vegan

Copycat Near East Rice Pilaf

July 17, 2013 by Erica

Copycat Near East Rice Pilaf

A pretty piece of salmon deserves a great side dish.

Growing up, we almost always ate Near East rice pilaf with our salmon. It was a staple that I never really appreciated until I went to college. I remember coming home for vacation during my freshman year and eating my mom’s home cooking again (the best part of coming home, even better than showering with no flip flops on!). We were eating salmon, rice pilaf, and probably string beans, and all the sudden I loved rice pilaf. It was pure nostalgia! Funny how I still remember that moment.

Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon with Rhubarb Sauce

Recently I got a craving for Near East again and decided I’d try to recreate it on my own rather than stocking up on the boxes. (They’re expensive!) Some rice, orzo (little rice-shaped pasta), and spices, and I was in business! My favorite part is the yellow color the turmeric lends the rice. I don’t know what I thought turned it yellow before… magic, I guess!

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Fresh Pea Soup with Mint and Herbs

July 10, 2013 by Erica

Fresh Pea Soup with Mint

On Monday, we had green stuff. Today, we have more green stuff because on Friday, we have ice cream.

I just now realized that it’s green ice cream, but shhhh. It comes with chocolate. But let’s stick to green stuff for now.

Fresh Pea Soup with Mint

So, here’s the deal with this soup: I really like peas. But I don’t eat them very often. Sometimes I eat a handful of frozen peas (the best way to eat them, especially the big chunks!) if I’m looking for something else in the freezer and get distracted. And sometimes I buy sugar snap peas at my Asian market, because they are somehow always so fresh AND so cheap there. And every time those things happen, I remember that I really like peas. But then I forget again.

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Roasted Cauliflower with Truffle Oil, Mint and Almonds

July 3, 2013 by Erica

Roasted Cauliflower with Truffle Oil, Mint and Almonds

We have a great tradition at work of going out to lunch on Fridays. Our office is a few miles from downtown Salt Lake, and without a lot of options nearby, lunches out aren’t really an option everyday. Plus, with all the food I cook, I could hardly justify that! But on Fridays, we’re in the habit of venturing downtown (or to other neighborhoods) for long lunches. It’s a great way to start off the weekend, and a great way to find new favorite restaurants.

This simple dish is inspired by an appetizer I had recently at Vinto, one of my favorite casual Salt Lake spots. We ordered it as an afterthought during one of our Friday lunches, mostly because I’m unable to pass up any dish with truffle oil. The flavor combination was just as interesting as it sounded, and being so simple, I knew I had to recreate it for you immediately.

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My Favorite Vegan Pesto

June 10, 2013 by Erica

My Favorite Vegan Pesto

Oh hello. I am currently in the air on my way from North Carolina to Salt Lake. I was supposed to make the trip last night, but there were flight delays. I got dropped off at the airport in North Carolina yesterday and then had to have my sister come back to the airport and get me… and then drive me back again at 4 AM. BOOOO! That was not the plan. Grumpy traveler over here!

Anyway, let’s talk basil pesto! Fresh basil is tied with strawberries for my favorite summertime produce. I wait all year for it, and when June rolls around and I finally get my hands on some, I make as much pesto as possible.

My Favorite Vegan Pesto

If I’m lucky, I can buy a 4-oz container of basil at my grocery store for $4.99. I do a happy dance every time I see that big container of basil! Just on the inside, though. I already look like enough of a crazy person in the store – I consistently grocery shop either 1) right after working out, 2) when ravenously hungry, or 3) both – so I don’t need to be seen doing a disco in the produce section.

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Spicy Avocado and White Bean Wraps (Vegan)

May 28, 2013 by Erica

Spicy Avocado and White Bean Wraps (Vegan)

We just got back from the most wonderful holiday weekend. Our friends Bill and Aspen got married at the Glasbern Inn in Pennsylvania farm country, and it was truly one of the most beautiful weddings I’ve ever been to. They had an outdoor patio ceremony in front of scenic rolling hills, complete with a herd of cows grazing in the distance! I can’t get over how gorgeous the whole weekend was, and how happy they are together. Take me back!

Well fine, it’s nice to be home, too, as we’ve had quite the travel schedule lately. I don’t have another cross-country flight for the next ten days, so I’m trying to get back on a normal schedule in the meantime. Starting with these delicious avocado and white bean wraps!

Spicy Avocado and White Bean Wraps (Vegan)

If I had a restaurant, these wraps would be on the lunch menu. THAT is how much I love them.

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