Cooking with Fresh Ingredients...

Orecchiette with Basil-Walnut Pesto

There always seems to be that eternal question of "What's for Dinner?"... and today was not any different for me. There is much to be said about always having a well stocked pantry... as well as, fresh herbs nearby... either in your fridge, or in your garden. The simplest ingredients can make the most amazing meals...

Today I decided to make a fresh pesto... easy, better and healthier than store bought pesto... minus all the preservatives! More importantly, you control the quality of the olive oil as well as the amount of salt... this is key for people with restricted diets and/or allergies. If you plan ahead, having key or basic ingredients saves time and money.

I was feeling a bit creative, and I was inspired by walking into my kitchen and seeing fresh ingredients. This pasta dish is easy, flavorful and sure to be a hit with your family or guests. I used a recipe from Ina Garten (The Barefoot Contessa), one of my favorite chefs, as inspiration to make this version. Of course, I improvised a bit by using the ingredients that I already had handy. Today, I was cooking for two people... so I took the measurements I would normally use to make a large batch of pesto and simply used half the amounts...
If you are feeding a family of 4-6, simply double the measurements.

2 1/2 packed cups of fresh Sweet Basil leaves
3-4 cloves of garlic
Approx. 1/3 cup of chopped walnuts
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh black pepper
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/2 - 3/4 cups of good olive oil
1/2 lb. of Orecchiette pasta

Place garlic and walnuts into a food processor and process for about 30 seconds, using the steel blade attachment. Add the basil leaves, salt and pepper and continue to process. With the processor running slowly pour in the olive oil. Finally, add the parmesan cheese and process until a smooth consistency is achieved.

Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package's instructions. Today, I chose to use Orecchiette, which means "little ears" in Italian. The lovely thing about this variety of pasta is that the concave pasta pieces hold the sauce they are being tossed in.

Once the pasta is done, save approximately one cup of pasta water. The water that the pasta is cooked in has a lot of starch and is used to help create a thicker pesto (if you like). Once drained, pour the pasta back in the pot you used to cook it in and spoon in about 2/3 of the pesto. Fold in gently and using about two tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to create a richer sauce. (Keep in mind that the pasta water is optional. I chose not to use it this time and it created a cheesier coating on the pasta). Serve immediately, season to taste.



This pasta dish is delicious with a simple side salad of greens tossed in EVOO. I was feeling a bit creative and made a Cherry Tomato/Green Grape salad (recipe to follow on another blog).

On another note, this pesto can be made ahead of time, and if you have any leftover, it can be stored in an airtight container for 7-10 days with a light layer of Olive oil on top to preserve the freshness.

For another recipe idea... you can use this pesto to create a great party dip for veggies or pita chips!! Simply mix with sour cream, or for a healthier version...mix it into some plain greek-style yogurt!!

Great dinners don't have to be complicated... the simplest ingredients create the most amazing dishes. Go ahead... impress your family or guests... let them think you slaved in the kitchen... what they don't know won't hurt them... they will be loving you and your fantastic meal! :)

Bon appetite!!

Elle :)

Choosing Fruits and Vegetables... Organic or Not???

Health 101...

For those of you who follow my blog, you know that I am all about great, amazing, well-prepared delicious food. While I believe life is too short and that you must fully enjoy the things you love to eat, I also believe that moderation is key... and where all things culinary make me happy, I must draw the line and only occasionally treat myself to food that I would not eat on a daily basis, (such as all the decadent comfort food all over our city!!). What I do aim to eat on a regular basis, are sensible, fresh meals that actually have high nutritional value.

I started on this healthy way of living almost a decade ago, and tweaked my diet almost a handful of times, the last being after attending an Anthony Robbins event in Los Angeles, where Tony spent an entire day (at the Kodak theatre) teaching us everything he knew about health and wellness. To that I will add that the man is very knowledgeable in the subject, sharing partnerships in several companies in the wellness industry. One of the companies he introduced to me was Living Fuel. They make probably one of the only energy bars that is actually good for you... (Yes! You heard that right!! Most energy bars are packed with sugars and calories, and don't exactly live up to the "good for you" claim!)... You can order Living Fuel bars online; they are delicious and they are good for you!

Where this post is not to sell you on my favorite energy bar... it is to share with you some information that I received in my email from Living Fuel. (I highly recommend you get on their email list, as they always send information that is cutting edge in all things wellness.) I have written about shopping at your local Farmers' markets, not only to support the local farmers, but also to eat healthier, sustainable, organic foods. This is exactly the information that came in e-mail from LivingFuel and inspired this post.

There have always been questions about whether or not it matters or if it is even relevant to buy organic or not. The specialists at Living Fuel have taken the science and mystery out of it all and provided us with a list of the the "Clean 15"... the fruits and veggies that do matter if they are organic or not. The video also gives you some helpful and simple tips for identifying different categories of product (e.g., conventional, organic, genetically modified).

See here for a link to the informative video: www.livingfuel.com/Fruit_and_Vegetable_Labels.aspx

I invite you to take a look... and visit the website. If you're curious enough, you might order a box of CocoChia bars... delicious and good for you! Who knew that you could have "healthy" chocolatey/coconut goodness? So, yes, delicious and healthy chocolate coconut goodness is out there... and it's not in an Almond Joy!!

I hope this video/blog enlightens you about the quality of produce (and snack/protein bars) that you are eating and providing for your family!

To healthy eating!!

Elle :)

Healthy Fast Food... who knew??

Quite the delicious alternative to fast food is THE VEGGIE GRILL!!!
www.veggiegrill.com

With two locations in LA and two in Orange County, there is no longer an excuse to eat badly when you are on the run!! It happens to be the perfect alternative for vegetarians and vegans; however, you don't have to be either to enjoy a healthy meal here!

The PAPA'S PORTOBELLO is a grilled portobello mushroom on a wheat bun and dressed with chopped tomatoes, garlic and basil pomodoro, caramelized onion, pesto and chipotle ranch sauce! (You have the option of ordering anything protein-style = on a bed of kale)... I must confess, I had the side of sweet-potato fries (my weakness)... but everything is ok in moderation, right?

The GRILLIN' CHICKIN' sandwich was amazing! You'd never know it's not chicken! Served on a whole wheat bun, with avocado, lettuce, tomato, red onion, cilantro pesto, and chipotle ranch. Had this with the side of Steamin' Kale.... the texture was perfect, as was the taste!

We also tried the CHINESE CHICKIN' salad. I must explain, CHILLIN' CHICKEN is made of some specially seasoned and marinated veggie protein blends (including soy), which look and taste like chicken (no pun intended), really.... it does.... and is pretty delicious!

So if you are committed to change your unhealthy ways, this is a great alternative when you are out and about! Remember... change happens one step at a time!! This could be that first step in the right direction to the road of wellness!!

I am sure this will be quite the rage with many of my "health nut" friends!

To your health, mes amis!!

Elle :)

Fresh Summer Eats...

FARMER'S MARKET SALAD

Being amidst the hot days of summer, it often becomes difficult to cook in the heat... and it is impossible to escape the eternal question, "What to eat???" ... Something about the heat makes me crave dishes on the lighter side, and it doesn't take more than a trip to the local farmers' market to draw inspiration! This is a great opportunity to turn down the heat, but turn on the delicious healthy eats!!

Many of you (who are my friends on Facebook)... have seen me post or comment about the salads I concoct and throw together for quick healthy lunches (or sometimes dinner). Here is a salad that I threw together on a Saturday afternoon, having just returned from a local Farmers' market. The intense flavors in the fruit and veggies that fresh are truly amazing, and can potentially make all the difference!

I did want to mention that this salad is spontaneous. The ingredients here are what I happened to mix together this time! There is definitely no right or wrong way with ingredients... I offer you my salad so that it might serve as a map to making your own creations:


About 3 to 4 cups of organic mixed greens, arugula and/or baby spinach
1 large yellow nectarine
1 large Plum
Approx. 6 to 8 strawberries
1/4 cup of chopped walnuts
Handful of Dried Cranberries
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Chive Blossom Vinegar (See below for other suggestions)
Sea salt
Freshly Ground Pepper

Toss the washed and dried greens into a large salad bowl with the fruit diced into small squares. Drizzle about 2 tbsp. of EVOO and about 1 tbsp. of vinegar over your ingredients and toss. Season with salt and pepper...then top with walnuts and cranberries.

This can be a light meal for 1 or 2... or can make a fresh side with some broiled white fish. I have made other varieties of this by sprinkling some crumbled goat cheese or gorgonzola cheese on top.... or for a heartier alternative, shred some chicken and mix into the salad!

As for the vinegars, I happened to receive this one as a gift, but you can normally find flavored vinegars in specialty food shops, or a grocery store like Whole Foods. If you have White wine vinegar or Champagne Vinegar, that would work wonderfully with a salad like this! Again... there is no right or wrong; the star ingredients are the pieces of fruit that you choose!

Using very fresh produce makes the flavors pop in your mouth... Support your local farmers and go to the Farmers' market! It makes the creation of your meals a complete experience!!

Enjoy!!

Elle :)

Eating in America

Some months ago I wrote a blog about something that I am quite passionate about and have a soft spot for in my heart... the nutrition (or sometimes, lack thereof) in America and how it is affecting our health and well-being. I shared about a lecture I attended where Alice Waters, renowned chef and writer, spoke about a change that is desperately needed in our schools and in our country in general. This change pertains to what we are feeding our children and what we are choosing to consume as adults. We live in a culture that is heavily saturated with so many fast food options that eating processed and fatty foods has simply become a way of life because it is easier, more convenient, and sadly, with so many "value" menus out there, cheaper (at least that's the front end acquisition cost). Alice was standing against this and the conversation was about sustainable food; growing our food supply (fruits and vegetables) locally and organically, and incorporating those foods, in our everyday meals.

There are several pioneers in this revolution, leaders that are truly passionate about this cause and simply choose to take a stand for our health as a country. I personally think these people, like Alice Waters, are real life heroes. As I sit here in my living room watching the preview of Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution, I definitely have to add Jamie to that list of heroes. Even though his mission is a bit different and doesn't necessarily stress growing our own food, the general idea is similar. That is, we need to change our food system, and more importantly, eating habits to make America healthier.

ABC is airing this new reality show, where Jamie is trying to revolutionize the way schools are feeding our children. The premiere show begins in Huntington, West Virginia, which has been declared the unhealthiest city in America. As part of the show, Jamie attempts to also teach local families how to cook and eat more healthily. As you might expect, the show documents the struggles he will have endured in this process, but one can't help but be moved by his tenacity and determination. I must admit that I was moved to tears, and as I sit here writing about it, I am still saddened by the people's resistance to change, and the evident ignorance that prevails about what "is good for us" and what real nutrition is. Having said that, I am no expert in the matter, but after years of a lot of personal research and changing my eating habits full circle four times over (at least) and being a member of a family that has literally revolutionized how they eat at home, I can't help but become truly present to how we, culturally speaking, live with a mindset of "ignorance is bliss"; and by default living with a "what you don't know won't kill you" mentality. This mentality was very apparent to me in the show. I would love to know how everyone else thinks after seeing the first episode.

My words might seem a bit harsh to some, but I speak from my heart. I truly believe this show is a wake up call, of sorts, to our country, communities, families. There is no time like the present to educate ourselves and our loved ones about what is truly "good for us" and what is hurting us, and how some of the food we are eating, sadly, is making us sick. Ironically, the information is at our fingertips... a Google search away!

I made a commitment when I started this blog that my posts would be fun to read, but I am also committed to sharing what I can about incorporating healthy habits into meals. Yes, I blog about a lot of decadent foods and restaurants, but like with anything, all of that should be experienced and enjoyed in moderation. How we eat everyday and how and what we cook at home, is what matters. So, as the saying goes: "The Buck Stops Here". This simply means that I need to bring you more recipes of healthy meals. I too have a burden in my heart about how the people that I love eat. That being said, it's not the end of fun and yummy things, just remember that moderation is key.

I invite you all to watch this new series with me... Challenge all the parents out there to sit and watch this with your kids... seeing is believing!! Will you join me??? It may not be "happy" TV... but it is a reality check that we should all consider. There is no better place to start revolutionizing how our country eats, than in our own homes! I would love to hear your thoughts, please share!

Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution
2 Hour Premiere
Friday, March 26, 2010
8:00 pm PDT
ABC (Check your local listings)

Starting a New Year on a Healthy Note...

In keeping my word to bring you more variety in 2010.... new recipes were part of that deal... and in some cases... those "recipes" I will post will comprise of "throwing" a few ingredients in a pan, for a quick, delicious meal, that not only is easy and healthy, but is also very wallet friendly! Many times, some of the best meals that are the easiest to whip up come from ingredients that are already in your refrigerator and pantry!

Here is a quick dinner that I (in this case) "threw together" in just a few minutes... the result: CALABACITAS with a side of QUINOA... Easy, tasty and fast... a great meal for working people... (a great one for vegetarians... and this could be vegan, as well!) and for those who have committed to being healthy in the new year!

From Food and Recipes

CALABACITAS:

2 Zucchinis or Mexican Squash (diced)
2 Yellow squash (diced)
2 fresh ears of corn (cut off the cob)
1 fresh Serrano pepper (seeded and chopped finely)
2 shallots (or about 1/3 cup of finely diced onion)
3 cloves of fresh garlic (minced)
2-3 tbsp. of Grapeseed oil
Goat Cheese (or queso fresco)
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper

(Makes approximately 4 servings)


Saute the shallots or onion, minced garlic, corn and serrano chili in the oil for about 5 minutes. Add the squash (make sure it is not diced too small, as it will cook fast and possibly become mushy). Salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally so that it cooks evenly. Sprinkle some of the goat cheese (or queso fresco)...(though it adds a lot of flavor to this dish... the cheese could be optional)... and stir in the cheese so that it incorporates itself into the dish. Grate some fresh Parmesan cheese on top to taste. It serves as a garnish as well!

(On a side note: There is no right or wrong way to make this dish. Traditionally, it is served with queso fresco, but I used goat cheese because that is what I had in the refrigerator. I have had Calabacitas a variety of ways, I prefer to saute in the pan this way, as it allows the squash to stay whole and still a bit crispy. Improvising is totally ok... again, use what you have!)


QUINOA

1 cup Quinoa
2 cups of Vegetable Stock (or Chicken Stock)

Bring stock to a boil in a 1 1/2 Quart saucepan. Reduce to simmer and add quinoa. Cover and cook until all the liquid is absorbed (about 10-15 minutes).

(About 4 servings)


This is a great and much healthier alternative to rice, easy and delicious (You can purchase this in most stores). Follow the directions on the box. Though the instructions call for water, I personally like to play with my food, so I change things up to add some flavor by using stock, without compromising the quality, healthy factor and taste; on the contrary... this is a great way to flavor this grain, without using too much sodium!


So there you have it! Fast, easy and delicious! This meal could be prepared in under 30 minutes from start to finish! If you plan ahead and purchase the ingredients on a grocery trip beforehand, making dinner on a whim, isn't so bad!

Are you cooking for one or two people?? I will follow this post with a recipe for the leftovers.... 2 dishes in one... how can you beat that??

Enjoy this "Fast food"... that is good for you!

Cheers To your health and a healthy 2010!

Elle :)