Roasted garlic adds a creamy texture and a buttery flavour to this old family favourite. Garlic is excellent for boosting the immune system at this time of year.
1/2 to 1 cup (125 to 250 mL) garlic cloves
1 Tbsp (15 mL) extra virgin olive oil
6 cups (1.5 L) water
4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters
1/3 to 1/2 cup (85 to 125 mL) local goat’s milk cheese (or other soft cheese)
2 Tbsp (30 mL) local organic butter
4 Tbsp (60 mL) fresh parsley or 1 Tbsp (15 mL) dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
To roast garlic cloves, preheat the oven to 300 F (150 C). Peel garlic cloves, toss in olive oil, spread on a baking sheet, and roast for 15 minutes, until soft and brown.
While garlic is roasting, bring the water to a boil in a large pot and add the potatoes. Cook on medium-high for 15 minutes, until potatoes are tender. Drain and add potatoes to the roasted garlic in a large bowl. Add soft cheese, butter, parsley, and salt and pepper, and mash well. Garnish with more parsley.
Serves 4.
source: "Local Eating", alive #300, October 2007
This vegan take on classic shepherd’s pie is jam-packed with bold and rich flavours that will ensure no one will miss the meat. While a great source of fibre, lentils also contain the highest amount of folate out of all plant-based foods. Oven ready If you don’t have an ovenproof skillet, you’ll need to transfer cooked lentil filling to a baking dish before topping with mashed sweet potatoes and baking.
Cauliflower has been having a moment lately, and this salad proves exactly why. Tender caramelized cauliflower is crowned in a glorious sweet and savoury crumble that will ensure it a place on your table all month long. Of all tree nuts, pecans have the highest concentration of flavonoids, which offer beneficial anti-inflammatory effects, and they also protect your cells from oxidative damage. Crumble perfection This crumble topping is too good not to use it on other preparations. Sprinkle over a carrot ribbon salad to add some extra pizzazz, use as a glorious garnish on a soup or stew, or consider generously spooning over your next vegetable “steak” to add some delicious textural variation.
This gloriously comforting dish gets its creamy lusciousness from a can of white beans. Feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand instead of broccoli. Pass the pasta Instead of regular pasta, consider serving this sauce over zucchini noodles, carrot noodles, or cooked spaghetti squash.
This nut-free take on classic queso dip is everything you want and more. Paired with chips, crackers, or crudités, this creamy, zesty, smoky, and oh-so-satisfying dip is easy enough to whip up for a cozy snack or as an appetizer for company. Go nuts! If you’re okay to eat nuts, try substituting sunflower seeds with 1 cup (250 mL) raw cashews.