This simple, yet delicious, recipe is perfect for making ahead for a tasty picnic in the sun. Breaking up a whole frittata into individual parts slashes cooking time and allows the egg cakes to be easily packed up for a summer picnic. The arugula pesto adds fresh flavour, with chunks of salmon adding substance to the individual frittatas. They can also be served warm or at room temperature.
In food processor, pulse together arugula, basil, hemp hearts, garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined and everything is pulverized. Add Parmesan and then, with machine running, drizzle oil through top feed tube. If needed, stop food processor to scrape down sides of bowl.
In large bowl, whisk together eggs and sour cream. Stir in 1/4 cup pesto, roasted red pepper, and black olives, if using.
Divide egg mixture among 12 standard-sized silicon or greased metal muffin cups and bake until eggs are set, about 22 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before unmoulding.
Smart snacking can mean the difference between feeling energetic or fatigued. Plus, proper snacking can help deliver the nutrients children need to properly develop, both physically and mentally. When your household is craving something sweet or savory to tide everyone over to the next meal, these make-ahead wee-eats will earn you the Snack Master crown!
Pesto Dip Pepper Poppers
Sweet baby peppers serve as a nutritious delivery method for this pesto-like dip. You can also spread the dip into celery crevices.
Line 9 x 5 in (23 x 13 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper large enough so there is a 1 in (2.5 cm) overhang.
In food processor container, place banana; turn machine on and let it run until banana is reduced to the size of small pebbles. Scrape down sides of bowl; add raspberries, peanut butter, vanilla, and salt; continue blending until creamy. Be careful not to over blend to the point where bananas begin to melt. Pulse in peanuts.
Place banana mixture in pan and spread out into an even layer. If desired, sprinkle some additional peanuts on top. Place in freezer until frozen solid, at least 4 hours.
Using parchment paper overhang, lift frozen block out of pan and, using serrated knife, carefully slice into 8 bars. Store in airtight container in freezer for up to 1 month.
Enjoy!
Sweet Potato Mini Egg Cakes
These mini-sized egg cakes offer up a savory way to work more protein and vegetables into snack time. Serve at room temperature or warm in the microwave.
In large skillet over medium, heat oil. Add onion and 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt; cook for 5 minutes, or until softened. Add sweet potato and garlic; heat just until potato is tender, about 2 minutes.
In large bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Stir in red bell pepper, cheese, thyme, remaining 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt, and black pepper. Stir in cooked vegetables. Divide among 16 mini-sized greased muffin cups. Bake until egg cakes are set, about 15 minutes. Let cool for a couple of minutes before unmoulding.
Christine Waltermyer is a local 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 get your FREE copy of her cookbook, “7 Days of Deliciousness.”
Quinoa & Kale Stem Pesto
Ingredients
1 cup Ancient Harvest quinoa, cooked according to package directions
2 cups water or vegetable broth
Sea salt
1/2 cup scallions (white part), chopped
3 kale stems
1 sweet potato
2/3 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
3 tablespoons pine nuts (lightly toasted)
1/4 cup olive oil
Method
1. Place the quinoa in a small pot with the water or broth and pinch of sea salt. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Once it boils cover it and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes on low heat. The quinoa should be nice and fluffy.
2. Chop the kale stems and place them in a pot with about an inch of water. Cook on medium high heat for 5 minutes or until nice and tender. When done, drain and set aside.
3. Peel the sweet potatoes. Dice them. Place the sweet potatoes in a small pot and almost cover them with water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to simmer on medium for 10 to 15 minutes or until fork tender. When finished cooking, drain and set aside.
4. Make the pesto: In a food processor add the scallions, basil, 1 tablespoon of the pine nuts, olive oil, cooked kale stems and pinch of sea salt. Blend until you reach your desired consistency, either slightly chunky or totally smooth.
5. In a large bowl, place the cooked quinoa, remaining 2 tablespoons of the pine nuts, cooked sweet potato, and pesto. Mix together and serve. 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!
On sale this week (4/8-4/14): Organic Green Kale $0.99 each!
Who doesn’t love pesto?! Especially since it’s nice to have all year-round! Not only does it go well with pretty much EVERYTHING, but it’s very quick and easy to make. You can also freeze it in an ice cube tray and use them in future recipes to come!
Ingredients
2 Cups Kale, stemmed
1 Cup Parsley, picked
1 Cup Basil, picked
1/4 Cup Raw Sunflower Seeds (we also have this in our bulk section!)
3 Cloves Garlic
3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1/4 Cup Nutritional Yeast (we also have this in our bulk section!)
Salt, to taste
Method
1. If desired, toast sunflower seeds for 8 minutes at 325 degrees F. They will brown quickly so make sure you keep an eye on them.
2. Add dry ingredients together into a food processor and puree. If herbs and kale do not fit together all at once, add these in batches.
3. While pureeing greens after all have been added, drizzle in oil and lemon juice.
4. Taste and season as desired.
5. After 5 days, freeze in ice trays for convenience.
6. Serve with pasta, bread, or any other ingredient to create a wonderful masterpiece, and enjoy!
Before you enjoy your vegan kale pesto, make sure you take a picture of your masterpiece! Post it on social media and tag your favorite produce market, Basil Bandwagon Natural Market! #basilbandwagon #producerecipeoftheweek