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Clams, Mussels, White Beans and Chorizo Sauce

March 15, 2017 By
I hear microwave cooking on high for 2-3 minutes is the Pop Secret to espionage. I’m a chef, not a spy, I don’t care much for microwaves.  Unlike our advisor to the president, what I really care for is my health and the health of my family. I also deeply care about cooking nourishing dishes for us and I yearn to satisfy my cravings  for clean, light but filling dinners. I choose fish often instead of meat, I always offer crunchy vegetables, good grains and lots of legumes and once in a while, I indulge in the comfort of a bowl of pasta or a thick slice of wholesome, crusty bread; PHO and Ramen amuse me — but spaghetti aglio e olio do it for me.

When I spot fresh clams and mussels at the local store I’m quick to snatch them. Clam and mussels are low in fat and low in cholesterol and they are a great source of fish oils like salmon and cod. Frankly, I find them addictive, sort of like potato chips. I cannot resist them. They are really easy and fast to prepare—no worries, a quick steam it’s all they need, no risk of wiretapping from appliances.

I cook my clams and mussels together with humble white beans, fennel and chorizo.  These lovely treasures always turn out deeply satisfying and saucy. The beans are a powerful and a healthy alternative to high fat proteins and contain lots of iron, something women often need; the fennel adds a clean and bright crunch and the chorizo gives an indulgent smoky flavor to this all star-family favorite. I like to gobble down my big bowl with crusty bread. The kids and my husband “order” them on spaghetti. It’s a win-win situation, the adults pretend to be in the sunny riviera, the children throw the empty shells at each others.


Okay, besides nourishing the family, and cursing at the 5 am 2 hour snow delay text from school, I know you deeply care about what’s happening in congress, so double the portions up, get your “Girl’s Gang” over and in between saucy bites be productive and call your elected officials —non stop. This is – believe you me – the truth: we can eat all the healthy beans we can fit in our tummy, but if the Affordable Care Act is repealed at the end of the month more than 10 million Americans could lose their healthcare and it will be harder for the poorest Americans to afford health insurance. Be a force; the people in your life will be grateful and well fed. #RESIST 

Happy snow day! Share this post if you like it.

Clams, Mussels, White Beans and Chorizo Sauce
Yum
Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
4-6 people 30 Minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Servings Prep Time
4-6 people 30 Minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Clams, Mussels, White Beans and Chorizo Sauce
Yum
Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
4-6 people 30 Minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Servings Prep Time
4-6 people 30 Minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Ingredients
  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 medium garlic cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon hot chili flakes, if desired
  • 1/2 medium white or yellow onion finely diced
  • 1 medium celery stalk finely diced
  • 1 teaspoon tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup diced chorizo or pancetta
  • 1/2 cup parsley leaves chopped
  • 1 15-oz can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 medium fennel bulb sliced thin
  • 1/2 cup diced sundried tomatoes, if desired
  • 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 3 sprigs thyme
  • 36 little neck or manila clams scrubbed and rinsed
  • 36 mussles scrubbed, debearded and rinsed
  • 1/2 lemon
  • fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
Servings: people
Instructions
  1. Heat the 1/4 cup of olive oil in a large heavy bottom pot over medium to low. Add the garlic cloves, the chili peppers flakes, if using then the onion and the celery. Gently cook and soften the onion for 5 to 7 minute with out browning.
  2. Add the sliced fennel, the chorizo and cook for a couple of minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook stirring for an extra minute. Add the beans, the sun dried tomatoes if using and cook for 3 to 4 minutes over medium.
  3. Add the sherry vinegar and the white wine, stir for 5 minutes on medium low heat to cook the alcohol out. Add the Thyme and a hand full of the chopped parsley. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  4. When ready to serve add the clams and mussel to the beans, squeeze the lemon juice and stir. Then cover with a lid and cook for 4 to 5 minutes. Uncover and stir with a wooden spoon and cook until some of the clams and mussels start to open. Season lighlty with salt and pepper.
  5. Keep cooking and with a slotted spoon transfer the opened clams and mussels to a bowl as they open. It should take 7 to 9 minutes. Discard the unopened ones.
  6. Stir the beans on low heat, loosen with water if necessary, taste and season with salt and pepper, add the remaining chopped parsley. Discard the garlic cloves and thyme.
  7. Add the reserved clams and mussels to the beans, mix and drizzle extra olive oil. Serve with good bread.
Recipe Notes

This is a great dish for a crowd.  You can prep every thing ahead and cook the clams and mussels at the last minute. I like to serve it with good crusty bread or as a delicious sauce for spaghetti.

 

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Asparagus and Eggs Mimosa

March 13, 2017 By

Asparagus mimosa is a simple, fresh and super easy way to cook this crisp, sweet vegetable.  It’s also one of my Easter brunch favorite dishes. I look for asparagus at the farmers market or my local shops, as soon as March and April come around and I choose spears that are brightly colored and have a compact tip. Asparagus is a very good source of fiber, folate, vitamins A, C, E and K, as well as chromium, a trace mineral that enhances the ability of insulin to transport glucose from the bloodstream into cells. Asparagus is also a brain booster because it’s loaded with vitamin B12, a vitamin with anti-aging property and known to prevent cognitive impairment. Brain power for pretty ladies, now that’s my kind of brunch.

 

Asparagus and Eggs Mimosa
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Servings Prep Time
4 people 15 minutes
Cook Time
12-15 minutes
Servings Prep Time
4 people 15 minutes
Cook Time
12-15 minutes
Asparagus and Eggs Mimosa
Yum
Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
4 people 15 minutes
Cook Time
12-15 minutes
Servings Prep Time
4 people 15 minutes
Cook Time
12-15 minutes
Ingredients
  • 2 large organic eggs
  • 2 bunches asparagus
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Maldon sea salt
  • fresh ground black pepper
Servings: people
Instructions
  1. Place your eggs in a pot of boiling water. Simmer for 9 minutes. Remove the eggs from the water and after cooling down for a couple of minutes, peel them.
  2. Separate the yolks from the whites. Grate the yolks and the white in two different bowls. I like to use a coarse cheese grater.
  3. Bend the asparagus until the tough bottom end snaps off. Discard the end. With a peeler gently remove some of the tough skin from the stalks. Place the spears in a large pot of salted boiling water and cook for 3 to 6 minutes.
  4. Drain and place in a large bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the asparagus and sprinkle with the salt and pepper. Top with grated eggs, making sure not to cover thetas of the asparagus.
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SHIITAKE MUSHROOMS, CHICKEN ONE-TRAY DINNER

Immune System Power Booster

March 10, 2017 By

I was driving to a meeting when I heard Leonard Lopate, on NPR, declare that advertisers only care about women between 18 and 34. Ladies above 34 are worthless. I love you Leonard, but the hell with that. It’s not the 1950’s anymore. I’m in full swing with all sorts of life happenings and a decade and a half out of that target. I still shop, cook, spend, dress, exercise, travel, work, take care of my children and nourish my family.
Like many of my girlfriends, we kick ass and need to keep our “aging bodies” healthy, happy and always ready to shake a little booty when necessary.

Mushrooms are one of the few natural sources of vitamin D and they promote immune boosting functions by increasing production of antiviral proteins. Some of my favorite mushrooms are Shiitake. They are simply delicious and they taste particularly divine in this, always fool-proof, oven roasted lemon and parsley chicken one-tray recipe. It takes 35 minute in the oven and minimal prepping. Even my children, those little rascals always poo-pooing mushrooms, after falling from their chairs laughing when they heard the word SHIITAKE, gobbled these ones down! #RESIST

Shiitake Mushrooms, Lemon, Chicken, One-Tray Dinner
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Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
4-6 people 15 minutes
Cook Time
30-35 minutes
Servings Prep Time
4-6 people 15 minutes
Cook Time
30-35 minutes
Shiitake Mushrooms, Lemon, Chicken, One-Tray Dinner
Yum
Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
4-6 people 15 minutes
Cook Time
30-35 minutes
Servings Prep Time
4-6 people 15 minutes
Cook Time
30-35 minutes
Ingredients
  • 2 lbs. skinless, boneless chicken thighs
  • sea salt and black pepper
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium organic lemon, juiced
  • 6-8 thyme sprigs
  • 1 lb. Shiitake mushrooms cleaned, stemmed and halved if too large
  • 1 organic lemon sliced
  • 1 tsp. sherry vinegar
  • 2 large cloves of garlic, smashed
  • 2 tsp. thyme leaves
  • 1/2 cup chopped parsley
  • 2 tbsp. sherry vinegar
  • extra lemon slices and parsley for garnish
Servings: people
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven at 450F. Line a thick rimmed oven tray with parchment. Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper then place on the lined oven tray. Drizzle the chicken with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and half of the lemon juice and add the thyme sprigs.
  2. Place the chicken in the oven for 5 to 7 minutes or until the chicken begins to brown, then pull out of the oven.
  3. Meanwhile in a medium bowl, toss the cleaned mushrooms with the lemon slices and two tablespoons of the olive oil, one teaspoon of the sherry vinegar, the garlic and the thyme, then scatter around the browned chicken. Roast for about 30 to 35 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the mushrooms are browned at the edges.
  4. While the chicken is cooking, mix the remaining olive oil with the 1/2 a cup of parsley the 2 tablespoons of vinegar. Season the sauce with salt.
  5. When ready to serve, squeeze the remaining half of the lemon on the chicken then spoon some of the parsley sauce on top of the chicken and mushrooms. Serve with the remaining sauce. Garnish with lemon and extra parsley.
Recipe Notes

I adore Shiitake. Of course fresh porcini would  make a wonderful substitute. I have also used marsala instead of the sherry vinegar for a slightly sweeter finish.

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Shiitake Mushrooms, Chicken and Lemon, One-Tray Dinner

March 10, 2017 By

Mushrooms are the only natural source of vitamin D and a study by the American Society for Nutrition found that mushrooms promote immune functions by increasing production of antiviral proteins. Shiitake are really delicious,  and they taste particularly divine in this, always fool-proof, oven roasted lemon and parsley chicken one-tray recipe.

Shiitake Mushrooms, Lemon, Chicken, One-Tray Dinner
Yum
Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
4-6 people 15 minutes
Cook Time
30-35 minutes
Servings Prep Time
4-6 people 15 minutes
Cook Time
30-35 minutes
Shiitake Mushrooms, Lemon, Chicken, One-Tray Dinner
Yum
Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
4-6 people 15 minutes
Cook Time
30-35 minutes
Servings Prep Time
4-6 people 15 minutes
Cook Time
30-35 minutes
Ingredients
  • 2 lbs. skinless, boneless chicken thighs
  • sea salt and black pepper
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium organic lemon, juiced
  • 6-8 thyme sprigs
  • 1 lb. Shiitake mushrooms cleaned, stemmed and halved if too large
  • 1 organic lemon sliced
  • 1 tsp. sherry vinegar
  • 2 large cloves of garlic, smashed
  • 2 tsp. thyme leaves
  • 1/2 cup chopped parsley
  • 2 tbsp. sherry vinegar
  • extra lemon slices and parsley for garnish
Servings: people
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven at 450F. Line a thick rimmed oven tray with parchment. Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper then place on the lined oven tray. Drizzle the chicken with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and half of the lemon juice and add the thyme sprigs.
  2. Place the chicken in the oven for 5 to 7 minutes or until the chicken begins to brown, then pull out of the oven.
  3. Meanwhile in a medium bowl, toss the cleaned mushrooms with the lemon slices and two tablespoons of the olive oil, one teaspoon of the sherry vinegar, the garlic and the thyme, then scatter around the browned chicken. Roast for about 30 to 35 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the mushrooms are browned at the edges.
  4. While the chicken is cooking, mix the remaining olive oil with the 1/2 a cup of parsley the 2 tablespoons of vinegar. Season the sauce with salt.
  5. When ready to serve, squeeze the remaining half of the lemon on the chicken then spoon some of the parsley sauce on top of the chicken and mushrooms. Serve with the remaining sauce. Garnish with lemon and extra parsley.
Recipe Notes

I adore Shiitake. Of course fresh porcini would  make a wonderful substitute. I have also used marsala instead of the sherry vinegar for a slightly sweeter finish.

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Daily Fights

Homemade Ginger Ale

March 3, 2017 By

I have always been a feminist and a geek.  I was born that way. I once went on a strike because my Italian high school offered computer science only to boys. I also had a mad-unreturned crush on one of those boys. Since then, I have managed to keep up with technology and marry my adorable and smartypants husband, produce two constantly hungry children and keep up with my career.  As a by-product my daily fights have exponentially multiplied.

I wake up at 5:45 am everyday to cook a healthy breakfast and make “delicious” lunch boxes for the kids, even if I am 98% positive they would prefer a bowl of Captain Crunch and chicken fingers for lunch. I drive – perennially late – husband to the train station while simultaneously checking my social accounts and making sure I’m trending, an almost impossible task since Potus and his circus have taken over Twitter.

I sign up for my Soul Cycle class, by the time I hit reserve I already know I will never make it on time, I lose my $35. Oh, yeah, fuck it….Barreclass is where it is at anyway.

I sit down at my computer to write and work, it takes me 20 minutes to close Roblox Studio, my son gaming account, another 45 minutes goes by because I get stuck on a phone call with one of the soccer age coordinators, followed by another phone call by the school math specialist. She calls to kindly explain what common core scores my kids are supposed to get, in order to be accepted in compacted math. I DON’T know what compacted math is but I fake it. I check again to see if I’m trending on twitter or on refinery29.  Not yet.  #ParisFashionWeek is what’s happening. No luck with that one.

I move on and I concentrate on the recipes for my clients. I need to pee. I sit down with-out looking and I realize – EWW – I have landed on what It feels like a sticky liquid mess. Boys will be boys. I clean. I shower. I go back to work and five minutes later I’m hungry.

The emails pile on. I am told I must attend an exceptionally relevant event in downtown NYC at the latest hip bakery to benefit equality also or mainly because all the food influencers will be present. Somehow I finagle my way in.

I bring my two adorable kids as a beard. They spot 47 kind of Pinterest looking like decorated cakes. They go wild and spend $200 on sweets and they also pile up on Ottolenghi’s clones of yellow cumin mini doughnuts. It’s for a good cause I don’t mind. I notice a cute bunny on the counter, I think it’s a prop. I realize I’m mistaken, it’s not a prop — he has his own blog.  I’m told he is getting a book deal.  I spot -FUCK-  the kids feeding the cumin doughnuts to the blogger-author-bunny. God forbid, author-bunny gets a stomach bug.

I chat with a statuesque/thin/fabulous model, she tells me she loves cooking and eating really fatty food and that her blog has a GINORMOUS following. I look at her beautiful manicured hands, I glance at my dry cuticles and grill mark scars on my arm and for a second I want to cry. I don’t.

I make it back home. I realize I have to warm dinner up because the aupair tells me she is feeling tired and that also she is still not comfortable turning the stove on by herself, because the stove is different from the one she grew up with. She has been with us for 6 months.

I sit at the computer with – AH! – false hope I will finish my menus and recipes. I work for a solid 15 minutes before I become aware of the time.

I’m late to pick up my husband at the train station. I tell the aupair to make sure the peas don’t burn. I shove the kids in the back of our one week old car.  It smells good, it’s clean and it’s promising me a long life of service. I get on the road it’s dark as hell. The car on the opposite lane swirls towards me, I manage to move on time but the two driver side mirrors collide and explode. I hit the swear jar one thousand times. Kids think it’s hilarious and start cashing in on the situation. Methuselah blond lady, takes 20 minutes to find insurance papers, yells at me, in my head I think: “go fuck yourself”  but I keep politely smiling.  We finally exchange numbers.  I get to the train station late, husband is agitated and when he sees the exploded mirror he doesn’t respond well.

We get home, the peas are burned. The husband looks down at the carpet and notices mud tracks on the entrance carpet. Silently, with his coat still on, he starts vacuuming with a very loud Dust Buster, the one that, sadly we all know, doesn’t suck anything up, any longer. I make a mental note to hit Costco for a new one.

We have dinner, kids go wild, but they make me laugh. Husband seems to be in a better mood after a good meal. I think about going to a late yoga class – WHO THE FUCK AM I KIDDING – I need to be up till 2 am to finish my work and posting on socials.

I remember to make my daily call to our Senator.

Everyone is now in bed. The house is quiet. I pour a glass of my Home Made Ginger Ale – YUM! – I settle in front of the computer, I check my Instagram one more time , I start working.  #RESIST

 

Homemade Ginger Ale
Yum
Print Recipe
Servings
6/8 Drinks
Cook Time Passive Time
50 Minutes 3 Hours including chilling
Servings
6/8 Drinks
Cook Time Passive Time
50 Minutes 3 Hours including chilling
Homemade Ginger Ale
Yum
Print Recipe
Servings
6/8 Drinks
Cook Time Passive Time
50 Minutes 3 Hours including chilling
Servings
6/8 Drinks
Cook Time Passive Time
50 Minutes 3 Hours including chilling
Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cup chopped and peeled ginger
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 quart chilled seltzer or club soda
  • 3 tablespoons fresh organic lemon juice
  • 10/15 mint leaves
  • 1 small pinch salt
Servings: Drinks
Instructions
Ginger Syrup
  1. Cook ginger with the water in a small pan. Bring water to a boil, then simmer partially covered, for 45 minutes.
  2. Remove from the heat and let the liquid steep for at least 20 minutes.
  3. Strain mixture through a sieve in to a bowl, pressing the ginger and then discarding.
  4. Return the liquid to a pan and add the sugar and a small pinch of salt.
  5. Heat the syrup over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Chill the syrup in covered jar until ready to use.
Assemble Drinks
  1. Mix the Ginger syrup with the seltzer and lemon juice and the mint leaves. You can start with a 1/4 cup of syrup and 1 1/2 teaspoons of lemon juice per 3/4 cup of seltzer, then adjust to your taste.
Recipe Notes

Ginger syrup will keep, chilled in a refrigerator for one week.

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Homemade Ginger Ale

February 26, 2017 By


Homemade Ginger Ale
Yum
Print Recipe
Servings
6/8 Drinks
Cook Time Passive Time
50 Minutes 3 Hours including chilling
Servings
6/8 Drinks
Cook Time Passive Time
50 Minutes 3 Hours including chilling
Homemade Ginger Ale
Yum
Print Recipe
Servings
6/8 Drinks
Cook Time Passive Time
50 Minutes 3 Hours including chilling
Servings
6/8 Drinks
Cook Time Passive Time
50 Minutes 3 Hours including chilling
Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cup chopped and peeled ginger
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 quart chilled seltzer or club soda
  • 3 tablespoons fresh organic lemon juice
  • 10/15 mint leaves
  • 1 small pinch salt
Servings: Drinks
Instructions
Ginger Syrup
  1. Cook ginger with the water in a small pan. Bring water to a boil, then simmer partially covered, for 45 minutes.
  2. Remove from the heat and let the liquid steep for at least 20 minutes.
  3. Strain mixture through a sieve in to a bowl, pressing the ginger and then discarding.
  4. Return the liquid to a pan and add the sugar and a small pinch of salt.
  5. Heat the syrup over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Chill the syrup in covered jar until ready to use.
Assemble Drinks
  1. Mix the Ginger syrup with the seltzer and lemon juice and the mint leaves. You can start with a 1/4 cup of syrup and 1 1/2 teaspoons of lemon juice per 3/4 cup of seltzer, then adjust to your taste.
Recipe Notes

Ginger syrup will keep, chilled in a refrigerator for one week.

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Sunday Is For Cakes, Cookies And Freedom.

HUNGRY FOR LIBERTY: A gathering of ladies, cooks, bakers & makers to benefit the ACLU

February 24, 2017 By

I cannot think of anything better to do on a Sunday than eating cake and supporting liberty and justice for all.
A group of very gifted ladies is getting together this Sunday, February the 26th, at the fabulous Haven’s Kitchen in NYC, from 12pm to 4pm to cook, bake and make arts and crafts to support the ACLU.

100% of the proceeds will go to support liberty and justice for all. Food, drinks, and non-edible goods will be for sale and will benefit the ACLU.

This is a great way to let your voice heard and feed the hunger for justice and equality. I’m planning to be there and fill my belly and bags with as much of the bounty I can.

You can pre-order your tickets beforehand on Heavens’s Kitchen site, or if you are a bit of a commitaphobe, tickets will be $5 and available at the door on the day. Of course, if I was you, I would not wait.

I love eating, I love drinking and shopping comes next. I’m getting my lady bits in gears and I’ll fill my belly and bags. #RESIST

 

 

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Brussels Sprouts and Toasted Hazelnuts

February 22, 2017 By

I love Brussels sprouts and I love hazelnuts. So I blistered them, together, in a very hot oven – 425F.  First I coated them with a generous teaspoon of olive oil, then I spread them on a lined tray and I left them to crisp and toast in the oven for 35 minutes. When they came out, all perfectly crunchy and dark brown, I sprinkled them with sea salt. My kids couldn’t stop popping them into their little greedy mouths. By the time we sat for dinner none were left in the bowl. I certainly didn’t mind since Brussels sprouts are the fierce generals of the crucifers. These green tasty veggies command loads of powerful antioxidants and vitamins designed to boost our immune system. I always feel better when I know my defense won’t quit on me and my family. Don’t forget to make your daily call. #RESIST

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Swedish Fish POKE Salad

February 20, 2017 By

Happy President weekend, or rather. My family is hitting the slopes and I have no time for prolonged drama in the kitchen or elsewhere. Therefore the Swedish fish poke salad seems the perfect- no muss no fuss dish – to make. It’s crammed with good omega-3 fatty acid, vitamins and lots of proteins – an ideal dish for moms in need of sustaining energy (hello school break). Hear this: it takes less than 15 minutes to assemble. I usually prep all the ingredients ahead of time. I let the kids and husband choose their own ingredients and build their own bowls. This yummy salad is a lesson in democracy and it always taste härlig. True fact! No fake news.  So enjoy the time with your loved ones, where ever they might be from. #RESIST

Cut a fatty, very fresh 8 oz salmon fillet lengthwise, working against the grain, into 1/2 inch strips. Then cut the strips crosswise into 1/2 inches pieces. Spread over crunchy, leafy greens or brown rice or cooked noodles. Add the dressing. Whisk in a small bowl one teaspoon of lemon juice, chili flakes, one tablespoon of olive oil, salt and pepper and then add to the salmon. Sprinkle with fun stuff. Toasted sesame seeds, nuts, cubed avocado, dried seaweed, pickled cucumbers or onions, dried cranberries. Finish by adding a generous sprinkle of fresh herbs like dill(very Swedish) or cilantro and sliced spring onions. Njuta.

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Spaghetti, spinach and chili pepper.

February 18, 2017 By
One peeled and smashed clove of garlic gently cooked – never burned –  in two or three tablespoons of good extra virgin olive oil and then chili flakes – as much as your mouth can take. Spaghetti cooked in aboundantly salted water and then drained. Loads of green fresh spinach, a couple of spoons of grated Parmesan and fresh ground pepper all tossed directly in to the cooking pot. Comfort, loads of flavor and an iron clad, no fuss meal. It’s trumpfort food(yes there is an ashtag for that) and good for you. #resist

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Brown Sugar Broiled Pink Grapefruit

February 17, 2017 By

One small but lovely teaspoon of brown sugar sprinkled over a juicy pink grapefruit then 3 to 4 minutes under a broiler – set to high – make this delicious beauty, one of my favorite ideas for a super fast- no work – breakfast. I occasionally add a dash of cinnamon or cardamom powder for extra zing. Think loads of vitamin C  and unlike our government, absolutely no mess in the cabinets. #resist

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Mango, Papaya, Vanilla, Turmeric and Almond Milk Smoothie

February 15, 2017 By

Just glancing at the news makes me tired. One glass of my mango smoothie and I’m back into full gear. This delicious and quite incredible-tasting drink is easy as can be to make with a mango, a small papaya, a heaping spoonful of turmeric, a splash of vanilla extract and a glass of almond milk. The turmeric is the secret weapon. It has potent anti-inflammatory properties and and it quickly reboots your immune system. #resist

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Twitter: silviabaldini00

Instagram: silviabaldinistrawberryandsage

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Beef, Prunes, Chickpeas and Ginger Slow-Cooked Pot

February 14, 2017 By

The lovely guys and girls at ctbites just published my yummy winter recipe for Beef, Prunes & Chickpeas pot on their beautiful new redesigned blog. Thank you!

Prunes, chickpeas and ginger combine forces in this hearty slow-cooked dinner that’s crammed full of flavor. It’s the perfect dish when a jolt of much-needed energy to sustain our daily actions is needed.

This pot is a darling at my house come winter during Sunday family dinners when warmth and restoration are very much a necessity. Prunes for fiber, chickpeas for nutrient-rich energy, ginger as  antioxidant and a generous amount of sigh-inducingly tender beef.

Let’s put power back in the right hands and the force of sustenance in our family’s bellies.

Beef, Prunes, Chickpeas and Ginger Slow Cooked Pot
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Print Recipe
This is a tagine, or slow cooker, recipe. It takes about 2 1/2 hours to cook but once you prep it, you don't have much else to worry about.
Servings Prep Time
8 people 20 minutes
Cook Time
2 1/2 hours
Servings Prep Time
8 people 20 minutes
Cook Time
2 1/2 hours
Beef, Prunes, Chickpeas and Ginger Slow Cooked Pot
Yum
Print Recipe
This is a tagine, or slow cooker, recipe. It takes about 2 1/2 hours to cook but once you prep it, you don't have much else to worry about.
Servings Prep Time
8 people 20 minutes
Cook Time
2 1/2 hours
Servings Prep Time
8 people 20 minutes
Cook Time
2 1/2 hours
Ingredients
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion chopped
  • 2 medium celery stalks chopped
  • 2 medium cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 inches fresh ginger, peeled and grated
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 pinch saffron threads
  • 1 pound cubed lean beef lamb, chicken or pork would work well
  • 1 cup canned chickpeas drained dried chickpeas could be used, but must be soaked overnight
  • 1 large 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups chicken or beef stock
  • 3/4 cup pitted prunes
  • 1/2 cup diced eggplant
  • 1/2 medium lemon, juiced
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
Servings: people
Instructions
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven, heavy pot or slow cooker. Add the onions, celery and garlic and cook, stirring, until the onion softens.
  2. Add the ginger, cinnamon and the salt and pepper. Stir and add the saffron threads; cook always stirring, about 2 minutes. Add the beef and cook for 5 minutes until browned.
  3. Add the chickpeas and the crushed tomatoes and stir. Add the stock, cover and gently simmer on low heat for 45 minutes.
  4. Add the prunes and eggplants, cover and gently simmer for 1 hour.
  5. Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper if needed. Add the juice of the lemon and stir. Then add the chopped cilantro leaves and serve.
Recipe Notes

Add some chili flakes or harissa to kick up the heat. Freeze any leftovers. Serve with long grain or brown rice.

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Raw Cacao, Dark Chocolate and Hazelnut No-Bake Pots

February 12, 2017 By

It’s Valentine’s Day and I’m always on the lookout for delicious recipes to help me make the most of my every indulgence.

 

My little no-bake pots are crammed with delicious and clever ingredients that are good for your love life and your heart. It’s no secret that chocolate is an aphrodisiac as well as a mood and libido enhancer, and that mega-superfood raw cacao is rich in flavanols and powerful antioxidants that may protect against cardiovascular disease, reduce the risk of stroke and help boost blood circulation.

These raw cocoa no-bake pots are also impossibly tempting with their silken smoothness, impressive richness and depth of flavor and ease of making. And they’re GOOD FOR YOU. I think of them as the energy bullet of desserts—sure to please your loved ones, no matter what color, gender or age they happen to be.

Happy Valentine to all of you lovely ladies!


Chocolate No Bake Pots
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Servings Prep Time
8 ramekins 25 minutes
Servings Prep Time
8 ramekins 25 minutes
Chocolate No Bake Pots
Yum
Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
8 ramekins 25 minutes
Servings Prep Time
8 ramekins 25 minutes
Ingredients
  • 3/4 cup raw cacao powder plus more for dusting
  • 6 ounces 70% bittersweet chocolate, broken into pieces
  • 1/2 cup toasted and peeled hazelnuts
  • 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup whole milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 small pinch sea-salt
Servings: ramekins
Instructions
  1. Place the raw cacao, the pieces of chocolate and the hazelnuts in a food processor.
  2. In a medium saucepan, heat the cream and the milk over medium heat until bubbles appear around the edge of the pan. Do not allow it to boil. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool slightly.
  3. Add the cooled off cream and milk mixture to the chocolate and hazelnuts with the motor running and process until smooth. Keep the motor running and add the egg, vanilla and salt.
  4. Pour the mixture into 8 ramekins, small espresso cups or cute shot glasses.
  5. Refrigerate until set, at least 4 hours. Take them out at least 1/2 hour before serving to ensure the perfect creamy and silky consistency. Dust with extra raw cacao before serving.
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7 Yogurt Containers Yellow Cake

February 8, 2017 By

The 7 yogurt containers yellow cake. Aways a smashing success. You don’t even need a scale or measuring cup to make it. Just use the small single-portion container from the yogurt to measure the other ingredients. The perfect project for a beginner baker! Immune-boosting probiotics make this heavenly vanilla scented confection a relatively healthful pièce de résistance for any occasion, whether a dinner party or a rainy afternoon baking project. And it’s low in sugar compared to many cakes and has no butter. Watch those tall slices disappear.


7 yogurt containers yellow cake
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Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
8 to 10 slices 25 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Servings Prep Time
8 to 10 slices 25 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
7 yogurt containers yellow cake
Yum
Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
8 to 10 slices 25 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Servings Prep Time
8 to 10 slices 25 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Ingredients
  • 1 125-ml container plain or vanilla nonfat yogurt
  • 2 containers granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 container mild olive oil plus more for the pan
  • 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 container potato starch
  • 2 containers all-purpose flour 00 flour is also a good choice
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
Servings: slices
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Oil a 9-inch round springform cake pan and line it with parchment paper cut to fit the pan.
  2. Place the yogurt in the bowl of a stand mixer, add the sugar and beat until creamy and smooth.
  3. Separate the eggs and place the yolks and whites in separate bowls. Set the egg whites aside for the moment. Add the egg yolks to the yogurt mixture, 1 at a time, mixing until each yolk is incorporated before adding the next. With the motor running, slowly add the oil and the vanilla extract.
  4. With the motor on low, slowly add the potato starch and mix until incorporated. Then add the flour, baking powder and salt and mix well.
  5. Whisk the whites until firm peaks form. Using a rubber spatula, gently and slowly fold the eggs whites into the batter by hand and mix just until incorporated. Gently pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
  6. Bake the cake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown. You may need to cover the cake with parchment paper during the last 10 minutes to prevent the top from burning.
  7. Place the pan on a wire rack and let cool for 10 minutes. Unmold the cake and let it cool completely.
Recipe Notes

I like to dust this soft cake with a generous amount of powder sugar. Those times when I want a slightly less sweet cake, I modify the recipe by cutting the granulated sugar in the batter to one container.

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7 Yogurt Containers Yellow Cake

February 7, 2017 By

The 7 yogurt containers cake. Always a smashing succes. You don’t need a scale or measuring cups because you use a small yogurt cointaner, a single portion 125ml, to measure all the ingredients.  Probiotics and immune system boosters make this soft, heavenly vanilla scented confection, low in sugar and with no butter, a piece de resistance for a rainy afternoon baking project. See those yellow, tall, crumbly slices disappear.


7 yogurt containers yellow cake
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Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
8 to 10 slices 25 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Servings Prep Time
8 to 10 slices 25 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
7 yogurt containers yellow cake
Yum
Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
8 to 10 slices 25 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Servings Prep Time
8 to 10 slices 25 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Ingredients
  • 1 125-ml container plain or vanilla nonfat yogurt
  • 2 containers granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 container mild olive oil plus more for the pan
  • 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 container potato starch
  • 2 containers all-purpose flour 00 flour is also a good choice
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
Servings: slices
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Oil a 9-inch round springform cake pan and line it with parchment paper cut to fit the pan.
  2. Place the yogurt in the bowl of a stand mixer, add the sugar and beat until creamy and smooth.
  3. Separate the eggs and place the yolks and whites in separate bowls. Set the egg whites aside for the moment. Add the egg yolks to the yogurt mixture, 1 at a time, mixing until each yolk is incorporated before adding the next. With the motor running, slowly add the oil and the vanilla extract.
  4. With the motor on low, slowly add the potato starch and mix until incorporated. Then add the flour, baking powder and salt and mix well.
  5. Whisk the whites until firm peaks form. Using a rubber spatula, gently and slowly fold the eggs whites into the batter by hand and mix just until incorporated. Gently pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
  6. Bake the cake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown. You may need to cover the cake with parchment paper during the last 10 minutes to prevent the top from burning.
  7. Place the pan on a wire rack and let cool for 10 minutes. Unmold the cake and let it cool completely.
Recipe Notes

I like to dust this soft cake with a generous amount of powder sugar. Those times when I want a slightly less sweet cake, I modify the recipe by cutting the granulated sugar in the batter to one container.

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Beef, Prunes, Chickpeas and Ginger Slow Cooked Pot

February 4, 2017 By

Prunes, chickpeas and ginger combine their forces in to this crammed with hearty flavors slow cooked pot, a perfect combination for a jolt of much needed energy to help us sustain our daily actions.

Prunes for fiber, chickpeas for nutrient-rich energy, ginger as an antioxidant and a generous amount of fork tender bits of beef; this pot is a darling at my house on wintery Sunday family dinners, when warmth and restoring strength are very much a necessity.  Let’s put power back in to the right hands and the force of sustenance in to our family bellies.

Beef, Prunes, Chickpeas and Ginger Slow Cooked Pot
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This is a tagine, or slow cooker, recipe. It takes about 2 1/2 hours to cook but once you prep it, you don't have much else to worry about.
Servings Prep Time
8 people 20 minutes
Cook Time
2 1/2 hours
Servings Prep Time
8 people 20 minutes
Cook Time
2 1/2 hours
Beef, Prunes, Chickpeas and Ginger Slow Cooked Pot
Yum
Print Recipe
This is a tagine, or slow cooker, recipe. It takes about 2 1/2 hours to cook but once you prep it, you don't have much else to worry about.
Servings Prep Time
8 people 20 minutes
Cook Time
2 1/2 hours
Servings Prep Time
8 people 20 minutes
Cook Time
2 1/2 hours
Ingredients
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion chopped
  • 2 medium celery stalks chopped
  • 2 medium cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 inches fresh ginger, peeled and grated
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 pinch saffron threads
  • 1 pound cubed lean beef lamb, chicken or pork would work well
  • 1 cup canned chickpeas drained dried chickpeas could be used, but must be soaked overnight
  • 1 large 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups chicken or beef stock
  • 3/4 cup pitted prunes
  • 1/2 cup diced eggplant
  • 1/2 medium lemon, juiced
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
Servings: people
Instructions
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven, heavy pot or slow cooker. Add the onions, celery and garlic and cook, stirring, until the onion softens.
  2. Add the ginger, cinnamon and the salt and pepper. Stir and add the saffron threads; cook always stirring, about 2 minutes. Add the beef and cook for 5 minutes until browned.
  3. Add the chickpeas and the crushed tomatoes and stir. Add the stock, cover and gently simmer on low heat for 45 minutes.
  4. Add the prunes and eggplants, cover and gently simmer for 1 hour.
  5. Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper if needed. Add the juice of the lemon and stir. Then add the chopped cilantro leaves and serve.
Recipe Notes

Add some chili flakes or harissa to kick up the heat. Freeze any leftovers. Serve with long grain or brown rice.

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Grilled Eggplant, Red Peppers and Pine Nuts Crostone

February 3, 2017 By

Every mother is a working mother. (Take note, Flotus.) This simple veggie concoction turns into lunch in just 15 minutes. That means less time in the kitchen and more time to call our senators and to spread love and kindness to our beautiful families. Eggplant is a major brain food and the pine nuts, besides boosting energy, help suppress appetite by keeping us sated longer. Together these healthy ingredients keep us in tip-top shape. Should a certain Twatzi decide to grade us on a scale from 1 to 10, we’ll score an 11.

Grilled Eggplant, Red Peppers and Pine Nuts Crostone
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Servings Prep Time
6 bread slices 15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Servings Prep Time
6 bread slices 15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Grilled Eggplant, Red Peppers and Pine Nuts Crostone
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Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
6 bread slices 15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Servings Prep Time
6 bread slices 15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Ingredients
  • 2 medium eggplants sliced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small white onion chopped
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • 1 medium celery stalk, chopped
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, grilled and diced (a jar of marinated red bell peppers will work fine)
  • 1/4 cup black olives, pitted and chopped
  • 1 tbsp drained and rinsed capers
  • 3 tbsp toasted pine nuts
  • 1/4 cup shredded fresh basil plus more for garnish
  • 6 thick bread slices
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • salt and pepper
Servings: bread slices
Instructions
  1. Quickly grill the eggplant slices on a hot griddle or grill pan until you see dark grill marks, about 3 minutes per side. Then chop the slices into a nice bite-size dice.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Cook the onion, garlic and celery until softened, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl.
  3. Add the eggplant, the red bell pepper, olives, capers, pine nuts and basil to the onion mixture and mix well.
  4. Grill the bread slices on both sides and then brush the surface of one side with the olive oil. Top the grilled bread with the eggplant mixture, season with salt and pepper and add more fresh basil.
Recipe Notes

Quadruple this recipe and keep it in airtight container in the fridge or freezer. It's a low-calorie, full-of-might meal when you combine it with pasta or rice.

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Grilled Eggplant, Red Peppers and Pine Nuts Crostone

February 3, 2017 By

Every mother is a working mother. This veggies concoction is lunch in less than 15 minutes. That means less time in the kitchen, more time to call our respective senators and to spread love and kindness to our beautiful families. The eggplant is a major brain food and the pine nuts, besides boosting energy, suppress appetite, helping us staying in tip top shape.

Grilled Eggplant, Red Peppers and Pine Nuts Crostone
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Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
6 bread slices 15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Servings Prep Time
6 bread slices 15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Grilled Eggplant, Red Peppers and Pine Nuts Crostone
Yum
Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
6 bread slices 15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Servings Prep Time
6 bread slices 15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Ingredients
  • 2 medium eggplants sliced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small white onion chopped
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • 1 medium celery stalk, chopped
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, grilled and diced (a jar of marinated red bell peppers will work fine)
  • 1/4 cup black olives, pitted and chopped
  • 1 tbsp drained and rinsed capers
  • 3 tbsp toasted pine nuts
  • 1/4 cup shredded fresh basil plus more for garnish
  • 6 thick bread slices
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • salt and pepper
Servings: bread slices
Instructions
  1. Quickly grill the eggplant slices on a hot griddle or grill pan until you see dark grill marks, about 3 minutes per side. Then chop the slices into a nice bite-size dice.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Cook the onion, garlic and celery until softened, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl.
  3. Add the eggplant, the red bell pepper, olives, capers, pine nuts and basil to the onion mixture and mix well.
  4. Grill the bread slices on both sides and then brush the surface of one side with the olive oil. Top the grilled bread with the eggplant mixture, season with salt and pepper and add more fresh basil.
Recipe Notes

Quadruple this recipe and keep it in airtight container in the fridge or freezer. It's a low-calorie, full-of-might meal when you combine it with pasta or rice.

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