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Spicy Butternut Squash & Tofu Masala

26. November 2012 · 2 comments · Categories: Cooking, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian · Tags: , , , , , , ,

DSC 0576 1024x787 Spicy Butternut Squash & Tofu Masala

Remember how I used to make tofu masala relatively frequently? I decided to revamp the recipe to include butternut squash, which means I have another easy fall recipe for you!

Ingredients

  • 1 block of firm tofu
  • 1 jar of Trader Joe’s Masala Simmer Sauce
  • 1/2 butternut squash
  • 1 leek
  • 1/2 onion
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Dried red chili peppers
  • Soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil (all optional)
DSC 0573 1024x725 Spicy Butternut Squash & Tofu Masala

Preparation

1. Press tofu (you can do this with a tool like the Tofu Xpress or with this method)

2. If desired, marinate pressed tofu with soy sauce (gluten-free if need be), garlic, rice vinegar, olive oil, and/or sesame oil for added flavor

3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cut butternut squash in half and remove seeds (put aside for my next recipe!). Drizzle with olive oil, salt, pepper, and dried red chili pepper flakes. Put in baking pan with about an inch of water on bottom. Roast half of the squash until tender, about 30 minutes. Cut into bite-sized cubes.

4. Trim, clean, and slice leeks. Peel and chop onion. In a skillet over medium low, saute leeks and onion with olive oil and red chili peppers until tender.

5. Add all other ingredients (tofu, butternut squash, and masala sauce) to the skillet and simmer for 20-30 minutes.

Enjoy over rice (gluten-free) or with naan (unfortunately not gluten-free)!

DSC 0582 1024x682 Spicy Butternut Squash & Tofu Masala
P.S. Ever used a Tofu Xpress? I hadn’t until I moved in with my roommate, who has one. It’s a pretty convenient little contraption that presses the water out of tofu, making it better for grilling and baking. It can also be used to press water out of things like sliced eggplant (I used it for eggplant moussaka the other day) and thawed spinach or kale (which I did for this spiced lentil kale soup from Oh She Glows). It comes for the pretty hefty price tag of about $39. It’s nice to have in the kitchen, but I’m not sure I’d paid that much for it! So thanks, roommate icon smile Spicy Butternut Squash & Tofu Masala

Fun Food (& Drink) Finds

19. October 2012 · 2 comments · Categories: Food & Drink, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian · Tags: , , , ,

Last Sunday, I went to Trader Joe’s for the first time in way too long! I stocked (overstocked?!) up on my usual food items, but discovered a few new items to test out.
PicMonkey Collage Fun Food (& Drink) Finds
From top, clockwise: Pumpkin Cream Cheese ($2.99 for 7 oz), Instant Miso Soup ($3.29 for 4 packages), Pumpkin Spice Rooibos ($3.99 for 20 bags), Inner Peas ($1.29), and Spicy Jalapeno Chicken Sausage ($3.99 for 5 sausages).

I’ll be spreading the cream cheese on rice cakes and possibly baking with it, throwing vegetables and meat into the miso soup to make it more filling, serving the pumpkin tea with a tiny bit of honey, trying not to eat the whole bag of Inner Peas as a snack, and eating the chicken sausages in soup or served on gluten-free bread with onions, peppers, and Frank’s Red Hot.

Have you tried any of these products? What are your favorite Trader Joe’s finds?

P.S. Did you know that Trader Joe’s will open any product for you to sample? I can’t remember where I read that but I asked to do it for the pumpkin cream cheese and they were very gracious about it. That stuff is aaaamzing, so I immediately threw it into my cart! Don’t forget the tip about bringing your own bag too.

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

instagrammed meals

08. June 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Cooking, Food & Drink, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian · Tags: , , , , ,

I’ve had such a busy week [tennis, meetings, business planning, a field trip to Lake Johnson, Triangle Restaurant Week at Chamas, etc] so I haven’t been cooking very elaborate meals for lunch or dinner. Here’s an overview of some of my simple, thrown-together snacks and meals this week!
b8bb224eaf2e11e1a8761231381b4856 7 instagrammed meals Edamame pulled from the freezer, sprinkled with sea salt, and defrosted over night then microwaved for ~30 seconds at snacktime

Sharp cheddar cheese cut into cubes and thrown into an Easter egg!

Cherries from the Dupont Farmers’ Market
simple vegetable marinaded salad instagrammed meals A delicious simple summer salad: chopped tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and corn cut off the cob with olive oil, gluten-free soy sauce, sea salt, pepper, dried red chili peppers, and garlic powder
whole meal instagrammed meals Edamame pulled from the freezer, sprinkled with sea salt, and defrosted over night then microwaved for ~30 seconds at snacktime

Salted tomato slices

Cheddar cheese cubes

Trader Joe’s Organic Foursome vegetable medley

Pan-fried Harris Teeter sun-dried tomato polenta with a scoop of ricotta and sun-dried tomatoes

lunch instagrammed meals

Round two of sun-dried tomato polenta

Pickled cucumbers, carrots, and edamame {recipe to come}

Green olives

—–

Also on this week’s list of “gluten-free wins”: I went to a luncheon and was faced with two options: a light salad or a sandwich. I filled up my plate with salad and then grabbed a tuna sandwich; I put the filling of the tuna sandwich on top of my salad and set the bread aside. Yes, it’s wasteful and no, it wouldn’t work for a Celiac but a gluten-free girl’s gotta  be creative!

—–

In other news!

happy birthdaycursive instagrammed meals

to my friend Sara D!

changing consumer behaviors: the dc bag tax

09. May 2012 · 4 comments · Categories: Thought of the Day · Tags: , , , , , , , ,

reusable grocery bags changing consumer behaviors: the dc bag tax
Did you know if you bring reusable bags to Trader Joe’s, you can enter their BYOB (bag) raffle for $100 worth of groceries? When I was shopping there the other day, I asked the cashier how many people enter. She said they estimate it to be 30,000 per month! That number- much higher than I expected- got me thinking about measures that businesses and governments implement to change consumers’ behaviors.

While I was living in Washington, DC, the city implemented a city-wide bag tax- called the Anacostia River Clean Up and Protection Act of 2009- meaning $.05 was charged for each disposable bag a consumer received from a retailer. $.01 of this revenue went to the retailer and $.04 to a government-run Anacostia River clean-up project.

The bag tax was heralded as a win-win-win. Consumers had an incentive to change their behaviors; businesses paid less money for plastic and paper bags; and the Anacostia River would be cleaned up if people didn’t change their consumption habits. Also importantly, consumers had a relatively easy choice in the matter: don’t make an effort and pay the fee or bring a bag and save $.05. In a way, it was an optional tax.

According to an article in the Washington Post, the bag tax netted $2 million, which was half of the expected amount. This is interpreted to mean that consumers changed their habits, opting to bring reusable bags instead of spending $.05. Some studies claimed that this was a negative result, but the tax naturally pans out with more revenue netted and the same amount of bags consumed or less revenue but fewer bags consumed; by nature, it can’t be both. The Washington Times adds that “A city official said the fee has already made a positive impact by reducing the amount of garbage in the river.” Estimates say the amount of trash  produced by bags in the river was reduced by 50%. Another study showed that overall, “customers used 3.3 billion bags in one month, compared to an estimated 22.5 billion being used prior to the law taking effect.”

As with any law, there’s been some fall-out (though some of it is debatable): As I mentioned, opponents state that the lower-than-expected levels of revenue are a negative outcome, but I would disagree with that point based on the rationale above. According to studies, purchases in Washington, DC decreased because of the law; this allegation is contended by many proponents of the tax. One assertion against the law may have some merit though- as one snarky commentor said, “D.C.’s poor and elderly who rely on public transportation aren’t likely to have a Subaru Outback or Volvo station wagon in which to keep all of their Life is Good canvas bags handy.” Additionally, opponents claim that the majority of reusable grocery bags contain unsanitary amounts of bacteria because they are rarely cleaned.

Overall, yet another interesting example of an argument having two valid sides. As for me: I will continue to bring my reusable grocery bag to Trader Joe’s in the hopes that I will one day win the coveted bag of groceries! And I just might pop my bag into the washing machine every so often too icon smile changing consumer behaviors: the dc bag tax

Another good example of a business positively reinforcing beneficial behaviors: Starbucks subtracts $.10 every time you bring your own cup! You get a discount, they buy fewer cups: win win!

Would the bag tax encourage you to bring your own reusable bag? Know of any other interesting taxes or measures that encourage more conscious consumerism? Does positive reinforcement (like the Starbucks discount) or negative punishment (like the bag tax) work better for you? 

punishment reinforcement changing consumer behaviors: the dc bag tax

on the menu for the week

07. May 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: On the Menu · Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

A few new(ish) ones:

Plus some snacks:

  • Pistachios
  • Fiberful Ends & Pieces
  • Watermelon
  • Chobani

A few things I didn’t get around to making the past few weeks:

And lastly, a few of my go to favorites:

a week of “cupboard meals”

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

As you know, I was determined to not go grocery shopping this week and instead make meals from the ingredients my cupboards, fridge, and freezer. Mission accomplished (minus the $5 taco buffet at the Dos Taquitos Margarita Run!).

Among the less interesting things I consumed: rice cakes with cream cheese {which are surprisingly filling}, apple sauce, veggies {like cherry tomatoes, carrots, and bell peppers} with homemade sour cream veggie dip, honey sesame cashews, trail mix, and almonds.

But I also put together some interesting food combos:

Not half bad for a week of eating at home. And I still got plenty of vegetables in icon smile a week of cupboard meals

end of the week lunchbox meal

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

What do you get when you’re trying to clean out your fridge for Friday’s lunch because you know you’ll be eating out all weekend? A very random assortment of thrown-together sampler-sized dishes!

My friend is coming to Raleigh for his spring break…and St. Patty’s Day! I know we’re going to be grabbing dinner out {I need to introduce him to Raleigh Times pork nachos!}, as well as probably brunch and late night snacks icon smile end of the week lunchbox meal

Sooo I was determined to clear out my fridge. Several things went into the freezer, several stayed put for next week, and most went into my motley lunch.

screen shot 2012 03 15 at 10 12 15 pm end of the week lunchbox meal

Cherry tomatoes and carrots with ranch dipping sauce

A mini marinated caprese salad

An Italian sausage sauteed with onions and peppers, drenched in Buffalo sauce, and served with potato wedges

A small cup of South African Smoke tomato leek soup {recipe to come!}

——–

flyer southafricansmoke end of the week lunchbox mealWondering what this South African Smoke thing I keep referring to is? Another Trader Joe’s gem, just like 21 Seasoning Salute! It’s a very well-priced seasoning grinder that, according to the link, “begins with African-grown paprika that is slow-smoked for 48 hours over a sustainable African hardwood called Acacia Saligna, commonly used as barbecue coals. This process enriches the paprika with a smoky, roasted flavor that evokes the South African braai, or barbecue.” It also contains sea salt, garlic and basil.

Image credit

Photo credits 1, 2, 3, 4

from store to store

10. March 2012 · 2 comments · Categories: Food & Drink · Tags: , , , , , ,

storewars logo from store to store Photo credit

I recently saw this article, entitled “What to Buy and What to Skip at Trader Joe’s,” and immediately sent it to my friend Sarah, who did an article on grocery store vs farmers’ market pricing when we were in college.

So as I was bouncing around from store to store this weekend, I decided to jot down a few prices.

A cauliflower- organic or not- is $3.49 at Harris Teeter and only $2.69 at Target. Canned tomatoes are $1.24 at Target but $1.44 at Harris Teeter. Chobani Greek yogurt is $1.22 at Target and $1.38 at Harris Teeter.

Let’s take a look at the difference in the Chobani pricing. It’s a difference of $.16 per container. Let’s say you eat one for breakfast each weekday morning for a year- $.16 x 5 x 52 (weeks per year) = $41.60.

If you had shopped at Target, you would have saved $41.60 over the course of a year. Say you get paid $20 per hour- that’s just two hours of work over the course of a whole year (out of a total of 8,750 hours).

But on the other hand, we’re only talking about one item. Let’s say you save an average of $.16 per item on 40 items each week. That’s now $332.80, which could almost get you a cruise to the Bahamas!

But think about these important factors and their value to you:

  • Your time- running from store to store takes time; think about it in terms of opportunity cost from econ class icon smile from store to store
  • Gas- Target is about 12 minutes from me, so it expends quite a bit of gas over the course of a year
  • Experience- Where do you have a better experience? How important is that to you? I love going to Trader Joe’s and Harris Teeter, but could live without the customer service at Target
  • Quality- Are you willing to pay a premium at a grocery store that you consider to be higher quality than another? Are you willing to pay for perceived quality as well?
  • Ethics- Likewise, are you willing to pay a premium at a grocery store that you consider to be more ethical than another?

21 seasoning vegetable pasta

02. March 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Cooking, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian · Tags: , , , , ,

zucchinipasta 21 seasoning vegetable pasta Photo credit

Did you read “21 seasoning” and feel a little overwhelmed? Don’t! This is the easiest recipe ever.

Remember when I wrote about Trader Joe’s 21 Seasoning Salute and the soup I made with it? Well, I was determined to make a delicious pasta dish using only this seasoning. Success!

You can really use any vegetables for this {cauliflower and broccoli would be good} but here’s what I did:

Prepare pasta {gluten-free if you’d like} according to directions. Reserve some of the pasta water. Set aside.

Drizzle a skillet with olive oil. Over medium, saute a shallot, half an onion, and half a leek until they begin to caramelize. Add in chopped zucchini, yellow squash, and sun-dried tomatoes. Sprinkle with 21 Seasoning Salute. Saute until tender. If needed, add some of the pasta water so the vegetables don’t dry out.

Combine vegetables and pasta; sprinkle with shaved or grated parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Done!

Tips:

  • I didn’t have any fresh parsley so I popped a parsley cube on top of the prepared pasta in a Tupperware. By the next morning, the parsley cube had melted!
  • I think this pasta is actually better the next day; it allows time for the seasoning to marinade with the other flavors.
  • This would be an even quicker recipe if your vegetables are already chopped. If you’re more tight on time than money, pick up pre-chopped vegetables at the grocery store. I even saw one blogger who grabs vegetables from the salad bar and uses them in recipes!
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