Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Simple Snacking

Spinach.


When I type this word, most little kids scream "Yuck!!" and run and hide as if they just saw a monster. Most adults may even do the same. However I have found an extremely simple recipe to make spinach delicious but still keeping it healthy. Time and time again, I reach for the carrot sticks and celery to snack on and fill my tummy. I will soon be trying this recipe to make the simple, snack-able spinach chips!!


For the top benefits of spinach, click here. It's awesome to know that one little green leaf can do all of this!



Spinach Chips


1 bag fresh spinach leaves
Extra virgin olive oil
Spices (I recommend salt and pepper, garlic salt and red pepper flakes)

1. Preheat oven to 250. 
2. Check to see if spinach is pre-rinsed. If so, you're good to go. If not, rise and shake off excess water.
3. Toss spinach leaves in olive oil OR grease or line the sheet with parchment paper to make it easier for you to pick off the spinach leaves later. Add the desired spices, then lay the leaves out on a cookie sheet.
4. Bake for approximately 10 minutes then ENJOY :)


Veg On.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Sunday Shenanigans

Good Morning Everyone :)

Today my friend and I decided to make a breakfast treat that costs about $2 at any local coffeeshop: scones! This recipe we followed takes no time at all to make and they're actually pretty delicious!! Here it is!




Sunday Morning Sugar Scones

2 cups whole wheat flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup rolled oats (I used quaker oats)
Zest of a lemon
1 1/3 cups heavy cream

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Combine flour baking powder, salt, brown sugar and zest. Slowly stir in the heavy cream. the mixture should stick together, but also be a bit crumbly. 
2. Knead the dough for about a minute or so, until the dough comes together. 
3. Break with hands (as I did) or take a round cookie cutter and make your scones. After you ball up the dough, roll in flour and place on a non-stick cookie sheet. 
4. Place in preheated oven for 18-20 mins, depending on size you made the scones. Check occasionally.
5. Now, serve immediately! They're best when warm. I also had mine with some lovely raspberry jam, but any type will do :)

Veg On.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Squash Seduction

Yes, I have admitted to an obsession. I love butternut squash. Any time of the year, there are SO many different things you can do with it! From soups to soufflés, it is incredibly versatile. Click here for more info about butternut squash, not only including uses, but how to pick a good squash and history of the vegetable. 


Personally, my favorite combination is squash with sage. There has not been a better combination since.....peanut butter and chocolate or hot chocolate and cinnamon. YUM. 


My mom and I made a delicious, delectable pizza that has, yes, butternut squash on it! I had never thought this was possible, but the recipe proved me wrong.




Pesto Delight Pizza

1 pre-made pizza dough (We made our own but buying it pre-made saves money)
1 butternut squash
1 1/2 cups arugula
1 red onion
A generous amount of basil pesto
4 tbsp. olive oil
Salt and pepper
Goat cheese


1. Chop squash in 1 in. cubes and place in dish. Drizzle about 2 tbsp olive oil over the squash and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
2. Heat a large sauté pan over medium-low heat. Add about 2 tbsp. of oil. Once the butter has melted and is hot, add your sliced onion. Sprinkle some salt over the onion, then cook over medium low heat until the onions are translucent.
3. Once the squash is roasted and the onions are caramelized, stretch out the dough in a pan or pizza stone. Spread the pesto on the dough, then top with arugula, onions, squash and goat cheese.
4. Place in oven for about 10-15 mins, or until the crust looks like the picture above.
5. ENJOY. I know you will :)

Veg On.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Wrapping Up

Hello Followers :)

So I am on spring break this week, and being the family-lover that I am, naturally I headed home! Now, the beginning of the week here in Massachusetts was SO delightful that it seriously felt like summer. For real. Upon seeing the woman that taught me all I know and love about cooking (Mom), together, we thought up many different recipes to try this week. On Tuesday my mom and I re-made a delicious wrap we've had at a little café in Maine. Here it goes!!


Wonder Wrap

Flour/whole wheat tortilla
1 tomato
About 5 stalks of asparagus
About a 1/2 cup arugula
1 zucchini
Balsamic vinegar
Gruyere cheese

1. Set your oven to broil and prepare the asparagus by washing it and snapping the ends off. Sprinkle olive oil, salt and pepper and place on a cookie sheet. Slice up the zucchini in about 4 slivers lengthwise. Roast 'em up for about 10 mins.
2. Slice up the tomato and shred the cheese in the desired amounts.
3. In a skillet, warm the tortilla and sprinkle the cheese onto it so it can melt.
4. Place ingredients on top of the melting cheese, but start with the arugula. Drizzle balsamic vinegar.
5. Slide off skillet into plate, wrap up, slice.....and ENJOY :)

Veg On.