CMF Quinoa

Growing up in Bolivia, quinoa was a staple. When I moved to the US to go to college, I missed it so much that every trip home, I always packed a good supply to take back. It was exciting when quinoa started showing up in US stores, and is now everywhere.

I love its unique texture and nutritional benefits.

“Quinoa is considered a complete protein, containing all essential amino acids in a nearly perfect balance. It is also a good source of fiber, and, compared to other grains, is relatively good source of iron, magnesium, calcium, vitamin A and vitamin E. It is easily digested, but it has a relatively low glycemic index value, remaining its sugars are released into the bloodstream slowly, allowing it to provide sustained energy over many hours.”
<i>The Essential Good Food Guide</I>, Margaret Wittenberg

CMF Quinoa
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Servings
4 –6
Servings
4 –6
CMF Quinoa
Print Recipe
Servings
4 –6
Servings
4 –6
Ingredients
Adjust servings:
Units:
Instructions
  1. Place quinoa in a small saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to make popping sounds.
  2. Carefully pour in water; bring to a boil. Turn heat low, cover and cook 20 minutes.
  3. The quinoa seeds will uncurl when they are fully cooked. Turn off heat. Place clean dishtowel (or a couple of paper towels) under the lid to absorb steam. This makes it more "airy" than soggy.
  4. NOTE: Do not add salt until after it is cooked or it won't cook properly.
Recipe Notes

[su_original_recipe]

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Mushroom Barley Risotto

[su_expanding_quote alignment=”right” source_author=”Joel Fuhrman, M.D.” source_title=”Super Immunity” affiliate_link=”http://amazon.to/to come” full_quote=”Consuming mushrooms regularly has been associated with decreased risk of breast, stomach and colorectal cancers…mushrooms stimulate the immune system, prevent DNA damage, slow cancer cell growth.” short_quote=”Consuming mushrooms regularly has been associated with decreased risk of cancers”]

Mushrooms evoke an almost-forgotten childhood memory of tromping through a forest in Austria with my grandfather, breathing in the aroma of wet earth. He had an amazing knowledge, honed through severe hunger having lived through World Wars I and II, not only of mushrooms, but all edible forest plants. Taking those mushrooms into the kitchen to sauté with a little bit of butter made for heavenly bites that I can still savor.

Mushroom Barley Risotto
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Servings
4 - 6
Servings
4 - 6
Mushroom Barley Risotto
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Servings
4 - 6
Servings
4 - 6
Ingredients
Adjust servings:
Units:
Instructions
  1. Heat expeller-pressed canola oil in medium saucepan. Add onion and cook over medium heat until it begins to turn transparent. Add mushrooms and cook until edges of mushrooms are browned.
  2. Add carrots, garlic and barley and cook, mixing for 3 – 5 more minutes.
  3. Add thyme, bay leaves and 2 cups chicken broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until broth is almost absorbed, about 5 minutes. Add remaining broth 1/2 cup at a time; as it gets absorbed, add more until barley is tender, about 45 – 50 minutes.
  4. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  5. Serve with chopped parsley on top.
Recipe Notes

A Color My Food Original Recipe

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Pumpkin Shrimp Curry

“Curry Powder has a number of valuable health benefits, including the prevention of cancer, protection against heart disease, reduces Alzheimer’s disease symptoms, eases pain and inflammation, boosts bone health, and increases the liver’s ability to remove toxins from the body.”

Facts about Curry Powder

Pumpkin Shrimp Curry
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Simply yum. Make it vegan by using red lentils or garbanzo beans instead of shrimp. Or replace shrimp with chicken or even grass-fed beef tips. Onion, garlic, broccoli (or cauliflower) and pumpkin are super foods, loaded with nutrients—making this an immunity boosting dish. Curry and turmeric also have health benefits.
Pumpkin Shrimp Curry
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Simply yum. Make it vegan by using red lentils or garbanzo beans instead of shrimp. Or replace shrimp with chicken or even grass-fed beef tips. Onion, garlic, broccoli (or cauliflower) and pumpkin are super foods, loaded with nutrients—making this an immunity boosting dish. Curry and turmeric also have health benefits.
Ingredients
Adjust servings:
Units:
Instructions
  1. Heat canola oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and ginger; sauté until soft, about 8 minutes. Add garlic; cook for 1 minute. Add curry, coriander, cumin and turmeric; cook, stirring 1 -2 minutes. Stir in plum tomato, pumpkin purée and vegetable broth; and cook about 5 minutes. 3. Add coconut milk, simmer, covered, for 15 minutes. 4. Add shrimp, broccoli, green beans and lime juice and cook over low heat until shrimp, broccoli, and green beans are cooked, about 10 minutes. 5. Add spinach and mix in, cooking an additional 3 – 5 minutes just until it is wilted.
  2. Serve over cooked rice. Top with chopped cilantro, and toasted pumpkin seeds (or chopped nuts) Serve chopped jalapeño or Serrano pepper on the side.
Recipe Notes

Modified from http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/printerfriendly/Pumpkin-Shrimp-Curry-368281" target="_blank">Epicurious: Pumpkin Shrimp Curry

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Dijon Chicken Breasts

This is a quick recipe. You can double it and use left over chicken for sandwiches the next day—cut thin slices and replace processed ham or turkey. Or make a chicken salad with a nice crunch of bell peppers or celery.

Dijon Chicken Breasts
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Servings
4
Servings
4
Dijon Chicken Breasts
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Servings
4
Servings
4
Ingredients
Adjust servings:
Units:
Instructions
  1. Combine first 5 ingredients in heavy large skillet.
  2. Bring to gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Meanwhile, season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  3. Add chicken to skillet. Cover and poach about 15 minutes. Add spinach and cook another 5 minutes until chicken is just cooked through.
  4. Transfer chicken to platter. Boil liquid in skillet until reduced to sauce consistency, about 2 minutes. Pour sauce over chicken and serve.
Recipe Notes

Adapted from Epicurious: Dijon Chicken Breasts

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Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Pancakes

Pancakes made with white flour have a high glycemic index value. This means the starch is converted into sugar and released into the bloodstream quickly. It will spike your blood sugar, setting off a roller coaster as your body releases insulin as to restore balance.

Make your pancakes more nutrient-dense using whole-wheat flour, oats and apple, and always add a bit of fat from nature (chia, ground flaxseed, Greek yogurt, coconut oil or a bit of grass-fed butter)

Oats provide fiber and digest more slowly. This stabilize blood sugar levels and keeps you going longer, feeling more satisfied and energized.

Make extra to freeze for busy mornings, making a pancake “sandwich’

  • Mix 2 tablespoons cream cheese with a bit of  honey and fresh or dried berries
  • Spread nut butter and banana or other fruit
apples with cinnamon
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Pancakes
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Servings
12 4-inch pancakes
Servings
12 4-inch pancakes
apples with cinnamon
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Pancakes
Print Recipe
Servings
12 4-inch pancakes
Servings
12 4-inch pancakes
Ingredients
Toppings
Adjust servings: 4-inch pancakes
Units:
Instructions
  1. In a bowl whisk together 1 cup buttermilk and oats and let the mixture stand for 15 to 20 minutes. (You can mix the night before).
  2. In a large bowl whisk together egg, brown sugar, and apple.
  3. Stir in flour, the baking soda, salt, cinnamon, 2 tablespoons oil, and oat mixture, until well mixed.
  4. Heat a griddle over moderate heat, brush it with butter or coconut oil. Drop the batter (approximately 1/4 cup) on the griddle
  5. Cook the pancakes for 1 to 2 minutes until it starts to bubble. Flip and cook or golden and cooked through.
  6. Serve with topping of choice
Recipe Notes

NOTE:

  • Add 1/4 - 1/3 cup chopped nuts and/or 2 tablespoons of raisins for increased fiber and nutrient density
  • Exchange cinnamon for cardamom or a pinch of allspice or nutmeg

Adapted from Epicurious: Apple and Cinnamon Oatmeal Pancakes.

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Tuscan Salmon with Rosemary Orzo

Tuscan Salmon with Rosemary Orzo
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The flavors and textures in this recipe are visually and tastefully delightful. Serve with a salad of immune boosting seeds/nuts, a chopped green onion or two and greens (spinach, romaine or arugula) tossed with a lime or apple cider vinaigrette and dinner is ready. “Fish is high in important vitamins such as B1 (thiamine), B2 (niacin) and D as well as omega 3 fatty acids. Salmon is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. It is believed that omega 3 fatty acids reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease by increasing the levels of “good” cholesterol and lowering the levels of “bad cholesterol in the body. They’ve been found to prevent blood clots and there is evidence that omega 3 fatty acids help relieve symptoms of arthritis.” Nutrition for Life, Lisa Hark PhD and Darwin Deen, MD. Sadly, increasingly there are health dilemmas associated with eating fish, in particular farmed fish. “Farmed fish are fed fish meal and fish oils because they need proteins and fats to help them grow (wild salmon get the nutrients they need by eating other fish which are small and relatively low in chemical contaminants); but these feeds contain higher concentrations of pollutants called PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls)…Farmed fish have twice the fat and more than twice the saturated fat of their wild counterparts – increasing the levels of PBCs... Their omega-3 content depends entirely on what they are fed and this varies by species and farm. “ To learn more about PBCs “which are a “probable carcinogen visit http://www.clearwater.org/news/pcbhealth.html I believe it is important to be a conscious consumer and in regards to fish, choose to know where the fish comes from, whether is it is farmed or wild., not just for our health but also for that of the fish and the planet. We can make a difference by relying on a fish advisory card (link to http://www.seafoodwatch.org/consumers/seafood-and-your-health) and voting with our forks to only buy fish that is sustainable and healthy.
Tuscan Salmon with Rosemary Orzo
Print Recipe
The flavors and textures in this recipe are visually and tastefully delightful. Serve with a salad of immune boosting seeds/nuts, a chopped green onion or two and greens (spinach, romaine or arugula) tossed with a lime or apple cider vinaigrette and dinner is ready. “Fish is high in important vitamins such as B1 (thiamine), B2 (niacin) and D as well as omega 3 fatty acids. Salmon is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. It is believed that omega 3 fatty acids reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease by increasing the levels of “good” cholesterol and lowering the levels of “bad cholesterol in the body. They’ve been found to prevent blood clots and there is evidence that omega 3 fatty acids help relieve symptoms of arthritis.” Nutrition for Life, Lisa Hark PhD and Darwin Deen, MD. Sadly, increasingly there are health dilemmas associated with eating fish, in particular farmed fish. “Farmed fish are fed fish meal and fish oils because they need proteins and fats to help them grow (wild salmon get the nutrients they need by eating other fish which are small and relatively low in chemical contaminants); but these feeds contain higher concentrations of pollutants called PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls)…Farmed fish have twice the fat and more than twice the saturated fat of their wild counterparts – increasing the levels of PBCs... Their omega-3 content depends entirely on what they are fed and this varies by species and farm. “ To learn more about PBCs “which are a “probable carcinogen visit http://www.clearwater.org/news/pcbhealth.html I believe it is important to be a conscious consumer and in regards to fish, choose to know where the fish comes from, whether is it is farmed or wild., not just for our health but also for that of the fish and the planet. We can make a difference by relying on a fish advisory card (link to http://www.seafoodwatch.org/consumers/seafood-and-your-health) and voting with our forks to only buy fish that is sustainable and healthy.
Ingredients
Adjust servings:
Units:
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400.
  2. Cook orzo as directed on package until al dente. Drain and place in a bowl and cover with clean dishcloth to keep warm.
  3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook 1/2 cup onion and rosemary until onion softens, 9 minutes. Combine with orzo in a bowl.
  4. Brush a roasting pan with 1 tablespoon olive oil and place salmon fillet, skin side down in roasting pan.
  5. While salmon is roasting, heat skillet again with 1 tablespoon olive oil and cook remaining 1 cup onion until translucent, add tomatoes, mixing occasionally until they start to burst – about 3 -4 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in parsley and basil. Season with salt and pepper
  6. Spread orzo on a platter, place salmon on top and spread tomato mixture on top of salmon. Serve
Recipe Notes

Modified from Epicurious: Tuscan Salmon with Rosemary

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Cilantro Pesto

This pesto really dresses up roasted fish fillets or broiled chicken breasts. It makes a delicious spread for wraps or sandwiches, and can also be used as a dip with pita chips. Mix it with an equal amount of soft goat cheese and it becomes a popular dinner party appetizer.

For a special dinner, use pistachio nuts instead of walnuts. The cardamom is optional but truly enhances the aromatic flavor making each bite a delight to the senses.

[su_expanding_quote alignment=”right” source_author=”Margaret Wittenberg” source_title=”The Essential Good Food Guide” affiliate_link=”c” full_quote=”Cilantro is a good source of vitamin K. About 1/4 cup of cilantro has 16 percent of the daily intake of vitamin K for an adult. Your body stores the vitamin K you ingest in fatty tissue for times of need. The nutrient is essential for blood coagulation, necessary when you cut yourself. Along with calcium and other nutrients, vitamin K also promotes healthy bones. It also has antibacterial properties.” short_quote=”Cilantro is a good source of vitamin K.”] [su_expanding_quote alignment=”left” source_author=”Joe Fuhrman, M.D.” source_title=”Super Immunity: The Essential Guide for Boosting your Body’s Defenses to Live Longer, Stronger and Disease Free” affiliate_link=”c” full_quote=”Walnuts have served medicinal purposes for millennia. Modern science confirms nuts actually prevent and reverse disease; hundreds of medicinal studies demonstrate nuts dramatically extend life and protect against disease.*
Walnuts are one of the only plant foods that contains appreciable amounts of omega-3 fatty acid (omega 3 helps increase immunity, reduce inflammation and risk of cardiovascular disease. They also high in phytochemicals which given them high amounts of antioxidants” short_quote=”Walnuts have served medicinal purposes for millennia.”]

 

Variations

  • Can use almonds, pecans, pistachio instead of walnuts
  • Can use parsley, kale, spinach, arugula instead of cilantro
Cilantro Pesto
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Prep Time
15 minutes
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cilantro Pesto
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Prep Time
15 minutes
Prep Time
15 minutes
Ingredients
Adjust servings:
Units:
Instructions
  1. Toast the walnuts over medium heat in a saucepan for about 5 minutes. Cool.
  2. Put 1/2 cup olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cardamom and salt in food processor or blender.
  3. Trim ends off cilantro tips and chop coarsely. Place half of cilantro leaves in processor. Using on/off turns, process until smooth. If too chunky, add 2 tablespoons of water.
  4. Add remaining cilantro and process until smooth.
  5. Season with pepper.
Recipe Notes

Recipe adapted from Epicurious: Chicken breasts with Pistachio cilantro Pesto

 

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Eggplant Red Bell Pepper Dip with Almonds

This is hugely popular as an appetizer with pita chips for dinner parties. I also use it as a spread on toasts or wraps – add some spinach leaves and maybe a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds — for a snack or even lunch.

Red bell pepper is a rich source of lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoid vitamins related to vitamin A and beta-carotene. “A number of studies have shown an inverse relationship between dietary intake of foods rich in lutein/zeaxanthin and the incidence of age-related macular degeneration. Prevention of tis devastating visual disability is most likely a lifelong job. The earlier you start, the better off your retina will be. At the same time, it’s never too late to take action.”

SuperFoods Rx: Fourteen Foods that Will Change Your Life, Steven Pratt MD and Kathy Matthews

Eggplant Red Bell Pepper Dip with Almonds
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I modified the original recipe to include almonds; not only does it become more delicious, it boosts the nutritional value. “Almonds are a powerful source of protein, 1/4 cup of almonds contains 7.6 grams of protein – more than a large egg, which contains 6 grams. Almonds also contain riboflavin, iron, potassium and magnesium…are an excellent source of biotin, a B vitamin essential to the metabolism of both sugar and fat. 1/4 cup provides 75% of your body’s daily requirement of this nutrient, which promotes skin health as well as energy levels”. Superfoods Rx: Fourteen Foods that Will Change Your Life, Steven Pratt MD, and Kathy Matthews
Servings
2 cups
Servings
2 cups
Eggplant Red Bell Pepper Dip with Almonds
Print Recipe
I modified the original recipe to include almonds; not only does it become more delicious, it boosts the nutritional value. “Almonds are a powerful source of protein, 1/4 cup of almonds contains 7.6 grams of protein – more than a large egg, which contains 6 grams. Almonds also contain riboflavin, iron, potassium and magnesium…are an excellent source of biotin, a B vitamin essential to the metabolism of both sugar and fat. 1/4 cup provides 75% of your body’s daily requirement of this nutrient, which promotes skin health as well as energy levels”. Superfoods Rx: Fourteen Foods that Will Change Your Life, Steven Pratt MD, and Kathy Matthews
Servings
2 cups
Servings
2 cups
Ingredients
Adjust servings: cups
Units:
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Coat eggplant and bell peppers lightly with 1 tablespoon olive oil and arrange on prepped baking pan
  2. Roast vegetables, turning once or twice, for 30 to 40 minutes, or until eggplant is very soft and bell peppers are charred.
  3. While vegetables are roasting, toast almonds in a skillet on the stovetop over medium flame. Cool.
  4. Transfer peppers to a metal bowl and cover with the aluminum foil from the baking pan. Let steam them steam, covered until cool.
  5. Grind cooled almonds in food processer. Set aside.
  6. Peel and seed bell peppers, cut in quarters.
  7. Peel eggplant and put flesh in a food processor. Add bell peppers, remaining 1/4 cup olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and jalapeño.
  8. Season with salt and pepper to taste and combine well.
  9. Cool dip and chill, covered, at least 1 day and up to 1 week.
Recipe Notes

Adapted from Epicuriuos: Roasted Red Pepper and Eggplant

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Making Breakfast Easy

In just a few minutes, make breakfast the night before, and it’s ready in the morning. If you haven’t tried overnight oats before, this is a great recipe to start with. I love Angela Liddon’s website  Oh She Glows;  although I don’t think I will ever be vegan, I’ve made many recipes from her website. Her cookbook is one of only three I have in my kitchen—that’s how much I use it.

There are innumerous recipes for overnight oats. The more I make them, the more concoctions I come up with depending on fresh and frozen fruits (and nuts) I have on hand.

If you don’t like the texture simply skip the chia seeds. Instead sprinkle a tablespoon or two of ground flaxseeds and mix in right before eating.

Overnight Oats
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Servings
1 bowl
Servings
1 bowl
Overnight Oats
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Servings
1 bowl
Servings
1 bowl
Ingredients
Suggested toppings
Adjust servings: bowl
Units:
Instructions
  1. In a small bowl, mash the banana until almost smooth. Now stir in the chia seeds and cinnamon until combined.
  2. Stir in the oats, almond milk, and vanilla (if using). Cover and refrigerate overnight, or a minimum of 2 hours.
  3. In the morning, stir the oat mixture to combine. If your Vegan Overnight Oats have a runny consistency even after they soak, simply stir in an additional 1 tablespoon chia seeds and place the mixture back in the fridge until it has thickened up. If the oat mixture is too thick, simply add a splash of milk and stir to combine.
Recipe Notes

Source: Oh She Glows

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Steamed Broccoli with Avocado and Sesame Seeds

Broccoli belongs to the cruciferous vegetable family. Named for their flowers, which have four equally spaced petals in the shape of a cross (Latin word crucifer means “cross-bearer”) these vegetables include kale, cabbage, collards and broccoli, cauliflower and turnips. I try to incorporate at least one cruciferous vegetable into our meals regularly.

[su_expanding_quote_book alignment=”right” source_author=”Joel Fuhrman, M.D. ” source_title=”Super Immunity” full_quote=”Cruciferous vegetables are twice as powerful as other plant foods. They have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-cancer benefits. Studies show that they detoxify and/or remove carcinogenic compounds. A 20% increase in cruciferous vegetables intake corresponds to a 40% decrease in cancer rates. ” short_quote=”Cruciferous vegetables are twice as powerful as other plant foods.”]
Steamed Broccoli with Avocado and Sesame Seeds
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Servings Prep Time
4 servings 15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Servings Prep Time
4 servings 15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Steamed Broccoli with Avocado and Sesame Seeds
Print Recipe
Servings Prep Time
4 servings 15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Servings Prep Time
4 servings 15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Ingredients
Adjust servings: servings
Units:
Instructions
  1. Trim off tough end of broccoli stem. Peel remaining stem and cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Cut broccoli into 2-inch florets.
  2. Steam broccoli, covered, until crisp-tender, 4 to 5 minutes.
  3. While broccoli is steaming, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste in a small bowl, mix in minced garlic.
  4. Peel avocado and cut into bite-size pieces.
  5. In a bowl toss broccoli and avocado with oil/garlic mixture. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top and serve.
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