Sweet and Spicy Winter Crunch Salad

Here is my "healthy doesn't have to be boring" entry for Miller's Recipe Contest and I think you're going to love it. I love a dish that offers contrast and this one packs them all in! Tangy and spicy dressing made with honey, orange juice and Miller’s Hot Banana Pepper Sauce for that touch of heat. Apples, fennel, carrots and sunflower seeds for crunch. Canned chickpeas for an easy no cook protein. Dates and dried cranberries for chewy sweetness and fresh mint because I think mint on a savory dish is the most underrated thing in the kitchen.

Sweet and Spicy Winter Crunch Salad 

1 garlic clove

1/3 cup Miller’s Hot Banana Pepper Sauce

2 Tablespoons orange juice 

1 Tablespoon honey

1 Tablespoon olive oil

1 (15.5 ounce) can chickpeas

1 cup fresh fennel, sliced thinly 

1 cup julienned carrot

1 cup julienned green apple 

¼ cup thinly sliced red onion

2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh mint

2 tablespoons chopped dates

2 tablespoons dried cranberries

2 tablespoons sunflower seeds

In a small food processor puree the garlic, Miller’s Hot Banana Pepper Sauce, orange juice, honey and olive oil until smooth.

Pour the dressing into a large serving bowl and add the chickpeas, fennel, carrot, green apple and red onion. Gently toss so all of the vegetables are coated evenly.

Sprinkle with the mint,  dates, dried cranberries and sunflower seeds and serve.

Serves 2 as a main dish and 4 as a side   

You can find Miller's Banana Pepper Sauce at Whole Foods, Wegmans or Amazon 

You can follow Miller’s on Facebook or Instagram

#betterwithmillers #millersrecipechallenge #anythingbutbland

Nashville Hot Chicken Paneer Croutons on Buttermilk Chopped Salad

My second entry for the Karoun Dairies Blogger Recipe Challenge is a serious salad. This is not your standard bag mix of sad wilted Iceberg with two dry shreds of carrot thrown in. This is the main event! I coated cubes of Paneer cheese in Nashville Hot Chicken Oil, grilled it and put it on a Buttermilk Ranch salad loaded with greens, fresh sliced fennel, cucumber and basil. Gluten free, vegetarian and perfect for summer!

 Nashville Hot Chicken Paneer Croutons on Buttermilk Chopped Salad

2 Tablespoons canola oil

1 ½ teaspoons cayenne pepper

1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika

1 teaspoon light brown sugar

1 teaspoon cajun seasoning 

¾ teaspoons garlic powder

¾ teaspoons onion powder

½ teaspoon mustard powder

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon white pepper

1 (8 oz) package Gopi Paneer 

2 cups chopped romaine lettuce

2 cups Butter lettuce, torn into bite sized pieces

2 cups finely shredded kale

1 cup thinly shaved fennel

1 cup sliced seedless cucumbers

¼ cup thinly sliced shallot

¼ cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced

¼ cup flat leaf Italian parsley leaves

½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning

1/3 cup buttermilk ranch dressing

Whisk together the canola oil, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, brown sugar, cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt and white pepper in a small sauté pan and cook over low heat, for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through. 

Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to high heat. 

Cut the paneer cheese into bite sized cubes and toss in the oil mixture. Thread onto metal skewers and grill for 1 minute per side, or until lightly charred. Remove from the heat and brush with any remaining oil mixture.

In a large serving bowl gently toss the romaine, Butter lettuce, kale, fennel, cucumbers, shallot, basil, parsley and cajun seasoning. Drizzle the salad dressing over the mixture and toss to evenly coat the greens. Place the grilled paneer on top and serve immediately.

Sausage Fajita & Grits Brunch Bowls

Here’s my second entry for the Big Mountain Foods Recipe Challenge and it’s Brunch time! Gluten free and Vegan can still be delicious with my Tex-Mex spin on the classic Shrimp and Grits dish that I love so much. Creamy garlic grits are topped with charred peppers, onions and Big Mountain Foods Superfood Brekkie Links tossed in a bright tomatillo salsa. Top it off with guac, cilantro and pickled jalapenos for freshness and all you'll need to decide is whether it's mimosa or margarita time!

Sausage Fajita & Grits Brunch Bowls

 2 cups unsweetened coconut milk

2 cups vegetable stock

1 cup coarse ground yellow cornmeal

1 ½ teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ cup thinly sliced onion

½ cup thinly sliced poblano pepper

½ cup thinly sliced red bell pepper

½ cup thinly sliced orange or yellow bell pepper

1 (10.58 ounce) package Big Mountain Foods Superfood Brekkie Links, sliced

¼ cup tomatillo salsa

½ cup guacamole

¼ cup minced cilantro

2 Tablespoons pickled jalapenos

 

In a medium sauce pot over high heat, bring the coconut milk and vegetable stock to a boil. Whisk in the cornmeal, salt and garlic powder and allow to cook for 8-10 minutes, or until tender and thickened. Cover and set aside to keep warm.

 Heat a large cast iron skillet over high heat. Once the pan is very hot, add the peppers and onions in a single layer. Allow the veggies to char, without stirring for 4 minutes. Stir the peppers and onions and continue to cook for 2 more minutes, allowing the veggies to soften. Push the mixture to one side of the pan and add the sausage to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes, or until the sausages begin to brown. Stir in the salsa and turn off the heat.

 To serve spoon the grits into bowls, top with sausage fajita mixture, guacamole, cilantro, and pickled jalapenos.

 Serves 4

You can follow  Big Mountain Foods on their website,  Facebook,  Instagram and Twitter 

 #BigMountainFoodsRecipeChallenge #BigMountainFoods #Veganrecipes

 

Cajun Street Corn Soup with Andouille Seasoned Mushroom Crumble

This is my first entry for the Big Mountain Foods Recipe Challenge - it's Vegan, Gluten Free and surprised even my biggest meat eaters! I made a creamy corn and veggie chowder topped off with a mushroom crumble that's spiced like my favorite andouille sausage! This is healthy, cozy comfort food you don't have to feel guilty about!

Cajun Street Corn Soup with Andouille Seasoned Mushroom Crumble

1 (14 ounce bag) riced cauliflower

2 ½ cups unsweetened coconut milk

2 Tablespoons organic reduced sodium vegetable broth base concentrate

1 Tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, diced

1 large poblano pepper, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ teaspoon cumin

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon turmeric

½ teaspoon oregano

½ cup diced yellow squash

½ cup diced zucchini 

1 (9 oz) bag frozen fire roasted corn kernels 

1 (10.58 oz) package Big Mountain Foods Lion's Mane Mushroom Crumble

1 ½ teaspoons low sodium Cajun seasoning blend 

1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika

½ cup minced cilantro

In a blender puree the cauliflower, unsweetened coconut milk and vegetable broth base until completely smooth.

Heat the oil in a large dutch oven over medium high heat. Add the onion, poblano and garlic and cook for 2-4 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened. Add the cumin, salt and turmeric and allow to cook for 2 minutes, stirring often, to toast the spices. 

Add the oregano, squash, zucchini and corn to the pot and cook for 3-5 minutes. Pour in the coconut milk mixture and bring to a simmer. Allow to simmer for 5 minutes, or until the squash has become tender.

In a medium sauté pan over medium heat, add the Lion's Mane Mushroom Crumble, Cajun seasoning blend and smoked paprika. Cook until the mixture has warmed through.

To serve, ladle the soup into bowls, top with a generous amount of the mushroom crumble and cilantro and serve immediately.

Serves 6

You can follow  Big Mountain Foods on their website,  Facebook,  Instagram and Twitter 

 #BigMountainFoodsRecipeChallenge #BigMountainFoods #Veganrecipes

 

Cantina Style Shakshuka Skillet

When it comes to breakfast I am team savory all the way. This delicious baked egg dish is my Tex-Mex spin on Shakshuka, eggs baked in a spicy tomato based sauce, and it reminds me a little bit of Huevos Rancheros thanks to the sauce base - Sam's Fresh Cantina Style Salsa.

Poblano peppers, fire roasted tomatoes and smoked paprika give so much smoky depth to this sauce, you won't believe how quick it comes together.

Pour me a mimosa and pass the bread, it's time for brunch!

 Cantina Style Shakshuka Skillet

2 Tablespoons vegetable oil

1 poblano pepper, diced

1 small onion, diced

1 (14.5-ounce) can chopped fire roasted tomatoes with garlic, undrained

1 (12 ounce) container Sam’s Cantina Medium Salsa

¾ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

6 eggs

1/3 cup crumbled queso fresco

¼ cup chopped cilantro

1 warm baguette

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large, oven proof sauté pan heat the oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced poblano, onion and ½ cup water until the vegetables have softened and the water has evaporated, about 10-12 minutes. Add the canned tomatoes, salsa, ½ teaspoon of the salt and paprika and allow the mixture to simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and the sauce has thickened.

Using a spoon, create six wells evenly across the surface of the sauce. Crack the eggs and gently place one in each well. Sprinkle the eggs with the remaining salt and transfer the skillet to the oven. Cook until the whites are cooked through, about 10- 15 minutes.

Remove the pan from the oven, sprinkle with the crumbled cheese and cilantro. Serve with warm baguette, for dipping.

Serves 4-6

I was chosen as one of 30 bloggers to create recipes for "Sam’s Fresh Salsa Blogger Recipe Challenge"! They sent me an awesome care package full of their new fresh salsas to work with and I have really enjoyed creating dishes with them. 

You can follow Sam’s Fresh Salsa on their website, Facebook or Instagram 

You can find all these fresh, delicious salsas at ShopRite, Acme, and Safeway

#freshnotfake #samssalsarecipechallenge #salsalove

Greek Style Rice Noodle Bowls with Hummus Vinaigrette and Crispy Chickpeas

This is my entry for Lotus Foods Do The Rice Thing recipe contest

Greek Style Rice Noodle Bowls with Hummus Vinaigrette and Crispy Chickpeas - I took Lotus Rice Noodles and put a Greek Salad spin on them. Creamy garlic humus vinaigrette, fresh veggies and crispy roasted chickpeas make this delicious meat free meal perfect for summer

Greek Style Rice Noodle Bowls with Hummus Vinaigrette and Crispy Chickpeas

¼ cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and dried well

½ teaspoon olive oil

1 package Lotus Foods Organic Jade Pearl Rice Ramen Wakame Miso Soup Noodles

4 teaspoons garlic flavored hummus 

2 teaspoons red wine vinegar

4 teaspoons olive oil

¼ cup baby arugula leaves

1 Tablespoon chopped cucumber

1 Tablespoon chopped roasted red bell pepper

2 Kalamata olives, sliced

1 Tablespoon crumbled feta cheese

2 teaspoons chopped fresh mint

Pre-heat the oven to 425 degrees. 

In a small bowl toss together the chickpeas, olive oil and 1 teaspoon of the seasoning packet from the noodles. Pour the mixture onto a small foil lined cookie sheet and place in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chickpeas are crisp and toasted.

While the chickpeas roast, bring 2 cups of water to boil in a small sauce pot over high heat. Add the noodles and cook for 4 minutes. Drain the noodles and rinse with cold water. Set aside to cool.

In a medium mixing bowl whisk together the hummus, red wine vinegar, olive oil and ½ teaspoon of the seasoning packet from the noodles. Gently stir in the noodles, arugula, cucumber, roasted red bell pepper, olives and feta until well coated. Top with the crispy chickpeas and chopped mint.

Serve immediately. 

 

Loaded BBQ Ranch Cauliflower Steaks

Have you ever seen cauliflower look so beautiful before?! I don't think I have. I combined all my favorite BBQ flavors in an easy to prepare, vegetarian and gluten free main dish! Roasted cauliflower is coated in a flavorful BBQ paste, drizzled with Good Foods Creamy Ranch Yogurt Dip and topped with Good Foods Chunky Guacamole. No one will miss the meat with this combo! And I'm thrilled that the judges loved it just as much as I did since it won $1,000 in the Good Foods “Share the Love Recipe Challenge” by coming out on top in the Best Recipe featuring Guacamole category. 

Loaded BBQ Ranch Cauliflower Steaks

1 large head cauliflower

1 Tablespoon ketchup

2 teaspoons maple syrup

2 teaspoons yellow mustard

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika

1 teaspoon chili powder

3/4 teaspoon garlic powder

3/4 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon cumin

¼ cup BBQ sauce

2 Tablespoons Good Foods Creamy Ranch Yogurt Dip

½ cup Good Foods Chunky Guacamole

2 Tablespoons chopped cilantro

2 Tablespoons pickled jalapenos

Preheat the oven to 375 F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Slice the cauliflower into ¾ inch thick steaks. 

To make the BBQ paste stir together the ketchup, maple syrup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and cumin in a small bowl. Brush the cauliflower with the paste evenly. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the stem portion of the cauliflower steaks are tender.

Remove from the oven and brush with the BBQ sauce. Drizzle with the Good Foods Creamy Ranch Yogurt Dip and top each with and equal amount of Good Foods Chunky Guacamole, chopped cilantro and pickled jalapenos. Serve immediately.

Serves 4

Shoyu Udon Egg Drop Soup

We just got back home from Mardi Gras and it was a jam packed long weekend full of family, parades, friends, beads, king cake, drive through daiquiris, a formal ball, po-boys and fun! As great as our quick trip was, once I got home to the freezing temperatures and endless laundry here all I wanted was something quick, warm and comforting and this totally fits the bill! Using minimal ingredients and time, this soup is so cozy and filling. I hope you love it as much as I do!

Shoyu Udon Egg Drop Soup

2 2/3 cups water

1 ½ teaspoons cornstarch

2 (7.34oz) packages Fortune Udon Noodles Shoyu Flavor 

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

2 Tablespoons sliced green onion

In a large sauce pot bring the water up to a boil over medium high heat. 

While the water is heating, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 teaspoons of cold water. 

Once the water comes to a boil, stir in the cornstarch mixture and soup base packets. Lower the heat to medium and allow the soup to simmer for 3 minutes. Add the udon noodles and continue to cook for 2 more minutes. Once the noodles are tender, use a spaghetti spoon or large slotted spoon and scoop the udon noodles into 2 serving bowls.

Once the udon is removed, stir the broth gently in a circular motion and slowly pour the beaten egg into the hot broth. Allow to cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the egg mixture has fully cooked.

Divide the egg drop broth mixture between the 2 bowls, sprinkle with green onion and serve immediately.  

Makes 2 servings.

I am taking part in JSL Foods 2nd Fortune Udon Noodle Blogger Recipe Challenge. They are celebrating their new packaging designs and their new simplified ingredient list that is only 4 ingredients!! You can sign up here to be part of the Noodle Club and receive a free coupon code to use and you can purchase Fortune Udon noodle products at United Supermarkets and HEB Supermarkets

You can find JSL Foods and all of their fabulous products HERE, on Facebook, Twitter and 

Instagram

#fortunenudonoodles #cheftyaki #udonsoups

Cream of Mushroom Udon Soup with Garlic Bread Breadcrumbs

If you need something to warm up with this week let it be this! Creamy rich mushroom soup with chewy udon noodles and crunchy garlicky crouton crumbs are starring in the most cozy bowl of the season! If you're looking for more meat free meals add this to your list.

Cream of Mushroom Udon Soup with Garlic Bread Breadcrumbs
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1 Tablespoon butter
16 ounces sliced baby portobello mushrooms
1 teaspoon fresh minced thyme
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 Tablespoons flour
2 1/3 cup water
2 Fortune Udon Noodles Mushroom Flavor packets
1/3 cup heavy cream
2 Tablespoons chopped chives
1/3 cup garlic and herb flavored croutons, coarsely crushed

Heat oil and butter in a large dutch oven over medium-high heat until the butter has melted. Add the mushrooms and allow them to brown and cook off most of their liquid (about 10 minutes). Add the thyme and garlic and continue to cook for 3-5 minutes.

Sprinkle the mixture with the flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring the whole time. Whisk in the water and seasoning packets and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover and allow to simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

While the soup base is cooking, place the udon noodles in a large glass bowl with 2 2/3 cups of water. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and microwave for 5 minutes. Drain the udon in a strainer and set aside.

Once the broth mixture has thickened, stir in the cream and using an immersion blender, puree until smooth. Add the cooked udon noodles and divide between four bowls. Top with chives and crouton crumbs. Serve immediately.

I am taking part in JSL Foods 2nd Fortune Udon Noodle Blogger Recipe Challenge. They are celebrating their new packaging designs and their new simplified ingredient list that is only 4 ingredients!! You can sign up here to be part of the Noodle Club and receive a free coupon code to use and you can purchase Fortune Udon noodle products at United Supermarkets and HEB Supermarkets

You can find JSL Foods and all of their fabulous products HERE, on Facebook, Twitter and 

Instagram

#fortunenudonoodles #cheftyaki #udonsoups

Corn and Edamame Salad

A few weeks ago I went to the Winery I am a member of for their quarterly pick up party. After seeing the plates of food being served I did not have high hopes of how it would taste. The chicken, sauce and grits looked questionable at best but on the side there was a fresh salad of edamame, corn, red onion and okra that I could not stop eating! It was so simple but really delicious and I haven't been able to get that combo off my mind. Perfect on it's own as a side, added to a pasta or green salad this dish has loads of potential!

I think it earns bonus points for being gluten free, vegetarian and only 6 ingredients!

Corn and Edamame Salad

1 ½ cups edamame

1 ½ cups fire roasted corn and peppers

2 Tablespoons minced shallot

2 Tablespoons olive oil

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

Combine all ingredients together in a medium mixing bowl and stir until well mixed. This salad is equally delicious served at room temperature or made ahead and chilled.

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You can find my latest recipe postings and  updates on Beignet and Roux!

Summer Salad Round Up!

Today I'm sharing my favorite Summer Salads and easy Salad Dressings to help you used up all that gorgeous Summer produce and still stay cool in the kitchen! 

Which one is your favorite?

Watermelon Quinoa Tabouli

Everything Bagel Salad Dressing

Greek Style Grilled Corn Salad

Serrano Honey Lime Vinaigrette

Southwest Bean Salad Panzanella

Curried Apple Noodle Salad

Greek Garden Zucchini Spiral Salad with Shepherd’s Sumac Salsa

Mexican Street Corn Panzanella Salad

Orange Chipotle Tex-Mex Noodle Salad

Del Real Southwest Chicken Caesar with Cornbread Croutons

Everything Bagel BLT Chopped Salad