All Posts Tagged With: "organic coconut oil"

RECIPE: Almond Chicken Couscous

Linda’s comments:  This is an awesome recipe….I made it and yummmmmmmmy….makes for 4, but for one, you can freeze left-overs. (in Glass containers)

Excerpt:

Almond Chicken Couscous

Provided by Taste For Life http://www.tasteforlife.com

Ingredients:
1 cup of couscous
4 skinless, organic boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp. organic ground cloves
1/4 tsp. organic ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. organic ground cardamom
1/2 tsp. organic ground cumin
1 tsp. turmeric
Pinch of Sea Salt
1 tbsp. coconut oil     1 organic onion, finely chopped
4 finely chopped organic garlic cloves
2 cups unsalted organic chicken stock
1/4 cup of organic raisins
2 tbsp. slivered almonds

Directions:
1) In a bowl mix chicken pieces with cayenne pepper, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, and turmeric.
2) Toss chicken to coat with spices. Let them stand at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
3) Mix couscous in a separate bowl with raisins, pour in 1 cup of boiling water.
4) Cover the bowl and let stand for at least 5 minutes.
5) Heat the oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat.
6) Add the onion and garlic and saute, stirring constantly, for about 3 minutes.
7) Sprinkle salt over the chicken and add the pieces to the skillet and saute, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes.
8) Pour the stock over the chicken and bring to a boil.
9) Immediately drain the chicken and onions – reserve the liquid in a separate bowl.
10) Fluff the couscous and raisin mixture with a fork and transfer it to a serving platter.
11) Place the chicken in the center of the wreath.
12) Drizzle the stock on top and sprinkle with slivered almonds.

Recipe

Linda’s comments:  This recipe is delicious, however it makes a lot for left overs.  I ate this recipe at a friends house who is Morrocan.  Outstanding cook.  I haven’t made it yet, but anxious to do so. Enjoy!!

Ingredients

1/2 teaspoon turmeric
3 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1/4 cup finely chopped organic cilantro
1/2 cup finely chopped flat-leaf organic parsley
2 organic garlic cloves, minced
1 (14-ounce) can diced organic  tomatoes, do not drain. 
1 large organic fennel bulb, cut into 1/2-inch wedges
1 1/4 pounds Yukon Gold organic potatoes, peeled and cut into 6 wedges
2 cups chopped peeled orgnic turnips
4 organic carrots, cut in half lengthwise and then into 3-inch sticks
1 cup organic vegetable broth (I would use the organic vegetable broth paste)
1 cup frozen organic  baby peas
1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh organic lemon juice
Fresh organic cilantro sprigs
2 tablespoons coconut oil
 
Preparation
 
 Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add turmeric, cumin, and paprika; cook, stirring, until the spices begin to foam.

Add cilantro, parsley, garlic, and tomatoes; cook, stirring until they’re well blended. Add fennel, potatoes, turnips, carrots, and broth. Then reduce heat to medium. Cover tightly and cook until the potatoes and carrots are tender.

Add peas and cook until they are thoroughly heated. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.

Transfer the mixture to a tagine pot or platter. Garnish with cilantro sprigs.

Tagine tips:

If you use a heavy cast-iron enamel tagine, cut the liquid in the recipe by half; the dish’s tight seal doesn’t allow as much evaporation as a regular pan’s.

A tagine dish holds a limited amount of food, so use a small Dutch oven to make big amounts.

Moroccan custom suggest, you set the dish in the center of the table, slowly lifting the lid to release the heady aromas and show off the colorful meal inside. Your family/guest will be anxious to dig in…..

Recipe – Mixed Garbanzo Salad

Linda’s comments:  I made this recipe and let it sit over night.  The longer it sits the better it is….I also added some rice noodles…depending on the size of the rice noodles, you might need to not use as much vinegar/oil OR you might need to add more.

Excerpt:

3 cups finely chopped organic fennel bulb
2 cups chopped organic tomato
1 3/4 cups finely chopped organic red onion
1 cup chopped fresh organic basil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoon coconut oil (non flavor) 
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt salt
4 organic garlic cloves, minced
2 (15 1/2-ounce) cans organic chickpeas (garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained……
Rice noodle (small package cooked lightly…… 
1/2 cup (2 ounces) crumbled feta cheese

Combine everything, (except the cheese in a bowl) toss well. Let stand 30 minutes then sprinkle with cheese. Best if left to sit in fridge over night. If left to sit in fridge over night, wait to sprinkle the Feta cheese right before you serve it….

RECIPE – Spaghetti Squash Casserole

Linda’s comments:  I made this for the Super Bowl party and it was a hit.  I made a few changes from original recipe.  Even the men liked this!!

Spaghetti Squash Casserole
 
1 large organic spaghetti squash (football size) or 2 small
1 organic onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups organic diced tomatoes (Lucin)
2 tbsp organic grapeseed oil/coconut oil
3/4 cup grated organic zucchini
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 balls fresh mozzarella
1/2 cup shredded fontina
 
Split the spaghetti squash in half.  Scoop out seeds and place cut side down on a sheet pan.
Bake at 425 for 45 minutes or until outside is well browned and inside is tender.  Allow squash to cool 30 minutes.  Scoop the flesh into a bowl.  Saute the onions and garlic in grapeseed oil or organic coconut oil. until fully cooked, about 10 minutes. Add the onion to squash mixture, followed by the tomatoes and zucchini.  Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.  Place the mixture in a large casserole pan, sprinkle with the cheese and bake in 375 oven for 45 minutes or until bubbly and browned. Garnish with fresh chopped herbs.  Makes 8 servings.
 
Recipe from Michael Stebner, Executive Chef, True Foods Kitchen

New Recipe – healthy, fresh, spicy side dish

Linda’s comments:  This recipe makes for a healthy, fresh spicy side dish.  I made this for a “bring a covered dish” party and it was a hit….I also added organic “cherry” tomatoes and Feta cheese.

Ingredients 

1 1/2 pounds organic green beans, ends trimmed 
6 medium organic  red beets, trimmed 
Extra-virgin organic olive oil or organic Coconut Oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons grated fresh horseradish
 
Vinaigrette:
2 tablespoons organic lemon juice
1 tablespoon organic lemon zest
1 tablespoon raw UNHEATED honey
1 tablespoon grated fresh horseradish
1/4 cup extra virgin organic olive oil or organic Coconut Oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees F. Toss beets on a large piece of foil and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper then place another piece of foil over the top to form a pouch. Bake in the oven for 45 minutes until very tender. Allow beets to cool then rub off and discard the skins. Cut larger beets in quarters and smaller ones in half.

Blanch green beans in a large pot of salted boiling water for 2 minutes then plunge in ice water to shock. Drain and pat dry.

Make the dressing: Combine lemon juice, zest, honey and horseradish. Whisk while you add olive oil to lightly emulsify. Season with salt and pepper. Add beets and beans to the vinaigrette. Toss to coat everything evenly then serve showered with fresh grated horseradish.

This recipe was altered but the basic one came from:  http://www.kitchendaily.com/

Old-Fashioned Play Dough

Read more: http://www.kitchendaily.com/2010/08/31/old-fashioned-play-dough-kitchen-crafts/?icid=main%7Chtmlws-main-n%7Cdl3%7Csec3_lnk3%7C168421#ixzz0ynGMznKA

Kids can spend hours with play dough when they make it themselves. Make several batches of this and color each one a different color. This variation feels nice and silky, and, if properly stored, stays soft for a very long time. 

Makes about 1 cup of play dough 

1 cup flour (gluten FREE)
1/2 cup salt 
2 teaspoons cream of tartar 
2 tablespoons organic coconut oil 
1 cup water 
A few drops of organic food coloring.  

Put all the ingredients, including the food coloring, in a saucepan and cook, stirring constantly, over medium heat until mixture thickens and holds together in a mass. Remove pan from heat and let the dough cool. Turn out onto a work surface and knead several times until soft, pliable and smooth. Use immediately or store in an airtight plastic container.

Organic Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:
  •  
    • 1 4-pound organic chicken ( I used 4 organic skinless/boneless chicken breast)
    • 1 tablespoons dried herbs (any combination of sage, thyme, rosemary, oregano)<<organic
    • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
    • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • 1/4 cup organic coconut oil 
    • kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
    • Fingerling Potatoes, skin on, wash good use a dozen…

Preheat the oven to 450F.

Rinse the chicken, if necessary, and pat it dry inside and out. Remove any excess fat.  Set aside.

With clean hands, combine the dried herbs, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper and coconut oil in a small bowl. Brush or rub the chicken all over with half the herb-oil mixture.  Sprinkle the breast with salt and pepper. Place the breasts it in a large, shallow roasting pan. Set aside.

In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with the remaining herb-oil mixture. Arrange the potatoes around the chicken in a single layer.

I also use a tablespoon of the organic chicken paste…mix with ONE cup bottled water.

Place the pan in the oven,  at 450F degrees for 30 minutes. Do NOT open the oven door. After 30 minutes, remove the pan from the oven and shut the door. Lower the heat to 350F. Turn over each potato wedge using tongs, or a metal spatula if necessary, and return the pan to the oven to roast the chicken for another 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken thigh reaches 170F.

I use my stoneware oven with lid.

Serve with your favorite steamed veggie….taste like Thanksgiving in September….

New recipe

Linda’s comments.  This is a great recipe filled with protein.  Ready to eat in 30 min.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (I use organic coconut oil)
  • 2 onions, chopped, organic
  • 1 clove garlic, minced-organic
  • 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice, organic
  • 1 (19 ounce) can kidney beans, undrained, organic
  • 1 (19 ounce) can garbanzo beans, undrained, organic
  • 1 (19 ounce) can lentils, organic
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste, organic
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, organic
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt, kosher
  • 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded

Cooking Instructions 
allrecipes.com

Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Pour in oil and saute onion                                                       and garlic until golden-brown. Stir in tomatoes, kidney beans,                                                              garbanzo beans, lentils, tomato paste, oregano, pepper, and salt.                                                             Turn heat to low and simmer 20 minutes. Sprinkle in cheese and                                                             stir until melted. Serve immediately, or cool and freeze.                                                                    Serves 8

Raw Sweet Potato Souffle

Linda’s comment:  I recently tried this Raw Sweet Potato Souffle before Thanksgiving, (didn’t want a flop on Thanksgiving).  It was a success and yummmmy on top of it….I did change a few things and used organic ingredients.  This makes a great holiday change….NO GMO for me thank you….

Raw Sweet Potato Souffle

This recipe was created by our very own Gourmet Raw Foods Chef, Jackie Graff, and is one of the recipes demonstrated recently at our HALLELUJAH ACRES CULINARY ACADEMY. It was absolutely delicious! Serves 4. Continued