Friday, June 21, 2013

Hi there!

Hi strangers out there! I didn't realize anyone had actually viewed my blog. That's pretty incredible. If you happen to end up here, can you let me know what you were looking for and how you stumbled upon my words?

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Neat trick for roasting peppers

I learned an awesome trick yesterday while watching a chef interview for a chef instructor position with our company. Whenever I roast peppers, I do one at a time and I have to keep a close eye on them to make sure they don't roll off the burner. Well, not anymore!

If you have a gas stove, turn the metal rack over the flame upside down and then put the peppers over the flame. It provides you more space to roast more peppers at once and it creates a little basket to keep them from rolling around. Genius!

Monday, June 10, 2013

Who needs sugar?

A couple of weeks ago my boyfriend and I went to Siggy's in Brooklyn. I decided to go a little crazy and splurge by sharing a smoothie with him. This smoothie was so rich and satisfying that I would gladly take it over a more conventional dessert any day. I've made it a few times and it's just as delicious and now my dad is addicted to it too. It definitely has a lot of sugar in it, even though it's all natural, so this is not something I would suggest for someone on a candida diet.

8 oz unsweetened almond milk
1 tbs unsweetened almond butter
1/2 banana
2 dates (make sure you pit them!)
a dash of cinammon (optional)

Just blend and drink. No need for ice.

Lots of greens.. what do I do?!

Oh man. Last night I realized that I had a bag of trader joe's cooking greens (mustard greens, turnip greens, collard greens and kale) sitting in the fridge with a best use date of... 6/9. I came home somewhat dreading figuring out what to do with them, but I have to say they turned out delicious!

Here's to simple recipes with lots of flavor! The dried chipotle pepper adds a smokiness that I imagine is similar to what bacon does (but don't quote me, I've never had bacon).

1 bag Trader Joe's cooking greens (16 oz)
1 onion (red or white)
3 cloves garlic
1 cap full apple cider vinegar
1 tsp garlic powder
1 dried chipotle pepper
2 tbs olive oil
salt

Sautee the onions and garlic in some olive oil with some salt.

2. Once they are translucent, add the chipotle pepper, garlic and ginger powder and the greens. If the greens don't all fit in your pot, fill the pot and wait for the greens to wilt a bit and add more. They will shrink considerably as they cook.

3. Cover the pot and let the greens cook down for about 15 minutes on medium heat. Add water if it looks like there is no more moisture.

4. Once the greens have cooked in their own water, add a capful of applecider vinegar (you could use another kind of vinegar if you prefer).

You're done! Enjoy!

If you want to add some protein, try chickpeas cooked with the greens or lentils.