Category Archives: Vegetarian

Fresh Tortilla Chips

I like to make these chips with leftover flour tortillas. They will keep for a week tightly covered, although they never seem to last that long!

6 flour tortillas
2 tbsp olive oil
sea salt

Preheat oven to 375 F
Cut tortillas into 12 wedges each and toss with olive oil and sea salt
Arrange on a baking sheet lined with parchment and cook for 12-15 minutes, until golden
Cool and store in a sealed container until needed

Deli Counter Tapenade

A trip to the local deli will usually provide all you need for a simple tapenade to spread on homemade tortilla chips, fresh bread or your favourite crackers.

1/2 cup roasted red peppers
6 sundried tomato halves
1/2 cup stuffed marinated jumbo olives
1/4 cup oil cured (morrocan) black olives
1/2 bunch basil
drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar

Combine in a food processor and purée until smooth. Refrigerate until needed

Goat cheese pâté

A nice savoury spread for bread or crackers, this can be made in about 5 minutes.

8 oz fresh soft goat cheese
2 tbsp finely diced kalamata olives
2 tbsp sundried tomatoes, finely diced
pepper
2 tbsp chopped herbs

Cream together goat cheese with olives and sundried tomatoes
Roll into a log and coat with pepper and chopped herbs
Allow to set in the refrigerator for at least an hour
Serve with fresh bread or crackers

Caramelized Mire Poix (Root vegetables)

Mire Poix is the basis of all French stock making and the foundation of most soups: a dice of carrot, celery, leek, and onion. This vegetable dish takes that combination and adds a couple of additional flavours to make a great winter vegetable dish. For a vegan preparation, use olive oil and vegetable stock.

2 leeks
4 carrots
1 celery root
2 parsnips
1 rutabaga
2 tbsp butter or olive oil
2 cups vegetable or chicken stock
salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp freshly chopped parsley

Wash and trim leeks, and peel carrots
Cut into 1/2 inch rounds
Peel other root vegetables and cut into a large dice (1/2 inch)
Sauté vegetables in butter or olive oil until lightly coloured
Cover with stock, season, and bring up to a simmer
Cover lightly, and braise in a hot oven until tender, 1/2 hour or so
Remove from oven, and add chopped parsley before serving

Potato Puree

2 lb Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 cup whipping cream
1/2 cup butter
salt to taste

Boil potatoes until tender, drain well and rice while still hot.
Bring cream and butter to a boil and pour over potatoes
Whisk well and season to taste
Adjust consistency with milk or cream if desired