Seasonal recipes and a dash of science.
Use some of that amazing (and prolific) rainbow or Swiss chard with some sliced garlic, fried until crispy, with chickpeas and sun-dried tomato for a healthy but flavourful meal ready in under 30 minutes. I got the chard from one of the local produce delivery companies: Golden Gate Organics and I’m going to tell you all about their boxes.
Tapioca cheese bread bites with butternut squash and shallots are an easy version of Pao de Queijo (Brazilian cheese bread) with a California fresh and seasonal flair. Perfect for pairing with wine from Suisun Valley Filling Station for your holiday party appetizers. Today’s dash of science: Tapioca starch – what is it and how to use it.
Butternut squash is more versatile than you think! Beside a quick sauté adding swiss chard and pomegranate to the butternut squash, I’ve rounded up several other vegan and vegetarian recipes to inspire you (plus some storage tips). Today’s Dash of Science: What are carbohydrates and starches?
Spiced persimmon bread with fuyu and hachiya persimmons is a great fall treat (or breakfast). And an additional 15+ sweet and savory persimmon recipes for using up the bounty of fall! Today’s Dash of Science: Ripening and freezing fruit.
A dairy-free take on the easiest of pies – the rustic galette! This one has an orange scented flaky olive oil crust with a pear and sage filling to highlight the best in fall flavours. Today’s Dash of Science: Saturated versus unsaturated fats and how to use them in pastry.
All about the science of gluten formation and kneading in dough – in relation to pizza! How gluten bonds are formed, how kneading facilitates rising, and how to create a regular or loose crumb. Plus some suggestions for fresh produce pizza toppings, including my favourite: fresh zucchini and corn pizza.
Mini peppers stuffed with ricotta, shallots and fresh oregano are a tasty appetizer for late summer or early autumn. Also great with other sweet peppers if you can find them, like habanadas – the capsaicin-less (non-spicy) version of habeneros.
The salad has all the flavours of your favourite Mexican street corn – otherwise referred to as elotes – with some extra late summer vegetables to give it a bit more bite. Mexican street corn salad is a great side for any late summer meal.
This prickly pear ginger cocktail is a low alcohol punch perfect for serving in large pitcher at parties. The fresh prickly pear fruit is balanced with herbaceous tequila (of course) and a homemade ginger liqueur (recipe included!), all topped with effervescent soda water to be light and refreshing.
Now that we are back to being between holidays (so everyone is not going crazy over turkey and sweet potato everything), it’s definitely time to enjoy some of the other flavors of fall. Kale is definitely one of those flavors. I know it was all the rage several years ago and has fallen somewhat out of favor (to be replaced by avocado for the moment), but I really like using it in salads. It gives the salad a much heartier flavor and meatier mouthfeel that makes you feel like you are eating more. It also balances very well with the…Continue Reading