge before trying them. I don’t know if I needed to, but I did.

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Now that they’re open, I’ve eaten the pickled beets 3 days in a row. I just can’t get enough. Tim even tried one the other day and didn’t hate it. He wasn’t crazy about the texture of the beets (they’re soft, like they are when steamed), but he really liked the flavor of the brine. For me, the beets are exactly the texture I was hoping for. They’re tender and vinegary with just a hint of sweet. And the cabbage, it’s gone. I ate it. All. By. Myself. I tried it raw, I added it to a stir fry, and I added it (and the pickled garlic) to some lentils and topped it with a fried egg, paprika, cayenne, and chili powder. I can’t wait until the next time cabbage comes in our Abundant Harvest Organics box. I know exactly how I want to use it.

Happy Eating!

Pickled Beets and Cabbage

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Yield: 2 pints

Pickled Beets and Cabbage

Ingredients

  • 3-4 C any: beets, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, radish, green beans, greens, leeks, cucumber, onions; chopped, shredded, sliced, quartered (depending on type of veggie)
  • 1 1/2 C vinegar (white vinegar and rice vinegar)
  • 1 1/2 C water
  • 1 T + 1 t salt
  • 1 T + 1 t honey
  • 1/4 C any extras (choose based on veggies using): peppercorns, garlic, dill, chives, fresh ginger, lemon zest, orange zest, red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Sterilize jars and lids.
  2. Steam any root veggies or cauliflower until tender (about 20-30 minutes, depending on the veggie) and then cut as desired. Leave things like cabbage, green beans, greens, leeks, and onions raw.
  3. Bring brining liquid (vinegar through honey) to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
  4. Place extras in the bottom of the jars, place veggies in the jars, packing fairly tightly but leaving about an inch of space at the top. Pour brining liquid over, filling to cover veggies. Wipe the rims and cover with the lid. Cool to room temperature then refrigerate.
http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/pickled-beets-and-cabbage/

Monday

7

December 2015

0

COMMENTS

Broccoli and Goat Cheese Wraps

Written by , Posted in Breakfast, Cheese, Condiments, Dinner, Gluten Free, Herbs, Lunch, Main Dishes, Nuts, One Dish Dinners, Quick and Easy, Sandwiches, Vegetables, Vegetarian

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I saved a wrap for Tim to eat when he got home from work. He came into the office and told me that it was really good. He loved how the broccoli was tender, with just a bit of crunch. That the nuts gave more crunch. The creamy dressing over it all. He said that if I ever open a restaurant, this should be on the menu. Just the way it is. Don’t change anything. My love language is “words of affirmation”, so that was really nice to hear… Maybe I should have him write the rest of this post. 😉

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I came up with this recipe because we’re entering broccoli season. I’m pretty content to just roast it and finish off the entire pan. But, diversity can be good, so I thought I’d change things up a bit.

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My skillet of choice is almost always a cast iron and I’ve acquired many over the years. Most were found at thrift stores and yard sales. Some look to be old old old, some are new and are branded with the name Lodge. I love them all.

The cast iron helped the broccoli to get a bit browned, a little tender, a little crispy, just the way Tim likes it. I added garlic and ginger at the end, just to take a bit of the bite out. I’m all for raw garlic, but sometimes the flavor is best softened a little.

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While the broccoli cooked, I whisked together the dressing. It’s a quick and easy mixture of goat cheese (which apparently I no longer hate), mayo, yogurt, and fresh herbs. It totally makes the dish. If you’re not into goat cheese, try feta. If you’re not into mayo and yogurt, try silken tofu. If you’re out of broccoli, give cauliflower, onions, shallots, leeks, carrots, radishes, bell peppers, mushrooms, chile peppers, or summer squash a try.

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The other thing that Tim mentioned was that the homemade tortillas that I’d made were the perfect vessel. They were still a bit warm, soft, and a little thicker than the store bought ones that we usually buy. I’ve been working with a sourdough starter over the past week and a half. When you’re refreshing a starter you have to discard some of it. Since I can’t stand to waste food, I’ve been making it into pancakes and tortillas. You could also use lavash, pitas, or any flatbread that you have on hand. Or, if you feel like attempting some homemade tortillas, I’d say go for it!

Since we’re into December now, I tried to make the tortillas a bit festive. See how they’re kinda pinkish? They were meant to be a little more red. I used the beets that I steamed when I was working on the Twice Cooked Beets post and just pressed them onto the uncooked tortillas. I don’t normally use food coloring and prefer not to buy foods with added coloring, so it was fun to experiment and see what I could come up with. Pink. I’m ok with pink, even if it’s not as festive as I’d hoped.

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Hey, and speaking of festivities, if you’re hosting over the holidays and you have a houseful of people, you could prep most of this dish in advance and have a ready and waiting lunch. Just warm up the broccoli when you’re ready to eat. If you’ve frozen last week’s leftover turkey, you could add that too (just let it defrost in the fridge for a day). Or, add some scrambled, fried, or poached eggs or crispy tofu and turn this into a breakfast wrap. If you have leftover dressing, set out a platter of veggies and dip that evening for people to munch on while you finish dinner.

Happy Eating!

Broccoli and Goat Cheese Wraps

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 9 minutes

Total Time: 19 minutes

Yield: 2

Serving Size: 1 wrap

Broccoli and Goat Cheese Wraps

Ingredients

  • 1 T olive oil
  • 2 C broccoli (or combo of: broccoli, cauliflower, onions, shallots, leeks, carrots, radishes, bell peppers, mushrooms, chile peppers, summer squash), chopped or cut into bite sized pieces
  • to taste salt
  • 2 cloves garlic, diced
  • 1 t fresh ginger, diced
  • 1 t white vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1 T plain yogurt (or silken tofu)
  • 1 T mayo (or silken tofu)
  • 2 oz. goat cheese or feta
  • 1 T fresh herbs (combo of any: basil, dill, or parsley), chopped
  • pinch cayenne
  • to taste salt
  • 2 tortillas
  • olives or capers (optional), chopped
  • nuts (any: almonds, peanuts, pecans), chopped
  • lettuce or spinach (or kale, chard, or other greens), shredded
  • 2-3 T parmesan, grated

Instructions

  1. Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Add oil. When oil is hot, add broccoli (and other veggies, if using) and salt. Cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until veggies are tender-crisp. Add garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute more. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Whisk together vinegar through salt. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
  3. Divide veggie mixture between tortillas. Top with dressing, olives or capers, nuts, greens, and parmesan. Roll up to serve.
http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/broccoli-goat-cheese-wraps/

Friday

27

November 2015

0

COMMENTS

Potato Pancakes

Written by , Posted in Appetizers, Breakfast, Brunch, Cheese, Condiments, Dinner, Eggs, Gluten Free, Herbs, Holiday, Kid-Friendly, Leftovers, Lunch, Main Dishes, One Dish Dinners, Potatoes, Quick and Easy, Sides, Vegetables, Vegetarian

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It’s finally arrived. The day of my favorite meal: Thanksgiving. I don’t know if it’s favorite because it only happens once a year though. If I could only have one meal for the rest of my life, I don’t know that it would be this one… Then again, maybe it would.

It’s just the perfect mix of flavors, textures, and since it’s most often eaten surrounded by loved ones, it’s such a winner.

My perfect Thanksgiving plate includes: Turkey, dressing, green beans, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, rolls, and gravy to pour over almost everything. It’s a feast for sure. There’s always more than we need. Part of the fun of a meal like this is getting creative with the leftovers.

Today, I’m tacking the mashed potatoes. I usually just make a big pot of soup and call it good. But, here’s a way to use those potatoes, and maybe a few other dishes from dinner, in a non-soupy way.

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I combined the potatoes with some sautéed veggies (the possibilities are pretty limitless here: sweet potatoes, carrots, winter squash, mushrooms, peas, corn, bell peppers, garlic, greens, chile peppers, cauliflower, broccoli, summer squash…), spices, cheese, flour, baking powder, and an egg (to hold it all together).

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Then I dropped them onto a hot skillet with a bit of olive oil. Easy. Almost done.

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They didn’t need long to cook, just a few minutes per side.

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I topped each one with a dollop of yogurt with fresh herbs mixed in. The perfect little treat for a lazy, relaxing holiday lunch.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Potato Pancakes

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 33 minutes

Total Time: 48 minutes

Yield: 4

Serving Size: 4-5 pancakes per person

Potato Pancakes

Ingredients

  • 1 T olive oil
  • 1-2 C veggies (could be carrots, peas, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, winter squash, corn, garlic, greens, bell peppers, chile peppers, cauliflower, broccoli, summer squash), chopped, if needed
  • to taste salt
  • 1/4 C plain yogurt or silken tofu
  • 1 T fresh herbs (dill, parsley, basil, chives)
  • to taste salt
  • pinch cayenne
  • squeeze of lemon or splash of white vinegar
  • 1/4 C All Purpose flour (or gluten free)
  • 1 t baking powder
  • 2-3 C mashed potatoes (could also add green bean casserole or dressing/stuffing)
  • to taste salt
  • 1/4 t paprika
  • pinch cayenne (optional)
  • 1 T olive oil
  • 1/4 C cheese, grated or cut into small cubes
  • 1 egg
  • 1-2 T olive oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. Heat skillet. Add 1 T olive oil. Sauté veggies with salt over medium-low heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until all veggies are tender, stirring occasionally.
  2. Combine yogurt or silken tofu through lemon or vinegar. Taste for salt. Set aside.
  3. Combine flour and baking powder.
  4. Combine sautéed veggies with mashed potatoes through cheese. Stir gently. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired. Stir in flour mixture, then stir in egg.
  5. Wipe out veggie skillet. Heat and add 1 T olive oil. When oil is hot, drop and flatten (slightly) 2T pancake batter. Cook over medium-low heat for about 3 minutes per side, working in batches until all batter has been used, adding more oil as needed. Place finished pancakes on a baking sheet lined with a cooling rack in the oven (set at the lowest temperature to keep them hot).
  6. Serve pancakes topped with a dollop of herbed yogurt.
http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/potato-pancakes/

Monday

19

October 2015

1

COMMENTS

Deviled Eggs with Parmesan Crisps and Fresh Herbs

Written by , Posted in Appetizers, Cheese, Eggs, Gluten Free, Herbs, Kid-Friendly, Low Carb, Lunch, Meat, Pork, Potlucks, Quick and Easy, Sides, Snacks, Vegetarian

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It’s taken me a while to get back into the swing of things since our trip. The first week we were back things were in a state of chaos. Half unpacked suitcases, piles of laundry, my brain still wanting to be with family. Then I was sick most of the next week, so I’m finally getting back into things today. What this meant was that I made mayonnaise. One step in the right direction of not eating quesadillas for every single meal. Tim asked if there were any leftovers to take for lunch today. Nope. Well, there are now: Deviled Eggs (minus the ones that I couldn’t resist), and the beans with rice and peas that was dinner. I feel better already.

I can’t remember the last time I made deviled eggs. If I’m hard boiling eggs, they don’t usually last long enough to be made into anything else. A sprinkle of salt is all they really need.

Until now.

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My youngest brother got married a month ago in Ontario, Canada (where I grew up). They were married at my mom and dad’s place, a picturesque country home with plenty of room for their grown kids to come and stay. But, their home isn’t just where they live. They have a commercial kitchen where mom cooks for groups and for their bakery & cafe. This kitchen is a little bit of heaven for me. I get to cook with family in a great big kitchen.

Josh and Karensa asked my brother Jake and I to take care of the appetizers for the wedding. One of those was Deviled Eggs with Bacon and Chives, that was dreamed up for Josh. I just knew he’d love them (and I was right).

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This recipe is a slight variation on the eggs that we made for Josh. Mostly because I have basil, not chives, and I don’t have any bacon. Oh, and I used 6 eggs rather than the 36 used for the wedding. I didn’t think I’d need thaaaaat many leftovers for lunches this week.

I boiled ’em. Simple. The way mom taught me. Boil water, add some vinegar (in case a shell cracks – it’s supposed to keep the whites from spreading too much), cook 15 minutes, cool, then peel. If you do it differently, that’s great. Do what works for you.

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I’ve heard that it’s best to peel the eggs right away. I did, and they were perfect. I didn’t lose any of the white part. I’ve also heard that you’re supposed to use older eggs for hard boiled. I didn’t. I just got these today. So, who knows about these things that “they” say.

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I try to keep homemade mayo on hand. Partly because I love it, partly because it’s so easy to make. Along with some paprika, basil, salt, and olive oil, it’s a fabulous mix-in for deviled eggs.

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I topped each one with a parmesan crisp and a tiny basil leaf. You could opt for bacon and chives, or switch it up and use dill and skip the bacon altogether. So far, no matter how they’ve been topped, these eggs are irresistible and they won’t last long before they’re snatched up by hungry guests (or by a hungry blogger who is about to go raid the fridge).

Happy Eating!

Deviled Eggs with Parmesan Crisps and Fresh Herbs

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Yield: 6

Serving Size: 1 whole egg

Deviled Eggs with Parmesan Crisps and Fresh Herbs

Ingredients

  • 6 eggs
  • 1 T white vinegar
  • 1/4 C parmesan cheese, grated
  • (optional) 1 slice bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 T fresh herbs (basil, chives, dill, tarragon), 12 left whole, remaining chopped
  • 1 t olive oil
  • to taste salt
  • 1/2 t paprika
  • 2 T mayonnaise
  • coarse salt

Instructions

  1. Pre-heat oven to 350F.
  2. Boil water. Add vinegar. Add eggs and boil for 15 minutes. Cool under cold water or in an ice bath. Peel as soon as they are cool.
  3. If using bacon, cook, then drain on a paper towel lined plate. Crumble.
  4. Drop a pinch of parmesan on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Repeat until all has been used up. (If you make too many, store in an air tight container in the fridge.) Bake for 7-8 minutes, or until crispy. Cool and remove from baking sheet.
  5. Halve eggs. Gently pop out the yolks and mash with the herbs through mayonnaise. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired. Return the yolk mixture to the whites (use two small spoons, a piping bag, or a plastic bag with the corner snipped off). Top each with one herb leaf, one parmesan crisp, and, if using, one small piece of bacon. Sprinkle with a bit of coarse salt.
http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/deviled-eggs/

Thursday

24

September 2015

0

COMMENTS

Carrot Pasta with Tarragon

Written by , Posted in Beans, Dairy-Free, Dinner, Fruit, Gluten Free, Herbs, Legumes, Lentils, Lunch, Main Dishes, Pasta, Quick and Easy, Vegan, Vegetables, Vegetarian

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If I told you that this was another dish where versatility is key, would you be surprised? It’s the way that I cook, so as often as possible, I will offer alternatives. Just in case it’s a different season when you read this post, in case you have something else in your fridge, in case you don’t care for something that I’ve used.

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I wanted to do a pasta dish of sorts, using veggies as the pasta. Here’s where you can pull out that spiralizer, if you’ve already jumped on the veggie pasta bandwagon. I have far too many tools in my kitchen, so I opted to use a knife to cut carrots and summer squash into long, thin, pasta-like sticks (kinda like a long julienne). Other veggies that would be great: beets, parsnips, daikon radish, and fennel. Just mix and match based on what will go with the fresh herbs that you have on hand (for help with parings The Vegetarian Flavor Bible is a great kitchen tool).

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I cooked the “pasta” in boiling salted water. I cooked for just three minutes – quick and easy.

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To top the “pasta” I made a simple sauce of sorts. I used butter today, but for a vegan option, or just because it’s yummy, olive oil would be fabulous. I chopped up some small radishes, a shallot, and some garlic. Other veggies that would be great: peas, greens, cabbage, and green beans – again, mix and match based on the other veggies and herbs that you have on hand. Today’s herbs were tarragon and parsley. Other herbs to consider (these all go with carrots, if you want to keep them as the main veg): basil, Thai basil, chives, cilantro, dill, mint, and thyme.

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You could leave things as they are. That’d make for a great dish. But, I wanted to bump up the protein, so I added some lentils. I’m kinda obsessed with green lentils right now. They hold their shape well and taste great. I want to eat them all the time. Garbanzo beans or black beans would be fun too, if you’re not as in to lentils as I am.

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The lentils and tarragon, along with the dijon mustard that I added to the sauce, resulted in a dish that felt kinda French inspired. Topped with fresh tomatoes, this was a fabulous lunch. By the time I got to it, it was more room temperature than hot, but it was delicious. So, serve it either way. You could also top with more fresh herbs or nuts, even cheese, if you’re feeling cheesy. It would be great with some garlic bread or cornbread alongside, and a hearty spinach salad… But, just on its own is wonderful too.

Happy Eating!

Carrot Pasta with Tarragon

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Yield: 2

Carrot Pasta with Tarragon

Ingredients

  • 2 T butter or olive oil, divided
  • 1/4 C radish, diced
  • 1 shallot or small onion, diced
  • to taste salt
  • (could also add: peas, greens, cabbage, green beans)
  • 2 cloves garlic, diced
  • 1 C lentils (or garbanzo or black beans), cooked
  • 1 to 1 1/2 t dijon mustard
  • 1 C carrot, thinly sliced into strips and then into long noodle-like sticks
  • 1/2 C summer squash, thinly sliced into strips and then into long noodle-like sticks
  • (could also use or substitute: beets, parsnips, daikon radish, or fennel)
  • 1-2 T fresh tarragon, chopped (with other veggies could substitute basil, dill, mint, or thyme)
  • 1 T fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tomato, chopped, for topping
  • splash white vinegar, for topping

Instructions

  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. While it comes to a boil, heat a skillet over medium-low. Add 1 1/2 T butter or oil. When it's hot, add radish through salt. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic, lentils (or beans), and dijon, and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat and stir in remaining 1/2 T butter/oil, tarragon, and parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
  3. While sauce cooks, drop carrots and squash (and any other veggie "noodles") into the boiling water. Cook for 3 minutes. Drain.
  4. Top "pasta" with lentil sauce, some tomatoes, and a splash of vinegar. Serve warm or at room temperature.
http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/carrot-pasta-with-tarragon/