Wednesday, October 13, 2010

peaches n cream

I really am going to miss all the fresh picked fruit that comes with visits to the farmer's market or a friend's backyard. Especially our local peaches. My goodness these are good. My favorite way to eat them is sliced thin with a little bit of milk. Otherwise known as Peaches n Cream.
 Thinly slice one peeled peach into a bowl. (You could leave the skins on if you want.)
 Pour in desired amount of milk, almond milk, or rice milk. Perfect as is. You don't need to add sugar.
Serve and enjoy! How easy is that?! I let mine sit for a bit so that the milk gets peach-flavored.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

talk about comforting


I love the brisk chill of Fall. But after spending long amounts outside, I'm ready to come inside and have something warm and comforting in my tummy. 

The last time we visited my Grandmother, she asked us if we wanted something to eat. She began rattling off the various things she had in her fridge. I had no preference as I wasn't very hungry, but then she said, ". . . leftover Cabbage casserole . . . " and I said, "wait, you mean that stuff made with the cabbage, hamburger, and soy sauce?! I haven't had that since I was a teenager!" My mom made it quite often growing up.

This past week or two, .I've been craving the comforts of home. I pulled out our family cookbook and just like I thought, grandma's cabbage casserole was in there. As I was putting it together and sticking it in the oven, I was filled with so much nostalgia. The smells of a familiar dish, actually brought comfort and happiness to my soul.

This might not be the best thing you've ever had, but for me it tastes every bit of delicious as any of my other beloved favorites. I'm not sure how my grandmother came up with this recipe, but I think what makes it unique from other cabbage casseroles are is its minimal ingredients and the fact that there is no tomato sauce or cheese of any kind. Blech! The combination of ingredients used in this recipe give it an Asian flavor in my opinion.

What are some of your favorite comforting dishes that fill you with nostalgia?

Grandma's Cabbage Casserole
1 lb. hamburger (I used organic grass fed beef)
1 yellow onion, chopped
3 cups chopped cabbage
1-2 carrots, grated
6 cups cooked rice

Sauce:
4 Tbsp. butter
6 Tbsp. brown sugar
4 Tbsp. soy sauce

Saute meat and onion together until cooked. Drain. Mix together with rest of the ingredients in a large bowl. Add sauce and combine until coated evenly. Pout into 9x13 casseole dish and bake at 350 for 1 hour. I cover mine for the first 30 minutes and cook uncovered the last 30 minutes.

Monday, October 11, 2010

yogurt parfaits

We love the yogurt and fruit parfaits. They are easy to make and healthy too. That is, if you use plain lowfat yogurt and not the amazing full fat coconut Liberté that I used last time. . .  that made it a dessert.

Yogurt Parfaits
1.5 cups plain yogurt
2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
1 cup fresh fruit (any variety-the one above just has strawberries)
1 cup granola of choice (we used one with almonds)

Place yogurt in a bowl. Add maple syrup and lemon juice and mix until thoroughly combined. Layer alternately in a parfait glass (or any clear glass you would like to use) the granola, yogurt, and fruit. You can do the layers a number of ways; thin layers, or thick like mine above. You can also use other types of cereal in place of the granola or in a combination. Garnish with a sprig of mint if desired and serve! We love how the maple syrup and lemon juice give the plain yogurt a sweet and flavorful taste.

Monday, October 4, 2010

mpm: week of October 4th

to see other mpms or to add your own go to orgjunkie.com
MONDAY
B:   fruit and yogurt parfaits (recipe to come)
L:   choco-nana shakes :: toast with honey
D:   hootenanny pancakes :: popeye smoothies

TUESDAY
B:   oatmeal :: orange juice
L:   snack platter:  crackers :: cheese :: apples :: almond milk
D:   nachos (recipe to come)

WEDNESDAY
B:   steel-cut oats with apples and pecans
L:   chips and guacamole :: small salad with garden veggies
D:   Pesto-chicken Italiano

THURSDAY
B:   oatmeal :: orange juice
L:   pb&j sandwiches :: kiwi fruit :: almond milk
D:   grilled chicken :: spring mix salad with poppy seed dressing

FRIDAY
B:   fruit and yogurt parfaits
L:   nachos
D:   pizza night :: Pioneer Woman's Tomato-Basil Pizza

SATURDAY
B:   muffins :: orange juice
L:   Pioneer Woman's veggie and cheese bagel
D:   eat out

SUNDAY
B:   cold ceral and milk
L:   trail mix :: apple slices :: turkey slices
D:   fajitas :: homeade refried beans (recipe to come) :: mexican rice