Thursday, January 14, 2010

Quiche


Comox Brie, Portobello Mushroom and Butternut Squash Fall Quiche

Quiche is often overlooked as an easy supper fix. This versatile meal can be made with the greatest of ease and easily transformed into a gourmet meal with the addition of local cheeses, fresh veggies from your local farm stand and herbs that are still thriving in your own garden.


Here is a local organic quiche recipe that I think you will enjoy. Keep in mind that the mushrooms, squash, herbs and cheese can be substituted for those you may have on hand. Pair this quiche with a simple green salad including carrot curls, shredded beats, bite size cauliflower florets and garlicky vinaigrette.

Ingredients
1 homemade pie crust (see recipe below) or store bought crust
1 tbsp organic olive oil
1 clove of minced garlic
1 medium chopped onion
1 medium size portabella mushroom chopped
½ cup of diced butternut squash
4 organic local farm eggs
¼ cup milk
1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
1 tsp chopped fresh parsley
Salt & pepper to taste
1 dash of hot sauce (any kind will do)
1 round of Comox brie (or another type of soft ripened brie)


Method:

Preheat oven to 375*F In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté onions for 2 minutes followed by the garlic. Add the diced squash and sauté an additional 3 minutes. Add portabella mushrooms and continue to sauté until onions, squash and mushrooms have all softened but are not mushy.In a medium size bowl, add the 4 eggs, ¼ cup of milk, chopped parsley, rosemary, salt & pepper and a dash of hot sauce. Whisk until well combined (mixture should be bubbly around the edges).Add the onion mushroom sauté to the egg mixture and stir. Pour this mixture into your prepared pie crust. See Pie Crust RecipeSlice the brie into long strips. Lay the strips on top of the quiche mixture from the middle fanning outwards. Sprinkle with pepper and place into the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes. When gently wiggled, the quiche should be fully set (no jiggle) and lightly browned.Preheat oven to 375*F

In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté onions for 2 minutes followed by the garlic. Add the diced squash and sauté an additional 3 minutes. Add portabella mushrooms and continue to sauté until onions, squash and mushrooms have all softened but are not mushy.

In a medium size bowl, add the 4 eggs, ¼ cup of milk, chopped parsley, rosemary, salt & pepper and a dash of hot sauce. Whisk until well combined (mixture should be bubbly around the edges).

Add the onion mushroom sauté to the egg mixture and stir. Pour this mixture into your prepared pie crust. See Pie Crust Recipe

Slice the brie into long strips. Lay the strips on top of the quiche mixture from the middle fanning outwards. Sprinkle with pepper and place into the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes. When gently wiggled, the quiche should be fully set (no jiggle) and lightly browned.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

AJs Organic Curry Carrot Soup

Well here we go, 2010! Many people at this time of the year think about healthy eating, changing their lifestyle to include more exercise and overall healthier way of life. I strive to add this into my life everyday.
Right now is a great time to make those soups that we all crave when it's damp and dreary out. One of my favourites is a curry carrot. Super easy to make and freezes well.
Here it is! Enjoy...

2 cloves of garlic
2 med. size onions
1 2lb bag of organic carrots
1/2 cup organic veggie broth
1 can of organic pineapple chuncks with broth
1-1 1/2 tbsp of your favourite curry paste (green, red, thai, indian...)
a dash of salt and pepper to taste
fresh cilantro and sour cream or plain yogurt for garnish

1. In a large pot with a lid, saute garlic and onions until softened and aroma begins to escape

2. Chop all of the carrots into 1 cm circles and add to onions and garlic. Add veggie broth and cover with the lid for 5 minutes.

3. Add the can of pineapple with its juice, curry paste and salt and pepper. Stir until curry paste is distributed evenly and cook until carrots are softened completely.

4. Using a hand blender or a conventional blender, puree the soup until there are no lumps remaining.

5. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.

Great on a chilly winter afternoon!