De Ma Cuisine

pears Archive

Monday

21

December 2015

0

COMMENTS

Wilted Mustard Greens with Acorn Squash and Pear

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

MustardGreensAcornSquash-6

Two months ago I would have laughed if you’d told me that my fingers would be so cold that I’d have a hard time typing today. That I’d have two sweatshirts on with both hoods pulled up. Two pairs of socks, plus slippers, and that I’d be wrapped in a blanket. Yeah, I’m cold (and I refuse to turn the heater on). But, the great thing about cold weather is that it’s much easier to warm up than it is to cool down. I can keep adding blankets and layers of clothing. I can bake or make soup, and drink lots of tea. As cold as I am right now, I much prefer it to the months and months of hot and sweaty.

MustardGreensAcornSquash-1

I don’t use the oven a whole lot during the summer and into the fall. It’s just too hot. So at this time of year, I bake and roast veggies a little more often. It’s yummy and, as a bonus, the house warms up a bit.

MustardGreensAcornSquash-2

For this recipe I roasted some acorn squash wedges that I’d rubbed with olive oil and I also roasted its seeds. Roasted squash is one of my favorites. It’s super versatile – from pastas to soups to pizza, it’s a winner. But, the seeds are great too. I like to toss them with a bit of oil and a pinch of salt and then roast until they’re crispy. It doesn’t take too long and they’re really tasty.

MustardGreensAcornSquash-3

Because I used an acorn squash for this dish, I left the peel on. I don’t prefer to eat it, but it’s easy enough to scrape the flesh from it, and I think it looks pretty. If you want to peel before you roast, that’s cool too. It just seemed easier to me to wait.

MustardGreensAcornSquash-4

This isn’t really your average salad. It’s got mustard greens, instead of lettuce, and they’re wilted, instead of raw. I added pears (or you could use apples) and cooked them with the greens just a bit. The dressing is made up of orange juice, maple syrup, and molasses. They all go into the pan with everything else. Think Wilted Spinach Salad with lots of awesome twists.

MustardGreensAcornSquash-5

If you have spinach or other greens, they’ll be great too. Lemons instead of oranges, give them a try (or go for half and half so it’s not too tart). I added shallots, but red onion would be fab. And if you’re not crazy about the seeds from the squash, you could chop up some nuts instead (or hey, do both!).

This would make a lovely side for a holiday dinner, or you could reheat leftovers and serve them with scrambled eggs and toast for breakfast. However you serve it, I hope you enjoy it with good company, in good cheer.

Merry Christmas!

 

Wilted Mustard Greens with Acorn Squash and Pear

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Yield: 2-3

Wilted Mustard Greens with Acorn Squash and Pear

Ingredients

  • 1 medium-sized acorn squash (may substitute with other types of winter squash), seeds removed and reserved, peeled if desired, sliced
  • 2 T olive oil
  • to taste salt
  • 1 bunch mustard greens (or mizuna, kale, chard, spinach, or any other greens you have on hand), ribs removed, chopped
  • to taste salt
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 t fresh ginger, minced
  • 1/4 C shallot or onion or leek, sliced
  • 1 t maple syrup
  • 1 t molasses
  • pinch cayenne
  • 1 T orange or lemon zest
  • 1/4 C orange juice
  • 1 ripe pear or apple, sliced
  • 1/2 T lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Pre-heat the oven to 350F.
  2. Rub squash with 1 t oil and sprinkle with salt. Roast for 15 minutes, flip, and roast for about 15 more (or until squash is tender and pierces easily with a sharp knife).
  3. Toss squash seeds with 1 t oil and a pinch of salt. Roast on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes, or until crispy, stirring once. Salt lightly once removed from the oven.
  4. Heat skillet and add remaining oil. Add greens and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic through orange juice and cook for about 5 minutes more, stirring occasionally. Add pears or apples and cook for about 5 minutes, or until fruit is a bit tender, adding more orange juice if needed. Remove from heat and add lemon juice and taste for seasoning.
  5. Serve greens topped with roasted squash and roasted seeds.
http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/mustard-greens-squash-pear/

Monday

21

September 2015

0

COMMENTS

Whole Wheat Pear Muffins

Written by , 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

PearMuffins-7

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.

PearMuffins-1

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.

PearMuffins-2

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

PearMuffins-3

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.

PearMuffins-4

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!

PearMuffins-5

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.

PearMuffins-6

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

  1. Position the rack in the center of the oven and pre-heat to 350F.
  2. 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.
  3. In a separate bowl whisk honey through vanilla. Add to dry ingredients and stir to combine.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

17

August 2015

2

COMMENTS

Bread Pudding with Seasonal Fruit

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

BreadPudding-4

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.

BreadPudding-1

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.

BreadPudding-2

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.

BreadPudding-3

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.

BreadPudding-5

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

  1. Pre-heat the oven to 350F.
  2. 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).
  3. Grease two 6" ramekins with coconut oil. Add bread and fruit. Toss.
  4. 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.
  5. Top with desired toppings.
http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/bread-pudding-with-seasonal-fruit/

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

 

VeganFruitCrisp-8

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. 😉

VeganFruitCrisp-1

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…)

VeganFruitCrisp-2

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.

VeganFruitCrisp-3

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

VeganFruitCrisp-4

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

VeganFruitCrisp-5

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

VeganFruitCrisp-6

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

VeganFruitCrisp-7

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.

Wednesday

25

September 2013

1

COMMENTS

Something Kinda Sweet – Pear and Gorgonzola Pizza

Written by , Posted in Baking, Cheese, Dinner, Fruit, Main Dishes, Pizza, Thoughts, Vegetables, Vegetarian

PearGorgonzolaPizza5The pears are here!! The pears are here!! The pears are here!!

Ok, they’ve been here for a few weeks, but let’s get excited none-the-less. Because because because we’re paring pears with sweet caramelized onions, and tangy gorgonzola cheese, all on a pizza crust.

You’re welcome.

This pizza (or flatbread if I’m using crust from the freezer) is pretty rich. I’d recommend serving it with something light, like a crisp spinach salad with a bright dressing. I’d recommend sharing it with someone that you love while watching a movie that’s equally rich and sometimes a bit goopy. I’d recommend eating it slowly, savoring the way the honey compliments the cheese which compliments the pears which are complimented by the caramelized onions. I’d recommend plenty of napkins. That’s what we did for Pizza Friday a few weeks ago. It was marvelous.

If you’ve got figs instead of pears, you could do a straight switch. Mmm that would be good too. Have you ever tried roasted figs? They’re as good as roasted pears… as roasted anything.

Roasting fruits and veggies brings out a deep richness that we may otherwise not know is there. It’s a complex taste. It could be likened to the way a good movie, a great song, a lovely piece of art can resonate in our souls.The way an aged cheese, a full bodied wine, or reduced balsamic vinegar have a depth to them that lends a broader sense of the original flavor.

Food goes beyond the nourishment, enjoyment, and strength that it provides. It can be art.

And it sure does taste good.

I like edible art.

PearGorgonzolaPizza6

PearGorgonzolaPizza3

PearGorgonzolaPizza4

PearGorgonzolaPizza

Happy Eating! 

Pear and Gorgonzola Pizza
Recipe Type: Main, Pizza, Fruit, Vegetables, Cheese, Dinner
Author: Rachel Oberg – De Ma Cuisine
Serves: 2-4
Ingredients
  • 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 T honey
  • 1-2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 to 1/2 C gorgonzola
  • 1-2 t olive oil
  • 1 pizza crust
  • pepper
  • honey, for serving
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat oven to 425F.
  2. Add onion and honey to a dry skillet. Cook over medium-low or low heat for 20-30 minutes, or until onions are caramelized, stirring occasionally.
  3. Roll out crust on a greased baking sheet. Poke all over with a fork, if desired. Bake for 5 minutes.
  4. Top crust with a drizzle of olive oil, pear, onion, pepper, and gorgonzola. Bake for 7-10 minutes, or until crust is done and cheese is melted.
  5. Drizzle with honey and serve.
3.2.1255