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Cauliflower Popcorn is loaded with all the flavor of your favorite snack chips and pop-ems with none of the downside!

Cauliflower Popcorn is so addictive I challenge you to make it so far as to get yours into the dehydrator (or oven) for step 2… without eating it all first!  

This flavorful, smoky, cheesy, salty-sweet indulgence tastes phenomenal tossed up fresh… however, an hour or two in the dehydrator (or oven- see below) renders it crispy and warm with its tantalizing aromas wafting throughout the kitchen so do try to hold out!  This raw food yumminess is brimming with powerful life-force, enzymes, phytonutrients and vitamins galore.  It's a snack that makes us feel as phenomenal as it tastes!  Whenever I eat Raw Snacks I feel satiated, energized and just plain fantastic.  Cauliflower Popcorn is no exception!  Loaded with all the flavor of our favorite snack chips and tidbits without any of the downside… except perhaps that I couldn't hoard it all to myself once Jim had a taste.  He couldn't get enough and rates it…

"Outstanding!"

 

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The Benefits (and this is just a few mind you!)

Fights Cancer - Cauliflower contains sulforaphane, a sufur compound proven to kill cancer stem cells thus slowing tumor growth, and to inhibit the growth of cultured breast cancer cells leading to cell death.  Moreover, research shows, cauliflower with curcumin (the active compound in the turmeric in this recipe) may help prevent & treat prostrate cancer.  Additionally, the Indoles and isothiocyanates in cauliflower have been shown to potentially inhibit cancer development of the bladder, breast, colon, liver, lung and stomach according to the National Cancer Institute.

Boosts Heart Health – The sulforaphane in cauliflower has been shown to significantly improve blood pressure and kidney function. These benefits are related to improved DNA methylation, a process crucial for normal cellular function and gene expression especially in the easily damaged inner lining of the arteries.

Supports Detoxification - Cauliflower supports Phase 1 detoxification via certain antioxidants and Phase 2 detoxification via it's sulfur-containing nutrients while the glucosinolates in cauliflower activate detoxification enzymes in the liver.

Anti-Inflammatory - Excessive inflammatory response when no threat is present can lead to inflammation-related damage in the body linked to many diseases including cancer depending on the organs impacted.  Cauliflower's wealth of anti-inflammatory nutrients keep inflammation in check.

Rejuvenates Skin Hair & Nails - As you know by now, consuming a variety of veggies & fruits is important in order to receive all their valuable vitamins and minerals.  Cauliflower specifically, contains Vitamins A, E, C & K as well as B vitamins, folate, sodium, potassium, calcium, manganese, zinc, fats, niacin, copper and iron.  The biotin in cauliflower has been found to control dandruf and thicken nails.  The plethora of antioxidants such as vitamin C in cauliflower destroy free radicals that accelerate the signs of aging.  Additionally, the Vitamin C is required for growth & repair of tissues in all parts of the body including the formation of collagen in addition to making skin, scar tissue, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels.

Boosts Digestion - That good old aforementioned sulforaphane has been shown to protect the lining of the stomach by preventing bacterial overgrowth of Helicobacter pylori.  Additionally, cauliflower provides an great source of dietary fiber which is also crucial for digestive health.

Antioxidants & Phytonutrients Galore – Cauliflower is packed with tons of Vitamin C, beta-carotene and antioxidants like quercetin and cinnamic acid which provide cells adequate defense against attack from reqctive oxygen species or ROS. A proper supply of antioxidants helps banish free radicals enabling the body to resist aging caused by everyday pollutants, stress and more.

Boosts Brain Health - Cauliflowers abundant supply of choline is a B vitamin crucial in brain development. Choline intake during pregnancy "super-charges" the brain activity of animals in utero indicating it may boost cognitive function, prevent age-related memory decline, and improve memory & learning.

Overall Raw Foods Power – Nutrient dense, whole, plant-based foods that haven't been heated above 118 F retain their full nutritional value preserving all their naturally occuring living enzymes.  Additionally, raw foods are still filled with vital life energy – the magic of life force, also known as chi or prana.  I personally integrate a large portion of raw foods into my diet, finding at the moment as the weather is cooling, a proportion of 80% raw to 20% cooked is working best for me.  In the heat of summer, I find myself eating close to 100% raw foods – though someday this too may change – and of course you'll be the first to know 🙂  Not only are we each unique with personalized needs, what works for us now may not be what works best for us a year or 5 or 10 years down the line.  We always want to pay attention to the signals our bodies are providing in response to the changing seasons, our environment, habits, history, genetic predisposition etc.

 *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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This is my submission to the lovely Jacqueline at No Croutons Required and Lisa of FoodandSpice.

I've been wanting to make a raw food version of this snack favorite which is, more typically, roasted in the oven.  As you can tell, the results are beyond amazing!  Please enjoy this fantastic treat and leave your thoughts in the comments below!

 

Recipe for Cauliflower Popcorn

Ingredients

  • 1 head cauliflower separated into 2 x larger than popcorn pieces (they'll shrink in the dehydrator)
  • 1/2 cup nutritional yeast (I like KAL brand)
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder 
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (if you're a raw purist skip, tho it adds fabulous flavor)
  • 1 tsp powdered stevia or xylitol
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • sea salt & fresh cracked pepper to taste
  • 2 Tbsp extra virgin coconut oil melted (or sub EVOO or use a combo of the two)

Method

  1. Shake everything up in a large ziplock bag until all the pieces are thoroughly coated.
  2. Spread out on a couple of teflex sheet covered dehydrator trays and dehydrate* at 135F for 1 hour (don't worry, the food is throwing off heat at this point & the internal temp remains under 115) and turn down to 115F for another hour or two until the mixture has dried and the popcorn is slightly crispy.

*Alternatively, if you don't yet have a dehydrator, spread mixture on a silpat or parchment covered baking sheet, place in oven on lowest setting with door propped open an inch or two. Check on the popcorn often as the oven will still likely be much hotter than 135F & 115F and, therefore, the process will be much faster.

 Enjoy! 

 

Do you have a favorite "traditional" recipe you'd like upgraded into a beautiful Vegan or Raw Vegan version?  Share it below for a chance to have me recreate it for you!

 

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All Love,

Juliane

 

Thank you for visiting 🙂

 

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Raw Vegan Chipotle Onion Rings with Garlic Aioli Dipping Sauce

 

Who doesn't love the delicious crunch of crispy, battered onion rings?!  Get ready for guilt free indulgence with these rings of fire made mega-delish with spicy smoked chipotle paired with THE most amazing Creamy Garlic Aioli Dipping Sauce you've ever had!  Seriously, Jim and I can't get enough.  They've become a weekly staple – actually I made two batches this week they're that incredible and easy too!

 

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You'd never guess these Raw Vegan Onion Rings are chock full of superfood power!

 

Fiery Onion Rings with Creamy Aioli Dipping Sauce win hands down for flavor, texture and satisfaction… plus they leave us feeling & looking our best too!  I purposely created a nut-free (gluten-free, dairy-free, grain-free) batter as even a Living Foods Raw Vegan diet is not healthy if it relies too heavily upon a high calorie, fat-laden, nut based approach.  When it comes to fats, too much can be too much no matter the type – a pitfall new Raw Foodists often stumble into.  Heavy, nut-centric meals can be very difficult for the digestive system and make it challenging to achieve ideal weight/fitness goals.  We all want to look and feel our best while eating delicious, nutritious food, therefore, I aim to develop balanced recipes that deliver absolutely amazing flavor while simultaneously ensuring we don't have to worry about counting calories or offsetting meals with excessive exercise in order to enjoy them.

 

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This Raw Vegan enzyme and nutrient rich recipe is full of incredibly powerful health & beauty enhancing plant-based superfoods.  Check out some of the amazing ingredient fun facts & benefits you'll receive while enjoying this delicious combo…

  • OnionsMajor cancer fighting power. major collagen/hair/nails building power.
  • Buckwheat Groats(I sprouted mine however I include options for skipping sprouting below) – Not actually a grain at all, but a fruit seed.  High in protein, flavanoids, magnesium, insoluble fiber, powerful phytonutrients proven to be more powerful than that found in fruits & vegetables, heart protecting lignans and more.
  • Chickpeas(I sprouted mine however I include options for not sprouting below) – Excellent for supporting the digestive tract, contain uniquely powerful antioxidants, decrease risk of cardiovascular disease, regulate blood sugar, improve feelings of satiety, excellent molybdenum &, manganese, very good source of folate & copper, good source of fiber & protein.
  • Kale – More iron than beef, high in Vitamin K crucial for bone health, blood clotting and prevention of Alzheimer's, powerful antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, reduces cholesterol levels, high in Vitamins A & C and Calcium, a great detox food filled with fiber & sulfur to keep the liver healthy.
  • Carrots – Excellent source of Beta-Carotene for beautiful skin & healthy vision. Carrots also contain falcarinol, a natural toxin that protects carrots against fungal disease and is found in scientific studies to stimulate cancer-fighting mechanisms in the body. Carrot extract has been found useful in combating cognitive dysfunctions and may offer memory improvement as well as cholesterol-lowering benefit.
  • Capsaicin in Chipotle (Chili) Peppers– Powerful anti-inflammatory, reduces cholesterol & triglyceride levels and increases body's blood clotting ability. Cultures who use hot pepper liberally have a much lower rate of heart attack, stroke & pulmonary embolism. Protects fats in blood from damage by free radicals, the first step in the development of atherosclerosis. Clears congestion from sinuses and congested lungs. Boosts immunity due to it's high content of beta-carotene and C. Kills the bacteria contributing to stomach ulcers while stimulating the cells lining the stomach to secrete protective juices.
  • Hemp Seed– A Super Food. A complete protein with a concentrated balance of proteins, essential fats, vitamins & enzymes with a virtual absence of sugar, starch & saturated fat. Increases and sustains energy, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, reduces inflammation. Improves circulation, immune system and blood sugar control. More easily digested protein than meat, eggs, cheese or other high protein food. High in perfectly balanced essential fats: omega 3, 6 & Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA). High in antioxidants, amino acids, fiber, iron, zinc, carotene, B vitamins, Vitamin E. Can be eaten by those unable to tolerate nuts, gluten, lactose or sugar as there are no known allergies to hemp foods.

 

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Mmm mmm divine!  We just had these Fiery Onion Rings w Creamy Aioli Dipping Sauce on the side of a super delish Raw Vegan Soft-serve Chocolate Shake for a to-live-for lunch!

 

And, people, let me just talk about the Creamy Aioli Dipping Sauce for a sec.  Yes, these onion rings are unbelievably fabulous enough to stand on their own, however, this Creamy Garlic Aioli is phenom!  You'll be wanting to dip everything in it – or thinning it out to use it as salad dressing – or slathering it all over your veggie wraps.

To. Live. For!!! 

So, a final brief comment before I get to the recipe… I made my onion rings using the absolute highest raw vegan method possible (and it was still super easy) meaning I soaked my chickpeas and buckwheat then sprouted them before turning them into the batter.  However, I've included an Express Option for anyone that feels like skipping that step.  But, let's be honest about soaking and sprouting – it's literally dumping something into a big bowl of water, letting it sit, draining, rinsing, and letting it sit in a colander and rinsing again.  Easy.  However, options are good.  And, either way you make it, they'll still be brimming with amazing flavor and stunning health and vitality power!

 

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Recipe for Raw Vegan Onion Rings & Creamy Aioli Dipping Sauce

(Serves 4)

Ingredients

Raw Vegan Fiery Onion Ring Batter

  • 1 cup dried chickpeas soaked & sprouted* (for Express Method sub 1 cup chickpea flour)
  • 3/4 buckwheat groats soaked & sprouted* (for Express Method sub 3/4 cup buckwheat flour)
  • 6 kale stems (left over from salads/smoothies or just use 3 whole leaves stem & all. For Express Method sub 1 1/2  Tbsp of your fav Greens Powder)
  • 2 medium carrots (for Express Method, sub 2 Tbsp Carrot Powder)
  • 1 1/2 inch piece of dried chipotle pepper (or equivalent in powder, starting with 1/2 tsp & taste testing from there )
  • 1 teeny tiny (they're like 1/2 inch long) dried habanero chili pepper (or chili powder to taste starting with 1/2 tsp & taste testing batter from there)
  • 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for Express Method omit or substitute 5 nuts like cashews/brazil nuts/macadamia – don't worry 5 nuts spread across the entire recipe is not a big deal)
  • 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder (or to taste)
  • 1 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 Tbsp raw coconut sugar (or use raw maple syrup crystals, stevia, raw coconut sugar or your fav sweetener to taste adjusting to account for differences in the strengths)
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (reserved for garnishing)

*Soaking & Sprouting Instructions: Place Buckwheat and Chickpeas into two separate bowls, top with filtered water to 3 inches above. Let soak 8-12 hours or overnight.  Rinse thoroughly. To Sprout: place Buckwheat and Chickpeas into two separate colanders inside 2 pots, add a 1/2 inch of water to each pot, cover with lids.  Let sit for 2 to 3 days rinsing once in the am and pm until sprouts grow to about 1/4". Rinse again thoroughly and they're ready!

Onion Ring Soak

  • 1 extra large sweet onion
  • 1 1/2 cups filtered water
  • 1 Tbsp raw apple cider vinegar (or sub fresh squeezed lemon juice)
  • 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp coconut nectar
  • 1 tsp sea salt

Creamy Raw Vegan Garlic Aioli

  • 1/2 cup hemp seed
  • 1/4 + cup filtered water
  • 2 cloves garlic (3 if you like it strong)
  • 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar (or sub fresh squeezed lemon juice)
  • 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 5 raw cashews
  • a touch of raw coconut sugar, stevia or your fav sweetener (start with 1/2 tsp & adjust to taste)

Method 

Fiery Raw Vegan Onion Rings

Note: It's best to do steps 1-3 the day before. Then dehydrate your onion rings the day you'll be serving or even a day ahead if you choose as they "reheat" really nicely in 45 minutes in the dehydrator.

  1. Place all the Onion Ring Batter ingredients into your food processor and pulse until everything is uniformly broken down and well combined, scraping down the sides of your bowl several times.  You should have a nice dough when the proccess is complete. You don't want huge chunks of anything. (For Express Method process ingredients into a flour and skip steps 2 and 3)
  2. Spread the mixture onto a teflex sheet of your dehydrator (I like the Excalibur) and dehydrate at 115 F for 4 hours or until dry, checking periodically as climate/time of year/altitude etc. can vastly affect drying time.  Feel free to make the Garlic Aioli at this point.  
  3. Once dry, break the dough into chunks and place into your food processor or Vitamix to process into a fine flour.  Divide the flour between two medium bowls and set aside.
  4. In a medium bowl whisk together the Onion Ring Soak ingredients.
  5. Separate your extra large onion into rings.
  6. Dip each onion ring first into the Soaking Liquid, then into the Batter Flour shaking to remove excess, back into the soaking liquid and again into the Batter Flour shaking to remove excess once more. Place each battered ring on a Teflex Sheet Lined dehydrator tray.
  7. Once all onions are battered, dehydrate on 135 F for 1st hour (Don't worry they'll still be raw as at this point they're throwing off water and the internal temp remains below 115) then turn down to 115F for 2 to 4 hours more, checking on them periodically, until reach desired crispness.* 
  8. Dust onion rings with smoked paprika to garnish. 

*There is leeway as to how long you choose to dehydrate the onion rings.  They're really delicious both a little moist and quite crunchy & everything in between.  I like to remove them when the interior is still a bit moist resembling deep-fried consisency as we put the leftovers in the fridge and "reheat" them in the dehydrator the next day on 135F for 45 minutes which makes them warm and crispier allowing us to enjoy them both ways.

Creamy Garlic Aioli

  1. Place all the aioli ingredients into your Vitamix and process until smooth and creamy.  
  2. Taste to adjust for seasonings and, if making in advance, add 1 or 2 Tbsp extra water for it to be a bit thinner than desired consistency as it will thicken considerably in the fridge. 

Enjoy!

Do you have a favorite "traditional" recipe you'd like upgraded into a beautiful Raw Vegan version?  Comment below & I'll recreate it for you!

 

All Love,

Juliane

 

 Thank you for visiting 🙂


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yummier. healthier. yet looks, feels & tastes like traditional!

 

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Raw Veggie Stuffing… Swoon!

 

Savory Raw Veggie Stuffing is absolute yumminess!  A perfect hardy, cozy winter recipe.  You could fool a person into thinking it was cooked if you didn't tell!  Boasting a beautiful complexity of flavor, fresh, vibrant color and that oomph of hardy, slightly gooey texture we all love in our holiday stuffing!  This fantastic recipe is perfect for a holiday spread, or added as a savory filling to stuffed mushrooms, bell peppers or inside steamed acorn squash or pumpkin!  A yummy, healthy dish to accompany your winter suppers.

 ~ 

Recipe for Savory Raw Veggie Stuffing (4 small, yet very filling servings)

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup walnuts or a combo of walnuts & pecans (preferably soaked & dehydrated)
  • 4-5 pitted dates
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon himalayan salt
  • dash of fresh ground pepper
  • few sprinkles of poultry seasoning (optional), maybe a shake of garlic (optional)
  • 1/2 large carrot chopped
  • 1 1/2 stalks celery chopped
  • 1 scallion chopped into big pieces for food processor
  • Drizzle of EVOO for finishing

Method

  1. Add walnuts through salt & pepper to a food processor and pulse several times until combined into smaller pieces.  Add the chopped carrot, celery and scallion and process til carrots and celery are incorporated as small bits like the picture.  Check seasonings.
  2. How easy is that!  Scrape into your serving bowl or onto your plates and drizzle with a wee bit of EVOO. Enjoy 🙂

 

How is your New Year going so far?  I hope fantastic.  All my best & much love to you!

XOXO

Juliane

 

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Wakame, Agar, Sugnori, Tsunomata & Mafunori Seaweed freshly rehydrated

 

One of my favorite, must-order dishes whenever we eat at Japanese restaurants is seaweed salad. The exotic textures, colors and flavors are an irressitable treat for me, not to mention a bona fide cocktail of minerals & vitamins, including B12. Ocean sea vegetables are macroalgaes that possess an impressive profile of protein, minerals and trace minerals. It is said that a piece of raw, unwashed seaweed will retain every single mineral held by the ocean.  Seaweed can purify the blood because its chemical compositions are very similar to blood plasma in human beings. Not only are these gorgeous sea vegetables a powerhouse of macrobiotic nutrition, they're anti-inflammatory and possess cholesterol lowering, anti-cancer & anti-viral properties as well… oh, they also make your hair lustrous & healthy too!

 You can imagine my excitement when I realized I could make this beautiful salad at home. It's a delicious, light summer meal which takes only minutes to assemble. I often use SeaSnax SeaVegi seaweed salad mix, by a great company with strict sourcing from only the purest ocean waters.

Please enjoy this magical and exotic salad!

Japanese Seaweed Salad

Makes 4 side course servings or 2 main course servings if you're like Jim and me:-)

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz package dehydrated Seaweed Salad Mix (or equivalent of mixed seaweeds such as Wakame, Agar, Sugnori, Tsunomata & Mafunori Seaweed)
  • 1 fuji apple, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 red onion thinly slivered 
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp tamari
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp minced ginger
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp raw honey or agave

Method: 

  1. Place seaweed in a large bowl and cover with cold, filtered water. Set aside to rehydrate for 7 minutes, then drain into a collander.
  2. While the seaweed is rehydrating, assemble the dressing by whisking together the vinegar, tamari, sesame oil and honey. Stir in the minced ginger and garlic.  
  3. Lastly place the rehydrated seaweed, sliced apple, sliced onion in a large serving bowl and toss with the dressing until coated.
  4. Serve with chopsticks and enjoy!

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Japanese Seaweed Salad

As promised here is the delicious Chilled Carrot Soup with Lemon-buttered Farfalle recipe I made from our garden's prolific carrot harvest…  It's a lovely French recipe combining cool, luxuriously silky, sweet, carrot puree with unctious lemon-buttered pastas tossed in fresh dill.  

THE perfect light yet decadent meal for this hot, steamy weather.

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Chilled French Carrot Soup w/ Lemon-buttered Farfalle

Chilled Carrot Soup with Lemon-buttered Farfalle

(Serves 6)

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons butter (separated)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 1 pound carrots peeled and sliced into coins (if they're baby carrots don't peel)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 4 cups chicken stock
  • 1 1/2 cups farfalle pasta
  • 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice (separated)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill

Method:

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sautee until soft, about 5 minutes. 
  2. Add the carrots, honey and nutmeg and continue to sautee for another 10 minutes.
  3. Add the chicken stock, bring to a simmer, cover and cook for 10 minutes until the carrots are softened.
  4. Puree the liquid using an immersion blender or in a Vitamix for the silkiest, smooth result possible.  Stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice into the soup.  Chill for a few hours or overnight.
  5. Prior to serving, cook the farfalle pasta to package directions. Drain and return to pot with 1 tablespoon of butter and stir to coat. Add the fresh chopped dill and 1 tablespoon lemon juice to the pasta and combine.
  6. Ladle the chilled carrot soup into shallow serving bowls. Divide the dilled pasta amongst the soup bowls, mounding a small amount in the center of each bowl.

Enjoy!

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Chilled French Carrot Soup w/ Lemon-buttered Farfalle


PS. Don't forget to check out StyleNectar's convenient Recipe Index!

It's been a few weeks since my last post because we've been away on vacation. In addition to sharing a few vaca snaps with you, I have a delicious new recipe you'll love for a Chilled French Carrot Soup with Lemon-buttered Farfalle which I'll share in my next post.

Our vacation was spent in beloved Chatham, Mass (Cape Cod) and Nantucket, a part of the world where the weather is always mild and the sunlight ever clear and bright.  We adore the salty sea breezes, beautiful sandy beaches and silver, cedar shingled houses covered in climbing pink roses with hydrangeas galore and the lushest of English gardens.

We biked and we hiked, Jim fly fished and I sketched (lot's of material for upcoming paintings!). We strolled lazily through beautiful art galleries, window shopped and frequented The Bean (our favorite Nantucket coffee house) a couple times a day. Dining on Nantucket is absolutely fabulous. So much so that we simply allowed ourselves to steep in the romance of beautiful, fresh flavors and wonderful ambiance rather than bothering to photo-document it all. Just a few of our favorites are Company of the CauldronOran MorPearl, Lola 41  and Toppers. All amazing.

Meanwhile, miles away back at the home front, our garden was going into overdrive, providing us a bounty of fresh produce to help keep us light and cool for the hot, steamy weather that welcomed us home (think 95+ and high humidity).  Jim brought in beans, peas, jalapenos, ruby beets, herbs and gorgeous baby collards, red leaf lettuce, beet greens and nasturtiums (DELISH in salads) plus six pounds of beautiful baby French carrots… I'm sure I'm forgetting some things too!

Our abundance of carrots resulted in a delicious Chilled French Carrot Soup with Lemon-buttered Farfalle I'll share in my next post…  The perfect, light meal for this hot, steamy weather.

~

Nantucket and Chatham Snapshots ~ Part I

Stay tuned… I'll be sharing a few more snaps with you soon!

(As always, click images for a better, larger view)

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Bye for now… I'll be sharing a few more snaps with you soon!

PS. Check out StyleNectar's convenient Recipe Index!

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Cozy Tuscan White Bean & Veggie Soup

There's nothing better than cozying up to a bowl of steaming, healthy goodness on a chilly winter day.  My favorite Tuscan White Bean & Veggie Soup will warm your insides, leaving you well nourished and happy!  This garlicky, tomato-based bowl of hearty veggies & cannellini beans is enlivened with bright green wilted spinach and a dusting of Pecorino Romano dotted with truffle oil. A simple dish you can rely on when you want simple, healthy, comfort to warm your soul!

Recipe for Tuscan White Bean & Veggie Soup

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 large onion, diced  
  • 2 carrots, diced 
  • 2 stalks celery, diced,  
  • 1 small zucchini, diced  
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
  • sea salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can no salt added diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15 oz) can low-sodium canellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 3 cups chopped baby spinach leaves
  • freshly grated Pecorino Romano 
  • Truffle Oil for finishing (or substitute best quality EVOO)

Method

  1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, zucchini, garlic, thyme, sage, sea salt and fresh cracked pepper, cook stirring occasionally until the vegetables are tender, aproximately 5 minutes.
  2. Add the broth and tomatoes with their juices and bring to a boil. Add the white beans and the spinach and cook until the spinach is wilted, about 2 more minutes.
  3. Ladel into bowls; top with freshly grated Pecorino Romano & drizzle with truffle oil.

Enjoy!

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Tuscan White Bean & Veggie Soup

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Cozy Lentil Soup with Sauteed Sausages

Funny, each time I sit down to write about food, I instantly think of my mom. She is my culinary inspiration after all! And her lentil soup is to die for… as are every single one of the other 15 to 20 cold weather delights she makes. Really, she's Queen of Soup! One of the best parts of a soup night growing up was the fresh bread she served alongside. Perfectly crusty, steaming fresh from the oven, a little towel over top. Smeared with butter that melted instantly under jam, it was the perfect accompaniment. Of course it didn't stop there, she'd always arrange a simple, refreshing cool bite- a medly of crunch to contrast with our steaming bowls of nourishment.

I know Mom will love this Cozy Lentil Soup with Sauteed Sausages. Your family will also!  For an easy accompaniment, set out sliced pears or apples. Feeling more ambitious? A mixed green salad with apples or pears, blue cheese and walnuts would be lovely.

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Sausages Sauteeing in Butter! Could anything smell better!?


Cozy Lentil Soup with Sauteed Sausages Recipe (Serves 4)

Ingredients

  • 10 ounces lentils 
  • 3 quarts ham, chicken or vegetable stock (I love "Better Than Bullion" added to water)
  • 1 large leek (white part only) chopped
  • 2 celery sticks chopped
  • 2 carrots chopped
  • 1 onion quartered
  • 1 whole clove (insert sharp end into an onion quarter for easy removal)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • sea salt
  • freshly ground pepper 
  • 4 high quality sausages (I love kielbasa, or use any high quality sausage you love)
  • 2 tablespoons organic butter (organic because it's CHOCK full of vitamins & minerals unlike non-organic & tastes AMAZING!)
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • a couple of handfuls of fresh baby spinach (optional, adds a lovely burst of green freshness- I normally use it!)

Method

  1. Add the lentils and stock to a large dutch oven or stockpot and bring to a boil
  2. Add all the vegetables and seasonings through the bay leaf.  Add sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste (be careful with the salt if your stock isn't low sodium).  Allow to simmer for 1 hour.
  3. Near the end of the cooking time, saute the sausages in 1 tablespoon of butter until browned.  Add the browned sausages to the lentils.
  4. Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter and mix with 2 tablepoons of flour until smooth.  Add flour mixture to the soup, stirring over the heat until thickened slightly.
  5. Toss in a couple of handfuls of fresh, baby spinach for a vibrant punch of color.  Allow to wilt. Check seasonings.
  6. Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with finishing salt if desired. 
  7. Enjoy!

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Cozy Lentil Soup in the making…

Do you have a favorite cold weather dish?