Category: Food & Farms

  • Maple Roasted Winter Squash

    Maple Roasted Winter Squash

    Maple Roasted Winter Squash

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    Total Time 1 hour
    Servings: 3
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 5 pounds winter squash (such as kabocha or butternut) seeded and cut into 1" pieces
    • 1 medium red onion chopped
    • ½ cup walnut halves
    • ⅓ cup avocado oil
    • ⅓ cup maple syrup
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt
    • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or to taste
    • ½ cup crumbled feta

    Method
     

    1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Place winter squash, red onion, and walnut halves in a large mixing bowl.
    2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the avocado oil, maple syrup, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Pour mixture over squash and toss until well coated.
    3. Spread squash out on two parchment-lined baking pans in a single layer. Bake for 40 minutes or until squash is tender.
    4. Place squash in a serving vessel and sprinkle on crumbled feta.
  • Hawaiian Burgers

    Hawaiian Burgers

    Hawaiian Burgers

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    Total Time 20 minutes
    Servings: 8
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 8 beef or alternative-protein patties
    • 1 cup huli huli BBQ sauce divided
    • 1 can pineapple slices drained
    • 16 slices pepperjack cheese
    • 1 small red onion thinly sliced
    • 8 sesame seed burger buns
    Huli Huli Sauce (Hawaiian BBQ Sauce)
    • ½ cup ketchup
    • ½ cup brown sugar
    • ⅓ cup pineapple juice
    • ¼ cup tamari or shoyu soy sauce
    • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
    • 2 tablespoons sriracha
    • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
    • 2 large garlic cloves finely minced
    • 1 tablespoon peeled and minced ginger
    • 1-2 tablespoons cornstarch and water for thickening if needed (optional)

    Method
     

    1. Preheat the grill to 450°F or medium heat. Season beef patties on both sides with salt and pepper. Set aside a ½ cup of bbq sauce for serving. Grill burgers for 4 minutes per side, basting with remaining sauce as they cook. Burgers should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Any sauce left after basting burgers should be discarded.
    2. Meanwhile, place pineapple slices on grill and cook until lightly caramelized, approximately 2 minutes per side.
    3. Place two slices of pepper jack cheese per burger patty and cook for another minute or until cheese has melted.
    4. Place burgers on buns with a pineapple slice and red onion. Serve with reserved bbq sauce.
    Huli Huli Sauce (Hawaiian BBQ Sauce)
    1. Place all ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes.
    2. Once cooled, if the sauce is too thin, whisk together equal parts water and cornstarch in a small bowl. Add the mixture to the barbecue sauce and rewarm to activate the thickening properties of the cornstarch.
  • Halloumi and Veggie Skewers

    Halloumi and Veggie Skewers

    Halloumi and Veggie Skewers

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    Total Time 35 minutes
    Servings: 9
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 9 wooden skewers
    • 12 oz halloumi cheese (sub bread cheese)
    • 1 medium zucchini
    • 1 large orange bell pepper
    • 1 large red onion
    • 1 pint cherry tomatoes
    • 1 pint button mushrooms
    • Olive oil for brushing
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • 1 cup honey mustard sauce

    Method
     

    1. Place wooden skewers in water and soak for at least15 minutes while you prepare the recipe ingredients.
    2. Cube the cheese into roughly 1-inch pieces. Cut the zucchini, bell pepper, and onion into 1-inch pieces. keep cherry tomatoes and mushrooms whole.
    3. Build the skewers by alternating between ingredients.Leave a small amount of space between ingredients and a bit of space on each end of the skewer.
    4. Brush skewers lightly with olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper.
    5. Grill skewers on medium-high heat, and cook to desired doneness, flipping occasionally.
    6. Serve skewers with honey mustard sauce.
  • Easy Chicken Enchiladas

    Easy Chicken Enchiladas

    Easy Chicken Enchiladas

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    Total Time 45 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 rotisserie chicken pulled
    • 1 teaspoon chili powder
    • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • 3 tablespoons olive oil desired
    • 1 red bell pepper julienned
    • 1 green bell pepper julienned
    • 1 small onion julienned
    • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
    • 16 oz shredded Mexican cheese blend
    • 18 taco sized corn tortillas
    • 2 15-oz cans red enchilada sauce
    • 1 15-oz can black or pinto beans rinsed and drained

    Method
     

    1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Toss pulled chicken with chili powder, oregano, salt, pepper and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large bowl.
    2. In a large skillet, sauté bell peppers, onions, and red pepper flakes with remaining olive oil over high heat until tender crisp and starting to char. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to cool.
    3. To assemble, place a quarter of the sauce on the bottom of a 9"x13" baking dish. Layer ingredients as follows: 6 tortillas, half of the chicken, beans, and cooked pepper and onions. Pour on a quarter of the sauce followed by a third of the cheese and repeat one more time. Top with the remaining tortillas, sauce, and finish with the rest of the cheese.
    4. Cover assembled enchilada with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue to bake until bubbling and cheese is starting to brown.

    Notes

    Serve with sour cream if desired.
  • Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

    Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

    Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

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    Total Time 1 hour
    Servings: 2 loaves
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 stick unsalted butter room temperature
    • 1 cup cane sugar
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 3 ripe bananas mashed
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
    • ⅓ cup cocoa powder sifted
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
    • ½ cup sour cream
    • ¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips

    Method
     

    1. Cream butter, sugar, and vanilla together until pale in color. In a separate bowl, whisk together bananas, and eggs. Add the banana mixture to the creamed butter and mix until just combined. Preheat oven to 350°F.
    2. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and sea salt. Fold into wet ingredients.
    3. Add sour cream and fold the batter again until just combined then fold in chocolate chips.
    4. Grease loaf pans with butter or baking spray, optionally, line them with parchment paper. Divide batter evenly between the two prepared pans.
    5. Bake for 35-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow banana bread to rest for 10 minutes before removing from pan.
  • Buffalo-Ranch Smothered Avocados

    Buffalo-Ranch Smothered Avocados

    Buffalo-Ranch Smothered Avocados

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    Total Time 20 minutes
    Servings: 1
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 ripe avocados
    • 4 bibb whole lettuce leaves
    • 4 slices turkey meat
    • ½ cup buffalo sauce
    • ½ cup ranch dressing
    • ½ cup fried onions
    • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

    Method
     

    1. Cut avocados in half and twist open. Remove pits and skin. Cut avocado halves into three wedges and set aside.
    2. On four plates, divide the sliced avocado, lettuce, and turkey.
    3. Drizzle buffalo sauce and ranch dressing over avocados and top with onions and crumbled feta.Serve promptly.

  • Bird of Paradise Cocktail with Coconut Ice

    Bird of Paradise Cocktail with Coconut Ice

    Bird of Paradise Cocktail with Coconut Ice

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    Total Time 4 hours 5 minutes
    Servings: 5
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 33.8 oz can C2O Original Coconut Water
    • 2 oz dark rum
    • 2 oz passionflower liquor
    • ½ oz freshly squeezed orange juice
    • ¼ oz pineapple juice
    • ¼ oz freshly squeezed lime juice
    • Few dashes of orange bitters
    • Fresh pineapple including leaves, for garnish
    • Cherries for garnish

    Method
     

    1. Fill one or more ice trays with C20 Original Coconut Water and place in the freezer until frozen solid, at least 4 hours.
    2. Combine rum, passionfruit liquor, orange juice, pineapple juice, lime juice, and a few dashes of orange bitters in a shaker with three to four coconut-water ice cubes. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds and pour into a tumbler using the sieve feature on the shaker.
    3. Top off glass with extra coconut-water ice and garnish with a pineapple wedge, cherry, and three pineapple leaves.

    Notes

    *Coconut water makes enough ice cubes for 5-6 cocktails
  • Beef Gnocchi

    Beef Gnocchi

    Beef Gnocchi

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    Total Time 40 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 small white onion minced
    • 1 pound ground beef
    • 3 large garlic cloves minced
    • 2 teaspoons dried basil
    • 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
    • ¾ teaspoon sea salt
    • ¼ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
    • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper optional
    • 1 14.5 oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes with green chilies
    • 1 ½ cups chicken broth
    • 1 pound premade gnocchi
    • ½ – ¾ cup cream
    • ½ cup grated parmesan for serving

    Method
     

    1. In a large skillet, sauté onion in olive oil over medium-low heat until transparent, approximately 3 minutes.
    2. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat and stir in garlic, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, crushed red pepper, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth.Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
    3. Meanwhile, prepare gnocchi based on the package instructions.
    4. Add cream to sauce and cook for an additional 3 minutes or until desired thickness is achieved.
    5. Stir in cooked gnocchi and serve with parmesan.
  • A winter solstice feast

    A winter solstice feast

    A winter solstice feast

    Boost your mood and celebrate nature’s wonder

    At the time of the year when we need it most, these recipes inspired by nature’s bounty are rich in mood-boosting nutrients, to help you celebrate the return of the sun.

    Spicy Poached Eggs with Spinach and Yogurt

    This homage to the sun plays out visually as well as nutritionally. To celebrate the return of the vitamin D-giving sun, this dish of eggs, spinach, and yogurt with a hint of spice is a party on a plate.
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    Servings: 4
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    • 8 tablespoons Greek yogurt divided
    • 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons olive oil divided
    • ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
    • 1 teaspoon + ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes divided
    • 4 cups baby spinach
    • 1 teaspoon + ¼ teaspoon sweet smoked paprika divided
    • ¼ teaspoon salt plus extra pinch
    • ¼ cup white vinegar
    • 4 eggs

    Method
     

    1. Add 2 Tbsp yogurt to each of 4 serving plates and spread in a swirl on half the surface.
    2. To large skillet, add 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp olive oil, pumpkin seeds, and 1 tsp red pepper flakes. Heat on medium-low heat, stirring constantly. When pumpkin seeds start to pop, reduce to low heat. When pumpkin seeds are golden brown, add spinach, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp salt; stir for about 2 minutes, until spinach is wilted. Divide spinach among serving plates, arranging it opposite the yogurt.
    3. Set still-warm skillet aside, off the heat, and add remaining 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1/4 tsp smoked paprika. Continue to rest off the heat to allow flavors to infuse.
    4. To poach eggs, in large saucepan, bring water to a simmer over medium-high heat. Add vinegar and pinch of salt. Stir gently and add eggs, one by one, to water. Poach for 2 to 3 minutes, or until eggs float to surface. Using slotted spoon, gently remove eggs, pat dry with clean kitchen towel, and place on center of each plate. Drizzle 1 tsp red pepper flake-paprika oil over surface of yogurt on each plate and serve.

    Notes

    Each serving contains: 228 calories; 12 g protein; 19 g total fat (4 g sat. fat); 5 g total carbohydrates (2 g sugars, 1 g fiber); 468 mg sodium

    Sockeye Salmon Steamed in Parchment with Juniper, Orange, and Rosemary

    Up your omega-3 intake with these easy-to-make salmon parchment pockets. The sockeye fillets are first rubbed with a marinade of juniper berries, citrus zest, and garlic before being enclosed in parchment.
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    Servings: 4
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 ½ teaspoon juniper berries
    • 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary
    • 2 teaspoons lemon zest grated using microplane
    • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
    • 4 teaspoons orange zest strips made with citrus zester
    • 2 teaspoons orange juice
    • ½ teaspoon peeled and grated garlic
    • 4 teaspoons olive oil
    • 4 sockeye salmon fillets with skin, about 5 oz each
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper
    • Extra orange slices for garnish

    Method
     

    1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Cut 4 sheets of parchment paper, about 12 x 15 in. Set aside.
    2. Using mortar and pestle, crush juniper berries. In small bowl, combine juniper berries with rosemary, lemon zest, lemon juice, orange zest strips, orange juice, grated garlic, and olive oil.
    3. Lay 4 cut sheets of parchment out on flat, clean, dry surface and place a salmon fillet in center of each sheet, skin side down. Season each with salt and pepper. Divide juniper berry marinade among salmon pieces, drizzling it overtop each piece. Rub marinade in with your hands, lifting salmon and rubbing a bit onto skin side before replacing it on parchment, skin side down. Fold parchment over salmon, crimping edges to seal. Lay parchment parcels on baking sheet and cook in preheated oven for 20 minutes.
    4. To serve, you can bring the packets to the table and have those enjoying the meal open their own. Alternatively, serve with a slice or wedge of orange and plate it before bringing it to the table. Carefully open each pouch, allowing any steam to escape, and remove salmon, being sure to capture all the juices that arise during steaming.

    Notes

    Each serving contains: 235 calories; 28 g protein; 14 g total fat (2 g sat. fat); 2 g total carbohydrates (0 g sugars, 1 g fiber); 211 mg sodium

    Warming Winter Chocolate Bark

    A tribute to the bounty and beauty of nature, this chocolate bark is studded with nuts, seeds, and berries and flavored with the warming spices of ginger and cinnamon. Adding sweet paprika and chili also gives an interesting kick to a winter favorite.
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    Servings: 10
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    • 6 oz chocolate with 70% cacao solids
    • ½ teaspoon sweet smoked paprika
    • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 2 tablespoons whole raw almonds
    • 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds
    • 2 tablespoons dried goji berries
    • 1 tablespoon finely diced crystallized ginger
    • 2 tablespoons finely diced dried mango (about 2 pieces)
    • 1 teaspoon cacao nibs
    • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

    Method
     

    1. Break up chocolate into small pieces and place in top of double boiler on medium-low heat. When chocolate is melted about halfway, add paprika and cinnamon and stir through, just enough to combine. Be careful not to stir too vigorously, which can cause chocolate to split. Allow chocolate to continue melting, stirring to prevent burning.
    2. Lay a silicone sheet or parchment paper on baking sheet. Pour melted chocolate overtop and smooth out with palette knife, forming an irregular rectangle measuring approximately 8 x 11 in. Working with one ingredient at a time, immediately begin to sprinkle nuts, seeds, fruits, and other ingredients overtop chocolate, finishing by sprinkling red pepper flakes overtop, if using.
    3. Allow to set at room temperature over several hours, or in fridge if the room is warm, until chocolate is firm and breaks crisply. Break bark up in irregular pieces to serve.

    Notes

    Each serving contains: 115 calories; 2 g protein; 7 g total fat (4 g sat. fat); 14 g total carbohydrates (9 g sugars, 4 g fiber); 12 mg sodium

    By Helena McMurdo

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Nutritious, easy, and beautiful

    Nutritious, easy, and beautiful

    Nutritious, easy, and beautiful

    Bring boards into the everyday

    We already embrace boards as a classic option for a casual party. We’re drawn in by the seemingly elaborate set-up of visually enticing foods. Guests help themselves, choosing what they like, avoiding what they don’t, and maybe even trying something new.

    But all these things can be true for everyday meals—when there’s no party involved. Eating this way can provide an opportunity for everyone to try something new and delicious, in a way that’s fun.

    Sweet and Savory Buckwheat Pancake Brunch Board

    These hearty little beauties make a great base for smoked salmon and a creamy caper and chive sauce. Those who fall firmly on the sweet side of things will be equally delighted when their pancakes are piled high with berries or bananas.
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    Servings: 3
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    Caper chive yogurt sauce
    • 1 cup Greek yogurt
    • ¼ cup chopped fresh chives
    • 2 tablespoons capers
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • 1 teaspoon lemon zest plus more for garnish
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper
    Buckwheat caraway pancakes
    • 1 cup buckwheat flour
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • Pinch of salt
    • 2 teaspoons caraway seeds
    • 1 egg
    • 1 cup buttermilk
    • 1 teaspoon maple syrup
    • 1 teaspoon canola oil
    Sweet items
    • 1 pint blueberries
    • 1 pint raspberries
    • 6 strawberries
    • 1 banana sliced
    • ½ cup whole almonds
    • 2 tablespoons hemp hearts
    Savory items
    • 6 oz smoked salmon
    • 1 avocado sliced
    • ½ red onion sliced
    • 3 mini cucumbers sliced in coins

    Method
     

    1. In small bowl, make Caper Chive Yogurt Sauce by combining all ingredients. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
    2. To make pancakes, in medium-sized bowl, whisk together buckwheat flour, baking powder, salt, and caraway seeds. In small bowl, lightly beat egg and combine with buttermilk, maple syrup, and oil. Make a well in center of dry ingredients and pour in wet ingredients. Whisk together, until just combined. Heat cast iron skillet or grill to medium-high. Drop tablespoons of batter onto hot grill. When bubbles appear on the surface of each pancake, flip and cook the other side (about 30 seconds). Continue until all batter is used.
    3. To arrange board, lay pancakes out down center of board on a diagonal. Arrange sweet and savory items on either side, making small sections for each item. Garnish dip with a little extra lemon zest and place on the savory side.

    Notes

    Each serving contains: 453 calories; 19 g protein; 23 g total fat (5 g sat. fat); 48 g total carbohydrates (19 g sugars, 13 g fiber); 417 mg sodium

    Lemongrass and Chili Flank Steak Lettuce Wrap Board with Mango Sauce

    Inspired by the flavors of Vietnamese-style summer rolls, this satisfying dinner is built around a marinated flank steak that will stretch to feed a crowd.
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    Servings: 10
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    Flank steak
    • 1 tablespoon sunflower oil + 1 teaspoon for grill
    • 2 tablespoons coconut palm sugar
    • 1 teaspoon fish sauce
    • ½ cup cilantro roughly chopped
    • ¼ cup mint leaves roughly chopped
    • Zest and juice of 2 limes
    • 3 garlic cloves peeled and crushed
    • 1 inch piece gingerroot peeled and cut into fine matchsticks
    • 1 red Thai chili finely chopped
    • 1 stalk lemon grass
    • 2 pounds flank steak
    Spicy mango dressing
    • 3 ripe mangoes
    • ½ cup mint leaves
    • Zest and juice of 1 lime
    • 1 Thai chili
    • ½ teaspoon fish sauce
    • 1 teaspoon maple syrup
    Serve with
    • 1 head butter lettuce leaves washed and separated
    • 2 cups finely shredded napa cabbage
    • 3 cups finely shredded red cabbage
    • 5 medium-sized carrots cut into matchsticks
    • 4 spring onions cut lengthwise into matchsticks
    • 3 mini cucumbers cut into matchsticks
    • ½ daikon radish (about 4 oz) cut into matchsticks
    • Lime wedges, extra chilies, and mint leaves for garnish

    Method
     

    1. For flank steak, in glass storage container with lid, combine 1 Tbsp sunflower oil, palm sugar, fish sauce, cilantro, mint, lime juice and zest, garlic, ginger, and chopped Thai chili. Bash lemon grass with rolling pin and cut or break into small sections, then add to container with the other ingredients. Add flank steak and rub marinade over entire surface. Cover with lid and allow to marinate for 6 to 8 hours in refrigerator, turning a few times during that period.
    2. To make mango dressing, peel mangoes, place in food processor with mint leaves, lime zest and juice, Thai chili, fish sauce, and maple syrup. Blend, then pour into jar, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
    3. Prepare vegetables and refrigerate until ready to use.
    4. To cook flank steak, heat stovetop grill on high and brush with 1 tsp sunflower oil. Dab excess marinade from meat and place on hot grill. Sear on high heat for about 4 minutes a side for medium rare. Remove steak to platter, tent with bowl, and allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Slice meat across the grain into thin slices.
    5. Arrange sliced steak on platter with veggies and garnishes. Serve mango sauce in small dish with spoon for drizzling.

    Notes

    Each serving contains: 326 calories; 30 g protein; 11 g total fat (3 g sat. fat); 29 g total carbohydrates (20 g sugars, 4 g fiber); 169 mg sodium

    By Helena McMurdo

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine