Friday, July 9, 2010

Gluten-Free and Grain-Free "Raw" Granola


Here is a great recipe that requires a little time prior to making but is perfect to serve if you or a loved one have an intolerance to wheat.It is gluten and grain free which means that it can be enjoyed by everyone with no worries.

Ingredients

2 cups almonds
1 cup macadamia nuts
1 cup pumpkin seeds
1 cup organic dried raisins
1 Tbsp.organic vanilla extract
1/2 tsp.cinnamon
1/2 tsp.sea salt

Directions

1.Place nuts and seeds in a large bowl,cover with water and soak overnight.
2.Place raisins in a separate bowl,cover with(1/2 to 1 cup)water and soak overnight.
3.In the morning,place the raisins,along with their soaking water in a food processor and puree until smooth.
4.In a fine mesh metal strainer,drain and rinse the nuts and seeds and discard the soaking water.
5.Add nuts and seeds to raisin puree in food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped,to the consistency of granola,then add vanilla,cinnamon and salt and pulse briefly to incorporate these final ingredients.
6.Transfer mixture onto two large parchment lined baking sheets.
7.To make live granola,place in the oven on the lowest setting for 24 hours.
8.For instant gratification,bake 45 minutes in the oven at 250 degrees.
9.For a more decadent treat,once it has cooled, I sometimes drizzle pure maple syrup over the granola or add shredded organic coconut,organic cranberries and pieces of 90% dark chocolate.

You can eat a small portion of this in the morning for breakfast with homemade almond milk or as a morning snack....mmmm...You can also sprinkle a couple of tablespoons on top of organic yogurt...very good!!!

Enjoy!!!

Sylvie Thibert

Peppered Salmon Steaks with Yogurt-Lime Marinade


This is a great summer recipe for the grill. I guarantee you that you will make this recipe more that once. When you see how good this salmon will taste it will quickly become one of your favorite recipes.By the way this recipe is gluten-free, which is very appreciated by guests that have intolerance to wheat.

Peppered Salmon Steaks with Yogurt-Lime Marinade

Ingredients

1/2 cup organic plain yogurt
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. lime juice
1 tsp. honey
1 Tbsp. minced fresh ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 tsp. sea salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper
4 1-inch thick salmon steaks
lime wedges

Directions

1.Whisk together yogurt,oil,lime juice,honey,ginger,garlic,salt and pepper in a shallow dish.
2.Add fish steaks and turn to coat with marinade.Cover and marinade in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 hour,turning once.
3.Preheat grill.
4.Coarsely grind pepper onto steaks and gently press in.
5.Oil the grill.
6.Grill the steaks, turning once, until the fish is opaque,about 10 minutes.
7.Serve immediately with lime wedges.

**Tip**:Oil a folded paper towel,hold it with tongs and rub it over the rack. Do not use cooking spray on a hot grill.

Enjoy!!

Sylvie Thibert

Grilled Thai Chicken


Canned coconut milk has almost become a staple in my household.Mixed with curry and chili,the coconut makes this chicken an Oriental treat.Serve it on top of a nice bed of wild brown rice.Thai cuisine is the national cuisine of Thailand. This cuisine places emphasis on lightly-prepared dishes with strong aromatic components.Thai food is known for its balance of the five fundamental taste senses in each dish or the overall meal:spicy,sour,sweet,salty and bitter.

Grilled Thai Chicken

Ingredients

3 cloves garlic,minced
1 small onion,chopped
1 cup coconut milk
1/2 cup chopped fresh coriander
1/4 cup tamari sauce
2 Tbsp.chopped fresh ginger
1 tsp.black pepper
1 tsp.Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp.mild curry powder
4 medium boneless,skinless chicken breasts(organic)
1/2 cup chopped green onions

Directions

1.In a blender,combine garlic,onion,coconut milk,coriander,tamari sauce,ginger,black pepper,Dijon mustard and curry powder.
2.Remove one-fourth of the marinade and set aside for basting.
3.In a shallow baking dish,combine the chicken breasts and the marinade.
4.Sprinkle with green onions and marinate in refrigerator for at least 15 minutes (longer if possible).
5.Place chicken on a pre-heated grill and cook,basting with reserved marinade,10-15 minutes or until cooked through.

Makes 4 servings

I hope that you enjoy making this recipe.It is really easy to make and I'm sure that everyone will enjoy it and talk about it for a long time.

Sylvie Thibert

Mediterranean Chicken Wrap


People living along the Mediterranean, for centuries, ate the bounty they were surrounded by-fresh fruits, vegetables, olives and olive oil, grains,fish from the sea and just a little meat.When science came by to take a look,they found that their hearts were not only pure but in remarkably good shape. Research has shown they also enjoy reduced risk of diabetes, cancer and it may even help fight depression.Enjoy trying this recipe and eat your way to good health.

Mediterranean Chicken Wrap

Ingredients
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup couscous, preferably whole wheat
1 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
1/4 cup lemon juice
3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
2 tsp. minced garlic
1/4 tsp.sea salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper
1 pound of chicken breast(boneless,skinless) cut into thin slices(preferably organic)
1 medium tomato,chopped
1 cup chopped cucumbers
4 10-inch Ezekiel wraps

Directions

1.Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan.
2.Stir in couscous and remove from the heat.
3.Cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with fork.Set aside.
4.Meanwhile,combine parsley,mint,lemon juice,oil,garlic,1/8 tsp.salt and pepper in a small bowl.
5.Toss chicken tenders in a medium bowl with 1 Tbsp. of the parsley mixture and the remaining 1/8tsp.salt.
6.Place the slices of chicken in a large nonstick skillet and cook over medium heat until cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes per side.Transfer to a clean cutting board.Cut into bite-size pieces when cool enough to handle.
7.Stir the remaining parsley mixture into the couscous along with tomato and cucumber.
8.To assemble wraps,spread about 3/4 cups couscous mixture onto each wrap.Divide the chicken among the wraps.Roll the wraps,tucking in the sides to hold the ingredients in.

You can serve the wraps cut in half accompanied by a nice fresh green salad.

Enjoy this nice fresh summer recipe!!!

Sylvie Thibert