Confessions of a Foodie

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Showing posts with label Summer Veggie Kebabs with Fresh Corn Relish. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Summer Veggie Kebabs with Fresh Corn Relish. Show all posts

Monday, June 24, 2019

Meatless Monday

It's time for another Meatless Monday. Here are six recipes to help you through the day, including Summer Veggie Kebabs with Fresh Corn Relish and Satay Noodle Salad. Enjoy!

STRAWBERRY SALSA

Strawberry Salsa? Ewwww! But really, what's wrong with using strawberries in salsa? According to Delish.com, “It's hard to believe that this salsa would be good, but trust us—it's amazing. Use it exactly how you would a tomato-based salsa: with chips, as a condiment..., or, frankly, with a spoon.” Total Time: 25 minutes; Prep Time: 5 minutes; Level: Easy; Serves: 8.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

3 c. fresh strawberries, chopped

2 cups fresh kiwi, peeled and chopped

1/2 c. red onion, chopped

1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped

3 tbsp. honey

3 tbsp. fresh lime juice

1 pinch kosher salt

Directions

Combine strawberries, kiwi, onion, and jalapeno in a bowl. Mix to combine. Add in honey, lime juice, and pinch of salt, and gently toss to coat. Refrigerate for 20 minutes. Serve with chips.

SUMMER VEGGIE KEBABS WITH FRESH CORN RELISH

As a kid in New York (state, not city), it seemed as though everyone had at least one recipe for kebabs, which usually started off with meat, interspersed with veggies, and usually fixed several times over the summer. This version is strictly veggies, and comes from the July/August 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 32. It begins, “Easy-to-assemble vegetable kebabs are paired with a lightly sautéed corn relish for a dish that can be served either as an appetizer or as an entrée when placed atop couscous or another quick-cooking grain. To ensure even cooking, make sure all the vegetables are about the same size.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

Corn Relish

1 Tbs. olive oil

1 medium yellow tomato, diced (2/3 cup)

1 large ear corn, kernels removed (1 1/3 cups kernels)

1 1/2 Tbs. white balsamic or white wine vinegar

1/4 tsp. dry mustard powder

2 Tbs. coarsely chopped fresh basil

Kebabs

1/4 cup olive oil

2 Tbs. white balsamic or white wine vinegar

3/4 tsp. dry mustard powder, divided

1 small yellow bell pepper, halved, seeded, and cut into 12 square pieces

1 medium zucchini, halved and cut into 12 slices

1/2 small red onion, cut into 12 chunks

12 whole cremini mushrooms

12 grape or cherry tomatoes

Directions

Coat grill grate or grill pan with cooking spray, and preheat over medium heat.

To make Corn Relish: Heat oil in skillet over medium heat. Add tomato, cover, and cook 4 minutes, or until tomato is breaking down. Add corn kernels, and cook 2 minutes, or until corn is tender. Stir in vinegar and mustard powder, and cook 1 minute more. Remove from heat. Mix in basil; season with salt and pepper, if desired.

To make Kebabs: whisk together oil, vinegar, and mustard powder in small bowl.

Thread each of 12 skewers with 1 bell pepper square, 1 zucchini slice, 1 red onion chunk, 1 mushroom, and 1 tomato. Place skewers on large platter, and brush with vinaigrette mixture. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

Grill skewers 6 to 8 minutes, turning every 2 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and browned on all sides. Serve with Corn Relish.

nutritional information Per Serving (3 kebabs and 1/2 cup relish): Calories: 247; Protein: 5 g; Total Fat: 18 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 20 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 30 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 9 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free

SATAY NOODLE SALAD

This also comes from the July/August 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 30. It begins, “Lightly grilled vegetables are paired with fresh pasta and tossed in a creamy peanut sauce for a one-bowl meal that’s delicious hot or cold. Feel free to substitute your favorite seasonal vegetables for those in the recipe.” Serves 4 in 30 minutes or less.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

3 oz. fresh fettuccine (1/3 9-oz. pkg.)

6 oz. stringless sugar snap peas

4 bunches baby bok choy, greens chopped, stem ends halved

6 radishes, trimmed and halved

2 medium Japanese eggplants, sliced diagonally

3 Tbs. natural creamy peanut butter

3 Tbs. unseasoned rice vinegar

3 Tbs. honey

1 Tbs. low-sodium soy sauce

1 tsp. chile sauce, such as sriracha

Directions

Coat grill pan or grill basket with cooking spray, and preheat over medium heat.

Cook noodles in boiling salted water 2 minutes. Add sugar snap peas, and cook 1 minute more. Drain, rinse with cold water, and drain again. Transfer to bowl.

Arrange bok choy stems, radishes, and eggplant slices on grill pan or in grill basket. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Cook 6 minutes, turning once.

Meanwhile, whisk together peanut butter, vinegar, honey, soy sauce, and chile sauce in small bowl. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

Cut eggplant into strips. Slice bok choy stems and radishes. Add vegetables to noodle mixture, and toss with peanut sauce.

nutritional information Per 2 1/2-cup serving: Calories: 256; Protein: 10 g; Total Fat: 7 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 41 g; Cholesterol: 17 mg; Sodium: 362 mg; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 21 g

GRILLED PEACH AND RASPBERRY FRUIT SALAD

This comes from the July/August 2015 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 66. It begins, “The play of temperatures and textures, plus the surprise addition of tomatoes, gives this simple salad extra flavor.” Serves 8.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 pt. fresh raspberries, divided

2 Tbs. lemon juice

1 1/2 Tbs. agave nectar

1 Tbs. grated lemon zest

1 Tbs. chopped fresh mint, plus more for garnish

8 firm, ripe peaches, halved and pitted

4 tsp. vegetable oil, plus more for grill or grill pan

1 Tbs. sugar

1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 pinch freshly ground black pepper

2 small or 1 large heirloom tomato, cut into wedges (2 cups)

2/3 cup toasted pecan halves (2 oz.)

Directions

Mash 1 cup raspberries with fork in bowl. Stir in lemon juice, agave nectar, lemon zest, and mint. Set aside.

Brush cut sides of peaches with oil. Combine sugar, cinnamon, and pepper in bowl; sprinkle cut side of peaches with sugar mixture. Set aside.

Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

Lightly grease grill plates. Place peaches cut side down on grill or grill pan. Grill 3 to 5 minutes, or until grill marks appear and peaches are tender.

Divide peaches, tomato wedges, and remaining 1 cup raspberries among serving plates. Serve topped with raspberry sauce, pecans, and chopped mint.

Nutrition Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 176; Protein: 3 g; Total Fat: 9 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 25 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 2 mg; Fiber: 5 g; Sugar: 19 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free

LOVELY, TENDER ANGEL FOOD CAKE

From the June 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times page 75. The recipe serves 10, and states, “One secret to perfect angel food cake is sifting the flour with some of the sugar so it blends into the meringue with minimal folding. The other is hanging the tube pan upside down over a glass bottle so the cake won’t deflate.”

Ingredients

1 cup cake flour

1 1/2 cups sugar, divided

1 1/4 cups egg whites (9–10 eggs)

1 1/4 tsp. cream of tartar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/4 tsp. kosher salt

1/4 tsp. almond extract

Directions

Position oven rack just below center, and preheat oven to 350°F. Sift cake flour and 1/2 cup sugar into medium bowl. Set aside.

Beat egg whites, cream of tartar, vanilla, salt, and almond extract in separate bowl with handheld electric mixer at medium-low speed until soft peaks form. Increase speed to medium. Gradually beat in remaining 1 cup sugar. Increase speed to medium-high, and beat 5 minutes, or until meringue is thick and shiny, and firm peaks hold when beaters are lifted.

Sprinkle one-quarter of flour mixture over meringue, and gently fold in with spatula or flat whisk just until blended (do not overmix). Repeat 3 more times. Scrape batter into ungreased 10- x 4-inch angel food cake pan with removable center.

Bake cake 30 to 32 minutes, or until puffed and lightly browned, and wooden skewer inserted near center comes out clean. Insert narrow-neck bottle into center tube, and invert pan to cool cake upside down.

Once cooled, remove pan from atop bottle, and cut around pan sides to loosen cake. Lift out pan’s center tube with cake. Cut under cake and around center tube to release cake. Cut into wedges, and serve.

nutritional information Per Slice: Calories: 185; Protein: 4 g; Total Fat: less than 1 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 41 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 99 mg; Fiber: less than 1 g; Sugar: 31 g

BROCCOLI STIR-FRY WITH GINGER-AVOCADO SAUCE

This is from the June 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 55. The recipe makes 4 servings in 30 minutes or fewer. The recipe states, “This veggie-packed stir-fry is served over a bed of baby spinach and dressed with a creamy ginger-avocado sauce.”

Ingredients

Ginger-Avocado Sauce

1 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced into coins

2 avocados

2 Tbs. lemon juice

1 Tbs. cold-pressed olive oil

2 tsp. raw honey

2 tsp. grated lemon zest

2 pinches sea salt

Stir-Fry

1 Tbs. coconut oil

1 medium red onion, halved and sliced (1 1/2 cups)

1/4 tsp. sea salt

4 cloves garlic, minced (4 tsp.)

1 head broccoli, cut into florets (4 cups)

1 small head cabbage or 1 bunch kale, sliced into thin ribbons (1/2 lb.)

4 cups organic baby spinach

1/4 cup lightly toasted sesame seeds, for garnish, optional

Directions

To make Ginger-Avocado Sauce: Place ginger in food processor, and pulse to mince. Add remaining ingredients, and blend until smooth. Blend in up to 1/2 cup water to thin to desired consistency. Store in refrigerator.

To make Stir-Fry: Heat coconut oil in wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and salt; stir-fry 5 minutes, or until onion softens. Add garlic, and cook 2 minutes more. Add broccoli and 1/4 cup water; cover, and steam 3 minutes. Add cabbage; cover, and steam 2 minutes more.

Place 1 cup spinach on plate. Top with 1 cup broccoli mixture, and drizzle with 2 Tbs. Ginger-Avocado Sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds (if using).

Monday, August 25, 2014

Meatless Monday

Summer is just about over, so here are some late-summer-ish recipes. Enjoy!

LATE SUMMER MINESTRONE WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND FRESH CORN

This comes from the September 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 61, and starts out, “Bright, beautiful, and bursting with veggies, this colorful minestrone is a great way to stretch the harvest.” Serves 6.

2 Tbs. olive oil

1 cup sliced leeks

1 cup chopped celery

1 cup chopped red bell pepper

1 tsp. salt, optional

4 cloves garlic, minced (4 tsp.)

1 Tbs. chopped fresh sage, or 2 tsp. dried sage

1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning

1 bay leaf

2 large tomatoes, peeled and coarsely chopped (1 cup)

2 cups cubed peeled butternut squash (3/4- to 1-inch cubes)

2 cups green beans or flat beans, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 15-oz. can or 1 1/2 cups cooked white beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels

1/2 tsp. balsamic vinegar

2–3 Tbs. chopped fresh mint, plus more for garnish, optional

Heat oil in 5-qt. Dutch oven or other large soup pot over medium heat. Add leeks, celery, bell pepper, and salt, if using. Cover, and cook 6 to 8 minutes, or until veggies are softened, stirring occasionally. Uncover, and continue cooking 5 to 6 minutes more, or until celery is somewhat shrunken and leeks are browned.

Add garlic, sage, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf. Stir 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Add tomatoes and 8 cups water, and bring to a boil. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 20 minutes. Add squash, cover, and simmer 10 minutes. Add green beans, white beans, and corn; simmer 10 minutes more, stirring occasionally. Just before serving, stir in vinegar and mint.

nutritional information Per 2-cup serving: Calories: 185; Protein: 7 g; Total Fat: 5 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 30 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 130 mg; Fiber: 9 g; Sugar: 7 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free

VEGETARIAN CHILI

This is from Runner's World. Apparently, it was in the December 1999 issue and repeated after someone mentioned it in a letter in the February 2000 issue. I'm always amazed at the great food coming out of there!

1 onion, chopped

1 sweet green pepper, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon soybean or olive oil

1 16-ounce package extra-firm tofu, drained and crumbled

1 or 2 19-once cans of beans (kidney, pinto, or white)

1 28-ounce can stewed tomatoes

3 medium carrots, sliced

2 Tablespoons chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon hot sauce

Salt & Pepper to taste

Sauté the onion, pepper & garlic in oil over medium heat. Add the tofu and sauté until crisp & lightly browned (about 10 minutes). Add the beans, stewed tomatoes, carrots, chili powder, cumin, hot sauce, & salt & pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat & simmer for 50-60 minutes. Serves 4.

From Runner’s World, December, 1999/letters Feb. 2000

REWORKED VEGETARIAN CHILI

I've fixed this recipe probably several hundred times, easily. I started off with the above Runner's World recipe; it slowly morphed into this recipes.

Note: I have a habit of buying anywhere from 16 to 20 (or more) peppers of varying colors at the same time, then chopping them all up, putting them into several containers, and freezing them. When I put them into the containers, they're not separated by color, but, rather, dumped in together. This way, I end up with containers with red, green, yellow and orange bell peppers all thrown in together. Then, whenever I need cut up peppers, I end up with a colorful bunch of peppers in whatever I'm putting them in. If you prefer, you can buy one or two peppers as needed (like for this recipe) and cut it up at that time. You can use whichever color bell pepper you want; if I'm out of frozen peppers, and am planning to buy only one or two for this recipe, I usually go with the green peppers, since they're usually the cheapest.

Also, with the onions, I usually try to have both yellow and red onions on hand; when I do, I use one of each in this recipe. Finally, for the cans of beans, I lean toward one can of black beans and one can of either Navy or Great Northern beans, both of which are white. Between the multi-colored peppers, two different kinds of onions, and different colored beans, it makes for a more colorful chili. But if you only have two cans of white, red or black beans, that's fine, too.

2 T olive oil

2 onions, chopped

4-6 cloves garlic, minced

1-2 peppers, chopped

16-ounce package extra-firm tofu, drained and crumbled

2 19-once cans of beans, drained

1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes

3 medium carrots, sliced

2 Tablespoons chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

Salt & Pepper to taste

Sauté the onion, pepper & garlic in oil over medium heat. Add tofu and sauté until crisp & lightly browned. While this is cooking, peel and cut the carrots. Add the beans, crushed tomatoes, carrots, chili powder, cumin, & salt & pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat & simmer for 50-60 minutes. Serve over noodles. Serves 4.

SUMMER VEGGIE KEBABS WITH FRESH CORN RELISH

This comes from the July/August 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 32. It serves 4 in 30 minutes or less, and starts out, “Easy-to-assemble vegetable kebabs are paired with a lightly sautéed corn relish for a dish that can be served either as an appetizer or as an entrée when placed atop couscous or another quick-cooking grain. To ensure even cooking, make sure all the vegetables are about the same size.”

Corn Relish

1 Tbs. olive oil

1 medium yellow tomato, diced (2/3 cup)1 large ear corn, kernels removed (1 1/3 cups kernels)1 1/2 Tbs. white balsamic or white wine vinegar

1/4 tsp. dry mustard powder

2 Tbs. coarsely chopped fresh basil

Kebabs

1/4 cup olive oil

2 Tbs. white balsamic or white wine vinegar

3/4 tsp. dry mustard powder, divided

1 small yellow bell pepper, halved, seeded, and cut into 12 square pieces

1 medium zucchini, halved and cut into 12 slices

1/2 small red onion, cut into 12 chunks

12 whole cremini mushrooms

12 grape or cherry tomatoes

Coat grill grate or grill pan with cooking spray, and preheat over medium heat.

To make Corn Relish: Heat oil in skillet over medium heat. Add tomato, cover, and cook 4 minutes, or until tomato is breaking down. Add corn kernels, and cook 2 minutes, or until corn is tender. Stir in vinegar and mustard powder, and cook 1 minute more. Remove from heat. Mix in basil; season with salt and pepper, if desired.

To make Kebabs: whisk together oil, vinegar, and mustard powder in small bowl.

Thread each of 12 skewers with 1 bell pepper square, 1 zucchini slice, 1 red onion chunk, 1 mushroom, and 1 tomato. Place skewers on large platter, and brush with vinaigrette mixture. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

Grill skewers 6 to 8 minutes, turning every 2 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and browned on all sides. Serve with Corn Relish.

nutritional information Per Serving (3 kebabs and 1/2 cup relish): Calories: 247; Protein: 5 g; Total Fat: 18 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 20 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 30 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 9 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free

SATAY NOODLE SALAD

Another recipes from the July/August 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 30. This also serves 4 in 30 minutes or less, and starts out, “Lightly grilled vegetables are paired with fresh pasta and tossed in a creamy peanut sauce for a one-bowl meal that’s delicious hot or cold. Feel free to substitute your favorite seasonal vegetables for those in the recipe.”

3 oz. fresh fettuccine (1/3 9-oz. pkg.)

6 oz. stringless sugar snap peas

4 bunches baby bok choy, greens chopped, stem ends halved

6 radishes, trimmed and halved

2 medium Japanese eggplants, sliced diagonally

3 Tbs. natural creamy peanut butter

3 Tbs. unseasoned rice vinegar

3 Tbs. honey

1 Tbs. low-sodium soy sauce

1 tsp. chile sauce, such as sriracha

Coat grill pan or grill basket with cooking spray, and preheat over medium heat.

Cook noodles in boiling salted water 2 minutes. Add sugar snap peas, and cook 1 minute more. Drain, rinse with cold water, and drain again. Transfer to bowl.

Arrange bok choy stems, radishes, and eggplant slices on grill pan or in grill basket. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Cook 6 minutes, turning once.

Meanwhile, whisk together peanut butter, vinegar, honey, soy sauce, and chile sauce in small bowl. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

Cut eggplant into strips. Slice bok choy stems and radishes. Add vegetables to noodle mixture, and toss with peanut sauce.

nutritional information Per 2 1/2-cup serving: Calories: 256; Protein: 10 g; Total Fat: 7 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 41 g; Cholesterol: 17 mg; Sodium: 362 mg; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 21 g

FRESH TOMATO FARFALLE

From the July/August 2008 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 87. Serves 6 in 30 minutes or less, and starts out, “Try this recipe with an assortment of heirloom tomatoes for a colorful main dish that’s delicious hot or cold.”

1/4 cup lime juice

3 Tbs. olive oil

1 Tbs. grated lime zest

1 tsp. ground cumin

2 lb. tomatoes, cut into bite-size pieces (5 cups)

1 15-oz. can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

1/2 cup torn basil leaves

9 oz. farfalle pasta

1 1/4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels

Combine lime juice, olive oil, lime zest, and cumin in large bowl. Add tomatoes, chickpeas, and basil, and toss to coat. Set aside.

Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Add corn to pasta water 2 minutes before end of cooking time. Drain, and toss with tomato mixture. Serve warm or at room temperature.

nutritional information Per Serving: Calories: 362; Protein: 12 g; Total Fat: 9 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 61 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 352 mg; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 6 g; Vegan

Monday, July 28, 2014

Meatless Mondays

I know that some people find it strange, but I actually have an easier time figuring out to eat when meat is not involved. Somehow, it seems to open up more options. At least that's how I feel about food. That said, for those who are vegetarian, or simply trying to go meatless one day a week, here are more meatless recipes to try. Enjoy!

BLACK BEAN-QUINOA BURGERS

This comes from the July/August 2011 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 60. By the way, Vegetarian Times has an emailing list you can subscribe to for fantastic vegetarian recipes. I highly recommend it.

This recipe serves 8, and begins, “Here's a delicious veggie burger you can whip up from scratch. Any steak seasoning (which is just a combination of herbs and spices) will work to give the patties a rich, hearty flavor. Stash a few in the freezer for busy weeknight meals. For super-easy cookouts, bake the patties ahead, then reheat them on the grill. Serve with your favorite burger fixings.”

1/2 cup quinoa

1 small onion, finely chopped (1 cup)

6 oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and finely chopped (1/4 cup)

1 1/2 cups cooked black beans, or 1 15-oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained, divided

2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)

2 tsp. dried steak seasoning

8 whole-grain hamburger buns

Stir together quinoa and 1 1/2 cups water in small saucepan, and season with salt, if desired. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 20 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed. (You should have 1 1/2 cups cooked quinoa.)

Meanwhile, place onion and sun-dried tomatoes in medium nonstick skillet, and cook over medium heat. (The oil left on the tomatoes should be enough to sauté the onion.) Cook 3 to 4 minutes, or until onion has softened. Stir in 3/4 cup black beans, garlic, steak seasoning, and 1 1/2 cups water. Simmer 9 to 11 minutes, or until most of liquid has evaporated.

Transfer bean-onion mixture to food processor, add 3/4 cup cooked quinoa, and process until smooth. Transfer to bowl, and stir in remaining 3/4 cup quinoa and remaining 3/4 cup black beans. Season with salt and pepper, if desired, and cool.

Preheat oven to 350°F, and generously coat baking sheet with cooking spray. Shape bean mixture into 8 patties (1/2 cup each), and place on prepared baking sheet. Bake 20 minutes, or until patties are crisp on top. Flip patties with spatula, and bake 10 minutes more, or until both sides are crisp and brown. Serve on buns.

nutritional information Per Burger: Calories: 215; Protein: 9 g; Total Fat: 3 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 40 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 438 mg; Fiber: 6 g; Sugar: 5 g; Vegan

SUMMER VEGGIE KEBABS WITH FRESH CORN RELISH

This is from the July/August 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 32. The recipe serves 4, and can be made in 30 minutes or less. It starts out, “Easy-to-assemble vegetable kebabs are paired with a lightly sautéed corn relish for a dish that can be served either as an appetizer or as an entrée when placed atop couscous or another quick-cooking grain. To ensure even cooking, make sure all the vegetables are about the same size.”

Corn Relish

1 Tbs. olive oil

1 medium yellow tomato, diced (2/3 cup)

1 large ear corn, kernels removed (1 1/3 cups kernels)

1 1/2 Tbs. white balsamic or white wine vinegar

1/4 tsp. dry mustard powder

2 Tbs. coarsely chopped fresh basil

Kebabs

1/4 cup olive oil

2 Tbs. white balsamic or white wine vinegar

3/4 tsp. dry mustard powder, divided

1 small yellow bell pepper, halved, seeded, and cut into 12 square pieces

1 medium zucchini, halved and cut into 12 slices

1/2 small red onion, cut into 12 chunks

12 whole cremini mushrooms

12 grape or cherry tomatoes

Coat grill grate or grill pan with cooking spray, and preheat over medium heat.

To make Corn Relish: Heat oil in skillet over medium heat. Add tomato, cover, and cook 4 minutes, or until tomato is breaking down. Add corn kernels, and cook 2 minutes, or until corn is tender. Stir in vinegar and mustard powder, and cook 1 minute more. Remove from heat. Mix in basil; season with salt and pepper, if desired.

To make Kebabs: whisk together oil, vinegar, and mustard powder in small bowl.

Thread each of 12 skewers with 1 bell pepper square, 1 zucchini slice, 1 red onion chunk, 1 mushroom, and 1 tomato. Place skewers on large platter, and brush with vinaigrette mixture. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

Grill skewers 6 to 8 minutes, turning every 2 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and browned on all sides. Serve with Corn Relish.

nutritional information Per Serving (3 kebabs and 1/2 cup relish): Calories: 247; Protein: 5 g; Total Fat: 18 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 20 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 30 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 9 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free

BAKED TOFU WITH ASIAN GLAZE

Jolinda Hackett, About.com's Vegetarian Food guide, writes, “A simple vegetarian and vegan baked tofu recipe suitable for an appetizer, or to add to cooked noodles or vegetable stir-fry. Tofu is marinated and then baked in a sweet and sour miso-based Asian barbecue sauce with maple syrup, sesame oil, black pepper and sherry. Makes 4 servings.

Recipe courtesy of the Soy Foods council.

Ingredients:

1 (14-ounce) package extra–firm tofu, drained and well-pressed

1 tablespoon miso

1/4 cup water

1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

3 green onions, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons sesame oil

2 tablespoons maple syrup

2 tablespoon sherry

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation:

Cut the tofu into chunks and place in a wide shallow dish or bowl.

In a small bowl, combine the miso and remaining ingredients and whisk well until combined. Pour over tofu and gently mix to ensure that the tofu is coated well. Cover and marinate in refrigerator for at least two hours and up to 8 hours.

When you're ready to bake the tofu, pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees.

Drain the tofu, reserving the extra marinade. Place the tofu on a baking sheet and bake for about 30 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with the extra sauce, until tofu is lightly browned and lightly crisped.

Serve your Asian-glazed tofu over noodles for an entree, with toothpicks as an appetizer, or add it to your favorite vegetable stir-fry.

Nutritional information, per serving:
Calories: 26; Total fat: 1 g; Protein: 39g; Carbs: 24.7g; Iron: 1.4mg;
Calcium: 20mg

VEGAN PUMPKIN GRATIN

Ashley Adams is the Dairy Free Cooking guide for About.com. She writes, “Perfect for the autumn months when pumpkin is in season, this veganized pumpkin gratin is a healthier, yet delicious, take on the fall-time classic. (And if you happen to crave pumpkin during the rest of the year, you can just use canned pumpkin instead of fresh!) If you've never prepared your own homemade pumpkin puree before, read the Cook's Note at the bottom of the recipe to learn how! As always, feel free to add more tasty things to your gratin; pecans, pine nuts, coconut, dried cranberries, dried figs, and fresh apple pieces are all welcome additions to this dish.”

Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 4

Ingredients:

For the bread crumb topping:

3 slices white dairy-free bread (French bread, sourdough, or another white sandwich bread will do)

1/4 cup shredded dairy-free cheese, such as Daiya

1/2 t. salt

1/8 t. freshly ground pepper

For the Filling:

3 cups pumpkin puree (from either steamed or canned pumpkin)

1/4 cup dairy-free sour cream, such as Tofutti

2 T. white granulated sugar

1 t. salt

1/2 t. sage

1/2 t. marjoram

1/2 cup finely chopped scallions (also known as green onions)

2 medium Bosc pears, cored and chopped

Freshly ground pepper, to taste

4 T. softened dairy-free soy margarine, cut into small pieces

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 450 F. Lightly grease a 1-quart gratin dish or casserole dish. Set aside.

Make the topping. In a food processor, process the bread crumbs, dairy-free cheese, salt and pepper, pulsing until the mixture resembles large crumbs. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

Make the filling. Combine the pumpkin puree, dairy-free sour cream, sugar, salt, sage, and marjoram in a food processor, pulsing until well combined. Using a spoon, fold in the chopped scallions and pears. Transfer the pumpkin filling to the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle evenly with the bread crumb topping, then dot with the dairy-free soy margarine. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the crumb topping is golden brown. Serve hot.

Cook's Notes:

For this recipe, I vastly prefer using Daiya Mozza Shreds over other varieties, but use whatever dairy-free cheese you're comfortable with.

For gratins and other pumpkin casseroles, making your own puree from fresh pumpkin is always better than using canned. (Again, canned will work, so if you don't have fresh pumpkins available or the time to make your own puree, it is fine to use the canned.

To prepare steamed pumpkin (for the pumpkin puree): Peel, seed, and cut a small to medium-sized pumpkin into 2-inch pieces. Place in a steamer basket set over a saucepan with 1-2 inches of boiling water. Cover and cook until tender, about 20 minutes. Puree the pumpkin and use in your pumpkin gratin or other pumpkin recipes!

EGG AND VEGGIE SALAD WITH DILL GREEN GODDESS DRESSING

This is from the July/August 2012 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 34. Serves 4, in 30 minutes or less. Recipe starts out, “Look for French breakfast or watermelon radishes to add color and interest to this salad. Don’t be tempted to make the dressing in just one step; only part of the yogurt is puréed with seasonings, then stirred into the remaining yogurt to achieve the right consistency.

5 large eggs

10 small purple potatoes, halved lengthwise (14 oz.)

16 medium orange cauliflower florets

4 Persian cucumbers

1/3 cup plus 1 Tbs. finely chopped fresh dill

3/4 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt

2 Tbs. olive oil

1 Tbs. white balsamic vinegar

1 bunch large radishes, sliced or quartered, radish leaves reserved, optional

Set large vegetable steamer rack in pot over boiling water. Place eggs on rack; surround with potatoes. Cover pan, and steam 10 minutes. Scatter cauliflower over potatoes. Cover, and steam 3 to 4 minutes more, or until vegetables are just tender and eggs are hard-boiled.

Meanwhile, cut 1-inch piece from 1 cucumber. Peel, and place piece in blender. Add 1/3 cup dill, 1/4 cup yogurt, oil, and vinegar, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Purée in blender until smooth. Place remaining 1/2 cup yogurt in medium bowl. Stir purée from blender into yogurt until smooth.

Slice remaining cucumbers thickly on diagonal.

Peel eggs under cold running water. Quarter eggs.

Divide radish leaves (if using) among plates. Top with eggs, potatoes, cauliflower, cucumbers, and radishes. Drizzle each salad with dressing. Sprinkle with remaining 1 Tbs. chopped dill.

nutritional information Per Serving: Calories: 288; Protein: 16 g; Total Fat: 14 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 26 g; Cholesterol: 233 mg; Sodium: 123 mg; Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 5 g; Gluten-Free

COOL WHIP PIE

Jolinda Hackett, About.com's Vegetarian Food guide, writes, “You can 'whip' together this easy Cool Whip pie in five minutes and it lasts for several days in the freezer. If you're looking for an easy no-bake dessert or no-bake pie recipe, this quick and easy Cool Whip pie is the one to try! This is one of my favorite dessert recipes ever, since it's so unbelievably quick, easy, delicious, and not too fattening.” Prep Time: 5 minutes; Total Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

8 oz (one small container) Cool Whip

18 oz (three individual servings) yogurt, any flavor

1 ready made pie crust

Preparation:

Thoroughly combine the Cool Whip and yogurt until smooth. Pour into pie crust and freeze until firm. Remove from freezer approximately 20 minutes before serving. Serve with fresh fruit if desired and enjoy!