Vegetarian Foodie

Italian Pepper Saute

Yesterday, the daughter and I picked this Italian Pepper from the garden:

Since I had already planned and prepped my dinner entree for the evening, I decided to add a side dish featuring the Italian Pepper.

I heated the olive oil in a saute pan and added: chopped Italian Pepper, sliced teardrop tomatoes (yellow and red), garlic and red onion.

The result was a flavorful side dish.

It would be easy to turn this into a main dish sandwich by adding the saute onto crusty bread along with a slice of Parmesan.

I cannot wait until the next Italian Pepper has matured so I can experience this delight all over again.

Pumpkin and Potato Pancakes

Fall has arrived! that being said, this recipe will honor one of fall's great harvest vegetables: the pumpkin. The following vegetarian recipe for Pumpkin and Potato Pancakes is simple and delicious.

• 1 Can organic Pumpkin Puree (or 1 fresh pumpkin steamed until soft)
• 3 Potatoes Peeled and cut into Chunks
• 1 Red Onion Chopped
• 1 Egg Beaten
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• Plain Yogurt and Mint for garnish
• Vegetable oil for Frying

Boil the potato chunks until they are soft
Add Pumpkin to Potatoes and mash together
Add the onion, salt and pepper, and finally the egg
Mix well

Form into patties
Fry patties in oil until they are golden brown
Drain on a paper towel
Top with plain yogurt and mint

Fruit Kabob

One morning I asked the daughter, "Would you like to make a fruit kabob for yourself? You can have it for breakfast along with your pancake." She responded, "Why yes."

Fruit kabobs allow creativity and freedom in food preferences.

Fruit kabobs are not only fun to make but also fun to eat...

For everyone.

Goat Cheese and Roasted Red Bell Pepper Dip

The anticipation of this dip is enhanced by the delicious aromas of the roasting red bell. Roast 3 red bell peppers. First slice the bell in half, clean out the seeds and place in a roasting pan at 500 degrees for about 25-30 minutes.

Allow the roasted bell to cool then slice. Add bell to a food processor along with  5 ounces of herbed goat cheese. Blend until creamy.

Serve with bread, chips, or cucumber slices.

Go Snack

These days are busy. I think a lot of people eat very small and quick meals or entirely on the run. I myself am guilty of having simply a banana and a few cups of coffee as breakfast. The result is extreme hunger at about 11 AM.

The only solution at that point is to stop what I am doing and fix a snack. Snack time is great because of two reasons: there is food involved and snack time is a built in break.

I urge everyone to take time for a break and a bit of delicious fuel. Here is a photo of one of my favorite snacks:

Crusty bread toasted in the oven and topped with your favorite cheese. Once the cheese has melted, top the bread with cherry tomatoes and cracked pepper.

So, go snack.

Peanut Noodles

There are some days that are very action packed and the notion of preparing a meal that takes longer than 15 minutes is just beyond my comprehension. My lazy tendencies are irrelevant because the family arrives home from work, school and bike rides with large appetites.

For those days when I need something quick and easy I open my cupboard and take out my noodles of choice along with a peanut sauce of choice. Boil some water for the noodles and heat a pan to warm the peanut sauce. When the noodles are ready and the peanut sauce warmed toss the two together.

It is unusual not to find carrots, corn and zucchini in the fridge. I chop them and warm them in olive oil. Serve the noodles and veggies beside a few greens, a lime slice, and cherry tomatoes.

The end product is colorful and delightfully tasty. No one would ever believe it took you only 15 minutes to prepare.

Gift Idea for a New Mom

Today I had the pleasure of meeting the offspring of two people I really like. I truly believe their contribution to the gene pool is a positive one.

That being said, it poses the famous question, "What is the best gift idea for a new Mom?"

Once upon a time I was a new Mom and I would have to say that one of my favorite gifts ever was dinner. Yes, dinner. Dinner that was hot and prepared and dropped off with a hug and a kiss and a refusal to come in for more than a peek at the baby.

So, in turn I often offer this gift to my friends that just gave birth.

This is my recommended menu for new parents:

Orzo Pasta Cassarole (It keeps well, heats easily, and siblings never complain about this glorified mac and cheese)!
Simple Green Salad (I like to add what is in season-yellow grape tomatoes, grilled asparagus or cucumber pieces)

Olives from the local Olive bar
Baguette

Wine
Beer
Sparkling Water
Juice Boxes (If there is an older sibling)

I always ask about when the relatives make an exit and things have calmed down (sometimes it is 3 weeks after the babe was born).

That is when I make my move and bring a dinner over.

Really, a good meal that is ready to be laid out is a true gift when you have been puked on, shit on and have little sleep to deal with the mentioned.

Need I say more?

Corn Pancakes

Pancakes are not just for breakfast in our house.

• 1 Cup of Corn
• 4 Tablespoons of grated red onion
• 2 Eggs
• 6 Tablespoons of Flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Black pepper to taste
• Butter and vegetable oil for frying

Mix corn, eggs & onion in a large bowl
Add remaining ingredients and mix
Melt oil and butter pad in a frying pan
When the oil/butter is hot but not smoking add generous spoon sized helpings of mix
Fry on each side until the pancake is golden brown