The Replacements

One of the things I have been learning in my readings is about replacements (and not the group from the early 90's either). Just about everybody knows about replacing regular milk with soy (if you are going vegan) but I was stumped with what to do for eggs. I'm not vegan but I do need to watch my cholesterol and fat I did find a few good replacements for eggs.

1 small banana: This is a good sub for eggs especially in cakes or even in pancakes
2 Tbs of cornstarch can sub for one egg to help bind ingredients
1/4 cup of smooth blended tofu (also blend with liquid ingredients) can be used as well

There are also faux egg concoctions available if you are opposed to eating eggs but the whole point of this is to eat well and cheaply without investing in all those substitutes. Anytime you see eggs listed in any of my recipes you can try one of the subs listed above.

Carmelized Oranges

I just realized that I haven't posted any dessert recipes yet. What is dinner without dessert? This is one of my favorite desserts because it looks so much fancier and time involved than it actually is. It is a great dessert to finish off an elegant meal.

Ingredients:
6 large oranges
5 Tbsp water
1/2 cup superfine sugar

Directions:
Pare wide strips of peel off of two of the oranges. Cut these into thin sticks and save a few for garnish. Peel the rest of the oranges and get rid of all the white stuff. Cut the fruit horizontally into 1/2 inch pieces then put aside on a plate (draining off any excess juice).

Fill a sink 1/2 way with cold water then start making the caramel. Add the sugar and 3 Tbsp water to a heavy pan and boil stirring consistently until the sugar is completely dissolved then boil, without stirring, until it is a dark caramel color. Pop the pan halfway into the cold water to stop it from cooking more.

Next add orange rind and 2 Tbsp water to the pan and simmer stirring occasionally for about 9-10 minutes (you want the orange rind to be almost see through). Coat the orange slices completely then put in the fridge for an hour or two to chill.

You can serve this with whipped cream or, even better, custard.

Mediterranean Frittata

I love this frittata! It is so much easier to make than an omelette and so much tastier too! To make it even cheaper use canned mushrooms and regular tomato instead of sun dried (skip the the soaking part).

Ingredients:
6 sun dried tomatoes either dry or oil packed
1/4 cup olive oil
1 small onion finely chopped
1 clove garlic finely chopped
1/4 cup rough chopped mushrooms
6 eggs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
1.Soak the sun dried tomatoes in a bowl of water for about 15 minutes. Keep the water and cut the tomatoes into thin strips

2.Heat the oil in a large nonstick frying pan and stir in the onion and garlic. Cook for about 5-6 minutes (until onions are a golden brown).

3.Add the mushrooms and tomatoes then season with salt and pepper and cook another 2-3 minutes

4.Break eggs into a bowl and stir in 3-4 Tbs of tomato water and mix light with a fork. Add cheese and stir until cheese is mixed in completely.

5.Raise the heat and pour the eggs into the sizzling oil. Mix the eggs quickly with the other ingredients then stop stirring and lower the heat. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until the bottom is fluffy and golden brown on the bottom.

6.Place a large plate over the top of the pan and with oven mitts firmly flip the frittata onto the plate then slide it back into the pan and cook another 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and enjoy!

Updated Potato Pancakes

Growing up potato pancakes were just left over mashed potatoes that my dad then fried up in a pan and served with gravy (usually after holidays to get rid of the left overs). I never thought to actually make them as a meal on their own until I got this recipe. This goes great with the homemade applesauce I posted yesterday.

Ingredients:
4 medium potatoes
1 white or yellow onion
1 carrot
1 clove garlic
1/3 cup flour
1 egg
oil for frying
salt
pepper

Directions:
1 - Peel and shred potatoes, carrot and onion. Crush and add garlic.
2 - Stir in egg and flour, add salt and pepper til it looks right.
3 - Fry 1/4 cup scoops (flatten when you put the pile in the pan) in hot oil (a few tablespoons) on both sides til golden brown. Drain on paper towels or newspaper.
4 - Serve with applesauce and sour cream

Easy Applesauce

This is the best time of year to get fresh picked apples from the farmer's market. A good friend of mine gave me this great applesauce recipe that is easily customizable. It goes great with potato pancakes or as a side dish for your favorite fall recipes. When picking apples you want to pick the ones that soften well when cooking such as McIntosh, Cortland, or Empire. Stay away from the Red Delicious and the Fuji varieties (Granny Smith doesn't do too well either). This recipe shouldn't cost you much at all especially when apples are in season and it tastes great and is better for you than the store bought varieties (and cheaper too!)

Ingredients:
4 medium apples
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
water

Directions:
1 - peel and seed apples. Chop roughly.
2 - put apples in small saucepan and add just enough water to cover. Stir in sugar and cinnamon.
3 - cook uncovered and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until apples break down and soften, stirring occasionally.
4 - Mash up some of the apples as they soften, depending on how lumpy you want your applesauce.

Lentil Salad

Here is one of my all time favorite side dish/ snack/ all around good food recipes. It is deceptively easy and tastes so freaking good.
Ingredients:
1 1/4 cups brown lentils, rinsed
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large cucumber, peeled and diced
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
salt and pepper
Directions:
1 - In a small saucepan, cover lentils with water by one inch. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, partially uncovered, until lentils are tender but still holding their shape. (20 to 25 minutes) Drain well.
3 - In a large bowl, whisk together vinegar and oil. Add lentils, cucumber, parsley and onion. Season with salt and pepper. Toss well to coat with dressing.
4 - Cool to room temperature or serve chilled

Sexy Veggie

This week's hot vegetarian is actor Josh Hartnett.