Cooking Archives - East of Eden Cooking

2019/03/192019/03/24

Salad of Romaine and Oranges

In this Salad of Romaine and Oranges, crunchy lettuce and sweet oranges play well with briny olives and the crunch of chubby walnuts tossed in a simple vinaigrette. This is the kind of salad that demands second servings and will disappear every time you make it.

“In March the soft rains continued, and each storm waited courteously until its predecessor sank beneath the ground. The warmth flooded the valley and the earth burst into bloom—yellow and blue and gold.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

This Salad of Romaine and Oranges fills our craving for fresh greens and bright flavors while we wait in anticipation for spring. Its that in between time. Feels like spring, bright sunshine and everything has turned green. But the mornings are still cold and more rain is on the way. Then it still feels like winter. The seasons here are late and get jumbled with influence from the great Pacific Ocean. The one thing that is constant, never flinching or wishy washy is citrus season. Every year oranges, grapefruit, lemons and limes arrive to brighten the dull colors and flavors of winter cooking. READ MORE . . .

2019/01/07

Reducing One Time Use Plastic Bags

Reducing one time use plastic bags in the kitchen with mesh bags, reusable produce storage containers and terry cloth bags.

“After awhile, said Cyrus, you’ll think no thoughts the others do not think. You’ll know no word the others can’t say. And you’ll do things because others do them. You’ll feel the danger in any difference whatever—a danger to the whole crowd of like-thinking, like-acting men.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

The new year is synonymous with change, resolving to do better, be better. A marker of personal improvement. This year I’m making an attempt in reducing use of one time use plastic bags. It’s a simple resolution, yet requires a commitment to changing behaviors decades in the making. As far as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is concerned my resolution doesn’t really matter. It’s only if more us begin to reject all the one time use plastics and cardboard we consume that true change will occur. READ MORE . . .

2018/11/14

Delicata Squash, Feta and Pomegranate Salad

On a foundation of lettuce greens, the bitter flavors of radicchio contrast with sweet, caramelized winter squash in this recipe for Delicata Squash, Feta and Pomegranate Salad.

“Later Samuel and Adam walked down the oak-shadowed road to the entrance of the draw where they could look out at the Salinas Valley. Will you stay to dinner? Adam asked.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

Delicata Squash, Feta and Pomegranate Salad would be a fabulous addition to any holiday gathering. On a foundation of lettuce greens, bitter flavors of radicchio contrast with sweet, caramelized Delicata roasted with fresh thyme. Tangy feta and sherry dressing add a pop of flavor and let the sweet Delicata dance in this lush fall salad. Pomegranate arils deliver color and crunchy texture in the Delicata Squash, Feta and Pomegranate Salad. READ MORE . . .

2018/08/222018/08/22

Mint Chocolate Chip Frozen Yogurt

Mint Chocolate Chip Frozen Yogurt is a harmony of flavors, a tangy yogurt base paired with a minty background and loaded with mini chocolate chips.

“There was always some little delicacy, very special and good—foie gras or a tossed salad, pastry bought at Lang’s Bakery just across Main Street. “

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

Mint Chocolate Chip Frozen Yogurt is a tangy alternative to calorie busting ice cream. Real ice cream is made with cream, it’s impossible to resist. Cream has a whopping 821 calories per cup, while whole milk yogurt has 170 calories per cup, a compelling reason to try this recipe for Mint Chocolate Chip Frozen Yogurt. This super easy recipe for frozen yogurt has floated all over the net. For vanilla frozen yogurt there are only four ingredients, full fat yogurt, sugar, vanilla and salt. Mix everything in one bowl, process, freeze, done. No custard to make and chill, no overloading on fat filled calories from dairy. A summer worthy frozen dessert, Mint Chocolate Chip Frozen Yogurt is slightly tangy from the yogurt, minty from the extract and chocolaty from the mini chips. READ MORE . . .

2018/05/21

Chocolate Superfood Energy Bites

Chocolate cravings and a desire for healthier eating habits come together in these Chocolate Superfood Energy Bites. Rich dark chocolate collides with the superfood powers of cacao, hemp seed hearts and turmeric. Walnuts and tahini add richness and more protein.

“Of course it occurred to him that he might be wrong, that some misbegotten shadow had fallen across his face and warped his seeing.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

I’m not a health food junkie and always find a way to enjoy an occasional sweet. Yes! But I’m also aware of hovering heath issues, especially the osteoarthritis I inherited from both my parents. Prescription meds help, but like many other diseases, it progresses. Inflammation is a body’s enemy. It was difficult for me to believe that certain foods would quickly reduce the inflammation, but amazingly they do. The super food turmeric, short acting and hemp seed hearts, longer acting have changed my daily life. How do I know? I added them to my diet and then stopped when my supply was exhausted. Within a week I was miserable again. Now both turmeric and hemp seed hearts are part of our lunch time smoothies. READ MORE . . .