The Conscious Kitchen

Summer Corn Chowder

Jul

Grilled, raw in salads, or on the cob, I cannot get my fill of sweet summer corn. This soup is more than just another delicious way to enjoy it. It is creamy, rich, deeply satisfying, and vegan.

Cold Soba Noodle Salad with Miso Dressing (video)

Jul

Satisfying and loaded with sweet earthy flavor, Japanese soba noodles are traditionally made from buckwheat. Buckwheat is not wheat. It is not even a grain. It is a fruit seed. This is great news for those looking for a satisfying noodle that is not only gluten free but good for you as well. Buckwheat has 8 out of 9 of the essential amino acids making it an excellent source of protein. It is high in dietary fiber and is a great source of B vitamins, minerals, and alpha-linolenic acid. It also happens to be very satisfying and tasty. It is not always easy to find 100% buckwheat noodles and if you are not concerned with gluten, I would recommend using a noodle that is about 70/30 buckwheat to whole wheat as they are significantly easier to work with and less delicate than those made with 100% buckwheat. That being said, 100% buckwheat noodles can be found at many grocery and natural food stores or on line and they are delicious.

Miso Dressing

Jul

This dressing is easy to make in a blender or by hand. You will love it. It is great to use on all sorts of salads and with noodles.

Raspberry Peach Popsicles or Smoothie

Jul

This is another great smoothie recipe that is even better made into popsicles. What I love so much about them is that they are satisfyingly sweet enough to enjoy for dessert, but not overwhelming so like most popsicles from the store tend to be. I like to enjoy a small glass of the smoothie for breakfast or a snack and pour the remaining mixture into popsicle molds to save for later. Or double the recipe so you and your family can enjoy both.

Occhiolina Beans with Aromatic Vegetables

Jul

Several months ago my husband and I were visiting friends in New York City and they insisted on taking us to Eataly. My friend, a very stylish Italian woman and exceptional cook also happens to be the person responsible for teaching me to make risotto several years ago. When she tells me that there is an extraordinary Italian market that is an absolute must to visit, I have to take her word for it. It also happens to be one of her son’s favorite spots, and at 14 years of age, he is quite a cook himself.

Oven Baked Tortilla Chips

Jul

There is no reason to waste calories and fat on greasy chips. Home made oven baked chips are easy to make. They satisfy the cravings you might have for salty, crunchy, and carby snacks, and are super delicious. By using tortillas prepared with no preservatives and a clean bill of ingredients, you get the added satisfaction of knowing that you are eating something that is not processed with a bunch of things you cannot pronounce.

Sweet Pea Guacamole

Jul

There are a few restaurants that I wish still existed. The food, memories, and inspiration I associate with some of them is so powerful. I suppose you would call it Proustian. Trumps was one of those restaurants. The late Michael Roberts, the chef and proprietor of Trumps, was and remains to be one of the greatest influences on my culinary career. Along with Alice Waters, Wolfgang Puck, Ken Frank, Cindy Pawlcyn, and Michael McCarty, he can be counted among the innovators of what we now commonly refer to as California Cuisine.

Chocolate Banana Smoothie

Jul

For those of you who crave chocolate, but are seeking something that is not as indulgent as candy, this recipe is for you. I made it for breakfast this morning, but it would be equally good as an afternoon snack or a dessert. The almond butter makes it especially tasty, but would be just as delicious using peanut butter or none at all.

Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado and Vine Ripened Tomatoes

Jul

Summer is a great time to stretch our limits with salads beyond lettuces. The fruits and vegetables that peak in the heat are all worthy of providing hearty, flavorful, and mouth watering side dishes worthy of taking center stage. That is part of the reason people tend to eat lighter and healthier during the summer months. Even though menus this time of year at home and in restaurants feature grilled meats, burgers, and other fatty foods, we tend to pair them with fresh and satisfying vegetables and salads that steal the show.

Watermelon Granita Parfaits

Jul

Watermelon has to be one of America’s favorite summertime fruits. It goes without saying that we are faced with too many choices of outstanding fruit during the summer, but there is something special about watermelon that brings out the joys of childhood in us all. It is not surprising as the sweet, juicy, crisp and refreshing flavor and texture can be enjoyed far beyond the pleasure of eating a big slice of it with juices running down your face. It lends itself so well to dishes both salty and sweet, from salads to desserts.

Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips

Jun

Whenever I have bananas out on the counter that I know are going to go uneaten, I either peel and freeze them to use for smoothies or let them get a little over ripe to use for banana bread. It is a perfect dessert or treat that is not too sweet. In times past, even recently, I have always made a favorite recipe that I should share with you and will soon. This time, though, I wanted to try a recipe that fit into my gluten-free and vegan lifestyle. As much as I love to cook for the pleasure of my family, I felt like being able to share in the warm sweet bread that would come out of the oven.

Wild Rice and Cherry Salad

Jun

I have always has a strong association with wild rice being a autumnal food. It has a earthy character and nutty flavor that holds up well with the hearty dishes we enjoy during that time of year. Yet it has a firm texture that lends itself so well to using in salads. Such salads certainly should not be limited to those that can be enjoyed in stuffing or served with game or fowl during the colder months of the year as wild rice can be a great choice to use for lighter meals.