Category: Recipes

  • Red foods for heart health

    Red foods for heart health

    Red foods for heart health

    3 antioxidant-rich and delectable recipes

    Red is a color commonly associated with passion and love, but red foods may have a direct effect on our heart health. The same pigments that give red foods their color, called anthocyanins, are also responsible for a host of health benefits, including reduction of inflammation in the body, and have been shown to help with heart health, playing a role in better cholesterol and triglyceride profiles.

    Tuna-Stuffed Piquillo Peppers with Romesco-Style Sauce

    When paired with a salad, this dish easily serves two as a main meal, but it will stretch to a few more as part of a tapas-style meal.

    Ingredients
      

    • 6 ounces can tuna rinsed and drained
    • ¼ cup parsley
    • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • 11-12 piquillo or sweet red peppers (drained contents of 9 1/2 oz jar)
    • 2 tablespoons whole hazelnuts
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon sweet Spanish paprika
    • 1 garlic clove peeled
    • ½ teaspoon sherry vinegar
    • 2 teaspoon honey divided

    Method
     

    1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
    2. In small bowl, with fork, mix together tuna, parsley, lemon zest and juice, and black pepper. Set aside.
    3. Remove whole peppers from jar and set aside 6 to be stuffed. In bowl of food processor, place remaining peppers with hazelnuts, olive oil, paprika, garlic, sherry vinegar, and 1 tsp honey, and pulse to blend into a sauce. The texture will not be completely smooth.
    4. Add about 2 Tbsp of sauce to tuna mixture and stir through. Spoon remaining sauce into small baking dish to make a base for stuffed peppers.
    5. Stuff tuna mixture into 6 piquillo peppers and place them on top of the sauce in baking dish. Drizzle with remaining 1 tsp honey and bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
    6. Enjoy!

    Red Berry Salad

    Delicious, sweet berries and sharp red onion combine, with the help of some balsamic vinegar and a hint of basil, to make a classic salad.
    Servings: 2

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
    • 1 cup sliced strawberries
    • ½ cup whole raspberries
    • ¼ cup finely sliced basil
    • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
    • ½ teaspoon maple syrup
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ red onion sliced
    • 5 cups baby mustard greens or arugula

    Method
     

    1. In large skillet, toast pumpkin seeds over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until golden brown. Pour onto plate to cool and set aside.
    2. In bowl, place berries, basil, vinegar, and maple syrup, and stir gently to coat. Set aside and allow to marinate for about 30 minutes. After time has elapsed, into large bowl, strain any liquid and add one or two raspberries, reserving the remainder.
    3. Mash the two raspberries in liquid in large bowl, add olive oil and salt, and whisk together. Add red onion and greens and toss to coat. Arrange on large platter, placing reserved marinated berries on top. Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds and serve.
    4. Enjoy!

    Spicy, Smoky Tomato-Braised Eggs

    This simple yet luxurious dish is based on a dish from the south of Spain, similar to a North African shakshuka. It’s a satisfying meal, equally at home on the dinner table as on the breakfast bar.
    Servings: 1

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 teaspoon + 1 tablespoon olive oil divided
    • 1 red bell pepper
    • 1 onion halved and sliced lengthwise
    • 1 teaspoon peeled crushed garlic
    • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
    • 1 teaspoon sweet smoked paprika
    • 28 ounces can whole tomatoes
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 1 tablespoon honey
    • ¼ teaspoon hot smoked paprika (optional)
    • 1 cup chopped red chard
    • 4 eggs
    • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

    Method
     

    1. Turn oven broiler to high. Rub red pepper with 1 tsp olive oil and place in baking pan. Place pan under broiler. While watching carefully, turn pepper occasionally as each side blackens under the heat, about 10 minutes. When all sides of red pepper have been fully blackened, remove from oven and place in paper bag to cool.
    2. Add 1 Tbsp olive oil to 9 in cast iron skillet and saute onion on medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, until soft. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, and continue to cook for a further 5 minutes, until garlic is translucent. Add sweet smoked paprika and tomatoes to pan, stir thoroughly to incorporate, and allow to simmer on medium heat for 20 to 30 minutes.
    3. Once pepper is cool, peel and discard skin and seeds. Place flesh in food processor or blender and puree. Add pepper puree to tomato sauce with salt, honey, and, if desired, hot smoked paprika. Allow sauce to simmer for 15 minutes more. Add in red chard and mix through.
    4. Crack eggs into individual pinch bowls or glasses and set aside. Press the bowl of a soup ladle into sauce, and pour in an egg. Then tip contents slowly into tomato mixture. Repeat with remaining eggs, arranging them evenly over surface of skillet. For soft eggs, simmer for approximately 10 minutes, covering halfway through. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with a warm tortilla or a piece of crusty bread.
    5. Enjoy!

  • Niçoise Salad with Christine Waltermyer!

    Niçoise Salad with Christine Waltermyer!

    Niçoise Salad

    Thanks to Christine Waltermyer & The Natural Kitchen Cooking School!

    Christine Waltermyer is a local and renowned Wellness Chef, private chef to celebrities, published cookbook author and founder of the Natural Kitchen Cooking School, which offers an online Plant-Based Cooking Program. She also loves shopping at Basil Bandwagon! Visit naturalkitchenschool.com to subscribe to her email newsletter for new recipes, tips, and FREE access to the Power of Veggies mini-course!


    This classic French salad combines tuna, baby potatoes, crisp green beans, boiled eggs, cherry tomatoes, and a delicious lemon vinaigrette dressing to make a hearty salad that can be served as a meal.

    Niçoise Salad

    This classic French salad combines tuna, baby potatoes, crisp green beans, boiled eggs, cherry tomatoes, and a delicious lemon vinaigrette dressing to make a hearty salad that can be served as a meal.
    Servings: 4
    Course: dinner, Lunch

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup baby Yukon gold or red potatoes
    • Sea salt
    • 1 cup haricot vert green beans
    • 4 eggs
    • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
    • 1 medium sized head lettuce – Boston or Romaine
    • ½ cup Kalamata olives pitted
    • 7 ounces canned tuna drained and lightly mashed
    • 2 tablespoons capers drained
    • 4 artichoke hearts drained and sliced in half
    Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing
    • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
    • 1-2 anchovies chopped or smashed with a fork
    • ½ cup olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons brown or Dijon mustard
    • Sea salt
    • White pepper or black pepper to taste

    Method
     

    1. Cook the potatoes. Place the potatoes in a medium saucepan. Add enough cold water to cover the potatoes. Add a teaspoon of the sea salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer, uncovered, on medium heat for about 10 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain and cool the potatoes. Slice them in half.
    2. Cook the green beans. Fill another saucepan with water. Add sea salt to taste. Bring to a boil. Also, fill a bowl with some salted ice water. Add the green beans to the boiling water and cook for a few minutes, or until they are crisp-tender, but still bright green. Drain the green beans, then place them in the ice water for a few minutes. Drain and pat dry.
    3. Cook the eggs. Place them in a saucepan. Cover with cold water by one inch. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Cover and remove from the heat. Set a timer for 11 minutes. Drain the eggs and place them in an ice bath or run them under cold water to make them easier to peel. I like to peel them under cold running water as well. Slice the eggs in halves or quarters.
    4. Make the lemon vinaigrette dressing. Whisk together in a bowl the lemon juice, anchovies, olive oil, brown or Dijon mustard and the white pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add 3 to 4 tablespoons of this dressing to the cooked potatoes and toss.
    5. Prep the tomatoes. Slice the tomatoes in half. Place them in a small bowl. Add a little sea salt and pepper to taste. Toss to combine.
    6. Prep the lettuce. Wash and salad spin the lettuce. Separate the leaves. If using romaine lettuce like I did, you may wish to use only the more leafy tops.
    7. Assemble the salad. Prepare either 4 to 6 individual plates, or 1 large serving platter. Arrange the lettuce, tuna, potatoes, green beans, eggs, artichoke hearts, capers, cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives. Serve drizzled with the vinaigrette dressing.
    8. Enjoy!

    Thank you to Christine Waltermyer and the Natural Kitchen Cooking School for working with us to help promote healthy, nutritious meals and products that are affordable, full of nutrients, and simple to make at home!

  • Peanut Butter Yogurt Bowl

    Peanut Butter Yogurt Bowl

    Peanut Butter Yogurt Bowl


    The basic recipe consists of peanut butter, yogurt, and maple syrup, but you can get creative with any of your favorite toppings. May we suggest pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate, and your favorite granola? Or consider coconut shreds, sliced banana, and mixed berries. This creamy peanut butter yogurt bowl is perfect for meal prepping during busy weeks. Simply keep the ingredients on hand to make when the craving strikes or you can scale the recipe up and store it in the fridge for up to five days.

    Peanut Butter Yogurt Bowl

    This salty and sweet peanut butter yogurt bowl satisfies every craving! Get ready for your new breakfast or go-to afternoon snack with the goodness of collagen and protein to support wellness and sustain energy.
    Servings: 2

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ cup greek yogurt
    • ½ cup smooth peanut butter
    • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
    • 1 serving Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
    Toppings
    • Coconut shreds
    • Dark chocolate pieces
    • Granola
    • Banana
    • Berries
    • Peanuts
    • Almonds
    • Honey
    • Pumpkin Seeds

    Method
     

    1. In a bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, peanut butter, maple syrup and Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides. Combine until creamy, whipped, and smooth.
    2. Divide into bowls and add the toppings of your choice. Enjoy!

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • Falafel Lunch Bowl

    Falafel Lunch Bowl

    Falafel Lunch Bowl


    Sometimes you just need an easy lunch idea. Instead of falling back on takeout, put together this easy falafel lunch bowl using already prepared ingredients! Don’t sleep on the salad bar for washed, prepped, and chopped veggies. You could make a simple yogurt sauce with shredded cucumber. We won’t tell anyone if you buy it though. Colorful, fresh, and simple, this is a tasty compromise between ease and quality. 

    Falafel Lunch Bowl

    Sometimes you just need an easy lunch idea. Instead of falling back on takeout, put together this easy falafel lunch bowl using already prepared ingredients!
    Servings: 2

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 handfuls mixed greens
    • cup hummus
    • 4 cooked falafel balls
    • ½ cup cucumber chopped
    • 5 cherry tomatoes halved
    • ¼ cup Kalamata olives pitted
    • ¼ cup red onion julienned
    • ¼ cup feta crumbles
    • cup tzatziki sauce

    Method
     

    1. Divide mixed greens between two bowls and place hummus and two falafel balls in the center of each bowl.
    2. Arrange cucumber, tomatoes, olives, onion, and feta as desired.
    3. Serve with tzatziki to dip as desired. Enjoy!

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • Warming Vegetable Soup with Ginger

    Warming Vegetable Soup with Ginger

    Warming Vegetable Soup with Ginger


    There are few things more comforting than a hot bowl of soup on a cold night. Think of this as a no-recipe recipe. Got leftover rice from takeout? Need to clean out the crisper drawer before heading to the store for a restock? Mix and match the vegetables in this warming vegetable soup to your preferences, but make sure to include the ginger! 

    Warming Vegetable Soup with Ginger

    There are few things more comforting than a hot bowl of soup on a cold night. Substitute veggie stock for a vegan version and know that you’ve got dinner covered!
    Servings: 6

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 medium onion chopped
    • 3 inch fresh ginger peeled and minced
    • 2 quarts chicken stock (boxed or homemade)
    • 2 medium carrots peeled and chopped
    • 2 large russet potatoes peeled and cubed
    • 1 bunch kale stemmed and chopped
    • 2 cups cooked basmati rice
    • 2 ½ cups cooked wild rice
    • 2 teaspoons sea salt
    • 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
    • 1 tablespoon sriracha hot sauce

    Method
     

    1. In a large stockpot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until tender. Add ginger and cook for a minute.
    2. Add stock and carrots. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Add potatoes and kale and return to a simmer. Cook until potatoes are tender then stir in rice.  Season soup to taste with salt, pepper, and sriracha.
    3. Enjoy!

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • Tropical Smoothie Bowl

    Tropical Smoothie Bowl

    Tropical Smoothie Bowl


    Smoothie bowls are a perfect way to inject a little tropical flair, not to mention vitamin C, into these winter days. Does the idea of drinking a meal take away some of the satisfaction? Control the consistency of your blended serving of fruits and go wild with toppings!

    Tropical Smoothie Bowl

    Smoothie bowls are a perfect way to inject a little tropical flair, not to mention vitamin C, into these winter days. How will you top your tropical smoothie bowl?
    Servings: 2

    Ingredients
      

    • 10 ounces tropical frozen fruit blend
    • 1 cup almond milk
    • ½ cup orange juice
    • 1 tablespoon honey or to taste
    Toppings
    • 1 kiwi peeled and chopped
    • ½ cup chopped pineapple
    • 1 dragon fruit chopped
    • 1 teaspoon hemp hearts
    • ½ teaspoon chia seeds
    • ¼ cup shredded coconut

    Method
     

    1. Blend frozen fruit, almond milk, orange juice, and honey until smooth. Mixture will be thick. Pour into serving bowls.
    2. Top with fruit and sprinkle on chia seeds, hemp hearts, and shredded coconut. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • The power of plants

    The power of plants

    The power of plants

    Ring in the New Year with a plant-forward diet

    If you’re looking to take your health and the well-being of your family to the next level this year, there are few better places to start than to wiggle more plant foods into your daily menu. Your health future will look brighter.

    Tabbouleh with Kale and Navy Beans

    This tabbouleh salad ages well, so it serves as a make-ahead meal that can keep for up to 3 days. A perfect plant-based option for weekday lunches!
    Servings: 4

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup sorghum grain
    • 19 ounce can navy beans drained and rinsed
    • 3 plum tomatoes seeded and diced
    • 3 cups finely chopped kale
    • 1 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
    • cup golden raisins
    • cup unsalted shelled pistachios
    • Juice of 1 lemon
    • 3 tablespoon olive oil
    • ½ teaspoon salt

    Method
     

    1. In saucepan, place sorghum and enough water to cover it by 2 inches. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to maintain a simmer, and cook, covered, until grains are tender, about 40 minutes. Drain well and spread out on a baking sheet to cool to room temperature.
    2. In large bowl, toss together cooked and cooled sorghum, navy beans, tomatoes, kale, parsley, raisins, and pistachios.
    3. In small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Toss lemon dressing with sorghum mixture.
    4. Enjoy!

    Sheet Pan Golden Tofu Medley

    This easy, yet impressive, vegan dinner is packed with oven-roasted flavor and proves that creating satisfying weeknight plant-based meals is entirely possible.
    Servings: 4

    Ingredients
      

    • cup raw cashews
    • 2 350 gram packages extra-firm tofu
    • 2 ½ teaspoons grapeseed oil or avocado oil
    • ¾ teaspoon salt
    • 1 head broccoli cut into 1 inch florets
    • 2 red bell peppers sliced into 4 pieces and seeds removed
    • 2 shallots chopped
    • 2 garlic cloves
    • 1 tablespoon chopped ginger
    • 1 teaspoon turmeric
    • ¼ teaspoon cayenne
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • Juice of ½ lime

    Method
     

    1. In bowl, place cashews, cover with water, and let soak at least 2 hours.
    2. Preheat oven to 425 F. Line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
    3. Line a cutting board with a couple sheets of paper towel. Top with tofu and a couple more sheets of towel. Press gently for about 30 seconds to extract excess liquid. Slice each tofu block lengthwise into 2 slabs and then slice each slab into 2 triangles. Place tofu on 1 baking sheet and brush tops with 1/2 tsp oil and sprinkle on 1/4 tsp salt.
    4. In large bowl, place broccoli florets and red pepper and toss with 1 tsp oil and 1/4 tsp salt. Spread vegetables out on second baking sheet. Place sheets in oven and bake for 25 minutes, until tofu is golden brown and vegetables are darkened in a few spots, stirring vegetables once halfway through the cooking time.
    5. Meanwhile, in small skillet, heat 1 tsp oil over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic; heat 1 minute. Add ginger and heat 30 seconds. Stir in turmeric, cayenne, 1/4 tsp salt, and black pepper; heat 30 seconds.
    6. Drain cashews and place in a blender with 1/2 cup) water, lime juice, and contents of skillet. Blend until very smooth.
    7. Divide tofu and vegetables among serving plates and drizzle with cashew sauce.
    8. Enjoy!

    Chickpea Salad with Nigella Roasted Sweet Potato

    Nigella seeds, also known as kalonji, lend a sweet, nutty flavor with an ever-so-slightly bitter edge that pairs perfectly with sweet potato’s sweetness.
    Servings: 4

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 medium peeled sweet potatoes quartered and chopped into 1 inch pieces
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
    • 1 teaspoon nigella (kalonji) seeds
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
    • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
    • 1 teaspoon garlic minced
    • ¼ teaspoon tahini
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas rinsed and drained
    • 1 cup grated peeled carrot
    • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
    • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
    • 2 cups loosely packed baby spinach rinsed and spun dry

    Method
     

    1. Place baking tray in oven and set temperature to 425 F.
    2. Into large bowl, place sweet potato pieces. When oven reaches desired temperature, dress with 1 Tbsp olive oil, nigella seeds, and salt. Toss to coat evenly and pour immediately onto hot baking tray. Roast at 425 F for 20 minutes, stirring once at the 10 minute mark, until tender and slightly browned, but firm.
    3. Meanwhile, in large bowl, whisk together remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, tahini, and black pepper. Add chickpeas and carrot and stir to coat evenly. Add cilantro and parsley, stir once more to incorporate, and allow mixture to marinate while sweet potato roasts.
    4. When finished roasting, remove sweet potatoes from oven and allow to cool slightly. Add spinach to chickpea carrot mixture along with 1/2 the sweet potato cubes, and toss gently to avoid breaking them. To serve, arrange salad on large platter and place remaining sweet potato cubes on top. Be sure to scrape all toasted nigella seeds from baking pan.
    5. Enjoy!

    Article Provided by Alive Magazine

  • Elegant and plant-based

    Elegant and plant-based

    Elegant and plant-based

    Celebrate the season with this holiday meal

    This wow-worthy, plant-based holiday meal won’t disappointwhether you nix the meat entirely or incorporate some of these recipes into your celebratory meal. This gluten-free, vegan menu has “festive” written all over it.

    Stuffing with Thyme, Rosemary, and Dried Cranberries

    In this plant-based stuffing, fresh herbs and dried fruit replace the depth of flavor usually infused by chicken juices, so use fresh thyme and rosemary if possible to maximize the flavor return.
    Servings: 3

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 fresh thyme sprigs or ½ teaspoon dried
    • 1 fresh rosemary sprig or ½ teaspoon dried
    • 1 loaf gluten-free bread cubed, about 6 to 8 cups cubes
    • 1 cup chopped green onions
    • 3 tablespoons chopped dried cranberries
    • 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

    Method
     

    1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
    2. De-stem thyme and rosemary sprigs and coarsely chop. In large bowl, combine herbs with bread cubes, green onions, and dried cranberries. Add 1 ½ cups broth and toss to coat. Bread should be moistened and slightly softened. Add remaining broth if needed (some gluten-free breads are denser than others).
    3. Taste and add salt if desired. Grease or line 8 x 11 in baking or casserole dish with parchment paper. Transfer stuffing to dish and bake for 50 to 55 minutes.
    4. Enjoy!

    Green Beans with Dukkah

    Subbing Middle Eastern dukkah for classic toasted almonds with your green beans is like taking your first international trip (or the first in a long time …) and (re)discovering that there’s a world of flavor out there.
    Servings: 4

    Ingredients
      

    • ¼ cup hazelnuts
    • ½ teaspoon whole fennel seeds
    • 1 teaspoon whole cumin seeds
    • 1 teaspoon whole black or green peppercorns
    • 1 tablespoons whole coriander seeds
    • 2 teaspoons white or black sesame seeds
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • teaspoon ground cayenne pepper optional
    • 2 pounds green beans trimmed
    • 1 teaspoon hazelnut oil optional

    Method
     

    1. Preheat oven to 325°F. In nongreased baking dish, roast hazelnuts for 20 minutes.
    2. Heat medium skillet over medium-high. When hot, toast fennel seeds, cumin seeds, peppercorns, and coriander seeds for 45 seconds, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Seeds should start to pop. Transfer to spice grinder, mortar and pestle, or directly to food processor or blender. In same skillet, toast sesame seeds, stirring every 10 seconds or so, until aromatic and, if using white sesame seeds, golden. Transfer immediately to medium bowl.
    3. Grind, or pulse all seeds except sesame seeds several times in blender or food processor, until lightly crushed and aromatic. Transfer to medium bowl with sesame seeds. Rub hazelnuts between kitchen towels to remove some of skins if needed, then coarsely chop in food processor (not in blender), or by hand. Add to bowl with crushed seeds. Stir in salt and optional cayenne.
    4. Steam green beans for 5 to 7 minutes, until tender-crisp. Serve topped with dukkah and a drizzle of hazelnut oil, if desired.
    5. Enjoy!

    Oyster Mushrooms with Garlic and Thyme on Caramelized Parsnip Puree

    This dish is a plant-based showstopper, with tender mushrooms in a sweet-and-sour glaze soaking into ultra-thick roasted parsnip puree.
    Servings: 4

    Ingredients
      

    Caramelized Parsnip Puree
    • 8 cups water
    • ½ teaspoon baking soda
    • 2 pounds parsnips peeled and chopped into 2 inch pieces
    • 2 garlic cloves peeled
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • ¼ teaspoon cane sugar
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper
    Mushrooms
    • ¾ cup balsamic vinegar or 6 tablespoons aged balsamic or balsamic glaze
    • 1 teaspoon olive oil
    • 14 ounces oyster mushrooms cleaned and, if necessary, trimmed so they grill flat
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper
    • ¼ cup finely chopped green onion
    • 2 thyme sprigs stripped from stem, or ½ teaspoon dried
    • 2 tablespoons toasted pistachios roughly chopped
    • ½ cup finely chopped chives, parsley, or green onion to garnish

    Method
     

    1. For parsnip puree, preheat oven to 400°F.
    2. In medium saucepan, bring water, baking soda, and parsnips to boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 5 minutes. Drain parsnips, but don’t rinse. Set aside until cool enough to handle, about 3 minutes.
    3. In large bowl, combine parsnips with remaining ingredients for puree. Spread on baking sheet and roast for 10 minutes. Turn and roast for 10 minutes more, or until tender and caramelized. Transfer to large bowl and mash with potato masher or immersion blender, or transfer to food processor and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings.
    4. For oyster mushrooms, in medium saucepan, boil balsamic vinegar until reduced by half, about 10 minutes. If using aged balsamic vinegar or glaze, skip this step.
    5. In large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. When hot, add mushrooms, salt, and pepper and cook for 1 minute. Flip mushrooms and add balsamic reduction, green onions, and thyme and stir to coat mushrooms. Lower heat to medium-low; cover and cook for 5 minutes, or until mushrooms are tender, adding 1 Tbsp water to prevent sticking, if necessary. Taste and adjust seasoning.
    6. To serve, spread parsnip puree on bottom of large platter. Place mushrooms on top. Top with toasted pistachios and garnish with chopped chives, parsley, or green onion.
    7. Enjoy!

    Article Provided by Alive Magazine

  • Coconut Cashew Eggnog

    Coconut Cashew Eggnog

    Coconut Cashew Eggnog


    While you may be missing the ease of a carton of store-bought nog, once you see how easy it is to make it yourself, you may never go back. Making your own means you can customize it to your tastes, preferences, and dietary restrictions! This coconut cashew nog is dairy-free and egg-free, which makes it an excellent option for the vegans in your life. The hardest part of this recipe is waiting for the cashews to soften with an eight-hour soak. In other words, with a little planning, it’s a snap. Cheers!

    Coconut Cashew Eggnog

    Looking for a vegan alternative to the holiday classic beverage? This coconut cashew nog has all the flavor for your festive drinks without dairy or eggs!
    Servings: 6

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 ⅓ cups untoasted cashews soaked overnight
    • 1 quart coconut milk from a carton
    • cup cane sugar
    • ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
    • Freshly grated nutmeg optional

    Method
     

    1. Place all ingredients in a blender and run until mixture is very smooth and frothy.
    2. Place eggnog in a serving pitcher and chill for an hour before serving.
    3. Pour into serving glasses and grate nutmeg on top.
    4. Enjoy!

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • Banana Peel Curry

    Banana Peel Curry

    Banana Peel Curry


    Looking to reduce your food waste? Save those banana peels! With a quick soak in hot water, peels are transformed to a soft blank canvas. Shredding the peels like you would pull chicken or jackfruit gives you a neutral plant-powered addition to this coconut curry. Add some aromatic seasonings, this curry will transform how you view banana peels! Served over rice, don’t skimp on the lime juice. The acidity livens up the dish and makes it simply craveable.  

    Banana Peel Curry

    Looking to reduce your food waste? Save those banana peels! With a quick soak and some aromatic seasonings, this curry will transform how you view banana peels! 🍌
    Servings: 4

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 banana peels from ripe bananas ends removed
    • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
    • 1 small yellow onion chopped
    • 1 cinnamon stick
    • 2 large garlic cloves minced
    • 2 inch fresh ginger peeled and minced
    • 1 tablespoon curry powder
    • 2 cups cauliflower florets bite-size
    • 1 cup stock or water
    • 1 13.3 ounce can coconut milk
    • ¾ teaspoons sea salt
    • 2 tablespoons cane sugar
    • 2 tablespoons lime juice

    Method
     

    1. Place banana peels in a large bowl of hot water, cover, and let sit for an hour to soften.
    2. Drain water. Using a fork, shred peels lengthwise with skin side down, then mince.
    3. In a large stockpot, heat avocado oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cinnamon stick and sauté until translucent. Add garlic, ginger, and curry powder. Sauté for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
    4. Add cauliflower, prepared banana peel, and stock. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook until cauliflower is tender about three to five minutes. 
    5. Stir coconut milk, salt, sugar, and lime juice and heat through. Adjust seasonings to taste and serve with basmati rice.
    6. Enjoy!

    Recipe Provided by INFRA