Rosemary Archives - De Ma CuisineDe Ma Cuisine

Friday

26

February 2016

0

COMMENTS

Baked Onion Rings with Herb Dip

Written by Rachel, Posted in Baking, Condiments, Dairy-Free, Eggs, Gluten Free, Herbs, Quick and Easy, Roasting, Sides, Snacks, Vegan, Vegetables, Vegetarian

I’m not a sweets person. I don’t often crave chocolate, I can go without candy, and if given the option, I’d take potato chips over a donut. I do really love ice cream, but I think that’s because Tim is so good at making it. But, even then, I might take onion rings over ice cream. Because I really really love crunchy deep fried foods. French fries, tempura, onion rings… They’re so tasty.

We don’t need to talk about the dangers of fried foods. I’m well aware. You’re well aware. We’ve got that covered. It’s a treat, not an everyday thing.

When it comes to guilty pleasures, these onion rings seem like they’d fit in. But, they’re actually pretty innocent. They’re dipped in eggs (you could use coconut or almond milk if you want to keep them vegan), then coated in flour. I double dipped some (you know, egg, flour, egg, flour). I’m not sure which turned out better. They all tasted great.

All.

I ate them all.

The first secret to this delicious treat is baking them at a high temperature for a short amount of time. We’re talking 425°F for 18-20 minutes total. The second secret is the dip. It’s made up of things like yogurt or silken tofu or mayo or avocado (or ALL!) blended up with some blanched greens, herbs, garlic, and olive oil. I fully submerged each onion ring in the dip before devouring.

If you wanted to make a huge platter and call this dinner, you might also do some green beans, par-cooked potatoes or root veggies (and in a few months summer squash), and add the beans to the dip. Serve it with a big salad and some other fun finger foods (like nachos with refried bean dip) and you’ve got a winner. In fact you’ll most likely find us eating this for dinner sometime this weekend.

Happy Eating!

Baked Onion Rings with Herb Dip

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Yield: 2-4

Baked Onion Rings with Herb Dip

Ingredients

2 C any of your favorite greens
2.5 C any combo of: yogurt/crème fraîche/mayo/sour cream/avocado
1 T dijon
1 T olive oil
1 t lemon zest, chopped
1 t lemon juice
to taste salt
to taste pepper
1-2 cloves garlic, minced
pinch cayenne (optional)
handful chopped herbs like: parsley, basil, thyme, rosemary, oregano
1-2 onions, sliced
2 (or more) eggs, whisked (or coconut, almond, or cow's milk)
2 C flour (AP or GF)
to taste salt*
to taste pepper

Instructions

Pre-heat the oven to 425°F.
Blanch greens in boiling water for 1 minute. Transfer to an ice bath to cool. (Or, use leftover sautéed greens.)
Whisk yogurt through cayenne. Add herbs and blanched or leftover greens. Blend. Taste for seasoning. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Mix flour with salt and pepper. Taste (for real). Separate onion into rings. Dip veggies in egg/milk then flour. Repeat if desired. Tap off excess flour. Place on a parchment or Silpat lined baking sheet. Do not let the veggies touch. Bake for about 10 minutes, flip, bake about 8-10 minutes more (or until crispy and browned).
Serve with dip.

http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/baked-onion-rings-with-herb-dip/

Friday

19

February 2016

0

COMMENTS

Savory Crêpes

Written by Rachel, Posted in Beans, Breakfast, Brunch, Cheese, Dinner, Eggs, Fruit, Herbs, Leftovers, Legumes, Lunch, Main Dishes, Meat, Nuts, Poultry, Quick and Easy, Vegetables, Vegetarian

Right now my thoughts are flipping between crêpes and the onion rings I ate right before I made the crêpes. Of both, I couldn’t wait to eat more. But, let’s talk about the crêpes today (those onion rings can wait until next week). When I was a kid, mom made crêpes every once in a while. If she made them for supper, we usually had to eat a savory crêpe or two before we were allowed to eat one covered with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or honey. I may have turned my nose up at it then, but now I see the merit in the savory crêpe.

Crêpes are what I’d imagine would result if a tortilla and a pancake had a baby. A delicious baby… This is getting weird… They’re light, soft, and a bit crispy around the edges. They’re great with butter and maple syrup, of course, but also the perfect vessel for some savory goodies.

I like the idea of a multifaceted filling. It starts with a purée. I had some pumpkin in the freezer that I reheated and seasoned with salt and cayenne. Simple. You could also try cauliflower, sweet potato, or beets.

I topped the purée with some sautéed broccoli rabe, peas, and radishes. You might substitute with roasted or raw garlic, broccoli, any greens that you have on hand, apples, cabbage, summer or winter squash, carrots, or even white beans. If you have some fresh herbs on hand, things like basil, thyme, rosemary, or mint would be great. Just use whatever herbs would go well with the veggies that you’re using.

If you wanted to add a little more protein, throw in some leftover shredded chicken or chopped up crispy tofu.

And then, to top it all, I like a spoonful of plain or Greek yogurt, some walnuts, parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon. You might substitute with silken tofu or coconut milk, browned butter or cream, ricotta or cream cheese.

If you’ve got any left, they will make the perfect dessert (Nutella crêpes anyone?!), or can be reheated the next day for a quick and easy breakfast. You could do simple, just maple syrup, or maybe top them with some ricotta, cottage cheese, or silken tofu, and some chopped apples sprinkled with cinnamon and a squeeze of lemon. Two meals, one dish.

Happy Eating!

Savory Crêpes

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Yield: 4

Serving Size: 2 crêpes

Savory Crêpes

Ingredients

1 C purée (any: winter squash, cauliflower, sweet potato, beet)
1 T olive oil
1 C any mix ins: broccoli rabe, peas, roasted or raw garlic, kale, radishes, apples, cabbage, white beans, summer squash, carrots; chopped if warranted
1 C any proteins (optional): cooked chicken, crispy tofu
1 t to 1 T any: thyme, rosemary, basil, mint; chopped
to taste salt
8 crêpes
1 C any toppings: ricotta, cream cheese, yogurt, silken tofu, parmesan cheese, browned butter, cream, coconut milk, walnuts, almonds, lemon zest; chopped if warranted
lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

(Prepare crêpe batter if it needs to sit for an hour in the fridge.)
Make your purée (roast or steam veggies, blend, season with salt and, if desired, cayenne).
Heat skillet, add olive oil. Sauté mix ins until tender (about 10 minutes, depending on the veggies) over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add things like greens and garlic near the end. Re-heat protein, if using. Add to mix ins. Add herbs. Taste for seasoning.
While mix ins are cooking, prepare your crêpes (keep them warm in a 200F oven on a baking sheet).
To assemble, spoon some purée down the center of the crêpes. Top with mix ins. Roll up (the easiest way to do this is to hook a fork inside the edge of the crêpe and roll it in on itself). Serve with a squeeze of lemon.

http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/savory-crepes/

Wednesday

16

December 2015

0

COMMENTS

Garlic and Herb Bread

Written by Rachel, Posted in Appetizers, Bread, Cheese, Dairy-Free, Fruit, Gluten Free, Herbs, Nuts, Sandwiches, Snacks, Vegan, Vegetables, Vegetarian

If you need me this winter, I’ll likely be cooking soup, eating soup, chilling soup, reheating soup, and baking all sorts of bread to go with the soup. This is my favorite time of year for that reason. Normally, I’m content with bread still a bit warm from the oven to go with it. You know how they say that there’s nothing like freshly baked bread? They’re right. (By the way, who are “they”?) Sometimes it’s fun to do more than just have bread and butter though. I mean, I learned while in Paris that there is probably nothing I’d rather eat forever and ever than a French baguette with French butter. Literally. I might be willing to give up bacon. But, as we crunched into this herby, garlic studded bread, I couldn’t decide what I liked better, the bread or the Turkey Noodle Soup I’d made to go with it. And I didn’t miss the butter at all.

This isn’t an ordinary garlic bread. I threw in some fresh herbs (rosemary from last week’s Abundant Harvest Organics box, and basil from my garden) and a bunch of greens. I used spinach this time, but when I planned the recipe I did so with kale in mind. I’d also use arugula, mizuna, chard, or bok choy. If you don’t have greens, but you want it to be green in color, you could make it with peas… Why not?!

For the cheese I opted for colby jack. But, parmesan, goat, feta, cream cheese, or ricotta would be great too.

I added some nuts, just to make it interesting. To make it even more so, you could add: fennel, asparagus, mushrooms, cabbage, kohlrabi, olives, radicchio, apples (not with garlic or chives), or apricots (not with chives), depending on what’s in season.

After I blended it up I realized that this is basically a pesto. Pestos often have something green, some nuts, garlic, cheese, and olive oil. This has all of that and more. The great thing about this realization is that if there are leftovers, there’s a lot to do with them.

– mix into pasta

– make into grilled cheese

– add to soup

– stir into risotto

– top a baked potato (or make into twice baked potatoes)

– add it to hasselback potatoes

I love this bread served with whatever soup I’ve got on hand. But, on its own it also makes for a fabulous snack.

Happy Eating!

Garlic and Herb Bread

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Yield: 10

Garlic and Herb Bread

Ingredients

8-10 cloves garlic
2 t fresh rosemary or thyme
2 T fresh basil or chives
2 C greens (kale, spinach, arugula, chard, mizuna, bok choy etc...) or use peas
(optional) 1C any: fennel, asparagus, mushrooms, cabbage, kohlrabi, olives, radicchio, apples (not with garlic or chives), or apricots (not with chives)
1/2 to 1 C nuts (walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts)
2 C cheese (parmesan - for vegan could use bread crumbs and capers*, goat, feta, cream cheese, or ricotta), grated or crumbled
1/4 to 1/3 C olive oil
1 t lemon zest
2 t lemon juice
to taste salt
good pinch cayenne
1 loaf of your favorite bread, sliced

Instructions

Place garlic through cayenne in a food processor. Blend for 20-40 seconds, scrape down the sides and blend for about 10 seconds more. Taste for seasoning.
Spread mixture on bread. Either broil for 2-5 minutes (watch it carefully so it doesn't burn), bake until bubbly and browned, or put between the slices of bread (or slice bread horizontally), wrap in foil, and bake until warmed through.

http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/garlic-and-herb-bread/

Monday

12

October 2015

0

COMMENTS

How to Make Herbal Teas

Written by Rachel, Posted in Herbs, How To

We see a lot of herbs come through our kitchen. Most from the weekly Abundant Harvest Organics box, a few from my garden. Many of them are the perfect compliment to soups, pastas, or pizza. Some stand on their own as the star in dishes like pesto. Last summer I tackled cold drinks using some of our favorite herbs. Now that we’re in the full swing of fall, let’s sip some tea together.

I will admit that I’m not a big tea drinker, although I like it a lot more than I used to. In the past, I only drank tea when I was sick, giving it a negative connotation. I have now found some teas that I really enjoy, no matter how sick or healthy I’m feeling.

One of my favorite uses for tea is as a stress reliever. Just the act of sipping a hot beverage is soothing. But, even more than that, many herbs are known to be relieve stress. Some that are more commonly known are lavender and chamomile. But, basil and lemon balm can be added to that category too.

Here are a few things that some of my favorite herbs are known for:

Lavender

A part of the mint family, lavender is said to aid with sleep and relaxation and to be anti-inflammatory.

Basil

I love it for its taste and smell. It’s a big part of some of my favorite dishes. But, 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.

Chamomile

My go-to tea when I’m not feeling well, chamomile is known to aid digestion, relieve hay fever, anxiety, inflammation, muscle spasms, insomnia, ulcers, menstrual cramps, and gastrointestinal disorder.

Lemon Balm

Another member of the mint family, lemon balm is said to soothe jittery nerves, improve mood and mental performance, relieve stress, and contain antioxidants. (It’s also used by some as a mosquito repellant.)

Rosemary

I haven’t tried rosemary in a tea, but it’s supposed to help relieve gas and colic (although too many cups/day could irritate the stomach).

Thyme

Another favorite of mine when cooking, thyme is said to help alleviate lung congestion. It’s also said to be helpful for gastrointestinal problems.

Mint

One of my favorite herbs to grow, because of how easy it is and how much I use it, mint is known to stimulate digestion, help alleviate hay fever, nausea, stomach ache, and irritable bowel syndrome, and it is also said to be an antioxidant.

Tea Parings

I’ve come up with a few ideas for herbs that I think might taste good together in a tea.* I’ve added a few extras, like honey and citrus, where I think they’d be especially nice.

To Soothe

basil + mint + lavender + chamomile + honey

basil + mint + lavender + chamomile + lemon balm

lavender + basil + lemongrass

lavender + orange zest + cinnamon

For the Tummy

lavender + thyme + mint

basil + chamomile + mint

mint + ginger + lemon zest

basil + ginger + thyme + lemon

mint + ginger + lemon zest

Under the Weather

lemongrass + ginger + cayenne + honey

rosemary + lemon balm + thyme + honey + cayenne

thyme + cayenne + honey + lemon zest + lemon juice

chamomile + thyme + mint + honey + lemon juice

thyme + basil + lemon balm

Just Because

rosemary + lemon balm + mint

mint + lemon zest + honey

Tea can be made tea with fresh and dried leaves. It can be hot, cold, or somewhere in-between. Tea can be comforting, invigorating, and healing… Now I think I’ll go make myself a cup.

Happy Sipping

*If you are pregnant (or trying to conceive), nursing, have health conditions, or take medication that may be interfered with, please consult your health care professional before using. Possible health benefits of herbs 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

Thursday

10

September 2015

0

COMMENTS

Veggie Pot Pie

Written by Rachel, Posted in Baking, Dairy-Free, Dinner, Eggs, Gluten Free, Herbs, Leftovers, Legumes, Lentils, Main Dishes, One Dish Dinners, Potatoes, Potlucks, Vegan, Vegetables, Vegetarian

Pot pie is one of my favorite foods. I think I say that a lot though. So many foods are favorites that I’m starting to lose track. I guess it depends on the season. Pot pie is one of those dishes that I don’t make all that often during the hot summer months. But, when it finally cools down, it’s all that I want to eat (that and soup, always soup). But, this pot pie can be enjoyed any time of the year, because the veggies can be changed up to suit whatever you’ve got on hand.

This is a great dish to clean out the produce drawers. That’s what it felt like today. I used mushrooms (great for adding a deep, rich flavor), summer squash (but winter squash would be great here too), carrots, turnips (don’t add too many, otherwise they may overwhelm), eggplant, potatoes, radishes (doesn’t matter what kind), onion, chile pepper, garlic chives, and garlic… It’s at least one of everything that I had on hand, minus the lettuce and tomatoes that I’ll save for another time.

I also added lentils, or you could add tofu if you’d like. They would take the place of the meat in a Chicken Pot Pie, Beef Pot Pie, or Lobster Pot Pie.

Since there were so many veggies, they took a while to cook. Once they were tender, I added some veggie stock whisked with some all purpose flour (or you could whisk the stock with some cornstarch for a gluten-free version). Once it came to a boil it began to reduce down and thicken, resulting in a nice rich gravy.

At this point, you could just top the oven-proof skillet with pie crust and pop it into the oven. But, today I wanted to do some individual pot pies, so I greased some ramekins and filled them with the hot filling.

If you’re making this ahead of time, the filling can be cooled at this point and then refrigerated or frozen. To use it, defrost in the fridge for a day, then either heat it up first, or pour it into the baking dish and top with pie crust. If your filling is cold you may want to cover your crust with tinfoil partway through the baking time if it starts to get too brown.

Pot pies can also be covered, baked, and cooled completely, then reheated at a later date. To cool quickly, remove the crust to cool separately. Stir the filling often to get cool air into it. Refrigerate once it’s cooled down (if food is too hot when it goes into the fridge, the fridge temperature may raise to an unsafe temperature).

Of course you could also just stand at the stove and eat it out of the pan… 😉

I have a favorite pie crust that I make, from Alana’s cookbook, The Homemade Pantry. One crust was perfect for four individual ramekins of pot pie. If you prefer gluten-free, there are flour blends available, or you can just buy a GF crust at your favorite market.

I can’t decide what’s more favorite, the beautifully browned crust or the savory gravy soaked veggies. Good thing I get to eat them together.

Happy Eating!

Veggie Pot Pie

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour, 1 minute

Total Time: 1 hour, 21 minutes

Yield: 4

Veggie Pot Pie

Ingredients

2 T olive oil
1 C any: potatoes, rutabagas, sweet potatoes, chopped
6-7 C combination of any that you like together: carrots, parsnips, turnips, beets, radishes, eggplant, summer squash, winter squash, onion, shallot, leeks, fennel, celery, greens, cabbage, bell pepper, green beans, peas, broccoli, cauliflower, corn, asparagus
to taste salt
2-3 cloves garlic, diced
1/2 C lentils or tofu (optional), chopped, if tofu
1/4 C any* (fresh): garlic chives, basil, parsley, oregano, thyme, or rosemary, chopped
1/2 t paprika
1 t dijon mustard
2 T AP flour or 1 T cornstarch whisked with 2 1/4 C cold veggie stock
1 T lemon juice or vinegar
1 pie crust
1 egg (optional), whisked, for brushing
salt

Instructions

Pre-heat the oven to 350F.
Heat an oven-proof skillet (unless using individual ramekins, in which case just use a skillet). Add oil. Add veggies and salt. Cook over medium-low for about 15-20 minutes, or until veggies are tender, stirring occasionally. Add garlic through dijon and cook for 1 minute. Add flour or cornstarch and veggie stock mixture and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, or until sauce has reduced and thickened and all veggies are tender. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice or vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
Roll out pie crust. Use it to top the oven-proof skillet, or divide the veggie mixture into 4 greased 6" ramekins and top with pie crust (1 crust should be enough for 4 ramekins). Brush with egg if desired, sprinkle with salt, and use a knife to cut some vent holes in the center.. Bake for 30 minutes, or until crust is browned and flaky.

http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/veggie-pot-pie/

← Older Entries

Rosemary Archive

26

Happy Eating!

19

Happy Eating!

16

Happy Eating!

12

Lavender

Basil

Chamomile

Lemon Balm

Rosemary

Thyme

Mint

Tea Parings

To Soothe

For the Tummy

Under the Weather

Just Because

Happy Sipping

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

10

Happy Eating!

Looking for Something?

Support My Cookbook!

Favorites

Instagram

Recent Posts