This naturally tangy salad balances nicely with a touch of the sweeter red pepper coulis. Ideal for mid-meal, it makes a superbly healthy lunch all on its own.
Couscous Salad
6 cups (1.5 L) cooked Israeli couscous
1/2 cup (125 mL) red pepper, diced
1/2 cup (125 mL) yellow pepper, diced
1/2 cup (125 mL) green pepper, diced
1/2 cup (125 mL) red onion, diced
1/2 cup (125 mL) goat’s feta, crumbled
1/4 cup (60 mL) kalamata olives, pitted
2 lemons, zested and juiced
2 Tbsp (30 mL) Italian parsley, chopped
1/4 cup (60 mL) extra-virgin olive oil
3 Tbsp (45 mL) balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 cups (750 mL) mixed organic greens
Red pepper coulis
Combine all ingredients, except organic greens and red pepper coulis, thoroughly and allow to marinate for 1 hour.
Coulis
8 sweet red peppers, juiced and strained
2 Tbsp (30 mL) honey
1 tsp (5 mL) Dijon mustard
1 Tbsp (15 mL) lemon juice
1 cup (250 mL) grapeseed oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Reduce red pepper juice by half in a small pan over medium-high heat. Allow juice to cool to room temperature before adding it, along with honey, mustard, and lemon juice, to a blender. Blend mixture slowly while adding grapeseed oil until mix is well incorporated. If the pepper mixture begins to separate, add a touch more honey and an ice cube. Season as desired.
Just before serving, mix in the organic greens and couscous for a texture and taste boost. Decorate plates with a drizzling of red pepper coulis.
Serves 6.
source: "Glowbal Thinking", alive #297, July 2007
This simple dessert celebrates the glory that is the summer strawberry. Don’t feel you have to stick to strawberries here; swapping them for ripe peaches would also make for a stunning ending to any meal. What to gild the lily with? Add a dollop of whipped coconut cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. Flower power Orange blossom water (also known as orange flower water) is produced by water distillation of the blossoms of a bitter orange tree. Just like rose water, a little goes a long way. So, take care and use just a drop or two, tasting as you go so as not to overwhelm but rather to complement the other flavours in a dish.
Ever thought about making burgers as an appetizer or as a potluck meal for friends and family? Try making your favourite burger into bite-sized portions. They might be small in size, but they won’t be small in flavour. These burgers also pair well with a Greek salad for a delicious mid-week lunch or dinner. Fresh is best Squeeze fresh lemon on patties while cooking to give them the fresh zing of citrus.
What worldwide vacation is complete without a stop in Italy? Dad won’t miss the meat in this flavourful mushroom alternative complete with Italian spices and a zesty vegetable tapenade. Portobellos have a uniquely “meaty” texture and act as a sponge to lock in loads of flavour. This meaty plant-based burger is sure to become a favourite—even with any meat-lovers in your life. Custom-made! Don’t be afraid to customize your burger buns to fit your patties. If your bun’s too big, trim off excess and save the trimmed bits of bread, but don’t discard. Instead, cut into small cubes; drizzle with some olive oil, sea salt, and seasonings of choice; bake at 350 F (180 C) for 10 to 15 minutes, and you’ll have delicious homemade croutons for use in soups and salads throughout the week.
Next stop, Asia! This shrimp burger combines classic Asian flavours with unique toppings for rich umami flavour with the saltiness of the ocean. Whether served on a bun or over rice in a more traditional Asian-style meal, try some unique miso yogurt or wasabi mayo dressing for a fabulous flavour bomb. Keep those burgers juicy Place raw patties on a plate or tray, and cover and freeze or refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes to keep them together and to lock in moisture.