Sweet Moroccan Chicken: One pot Recipes

I love this recipe because it is so fool proof. It tastes really fancy and looks like it too a long time to make. But in fact, it is one of the easiest recipes and only requires one pot. It is a mildly sweet chicken cooked with spices and some dried fruit like apricots or prunes. It is usually served with some warm french bread to dip into the sauce, but I used to eat this dish with a side of basmati rice. The entire recipe is cooked in one pot, so it eliminates some extra dish washing. To save some prep time, I like to measure out a bunch of little bags of the spice mixture so I dont have to measure when I actually make the recipe. This chicken and sauce are great to serve for any dinner party or just to make for your family.

Sweet Moroccan Chicken
If you use the saffron, it will give the chicken a very beautiful yellow color. I ran out, so mine looks a bit pale :(
2 lbs of Chicken
2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp honey
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
1/2 cup water
1 Minced Onion
1 cup chopped Cilantro
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp ginger
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
Pinch of Saffron (optional)
Dry Apricots or prunes

1) Mix the spices and set aside.
2) Remove any extra skin from the chicken. You can use a whole chicken, chicken thighs, or chicken breast.
3) In a medium pot, pour in the oil, honey, butter,water, and spices. Heat the pot to medium heat.
4) Once the mixture is simmering, add in the onion, cilantro, chicken, and dried fruit.
5) Mix everything well, cover, and cook for 30 minutes or till chicken is done through. You dont have to mix while its cooking, but do check on it once in awhile to make sure the heat is not to high or too low. It should be at a constant simmer and stay covered.

Chop up the onion and cilantro.

Skin the chicken.

Bring butter, oil, water,honey, and spices to a simmer.

Toss in the chicken, cilantro, onions, and apricots.

Mix well.

COVER and cook.

Russian Piroshki with American Conveniences

In America, there are some pre-made doughs that work well for russian piroshki recipes. This specific dough was recommended to me by one of my older sisters. It can be found at any local grocery store in the frozen dough section. This includes places like Safeway and Fred Meyers. Using pre-made doughs saves a lot of time that would go into making traditional piroshki. In addition, the frozen doughs are not at all expensive. This recipe is a time saver. I have listed the steps to a same-day defrost of the dough. If the dough is defrosted using the over-night method (instructions on package) and the filling is made the night before, then these piroshki will take only 10 to 15 minutes from assembly to serving.

Beef Piroshki
(Russians prefer to add chopped boiled eggs and cooked rice to the beef filling. I leave them out. They also do not use the cumin or the paprika)
1 lb ground Beef
1/2 chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped Parsley (optional)
Salt
Pepper
Paprika
Cumin
1/2 package frozen dough

1) Heat oven to 200F. Spray a pan with nonstick cooking spray and place frozen dough balls on it.
2) Cover the frozen balls with plastic wrap. Turn off the oven.
3) Place the frozen dough balls to defrost and rise in the warm oven for 2 hours.
4) Meanwhile; prepare the filling.
5) Saute the ground beef. Pour out any excess oil the comes from the meat.
5) Add the chopped onions and spices. Saute till meat is cooked completely.
6) Cool the filling mixture completely. This mixture can be prepared overnight and refrigerated.
7) Once the dough has risen, Fill the dough balls with meat and seal them.
8) Fill a large pan with a 1/4 inch of cooking oil and heat to low-medium heat.
9) Fry the piroshki on all sides till golden brown.

Rhodes brand Frozen Texas Rolls: work great for the piroshki dough

Moroccan Mint Tea- My way

I love mint tea. Moroccans are very proud of their mint-tea tradition. I dont have any fancy traditional moroccan tea sets, so I prepare it my own way. The process is very simple, and it comes out great. Since I drink a lot of tea, I like to sweeten mine with Stevia. I dont want all the calories or the glucose from the sugar.

Mint Tea
Gunpowder Tea
Fresh mint
Water
Sugar or other sweetener

1) Boil water in a tea kettle.
2) Place a tablespoon of gunpowder tea in another kettel.
3) Rinse the gunpowder tea with a bit of the boiling water. This step is crucial. If the gunpowder tea is not rinsed, it will make the tea bitter.
4) Pour the rest of the boiling water into the pot with the rinsed gunpowder tea.
5) Add in the fresh mint leaves and let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes.
6) Pour the tea back and forth between two kettles to mix it.
7) Add sugar and serve.

Coconut Chicken and Rice

I love coconuts. I love coconut milk and almost anything made with it. I believe this is a Thai recipe, but I am not sure. Its absolutely tasty and goes great with jasmine rice (which I will explain how to cook below). The rice in the picture above is regular rice, but in my opinion, jasmine rice is tastier.

Coconut Chicken and Jasmine Rice
3 Chicken Breasts
1 Tbsp Olive Oil
3 Minced Cloves of Garlic
1 Can of Coconut Milk
Salt and Pepper-to taste
2 tsp Curry Powder
1 tsp Boullion (or 1 cube dissolved)
1 Zucchini, sliced

1) Fry the chicken in the oil till browned.
2) Add the garlic and stir for a minute,
3) Add in the coconut milk, spices, and boullion. Simmer for 20 minutes uncovered.
4) Add in the zucchini and simmer for 10 more minutes.

Cooking Jasmine Rice
1 cup Jasmine Rice
4 cups of Water
1 tsp Salt
1 Tbsp oil

1) Boil the water.
2) Add the salt, oil, and rice. Stir.
3) Once the rice boils, set the timmer for 10 minutes. Cook uncovered.
4) Drain all the water from the rice in a strainer and let it sit for 5 minutes.
5) Serve.
4

Pineapple Cake

This is a recipe I have from my mother. She has been making this for years, and I have made it quite a few times (since it is well liked in my home). A thick cake like this is called a "pirog" in Russian, not a "tort-or cake". The difference is that this kind of cake is not frosted. It is usually served with hot tea or coffee for breakfast or after dinner.

Like all traditional russian cakes, this one calls for a lot of sour cream, butter, and eggs. Unlike the american Pineapple Upside-down Cake (which I've never had the opportunity to taste), this cake is not upside down.

Russian Pineapple Pirog
(This is a large recipe, feel free to make only half)
1/4 cup Butter
1 cup Sour Cream
1/2 tsp Soda
1 tsp Vinegar
1 tsp vanilla
5 eggs
1 1/2 cup Sugar
2 cups Flour
1 can Pineapple Rings
1 can Peaches (optional)
Raisins (optional)
Pecans (Optional)

1) Melt the butter and let it cool off completely.
2) Pour out the liquid from the canned fruit, and set the fruit aside to drip dry.
3) With a mixer, cream together sour cream, eggs, and vanilla.
4) Dissolve the baking soda in the baking powder and add to the mixture.
5) Add in sugar and beat well.
6) Add in the flour and beat.
7) Preheat oven to 375F. Grease a pan.
8) Stir the raisins and nuts into the batter with a spoon.
9) Pour the batter into the baking pan, and top with peaches and pineapple rings.
10) Bake for 30 minutes or until insterted toothpick comes out clean.

Hearty Dinner: Potatoes, Shrimp, and Scallops

I started out with Alia's "Potato Tajine" from cookingwithalia.com, and of course I made changes of my own. I didnt have a tagine (or tajine), so I made this dish in a medium sized pot. The final result was tasty and filling. I will definitely make this again.

One-Pot Potato and Shrimp

1 Chopped Onion
3 Minced Cloves of Garlic
1/2 tsp Cumin
1/2 tsp Paprika
1/2 tsp Ginger
2 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp pepper
1 crushed peeled tomato
1/2 cup Chopped Fresh Parsley
3 Medium peeled Potatoes cut into chunks
1 sweet potato peeled and cut into chunks
1 cup Raw, peeled shrimp
1/2 cup raw scallops (optional)
1/4 Lemon

1) Saute the onion in some olive oil for a few minutes. Set some water to boil.
2) Add in the garlic.
3) Add in the spices and mix well.
4) Add in the crushed tomato and parsley. Stir for a few minutes.
5) Add in about 1 cup of boiling water (more or less) and the potatoes. You may add more water in the cooking process if the potatoes dont have enough to cook in.
6) After potatoes are half way cooked, add in the shrimp and scallops.
7) Once the shrimp has curled and turned pink, the dish is ready.
8) Turn off the heat, squeeze in the lemon, and stir.

Sellou: Almond Halwa

I've heard many great reviews on Sellou: a Moroccan almond and flour paste dessert (more like candy). I decided I had to try it for myself. I have to say, its nice. But moderation is important. This tasty sweet has lots of fat, sugar and calories.

The original recipe came from cookingwithalia.com. I made the following changes: I used blanched almonds instead of almonds in their skins. I used clarified butter instead of regular butter. I also added a quarter teaspoon of crushed mastic (which turned out to not be enough to give any disctinct change in flavor).

Sellou
2 1/4 cup Flour
2 cups Blanched almonds
1 cup Sesame Seed
1 tsp Anise seeds
1/2 Tbsp Cinnamon
1/4 tsp Mastic (optional)
Pinch of salt
1 cup Powdered Sugar
8 Tbsp Clarified Butter
1/2 cup Honey

1) Bake flour in a 350F oven for 40 minutes. Mix every 10 minutes.
2) Roast almonds, sesame seeds, and anise seeds for 15-20 in a pan. Stir constantly.
3) In a food processor, grind 2/3 of the nut mixture, cinnamon, mastic, and salt finely.
4) Remove from processor and grind the rest of the nut mixture coarsely.
5) In a large bowl, combine nuts, sifted powdered sugar, and sifted flour.
6) Add in the butter and honey and mix with your (clean) hands.
7) Form a dome with the entire mixture and decorate with nuts.

Baghrir: Moroccan Crepes

I found this recipe on cookingwithalia.com. This turned out to be some of the fastest cooking crepes I've ever made. They taste great with some honey and butter. They are soo cute when they cook and bubble up with all those little holes! I found that the recipe calls for a bit too much water. Here is the recipe written in my own words.

Baghrir
1 1/2 cup Semolina
1 1/2 cup White Flour
1 Tbsp Sugar
1 tsp Salt
1 Egg (optional)
1 tsp Baking Powder
1 packet of Yeast
3 3/4 cup Warm Water (you can add up to 4 1/2 cups of water)

1) Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Mix well.
2) Blend ingredients in a blender.
3) Cover and let the mixture sit for 15-30 minutes.
4) In a frying pan, Cook Baghrir on one side.
5) Melt some butter and honey in a pan to create a sauce.
6) Dip the uncooked side of the baghrir into the sauce.

Baghrir cooking on a frying pan-soo cute!



September Update: Graham Flour Baghrir
I decided to try this recipe with a healthier twist. I used graham flour instead of white flour because graham flour is healthier. Graham flour has fiber and more protein than regular white flour. I aslo used only an egg white instead of the whole egg. The baghrir still bubbled up well and tasted great. The texture also stayed nice and fluffy. Instead of a honey topping, I used sugar free syrup. Below are the pictures of these healthier baghrir.

Carob and Chocolate Peanut Clusters

I guess Im letting my chocolate cravings get to me. I made yet another round of chocolate treats this week. I decided to try out carob instead of chocolate. I used 90% carob chips, and 10% dark chocolate. This was probably the easiest dish I have ever made. And it tasted sooo good. This came out much cheaper than buying the carob clusters sold at the store. Carob chips are also cheaper than chocolate chips. The bit of unsweetened chocolate went a long way in this recipe. I could not tell the difference between chocolate and carob clusters.

Carob and Chocolate Peanut Clusters
9 parts Carob Chips
1 part Dark Chocolate
Roasted Peanuts

1) Melt carob and chocolate together using the double boiler method.
2) Stir in nuts.
3) Drop nuts by spoonful onto wax paper.
4) Cool in fridge for 1 hour.

Clusters cooling on wax paper. One thing to note is that they start out a light brown color, but turn dark after they set completely.

Almond Truffles

Today I decided I really wanted something tasty. I found a recipe online for almond truffles. I have to say, its not as easy as it looked in the video. As hard as I tried to stay clean, I got chocolate everywhere! The smell of the roasted almonds and orange blossom water was tempting me to try eating the little almond balls before dipping them! I would not reccomend dipping my hands into the chocolate to coat the truffles. I used two spoons instead. I also think its better to grind the almonds by themselves before adding the powdered sugar and the orange blossom water. Otherwise the food processor has a harder time grinding the almonds to a "fine paste". In addition to the almond truffles in the photo, I also made a few without any coating. I cant wait to try them at "breakfast"!

Almond Truffles
1 1/3 cup Blanched Almonds
1 1/3 cup Powdered Sugar
2 Tbsp Orange Blossom Water
9 oz Melted Chocolate
Coatings: Cocoa powder,chopped nuts, coconut, powder sugar...

1) To Blanch: Toss Almonds in Boiling water for 1 min, drain, rinse in cold water, remove skins, and pat dry.
2) Roast the Almonds in oven at 300F for 20 minutes (if almonds are completely dry, cook only 10 minutes).
3) In a food processor, grind the almonds to a powder.
4) Add powdered sugar, and orange blossom water. Blend till you have a thick paste.
5) Make small balls with the almond paste.
6) Melt the chocolate using the double boiler method.
7) Cool chocolate till no longer hot.
8) Use two spoons to dip balls into chocolate.
9) Place the chocolate covered balls in coating and let them sit for a few seconds. If you are using powdered sugar or cocoa as a coating, make sure to sift it first.
10) Roll the balls around in coating and place in the fridge for an hour.
Heres the link to the video I got the recipe from:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncAMgXr1PAU

Rolling the almond paste balls

Setup: Melted Chocolate, almond balls, and toppings.

Dipping the chocolate covered almond balls into toppings.

Final product: a beauty!

Homemade Granola

Today's task was to bake some low sugar granola. I also needed to use up some of my coconut meat and almond pulp, so its all in there. This was my first time ever making granola. I was surprised at how quick, easy, and versatile this food can be to make. I can put in whatever dried fruits, whatever nuts, and whatever else I want in there. I have to say I am very happy with the results. The calorie count is slightly less than that of store bought Naked Granola (Fruit and Nut). I also had half the sugar they do. Its definitely worth making granola at home. Its cheaper, tastier, and you can add whatever you want. You also dont get stuck with all kinds of preservatives in your food.

Homemade Granola
(This recipe makes a total of about 7 to 7.5 cups of granola. I made a double batch)
Dry Ingredients
3 Cup Rolled Oats
1 cup Whole Wheat Flour
1/2 cup Coconut
1/4 cup Wheat Bran
1/8 cup Wheat Germ
1/8 cup Almond Pulp
1/2 cup Chopped Nuts/Seeds
1/2 Tbsp Salt
1/4 cup Splenda

Wet Ingredients
1/4 cup Water
1/2 cup Oil
1/4 cup Honey
1 tsp Vanilla

1/2 cup chopped Dried Fruit

1) Mix together the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
2) Mix together wet ingredients in a wet measuring cup.
3) Heat wet ingredients in microwave for 1 minute (to melt the honey).
4) Add to the dry ingredients and mix well.
5) Bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes till golden brown and dry.
6) Add dried fruit after baking the granola.



Mixing granola in a large pot (my bowls werent big enough)

Cooling Granola on a tray after baking

Complete granola in bags.

Spicy Bean Dish=Protien!

Calorie for calorie, beans are the best source of protein out there, regardless if your vegan, vegetarian, or carnivore. I did a comparison of beef to beans and heres what I found:



If you count the protein per calorie, beans win over beef. In addition, beans have lots of fiber, calcium, and other important nutrients not listed on the chart. What does beef have? Well, for starters, its got 22g of FAT. Thats right, and its not the healthy kind either. The calorie and fat count doesnt even include that fat the meat will be cooked in.

This chart is not all inclusive in any way. There are MANY types of beans to choose from. I just made a list of the ones I currently have in my cupboard. Well, I made a spicy bean dish for my husband and I (yes, even he could eat this vegan dish). I found this recipe online. Whoever posted it claimed it was a Moroccan Lubia recipe. Problem is, its not like any (real) Moroccan Lubia that I've tasted. But it was a good dish anyway. I wouldnt call it Moroccan Lubia, but definitely a great spicy bean dish.


Spicy White Beans
1 quart cold water
1 pound white beans (presoaked overnight)
1 clove whole garlic
1 large onion, peeled and chopped
1 clove crushed garlic
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 Tbsp sweet red paprika
2 bay leaves
2 tsp salt
2 cups crushed tomatoes
2 tsp ground cumin

1)In a stew pot, boil water with beans, cloves and onion until vegetables
are tender.
2)In a saucepan, sauté minced garlic in some olive oil, chopped parsley, hot pepper flakes, paprika, bay leaves and salt for 3-5 minutes.
3)When seasonings are slightly smoking, add crushed tomatoes, ground cumin and one cup of water.
4)Add the cooked beans, onions, and ¾ cup of the water from the beans to the tomato mixture.
5)Simmer for a few more minutes covered until all the flavors blend together.
6)Garnish with more parsley, and serve with warm bread.

Modified Moroccan Vegetable Stew and Quinoa

Moroccans usually make this vegetable stew with meat. Traditionally, this stew is served over couscous and topped with a sweet mix of onion, cinnamon, raisins, and sugar. The veggies are arranged on the couscous and some of the stew is poured on top. I made quinoa instead of couscous (because it is healthier). I wasnt too thrilled with the taste of Quinoa and missed the couscous. Even though I washed it really well according to instructions, it still left a slightly bitter aftertaste in my mouth after eating it. Of course, that could be because I am still recovering from my cold (but starting to feel MUCH better).

Here is a closeup of the Vegan Version of the Moroccan stew, (sorry, the zucchini squash is missing! I was really hungry and couldnt wait).

Moroccan Vegetable Stew: Vegan Version
(I made mine without meat and used a sweet potato instead of a regular potato.)
Spices:
1 pinch of saffron (omit if not available)
1 tsp pepper
2 tsp ginger
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp turmeric
2 tsp Salt
1 tsp Coriander

Vegetables:
1 Chopped Onion
1 tsp Minced Garlic
2 quartered Carrots
1 Quartered Potato
1 Quartered Zucchini(or Yellow Squash or both)
1/2 Minced Red Bell Pepper

1 Can of Tomato Sauce
2-3 cups of Chickpeas

1) Mix the spices in a small dish and set aside. Set a pot of water to boil.
2) Saute the onion with 2 Tbsp olive oil till it has caramelized.
3) Add in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4) Add in the spices, 4 cups of boiling water, and tomato sauce.
5) Add in the carrots and potato pieces and simmer for 10 minutes covered.
6) Add in the zucchini, (and yellow squash if using), and bell pepper.
7) If you are using raw (presoaked) chickpeas, add them in now. Cook for 30 minutes.
7) If you are using canned (precooked) chickpeas, cook the stew 20 minutes before adding them in. Add in the chickpeas after 20 minutes and Cook for 5-10 more minutes.


Onion/Raisin Topping
(The original recipe calls for a 1/4 cup of brown sugar which thickens the topping and sweetens it. Since I am cutting out added sugars, my topping used stevia to sweeten, and cornstarch to thicken the topping.)
1 chopped Onion
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1/4 cup Raisins
A sprinkle of Stevia
A bit of Olive Oil
1/8 tsp cornstarch

1) For black raisins, Soak the raisins in some water for at least an hour. If you are using the large yellow raisins, then they do not need to be soaked.
2) Saute onion in some oil.
3) Once the onion has caramelized, add in the raisins, some of the raisin water, a sprinkle of stevia, and cinnamon.
4) Dissolve the cornstarch in a bit of cold water.
5) Add to the onions, and cook on medium to low heat till the entire mixture becomes thick.

Quinoa
1 cup water
1/2 cup Quinoa
Dash of salt

1) Rinse the Quinoa very well under cold water.
2) Boil water and salt in small pot.
3) Add in Quinoa and cover.
4) Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa are transparent except for tiny rings around the edges of the quinoa.
5) Remove from heat and top with onion/raisin mixture.

Simple Marinated Cabbage

Cabbage is a really healthy food. One serving of Cabbage (1 cup chopped) has only 22 calories, 2g of fiber, 1g of protein, 85% vitamin K and 54% vitamin C. It is also a good source of vitamin B6, Folate, Manganese. This recipe requires three days to marinate. Its a nice side dish to any meal. I like to eat it as a snack, or next to some cooked buckwheat. Although it seems that this recipe calls for a lot of sugar and oil, 90% of the marinade will not be absorbed.

Marinated Cabbage

1 Tbsp Salt
1/2 cup Sugar
1/2 cup Oil
3/4 cup Vinegar
2 1/2 cups Water
A Few Bay leaves
10 black pepper pods

1 1/2 heads of cabbage
1 1/2 carrot

1) Boil together all ingredients except carrots and cabbage.
2) Shred or chop the carrots, and chop up the cabbage in large chunks.


3) Place lettuce and cabbage in a large container, and pour the marinade over it.


4) Cover the cabbage and compress with some heavy kitchen items:


5) Let it all stand for 3 days, mixing the cabbage around once each day.
6) After 3 days, store in a refrigerator with some of the marinade.

Meatless Version of Harira: Morocco's National Soup

Harira is my favorite soup. It is thick, creamy, and has lots of flavor. I have modified the original recipe. Moroccans eat this soup with chunks of meat, but a soup with this many ingredients and this much flavor doesnt need meat. Moroccans love their Olive Oil, and the original recipe calls for 1/2 cup of olive oil. Its up to you how much you actually use. I only use 2 Tbsps and its enough. There is also quite a debate on the use of cinnamon in this soup. I use it, and it tastes great! Some Moroccans use it, some dont.

My recommendations for this recipe: This soup takes about 2 hours to make, so make sure you have time on your hands. DO NOT try to make this soup if you are missing ANY ingredients. They must ALL be included. Mix the spices in a small cup or bag in advance. The longer this soup cooks, the stronger the flavors and the thicker the soup. Do not try to cut the cooking time. Its necessary. Use a 7 or 8 quart pot for this soup: it makes a lot. Near the end of the cooking, make sure you stir constantly.

Meatless Harira

Spices
1/2 tsp Thyme
2 tsp Salt
1 tsp Paprika
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Basil
1/2 tsp Turmeric
1/2 tsp Ginger

Veggies
2 Stalks of Celery
1 Red Bell Pepper
1 Yellow Onion
2 Large Carrots
1/4 cup Fresh Parsley
1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro
1 can Diced Tomatoes (or 3-4 diced fresh tomatoes)
3 Cloves of Garlic

Other
2 Tbsp Olive oil
1/2 cup uncooked Brown Lentils
1 can of Tomato Sauce
1/2 cup Tiny Pieces of Pasta
1 Can of Chickpeas
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup of Almond milk, or soy milk
1/2 Fresh Lemon

1)Puree all ‘veggies” in a food processor. Make sure the consistency is like that of the photo.

2)Rinse the brown lentils.
3)Sauté the pureed veggies on medium heat with oil and lentils. Stir occasionally, and close with a lid to prevent splattering.
4)Boil a large pot of water. Add 4 cups boiling water to the soup, along with the tomato sauce and the pasta pieces.


5)Cover and cook the soup for 30 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally.
6)Add in spices, chickpeas, and 3 more cups of boiling water.
7)Wisk flour in 1 cup of cold water. Add to the soup. Cook for 10 more minutes, stirring CONSTANTLY.
8)Add in the almond milk or soy milk, stir well. Cook for 5 more minutes, stirring constantly.
9)Squeeze in the fresh lemon and turn off the heat.

Dinner: Meatless Teriyaki

I love teriyaki, but who said anything about the meat. Its all about the sauce and the veggies for me.

Vegan Teriyaki
(Note: Sauce has a strong flavor. Do not pour all of it on at once, but drizzle.)
Some cooked whole Wheat noodles
Chopped Carrots
Chopped Sweet Onion
Broccoli florets
3 oz Mirin
2 oz Soy sauce
1 tsp Cornstarch
Sprinkle of Stevia (sweetener)
Sesame Seeds to sprinkle

1) To make the sauce, wisk together Mirin, soy sauce, and cornstarch and stevia. Simmer on medium heat till thick.
2) Saute the carrots and onion in some olive oil.
3) Place broccoli florets in a dish, sprinkle with some water and cover.
4) Cook the florets in the microwave for about 1 1/2 minutes.
5) Plate Cooked noodles with the veggies, sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Russian Hearty Beet and Potato Salad

This is a traditional Russian beet salad (Called "vinegret in Russian) with a healthier twist. Instead of using regular potatoes, I use sweet potatoes. Its a salad I grew up with, and it reminds me of my childhood. This colorful salad was usually served at all the "events": weddings, engagements, funerals, birthdays. The recipe calles for Russian Sunflower oil. The reason for this, is the Russian sunflower oil is unrefined and has a unique flavor that is crucial to the salad. It can be found at any European store, and at most asian markets. I reccomend cooking the veggies a day prior to making the salad because it is important that they cool completely before they are cut or mixed into the salad.

Russian Vinegret
1 Large Beet
2 Carrots
1 Sweet Potato
1/2 Sweet Onion
1 cup chopped Pickles (or more, I like to have alot of pickles)
1/2 can peas (optional)
3/4 cup beans (optional: I like to use garbanzo beans or red beans, but its up to u)
About 2 Tbsp Russian Oil
Salt and Pepper to taste
Sprinkle of Stevia (only a TINY bit)

1) To speed up cooking time, cut the beet into 4 even pieces and if your carrots are large, snap them in half to fit into your pot.
2) Steam beet and carrot till cooked, but not mushy. If you dont have a steamer, simply cook in a small pot with the water sligthly lower than the veggies (they should not be completely submerged).
3) Test the beet with a knife every once in awhile to see if it is cooked through. Do not over cook.
4) Peal and chop up a sweet potato into 1/4inch cubes. Place on a plate and drizzle with water and sprinkel with salt.
5) Cover and cook in microwave for about 2 1/2 minutes till cooked through but not mushy.
5) Once cooked, drain the water and let the all veggies cool completely. U can place them in the fridge to speed up the process.
6) Peel and Chop up the cooled beet and carrot into the same size pieces as you chopped the potato.
7) Chop up the rest of the veggies.
8) Mix together oil,stevia, salt and pepper, and pour over salad..

Vegan Ice Cream: Coconut Milk and Walnuts Base

I put together a few ideas from other recipes to create this simple base for ice cream. Once you have the base, you can add any toppings or flavorings that you want. The one pictured is a simple vanilla flavor with hazelnuts. The coconut milk gives quite a bit of flavor to this creamy treat. The walnuts in the recipe are crucial. Once they are pureed into the coconut and almond milk, they make the ice cream stay creamy. You will need an ice cream maker to make this. Dont go out and pay for an electric one. I bought a manual one for $5 at a Value Village (local discount store). The entire process is so easy, and only takes 15 minutes. Once u pour the mixture in, u only turn it a few time every 3-4 minutes. 10-15 minutes later you have creamy ice cream. And it is soo much cheaper to make it than to buy that some of those gross ones at the store.




Vegan Coconut Vanilla Ice Cream
(For an even creamier texture, you can decrease the almond milk by 1/2 cup)
1 can Coconut Milk
1 1/2 cup Almond Milk
2 Tsp Vanilla
1/8 cup Agave Nectar
1/4 tsp Stevia
1/3 cup Walnuts
Topping: 1/3 cup Chopped Roasted Hazelnuts

1 Blend all base ingredients in the blender till smoothe. This includes the walnuts.
2) Stir in the chopped hazelnuts or other toppings of choice.
3) Pour mixture into ice cream maker and stir every 3 minutes till done.
Makes about 10 half cup servings