Monday, September 20, 2010

Eggplant Caponata Bruschetta

There is a version of this recipe in this months Food and Wine.  I have been trying to  make anything that includes the last of this season's heirlooms. I omitted the red pepper because they tend to over power every dish. (in my opinion)
This takes 10-15 minutes to make.

1 large egg plant- peeled and diced
2 tablespoons golden raisins (i could not find golden raisins I used regular and it was great)
21/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 small onion diced
1 celery rib diced
1-2 garlic cloves minced
1 jalapeno seeded and minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 medium tomato diced
2 tablespoons chopped pitted green olives
1 tablespoon capers. (the original recipe calls for a half of tablespoon but i love capers)
1-2 tablespoons chopped parsley (not in the original recipe but was a great topping) 
1/2 tablespoon sherry vinegar ( I subbed with balsamic)
and sourdough baguette sliced to toast and top 

1) toss the eggplant on the side in a colander or bowl with salt and let it sit while you prepare the rest.
2) soak the raisins in a cup of warm water for 10 minutes and drain 
3) heat the olive oil , add the onion and celery cover and cook med to low for 4 minutes. add the garlic and the jalapeno and cook another 4 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook about one minute. Transfer all to a large bowl.
4) in a non stick skillet, heat the remaining olive oil and cook the egg plant until translucent (not to much or the consistency will be terrible) 
add all together with the capers, raisins , balsamic vinegar and salt and toss and top toasted sour dough  crustinis. 

This was so easy and tasty

xo,
C

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Snake Oil I am fond of

This Week anyway. There are so many vegan supplements, protein powders and veggie enhancers. That  all tout vegan goodness but a couple of these are effective because they provide absorb-able sources of vitamin B12.
 

Mega Greens plus MSM
a powdered mixture or roots and leaves. Is suppose to balance your body's PH while providing vitamins and and plant proteins. (tastes awful)

Rice Protein - Plus Flax Seed
Pretty innocuous when added to a shake and has 12 grams of protein per serving

Aloe Life Super Fruit
High Antioxidant Juices plus Aloe
Aloe is suppose to be a vegan absorb-able form of  B12 . (tastes like it is doing something.)

Buried Treasure "B" Complete Vitamins
balanced B complex with C

I will report back ..
if you try one let me know

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Gather Restaurant

Finally a restaurant that Chad and I can agree on, Gather Restaurant . Has an array of Vegan options as well as Prather Ranch and some fish. (for Chad)
I doubt we will make it to Berkeley all that often to eat there but the Vegan Charcuterie plate is amazing.


The Plate included:
-Tartar of tomato and corn, roasted tomato polenta
-Eggplant "brandade," braised Jimmy Nardello peppers, saffron braised olives
-Bruschetta, crispy tofu skin, avacado, tomato, smoked garlic "aioli"
-Carpaccio of watermelon radish and turnip, horseradish salsa Verde, grapes , grapes, grated almond
-Summer mushroom pate, grilled nebrodini mushrooms

and the vegan pizza was great as well

Linda's baby torpedo onions , olive caper herb sauce , cashew olive oil puree, roasted shitakes
yum!