All posts tagged: vegetables

Beets 101

Published by

A lot of people don’t know how to cook beets correctly, so they end up being tasteless blobs that turn your fingers red. This is a short, simple post on how to cook them correctly, which I learned from the PBS Victory Garden cookbook — which is one of the most comprehensive cookbooks on vegetables. Unfortunately I think it’s out of print. 😞 Here’s how to make beets so that they are not only completely tender, but extremely sweet. Cooking them slowly at low heat caramelizes the sugar in them and makes them taste almost like dessert. Roasted Beets This works for any amount of beets.  Our favorite are the golden beets. (yellow) Preheat your oven to 275º (yes, not a typo, only 275) I take a shallow pan, I use a ceramic one, and I cut the stems off the ends and trim any extra stuff. Do not peel them. Place them in the pan, and drizzle about 3 tablespoons of olive oil on top of them, I shake the pan around a bit …

Healthy EASY Coleslaw

Published by

Steve’s Healthy Coleslaw Just in time for 4th of July! My husband has become vigilant in helping find healthy recipes and he loves coleslaw, so here is our version of the summer favorite!  If you like less dressing, use less, or make more dressing if you like your coleslaw “wetter”.  This is WAY better than the pre-made ones full of preservatives and chemicals!   Ingredients: 1 cup Vegenaise:  healthy alternative to mass produced mayonnaise, in frig section at most large stores, or you can use Olive Oil Mayo or best yet, your own homemade mayo! 2 tbl Dijon mustard 4 tbl apple cider vinegar 1 tbl pickle juice ¾ tsp kosher salt 1 tsp onion powder 2 tsp celery seed 16 oz organic coleslaw mix OR 1 medium cabbage shredded and 2 organic carrots shredded (or purple cabbage or any combo thereof) optional:  garnish with cilantro or even add some in Mix all ingredients and combine well, refrigerate for an hour.  Best made ahead, always a good thing!  Happy 4th of July!

Roasted Root Vegetables

Published by

Now that it is autumn, nothing is in season more than root vegetables.  They are a GREAT accompaniment to any meat/fish or poultry. Roasted Root Vegetables are easy to make, healthy to eat, and flexible, in that you can use almost any root vegetable.  Here’s how I make them, and people can’t believe they’re eating something so healthy! Take any favorite root vegetables: Potatoes Sweet Potatoes Turnips Parsnips Carrots Beets (if you do beets, keep them in a separate bag or you’ll have pink veggies!  LOL) add other favorites:  small halved Brussels sprouts, diced onion, rutabaga I use a chopper that makes small squares.  They are available online and most kitchen stores.  Here’s an example of one. I use the larger setting to make even sized squares.  I put them all in a ziploc bag with olive oil, salt, pepper and rosemary.  Shake it up.  Thyme is another spice that works really well with these combos.  Use paprika or pepper if you want.  Add garlic.  There is no wrong way to season, use what you …