Tag: Gluten Free

Charred Corn Salad with Basil and Tomatoes #WhatAGrillWants

Grilled corn is one of my absolute favorite foods of summer. There is just nothing like a cob of sweet corn charred over a grill. Mmm. But as much as I love a simple corn on the cob, sometimes I need a little variety. This recipe from Bon Appetit gives me my beloved grilled corn, plus fresh herbs and tomatoes. What’s not to love?

This recipe also allows me to show off some of my favorite grilling tools, courtesy of OXO. I was sent some grilling essentials as a participant in OXO’s #WhatAGrillWants campaign, including a Corn Stripper, Silicone Basting Brush, and 16″ tongs. I was also sent a Bladed Meat Tenderizer (which I plan on using for steak in an upcoming recipe… stay tuned) and a Little Salad Dressing Shaker that is the perfect size for 2 servings; I will have a post including that little guy soon too!

source: oxo.com

 

The Silicone Basting Brush is perfect for grilling because it is head resistant, odor resistant, and easy to clean. I used it this time around to rub the corn with olive oil before grilling. The center bristles have circular gaps that hold on to the liquid as you transfer the sauce from the bowl to the food and the tapered outer bristles let you baste easily. Because the bristles are heat resistant to 600 degrees F, it’s a great tool to add an extra layer of barbecue sauce to a protein while grilling! The basting brush is also dishwasher safe.

 

My boyfriend was most excited about the 16″ tongs. They are stainless steel but have non-slip handles that make them safe for barbecuing. The long length is very much appreciated when working over a hot grill! The tongs also lock closed with a large pull tab that also doubles as a hole for hanging, great for my peg board! (You can also get the tongs in 9-inch and 12-inch sizes).

 

The corn stripper is the perfect tool for this recipe. I’ve mentioned on here before that I have a (ridiculous) fear of knives. So when trying to strip corn off a cob, I get a bit anxious. This tool makes it SO much easier without the risk! The corn stripper has a container that actually stores the kernels as you strip them from the cob; it holds up to 1/2 cup. You can then just pour the kernels out of the top of the container and you’re good to go! 

 

Now that I’ve gone through all of my nifty tools that made this recipe a breeze, maybe it would be a good idea to actually share the recipe, no? 🙂

Ingredients:

  • 6 ears of corn, husked
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup (loosely packed) fresh basil leaves, large leaves torn
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

Continue reading Charred Corn Salad with Basil and Tomatoes #WhatAGrillWants

Hazelnut-Mocha Banana Smoothie

I am trying to get into the habit of making (and wanting) smoothies for breakfast. They are so simple to make and work great for meals on the go. My boyfriend is a huge fan of green smoothies, where he adds various fruits to the blender along with some kale. I don’t mind them, but I thought I’d baby step my way into the smoothie world with something a little more my speed: an oatmeal banana smoothie with espresso and chocolate hazelnut. Mmmmm.

This recipe is adapted from Foxes Loves Lemons, a fellow food blogger as well as a recipe developer. Her recipes are mouthwatering and her pictures are just amazing! She also manages to post daily which just blows my mind. How she manages to deliver such amazing posts daily is beyond me!

My recipe below is a touch different than Foxes Loves Lemons because I wanted to incorporate Nocciolata, a dark chocolate and hazelnut spread, into my smoothie. To see the original version, check out her blog post here.

Nocciolata is made with no chemicals, artificial flavors, GMOs, or palm oil. What it is made with is certified organic ingredients including dark chocolate from the Antillean Islands, Italian hazelnuts (16%), brown sugar, skim milk and Bourbon vanilla extract. Yum! Nocciolata can be found in many stores including Wegmans, King’s, and Whole Foods to name some in the Philly area. For a list of stores that carry Nocciolata, check out their webpage.  

source: https://www.nocciolatausa.com/

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 1/2 cups almond milk
  • 1 banana, cut into chunks
  • 1/4 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon Nocciolata spread
  • 1 tablespoon espresso powder
  • 1 cup ice

Disclaimer: I was sent a free sample jar of Nocciolata to try. My opinions are my own. 

Continue reading Hazelnut-Mocha Banana Smoothie

Roasted Beet Hummus

I am just drawn to the color of beets. They make any dish look absolutely beautiful! I’ve done a couple of other beet dishes on here (Beet Risotto, Gemelli with Brown Butter Beet Sauce, and Roasted Beets with Tahini, to name a few) so when I saw this recipe for Roasted Beet Hummus in the latest Cooking Light I knew I had to make it.

Hummus is really easy to prepare and the addition of the beets makes this one a show stopper. Whip up a batch of this to serve with a crudite platter at your next gathering!

Ingredients:

  • 2 red beets
  • 1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
  • 8 garlic cloves, halved
  • grated lemon rind of two lemons
  • fresh lemon juice from two lemons
  • 1/4 walnut oil (or good olive oil)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas (garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained

Continue reading Roasted Beet Hummus

Grilled Octopus Salad

A while back, I was given the opportunity to visit Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse. Naturally, I jumped at the chance. Davio’s has been a staple in the Philadelphia food scene for a while now. Located in Rittenhouse Square, Davio’s still seems to be a bit of a hidden gem due to it’s location on the second floor of a building, although it isn’t difficult to find (the entrance on 17th Street is clearly marked).

The restaurant is known just as much for it’s service and ambiance as it is it’s delicious food. The staff really know how to make your night feel special. The dining room’s large windows and tall ceilings add to the traditional and comfortable feel of the restaurant — it is located in the historic Provident Bank Building. The space is also equipped with a bar that I hear is quite a popular destination for happy hour.

 

My entire meal was absolutely delicious. Every dish seemed to be better than the last! I have included a run down of everything we ate (we basically needed to be rolled out of the building) and I also wanted to try my hand at one of the specials they were serving that night: A Grilled Octopus Salad over Arugula.

My version is heavily based on Davio’s with a few changes: Davio’s also included chorizo in their version (yum!) and used yellow peppers rather than red. This was my first time working with octopus so it was a little nerve wracking but turned out amazing!

Ingredients:

  • 1 3-4 lb octopus, cleaned
  • 1 cup white wine
  • 1 tablespoon drained capers
  • 3 tablespoons whole peppercorns
  • 2 lemons, 1 sliced and 1 halved
  • 3 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
  • 2 tablespoons dried thyme
  • 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups baby arugula
  • 2 tablespoons chopped roasted red peppers
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Continue reading Grilled Octopus Salad

Duck Breasts with Blackberry Port Sauce

I was feeling a little fancy this week so I decided to challenge myself with a protein I rarely use: duck! I’ve actually only worked with duck twice (Duck Breasts with Cider Farro Risotto and Grilled Duck with Warm Mushroom Salad and Truffle Vinaigrette), but I tend to order it at restaurants quite a bit.   I am also on a berry kick at the moment (if you missed it, go check out the Blueberry Coffeecake I posted recently!) so I was really excited to try this Cooking Light recipe for Duck Breasts with Blackberry-Port Sauce.   I served mine with some sauteed green beans but Cooking Light also suggests serving the duck over a bed of lettuce.     Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 (6-ounce) boneless duck breast halves, skinned
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
  • 1 1/2 cups blackberries
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped shallots
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 1/2 cup port or other sweet red wine
  • 3/4 cup unsalted chicken stock
  • 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar

Continue reading Duck Breasts with Blackberry Port Sauce

Fish with Pineapple Salsa and Tomato Avocado Salad

Now that the weather is finally warming up, it’s time to start incorporating more “summery” foods into my dinner. The June issue of Cooking Light included a recipe for Fish with Pineapple Salsa and Tomato Avocado Salad that sounded like the perfect warm-weather dinner.

 

I used turbot instead of tilapia, but you can substitute in whatever whitefish you’d prefer. I also added some paprika to the fish for a bit more flavor and color.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup chopped pineapple
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
  • 1/2 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, divided
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 1/2 cup thinly vertically sliced red onion
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
  • 1 medium tomato, cut into thin wedges
  • 1 peeled ripe avocado, cut into 8 wedges
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 4 (6-ounce) whitefish fillets
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Continue reading Fish with Pineapple Salsa and Tomato Avocado Salad

Crispy Coconut Kale with Roasted Salmon Sweet Potatoes and Coconut Rice

I have to admit, kale is really not my favorite green. It tends to, well, taste like a leaf. So I was intrigued when I came across this recipe for Crispy Coconut Kale on Food 52 by Ashley Couse of Bloom & Nourish.  The recipe pairs the kale with oven-roasted salmon, spicy sweet potatoes and creamy coconut rice. I couldn’t wait to try these flavors together!

Note: This recipe for Crispy Coconut Kale with Roasted Salmon Sweet Potatoes and Coconut Rice is gluten free and is thisclose to being Paleo. To make it Paleo-friendly, just do not make the rice.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup jasmine rice, uncooked (omit to make paleo)
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons coconut aminos
  • 1 tablespoon Sriracha
  • 3 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
  • 1 bunch lacinato kale, ribs removed and sliced into strips
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
  • 1 pound salmon

Continue reading Crispy Coconut Kale with Roasted Salmon Sweet Potatoes and Coconut Rice

Lemony Chicken Fricassee with Shallots and Morel Mushrooms

When making dinner on weeknights, I am always looking for a recipe that I can have made in 30 minutes or less. But that doesn’t mean I’m willing to compromise on flavor! This Food and Wine recipe braises the chicken in a shallot and more sauce and then is topped off with some lemon juice. Serve it with steamed asparagus for a delicious spring-themed dinner!

Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided (or olive oil to make paleo)
  • 4 bone-in chicken thighs
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 6 small shallots, peeled and roughly chopped
  • 1/2 oz dried morels
  • 1 cup water, plus chicken broth if needed
  • 1 pound asparagus
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon

Continue reading Lemony Chicken Fricassee with Shallots and Morel Mushrooms

Salmon and Snow Pea Brown Rice Bowls

Brown rice can take a while to cook but it makes for a great base for a yummy meal. If you don’t want to wait for traditional brown rice to cook, you can always use the microwave pouches to get this dinner ready in no time. This recipe is from Cooking Light. Ingredients:

  • 6 oz salmon fillet, skinless
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup snow peas
  • 1 ½ cups cooked brown rice
  • 1 tablespoon crème fraiche
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill
  • ½ cup chopped orange sections
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons crumbled goat cheese

Continue reading Salmon and Snow Pea Brown Rice Bowls

Asparagus with Tomato and Feta

It can be tough to prepare a side dish to go with your dinner on busy weeknights. It’s just one more step you probably don’t want to deal with when you get home and you just want to eat. But this recipe for Asparagus with Tomato and Feta is so simple, you can easily make this delicious side to go with sauteed chicken breasts or seared salmon in no time!

This side can be made in about 15 minutes and cooks in the oven, leaving the stovetop free for you to cook the rest of your meal.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups halved grape tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound trimmed asparagus
  • 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 ounce crumbled feta cheese

Continue reading Asparagus with Tomato and Feta

Baked Black Beans with Chorizo

You can never have too many party appetizers in your cooking arsenal. I wanted to try something a little different than the apps I’ve been posting recently. This dish is a layered dip with black beans, chorizo, tomatoes, and cheese and would be perfect for watching the game or any other party!

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup diced Spanish chorizo
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped onion
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3/4 cup fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup chopped seeded tomato
  • 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions

Continue reading Baked Black Beans with Chorizo

Salmon with Polenta and Warm Tomato Vinaigrette

I’ve been in a bit of a cooking rut lately (which is why I haven’t posted many recipes recently). Work has been busy which means that by the time I get home, I just want to eat something quickly with little effort. So I started researching 20 minute meals that are really simple to make, as long as I can get to the supermarket!

This recipe for Salmon with Polenta and Warm Tomato Vinaigrette from Cooking Light has a bunch of components I love but that I don’t normally put together: seared salmon with polenta topped with a warm tomato vinaigrette. It’s really tasty and comes together in no time, my kind of meal!

Ingredients:

  • 3 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 tablespoon whole milk or heavy cream (or whatever milk you have available)
  • 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup minced red onion
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and drained
  • 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Continue reading Salmon with Polenta and Warm Tomato Vinaigrette

Chicken and Guacamole Tostadas

Working late really messes with my dinner making plans. When I get home later than expected, I can’t justify making a big meal, mainly because I’m already hungry and just want to eat as soon as possible. This recipe for Chicken and Guacamole Tostadas is perfect for nights like that, it uses shredded rotisserie chicken so that the recipe comes together in no time!

You’ll still notice that the photos are, well, crummy. I was super hungry and had to eat ASAP; the tostadas looked so good!

Ingredients:

  • 1 ripe peeled avocado
  • 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons finely chopped tomato, divided
  • 3 tablespoons minced fresh onion, divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • the juice of 2 limes, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon minced seeded jalapeño pepper
  • 2 cups shredded skinless, boneless rotisserie chicken
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 6 (6-inch) corn tortillas

Continue reading Chicken and Guacamole Tostadas

Citrus Poached Salmon with Mustard Sauce

Hooray for more salmon recipes! I will never have enough different recipes for salmon, it is definitely one of my favorite proteins.

This recipe for Citrus Poached Salmon with Mustard Sauce comes courtesy of Alan Jackson and Joann Cianciulli’s new cookbook: The Lemonade Cookbook: Southern California Comfort Food From L.A.’s Favorite Modern Cafeteria  (paid link). The cookbook’s name comes from Chef Alan Jackson’s fast-casual eatery’s Lemonade, which offers fresh and seasonal food in a modern cafeteria setting.

There are some really fantastic sounding recipes in this cookbook. Just look at how I tabbed this book trying to decide which to make for this post!

Included in the cookbook, which features 120 recipe, are:

  • Forbidden Rice with Hearts of Palms, Mushrooms and a Jalapeno Vinaigrette
  • Bay Shrimp with Cannellini Beans dressed in Shallots and Cayenne Pepper
  • Red Miso Short Rib Braise
  • Lemon Poppy Seed Bundt Cake
  • Unique Lemonade concoctions like Peach Ginger, Pear Basil, and Cantaloupe Sage

 

With descriptions like that, I have to point out that these recipes are surprisingly unfussy and manageable to make at home. I decided to make the salmon because 1. it sounds delicious and 2. I have never poached fish before and I love trying out new techniques.

 

This recipe takes about 40 minutes from start to finish so it is great for a special weeknight dinner (or as a mid-week pick me up!) I changed the ingredients ever so slightly so to see the original, check out the cookbook, available in stores now!

 

From The Lemonade Cookbook by Alan Jackson and Joann Cianciulli. Copyright © 2013 by Alan Jackson and Joann Cianciulli and reprinted by permission of St. Martin’s Press, LLC.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup white wine (I used Sequoia Grove Napa Valley Chardonnay)
  • 2 oranges, divided
  • 2 lemons, divided
  • 2 limes, divided
  • 2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
  • 2 fresh dill sprigs, plus 1 tablespoon chopped dill, divided
  • 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  • 4 (5 oz) salmon fillets, skin removed
  • coarse salt, to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon whole-grain Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tablespoon (1 1/2 teaspoons) smooth Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon agave nectar
  • 2 cups cooked rice (I used basmati)

Continue reading Citrus Poached Salmon with Mustard Sauce

Halloween Chewy Crispy Bars

These Halloween Chewy Crispy Bars are a great use of leftover Halloween candy, or would be a really awesome treat to give out on Halloween!

They are simple to make and can be cut into any size you please.

This recipe is adapted from Cooking Light’s October 2013 issue.

Ingredients:

  • Cooking spray and parchment paper
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 (10 ounce) package mini marshmallows
  • 6 cups rice cereal
  • 2/3 cup candy corn, plus more for decoration
  • 2/3 cup M&M’s, plus more for decoration

Continue reading Halloween Chewy Crispy Bars

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