Poor Man's Risotto

Wow has it been an amazing fall weather-wise...but as many of us have felt the cooler temps creeping in at night...before you know it there will be snow :-(. Risotto would be great, wouldn't it? But it is time consuming and I need instant gratification when it comes to quick comfort. This one is easy on your wallet & figure! And when I say  it is quick and easy, I mean QUICK and EASY!

For the most part I don't eat many starches or “complex carbohydrates”, so when I do, it better be good. There is nothing like a warm comforting bowl of carbs on a fall day to get you toasty .

Now, you know I can't go all out with butter, cream, etc...so my version will (OF COURSE) be a healthier alternative...but NEVER compromise amazing taste. This meal is low in calories and fat, so eat up!

One thing this recipe calls for which is a MUST is truffle oil. It is a bit pricey, but I swear to you it is what makes this meal go from a "poor man's" dinner to a "I'm rollin' in it" meal. I love the smell, taste and feeling truffle oil gives anything it is added to. You also just need a tiny bit, a little goes a long way - so make the splurge (a small bottle will last you a looooooooong time) - it is an amazing ingredient that makes you feel luxurious!

What you need (this makes TWO medium sized servings)...
2 cup organic vegetable broth
1/2 Cup of cream of rice or grits
1 1/2 Cup fresh sliced mushroom medley or baby bellas
1 tsp. pre-minced garlic
1/2 truffle oil
Course Sea Salt & pepper
fresh parley (if you have it)

In a sauce pan combine broth, garlic, oil and mushrooms. Bring to a soft boil & let the mushrooms get tender (about 3-5 minutes). Then add in cream of rice (or grits if you prefer). Allow the cream of rice to cook for a few minutes & start to thicken - feel free to add broth if needed. This can easily and quickly go from liquid to a brick, so stir & watch it closely. The whole meal only takes about 7 minutes. Once the consistency is creamy, spoon into bowls. Garnish with course sea salt & fresh ground pepper...add some fresh parsley if you have it :-). Now sit back, enjoy and savor this one...it is amazingly delish!

Going "Loco" for these balls...

So, I posted some "crazy balls" the other day - and while those are good, I was just feeling that I needed more. I thought and thought...and then created these little numbers. My kids actually named these...a very long story and years of Noggin watching made naming these little confections quite easy. My daughter says they are so good they make your legs "go loco!".

My kids ate these up and begged for more. I myself ate a handful as well :-). There isn't a single processed or crazy additive, no sugar (!), and they are packed with vitamins & fiber...so you too will go LOCO for these!

Makes about 20 balls...

2 cups raisins (any flavor or color is fine)
1/2 cup Flax Seed Meal
1 Cup unsweetened coconut
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 of coconut (or topping of your choice) to roll finished balls in

Using a food processor mix all ingredients together. Continue mixing until the dough literally "balls" itself (about 1-2 minutes). Roll into 1" balls & roll in coconut.

Store in a tight container in or out of fridge. These are DELISH - and super sweet. Enjoy!!!!

* you can find flax seed meal in the baking section or "natural/organic" section of most grocery stores. If you can't find it you can make your own by grinding flax seed in a coffee grinder.

Crazy balls

This is a CRAZY recipe & I couldn't decide what to think about it! They literally have two ingredients - I suppose 3 depending on what you decide to roll them in, but still! You could even use a few different toppings and make a little "Crazy Ball Bar".

The verdict: My kids loved them, I liked them, and my husband didn't care for them (he said they were "pretty good"  -  whatever that means :-). Bottom line: these little suckers are GLUTEN FREE, RAW, VEGAN, and actually healthy, so for those reason I am going to share them :-).

Okay, so in the midst of all the back and forth I forgot to take a picture! Seriously! I am soooooo sorry. They are cute though. They look like a "donut ball"

What you need:

1 pound Medjool Dates (pitted)

2 Cups Dried/Shredded Coconut

Sea Salt

You can Roll them in:

- ground pistachios

- coconut

- cocoa

- another nut/seed you love :-)

Pit the dates. Combine pitted dates & coconut with a few dashes sea salt in a food processor (fitted with the "s" blade). Pulse for about 1 minute or until a dough like consistency has formed.

Roll dough into one inch balls, then coating them in the topping of your choice. That's it. Doesn't get any easier & the kids love them (no joke- they loved them).  Refrigerate in a container, however you can serve them room temp....this makes about 20 balls.

Crazy, I know!

* if you are following a "raw" diet you need to make sure you buy dehydrated coconut & your topping is "raw" as well. Whole foods offers a section of "raw" cooking ingredients including granolas, cocoa, and coconut, as well as many others!

On a side note, let's just point out the health benefits of dates...they are SUPER fiber packed, contain more potassium than bananas, and are loaded with a variety of B-complex vitamins including thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, and pantothenic acid. WOW!

While coconut is packed with "good for you" dietary fats, helps fight and prevent a list of diseases, and give you a dose of iron, vitamin C, an assortment of B vitamins, folate & pantothenic acid, manganese, copper, potassium and selenium, phosphorus & zinc. No kidding!







 

The best Fall meal...Grilled fish with tomato artichoke broth :-)

This is one of the EASIEST "comfort" meals I make...I love love love this on a fall night. It is perfect when the days are still warm, but the nights get cool. It is light and healthy, yet warm and cozy...all at the same time! Crazy!

This recipe has so many variations (I list them at the end) - once you get the "base"  you can literally add anything that sounds good or you have on hand! Possibilities are endless! This makes a dinner for 2. It is easy to double or triple!

What you need....

- 2 Halibut (or ANY white fish) fillets

- 1 cup of grape tomatoes (cut in half) or 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup veggie broth
- 1 cup frozen (or 1 can) medium sized artichokes
- 1 tbs. garlic
- 1 shallot (sliced)
- 1 tbs. red pepper (totally optional!)
- sea salt & pepper (as must as you like)

- fresh parsley (if not fresh, don't bother!)
- freshly grated Parmesan cheese (if you please :-)

In a saute pan lightly mist with olive oil. Add in garlic and sliced shallots...quickly and lightly brown. Add tomatoes & let them get a bit scorched. The skins will begin to peal, then add in all other ingredients (except fish!). Let this simmer and cook for about 10 minutes (can really go as long as you want). While this is cooking prepare and cook fish. Feel free to add in more broth if needed!

For the fish - clean and dry fillets. Lightly mist with olive oil, sea salt and pepper. You can grill outside, on an inside grill or pan sear - makes no difference. I typically use the indoor grill - it is quick, easy and the fish doesn't fall apart as easily. I put it on the grill for about 3 minutes each side, or 3 minutes total on a double sided indoor grill. It all depends on the thickness of the fish. Thicker fillets will obviously take a bit longer. You want it to be moist and flaky, not dry and hard , so take caution to not over do it!

In individual shallow dish or bowls spoon broth into bottom, place fish over broth and top with fresh parsley and grated cheese. I like a bit of fresh cracked pepper too.

Next, put in a fantastic movie, pour a fantastic red wine and warm up with this amazingly comfort dish! It is great to entertain - soooooooo easy & great with an outdoor fire :-).

Options (you can add these in lieu of artichokes or in addition, the more the merrier!)
- whole or diced hot cherry peppers (from a jar)
- black or green olives
- canned cannellini beans (drained & rinsed)
- banana peppers
- sliced mushrooms

* vegans: you can use a grilled eggplant or mushroom in place of fish. Omit cheese as well :-)

Enjoy, Enjoy, Enjoy! You will be making this often I am sure!

My "tools of the trade"...can't live without 'em!

I often talk about my "tools of the trade" if you will...I have several that I just can't live without. I thought it might be helpful if I attached a few links to the ones I like best. So here ya go!


These are literally things I can't live without. I am not a gadget person. As many of you know, I am a simple girl who can't stand clutter or mindless objects...while some may call it "OCD"... just call it "staying sane". So, if these are in my kitchen, by golly they must be good! Nothing without purpose stays around here long :-).


My "bestie" kitchen friend is my stir stick...best thing ever made. I make everything from smoothies to dressings & everything in between! No more blenders, choppers, mess, clean up, etc. etc...It has changed my life!

http://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-CSB-76BC-SmartStick-200-Watt-Immersion/dp/B000EGA6QI/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1317832636&sr=1-1

My panini maker...I like mine because it has a dial to adjust the temp...it is NOTHING fancy & it is rather inexpensive. I use it as an "indoor grill" and literally cook anything & everything on it. Just did chicken last night :-)! You can spend more, and by all means if you want to, go ahead! I have found that regardless of what you spend, they tend to break after a few years. So, if you use it often (like me) you will be replacing it often...mine is cheap & awesome. I feel it is better to splurge on a purse, right?

http://www.amazon.com/Sunbeam-CKSBPM5020-2-SLICE-PANINI-MAKER/dp/B0045KWUBI/ref=sr_1_4?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1317832900&sr=1-4

The infamous mandolin...This is what makes people think you have real talent in the kitchen. However, it is literally easier to use than a knife - but it makes things look so sophisticated & professional. It takes any meal to the next level...and it is so fun to create new things. You can pretty much julienne anything, haha!

http://www.amazon.com/Swissmar-Borner-V-1001-V-Slicer-Mandoline/dp/B0000632QE/ref=sr_1_2?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1317833063&sr=1-2

I typically make my own bread...sounds hard and fancy right? Couldn't be any further from the truth! By going gluten free finding a good bread is hard...and expensive. So, I just started making my own. I love my bread machine & after months of pondering which one to get (research, research and more research) I decided one this one...couldn't be happier! Used it many of times, and it is still kickin'!

http://www.amazon.com/West-Bend-41300-Electronic-Dual-Blade/dp/B002JM0ZWK/ref=sr_1_8?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1317833219&sr=1-8

So there are a few of my fav's...hopefully you can find them helpful as well!