Inspired Edibles

~ real food, balanced living ~

Oven Baked Crispy Coconut-Masala Chicken Thighs with a Curried Yogurt Dipping Sauce

By 24 Comments

It turns out that our teenage son is not only rebelling against his loving parents, he also recently took a big swipe at British particle physicist Brian Cox (happy to know we’re in good company).

I bought the BBC Series ‘Wonders of the Universe’ and ‘Wonders of the Solar System’ as a Christmas gift for the family this year. I thought it was a smashing idea. We’ve often worked our way through life and science series in the past and have always enjoyed them.  Not this time.  We were only about an hour into the Solar System DVD when our eldest declared that he simply couldn’t bear another minute.

Son: “This is total BS Mom.”

Mom: “What’s that Dear? You want to pursue a Bachelor of Science?”

Son: “I can’t watch this.  It’s nothing more than speculation based on a bunch of assumptions that we can’t measure and that are probably false and I guarantee you in 10 years from now, people will be laughing at the fact that we sat down to watch this series.”

Ouch.

Who are you and what have you done with my sweet, trusting little boy??

We’ve always raised our boys to be free and independent thinkers so that’s all good; it’s the cynicism at the ripe old age of 14 that I wasn’t quite prepared for.

What’s that saying, “the older I get, the smarter my parents become”- hopefully he’ll return to us sometime in the next several decades.  In the meantime, I’m holding on to our 12-year-old for dear life!

~~~~~~~

If you’re anything like us, chicken figures prominently in your mealtime planning so it’s always nice to have a few new tricks up your sleeve to give it a new taste sensation.

This Indian inspired recipe is a simple and affordable way to transform the ordinary.

The coconut-masala crust gives the skinless chicken thighs a crispy delicious exterior that is fully satisfying while keeping the interior tender and juicy.  And there is no frying involved!  All the magic happens in the oven. You will love the dipping sauce too.

Oven Baked Crispy Coconut-Masala Chicken Thighs with a Curried Yogurt Dipping Sauce

(Recipe adapted from Canadian Living Magazine)

For the Coconut-Masala Chicken Thighs:
  • 1 cup unsweetened desiccated coconut shavings
  • 1/2 cup panko (Japanese bread crumbs)
  • 2 Tbsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • Pinch red pepper flakes or cayenne, if desired (they are hot)
  • 8 – 10 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
  • 2 eggs, beaten
For the Curried Yogurt Dipping Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tsp curry powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tsp honey
~~~~~~~~

Notes:

Makes 8 – 10 coconut-masala chicken thighs.

Directions:

Heat oven to 400 F.

Combine coconut, panko, garam masala, onion powder, garlic powder, coriander and cayenne (if using) in a flat based dish, stirring to combine.

In a separate flat based dish, place beaten eggs.

Dip each chicken thigh into the egg mixture, being sure to fully saturate them and then dredge each thigh through the coconut/masala mixture making sure to fully coat the chicken with the mixture.

Arrange coated chicken on a foiled lined baking sheet that has been sprayed with some olive oil or brushed with melted coconut oil (that’s what I used).  If you don’t use oil, the chicken pieces will stick and half of the crispy-delicious coating will stay on the foil (you won’t like that).

Cook the chicken thighs for 12 minutes on one side and then flip them over and return them to the oven for another 10-12 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. (I added a few pieces of uncooked coconut shavings to the top of the cooked chicken just for fun – I thought it looked pretty).

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine curried yogurt dipping sauce ingredients and stir to combine.  Adjust seasoning as desired.

Enjoy.

Veggie and White Bean Rice Rolls with Sweet Mango & Ginger

By 42 Comments

Have you ever encountered a cat with a voracious appetite for vegetables?

Our little (big) fellow, Monsieur Black, is particularly fond of cucumber and red bell pepper (he also happens to love fresh watermelon and apricot).  Upon smelling cucumber, he has been known to wake from a deep slumber two floors away and fly into the kitchen like his life depended on it.

Now I’m no cat whisperer but I’ve always understood felines to be obligate   carnivores – meaning, their digestive systems are designed to derive nutrients principally, if not exclusively, from animal proteins.  Cats cannot digest vegetables nor derive nutrients from them.  Which leads our entire family to wonder, what the what?!

Beyond the jokes about the not-so-accidental coincidence of a nutritionist’s cat liking veggies, I can’t, for the love, put my finger on the precise allure they hold for our frisky friend. My top guesses, if I must, would be that he is either drawn to the water content in these vegetables (although he quite likes drinking directly out of the toilet bowl) or, possibly more likely, there is some combination of enzymes in these vegetables that he can smell/detect readily and simply can’t resist.

Either way, it’s kinda funny if you ask me.

Does your cat eat unusual things?

Monsieur Black hanging out with his best friend
& baby ‘sister’ Stella

~~~~~~~~~

Veggie and White Bean Rice Rolls with Sweet Mango & Ginger

For the Rice Rolls

  • 2 cups cooked white beans (cannellini), thoroughly rinsed if using canned
  • 1 ripe mango, peeled and cut into long thin’ish strips (julienned)
  • 1 red bell pepper, jullienned
  • 1 cup shredded carrot
  • 1 large, ripe avocado, julienned
  • 1 bundle fresh mint
  • 12 or so sheets of rice paper (available in the Asian section of most grocery stores)
 
For the Sesame-Ginger Dipping Sauce:
  • 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tsp fresh grated ginger root
  • 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes if desired
  • sprinkling of sesame seeds
~~~~~~~~~
Notes:
You can use any combination of vegetables you wish in this recipe – take advantage of what’s in your fridge.
I generally like to add some fruit to these rolls – mango, peach, pear and apple are some favourites – they add a touch of unexpected natural sweetness that is simply delicious.

One of the few ingredients I insist on when making these rice wraps is fresh mint.  The flavour and freshness it imparts is simply irreplaceable in my view (but that’s just me. Naturally, do as you wish).If you haven’t worked with rice paper before, you may need some practice to get the hang of it but it’s a very low risk proposition.  Even the most awkwardly wrapped versions (I have made several) are perfectly usable and equally delicious!

~~~~~~~~~
Directions:

Makes about 8-10 rice rollsAssemble ingredients (your choice of bean, fruit, vegetables) and cut them into long thin slices where applicable.

 

Gather 12 or so sheets of rice paper (in their dry form, the sheets are rigid and paper thin).

Place about a half inch of hot water into a pie plate (or other suitably sized bowl). Working with one rice sheet at a time, immerse each sheet into the water for about 10-15 seconds.  The rice paper should become soft and pliable but not completely lifeless (it will literally disintegrate if you leave it for too long).

Place the softened sheet of rice paper on a plate or clean working surface.  Begin by placing a few mint leaves horizontally across the center of the sheet, followed by about a quarter cup of beans and sprinkles of all the other ingredients: carrots, red bell pepper, avocado and mango (or whatever ingredients you are working with).

For the rolling part, fold the bottom edge of the sheet (the one nearest to you) over the top of the filling pressing it down slightly to hold it in place and roll into a cylindrical shape halfway. Now fold the left and right sides inward and continue rolling the remaining distance until you have a nice tight and fully wrapped bundle.  You can leave the bundles as such or cut them in half to expose the lovely interior.  (I wrapped the cover photo slightly differently so that you could get a good look at the interior ingredients).

For the sesame-ginger dipping sauce, place soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, chili flakes (if using) and ginger together in a bowl and whisk to combine.  Garnish with a few sesame seeds if desired.
Dip the rice rolls into the sesame-ginger sauce and enjoy.

 

This post is dedicated to the coolest cucumber in this family, Monsieur Black.

Fully Loaded Miso Soup and Building a Strong Immune System

By 40 Comments

fully loaded miso soup
Move over chicken soup.  There’s another healing bowl of goodness in town and it comes fully loaded.

A concentrated source of plant protein, antioxidants, protective fatty acids and active bacteria, miso dissolves effortlessly into this nutrient dense soup to produce the perfect combination of taste, health and comfort.  You will fall in love with this interpretation of Japanese chicken soup!

And that’s a good thing because this year, more than ever it seems, cold and flu season has struck hard and fast.

The familiar story of the fall and early winter has been one of ongoing colds, sore throats, nasty coughs and/or some variation of the stomach flu.  In some cases, these bouts of illness are striking more than once which is particularly concerning.

So, in the spirit of giving, I’ve decided that my New Year’s gift to you, my dear readers, is an overview of some of the top dietary strategies for staying healthy and strong through the longer winter months.

While it’s perfectly natural to get sick from time to time, building a strong immune system is one of our best defenses against reoccurring and enduring illness.

So here’s to you and your Radiant Health in 2013!

~~~~~
 

Dietary Strategies to Support a Strong Immune System

Antioxidant rich foods ~ While there is no one food or nutrient that can guarantee health, a balanced diet that includes a variety of protein, whole grains, nuts/seeds, and plenty of fruit and vegetables will help build a strong immune system.

Fruits and vegetables are the main source of disease fighting antioxidants in our diet so be sure to include a broad and colourful variety and don’t forget about the powerful allium family – garlic (more below), onion, chives, leek – which are rich in phytonutrients and operate as antioxidants in the body.

In addition to vitamins A, C and E, the minerals zinc and selenium are also powerful antioxidants.  Brazil nuts are one of the best dietary sources of selenium but you can also find this trace mineral in a variety of fish and seafood. Zinc, essential for the proper functioning of the immune system, can be found in red meat, oysters and enriched grains/breakfast cereals.

Raw garlic ~ another immune fighter that is well worth working in to the diet.  This pungent herb appears to boost the immune system and fight viruses.  There is also promising preliminary evidence to suggest that it may also have a preventative role in cold onset.

Fluids ~ proper hydration helps prevent the formation of small cracks in nasal membrane where virus can enter.  This is particularly important during the winter months when artificial heating dries our skin. Fluids can also help alleviate nasal congestion once a cold has set in.  Aim for seven cups per day and consider warm beverages including: lemon water, soothing herbal teas, soups, and warming stews.

Vitamin D ~ studies continue to link a shortage of this mighty nutrient to many serious diseases including: cancer, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, heart disease and influenza. It is believed that vitamin D increases the body’s production of proteins that destroy viruses.

During the fall and winter months, when the sun in the northern hemisphere is not sufficiently strong to synthesize vitamin D under our skin, adults are advised to take a minimum of 1,000 IUs (international units) of vitamin D per day while children should supplement in the range of 400 IUs daily. Older adults, people with dark skin, those who don’t spend a lot of time outdoors and those who wear clothing that covers most of their skin, should consider supplementing year round. Vitamin D levels can be easily tested through your medical or naturopathic doctor.

Probiotics ~ studies reveal that good bacteria (the ‘friendly’ strain of live microbes that are used to repopulate the gastrointestinal tract) can enhance the immune system helping to both prevent and reduce symptoms of flu and cold. 

Daily intake of fermented foods (sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, tempeh) and dairy products such as unsweetened yogurt and kefir may be helpful for arming our intestinal ecology with good bacteria.  For a more potent concentration during flu season, a daily probiotic capsule containing acidophilus and bifidus has been shown to produce positive results in both adults and children.

 A 2009 study published in Pediatricsfound that healthy children, aged 3 to 5, who took a probiotic supplement during the fall and winter suffered significantly less fever, nasal congestion, cough occurrences/duration and missed fewer days of school. The study also found that probiotic supplements reduced antibiotic use in these same children.

Children’s products are available on the market and the doses are usually one quarter to one half that of adults. Probiotic powder can be mixed with water or added to a delicious fruit smoothie to make it easier for children to consume.

Vitamin C ~ while it may not prevent onset, vitamin C has been shown to reduce the duration of cold symptoms in both adults and children.

Vitamin C is also important during times of physical and emotional stress not only as an immune builder but also because the adrenal glands (the glands that are responsible for releasing stress hormones) require a steady supply of this nutrient to function properly.  This is a good time to stock up on vitamin C rich foods including: red bell pepper, broccoli, kiwi, strawberries and oranges.

 While vitamin C toxicity is very rare (the body does not store water-soluble vitamins), supplemental amounts greater than 2,000 mg/day in divided doses are not generally recommended because they can lead to stomach upset and diarrhea. Also, individuals with a history of kidney stones are advised to consult their doctor before taking vitamin C supplements.

Echinacea ~ the evidence on Echinacea continues to produce mixed results however the most recent information on this herb appears to be positive.  A very recent study out of the UK suggests that Echinacea purpurea (purple coneflower) does have a positive effect on the prevention of the common cold while another study published in American Family Physicianrevealed that Echinacea purpurea improved the symptoms of cold already in progress.

Ginseng (COLD-fx) ~ a special extract of North American ginseng – sold as COLD-fX – has been shown to be effective at reducing the frequency, severity and duration of colds in both adults and seniors.

The information in this post is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician or other health care professional directly before beginning or changing a course of health treatment.

~~~~~
Fully Loaded Miso Soup {Protein Rich, Vegan}
  • 2 large yellow onions, peeled and coarsely chopped
  • 1 tsp chili-garlic sauce
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups sliced mushrooms of choice
  • 5 cups low sodium vegetable stock
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 cup shelled edamame beans, (run frozen beans under hot water for 15 seconds)
  • 1 large red bell pepper, coarsely chopped
  • 1 large yellow bell pepper, coarsely chopped
  • 1 package (about 500 grams or about 2 cups) firm tofu, diced
  • 6 Tbsp miso paste, or to taste
  • 1 bundle green onion (scallions), finely chopped
~~~~~~
fully loaded miso soup
Notes:
Miso – if you haven’t yet had the opportunity to experiment with miso, you’re in for a treat.  Miso is a fermented food sold in paste form that is most commonly derived from soybean and brown rice or barley (you will find it in the refrigerator section of most grocery stores).  A staple of the Japanese diet for centuries, miso is a concentrated source of plant protein that has a very pleasant, savoury taste (umami) that is quite soothing (and addictive!).  Like most fermented foods, miso also contains active bacteria that help arm our digestive tract (and immune system) with a healthy ecology, protecting us from illness.  It is also said that the emollient nature of the linoleic acid in miso promotes soft, silky skin.

Miso dissolves beautifully in soups but you don’t have to stop there.  You can use it in sandwiches, as a vegetable dip or as a spread over other proteins such as salmon – delish.  A little goes a long way with miso so start slowly and see how you enjoy the taste.

Once you have your ingredients assembled for this soup, it will only take you minutes to pull it together and you will have lots of leftovers!

~~~~~~~
Directions:
Sauté onion, garlic, chili-garlic sauce and mushroom with some olive oil in a skillet on the stove top set to low-medium heat until onion is translucent (about 7-8 minutes).

Transfer onion/mushroom mixture into a large pot that you will be using to cook the soup.  Add vegetable stock and water to pot followed by edamame, bell pepper and tofu, stirring to combine over medium heat. Allow mixture to come to a boil before reducing heat and adding miso.  Adding the miso at the end of the process once the temperature of the soup has reduced will preserve the probiotic quality of this wonderful fermented food. Stir to integrate miso thoroughly and finally, add green onions (scallions) just before serving.

 fully loaded miso soup

Frosted Mint Chocolate Bars

By 33 Comments

I know, I know…

I thought I had signed off too but let me explain.

The boys and I made these mint chocolate bars on Tuesday night as a Christmas gift for their piano teacher.  We were just having fun, playing around and experimenting you know, but things quickly got out of hand – (my youngest declared these bars to be the best *ever* that’s *ever*) – and we simply had to share them with you.

Even better news? 15 minutes is all you will need to make these all natural, mouth-watering delights.  No baking involved.

Looking for more exciting news? Well, Inspired Edibles reached a very nice milestone on Wednesday.  I woke up to discover 1,000 followers on my Facebook page and was filled with exhilaration and gratefulness.  I want to thank each and every one of you for lighting up my days and nights and making it possible for me to continue with this project.  Writing is a patient but sometimes lonely vocation. You have no idea how nice it is to hear from you and receive your kind words of support and encouragement.  So thank you for taking the time to drop-in by email, in the comments section and share a word or two in person. Now let’s party!

frosted mint chocolate bars_2
Frosted Mint Chocolate Bars ~ No Bake, Vegan
 
Print
Prep time
Total time
 
Author:
Ingredients
  • For the Base:
  • 1 + ½ cups walnut pieces
  • ¾ to 1 cup pitted dates
  • ⅓ cup smooth almond butter
  • For the Mint Chocolate Topping:
  • 100 grams (roughly 1 cup) 75% cocoa chocolate, chopped
  • 1 ripe banana
  • 1 tsp pure mint extract or to taste (it's quite present so go easy at first and increase as desired)
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 Tbsp honey or pure maple syrup
  • 2 Tbsp unsweetened desiccated coconut for topping
Instructions
  1. While you are assembling your materials, submerge dates in hot water to soften them for a few minutes before draining (I boil water in the kettle and pour it over the dates set in a bowl).
  2. Place chocolate in a small sturdy pot on the stove over lowest heat. Allow chocolate to melt, stirring to assist. As soon as chocolate has melted, remove from heat and set aside.
  3. In a food processor or blender, combine walnuts, softened dates and almond butter. Process until well combined (you will still see some small nut pieces).
  4. It's important that the base mixture be sticky. If it's too dry, you can add a little bit more almond butter or coconut milk to achieve desired consistency. If the mixture is too wet (looks like a big ball in the blender rather than distributed), add a few more nuts. Scoop base mixture out of food processor/blender and place in a parchment lined loaf pan.
  5. Using the back of a spoon or cake knife, spread the base mixture evenly in the pan while patting it down with your hands (it should end up being about a half inch thick).
  6. Using the same blender or food processor, add melted chocolate, banana, mint extract, vanilla extract and honey or maple syrup. Blend until smooth and silky (it's a thing of beauty!).
  7. Pour mint chocolate topping over the base and spread evenly using a spoon or knife to assist. Sprinkle chocolate layer with a dusting of coconut.
  8. Place loaf pan in the fridge for 1 hour (or the freezer for 20 minutes or so) until the topping has solidified over the base.
  9. Remove from fridge/freezer and cut into bars or squares, as desired.
  10. You can store the bars/squares in the freezer or fridge as desired. They travel well.
Notes
Nuts - you can use whatever nut you wish for the base but walnut has a nice subtlety to it that works well with the mint. Peanut, for example, may have too much personality and attitude to graciously give way.
Banana - don't be put off by the banana in the topping. The mint is the star here and you will barely notice the banana flavour, if at all. It simply bulks up the chocolate frosting naturally. If it's really not your thing, apple sauce may be worth trying (I have used it in fudge but not these bars - yet).
Storage - some GREAT NEWS: these bars do fine in the fridge and travel nicely. You can pack them in a lunch for the office or school - yay! Many similar bars have to be stored in the freezer, so these are innovative in that way. Using a solid chocolate (melted and solidified again) seemed to do the trick!
frosted mint chocolate bars_squared
this is how we presented the gift to the boys’ piano teacher
the bars were cut into bite-sized squares and placed in a festive mug
she loves her tea!
frosted mint chocolate bars

Warming Kasha {Buckwheat} Cereal with Pear, Pomegranate & Pepitas – Gluten Free

By 27 Comments

I’ve been having the greatest time doing an Advent calendar for my sons who are (ahem), almost 15 and 12 years old.

I came across a wood framed freestanding calendar at Loblaws about a month ago and couldn’t resist.  It’s great because it’s got these roomy empty boxes (well decorated too) representing each day that you can fill with whatever you want – not the usual waxy chocolate stuff.  When I can’t fit a particular item into a box, a pop a note inside directing the boys to another location in the house where they can find their head of broccoli (wink) so it becomes almost like a scavenger hunt.

Anyhow, the best thing?  My sons are as excited about it today as they were a decade ago!

(I thought I might be just indulging myself – it happens – but not this time).
~~~~~
So here we are, officially one week before Christmas and it feels like a lot has happened in the world since I last wrote.  Our hearts are heavy as we move forward.
 
I want to wish everyone a happy holiday – whatever tradition you choose to celebrate – and precious time with family and friends.  
 
I’m sharing a warming cereal with you this morning that you might enjoy trying over the holidays.  If you haven’t had a chance to experiment with buckwheat yet, this is an excellent introductory recipe.  The texture and consistency of the buckwheat groats (also referred to as kasha) are particularly well-suited to cereal.  
 

Although its name would suggest otherwise, buckwheat is not related to wheat; it is actually a fruit seed and not a cereal grain.  As such, buckwheat is an excellent ‘grain-like’ substitute (looks like a grain and acts like a grain) for those who are sensitive to wheat or gluten and is also powerfully nutritive.  Containing all essential amino acids in proper proportions, kasha is a complete plant protein that is also rich in B vitamins, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, iron, calcium and fibre.

 

My sons gobbled up this display when they returned home from school (it wasn’t a tough sell!).

Warming Kasha {Buckwheat} Cereal with Pear, Pomegranate & Pepitas (Gluten Free)
  • 1 cup buckwheat groats (Kasha)
  • 2 heaping Tbsp ground flaxseed (flax meal)
  • About 2 Tbsp raw pepitas
  • 1 large ripe seasonal pear, skin on and chopped into bite size pieces
  • Handful pomegranate seeds
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • Drizzle of honey
—————
Notes:

Don’t be intimidated by seeds/ancient grains.  They behave much like oatmeal or other more familiar foods and are as easy to cook as rice.  You can find them at health food stores, bulk food stores and many regular grocery stores now carry them as well (Bob’s Red Mill is a common North American brand).

Directions:
 
Makes 2 servings


Prepare buckwheat groats according to package directions – (generally, 2:1 water to buckwheat groats ratio – bring mixture to a boil in a pot on stove and then simmer for about 12-15 minutes).

 

Add pear to simmering buckwheat, mixing with the groats and allowing it to warm and soften slightly.

Once the groats are cooked (they will have softened and puffed up in size and most of the water will have been used up), remove pot from heat and add ground flaxseed to the groats/pear, mixing to combine.

Divide warm cereal between two bowls and add milk or milk alternative.  Drizzle each bowl of cereal with a little honey or pure maple syrup, as you wish.  Sprinkle the cereal with pepitas, pom seeds and a dollop of yogurt, as desired.

Cheers to your health and happiness! 

Cleansing Winter Salad with a Maple-Ginger Vinaigrette

By 20 Comments

 cleansing winter salad_blog_4
We’re smack in the middle of it.

The season of abundant indulgence.

So I say, enjoy every moment…

moderation does not have to mean deprivation

and when you’re looking for something to balance out those heavier hitting

sweets & treats

or prop up the symptoms of a cold/flu

 consider this antioxidant rich, cleansing winter salad

 full of flavour & good for you nutrients

~ vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, enzymes and fibre ~

and ready to go in just 15 minutes!

 ~~~~~~
Winter Salad with a Maple-Ginger Vinaigrette

For the Salad:
    • About 4 cups shredded* cabbage, I used a mix of green and red
    • 1 cup arugula (rocket)
    • 2 Golden Delicious apples, skin on and roughly cubed
    • 1 cup broccoli florets, roughly chopped
    • 1 persimmon, skin on roughly cubed
    • 1 cup dried cranberries
    • 1 avocado, peeled and sliced
    • 1/2 cup natural sliced almonds
For the Maple-Ginger Vinaigrette
    • 6 Tbsp olive oil
    • 3 or 4 Tbsp red wine vinegar
    • 2 tsp ground ginger
    • 2 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1 heaping tsp grainy Dijon mustard
    • 1 tsp pure maple syrup
    • Sea salt & cracked black pepper to taste
~~~~~~~
Notes:

Serves 4-6
You can make your vinaigrette ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.  It will keep well for up to two days.

I do not use a food processor or blender to shred* cabbage.  I simply use a large chopping knife – I find it works very well.  It’s easy, time efficient and not as much clean-up.

Persimmon, a native Chinese fruit known for its many medicinal uses, is best between October through December (when it is most likely to be found in grocery stores in North America).  The brilliant orange fruit has a soft, juicy interior and is rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C and fibre.  If you can’t find it, clementine slices would be a nice substitute here.

You can turn this salad into a main dish by adding animal or vegetable protein – smoked salmon, sliced chicken, grilled steak, beans, cubed tofu/tempeh…

~~~~~~~
Directions:
Assemble all salad ingredients in a large salad bowl.

In a small container with fitted lid, place vinaigrette ingredients.  Cover lid and shake vigorously before pouring vinaigrette over salad.  Mix salad ingredients with vinaigrette to combine.

 
~~~~~~~
Now, one more matter of business before I leave you today….
Our GIVEAWAY WINNER!!
Drum roll please…
This Year’s Winner of the beautiful Sprouted Kitchen Cookbook according to a Random Number Generator is….
Enter a lower limit:
Enter an upper limit:
Random Number:

Lucky Number 41 which corresponds to MJ over at MJ’s Kitchen!

Thanks to all who participated and Congratulations MJ! ~ I will be in touch shortly with the details.

Raw Vegan Brownies with a Peanut Butter-Banana Frosting (Grain Free, Gluten Free)

By 21 Comments

You will love these nutrient-packed beauties!

Full of wholesome ingredients, they turn traditional brownies into a powerhouse of goodness without compromising taste.  In fact, they are more like a quality energy bar in nutrient value than anything else and would work well as a loaded breakfast bite on-the-go.

These brownies are fully adaptable which means that you can substitute whatever nut or fruit filling you wish.  Play around with different combinations and see what suits you best.  You will simply want to be mindful of the dry to wet ratios to ensure that the brownie base sticks together.

Because these brownies are highly concentrated in nutrients, a small square goes a long way.  Enjoy!

Raw Vegan Brownies with a Peanut Butter-Banana Frosting

For the Brownies:

  • 1 cup pitted prunes, or pitted dates
  • 1 cup dried cherries, or dried cranberries
  • 1 cup raw walnuts, or nut of choice
  • 1 cup raw pistachios, or nut of choice
  • 1/2 cup raw peanuts
  • 1 Tbsp coconut oil (left out at room temp to melt)
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cacao powder

 For the Frosting:

  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 ripe bananas
  • 1/4 cup natural just nuts raw peanut butter
  • 4 Tbsp pure maple syrup (or honey if not vegan)
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cacao powder

Notes:

These brownies do best stored in the freezer.  You can eat them right from the freezer as well as they will never freeze solid.  If you leave them out at room temperature, the frosting will start to melt.

The frosting will solidify (and become darker) when the brownies are left in the freezer for over an hour or so – I couldn’t wait that long!! 

 
Directions:
Makes 24 squares.

In a blender or food processor, combine prunes, cherries, walnuts, pistachios, coconut oil and ¼ cup cocoa powder.  Process until the brownie mixture is well blended (you will still see flecks of nuts – very pretty! – but the fruit should be well broken down).  The mixture should be sticky and hold together when pressed between your fingers.  If it doesn’t, you can add a little bit more coconut oil, olive oil, or smooth nut butter for binding. 


Line a baking pan (roughly 6 1/2 x 10) with parchment or wax paper and then spread the brownie mixture overtop, distributing as evenly as possible.  Using a small roller or the back of a spoon, press down gently to pack.

 

 

Sprinkle peanuts over the brownie layer, pressing down gently on them to set into the mixture.


Using the same blender or food processor, add: vanilla, banana, peanut butter, maple syrup and cocoa powder until mixture is well blended and the frosting develops a nice creamy texture.

 

Spread frosting over brownie layer, spreading it out to distribute evenly.

Place pan in freezer for about 45 minutes to one hour until mixture has set.

Remove pan from freezer and, using both sides of wax or parchment paper, pull brownie slab out of the pan.

Cut slab into 24 squares and store in freezer.

Vanilla Panna Cotta with a Pomegranate Jelly

By 64 Comments

vanilla panna cotta with pomegranate_blog

I got caught last week.

I dashed out to bring my son to soccer and discovered that I didn’t have a snow brush or scraper in the car.  It was the first snowfall of the season with a sizable accumulation. The kind of accumulation you can’t ignore.  We were running late, there was no time to go back into the house and search the basement. Can you guess what I used to clean the snow off my van?

  1. a) my mitts
  2. b) a tree branch
  3. c) my son’s cleats
  4. d) our cat
  5. e) a) and c) but not d)
  6. f) none of the above

If you guessed f) none of the above, you are absolutely correct mon ami.

There we were, two hockey sticks in hand (that apparently never leave the car), swoopin’ and a clearin’ (amazingly effective by the way the bow and scoop combination are … I think I may be on to something…).

It was a classic Canadian moment!

~~~~~~~~~

It’s December 1st and I’m officially kicking off the Holidays

with a Festive Dessert, a Foodie Favourites List and….

a Giveaway!

~~~~~~~~~

~ Foodie Favourites List 2012 ~

  1. These Botanical Paints for your budding artist ~ sourced from fruit, vegetables and spices!
  2. These Fun & Festive Champagne Flutes ~ reasonably priced, fab hostess gift.
  3. These Gourmet Vinegar and Olive Oil Sprays ~ spritz just the right amount of flavour onto your salads and sides (lemon, chili, basil, garlic…oh, yum).
  4. These Artisan Chocolate Truffles ~ the Margarita is a must!
  5. This Lavender Tea from the beautiful fields of the Eastern Townships ~ unwind and relax…
  6. This Website ~ featuring amazing Canadian Foodmakers…
  7. This Urban Cultivator ~ grow your own pesticide/herbicide free herbs, sprouts and veggies all year round!
  8. These Slate and Oak Kitchen Boards ~ Gorgeous!
  9. These Classic Kitchen Aprons ~ or…
  10. These Vintage Kitchen Aprons!
Now, before I get to today’s recipe…
One more thing….

A GIVEAWAY!!

This has been a busy year on the cookbook scene.  A number of well-loved blogs, restaurants, television personalities and health care practitioners have released cookbooks this fall.

Of those I’ve had an opportunity to review, the one that stands out in my mind as the freshest, most innovative and memorable is Sara and Hugh Forte’s cookbook: The Sprouted Kitchen: a tastier take on whole foods.

The Sprouted Kitchen’s cookbook features 100 recipes ranging from breakfast to salads to snacks to happy hour ideas. Many of you who follow Sara and Hugh’s well-loved blog will recognize their characteristic style, gorgeous food styling and seductive photography. They deliver all the foodie flare you could ask for while maintaining a commitment to whole foods recreated in a fresh, fun, and full-flavoured fashion.  You will never look at a beet the same way!
I’m absolutely delighted to be offering a copy of the Sprouted Kitchen’s new cookbook in hardcover format for this year’s giveaway and I want to thank Sara & Hugh as well as their Publisher – Ten Speed Press – for providing a complimentary copy of the cookbook for my giveaway!

Giveaway Details

1. This giveaway is open to anyone and everyone.
2. To enter the giveaway, simply leave a comment below indicating your interest in the cookbook. (You can also leave a comment even if you don’t want to participate in the giveaway!).
3.  For additional entries, please subscribe to Inspired Edibles by email or like Inspired Edibles’ fan page on Facebook or follow Inspired Edibles on Twitter and let me know that you are doing so in a separate comment.
4. Looking for more entries? Invite a friend to subscribe to Inspired Edibles by email or like my Facebook page or follow me on Twitter and let me know that you have done so in a separate comment.
5. The giveaway closes on Sunday, December 9th.  The winner will be announced shortly after – Good luck to All!
 ~~~~~~~

Now onto today’s festive recipe!

Vanilla Panna Cotta with a Pomegranate Jelly
(Pomegranate Jelly inspired by Pom Girl – check out her gorgeous swirl designs!)

For the Panna Cotta:

  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1 cup coconut milk (from a can!)
  • 1 cup plain (unflavored) Greek yogurt (ideally not less than 2% fat)
  • 4 Tbsp/1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tsp vanilla essence
  • 2 tsp gelatin powder

For the Pomegranate Jelly:

  • 2 ounces boiling water
  • 1 + 1/2 tsp gelatin powder
  • 8 ounces (1 cup) pomegranate juice
  • 1 Tbsp pure maple syrup, optional
  • 1/2 pomegranate, seeded for garnish

~~~~~~~

Notes:

If you can’t find a pure pomegranate juice (there are many mixed fruit juices on the market) and you want to intensify the colour of the juice to make it a bold red, simply squeeze some of the fresh pomegranate juice into the cup.  Even 1 tablespoon of the real stuff will make a big colour difference.

You can make as many layers of panna cotta/jelly as you like keeping in mind that each layer has to gel/solidify in the fridge before pouring the next one, so there is a time factor involved.

The number of servings will depend on the size of the vessel that you are using.

~~~~~~~

Directions:

This recipe will make approximately two cups of panna cotta and one cup of pomegranate jelly.

For the panna cotta (hands on time 10 minutes):

Place fresh lemon juice in a small dish and add gelatin, mixing together.  The mixture will solidify somewhat within minutes.

Meanwhile, in a small pot, combine honey and coconut milk over low-medium heat on stove top until the mixture becomes hot to the touch but not boiling.

Pour mixture into a large bowl and add lemon gelatin slurry (you may need to dig it out with a spoon).  Combine with a whisk.

Add Greek yogurt, grated lemon zest and vanilla to the bowl with the coconut milk mixture and stir well to combine.

For the pomegranate jelly (hands on time 5 minutes):

Place boiling water in a small bowl and add gelatin, stirring to dissolve.

In a separate bowl, pour pomegranate juice (see notes above about intensifying colour) with maple syrup if using, stirring to combine. Add the gelatin slurry to the pomegranate juice, mixing to combine.

For the assembly (hands on time 5 minutes):

You can create as many panna cotta/jelly layers as you like keeping in mind that each layer has to gel/solidify before pouring the next.  The number of servings and the amount of time needed to gel/solidify the layers will depend on the size of the vessel you are using.  Vessel ideas: ramekins, flutes, shot glasses, martini glasses, tumblers — just make sure you have a spoon that works for the size glass you’re using!

On average, you will need to refrigerate each layer for 1 to 2 hours before pouring the next layer (depending again on the size of the vessel). You can speed things up by carefully placing the panna cotta/jelly in the freezer for about 30 minutes each layer but you will want to be very careful not to freeze the panna cotta or the jelly solid as it will crystallize.

Dress up your desserts with pom seeds and a dollop of yogurt or crème fraîche, as desired.

I hope you enjoy this recipe – it has a mild sweetness with gorgeous complex flavours coming from the lemony coconut and pomegranate.

Bon Appetit!

Spicy Coconut Curry Chickpeas with Lemongrass and Sweet Basil

By 18 Comments

Spicy Thai Chickpeas_blog

When I think of wholesome, satisfying and delicious vegetarian food, this is precisely the type of meal I envision.

But that wasn’t always the case.

Having been a slapdash vegetarian in my teens, I fell into the common rookie trap of gravitating towards pasta with oodles of cheese as the mainstay of my diet.  As yummy and addicting as that was, it was not exactly nourishing.  I then slowly discovered processed soy foods – veggie dog this, veggie ground that – full of sodium and plenty of other additives until I eventually wound my way to whole food sources of plant protein.

All to say, early exploring vegetarians tend to avoid animal flesh but are not necessarily educated about suitable plant based alternatives to protein, healthy fats and minerals.  The result is that we put ourselves at risk of developing nutrient deficiencies and conditions such as iron deficiency anemia, hypoglycemia, chronic fatigue and even depression.

The more you learn about healthful sources of plant based foods, the more options it invites for creating nourishing and delicious combinations.  Herbs, spices and sauces are especially helpful for flavouring vegetarian fare so don’t be shy; play around and see what combinations you like best.  I have a penchant for Thai cuisine so I often gravitate in this direction but the possibilities are endless.

Some of my favourite whole food sources of soy protein include: tofu, tempeh, edamame and miso. Other non-soy plant based proteins include: lentils, legumes, nuts and seeds, seitan, eggs and yes, some, dairy.

Spicy Coconut Curry Chickpeas with Lemongrass and Sweet Basil
  • 2 large yellow onions, peeled and coarsely chopped
  • 1 heaping Tbsp chili garlic sauce, or less as desired (it’s hot)
  • 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup frozen edamame, simply run under hot water and drain
  • 3 cups cooked chickpea, thoroughly rinsed if using canned
  • 1 cup sliced crimini mushrooms
  • 1 generous nub of ginger, peeled and shaved*
  • 4 tsp Thai red curry paste
  • 2 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 2 cups coconut milk
  • 1 cup vegetable stock
  • 2 limes, each cut into four quarters
  • 2 lemongrass stalks, ends and rough exterior casing removed
  • 2 Tbsp fish sauce,*optional* for non-vegetarians
  • 1 large bunch fresh basil, some torn into pieces and some left intact
~~~~~~

Notes:I used a cast iron pan to illustrate this meal however you are probably best using a larger sized skillet, wok or pot if using the ingredient portions outlined above (otherwise, you can cut the recipe in half).

*Lately, I’ve been shaving ginger. Once the ginger is peeled, simply use a carrot or vegetable peeler to slice off thin shaved pieces of ginger. It works really well in recipes like this.

You can skip any of the spices that don’t appeal to you. This is just one version of the recipe but there are many others – it is fully open and awaiting your interpretation!

 ~~~~~~

Directions:

Serves 4-6

On stove top, sauté onion and chili garlic sauce with some olive oil in a large skillet, wok or pot set to low-medium heat until translucent, about 5 minutes or so.

Meanwhile, prepare lemongrass stalks by removing root end (bulb) and blades (if still there).  Working from the middle section of the stalks, remove rough exterior layer/s until you get to the smooth white interior part of the lemongrass stalks.  Slice the interior of the stalks very thin to reveal layered rings (a bit like an onion).

You can either use the thin lemongrass rings as such or, more commonly, you can break them down further by chopping, grinding or mincing them.  Because lemongrass is quite firm and fibrous, it’s often easier to eat it when it has been broken down further (a food processor or coffee grinder would work fine).

Sprinkle onion with turmeric and cumin, mixing to combine.

 In a separate bowl, combine curry paste, coconut milk and vegetable stock whisking to combine.  Add wet ingredients to skillet and bring mixture to a gentle boil. Add bell pepper, edamame, chickpeas, mushrooms, lemongrass and ginger and reduce to lowest heat. Add most of the basil leaves (reserving some for garnish).  Allow mixture to simmer for about 6 minutes before removing from heat.

Squeeze lime juice into skillet along with fish sauce if using.  Mix all ingredients together and serve with a few more basil leaves on top.

Spicy Thai Chickpeas_blog_1
~~~~

Psst! Inspired Edibles Friends and Followers

you are ALL invited back on
Saturday, December 1st

for our official Holiday Kick-Off Post!

I will have an irresistible Holiday Recipe, a Fabulous Favourites List
and…. a Gorgeous Giveaway!!
~~~~~

Healing Hot Toddy (Alcohol-Free)

By 30 Comments

We’ve all experienced it.

Watery eyes, stuffy nose, inflamed sinuses, sore throat, coughs, headache, fever, fatigue and chills.  Nasty symptoms of the so-called common cold.

And now that we have entered the true season of giving and receiving, I wanted to offer up this natural home brew to help soothe and support the discomfort associated with these symptoms.

…

Read More »