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Banana cakes

March 15, 2011 · Filed under dairy free, gluten free, quinoa, Recipe · Tagged , ,



Oh how I love over ripe bananas. There are so many great things you can do with them. Freeze them for smoothies or banana ice cream, banana bread, banana muffins, banana cookies, the list goes on…   The following is my latest and favorite recipe.

The kids devoured these and asked for more! They are gluten free, dairy free, and nut free if you choose.

Banana Cakes or we call it Banana Toppings Cakes

1 c quinoa flour  (you can make your own just grind in a coffee grinder/blender that can grind dry ingredients)
2/3 c brown rice flour (can make this too)
1/3 c tapioca starch (flour)
1 c organic unrefined sugar
1 t xanthan gum
1/2 T baking soda
2 t baking powder
3/4 t salt
2 eggs + 1 egg white
1 c mashed banana (approx 2 1/2 small bananas)
1/2 c oil (I used coconut, but can use olive, almond, safflower, sunflower, etc)
1/2 c rice, coconut, almond, soy or other milk (I used coconut)
Toppings: dried fruit (cherries, cranberries, blueberries, etc), cacao nibs or chocolate chips, walnuts, coconut chips

Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. Add remaining ingredients and mix on low speed of an electric mixer until blended. Mix on medium-high speed for 2 minutes. Fill cupcake pan with cupcake liners. Fill until 3/4 full. Sprinkle toppings over each. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 18 to 20 minutes.

Baking is always fun with the kids (if old enough). Mine are 4 and 6 and love to help. I have them mash the bananas and help measure the ingredients. I think they enjoy and appreciate it more when they do it.  Here were our toppings.

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Sprouted

January 25, 2011 · Filed under Recipe, sprout · Tagged ,

Sprouting is the practice of soaking, draining and then rinsing seeds, beans or grains at regular intervals until they germinate, or sprout. So, what’s the big deal (as my kids would say)? Sprouting beans and grains actually changes the nutrient contents. The protein quality increases, fiber increases, essential fatty acid increases, vitamin content increases and minerals chelate that increase their function and sprouts are easily digested. Need I say more?

Many raw foodists eat lots of sprouted beans and grains to get their protein and fiber. I tried doing about 70% raw a few years ago but lost too much weight but I wasn’t doing the sprouted foods. The only things I have sprouted myself is chickpeas and that was for a raw hummus recipe. Delicious but it takes a 8 hours of soaking and then 2 days of rinsing before they are sprouted and ready to use so not really something you can do on a whim. I have found two amazing products that I love right now. truRoots Organic Sprouted Green Lentils and thanks to my sister-in-law I have come to love the truRoots Organic Sprouted Mung Beans. I have only found these at Whole Foods. You could sprout your own lentils since they are pretty easy to find but I have not found mung beans but suppose you could find at an Indian or perhaps Asian market.

I have two delicious recipes for these items below.

Lentil Tacos
1 c truRoots Sprouted Lentils (could use regular lentils too)
1/2 – 3/4 c diced tomatoes
1 T olive oil
1/2 t garlic powder
1/2 t cumin
1/2 t paprika
1/2 t chili powder
1/2 t crushed red pepper (optional)
1/2 t minced onion

1. Cook lentils according to directions.
2. In a medium-sized pot, combine the tomatoes, a drizzle of olive oil and spices. Cook over medium-high heat until tomatoes start to soften, about 5 minutes or so.
3. Add your drained lentils and cook for another 5 -10 minutes, until the lentils have really absorbed all the flavors. Add extra spices as necessary.
4. Assemble with whole grain tortillas, guacamole, salsa, etc.

Sprouted Mung Beans
1 c truRoots Organic Sprouted Mung Beans
3 c vegetable broth or chicken broth or water
1/2 t garlic powder
1/2 t cumin
1/2 t salt
2 T lime juice

1. Bring broth or water to boil in a pot and add mung beans. Cook 5-7 minutes. Turn off the heat, and cover with lid and let sit for 5 minutes.
Drain excess liquid, if needed.
2. Add seasonings and lime juice to taste. If used water may want more seasonings.

Enjoy! I haven’t tried with rice but I’m sure that would be delicious.

By the way, I hope everyone is having a great and healthy new year! I have lots to come so stay tuned….

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Farro, the “new” ancient grain

December 10, 2010 · Filed under farro, Recipe


Farro (pronounced FAHR-oh) is one of the oldest grains originally found in the Middle East but not grown primarily in Italy. Farro is an ancient grain that is now being rediscovered by chefs throughout Europe and North America. It is not wheat, but a plant and grain all its own. A farro grain looks like light brown rice and has a nutty taste that’s reminiscent of oats and barley. Lighter than other whole grains, farro, contains a starch similar to Arborio rice, which releases a creamy, binding liquid when cooked. It is rich in protein, fiber, magnesium and vitamins A, B, C and E, farro is easily digested and low in gluten, which makes it a good choice for those who are wheat-sensitive. It is grown in Italy.

A few months ago I was in Costco and noticed a huge bag of Farro and not knowing what it was I passed it up and got some more Quinoa. Finally, I decided to try it after my sister-in-law said I should. I was really delighted because it is almost creamy like risotto. I thought this recipe was great for fall/winter. Yum!


Farro and Butternut Squash
Serves 6-8 as side dish

2 c pearled farro, rinsed and drained
1 t salt
5 c water or stock (I used 2 c vegetable broth and 3 c water)
3 c butternut squash, cut into 1/2″ to 1″ diced
1 red onion cut into 1/8ths
1 T fresh thyme, minced
3 T olive oil
1 T balsamic vinegar
1 c walnuts, deeply toasted
3 t olive oil
1/4 c goat cheese, crumbled (goat feta)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. After rinsing the farro, combine with salt and water or stock in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally until the farro is tender 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat, drain any water and set aside.

While the farro is cooking toss the squash, onion and thyme with the olive oil. balsamic vinegar and couple pinches of salt on a baking sheet. Arrange in a single layer and place in the oven for 20 minutes. Turn the squash and onions about every 5-7 minutes to brown on all sides. Remove from oven and let cool a few minutes and then minced 1/2 of the red onions.

In a large bowl toss everything (except cheese) with the oil. Taste and season as necessary. Garnish with goat cheese.

Enjoy!

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Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

November 5, 2010 · Filed under Recipe, vegan

I love the new foods fall brings.   Squash, pumpkins, cranberries, grapes, and pomegranates.  Yum. This only means new recipes!   I bought 2 organic pumpkins when they first came out at the stores and cooked them up and froze them.  I’ve had several batches of breads and this is the one we all voted the best recipe low sugar/fat and it is vegan too since I try to keep the eggs out of recipes since my daughter seems to be sensitive to them.  Unfortunately no pictures since our camera is dead but Dan is getting one for his birthday in a few week so yippee!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

1/4 c coconut oil (heat to liquid if needed) – or other cooking oil
1/3 c organic unsweetened applesauce
1/3 c organic maple syrup
1 c canned or fresh pureed pumpkin*
2 tbs blackstrap molasses
1/4 c coconut milk or other nondairy milk
2 tbs ground flax seed
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 c all-purpose flour
1 c whole wheat pastry flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 c chopped walnuts (optional)
¼ c cacao nibs or other vegan dark chocolate (optional)

Whisk together oil, applesauce, maple syrup, pumpkin, molasses, milk, flax, and vanilla in a bowl. In another bowl, sift together flours, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Add wet ingredients to the dry, mix gently until just combined then fold in the walnuts and chocolate. Pour into a lightly oiled loaf pan or 3 mini loaf pans and bake at 350° for 25-30 (for mini) 60-70 minutes (for large), or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

*Cooking your pumpkin is simple I have done both microwave and oven. See instructions here. http://www.pickyourown.org/pumpkincooking.php

Enjoy!

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Halloween Enchiladas

October 24, 2010 · Filed under Recipe

Otherwise known as Black Bean & Sweet Potato Enchiladas. These are black and orange so perfect for the Halloween week. This delicious meal is high in protein, vitamin A, and iron.

 

 

2 t oil
1 small onion, diced
2 sweet potatoes, diced (about 2 1/2 c)
2 c or 1 (15-oz can) cooked black beans with a little cooking water
2 c chopped greens (kale, spinach, etc.)
½ bunch cilantro
Sea salt and black pepper to taste
1 can Enchilada sauce or salsa verde (I use Herdez salsa verde)
8 large whole grain flour tortillas or 10 to 12
corn tortillas
8 oz sour cream (optional)
2 avocados to top (optional)
4 oz Mexican cheese (optional)
*Note: If you use corn tortillas may want to use some oil or vegetable or chicken broth to soften the tortillas.

Preheat oven to 375ºF. Heat oil in large skillet. Add onion and sauté 5 to 10 minutes or until soft. Add sweet potatoes. Cover and cook about 10 minutes or until tender. Stir in beans and greens. Cover and heat about 5 minutes until greens are wilted. Add a little water if necessary to prevent scorching. Season with sea salt and pepper to taste.

Cover bottom of 9 x 13-inch baking dish with about 1/3 c of enchilada sauce. Place tortilla on flat surface (if you are using corn tortillas,
in a shallow pan heat oil or vegetable broth in dip one tortilla in for 2 seconds on each side). Scoop a line of filling across the width of tortilla about 2 inches from the bottom. Spoon sour cream across filling. Roll enchilada up and place in pan, seam side down. Repeat until all filling has been used. Cover enchiladas with remaining sauce. Cover pan with foil and bake 20 minutes. Serve with sliced avocados and cilantro.

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Rainbow Rice & Beans

October 14, 2010 · Filed under Recipe, vegan

So, I got some new cookbooks for my birthday and I finally got the chance to try a recipe out and it was easy and delicious so just had to share. The book was VeganYumYum (btw I had to use their fantastic picture since my did not come out). I only changed a few things… It called for Vegan Worcestershire Sauce which I did not have all the ingredients for and so I added some extra Tamari sauce and some garlic.

Here is my version of it…
Serves 4
1 c brown basmati rice, dry
1 can organic black beans, partially drained
1/4 organic chopped onion
1-2 organic garlic cloves, chopped
3-4 tbs tamari (wheat free) or soy sauce
1/2 cup organic frozen peas
1/2 cup organic frozen corn
2 medium organic carrots, shredded
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp corriander
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or less if you are feeding to the kiddos)
1/2 tsp oregano
1 tbs extra virgin olive oil
avocado and cilantro, if desired to garnish

Start the rice with two cups of cold water, or whatever ratio you of water:rice works best for the type of rice you are using.

When the rice is almost complete, heat some vegetable oil in a large skillet. If using onion, add it and cook until golden brown and then add garlic and brown. Add spice mix and saute until spices begin to bubble up a little bit, being careful not to burn.

Add beans, tamari and simmer on low, covered, until rice is done. Add peas, carrots, and corn and for a few moments until defrosted. Add rice to pan, stirring well to mix in beans and veggies and coat with sauce. If you want to make it “richer”, stir in a knob of vegan butter at the end.

Garnish with avocado and cilantro, serve immediately.

I think it is so colorful and delicious, who doesn’t want to eat a rainbow?

I’m going to post some Fall recipes soon but I’m still working perfecting to make them tasty and healthy at the same time : )

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Happy Blending

September 29, 2010 · Filed under green smoothies, Recipe · Tagged

Happy Birthday to me!  I got a new BlendTec blender.  Those of you that do not know it is THE Rolls Royce of all blenders!  They are used in restaurants, coffee shops, smoothie shops and more.  I first was interested in blenders about 1 ½ or so ago when I started making green smoothies.  I had been making my green smoothies in the Magic Bullet or whatever blender I had around and they were fine but I had only dreamed of how smooth and creamy the ones were made in the BlendTec or Vitamix (the closest competition).  My dream finally came true – yeah!  A week or two before my birthday Whole Foods was demonstrating the VitaMix and CostCo was demonstrating the BlendTec.   Was that I sign to be my birthday gift or what?

I have had it about a week and have used it 30 times – how do I know?  Because it keeps track of it!  I’ve made my daily green smoothies, hummus, pesto and banana ice cream.  I have not done any juices, soups, nut butters or ground any grains yet.   I’m still trying to figure out the settings although they have 6 presets sometimes I like to play around with it and you kind of have to figure out how much water or liquid to add but so far I’m thrilled.

Here is one of our latest smoothie recipes:

1 banana
1 organic pear
1 handful organic frozen peaches
4 leafs of organic kale
4 oz water

Funny thing is everytime I run the blender Daniel runs out and says did what did you make mom?  Is it a smoothie?  He loves his smoothies and Sadie does most of the time and the great thing is you start the day off with your greens and you feel great. Try it and call it ‘Shrek Juice’ for the kids.

P.S. http://www.greensmoothiegirl.com uses BlendTec too!

P.P.S. Sorry it has been awhile.. I’ve been volunteering, working with Dan, being a soccer mom, dealing with allergy kids and dog, visiting families with new babies and trying to stay sane with a little exercise through in there!

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Thursday’s Truth

August 12, 2010 · Filed under Recipe · Tagged ,

Truth is I am tired today. This week I have practically moved from one house to another, gone to 4 appointments, one workshop, 2 playdates and been staying up late so I’m going to make this post brief. I have two simple recipes that anyone can whip up real quick.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meme’s French Toast


This is my kids favorite every time they are in Houston they ask Meme for the “toast”.
8 to 10 pieces of sourdough or whole grain wheat bread sliced in ½
1 egg
3 t vanilla
3 t cinnamon
1 c almond milk or 1% organic milk
Earth Balance Spread or butter for pan
Toppings – sliced strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, chopped walnuts, pure maple syrup, Agave or honey.

 

Preheat griddle or nonstick pan. Beat eggs thoroughly, add milk, cinnamon, vanilla and stir. Dip bread in egg mixture and then put a thin slice of Earth Balance Spread in the pan for each slice. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Turn when brown adding another slice of Earth Balance Spread in pan.
Serve with toppings of choice berries, walnuts and a drizzle of pure maple syrup, agave or honey.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parsnip Fries

Kids love fries and we try a new vegetable or at least a new vegetable recipe few times a month. This recipe was a hit and is so simple.

1 lb parsnips
1 T extra virgin olive oil
1 t ground cumin
1 t ground coriander
¼ t sea salt
Pepper, if desired

Preheat oven to 425.
Peal parsnips and cut into strips. Toss parsnips with oil and spices
Bake on greased baking sheet or on foil for 30-40 mins, turning every 15 mins, until brown and tender.
Enjoy!

Sorry for the terrible picture I was in a hurry to serve those fries! Promise some good stuff to come : )

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Quinoa … Superfood?

July 29, 2010 · Filed under healthy, quinoa, Recipe

Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is a grain-like crop grown primarily for its edible seeds. It originated from the Andes Mountains of South America and where they refer to it as the “mother of all grains”. Quinoa contains a balanced set of all 8 essential amino acids, making it an unusually complete protein source among plant foods. It is a good source of dietary fiber and phosphorus and is high in magnesium and iron. Quinoa is gluten-free and considered easy to digest. Sounds pretty super to me!

We really enjoy it in the summer as some recipes are chilled salads, but it can be substituted for rice or really any grain in recipes. One thing you must do to prep it for cooking is to throughly rinse it. The seeds are coated with saponin which is bitter tasting. Most boxed quinoa is pre-rinsed but I always try to rinse it first before I cook it. I like to buy Bob’s Red Mill Organic Quinoa that is pre-rinsed but last time I got a huge package of Earthly Delights Organic quinoa from Costco and it definitely needs to be rinsed.

Here is a recipe of my Mom’s that is really refreshing on these HOT summer days. We’ve had it once fresh and twice left over this week – yum!

Summer Quinoa Salad
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Chill in fridge before serving

Ingredients:
1 c quinoa
1 mini cucumber, sliced
1 red or yellow bell pepper, diced
½ c broccoli florets
1 tomato, chopped
1 carrot, sliced
½ c spinach, sliced in ribbons
1/3 c basil, sliced in ribbons
¼ c olive oil
1/3 c (juice from 2 small lemons and couple T balsamic vinegar to make 1/3 c)
2 cloves garlic, minced
Sea salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
Cook quinoa in water according to directions. Rinse it first in a fine-mesh colander until water runs clear!

While quinoa is cooking, whisk together lemon juice, balsamic, olive oil, garlic cloves, fresh basil and salt and pepper.

When quinoa is finished cooking, allow to cool slightly then, toss with vegetables and lemon juice mix, stirring well to combine. Chill before serving.

This can be served as a main dish with a nice big salad or as a side dish.

I hope you like this grain-like seed as much as we do.

Enjoy!

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Favorite Meal

July 13, 2010 · Filed under healthy, Recipe

I have concluded that since I have become a mom of three it is difficult to please everyone when you serve a meal.     When they were babies you had to have separate meals and sometimes that is the case when they are toddlers but that is tiring.  I got smart and put an end to that and now it is eat what is served and like it – ha!  If only it were that easy.

Luckily, my children will eat what I serve without too much complaint but I want to share our favorite meal of the moment.

Baked Cilantro Salmon with oven roasted sweet potato fries, steamed broccoli and mixed fresh berries for dessert.  Yum!  The whole family devours it and asks for more!

Baked Cilantro Salmon


Serves 3

1/2 c cilantro, stems removed, chopped
1 large garlic clove, finely chopped
2 T lime juice
2 T olive oil, separated
3  7 ounce salmon fillets –  I usually get fresh (or farmed) atlantic salmon fillets  and have them remove the skin off the fish.  Try to get them all the same thickness.

Preheat oven to 425.
Grease pan with 1 T olive oil.

Place fillets, skin side down in an 8×8 baking dish.  (Might splatter)
Combine cilantro, garlic, lime juice, remaining olive oil in a small bowl.
Pour mixture over fish.

Bake at 425 for 12-15 minutes, to desired doneness.  (Thicker fillets will require additional time.)

I just love this recipe.  It is so healthy, easy and delicious!  In the picture, I ran out of cilantro so I usually have more and I LOVE cilantro so usually do extra but I had to work with what I had in the fridge at the time : )

Oven Roasted Sweet Potato Fries

Serves 2-3
1 large sweet potato
1/2 T olive oil
1/2 t kosher salt
sprinkle of cinnamon (if desired)

Preheat oven to 425.

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil coated with cooking spray.

Spread the sweet potato strips out onto the baking sheet in a single layer, coat with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and spices, turning them over to evenly coat all sides with oil and spices.

Bake for 30 minutes, turning every 10 minutes with spatula.  Serve warm.

The tricky part of this menu is at home I have a double oven so I can cook both sweet potatoes and salmon  at the same time.  But I am not at home right now so I cook the sweet potato fries and then the salmon.  It is tough to keep the sweet potatoes crispy but we’ll eat them no matter what.

Enjoy!

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