All posts in Appetizers/Hors d’oeuvre

Adzuki Bean and Cabbage Soup

By On March 24, 2010 In Appetizers/Hors d'oeuvre, Gluten-Free, Soups With 13 Comments Permanent Link to Adzuki Bean and Cabbage SoupPermalink

adzuki bean and cabbage soup

Spring is here!

This post is kind of a “farewell to soup”.  Well, maybe not a farewell, (because I will be devouring mass gazpacho this summer), but warm soup is my absolute favorite part about Winter. And, I almost exclusively reserve soup for cold weather.  So, for me, a farewell to Winter is a farewell to soup.

Now that Spring has sprung, I am looking forward to fresh raw veggies, warm sunshine,  and long days in the garden.  Birds are singing, frogs are chirping, flowers are blooming…

But, I’m not going to get too ahead of myself.  Since it is still a chilly 40 degrees in my neck of the woods… Soups on!!

~Welcome  back Spring… I missed you so. <3

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Cheezy Polenta with Sun Dried Tomatoes

By On March 19, 2010 In Appetizers/Hors d'oeuvre, Casseroles, Dinner, Non-dairy cheese, Side dishes With 20 Comments Permanent Link to Cheezy Polenta with Sun Dried TomatoesPermalink

cheezy polenta with sundried tomatoes

Here’s a super easy and delicious way to use up that bag of cornmeal in your cabinet.  It’s fun (and economical) to make your own polenta, and you can add all sorts of mix-ins.  I just added the basics for a rich flavor, but feel free to mix in a medley of stuff at the beginning of cooking (sauteed veggies, peppers, herbs, Tabasco sauce, tempeh… you name it).

Looks, feels, and jiggles just like the stuff in the tube-bag from the grocery store.

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Fava Bean Dip with Caramelized Onions

By On March 17, 2010 In Appetizers/Hors d'oeuvre, Gluten-Free, Side dishes With 22 Comments Permanent Link to Fava Bean Dip with Caramelized OnionsPermalink

fava bean dip

I am about to say something I thought I would NEVER say… I found a dip that I love more than hummus.  It sort of chokes me up to admit that, but it’s true.

I was browsing the internet trying to figure out a way to use my bag of dried fava beans, when I came across a mention of a “hummus”  using favas.  The idea was intriguing, so I ran to the kitchen, proceeding as though I was making hummus (minus the tahini).  From what I saw briefly on the web, it seems like a popular way to use fava beans.  I was too impatient to research and just let my imagination lead the way. Thoughts of a new and exciting staple food danced wildly in my head…

The outcome was good.  Very very good.  But, sadly, “staple” it will not be.  It just took too damn long to make.  And, my fingers sort of hurt from skinning all those beans.

I could just suck it up and admit that some of life’s finer pleasures take a little more time and effort to produce.  Then I think about how easy it is to soak and cook some chickpeas and end up with some killer hummus in no time. :\

Would I make this dip again? Absolutely.  Will it replace my daily hummus?  Not unless my husband is willing to dedicate an hour of his day to the prep-work of the beans.

I would really like to try this using fresh favas.

Here’s how I did it:

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Green Curry Butternut Squash Bisque

By On January 14, 2010 In Appetizers/Hors d'oeuvre, Gluten-Free, Side dishes, Soups With 5 Comments Permanent Link to Green Curry Butternut Squash BisquePermalink

Butternut Squash Bisque

Can the world use another Curried Butternut Squash Soup recipe?

I think so.

I made this yesterday for lunch and found it so surprisingly easy and yummy that I wanted to share it.  I have honestly never made any kind of squash soup before this, but I have seen numerous beautiful photos from some of my favorite vegan bloggers and cookbook authors.  So, I just had to try my hand at making my own… without peeking at anyone else’s recipe. :)

I couldn’t believe how stupid easy this stuff is to make.  I will  definitely be making this over and over again.  It seems like it would be pretty good with some canned coconut milk subbed for some of the almond milk… maybe I’ll try that next time.  It is pleasantly mild and sweet… but filling all on its own.  After the photo I ended up gulping this stuff down like a milkshake.

I know, I have no shame. Continue Reading →

Lentil, Kale and Potato Soup

By On January 5, 2010 In Appetizers/Hors d'oeuvre, Dinner, Gluten-Free, Soups, Veggies With 22 Comments Permanent Link to Lentil, Kale and Potato SoupPermalink

kale, potato, lentil soup

Since the weather outside is so frightful, (and freezing!) soup is on my mind.  This lentil soup is nice and light, yet very satisfying.  It is also chock full of warm fuzzy feeling.  I created it to emulate a soup I always order at one of my favorite restaurants.  Fragranced with lemon and cilantro, and pleasantly mild, even my lentil hating husband loves this stuff.

Here’s to soup, and keeping warm!

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Black Rice Phyllo Tarts

By On November 25, 2009 In Appetizers/Hors d'oeuvre, Baked Goods, Side dishes With 5 Comments Permanent Link to Black Rice Phyllo TartsPermalink

Thanksgiving appetizer

With Thanksgiving coming soon, I know I’ve been focusing on all the goodies that will grace our table as we sit down to our feast.  But what about  the appetizers?  If you are having company, and dinner won’t be ready right away, appetizers certainly come in handy.

Think of all of your poor hungry guests who will be drooling over the mashed potatoes and gravy and succulent field roast that are nowhere near ready.

This is the perfect mini-dish to occupy their hunger pangs.  The rice, like all rice, takes about 40 minutes to cook, but then you just throw in some nuts, spices and berries and use some store bought phyllo dough to whip together a stunning, but simple hors d’oeuvre.

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