Last updated by at .

Pasta with Leeks, Peas, Feta, and Roasted Red Pepper Romesco

16. January 2013 · Write a comment · Categories: Cooking, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian · Tags: , , , , , , ,

My recipe, Gluten-Free Pasta with Leeks, Peas, Feta, & Roasted Red Pepper Romesco, is over on GFreeLaura today!

gluten free pasta with roasted red pepper sauce 1024x554 Pasta with Leeks, Peas, Feta, and Roasted Red Pepper Romesco

I found GFreeLaura through Twitter awhile back and tweeted her to say I loved her bio slogan: “Young, wild & #glutenfree.” That turned into us planning guest posts for each others’ blogs since we both share a love of the gluten-free lifestyle.

roasted red pepper romesco 1024x874 Pasta with Leeks, Peas, Feta, and Roasted Red Pepper Romesco

And a quick funny story about this recipe: I had a red pepper on hand, as well as gluten-free pasta and leeks left over from butternut squash mac and cheese with leeks, so I used my handy dandy sourcing skills and performed a Boolean search on Google for a fitting recipe:

(noodles OR pasta) AND “red pepper” AND leeks

I then tweeted my old boss the following: “I now use #Boolean searches for everyday things, like finding recipes on Google. #sourcerproblems.”

His response: “@cmroman Ah we raised you well. #perfectstudent #sourcing.” Haha!

gluten free pasta with feta peas and leeks 1024x682 Pasta with Leeks, Peas, Feta, and Roasted Red Pepper Romesco

 

Fried Cauliflower Rice

28. December 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Cooking, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian · Tags: , , ,

They say you are what you eat, so I may turn into a cauliflower soon. In one evening, I made cauliflower rice, butternut squash cauliflower risotto, and cauliflower fritters (which taste like potato latkes!).

Cauliflower “rice” has been been floating around the blogosphere for some time now, so I decided it was time to take the plunge and try it out. Even if you’re not super nutrition-conscious, it’s hard to ignore these stats:

rice vs cauliflower Fried Cauliflower Rice

Not to mention that the cauliflower rice is SO good!

Ingredients

  • 1/2 head of cauliflower
  • 1/2 bag of frozen peas and carrots
  • 1/2 medium onion
  • 2 eggs
  • Soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and/or sriracha for seasoning
  • Canola oil

DSC 0549 1024x682 Fried Cauliflower Rice

Instructions

In a bowl, thaw frozen peas and carrots. Clean and dry cauliflower thoroughly, then destem and chop into bite-sized chunks. Use a food processor on the pulse setting or a knife to chop cauliflower into rice-sized pieces.* Finely chop half a medium onion and saute over medium-low with canola oil until translucent (4-5 minutes). Add peas and carrots, and cook until the water evaporates (1-2 minutes). Add 2 scrambled eggs and cook fully. Add cauliflower “rice” and cook over medium-high, adding several dashes each of soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sriracha, if you like spicy foods. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes or until cauliflower is crispy.

DSC 0551 1024x748 Fried Cauliflower Rice

Notes

In order to ensure crispy, not soggy ingredients:

  • Use a large skillet so the ingredients aren’t crowded
  • You may need to cook the cauliflower rice in two batches
  • Use canola oil (not olive oil); add more if needed for added crunch
  • Make sure that the cauliflower is dry
  • Don’t overstir!

You can also add chicken or pork to the dish to make it more hearty!

DSC 0552 1024x942 Fried Cauliflower Rice

*This step can be a bit tedious if you don’t have a food processor, so share the task with a friend or rock out (carefully) to Stereo Love on Pandora

 

 

Apple Cheddar Tartine with Spicy Mustard

13. December 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Cooking, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian · Tags: , , , ,



DSC 05611 1024x721 Apple Cheddar Tartine with Spicy Mustard

If you had shown me this recipe or given me this open-faced apple cheddar sandwich a year ago, I would have politely wholeheartedly declined. Sweet apples, sharp cheddar, and spicy mustard? Nooooo thanks (says former me).

But current me says, “The sweetness and slight crunch of the Gonagold apples, the sharpness of the New York cheddar, and the spiciness of the mustard? Bring it on!”

Add to the pretty amazing mix of flavors the fact that this is insanely easy to make- pretty much a winner for a snack or as part of a meal!

Just spread bread (gluten-free if you need) with spicy mustard then layer with thinly sliced apples and sharp cheddar. Broil until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted. 

DSC 0560 1024x682 Apple Cheddar Tartine with Spicy Mustard

P.S. For a more hearty snack or meal (albeit not vegetarian), consider adding sliced chicken a la Iowa Girl Eats.

Easy Masala Simmer Soup

17. October 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Cooking, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian · Tags: , , , , , , , ,

I recently had half a package of firm tofu left over from another recipe, so I decided to make an Indian meal with it. Luckily, I found a jar of Trader Joe’s Masala Simmer Sauce in the back of my pantry. After a quick Google search, I stumbled across a recipe for Quick Indian Soup from Inside the Kaganoff Kitchen.

masala simmer sauce trader joes Easy Masala Simmer SoupThe star of the show

Here is my adapted version:

  • Firm tofu, pressed and cubed
  • Trader Joe’s Masala Simmer Sauce (you can use another brand, but I prefer TJ’s!)
  • Onions, diced
  • Carrots, sliced
  • Broth or bouillon
  • Rice (I used Cashew Basmati microwavable rice from Target)
  • Hot pepper, chopped (optional)
  • Canned tomatoes (I didn’t have any but I bet they’d be good!)

In a pot, cook onions and carrots in olive oil over medium until onions are translucent. Add simmer sauce and two cups of broth or two cups of water with two bouillon cubes. Simmer on medium-low until carrots are soft. Add tofu and heated rice; simmer until all ingredients are warmed.

Easy Masala Simmer SoupPhoto credit

[Potentially] On the Menu for the Week

16. October 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Cooking, Gluten-Free, On the Menu, Vegetarian · Tags: , ,

I haven’t been cooking religiously for a few weeks, but I’ve been feeling the pull to get back in the kitchen recently. It doesn’t hurt that tons of interesting recipes caught my eye this week!
PicMonkey Collage1 [Potentially] On the Menu for the Week

Photo credits: 1, 2, 3

Fall Soup Roundup

04. October 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Cooking, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian · Tags: , , , , , , ,

I’m getting my wisdom teeth out today (ohh, the joys!), so I planned ahead by prepping several different soup varieties to tide me over until I can eat solid foods again.

Here’s what I’ll be eating by the bowlful as I watch Friends, sneak new episodes of Luther, and tweet about my pain (just kidding, I’ll try to abstain from such pointless updates):

(Note: click the soup title for the recipe)

Rainbow chili

Fall Soup RoundupPhoto credit

Zucchini & yellow squash soup

Fall Soup RoundupPhoto credit

Sweet potato, kale, & chicken soup

Fall Soup RoundupPhoto credit

Spiced tomato bean soup

Fall Soup RoundupPhoto credit

 I made several adjustments for each recipe. For example, I didn’t use flour in the zucchini yellow squash soup and I replaced chickpeas with red kidney beans in the spiced tomato bean soup.

On the Menu for the Week

15. August 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Cooking, Gluten-Free, On the Menu, Vegetarian · Tags: , , , , , ,

DSC 00131 On the Menu for the Week

Heart of palm salad from my Pinterest to Plate cooking extravaganza

Quesadillas with feta, refried beans, spinach, and kale

Quinoa and turkey stuffed peppers from Bethenny

Artichokes with melted butter

Gluten-free pizza cupcakes with buffalo chicken meatballs from Trader Joe’s

Carrots with Alouette spinach artichoke spreadable cheese

Salads with walnuts, feta, and hard boiled eggs

Indian leftovers

Watermelon + peaches

 

 

Recap: Pinterest to Plate

13. August 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Cooking, Food & Drink, Gluten-Free, Life Updates & Recaps, Raleigh, North Carolina, Vegetarian · Tags: , , , , ,

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I was invited by the Marketing Manager of Wilkinson Supply Co, a local kitchen and bathroom supply company, to come to their on-site showroom and whip up a recipe that I found on Pinterest.

On Friday, I dropped by Trader Joe’s to pick up a few treats for the showroom crew, then headed to the building off Capital Blvd at 2pm. I took off two hours later after making this cheesy chicken & wild rice casserole and this heart of palm salad, touring the showroom, giving samples of my food to employees, and chatting about everything from Tutti Frutti to Ivy and Leo to Michael Franti to an infomerical for an interesting feminine product…

The highlights of my day:

DSC 00011 1024x821 Recap: Pinterest to PlateTreats for Wilkinson Supply Co employees [apple cider, sparkling blood orange juice, yogurt covered almonds, and mini milk chocolate peanut butter cups]

DSC 00431 1024x682 Recap: Pinterest to PlateMy state-of-the-art kitchen for the day! I had some serious kitchen envy and (half) joked that it would be hard for me to return to my normal kitchen, which doesn’t have an amazing induction stove top that boils water in about two minutes (though I don’t think I can afford one any time soon!).

DSC 00021 1024x670 Recap: Pinterest to PlateAll the ingredients for the cheesy chicken casserole [I made a failed modified cheese sauce since the original one called for flour and I wanted something gluten-free]

DSC 00031 1024x634 Recap: Pinterest to PlateIngredients for the heart of palm, tomato, and avocado salad [not pictured- cilantro and scallions]

DSC 00071 1024x682 Recap: Pinterest to Plate Chopping onions for the chicken casserole

DSC 00081 1024x619 Recap: Pinterest to PlateWe saved time by using Ready Rice [microwave for 90 seconds] and roasted chicken from Trader Joe’s

DSC 00111 1024x682 Recap: Pinterest to PlatePretty cool microwave!

DSC 00101 1024x682 Recap: Pinterest to PlateSauteing onions, carrots, and celery on the amazing gas stove [I wish I had let them saute for a bit longer]

DSC 00121 1024x682 Recap: Pinterest to PlateLayering the casserole [chicken, rice, and vegetables]

DSC 00151 1024x518 Recap: Pinterest to PlateThe convection oven was so cool- it has tons of settings for different dishes. We chose generic casserole for mine

DSC 00281 1024x682 Recap: Pinterest to PlateTotal cook time? About 10 minutes for an entire casserole. Crazy!

DSC 00131 1024x682 Recap: Pinterest to PlateI loved this easy heart of palm salad and it was fun to introduce some of the employees to a new food icon smile Recap: Pinterest to Plate

——

At the end of the day, employees came by the open kitchen to sample the casserole and salad. I heard a lot of oohs and aahs, so hopefully they really liked everything! My verdict: I loved the salad and would make it again in a heartbeat. I felt more neutral about the casserole [partly because of the lack of cheese sauce!], but I would make it again with several changes, including more spices. It would make a great easy dinner if you buy the chicken pre-roasted and microwavable rice, like we did.

Overall, I spent the day pretending I lived in a house with an amazing, state-of-the-art kitchen [who cares about the rest of the house?!]; meeting a fun group of employees; and trying out two new recipes. Definitely winning [I refuse to let that phrase die!].

Thank you so much to Janelle and the rest of the Wilkinson Supply Co for this cool, unique opportunity. I had a blast!

Connect with Wilkinson Supply Co:

Pinterest // Twitter // Blog

 

Cajun Sausage, Lentil, & Tomato Soup

09. August 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Cooking, Gluten-Free · Tags: , , , , ,

I always keep several boxes of Zatarain’s jambalaya in my pantry because it’s an easy meal to make and can be adapted easily by adding onions, peppers, zucchini, shrimp, and/or sausage. But occasionally, I’m not in the mood for jambalaya but I still want a New Orleans-inspired dish that incorporates Andouille sausage. And that’s where this soup comes in! As per usual, it’s less of a recipe and more unmeasured inspiration. As I always say, soups are hard to fu mess up icon smile Cajun Sausage, Lentil, & Tomato Soup

  • Onion, chopped
  • Diced canned tomatoes
  • Lentils, washed
  • Broth, vegetable or chicken 
  • Cajun seasoning {pre-mixed or homemade}
  • Fully cooked Andouille sausage, chopped

Place uncooked lentils in a medium sized pot and cover with cold water {use a 2 to 1 ratio of water to lentils}. Add chopped onion. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to low and simmer until the lentils are tender. Add broth, cajun seasoning, diced tomatoes, and sausage; simmer until lentils are completely cooked and flavors are well-blended.

Save it for a rainy day or throw caution to the wind and eat it on the hottest day of the summer icon smile Cajun Sausage, Lentil, & Tomato Soup

Pinterest to Plate

30. July 2012 · 3 comments · Categories: Blogging, Cooking, Food & Drink, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian · Tags: , , , , ,

I was contacted recently by Wilkinson Supply Co for a neat blog opportunity that’s right up my alley. The kitchen and bathroom supply company periodically invites a chef or food blogger into their facilities to prepare a recipe in their state-of-the-art kitchen.

I get to browse Pinterest, pick a recipe to make, and pretend to be a professional cook for a day? Of course I said yes right away.

Screen shot 2012 07 27 at 11.46.32 AM Pinterest to Plate

But I need your help! What’s your favorite Pinterest-inspired recipe {preferably gluten-free}, either one you’ve made or been dying to try? Shoot me the link in the comments or via email, text, Twitter, gchat, telepathic message, etc. If I choose your recipe, I’ll be sure to link to your blog as a way of saying thanks icon smile Pinterest to Plate

Check out the previous Pinterest to Plate blog posts and follow Wilkinson Supply Co’s Pinterest board!

pixel Pinterest to Plate
« Older articles
+Cristina Roman