Serves 4
This silky sweet side dish is sure to make tasters coo with delight. Mustard is the unexpected flavour booster offering a tempered kick.
1 medium-sized butternut squash
2 tsp (10 ml) grapeseed or extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 Tbsp (30 ml) unsalted butter
1 1/2 Tbsp (30 ml) grainy mustard
4 fresh sage leaves, chopped
2 tsp (10 ml) minced fresh ginger
1/4 tsp (1 ml) sea salt
1/4 tsp (1 ml) black pepper
1/2 cup (125 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
Preheat oven to 200 C.
Slice butternut squash in half and scoop out seeds. Brush flesh with oil and lay the halves cut side down on baking paper- or silicone-lined baking tray. Roast squash until very soft, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside until cool enough to handle.
Scoop out flesh from squash halves and place in food processor along with butter, mustard, sage, ginger, salt and pepper. Purée until smooth.
Place mixture in baking dish, sprinkle top with Parmesan cheese and bake until golden brown in spots and cheese has melted, about 15 minutes.
Each serving contains: 980 kilojoules; 8 g protein; 12 g total fat (6 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 27 g total carbohydrates (5 g sugars, 4 g fibre); 511 mg sodium
source: "Cooking With Mustard", alive Australia #16, Winter 2013
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.
While on your burger journey, visit Jamaica, where you’ll find the spicy jerk flavours native to this beautiful island. Maple syrup adds a unique, sticky sweetness, while fresh lime juice highlights the fresh, tangy flavours of the Caribbean. Try making your own jerk seasoning or purchase store-bought for an easy shortcut.