Mediterranean Wrap

Like a mediterranean chop suey in the sense that you throw in whatever's on hand (vegetables, protien) and out comes a satisfying meal. Just have some goat cheese and some tortillas on hand.



Items to consider (that I've used)
::green beans
::garlic
::red pepper
::hot peppers
::onion
::mushrooms
::tofu
::chicken
- chop any mixture of plant, anmal, fungal matter then sauté in olive oil AND butter until well browned/crisped. Season with salt, pepper, thyme or chopped, fresh herbs (basil would be especially tasty). Serve on steamed tortillas (I used the vibrant Spinach variety from TraderJoe's) smeared with fresh goat cheese.

This is a really easy, fresh dish that can be thrown together with any vegetarians' or omnivorous' pantry.

couscous, another potluck, the joy of leftovers

Roommate and I hosted another potluck. Less publicized, less attendees, equal (if not slightly more delicious) food experience. My friends taking over the preparation of the main course (a delicious mango, apple, pepper chicken), I decided to stir up some couscous. I'd enjoyed my mom's couscous for years, but had never done it myself. So, with some memory of home, some knowledge of what tastes good, I was surprised at the ease and quickness of couscous.

COUSCOUS (equal amounts water and cous) - I used whole-wheat couscous
- boil water
- add salt, raisins, 2 cloves garlic, cayenne, cinnamon, mild curry powder (or just turmeric, it has a good taste, but more vibrant, yellow color).
- stir in couscous and cover for 5 minutes. IT'S THAT EASY!

Couscous is extremely versatile. Add spices, meats, ideas, vegetables, or herbs that compliment the meal. Or just add enough meat/veggie/substance to be its own meal.



Re-heated with leftover baked vegetables from the previous potluck (a few posts back).

a dinner

Made this dinner a few nights ago for my roommate and I.

- Roast 1 orange pepper (could be red/yellow as well) and chop to varying shapes/sizes.
- Sauté tofu and onion in sesame oil until crisped around the edges.
- Sauté bamboo shoots and garlic with Chinese 5 spice blend. Add ginger toward end.
- Mix together prior three steps, add soy sauce, top with fresh basil.

Serve with brown rice.

The fresh basil and roasted pepper really highlight this meal. Most people don't think of adding basil to Chinese food, but it's great with soy sauce and garlic.



Oh, and for those who don't know how to roast a pepper (in the oven)
- Clean and quarter a pepper.
- I cut off the curled in ends so they stay on the baking sheet and also so there aren't unexposed/uncooked areas.
- Place on a foil lined baking sheet (for easy cleanup) and drizzle with oil (for this recipe, I used sesame)
- Turn oven to broil and place sheet near top.
- Take out sheet when peppers are charred.
- Seal peppers in a plastic bag and allow to sit for at least 5 minutes (the steam in the bag loosens the skin)
- Peal, eat.

last Wednsday

Before driving up north for BlissFest, I decided to use my remaining zucchini to make a soup/stew similar to the one below (July 6th).

- Drizzle half Large zucchini and 2 cloves garlic with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and cover until tender
- Uncover, mix in and sateé on high heat until crisped a little a handfull brown rice and 1/3 - 1/2 pound tofu, cut into small, thin squares
- Add chicken bouillon and hot water and cover for a while.
- After taking off the heat, mix in a little cream and a couple chopped cherry tomatoes.

**It's been nearly a week since I made this, so I don't quite remember the seasoning. be creative, but selective with herbs/spices. Don't hessitate to use lots of flavors, but don't get carried away and throw in the entire spice cabinet.



Rich and filling!

zucchini: part 1: breaded

Picked up a huge (really, really large) zucchini from the farmer's market in Kerrytown (open wed. and sat. year round until 2/3pm).

Ultimately I will make some Zucchini bread, but I need a grater before that dream comes true.

So, devised a quick beer batter and let some slices fry a bit.

- whole wheat flour
- salt
- pepper
- cayenne
- beaten egg
- beer (after mixing the above ingredients, use this to thin it out)

Before battering, season zucchini slices.
I used: salt, pepper, cayenne, zahatar

- fry in hot, shallow olive oil. about 1 minute a side

Turned out better than expected, but need work.



Lemon juice is good with these.