These mini cups are sure to bring a little whimsy to the appetizer spread. Chipotle peppers lend some smoky heat, with the sour cream providing cooling relief for anyone in need. You can also use chopped pickled jalapenos in lieu of the chipotles if desired. Cooked turkey can be a good alternative to chicken. And consider gathering up the extra tortilla bits, brushing them with oil, seasoning as you wish (try za’atar), and then toasting in the oven. They make a good sidekick to dips.
6 large organic whole grain tortillas
1/2 lb (225 g) finely diced cooked organic chicken
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 plum (Roma) tomato, seeded and finely diced
1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped
1 Tbsp (15 mL) cider vinegar
1 chipotle chili in adobo sauce, minced
Salt, to taste
1/4 tsp (1 mL) black pepper
1 cup (250 mL) shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (125 mL) sour cream
1 tsp (5 mL) lime zest
1 Tbsp (15 mL) lime juice
Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C).
Using 3 in (7.5 cm) cookie cutter or similar sized object such as jar lid, cut rounds from tortillas. Press rounds into 24 mini-sized muffin cups, being careful not to tear the bread. Some of the sides may fold in.
In large bowl, toss together chicken, green onion, tomato, red pepper, cider vinegar, chipotle chili, salt, and pepper.
Place small amount of cheese in each cup. Top with chicken mixture and then sprinkle tops with additional cheese. Bake for 12 minutes, or until edges of tortilla cups are crispy.
In small bowl, stir together sour cream, lime zest, and lime juice. Place small spoon in sour cream mixture, which eaters can use to add a dollop on top of chicken cups.
Serves 12.
Each serving contains: 207 calories; 12 g protein; 7 g total fat (4 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 22 g total carbohydrates (1 g sugars, 1 g fibre); 288 mg sodium
source: "Pickup Artists", alive #386, December 2014
These mildly spiced salmon tacos served with sweet and spicy pumpkin seeds will bring a party together. Make a small quantity of salmon go further when you pair it with a fresh red cabbage slaw featuring citrus and cilantro. Drizzled with some bright lime yogurt, the flavours come together perfectly. Sustainability status Wild salmon from the Pacific Northwest and Alaska are considered among the most sustainable, as the fishery is subject to limited harvests. With salmon stocks in decline, supporting managed fisheries such as these can help maintain populations into the future. That may also mean eating salmon less often than we do now. Salmon is a favourite Salmon is the most popular variety of fish in Canada and the second most popular in the US.
B12-rich mussels are a very good and economical source of protein and iron. Steamed mussels are a classic way to enjoy seafood—and so is this rich, aromatic broth of tomato, fennel, and saffron. Be sure to allow saffron to fully infuse to get the full flavour benefit, and finish off the dish with the fragrant fennel fronds. Sustainability status Farmed mussels are considered highly sustainable due to their low impacts on the environment. They are easy to harvest, require no fertilizer or fresh water, and don’t need to be fed externally, as they get all their nutritional requirements from their marine environment. Mussel prep Selection: Look for mussels with shiny, tightly closed shells that smell of the sea. If shells are slightly open, give them a tap. Live mussels will close immediately. Storage: Keep mussels in the fridge in a shallow pan laid on top of ice. Keep them out of water and cover with a damp cloth. Ideally, consume on the day you buy them, but within two days. They need to breathe, so never keep them in a sealed plastic bag. Cleanup: In addition to being sustainable, farmed mussels tend to require less cleaning than wild mussels. Most of the fibrous “beards” that mussels use to grip solid surfaces will have been removed before sale. But if a few remain, they’re easily dispatched: grasp the beard with your thumb and forefinger and pull it toward the hinge of the mussel and give it a tug. Afterward, give mussels a quick rinse and scrub away any areas of mud or seaweed, which, with farmed mussels, will require minimal work.
The delicate flavour of shrimp is highlighted with just a touch of lemon and a hint of mustard, while radish and celery give some fresh crunch to this dish. Eat it in lettuce cups, on top of greens, or served on whole grain bread for a filling snack. Sustainability status Both wild and farmed shrimp can be sustainable depending on where they’re caught and how they’re raised. See our article “Sea Change” for more information about choosing ethical shrimp.
Steaming fish in parchment-paper packets, also known as cooking en papillote , is a classic technique that allows you to cook all your vegetables and fish at the same time in a quick, easy, and convenient way. Flavours of lemon, garlic, and spicy dried chili make this a simple, yet showstopping meal. Sustainability status Wild-caught Pacific halibut has Ocean Wise and Marine Stewardship Council certifications and is fished using longlines, which is a more selective method of fishing that results in less bycatch. Prep party Involve family or guests in the prep and have everyone make their own packet. Once you’ve mastered the technique, it’s easy to change up the ingredients. Make sure you select vegetables that will cook at the same rate as the fish.