Salad Tacos

                                 

                                                                        Salad Tacos

Called Salad Tacos because they are a salad in the Taco.

Ingredients:

Spread choices:

Hummus,  Tahini Sauce (not paste),  Baba Ganoush, Spread  

Lemony Salad,

Toasted chickpeas:

2 tablespoon EVOO

1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 teaspoon sumac

1 teaspoon cumin,

1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

1 - 2 teaspoons sesame seeds

Assembly:

1/2 cup spread choice

1 tomato choice 

2 Turkish cucumbers

Large handful arugula 

1 - 2 tablespoons EVOO

1 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Garnish:

Scallions,, sliced in slivers,

Fresh herbs choice,  cilantro, Italian parsley, mint, dill,  Dukkah,  Zaatar, Tahinni, quick pickled onions, 

Directions:

Use the spread of choice.  Recipes are available online.

Drain can of chickpeas and rinse and drain well.  In a medium heat skillet, add oil and chickpeas and spices and salt, stirring frequently.  During the last minute add the sesame seeds.  Turn the heat off.

Toss the salad ingredients in medium bowl.  Lightly toast the tortillas until warm and pliable.  

Assemble:  Spread hummus, baba ganoush, onto the warm tortillas.  Top with warm chickpeas and a heaping mound of the salad.  Sprinkle with herbs and scallions.

Lamb Kleftiko With Herb-Pistachio Yogurt

Lamb Kleftiko with Herb-Pistachio Pesto Yogurt

Kleftiko translates to stolen meat, and it’s named after Greek rebels called the klephts, who challenged Ottoman rule of Greece and roamed the country from the 14th to 19th centuries. When they stole sheep, they would slow-cook them in covert pits to avoid being caught. Here, the traditional Easter dish features lamb shanks and potatoes gently braised in a lemony broth flavoured with oregano and mustard. A tangy, herby yogurt sauce brings a freshness and vibrancy to the tender meat and spuds.  Serves 6

Ingredients:
Herb-Pistachio Pesto Yogurt
1 stalk green garlic, white and light green parts only, or 2 garlic cloves
1/4 cup (60 mL) fresh mint leaves
1/4 cup (60 mL) fresh dill fronds, plus more to garnish
1/4 cup (60 mL) flat-leaf parsley leaves
1/4 cup (60 mL) shelled raw pistachios
1/4 cup (60 mL) extra virgin olive oil
1 tub (500 g) full-fat plain Greek yogurt

Lamb
5 medium-size Yukon Gold potatoes, quartered lengthwise
1 large cooking onion, peeled, cut in 6 wedges
1 large tomato, cored, cut in 6 wedges
3 bay leaves
6 lamb shanks, about 6 lbs (2.72 kg) total, at room temperature
1/3 cup (80 mL) extra virgin olive oil
Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
4 large garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp (15 mL) dried oregano
1 tbsp (15 mL) mustard powder
1 tsp (5 mL) sea salt
1/2 tsp (2 mL) freshly ground pepper
6 sprigs fresh oregano
Directions:
For the pesto yogurt, place garlic, herbs and pistachios in a food processor. Pulse a few times to chop. With motor running, slowly pour in olive oil, stopping and scraping down bowl as necessary, until it becomes a paste. Transfer 1 tbsp (15 mL) to a ramekin to garnish. Mix remaining pesto with yogurt. Transfer to an airtight container. (Cover and refrigerate both up to 2 days.) When ready to serve, transfer yogurt to a serving bowl and garnish with pesto and dill.

For the lamb, preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 16-inch (40-cm) round, 3-inch (8-cm) deep roasting pan or 3 × 11 × 16-inch (8 × 28 × 40-cm) rectangular roasting pan with parchment paper, overlapping on sides.

Place potatoes, onions, tomatoes and bay leaves in pan. Nestle lamb shanks in between vegetables.

In a medium-size bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon zest and juice, garlic, dried oregano, mustard powder, salt and pepper until creamy. Pour all over lamb and vegetables. Add fresh oregano.

Fold parchment on sides over lamb and cover with another piece of parchment. Tuck top parchment down sides, ensuring it is covered tightly to seal in moisture. Cover pan tightly with foil. Bake in oven until lamb and potatoes are fork-tender, 4 to 4 1/2 hours.

Raise oven temperature to 500°F (260°C) and remove foil and top parchment. Bake until lamb is golden, 7 to 8 minutes.

Serve lamb and vegetables straight from pan accompanied by pesto yogurt.   Serves 6

Vegan BLT

                                            

Vegan BLT

Tomatoes in summer. Nothing else needs to be said. As a chef, I relish these hot summer months when gardens are abundant and produce is aplenty. It’s early August here, and tomatoes are at their peak, bursting with flavor and vibrant color. The warmth of the sun has turned them into juicy gems, ready to be harvested and celebrated.

Ingredients:

Tempeh bacon: To make tempeh bacon, you’ll need tempeh, olive oil for searing, salt and pepper for seasoning, and soy sauce and maple syrup for the glaze. If needed, use gluten-free liquid aminos instead. 
Lettuce: I used romaine, but any crisp, fresh lettuce, like iceberg lettuce or little gems, work well. You can use butter lettuce or green leaf lettuce, but they are a bit softer.
Tomato: Use large slicing tomatoes, finding the best ones you can! Extra-juicy late summer tomatoes, like an heirloom variety, are excellent.
Sourdough: This is a great opportunity to dabble in making your own! Here is our beginner’s guide to making sourdough bread. Sourdough gives the sandwich a boost of tangy complexity.
Mayo: Use regular mayonnaise, homemade mayo, or sub vegan 

mayo.
Whole grain mustard: Gives the sandwich a lovely bite. 
Optional additions: Finish with avocado (for a BLAT), microgreens or sprouts, and basil or other herbs. For a brunch-y variation, try topping with a fried egg  for a BLET
Tips:
Use ripe, juicy summer tomatoes. Use homegrown tomatoes or visit your local farmers market!
Salt the tomatoes. This draws out some of the moisture and intensifies the tomato flavor.
Use good bread. Sourdough bread is incredible here- it adds so much flavor- make sure to toast it!
Crisp the bacon. Whatever bacon you decide to go with, make it extra-crispy bacon.
Use a mix of mayo and whole grain mustard for a little kick of flavor.

Lentil Meatballs With Indian Coconut Curry Sauce ~ Vegetarian ~ Vegan

Lentil Meatballs With Indian Curry Sauce

This dish will fool a guest that cannot believe the "meatballs" are made of lentils and quinoa with the addition of spices.  The flavor is unbelievable!

Ingredients

Meatballs:1 cup Caviar lentils, black1 tsp Fennel seed 1/2 cup Quinoa

1/3 cup Cilantro 

1 tsp Garlic, granulated 

4 cloves Garlic 

1 tbsp Ginger, fresh 

1 Tomato, large with juices

6 oz Tofu, firm

1 14 ounce can Coconut milk

1 tbsp Lime juice

1 tsp Brown sugar 

1/4 tsp Cayenne 

1 tbsp Fenugreek, dried leaves 

1 tsp Kosher salt 

1 Pepper, fresh cracked 

1/2 tsp Salt 

1 tsp Turmeric, fresh

Oils & Vinegars
2 tbsp Olive oilDirections:On high heat, bring lentils and fennel seeds to a boil in a small pot with 3 cups water. Cover, turn heat to low and simmer 25 minutes. Drain well.

On high heat, bring quinoa to a boil in a small pot with 1 cup of water. Cover, turn heat to low, simmer 15 minutes, turn heat off, leave covered.
Make the vegan lentil meatballs. Pre-heat oven to 400F.  In a food processor, place the cooked quinoa, and half of the lentils, and pulse until the texture of coarse sand—place in a large bowl. Add the remaining lentils, salt, granulated garlic, and chopped cilantro to the bowl and mix well.
In the same food processor add the tofu (blotted well, broken apart) and olive oil.  (The tofu will bind the mixture and oil will keep them from drying out.)  Pulse tofu and oil until a smooth paste, scraping down the sides as necessary. Scoop it into the lentil mixture and mix it in well.

Make the sauce. In a skillet or saute pan, over medium heat, saute garlic and ginger in olive oil, until just golden, stirring often to prevent scorching. Add turmeric ( root, or ground) sauté 1 more minute. Add diced tomato, and sauté until most of the juices evaporate, about 5-8 minutes. Stir in coconut milk, fenugreek leaves, lime, brown sugar, salt, cayenne and pepper. Taste for salt. Bring to a simmer, then turn off the heat until ready to serve.

Prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet. With your hands, kneed lentil mixture briefly so it’s thoroughly mixed and salt and spices are evenly distributed. With wet hands form small ping pong sized balls. Place on baking sheet and place in the 400 F oven for 20-25 minutes.
5.Warm the sauce and place lentil meatballs in the sauce, and sprinkle with cilantro. Serve immediately.  Serve over rice or polenta.

Tofu is whipped in a food processor into a thick paste, and acts as the binder here. Fold this into the lentil-quinoa mixture.

Chopped Pan Bagnat

                                                       

Chopped Pan Bagnat

All the ingredients of the classic pan bagnat sandwich are chopped up, tossed with a sharp vinaigrette and piled high on crusty rolls. A quick condiment of mayonnaise, cooked egg yolks and basil keeps the bread from getting soggy. 

Ingredients:

Vinaigrette:
1 tbsp (15 mL) Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp (1 mL) finely grated garlic
3 tbsp (15 mL) red wine vinegar
1/4 cup (60 mL) sunflower oil
1/4 cup (60 mL) extra virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Sandwiches:

4 hardboiled eggs, peeled

6 tbsp (90 mL) mayonnaise

3 tbsp (45 mL) chopped basil

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

1/2 cup (125 mL) diced red onion

2 cups (500 mL) chopped romaine hearts

2 cups (500 mL) diced seeded tomato

1 cup (250 mL) chopped radishes

3/4 cup (175 mL) chopped pitted black olives

2 jars (190 g each) Italian tuna in oil, drained

4 submarine rolls, each about 9 inches (23 cm) long

Directions:

For the vinaigrette, whisk Dijon, garlic and vinegar in a medium mixing bowl until combined. Slowly whisk in oils until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate up to 1 week.

For the sandwiches, halve eggs lengthwise. Remove yolks and place in small bowl. Mash yolks with fork and stir in mayo, basil, salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. Chop whites and set aside.

To make filling, place onion in a small bowl, cover with cold water and let stand 5 minutes (this will help soften the raw onion flavour). Drain, pat dry with paper towel and place in a large mixing bowl with romaine, tomato, radishes, olives and reserved egg whites. Season with salt and pepper. Add enough vinaigrette to coat lightly, saving rest for another use. Gently mix. Break tuna into flakes, add to bowl and very gently mix to combine.

Split rolls lengthwise and slather both sides with mayo mixture. Divide salad mixture between rolls. Cut in half and serve.  Serves 4 to 6

Garbanzo Beans And Tomato Stew ~ Vegan and Gluten Free

Garbanzo With Tomato Stew

Ingredients:

1 cup dried garbanzo beans

¼ cup olive oil

1 onion, chopped

2 carrots, chopped

4 small potatoes, peeled and chopped

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes with juice

½ tsp. dried thyme

1 cup water

salt and pepper to taste

½ cup chopped parsley

Directions:
Sort beans and soak overnight in bowl using 3 times as much water as beans. The next morning rinse beans with cold water. Put beans in heavy saucepan, cover with two inches of water and bring to a slow boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered until tender (35-45 minutes).

In large pot, heat oil and sauté onions 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add carrots, potatoes and garlic and cook for 5 minutes more. Add tomatoes, thyme, cooked beans, water, salt and pepper. Cover and simmer gently until the potatoes are tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Serve stew garnished with parsley.      Serves 4

Pimento Cheese-Bacon Burger With Tomatoes And Pickles

Pimiento Cheese-Bacon Burger 

With Tomatoes And Pickles 

Ingredients:
6 oz. extra-sharp white Cheddar, coarsely grated
6 oz. extra-sharp yellow Cheddar, coarsely grated
1/2 cup drained and finely diced roasted red peppers
1/2 cup mayonnaise
Dash Worcestershire sauce
Large pinch cayenne powder
1/4 tsp. each salt and freshly ground pepper
1 1/2 lbs. ground beef (80/20 percent)
2 tsp. Lawry’s seasoning salt
2 T. grapeseed or other vegetable oil
4 hamburger buns, split and toasted
4 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crisp
4 slices sweet onion, grilled
4 thin slices ripe beefsteak tomato
1 large dill pickle, thinly sliced
4 Romaine lettuce leaves

Directions:
Place white and yellow Cheddar cheese in the food processor; top with roasted peppers, mayonnaise, Worcestershire, cayenne, salt and pepper. Process until as smooth as you desire. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes; keeps 1 week.

Preheat grill. Divide the ground beef mixture into four equal portions, 6 ounces each. Form each portion into a 3/4-inch burger and make a deep depression in the center with your thumb. Brush both sides of the burgers with the oil and sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper. Grill the burgers until golden brown and slightly charred on both sides and cooked to desired doneness, about 4 to 6 minutes each side to desired doneness.

3. During the last minute of cooking, place a dollop of the cheese mixture on top of each burger and close the grill lid. Cook until the cheese has just softened, about 1 minute. Place the burgers on the buns and top with the bacon, onions, tomatoes, pickles and lettuce.

Tip: The Pimiento Cheese may also be served as a spread or dip.

Taco Bread

Taco Braid

Ingredients

1 canister refrigerated pizza crust

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 cup chopped onion

1 lb. Super Lean Ground Beef

3 tablespoons Homemade Taco Seasoning

1/2 cup water

1 cup Fiesta Blend shredded cheese, divided

1 tomato, diced, plus additional for top, if desired

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

2 cups chopped Romaine lettuce

Sour cream and taco sauce for serving, if desired

Homemade Taco Seasoning

Ingredients

Place ingredients in a bowl or small jar and mix well.
1 tablespoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon paprika
1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

Prepare a rimmed baking sheet by lining it with parchment.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

In a large skillet heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3 - 5 minutes. Add the Ground Beef and cook until brown. Add the Homemade Taco Seasoning and water and mix until well incorporated.

Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 - 7 minutes.

Meanwhile, transfer the piece of parchment to your work surface.

Place the pizza dough on the parchment and roll it so that it measures 10 X 15 - inches. With a pizza cutter, make slices 1 1/2 - inches thick and 3 - inches in along both long sides of the dough.

Place the ground beef down the center of the dough. Cover the beef with 3/4 cup of cheese and then add the diced tomato.

Beginning at one end of the braid, fold the end up and wrap the first two slices over to secure it. Repeat the wrapping with the remaining slices just until the last two.

Fold the remaining end up and wrap the last two slices over it to secure. Gently brush the top and side with the melted butter.

Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheese on top. Transfer the parchment on to the rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 20 - 25 minutes, until golden brown.

Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Cover with chopped Romaine lettuce and additional tomato, if desired. Serve with sour cream and taco sauce. Enjoy!

Tomato And Walnut Pesto

Tomato And Walnut Pesto

Pesto is a perfect pasta sauce. Perfectly adaptable, I tend to make pesto with whatever leaves, nuts, and seeds I have on hand. Apart from classic basil, I also love to use English spinach, kale, rocket, carrot tops, parsley, and coriander. This pesto is a little different, with a bold tomato base. Grill your tomatoes to bring out their sweetness and add smokiness. Then, whizz them up with walnuts and parmesan for a creamy, tangy, earthy pesto sauce. Fusilli, linguine, spaghetti, pappardelle, or bucatini work best.

Ingredients:
2 lbs cherry or small tomatoes, halved
Extra-virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
3 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves
Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon
1/4 teaspoon red chile flakes
1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
1/2 cup grated parmesan, plus more for serving
1 lb. pasta
Handful of basil leaves
Sea salt and black pepper

Directions:

1. 1. Heat the grill to high. Place the tomatoes on a large tray and drizzle over some olive oil. Season with a big pinch of sea salt. Grill the tomatoes for 6–8 minutes, until the tomatoes have blistered and released some liquid.
   2. In a blender or food processor, whizz up the garlic, parsley, lemon zest and red chile flakes to a fine paste. Add the walnuts and half of the tomatoes, and with the motor running, pour in 1/3 cup of olive oil in a steady stream. When combined, stir in the parmesan and season with sea salt and a good turn of black pepper.
   3. Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil and add the pasta, stirring. Cook according to the packet instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2cup of the pasta cooking water and drain the pasta.
   4. Place the pasta in a large bowl and add the pesto along with a splash or two of the reserved pasta cooking water. Keep adding the cooking liquid in small amounts until the sauce coats the pasta effortlessly. Scatter over the remaining grilled tomatoes and the basil leaves.
   5. To serve, top bowls of pasta with a generous amount of parmesan, a squeeze of lemon juice and a finishing drizzle of olive oil.

Substitute

Walnuts: almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds.

Creamy Parmesan Tomato Tortellini Soup With Spinach And Prosciutto Crisps

CREAMY PARMESAN TOMATO TORTELLINI SOUP WITH SPINACH AND PROSCIUTTO CRISPS

2 T. olive oil
4 slices prosciutto, shredded
2 T. unsalted butter
1 cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. dried oregano
Pinch red pepper flakes
3 T. flour
4 cups chicken broth
1-14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes with juices
2 T. tomato paste
8 oz. cheese tortellini
10 ounces baby spinach, coarsely chopped 
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Serves 4.

1. Heat olive oil over medium heat in the bottom of a large saucepan. Add the prosciutto and cook until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon to paper towels.

2. Add butter to pot and let it melt over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic, oregano and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about a minute.

3. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute. Add the broth, tomatoes, tomato paste and tortellini, bring to a boil; reduce the heat and simmer until the tortellini is tender, about 10 minutes.

4. Stir in the spinach, let it wilt a bit and then add the cream. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and then season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the fresh basil and serve immediately with each serving topped with some of the crispy prosciutto.

Mama Picroni's Tomato Sauce

MAMA PICRONI’S TOMATO SAUCE

Yield: 4 quarts (43 servings)
2 1/2 to 3 pounds chuck roast or other boneless beef roast
1 cup onions, chopped
3 garlic cloves, peeled and left whole
3 to 4 (28-ounce) cans whole plum (Roma) tomatoes — a 6-pound can is ideal
16 oz. tomato sauce
1 large bay leaf
1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 1/2 tablespoons dried basil
1 to 1 1/2 pounds boneless pork
18 ounces tomato paste

Note: This makes about a gallon of sauce. Consequently, it requires a very large pot; 12 quarts is best. Leftover sauce freezes very well. If doubling recipe, use 3 1/2 to 41/2 pounds of beef and 11/2 pounds of pork.

1. Cut fat off beef and render it in pot over medium-high heat until a thin layer of melted fat covers bottom. Discard fat. Brown beef on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove roast to a plate. Add onions and garlic to pot, and sauté over medium or medium-low heat until onions are translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.

2. Cut each tomato into 3 or 4 pieces and add to pot, along with juice from can. Stir in tomato sauce, bay leaf, parsley and basil. Return beef to pot, add pork, and simmer for about 21/2 hours.

3. Stir in tomato paste and simmer 20 to 30 more minutes, until beef is tender. Add salt and pepper to taste, if necessary. Remove garlic cloves, if you can find them, and bay leaf before serving. If desired, shred or chop some of the meat and add to the sauce. Or serve meat separately, with a little of the sauce.

Per serving: 177 calories; 5 g fat; 2 g saturated fat; 29 mg cholesterol; 12 g protein; 23 g carbohydrate; 15 g sugar; 5 g fiber; 310 mg sodium; 66 mg calcium

Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad

Serves: 2 - 4 servings

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked quinoa
• 1 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1 cup chopped cucumbers
• 1 cup chopped parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt + Pepper to taste (chili salt if you can find it*)

Instructions

In a separate bowl, whisk together oil, lemon, salt and pepper. Pour dressing over salad ingredients and toss to combine.
Serve immediately or add in your favorite proteins (chickpeas, chicken, steak, shrimp, etc. would all be delicious).
Enjoy

Southwestern Black Bean Salad

Ingredients:

• 15.5 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 9 oz cooked corn, fresh or frozen (thawed if frozen)
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 1/3 cup red onion, chopped
• 1 scallion, chopped
• 1 1/2 – 2 limes, juice of
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh minced cilantro (or more to taste)
• salt and fresh pepper
• 1 medium hass avocado, diced
• 1 diced jalapeno (optional)

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine beans, corn, tomato, onion, scallion, cilantro, salt and pepper. Squeeze fresh lime juice to taste and stir in olive oil. Marinate in the refrigerator 30 minutes. Add avocado just before serving.

Makes about 6 1/2 cups.

Read more at http://www.skinnytaste.com/southwestern-black-bean-salad/#Fjt8pGSXoOaBQco0.99

Tomato, Eggplant, Zucchini Bake With Garlic and Paremsan

Tomato Eggplant Zucchini Bake 

with Garlic and Parmesan

Tomato Eggplant Zucchini Bake is a gorgeous and easy summer side filled with Italian flavor. A great way to bake eggplant or zucchini!

YIELD: Serves 6

 

Ingredients:

• 3 medium zucchini (about 1 1/2 pounds)
• 1 small/medium eggplant (about 3/4 pound)
• 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 4 large cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, divided (about 2 1/2 ounces)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, divided
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, divided

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a deep 9x9-inch baking dish or similar 3 1/2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray.

Quarter the zucchini then cut into 1/2-inch slices and place in a large mixing bowl (each piece of zucchini should be roughly 1/2-3/4 inches in size). Next, slice the eggplant into 1/4-inch rounds, then stack the rounds and cut into roughly 3/4-inch pieces. Add to the bowl with the zucchini. Half the cherry tomatoes and add to the bowl. Drizzle the cut vegetables with the olive oil, then add the garlic, salt, pepper, 1/3 cup of the Parmesan cheese, and half of the basil and parsley. Toss gently to combine.

Transfer the vegetables to the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes, cover the pan with aluminum foil, then continue baking for 10-20 additional minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese, basil, and parsley. Serve warm.

Lemon And Dill Salmon With Warm Orzo, Spinach, Tomato And Feta Salad

LEMON AND DILL SALMON WITH WARM ORZO, SPINACH,TOMATO AND FETA SALAD

This recipe was shared by my favorite instructor at Great News Cooking School, Phillis Carey.  Each week she chooses a recipe from one of the many classes she has taught.  She is our favorite instructor who teaches with such ease and wit.

*

Salmon:
4 large squares parchment paper 4 (6 oz.) 
   salmon fillets
Salt and pepper to taste
2 T. fresh lemon juice
2 T. dry white wine or vermouth
2 T. chopped fresh dill
3 T. unsalted butter, cut into 4 slices 
8 thin slices lemon

*

Salad:
1 1/2 cups orzo
2 T. red wine vinegar

Serves 4.

*

1 T. fresh lemon juice
3 T. finely chopped shallots
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper 
2 oz. fresh baby spinach

*

1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes, cut in half 
1/2 cup toasted pine nuts
2 T. chopped fresh dill
1 cup crumbled sheep’s milk feta cheese (4 oz.)
2 T. chopped fresh green onions for garnish

*

1. For the salmon, preheat oven to 425 degrees. Cut 4 (15 x 24-inch) pieces of parchment paper. Fold in half to form triangles; open packets. Place a salmon fillet in the center at the fold. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with lemon juice and wine. Sprinkle with dill and top with butter; lay 2 slices of lemon on top of each piece of salmon.

*

2. Fold parchment over fish and starting at one end, fold and roll edges of parchment to enclose filling, sealing edges with narrow folds. Twist the end tip to secure tightly. Place packets on two baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven, and let stand 5 minutes. Cut open packets and transfer contents with a spatula to serving plates. (Salmon etc. can also be wrapped in foil and grilled.)

*

3. Meanwhile, make the orzo salad by bringing a large saucepan of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the orzo and cook, stirring often, for about 8 minutes, or until just tender. Drain the orzo in a sieve and set aside.

*

4. In a large bowl, whisk the vinegar, shallots, and garlic together. Gradually whisk in the olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Toss in the spinach, tomatoes, pine nuts, and dill. Add the warm orzo and toss to wilt the spinach a bit. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately or set aside at room temperature. Set salmon to the side of the orzo and sprinkle all with chopped green onions. 

Black Bean Quinoa

Black Bean Quinoa Recipe

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked quinoa (1 cup dried quinoa cooked in a rice cooker with 2 cups water)
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 clove garlic, grated or finely chopped
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 15oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup frozen corn kernels
1 red bell pepper, roughly chopped
2 tomatoes, diced
6 green onions, root removed, white and green parts chopped
1/3 cup cilantro, roughly chopped

Directions:

Whisk together the olive oil, cumin, chili powder, garlic, lime juice, salt, and cayenne pepper Set aside.

*

Prepare the quinoa, and while the quinoa is cooking, rinse and drain the beans, then chop the vegetables. When the quinoa is done cooking, mix together the beans, vegetables, and quinoa in a large bowl. Fold in the spice and oil mixture.

*

Set the quinoa in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

*

Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Bon Appetit