Sunday, October 31, 2010

CHANA MASALA


Prep time: 10 min | Cooking time: 20 min | Serves: 2 
1 can
1 medium-sized
1 large
1-2
1 tbsp
1 tsp
1 tsp
1/4 tsp
1/4 tsp
1/2 tsp
1/2 tsp
2 tbsp
chickpeas, drained
onion, finely chopped
tomato, chopped
green chillies, finely chopped
ginger-garlic paste
tomato paste
cumin seeds
red chilli powder
turmeric powder
coriander powder
cumin powder
light cooking oil
salt, to taste
water, as needed
fresh chopped coriander, as garnish
lemon wedges, as garnish
SAUTE cumin seeds in hot oil till they start to sizzle and pop. Add onions and green chillies, and fry till tender.
ADD in tomatoes, ginger-garlic paste, tomato paste, salt and spices, and cook till tomatoes pulp and starts to give out oil from the sides. 
STIR in about a cup of water, allow it to come to a boil, and then add chickpeas. Let simmer covered for a few minutes till chickpeas are soft and tender to the touch.
GARNISH with fresh coriander and a sprinkle of lemon juice.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Eggplant, zuke, and spinach Lasagna

1 large eggplant
1 zucchini
1 bunch fresh spinach (or box frozen)
1 large purple onion-chopped coarse
garlic to taste
Italian mixed seasoning
1/2 c vegetable broth
box of spinach lasagna
1 jar fatfree seasoned marinara
soy cheese..grated and to taste

boil lasagna noodles till tender, meanwhile

simmer chopped onion and garlic in vegetable broth till tender add
Italian seasoning and salt and pepper to taste add marinara (I like
roasted pepper and basil) to onion/garlic mix and blend

slice the eggplant and lasagna in 1/2 " slices
wash and chop spinach into 1/2 " strips
spray large pyrex pan with butter flavored spray and layer:
sauce,noodles,soy cheese
sliced vegetables
sauce, noodles, soy cheese, vegetable
top w/ sauce and soy cheese

bake 300 for 45 min

let set a few minutes before serving
this freezes well and is even better the next day

Monday, October 11, 2010

Squash and White Bean Soup


Serves 4 to 6

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 celery stalk, strings removed, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 1/2 cup)
1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
1 garlic clove, minced
1 1/2 pounds (about 2 cups) butternut squash, peeled and seeded, flesh cut into 3/4-inch cubes
1 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained
4 cups low-sodium canned beef broth
4 thin slices sandwich bread
1 cup canned great Northern white beans, rinsed and drained

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a medium pot over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Add celery; cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Add onion and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in squash and tomatoes; cook until liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes. Add broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer until squash is tender, 18 to 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Use a leaf-shape cutter to cut leaves from bread; arrange on a baking sheet. Brush with remaining tablespoon oil; bake until just golden, about 10 minutes.

Add beans to pot, and cook until they are warmed through, about 2 to 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Veggie Slow Cooker Recipes

http://www.savvyvegetarian.com/vegetarian-recipes/slow-cooker-recipes.php

Sesame Soba Noodles


1 package soba, lo mein, udon or other thin noodle (about 10-13 oz)
1 t toasted sesame seed oil

1/2 head cauliflower
1 small head broccoli

1 pepper, sliced thin
2-3 scallions, sliced thin

4 T toasted sesame seed oil
2 T seasoned rice vinegar
1/4  t sugar if using regular rice vinegar not seasoned
2 T tamari or salt if making it soy free

2 T sesame seeds

Cook the noodles according to package directions but make sure not to overcook them or they will be gummy. Cool under cold running water, drain well and transfer to a large bowl. Add a teaspoon of sesame seed oil and mix well. This will help  prevent the noodles  from sticking. In the meantime...

Cut the broccoli  and cauliflower florets into bite-size pieces. Trim the broccoli stem and peel it very well to remove the tough outside skin. Slice the stem into thin strips about 2 inches long. Steam the broccoli and cauliflower until crisp tender or to your liking. Steaming them for about 3-4 minutes and shocking them in cold water will retain the bright green. This extra step is up to you to do or skip. Add the broccoli and cauliflower to the bowl of noodles.

Add the thinly sliced pepper and scallions to the bowl of noodles.

Make your dressing by mixing the sesame seed oil, vinegar, sugar if using and tamari. Mix very well. Add the dressing to the bowl of noodles and veggies and mix well (I use my hands to prevent the noodles from breaking.)

Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve at room temperature or chilled.

Black Bean and Tomato Quinoa




  • 2 teaspoons grated lime zest

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

  • 1 teaspoon sugar

  • 1 cup quinoa

  • 1 (14- to 15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

  • 2 medium tomatoes, diced

  • 4 scallions, chopped

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro




  • Whisk together lime zest and juice, butter, oil, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4teaspoon pepper in a large bowl.
    Wash quinoa in 3 changes of cold water in a bowl, draining in a sieve each time.
    Cook quinoa in a medium pot of boiling salted water (1 tablespoon salt for 2 quarts water), uncovered, until almost tender, about 10 minutes. Drain in sieve, then set sieve in same pot with 1 inch of simmering water (water should not touch bottom of sieve). Cover quinoa with a folded kitchen towel, then cover sieve with a lid (don't worry if lid doesn't fit tightly) and steam over medium heat until tender, fluffy, and dry, about 10 minutes. Remove pot from heat and remove lid. Let stand, still covered with towel, 5 minutes.
    Add quinoa to dressing and toss until dressing is absorbed, then stir in remaining ingredients and salt and pepper to taste.

    Tuesday, August 24, 2010

    Chicken roasted with mustard


    Chicken Legs Roasted with Mustard
    Serves 4
    4 chicken legs (thighs included, about 2 1/2 pounds)
    2 teaspoons fresh, minced herbs, such as a mixture of sage, thyme and tarragon or marjoram
    Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
    4 tablespoons Dijon mustard or tarragon mustard
    1/3 cup panko
    2 tablespoons melted butter
    1. Heat the oven to 325 degrees.
    2. Rinse the chicken legs and pat them dry. Rub them all over with the minced fresh herbs. Season well with salt and pepper. Brush the mustard over the skin side of each leg to coat thinly. Lay the legs in a shallow baking dish, leaving space between them. Sprinkle evenly with the panko or breadcrumbs and drizzle evenly with the melted butter.
    3. Roast about an hour or until the meat is very tender and the coating is crisp.

    Spicy Kasha Vegetable Salad


    Spicy Kasha Vegetable Salad
    (printer-friendly version)
    Instead of kasha, you can substitute 1 cup of quinoa, bulgur wheat, or any whole grain and cook it in the amount of water appropriate to the grain. Check a grain cooking chart such as the one here.
    1 cup buckwheat kasha, medium granulation
    2 cups vegetable broth
    2 medium tomatoes, chopped fine
    1/2 cup green onions, thinly sliced
    1/2 cup parsley, chopped
    1/2 cup fresh mint, chopped
    1/2 yellow bell pepper chopped
    1/2 large cucumber peeled, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch cubes
    1 cup cooked chickpeas
    1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
    1 tablespoon agave nectar (or pomegranate molasses)
    1-3 teaspoon hot pepper paste or sauce
    1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
    1 tablespoon water
    Heat 2 cups of vegetable broth (or heat water and add vegetable bouillon). While you’re waiting for it to come to a boil, toast the kasha in a large, dry saucepan for about 3 minutes, or until it releases a nutty aroma. When the broth reaches a boil, add it carefully to the kasha (watch out for spatters!) Cover and turn the heat very low. Cook until kasha is tender and all liquid is absorbed, 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat, fluff, and allow to cool. Kasha can be refrigerated and stored overnight, if necessary.
    Add all chopped vegetables and the chickpeas to the kasha. Mix the lemon juice and remaining ingredients well and add them to the kasha, stirring so that the dressing is distributed evenly. Serve mounded in the center of a large platter, with butternut lettuce leaves. To eat, spoon some of the salad into a lettuce leaf and eat like a taco or burrito.
    Servings: 8

    Salsa Chickpea Lettuce Wrap


    Ingredients:

    • 10 whole lettuce leaves
    • 1 whole green bell pepper, seeded and diced
    • 1 whole red bell pepper, seeded and diced
    • 12 ounces salsa
    • 15 ounces chickpeas, drained and rinsed

    Instructions:

    Combine chickpeas and salsa in a medium sauce pan. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until all of the liquid has absorbed and the chickpeas have taken on the salsa’s color, about 8 minutes. For best results, refrigerate over night. Spoon chickpeas into lettuce leaves and top with chopped bell pepper pieces. Serve chickpeas at any temperature. (Makes about 8 wraps)

    Monday, July 26, 2010

    Experiment: Triple Berry Sorbet

    2 cup water
    1 1/2 cup sugar
    4 cup mixed berries
    1/4 cup lemon juice

    Saturday, July 3, 2010

    Orange Currant Scones

    4 cups all-purpose white flour
    3 tablespoons granulated sugar
    2 teaspoons baking powder
    2 teaspoons baking soda
    1/4 teaspoon salt
    2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, cut into bits
    3 tablespoons freshly grated orange zest (from about 2 navel oranges)
    1 1/2 cups dried currants
    1 cup plus 2 tablespoons well-shaken buttermilk
    2 large eggs
    1/4 cup granulated raw sugar (turbinado or Demerara)


    preparation

    In a bowl of a standing mixer fitted with paddle attachment stir together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add butter and zest and beat until mixture resembles coarse meal. Beat in currants. In a bowl whisk together buttermilk and eggs and add to flour mixture, beating just until a dough forms.

    Preheat oven to 350°F. and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. On each sheet arrange six 1/2-cup mounds of dough about 1 inch apart. Sprinkle mounds with raw sugar and chill 15 minutes.
    Bake scones in upper and lower thirds of oven, switching position of sheets half-way through baking, until light brown, about 20 minutes.

    Bacon Thyme Burgers



    Serves 4
    • 2 pounds boneless beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
    • 6 ounces bacon, chopped
    • 1 cup finely chopped onion
    • 3 tablespoons thinly sliced garlic
    • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
    • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • 8 slices cheddar cheese
    • 4 sesame-seed hamburger rolls, lightly toasted
    • 1 1/2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
    • 8 thin slices tomato
    • Mayonnaise, for serving
    • Ketchup, for serving
    • Mustard, for serving
    • Pickles, for serving

    Directions

    1. Place the diced chuck in a large bowl.
    2. Set a 10-inch saute pan over medium heat and add the bacon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crisp and most of the fat has been rendered, 7 to 8 minutes. Add the onions to the pan and cook until they are softened, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute longer. Add the thyme and toss to combine. Remove the pan from the heat and pour the mixture over the diced chuck. Drizzle with the Worcestershire, and season with the salt and pepper. Toss gently but thoroughly to combine. Cover and set aside to marinate, refrigerated, for 1 hour.
    3. Assemble a home grinder according to the manufacturer's instructions, using a medium die for grinding. Grind the meat mixture and then gently form it into 4 patties, being careful not to overwork it. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour.
    4. Preheat a grill to medium, and lightly oil the grate.
    5. Remove the patties from the refrigerator and place them on the grill. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes. Then turn them over and place 2 slices of the cheddar on each burger. Cook for another 7 to 8 minutes for medium-rare to medium, or until the burgers are cooked to the desired degree of doneness. Place a burger on the bottom of each of the 4 toasted buns. Dress with the lettuce and tomatoes, and add mayo, ketchup, mustard, and pickles as desired. Serve immediately.

    Lentil-Barley, Kale with Sauteed Leeks



    Ingredients:

    1 c green lentils, washed
    1/4 c pearled barley, washed
    4 c water
    2 cloves garlic, crushed
    1/4 t turmeric (optional for digestion)

    1 bunch kale, chopped, stems removed
    1 carrot, slivered, not too thin
    salt, pepper

    Saute:
    1 t to 1 T olive oil
    1-2 leek, washed, sliced into rounds and separated
    1/2 onion, chopped
    2 cloves garlic, minced
    1/4 t oregano
    1/4 t basil
    salt and pepper


    Combine the lentils, barley, garlic, turmeric and water in a medium pot. Bring to boil, reduce to simmer, and cook until barley is tender, about 45-60 minutes.

    About 30 minutes after you placed the lentils on, heat a medium saute pan, add the oil, leek, onion, garlic and spices. Cook on medium-low, stirring often, until leeks are beginning to brown and they are tender. This should take around 15 minutes.

    When the barley is tender and the leeks are ready, add the kale and carrots, mixing well. Cook for a few minutes until the kale is to your liking. If you like the kale well cooked, do this step when you begin your leeks. I like my kale a little toothsome and green. Add salt and pepper, and if desired, some cayenne or chili flakes.

    To serve, heat a pita slice over an open flame (stove) or directly on your electric burner, flipping until little brown flecks appear and the pita is heated. Serve the lentils in a bowl topped with some leeks and your pita bread.

    Sunday, June 27, 2010

    Andes Mint Cookies



    1. Heat oven to 350°F.
    2. Over low heat, combine butter, sugar and water. Heat until melted and add chocolate chips until partly melted. Remove from heat and stir. Pour into large mixing bowl. Let stand 10 minutes to cool slightly.
    3. Beat in eggs one at a time on high speed. Reduce mixer to low speed and add flour, salt and baking soda. Beat until well-blended.
    4. Chill one hour.
    5. Roll into balls, place two inches apart on parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Bake for 10 minutes.
    6. Place an Andes Mint half on top after taking them out from the oven. Allow to melt slightly and spread with a spoon.

    Black Bean and Summer Squash


    Black Bean and Summer Squash Enchiladas

    These enchiladas are a little hard to get out of the pan completely intact, so I often bake and serve them in individual dishes.
    1 medium onion, chopped fine
    2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
    1/4 cup green or red bell pepper, chopped
    12 ounces patty pan, zucchini, or yellow summer squash, diced (about 2 medium squash)
    1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
    1 teaspoon Ancho chile powder (or mild chili powder)
    1/8 -1/4 teaspoon chipotle chile powder (or to taste)
    1 1/2 cups cooked black beans, well rinsed and drained
    1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
    1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
    2 teaspoons lime juice
    1 can enchilada sauce (or 10 ounces homemade sauce)
    8 corn tortillas
    chopped green onions, for serving
    Saute the onion in a medium-sized saucepan until it begins to soften. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in the bell pepper and squash and cook, stirring, for about two minutes, until squash is just beginning to become tender. Add the cumin, chile powders, black beans, and salt. Simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the nutritional yeast and lime juice. Check seasoning and adjust to taste.
    Preheat oven to 350. Lightly spray one large rectangular baking dish or 4 individual baking dishes with olive oil. Place a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of each dish, reserving most of it to go on top. Microwave the tortillas for about 20 seconds to soften them. Place a tortilla in front of you and arrange about 1/4 cup of the bean mixture across the center. Roll up and place seam-side down into the baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas and beans. Pour the remaining sauce over the top.
    Bake for about 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbling. Sprinkle with sliced green onions to serve.
    Servings: 4
    Yield: 8 enchiladas

    Nutrition Facts
    Nutrition (per serving): 269 calories, 27 calories from fat, 3.2g total fat, 0mg cholesterol, 753.6mg sodium, 654.5mg potassium, 51.6g carbohydrates, 10.9g fiber, 4.5g sugar, 12.1g protein, 4.8 points.

    Quick Enchilada Sauce
    Recipe By :Mary McDougall, "McDougall Health Supporting Cookbook Volume 1"
    Serving Size : 2 1/2 cups
    1 cup tomato sauce
    1 1/2 cups water
    1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
    1/4 teaspoon onion powder
    1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
    2 tablespoons cornstarch -- or arrowroot
    Place all ingredients in a saucepan and mix well. Cook over medium heat until mixture boils and thickens, about 10 minutes.

    Baked Spring Rolls





    Easy Baked Spring Rolls

    I call these “easy” because unlike most egg roll recipes, the vegetables are not pre-cooked before rolling.  The result is a lighter, fresher-tasting filling, as well as easier preparation.
    Sambal Oelek is a very hot paste made from chile peppers, vinegar, and salt. Reduce it or eliminate it if you don’t like spicy foods, or replace it with any chili sauce or red pepper flakes.
    1/2 head Napa Cabbage (about 8 ounces cored and shredded)
    1 carrot
    1/2 tablespoon sambal oelek (or other chili paste, to taste)
    6 ounces extra-firm tofu
    1 teaspoon soy sauce or tamari
    2 teaspoons water
    1 teaspoon seasoned rice vinegar
    1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
    24 spring roll wrappers (I used 4×4-inch wrappers)
    Cut the cabbage in quarters lengthwise and cut out and discard the hard core. Slice two of the quarters thinly, and reserve the other two for another use. Cut the carrot into thin matchsticks about 1-inch long. Mix the cabbage with the carrot in a large bowl and stir in the sabal oelek (chili paste).
    Cut the tofu into 1/4-inch thick slices. Lay them out on a double-layer of paper towels. Top with another double layer of towels and gently press down on each slice with your hands to remove as much moisture as possible. Remove from paper towels and cut into tiny, 1/4-inch cubes. Place into a medium-sized bowl. In another bowl, combine the soy sauce, water, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Pour over the tofu, stirring gently (I used my hands) to distribute the sauce without breaking up the tofu.
    Preheat oven to 375 F. Place one spring roll wrapper on your work surface with a corner toward you. (Keep the remaining wrappers covered to prevent them from drying out.) Place a heaping tablespoon of the cabbage mixture in the center and top it with a line of tofu cubes. Bring the bottom corner over the filling and the two sides in, forming an envelope-like packet. Moisten the top corner with a little water and roll up from the bottom, pressing the edge to seal. Place seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with a silicone mat or parchment paper. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
    Bake for 6-9 minutes. Turn over and bake for another 6-10 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with a sweet and sour dipping sauce such as Apricot Duck Sauce.
    Servings: 6
    Yield: 24

    Nutrition Facts
    Nutrition (per 4 spring rolls): 97 calories, 15 calories from fat, 1.7g total fat, 0mg cholesterol, 154.8mg sodium, 62.9mg potassium, 18.9g carbohydrates, less than 1g fiber, less than 1g sugar, 3.2g protein, 1.9 points.

    Monday, June 21, 2010

    banana coconut muffins

    Coconut Banana Muffins
    If you want to turn up the tropical flavour factor, stir in some chopped dried apricots, dates and/or candied ginger.
    3/4 cup all-purpose flour
    1/2 cup whole wheat flour
    1 tsp. baking powder
    1/4 tsp. salt
    3/4-1 cup shredded or flaked coconut
    2 mashed very ripe bananas
    1/2 cup sugar – white or brown
    1/3 cup melted butter or canola oil
    1/3 cup buttermilk or plain yogurt
    1 large egg
    1 tsp. vanilla
    Preheat oven to 375°F and line muffin cups with paper liners.
    In a large bowl, stir together the flours, baking powder and salt. Toss in about 1/2 cup of coconut. In another bowl whisk/mash together the bananas, sugar, buttermilk, egg and vanilla; add to the dry ingredients and stir just until blended. Don’t overmix.
    Divide batter among lined muffin cups and sprinkle with remaining coconut. Bake for about 25 minutes, until puffed and golden, about 25 minutes. Makes about 10 muffins.

    Friday, June 11, 2010

    Grilled Piri Piri Chicken

    Ingredients

    Preparation:

    In small bowl, combine lemon rind and juice, garlic, olive oil, hot pepper flakes and salt. Rub over chicken, pushing some of the mixture under skin.
    Refrigerate chicken for at least 8 hours or up to 24 hours. On greased grill over medium heat, cook chicken, covered, for about 15 minutes on each side or until breasts are no longer pink inside, or juices run clear when legs are pierced with a fork.

    Saturday, June 5, 2010

    Pumpkin Quinoa Muffins



    SERVINGS
    Makes 12 muffins

    INGREDIENTS
    1 1/4 cups whole wheat pastry flour
    3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
    1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
    1 teaspoon baking powder
    1/2 teaspoon baking soda
    1/2 teaspoon salt
    3/4 cups quinoa, cooked and drained
    2 eggs
    3/4 cup unsweetened canned pumpkin
    1/2 cup buttermilk
    4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
    2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    1/4 cup shelled sunflower seeds or pepitas

    PREPARATION
    1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Oil or butter a 12-cup muffin tin or line with muffin tin liners.
    2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, pie 3. spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the quinoa, separating the grains with a fork to distribute evenly.
    3. In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add the pumpkin, buttermilk, butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth. Gradually stir into the dry ingredients until just incorporated.
    4. Spoon the batter into muffin tins and sprinkle sunflower seeds on top of each muffin. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the muffins are browned around edges and a tester comes out clean. Let the muffins rest for 5 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool.

    Wednesday, June 2, 2010

    Chocolate Chip-Filled Melting Moments


    Cookies
    1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
    1/2 cup cake flour
    3/4 cup cornstarch
    1/2 teaspoon baking powder
    1/4 teaspoon salt
    3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
    3/4 cup powdered sugar
    1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    Preheat oven to 300°.

    Sift both flours, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt together into a medium bowl. Set aside.

    Using an electric mixer, beat together butter and sugar at medium speed until smooth. Scrape sides as needed. Mix in vanilla until blended. Decrease mixer speed to low and add flour mixture. Mix just until combined and a smooth dough has formed.

    Use about 1/2 tablespoon of dough for each cookie. Roll each into a ball and place about 2 inches apart on lined baking sheets. Flatten each with a fork to about 1 & 1/4 inches in diameter.

    Bake sheets one at a time until the bottoms of the cookies begin to brown, about 25-30 minutes. The tops should not change color. Cool on pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

    Filling
    1/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
    3/4 cup powdered sugar
    1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

    Stir together butter, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in chocolate chips.

    Turn half of the cookies over and spread about a teaspoonful of filling on each. Place the remaining cookies on top of the filling. Press gently.

    Makes 16 sandwich cookies (32 individual cookies).

    Sunday, May 30, 2010

    Easy Curried Chickpeas and Quinoa


    • 1 medium onion, chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 tablespoon minced ginger
    • 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
    • 1 1/2 teaspoons good curry powder (or adjust to taste)
    • 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne or other ground red pepper (or to taste)
    • 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
    • 1 cup cooked quinoa
    • salt to taste
    Heat a medium-sized, non-stick sauce pan over medium-high heat. Add the onions and a sprinkle of salt and cook, stirring, until onions soften. Add garlic and ginger and cook for another minute.
    Add the chickpeas, curry powder, and red pepper, and stir briefly. Add the tomatoes and cooked quinoa, reduce heat to low, and cover. Simmer for about 10 minutes to allow flavors to blend. Add salt to taste.
    Serve in wraps, pita bread, or lettuce leaves or with naan or other flatbread.
    Servings: 4

    Nutrition Facts
    Nutrition (per serving): 225 calories, 20 calories from fat, 2.3g total fat, 0mg cholesterol, 560.4mg sodium, 333.1mg potassium, 42.9g carbohydrates, 7.7g fiber, 4.6g sugar, 8.7g protein, 3.9 points.

    Vanilla Chocolate Wafers


    Makes about 4 1/2 dozen
    • 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 14 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
    • 1 cup confectioners' sugar
    • 1 large egg yolk
    • 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • 2 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch process cocoa powder

    Directions

    1. Sift flour and salt into a medium bowl; set aside. Put butter and sugar into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, and mix on medium speed until pale and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Reduce speed to low. Mix in egg yolk and vanilla. Gradually add flour mixture; mix until just combined, about 1 minute.
    2. Remove half of the dough; set aside. Add cocoa powder to remaining dough; mix on low speed until well combined. Turn out chocolate dough onto a lightly floured work surface. Roll into a 10-inch log, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Repeat with reserved vanilla dough. Wrap each log in plastic wrap, and refrigerate until slightly firm, at least 30 minutes.
    3. Press handle of a long wooden spoon into side of chocolate log, making an indentation along its length. Roll handle into and then away from log, creating an apostrophe shape. Repeat with vanilla log. Fit logs together; press lightly to seal. Gently roll into a 2-inch-diameter log. Wrap in plastic wrap, and freeze until firm, about 30 minutes.
    4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut log into 1/4-inch-thick rounds; space 1 inch apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. If dough becomes too soft to slice cleanly, return to freezer until firm.
    5. Bake until firm to the touch, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to wire racks; let cool. Cookies can be stored in airtight containers at room temperature up to 3 days.