Food

When blitzed in a food processor, cauliflower becomes surprisingly grainlike and can be transformed into a lower-calorie version of couscous or rice. This highly textured salad can be made up to four days in advance, so use it to jazz up workday lunches. 1 head cauliflower, roughly chopped 2 cups (500 mL) halved cherry tomatoes 1/2 cup (125 mL) roughly chopped flat-leaf parsley 1/3 cup (80 mL) roughly chopped fresh mint 2 green onions, thinly sliced 1/3 cup (80 mL) pitted, sliced kalamata olives 3 oz (85 g) feta cheese, diced 1/2 cup (125 mL) golden raisins 1/3 cup (80 mL) unsalted pistachios 1 Tbsp (15 mL) capers, drained (optional) 3 Tbsp (45 mL) extra-virgin olive oil or camelina oil Juice of 1/2 lemon 1 garlic clove, minced 1 Tbsp (15 mL) za’atar spice mix 1/4 tsp (1 mL) black pepper In food processor, pulse cauliflower florets until they resemble couscous in size. Do this in batches if necessary and be careful not to process cauliflower to the point where it becomes mushy. Place cauliflower in large bowl and toss with tomatoes, parsley, mint, green onions, olives, feta, raisins, pistachios, and capers (if using). In small bowl, whisk together oil, lemon juice, garlic, za’atar, and pepper. Toss dressing with salad. Serves 5. Each serving contains: 271 calories; 8 g protein; 17 g total fat (4 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 27 g total carbohydrates (15 g sugars, 5 g fibre); 313 mg sodium source: "Cauliflower", alive #389, March 2015

Move over, fish and steak. Crunchy pan-seared cauliflower may become your new favourite taco stuffing—especially when adorned with a sweet mango salsa and chipotle-laced sauce.

Who knew cauliflower could be transformed into a rich, creamy pasta sauce without the heavy caloric cost? Want it vegan? Try swapping out Parmesan for nutritional yeast and use coconut milk in lieu of evaporated milk. Heat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat with some additional evaporated milk to restore their creamy goodness.

Grating sweet potato is a stealth way to cook it in a flash, making it a quick addition to loaves to up the nutritional ante. Quinoa flakes are a good gluten-free (and more nutritious!) alternative to standard bread crumbs when making loaves. However, you can also use pulverized oats or even gluten-free crackers. The loaf is particularly stellar when slathered with Raspberry Chipotle Glaze (see sidebar) after cooking.

Think of this no-fuss loaf as an omelette’s cousin. It’s even better when served with a salsa or marinara sauce. If you can’t find smoked cheese, feel free to substitute other options such as havarti, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack.

Vegetarians and carnivores will unite over this loaf. Cranberries provide an unexpected pop of sweetness, while cooking the lentils in broth instead of water adds another layer of flavour. Liquid smoke, a condensed smoke in water and not an artificial flavour, is a way to infuse meat-free loaves with hot-off-the-grill smoky flavour.

Most often salmon loaves are made with canned fish, but using fresh offers richer flavour.

Like hockey’s Don Cherry and Ron MacLean, beets and goat cheese are meant for each other. So why not team them up in a loaf with plenty of rosy visual appeal? Farro helps add whole-grain texture, but you could also use brown rice, spelt, or wheat berries. Like many loaves, this one can be packed into a loaf pan up to a day in advance and kept chilled until ready to bake.

Celebrate Earth Day with cucumber cupcakes! These are made with fresh hulled cucumber cups and piped with a delicious Waldorf-style filling.

This colourful salad is sure to please the taste buds of any Earth Day enthusiast. Granny Smith apples make for a juicy base, while the red beets and maple syrup add a natural sweetness that complements the apples’ tartness.

Jalapenos add a spicy kick to this succulent shellfish appetizer.

These Mexican-inspired morsels are sure to be the highlight of any get-together. Creamy avocados and juicy tomatoes make great counterparts to the crispy endive base.

These rolls, filled with zesty ricotta butter, make a perfect bite for gathering where candlelight is a main source of light—all of the contents are safely nestled between secure zucchini strips, which means the entire roll will be that much easier to snack on!

This elegant appetizer is a cinch to prepare and showcases spring’s bitter, punchy flavour profile. Pungent endive, puckery grapefruit, and earthy walnuts create a unique and sophisticated snack experience. This comes together quickly and is best made right before serving. 1 large red grapefruit, peeled, segmented, and cut into small pieces 2 tsp (10 mL) extra-virgin olive oil 1/4 tsp (1 mL) sea salt 1/4 tsp (1 mL) ground black pepper 2 heads endive, bottoms cut off and leaves removed 1/2 cup (125 mL) toasted walnut halves, roughly chopped In medium bowl, toss grapefruit pieces with oil, salt, and pepper. Set aside. Line large platter with endive leaves, scoop side up. Add few pieces of grapefruit to these “boats” and top with chopped walnuts. Serve immediately. Serves 6. Each serving contains: 93 calories; 2 g protein; 8 g total fat (1 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 5 g total carbohydrates (3 g sugars, 2 g fibre); 98 mg sodium source: "Early Spring Produce", alive #389, March 2015

Don’t be fooled by cauliflower and leeks’ white appearance. These vegetables are rich in a variety of nutrients that can stand up to even the heartiest green vegetable.

Bitter, sour, salty, and bright, this Middle Eastern-inspired salad will awaken your taste buds and appetite to the fresher tastes of spring.

Forget the heavy, stick-to-your-ribs stews of winter: this zesty and bright creation will leave you feeling light and revitalized. Whenever possible, use organic ingredients. If you have leftover cooked brown rice, quinoa, or pasta, stir that in along with the chickpeas. 2 Tbsp (30 mL) extra-virgin olive oil 1 onion, halved and cut into thin rounds 2 medium carrots, cut on the diagonal into thin slices 2 cups (500 mL) halved radishes 2 cups (500 mL) cooked chickpeas 1 cup (250 mL) vegetable broth 1/2 tsp (2 mL) sea salt 1/4 tsp (1 mL) ground pepper 2 cups (500 mL) fresh spinach 1 cup (250 mL) fresh or frozen peas Zest of 1 lemon 2 Tbsp (30 mL) lemon juice In large pot or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and radishes. Sauté for 10 minutes, or until vegetables become slightly tender. Add chickpeas, broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, or until vegetables are very tender. Immediately before serving, stir in spinach, peas, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Once spinach is bright green and wilted, about 1 minute, serve. Serves 4. Each serving contains: 274 calories; 12 g protein; 10 g total fat (1 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 36 g total carbohydrates (10 g sugars, 8 g fibre); 442 mg sodium source: "Early Spring Produce", alive #389, March 2015

Slightly sour with a marbled ruby interior and berrylike flesh, blood oranges are at their peak right now. Paired with rich chocolate and creamy cashews, this is a perfectly sweet, seasonal (and vegan!) ending to any spring feast.

Who says a smoothie has to be frosty? This drink is reminiscent of hot chocolate, making it a great way to take a bite out of the winter chill. Blend in some protein powder and you have a great way to recover after any nippy outdoor exercise.

Not to worry, these swoon-worthy pancakes don’t taste beety despite including the root vegetable for its red touch. The batter can be prepared up to two days in advance and kept chilled in the refrigerator. But it’s best used at room temperature. Thin with additional milk or yogurt if the batter becomes too thick. Makes about 14 pancakes. 1 medium-sized beet, peeled and chopped 1 1/4 cups (310 mL) gluten-free oat flour 1 tsp (5 mL) cinnamon, divided 1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) baking powder 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt 1 cup (250 mL) milk 1/2 cup (125 mL) plain yogurt 1 medium banana 1 large free-range egg 1/3 cup (80 mL) chopped walnuts (optional) 1 Tbsp (15 mL) unsalted butter 2 cups (500 mL) frozen pitted cherries 3 Tbsp (45 mL) pure maple syrup 1 tsp (5 mL) lemon zest 1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) cornstarch, dissolved in 1 Tbsp (15 mL) water 1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla extract Place beet in steamer basket set over at least 1 in (2.5 cm) of water and steam until tender. Set aside to cool. In large bowl, stir together oat flour, 3/4 tsp (4 mL) cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Place beet, milk, yogurt, and banana in blender container and blend until smooth. Blend in egg. Add beet mixture to dry ingredients and gently combine. Fold in walnuts if using. Let batter rest for 10 minutes. Heat skillet over medium heat. Add butter to skillet and melt. Pour 1/4 cup (60 mL) batter for each pancake into pan and cook for 2 minutes, or until darkened around the edges and bubbles form on the surface. Flip and cook for 2 minutes more. Test a pancake to see if it has cooked through. If not, increase cooking time. Transfer cooked pancakes to baking sheet and keep warm in preheated 200 F (95 C) oven as you prepare remaining pancakes. To make cherry sauce, bring cherries, maple syrup, lemon zest, remaining cinnamon, and 1/4 cup (60 mL) water to a simmer in medium-sized saucepan. Simmer for 10 minutes and then gently mash cherries into a pulpy purée. Stir dissolved cornstarch and vanilla extract into cherry mixture and simmer for 2 minutes more, or until slightly thickened. Serve pancakes topped with cherry sauce. Serves 4. Each serving contains: 402 calories; 14 g protein; 13 g total fat (3 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 60 g total carbohydrates (27 g sugars, 6 g fibre); 236 mg sodium source: "A Red Inspired Menu", alive #388, February 2015

Giving grapes some time in the oven serves to elevate their natural sweetness and makes them a perfect foil for the creamy goat cheese in this delightful appetizer. 2 cups (500 mL) seedless red grapes 4 tsp (20 mL) grapeseed oil or sunflower oil, divided 1/8 tsp (0.5 mL) salt 1/8 tsp (0.5 mL) black pepper 1 small organic (or gluten-free) whole grain baguette 3 oz (85 g) soft goat cheese 2 tsp (10 mL) finely chopped rosemary or fresh thyme 1 tsp (5 mL) lemon zest Preheat oven to 425 F (220 C). Toss grapes with 2 tsp (10 mL) oil, salt, and black pepper. Arrange grapes in a single layer on baking sheet. Roast until grapes have softened and darkened, about 25 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 F (180 C). Diagonally cut baguette into 1/2 in (1.25 cm) thick slices, place on baking tray, and brush tops with remaining oil. Bake for 8 minutes, or until toasted. In small bowl, stir together goat cheese, rosemary or thyme, and lemon zest. To serve, spread goat cheese mixture on bread slices and top with roasted grapes. Serves 4. Each serving contains: 220 calories; 8 g protein; 10 g total fat (4 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 26 g total carbohydrates (14 g sugars, 3 g fibre); 307 mg sodium source: "A Red Inspired Menu", alive #388, February 2015

And, of course, no day of eating red is complete without tomato-infused dishes, which brings the potent cancer-fighting antioxidant lycopene to the table. From sun-up to sun-down, these palate-pleasing red food recipes will surely award you a bounty of hugs and kisses. Infinitely better than anything from a can, this painted red soup tastes like it should be more of a high-flying kitchen effort than it is. When fresh tomatoes are out of season, canned San Marzano should be your go-to tomatoes for soups and sauces, as they are revered for their fruity sweetness. The Parmesan wafers make a fanciful accompaniment to the soup. 1 Tbsp (15 mL) grapeseed oil or sunflower oil 2 leeks, thinly sliced 1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 2 cups (500 mL) lower-sodium vegetable broth 1 - 28 oz (796 mL) can San Marzano tomatoes 1 cup (250 mL) sliced roasted red pepper 1 tsp (5 mL) dried thyme 1 tsp (5 mL) sweet smoked paprika 1/4 tsp (1 mL) black pepper 2 tsp (10 mL) honey Juice of 1/2 lemon 1 cup (250 mL) grated Parmigiano- Reggiano cheese In large saucepan, heat oil over medium-low heat. Add leeks and salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until leeks are softened and browned. Add garlic; heat for 1 minute. Place broth, tomatoes, red pepper, thyme, paprika, and black pepper in saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer covered for 15 minutes. Stir in honey and lemon juice. Place soup in blender or food processor container and blend until smooth. Blend in batches if necessary. Return soup to pot and heat for 5 minutes. To make Parmesan crisps, preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat. Mound tablespoonfuls of cheese at least 2 in (5 cm) apart. Gently flatten out mounds with back of a spoon, making sure rounds are not touching each other. Bake until cheese is melted and slightly golden, about 6 minutes. Remove from oven and do not disturb until completely cooled and firm to the touch, about 20 minutes. Using thin spatula or knife, carefully lift crisps from baking sheet. Divide soup among serving bowls and top each with Parmesan crisps. Serves 6. Each serving contains: 174 calories; 11 g protein; 8 g total fat (4 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 16 g total carbohydrates (8 g sugars, 2 g fibre); 429 mg sodium source: "A Red Inspired Menu", alive #388, February 2015

Think of red quinoa as a cheery version of the more customary beige. Spicy-sweet peppadew peppers add a little zing to this salad. Look for them in the deli section of grocers or use roasted red peppers as an alternative. Serve as an accompaniment to dinner or a standalone at lunch. 3/4 cup (180 mL) red quinoa 1 1/4 cups (310 mL) low-sodium vegetable broth 1 cup (250 mL) pomegranate seeds 1 cup (250 mL) quartered peppadew or sweet piquanté peppers 1 pint (500 mL) cherry tomatoes, halved 1/2 cup (125 mL) chopped fresh mint 1/2 cup (125 mL) chopped flat-leaf parsley 1/3 cup (80 mL) sliced pecans 2 Tbsp (30 mL) extra-virgin olive oil or camelina oil Juice of 1/2 lemon 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt 1/4 tsp (1 mL) black pepper 3 oz (85 g) feta cheese, diced Place quinoa in fine-mesh sieve and rinse well. Heat heavy-bottomed, medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Add quinoa and heat until dry and grains begin to smell toasty, about 5 minutes. Add broth, bring to a simmer and heat until quinoa is tender, about 15 minutes. Drain any excess water and set aside to cool. Fluff quinoa with fork and toss with pomegranate seeds, peppadew peppers, cherry tomatoes, mint, parsley, and nuts. In small bowl, whisk together oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss dressing with quinoa salad. Divide salad among serving plates and garnish with feta. Serves 5. Each serving contains: 252 calories; 7 g protein; 13 g total fat (3 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 26 g total carbohydrates (8 g sugars, 0 g fibre); 303 mg sodium Tip: To remove the seeds (also called arils) from a pomegranate without turning your kitchen into a scene from a horror movie, submerge a quartered pomegranate in a large bowl of water. You can then pull apart the fruit with your hands—the seeds will sink while the inedible white membrane will float to the surface. Skim off membrane and drain seeds. source: "A Red Inspired Menu", alive #388, February 2015

Sustainable Pacific halibut is gently cooked in a sophisticated red sauce that makes this dish a great catch with restaurant-worthy appeal. And who doesn’t love a side of herbalicious roasted potatoes? When shopping for a jarred marinara sauce, look for one without added sugar and that is lower in sodium. 2 Tbsp (30 mL) grapeseed oil or sunflower oil, divided 1 1/4 lb (680 g) small red potatoes, quartered 1 Tbsp (15 mL) Italian seasoning 1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt, divided 1/2 tsp (2 mL) black pepper, divided 1 small fennel bulb, thinly sliced 2 garlic cloves, chopped 1 tsp (5 mL) fennel seeds 1/2 tsp (2 mL) cumin seeds 1/4 tsp (1 mL) red chili flakes 1/2 cup (125 mL) dry red wine 2 cups (500 mL) sugar-free marinara sauce 1 lb (450 g) skinless Pacific halibut fillets 1 cup (250 mL) cooked or canned chickpeas 1/3 cup (80 mL) pitted black olives, sliced 1/4 cup (60 mL) flat-leaf parsley Lemon wedges Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). Toss potatoes with 1 Tbsp (15 mL) oil, Italian seasoning, 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt, and 1/4 tsp (1 mL) black pepper. Place potatoes on rimmed baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes, stirring a couple of times, or until tender. Meanwhile, heat remaining oil in large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced fennel, season with remaining salt and pepper, and cook until very soft, stirring regularly, about 12 minutes. Add garlic, fennel seeds, cumin seeds, and red chili flakes; cook for 1 minute. Add red wine, raise heat to medium, and simmer for 3 minutes. Add marinara sauce and simmer for another 3 minutes. Place halibut, chickpeas, and olives in sauce. Cover skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook until fish is opaque throughout, flipping once, about 13 minutes. Divide sauce and fish among shallow serving bowls. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges. Serve alongside roasted potatoes. Serves 4. Each serving contains: 462 calories; 33 g protein; 12 g total fat (1 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 51 g total carbohydrates (10 g sugars, 8 g fibre); 509 mg sodium source: "A Red Inspired Menu", alive #388, February 2015