Yamitsuki Cabbage Salad

Recipe from Nena Creates Facebook Reels
Husband-Tested in Alice’s Kitchen
Makes 4 servings

Well, this is just scrumptious and so easy to make.  It’s a nice change from the usual cabbage recipes we use in our neck of the woods.  We thought this was good enough for company.

Ingredients
1/2 head medium cabbage 
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp Easy Vegetable Bouillon Powder 
2 tbsp roasted white sesame seeds
2 tbsp roasted sesame oil
1-2 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
Optional: garnish with additional sesame seeds

Instructions
Cut cabbage in half, remove core and discard. Cut cabbage into 1” cubes and thoroughly wash and dry (I used a salad spinner.)
In a mortar and pestle or spice grinder, grind the toasted sesame seeds. Leave some seeds ungrounded for variety of texture, if you wish.
Crush garlic using either a garlic press or finely mincing or grating (all based on preference or what you have available). Add garlic to small bowl with sesame oil.
Add cabbage to a large container with a lid. Add salt and chicken OR mushroom bouillon and hand massage into cabbage OR close lid and shake aggressively to evenly distribute the seasonings.
Add garlic and sesame oil. Top with sesame seeds. close lid and shake aggressively to evenly distribute the added seasonings.
Serve immediately and enjoy! Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and store in fridge for up to 2 days.

Carrot Salad with Citrus Miso-Ginger Dressing

Makes 4 to 6 servings

Recipe from Dishing out Health 
Husband-Tested in Alice’s Kitchen

What a lovely crispy fresh-tasting salad!  I'm thinking this would be a nice dish to take to a party.  

 
Citrus Miso-Ginger Dressing
3 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup fresh orange juice (from 1 naval orange)
1 Tablespoon white miso paste
1 Tablespoon rice vinegar
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
1 garlic clove, grated or minced
1 teaspoon honey (I used maple syrup to keep it plant-based.)

Carrot Salad
1¼ lbs. large carrots (rainbow or all orange)
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems, coarsely chopped (I think parsley would be a fine substitute.)
¼ cup chopped fresh mint leaves
¼ cup pomegranate arils or raisins or dried currants or dried cranberries
3 Tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

Instructions
Prepare dressing. In a large mixing bowl, combine all dressing ingredients Whisk well to combine. Set aside.
Shave carrots. Peel and discard the rough outer skin of carrots. Hold each carrot firmly by one end using a fork and use a vegetable peeler to shave long ribbons up and down the length of the carrot. Rotate the carrot as one side gets flat, and continue shaving until you reach the narrow core. (You can use what's left of the carrot in soups, stocks, or for snacking.) 
Add shaved carrots to the bowl of dressing and toss to combine.
Add remaining salad ingredients (cilantro, mint, pomegranate arils, and sesame seeds) and toss well to combine. Taste and season the salad with a pinch of salt, if desired. 

Notes
Store: Once assembled, the salad will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The carrots will continue to slightly soften, however the flavors will remain sharp. 
Dressing storage: If you choose to make the dressing in advance, it will keep for 5 days refrigerated. Give it a good shake or whisk before serving to refresh the flavors and emulsify the texture.

Nutrition
Serving: 1.25cups | Calories: 223kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 3.5g | Fat: 14.5g | Saturated Fat: 1.5g | Sodium: 263mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 11g

Spring Couscous Salad (vegan)

Recipe from Yasmeen Ali 

Husband-Tested in Alice’s Kitchen
Yield: 2-3 servings 

Now this is what I call a beautiful spring salad! It is loaded with bold, fresh flavors of mint, parsley, arugula and onions.  I love the crunch of the pistachios and garlicky “marinade” that is tossed in just before serving.  Because I keep Sumac Onion Salad in the fridge on a regular basis, I used that instead of the red onion/lemon mixture listed in the recipe. Both have the same lemony flavor, so either will work.  I’m sure any greens will be dandy in this salad as well as any nuts or seeds.  Za’atar and sumac are spices that can be found in most supermarkets or specialty stores.

Red Onions (I used Sumac Onion Salad in place of this.) 
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
4 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice 
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon kosher salt 

Couscous & Greens
1 cup fresh English peas (frozen, thawed peas will also work)
1 cup pearl couscous (plus 1½ cups water and 1 teaspoon kosher salt)
1 cup arugula, roughly chopped
½ cup firmly packed parsley, finely minced
½ cup firmly packed mint, finely minced
½ cup roasted pistachios, roughly chopped 

Marinade
4 Tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 
2 teaspoon za’atar* 
½ teaspoon ground cumin 
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste 
Sumac for serving, if desired

Instructions
Start off by blanching* the peas in boiling water. Drain the peas and set aside, and then cook the couscous in the same pot you used for the peas. 
Cook the couscous. Pour the couscous and 1½ cups water into the pot, along with 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to boil on high heat, then reduce to low, partially cover the pot, and let simmer for 8-10 minutes or until all the water is absorbed. Cover the pot and let it sit off the heat for 5 minutes. Then fluff with a fork and toss with 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil to prevent the couscous from sticking.
Prep the onions. To a bowl, add in the onions, lemon juice, zest, and salt. Toss together and set aside. 
While the couscous cooks, prep the herbs, arugula, and pistachios. Once the couscous is done, add it to the bowl of onions, along with the arugula, herbs, and pistachios. 
Make the marinade. Rinse and pat dry the pot you used for the couscous and add in the garlic and olive oil (I like to use the same pot to save on dishes). Gently fry the garlic over medium heat until it just starts to brown. Remove from the heat and stir in the zaatar, cumin and kosher salt.
Toss and serve. Pour the marinade over the salad and toss to combine. Season to taste with sumac and kosher salt, if desired.

Notes
*If you can’t find za’atar, mix together 1 tsp each sumac, sesame seeds, dried oregano, dried thyme, cumin, coriander, and 1/4 tsp kosher salt.
*To blanch to the peas, place them in boiling water for 1½ minutes.  Drain and rinse with ice cold water. 
 

Oven Roasted Vegetables (vegan)

Here we have Oven Roasted Vegetables served along with
15-Minute Quick & Easy Vegan Mac & Cheese. 

Recipe from Well Plated 
Husband-Tested in Alice’s Kitchen
Servings: 6 servings
  
You’ll certainly get your rainbow of vegetable colors in when you serve this tasty side dish.  You can make the dressing in advance and on prep day, you can cut all the veggies and store them in the fridge.  (The sweet potatoes should be stored in water, covered to keep them from discoloring.  Just drain, rinse and pat dry before adding them to the mix.)

2 medium bell peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces (I recommend red, yellow, or orange)
2 medium zucchini, ends trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 small sweet potato, scrubbed and cut into 3/4-inch pieces (You can peel them or not.)
1 small red onion, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 small head of broccoli, cut into florets or swap cauliflower or 8 ounces trimmed Brussels sprouts

3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard  
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning   
1 teaspoon kosher salt  
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon ground black pepper

3 Tablespoons Homemade Vegan Parmesan Cheese

Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven (if using two sheets) or the center of the oven (if using one). Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Generously coat two large, rimmed baking sheets with non-stick spray or use parchment paper.
Place the vegetables in a great big bowl (or you can toss them right on the two baking sheets, dividing the ingredients between each). 
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, mustard, Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder and pepper.  Pour the mixture over the vegetables and toss well to coat. (Pay special attention to the broccoli florets and make sure they get an adequate amount of oil, as they are more prone to burning.)
Divide the vegetables evenly between the two sheets, spreading them into a single layer. (You want them to roast and not steam, so make sure they’re in a single layer.)
Roast the vegetables at 400 F for 25 to 35 minutes (or if you have the convection option, do a convection bake at 375 degrees F for 20 to 25 minutes). Toss the vegetables, rotate the pans 180 degrees, and switch the pans' positions on the upper and lower racks halfway through. The vegetables should be turning brown and crispy at their edges and tender inside (the cooking time may vary based on your oven). 
Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese. Enjoy hot or at room temperature, with additional salt and pepper to taste.
 
Nutrition (1of 6 servings) Calories: 164kcal; Carbohydrates: 21g; Protein: 5g; Fat: 8g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 5g; Potassium: 743mg; Fiber: 6g; Sugar: 8g; Vitamin A: 6736IU; Vitamin C: 156mg; Calcium: 90mg; Iron: 2mg


 

Quick Cucumber Kimchi

Recipe from Olivia Yi 
Husband-Tested in Alice’s Kitchen

Quick Cucumber Kimchi is a tangy and refreshing side dish that takes just minutes to make.  It bypasses the fermentation process which can take days or weeks.  This quick kimchi is more akin to a cucumber salad and can be ready to eat in less than 30 minutes!  This particular recipe is meant to be eaten right away, but can be kept in the fridge for a day before eating.

2 English seedless cucumbers, partially peeled and cut into thick slices 
1/4 medium onion, thinly sliced then sliced again in half
1/3 cup carrots, thinly sliced or shredded
1 Tablespoons minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
2 teaspoons salt
1-2 Tablespoons Korean red pepper flakes ("Gochu-garu") (I used 1 Tablespoon Aleppo Pepper.)
1½ teaspoons sugar
2 Tablespoons rice wine vinegar
2 teaspoons fish sauce** (I used Vegan Worcestershire Sauce.)
1½ Tablespoons toasted sesame oil
2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
 
Add cucumbers, onion, carrots, and garlic into a large bowl.  Add salt and mix to ensure the vegetables are well coated with salt.  Set aside and let sit for about 20 minutes. 
Drain out the excess liquid that has formed at the bottom of the bowl.
Add Korean red pepper flakes, sugar, rice wine vinegar, fish sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well and then garnish with sesame seeds.

Notes: 
**Fish sauce is not vegan.  To substitute fish sauce with a vegan substitute, here are some options:
• Soy Sauce
• Tamari
• Vegan Oyster Sauce
• Vegan Fish Sauce
• Seaweed
• Coconut Aminos
• Vegan Worcestershire Sauce
• Mushroom Broth

Tabbouleh

 

Recipe from Bob's Red Mill

Husband-Tested in Alice's Kitchen

Makes 6 servings

1 cup Bob's Red Mill Bulgur

1 cup boiling water

3 cups finely chopped fresh parsley

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh mint (I use spearmint.)

1/4 cup finely minced scallions

2 medium tomatoes, seeded and diced

1 medium cucumber, seeded and diced

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

3 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice

3 Tablespoons olive oil

Combine bulgur and boiling water.  Let soak for 1 hour.  Drain well and squeeze out any excess water.  In the meantime, place the herbs, the scallions, the tomatoes, the cucumber in a large bowl.  Put the salt, cumin, pepper, lemon juice and olive oil in a jar with a lid.  Shake well to combine.  When the bulgur has absorbed the water, add it to the large bowl.  Pour the dressing over all and toss well.  Chill for 1 hour and serve.

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Amount per serving
Calories	186
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 9.2g	12%
Saturated Fat 1.6g	8%
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 23.8g	9%
Dietary Fiber 7.2g	26%
Total Sugars 2.9g
Protein 5.8g
Vitamin D 0mcg	0%
Calcium 158mg	12%
Iron 8mg	47%
Potassium 601mg	13%

Lemon Rice (6-cup Rice Cooker**)

Recipe from The Ultimate Rice Cooker Cookbook
Husband-Tested in Alice’s Kitchen
Makes 3-4 servings

I have to say that this was one of the best meals of the year 2022  in our household. I was going for the traditional black-eyed peas and greens to up our chances for a prosperous 2023.  I decided to give this Lemon Rice recipe a go and, man, oh man, was this a winner of a side dish!  We usually eat brown basmati rice because of the flavor and health benefits, but it was New Year’s Day after all.  

1 cup long grain white rice, such as basmati

1 ½ cups vegetable broth or No-Chicken Broth

Pinch of salt

1 large clove garlic, peeled

2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest

2 Tablespoons unsalted vegan butter

2 Tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley

Place the basmati rice in a fine strainer or bowl.  Rinse with cold water at least twice until the rinse water is clear.  Drain.

Place the rice in the rice cooker bowl.  Add the broth and salt.  Stir to combine.  Place the garlic clove in the center on top of the rice.  Close the cover and set for the regular cycle.

When the machine switches to the Keep Warm cycle, add the lemon zest, butter, and parsley; stir to combine.  Close the cover and let the rice steam for 10 minutes.  Fluff the rice with a wooden spoon or plastic rice paddle.  This rice will hold on Keep Warm for 1-2 hours.  Before serving, remove the garlic clove and discard.  Serve the rice hot.

**The rice can be prepared per package instructions on top of the stove or even in the Instant Pot, using broth and adding the garlic.  When the rice is cooked, add the zest, butter and parsley.

Pear Cranberry Chutney

Here's a photo of the Pear Cranberry Chutney served next to a 
salad with Crispy Air Fryer Tofu, and fresh orange segments.

Recipe from America’s Test Kitchen 
Husband-Tested in Alice’s Kitchen
Makes about 2 cups (8-10 servings)

Now that fall is here, it’s especially fun to have some seasonal chutney in the fridge to add some interest to meals, sandwiches, dessert, a cheese board or as a very nice hostess gift.  This one is jewel-like in color and has a nice balance between sweet and tang in flavor.  We loved it.  I will definitely make it again.  

2 Tablespoon plus 1½ cups water, divided
1 shallot, minced (I used 1/4 red onion, minced.)
½ teaspoon table salt
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ teaspoon ground coriander
¼ teaspoon pepper
⅛ teaspoon ground allspice
1 pound ripe** but firm Bartlett or Anjou pears, halved, cored, and cut into ¼-inch pieces
½ cup sugar
4 ounces (1 cup) fresh or thawed frozen cranberries
2 Tablespoons white wine vinegar (I used sherry vinegar.)

Instructions:
Combine 2 Tablespoons water, shallot, and salt in large saucepan over medium heat; cover and cook until shallot begins to soften, about 3 minutes. Uncover; stir in garlic, coriander, pepper, and allspice; and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Stir in pears, sugar, and remaining 1½ cups water. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until pears are just softened, 10 to 15 minutes.
Stir in cranberries and vinegar. Increase heat to medium-high and simmer, uncovered, until cranberries burst and mixture is thickened, about 10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and extra sugar to taste and let cool slightly.
Spoon chutney into two 1-cup jars. Let cool completely. Serve. (Chutney can be refrigerated for up to 2 months.)

Note:
**For the best texture, buy pears that are ripe but firm; they should yield slightly when pressed. You will need two 1-cup jars for this recipe.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (1 of 10 servings) Calories 52; Fat 0 g; Saturated 0 g; Trans 0 g; Monounsaturated 0 g; Polyunsaturated 0 g; Cholesterol 0 mg; Sodium 120 mg; Carbs 12 g; Fiber 3 g; Sugars 5 g; Protein 1 g

Macadamia Nut or Brazil Nut Ricotta Cheese (Vegan)

Recipe from Dolly and Oatmeal 

Husband-Tested in Alice’s Kitchen

Makes about 1 cup 

I’ve made this “cheese” several times now.  It’s especially nice to use as a spread on toast with a thick slice of summer tomato (see above photo.)  It has a very subtle sweet flavor from the nuts.  My husband LOVES this.  This cheese can be used in any recipe calling for traditional ricotta cheese like lasagna, pizza or any pasta dish. I like the fact that as long as I have nuts in my fridge, I can easily whip this up instead of running to the grocery store.  

1 cup Macadamia nuts or Brazil nuts (Soak the nuts in water overnight to soften.)

1 1/2 Tablespoons Nutritional Yeast

2 teaspoons Apple Cider Vinegar

1 1/2 teaspoons Fresh Lemon Juice

2 teaspoons Mellow White Miso Paste

2 cloves peeled Garlic 

8-10 Tablespoons Water

1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt or Kosher Salt

Drain and rinse the soaked nuts.  Place them in a high speed blender.  Add the nutritional yeast, vinegar, lemon juice, miso, and garlic.  Blend on high, scraping down the sides of the blender.  Then add the water one Tablespoon at a time until you get the consistency you wish.  Season with the salt.  Store the ricotta cheese in an airtight container until ready to serve.

To make the delicious dish pictured (adapted from a recipe found at Eating Well, add about 1 Tablespoon pesto and 1-2 Tablespoons Parmesan cheese to the ricotta cheese and stir well.  Spiralize 1 to 2 zucchini or summer squash.  Toss the zucchini with a bit of olive oil.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Place in little “nests” on a parchment lined baking sheet.  Dollop some of the ricotta cheese over the top of the nests.  Place the baking sheet under the broiler for about 5 minutes (watch carefully so they don’t burn) or until toasty brown.  

Optional for Serving: Vegan Parmesan Cheese and/or Pesto

Pictured above is an adaptation of No-Bake Summer Lasagna.  I used the Macadamia Nut Ricotta Cheese instead of dairy ricotta.  I also used whole-grain noodles instead of lasagna noodles.  Yum!

Butternut Squash Salad with Feta, Dates, & Chile

Recipe from Emma Laperruque of Food52

Husband-Tested in Alice's Kitchen

Makes 4-6 side servings

I was intrigued with the idea of eating butternut squash raw.  This is an excellent way to serve it up without turning on the oven or stovetop.  Its vivid orange color is a nice foil to the bright green of the pepper and the white of the feta cheese.  We especially loved the texture of the raw sweet squash along with the tastebud party it provided when combined with the sweet dates and salty cheese.  This is definitely company worthy.  For an especially lovely, easy dinner, serve it up with some Instant Pot Rosemary and Garlic White Beans and some sauteed greens.  

1-2 fresh chiles (jalapeno or serrano)

3 Tablespoons vinegar (apple cider vinegar, brown rice vinegar, or white wine vinegar)

1 medium butternut squash

6 Medjool dates

4 ounces feta cheese (Use non-dairy feta if vegan.)

Extra-virgin olive oil

Thinly slice the chiles* (crossways) and combine the slices in a small bowl with the vinegar.  Set aside.

Peel* the squash and cut it into thin-as-possible matchstick pieces.  Add the squash to a large bowl and sprinkle generously with kosher salt.  Toss to combine.  Set aside.

Halve, pit and slice the dates.  Add them to the butternut squash, along with the chiles and vinegar.  Break apart the feta cheese with your fingers and sprinkle over the top.  Drizzle the salad with about 2 Tablespoons olive oil and toss.  Adjust the seasonings, if needed.

Transfer to a serving platter and serve.

NOTES: 

If you are a weenie when it comes to heat/spice, be sure to remove the seeds and membranes from the peppers.  You can also pick out the peppers from the salad after it's put together.  The peppers flavor the vinegar nicely, so don't omit them completely.

Butternut squash will stain your hands with a sticky substance, so I would highly recommend wearing gloves when peeling and cutting up butternut squash.

 

Instant Pot "Baked" Beans (vegan)

Instant Pot "Baked" Beans served with Garlic Toast* and a simple salad/slaw

Recipe from The Vegan Instant Pot Cookbook by Nisha Vora

Husband-Tested in Alice’s Kitchen

Serves 10-12

No need to use bacon or an oven to make these absolutely scrumptious baked beans.  Take this dish to a pot luck and amaze your friends and family.

1 lb. dried navy beans or great northern beans, rinsed and drained

8 cups water, for soaking

1½ Tablespoons plus 1½ teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste, divided

2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

3 Tablespoons brown sugar, coconut sugar or date sugar (I will use 1-2 T next time.)

¼ cup blackstrap molasses

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 Tablespoon olive oil

1 large yellow onion, finely chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

3 bay leaves

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

½ cup tomato sauce

3 Tablespoons vegan Worcestershire sauce

2 Tablespoons tomato paste

1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar

In a large bowl, combine the beans, 8 cups water and 1½ Tablespoons of the salt.  Stir until the salt is dissolved.  Soak for at least 10 hours and up to 12 hours.  (Soaking the beans in plenty of salted water is key to softening their skins.  Soaking will also aid in digestion and will take less time to cook the beans.)  Drain and rinse the beans.

Stir together in a large measuring cup the vegetable broth, brown sugar, molasses, smoked paprika, and mustard.  Set aside.

Select the Sauté setting on the Instant Pot and let the pot heat up for a few minutes before adding the olive oil.  Once the oil is hot, add the onion. Cook until the onion is browned, 4-6 minutes.  Add the garlic and cook until it starts to turn golden, about 1 minute.

Pour ½ cup of the broth-molasses mixture into the pot.  Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned on the bottom of the pot.  Cook 2-3 minutes to slightly thicken the mixture.

Add the soaked beans, bay leaves, black pepper to taste, the remaining broth-molasses mixture. Stir to combine and select the Cancel setting.

Secure the lid and set to Sealing. Select High Pressure and set the cook time to 35 minutes. 

Once the 35 minute timer has completed and beeps, allow a Natural Pressure Release.

Open the pot and check to see if the beans are tender.  (If they are still a bit firm, secure the lid and cook the beans at high pressure for another 5-10 minutes and allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes.) 

Discard the bay leaves. Once the beans are cooked to your liking, select the Sauté setting and add the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste and vinegar.  Simmer the beans uncovered, stirring frequently, until the sauce is thick and gooey, 5-10 minutes.  (The beans will also thicken while resting.) Taste the beans and adjust the seasonings to your liking, adding more salt, molasses or vinegar as desired.

To serve: These delicious beans can be served at a pot luck as a side dish.  They can also be served on Garlic Toast!  Slice good quality crusty bread into thick slices.  Place the slices on a cookie sheet and drizzle with a bit of olive oil.  Broil until toasty.  Rub the toasty side with a clove of fresh garlic.  Sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper.  Flip the slices and repeat. Sprinkle with some fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Spoon the beans over the toast and serve alongside a slaw for a great lunch or casual dinner.

Sweet & Spicy Miso Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Sambal Tahini Mayo (Vegan)

Recipe from PickUpLimes

Husband-Tested in Alice’s Kitchen

Makes 2-3 servings

Well, this just knocked our socks off!  Wowza!  I’m excited to find another fabulous recipe using sweet potatoes.  Make this now!!

Sweet Potatoes

3 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed

1 Tablespoon sesame oil

2 teaspoons miso paste

2 teaspoons sambal oelek

2 teaspoons maple syrup

1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

Spicy Sambal Tahini Mayo

1 Tablespoon vegan mayo

1 Tablespoon tahini

2 teaspoons water

1 teaspoon sambal oelek

1 teaspoon sodium reduced soy sauce or tamari sauce

Preheat the oven to 350F.  Keep the skin on the potatoes for extra crispiness and fiber, if desired.  Otherwise, peel the potatoes.  (I keep the skin on.). Wash and cut the sweet potatoes into wedges.

To a large bowl or pie plate, combine the sesame oil, miso paste, sambal, maple syrup, and ginger.  Use a fork to mash and mix to combine.  Add the sweet potato wedges and toss to coat. 

Transfer the coated sweet potatoes to a parchment lined baking sheet.  Roast at 350F for 35-40 minutes or until for tender and golden on the edges.  Tip:  once the potatoes are baked, you can crisp them up a bit more by turning on the broiler and broiling them for 1-2 minutes.

While the potatoes are roasting, make the mayo.  Add all the mayo ingredients to a small bowl and mix to combine.  You can serve the sweet potatoes drizzled with the mayo or you can serve the mayo as a dipping sauce.

You can store any leftovers in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.  They are best reheated in the oven.  You can also roast other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots or zucchini for this recipe.

Basic Farro

Recipe from The Ultimate Rice Cooker Cookbook by Beth Hensperger & Julie Kaufmann

Husband-Tested in Alice’s Kitchen

Makes about 2 cups (serves 3-4)

Well, I’ve found my new favorite whole grain, farro. If you are looking for a change of pace from brown rice or bulgur or even whole-wheat couscous, give farro a try.  It’s satisfyingly chewy, easily digestible, and very filling.  You might find it in the bulk section of your grocery store, but Bob’s Red Mill packages it complete with directions for stove top cooking.  I have a rice cooker that I use several times a week (totally worth the investment) and so I prepare the farro in it.  There are dry skillet toasting and then soaking steps which I don’t think the package directions require, but I think these two steps are worth the little time it takes before cooking.

1 cup farro

1 ½ cups water or vegetable broth

1 Tablespoon olive oil

Pinch of sea salt

Place the farro in a dry skillet over medium-high heat.  Toast, stirring constantly, until the grains pop and deepen in color, about 4 minutes. Place the toasted farro and the water (or broth) in the rice cooker bowl.  (You’ll hear it sizzle.) Let the farro soak in the machine for 1 hour.  Add the oil and salt; swirl to combine.  Close the cover and set for the Regular/Brown Rice cycle.  When the machine switches to the Keep Warm cycle, let the farro steam for 1- minutes. Fluff with a wooden spoon or plastic rice paddle.  This farro will hold on Keep Warm for up to 1 hour.  Serve hot. (If you have left over, store it in the fridge and then reheat in the microwave.)

Nutritional Information: ¼ cup of uncooked farro contains 150 calories, 1g fat, 32g carbohydrates, 6g protein, and 3g of fiber. It is high in the minerals iron and calcium, and is an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and the B vitamins.