Sunday, July 26, 2009

Starting the Day



RASPBERRY OATMEAL

Serves  2

INGREDIENTS

1 cup quick oats
2 cups 2 percent milk
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh raspberries
2 tablespoons red raspberry jam

INSTRUCTIONS

Put 1/2 cup oats in a microwave safe bowl.
Stir in 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and a dash of salt.

Microwave on medium heat for a minute and 45 seconds (or until oats expand and soften).

Stir in 1 tablespoon of raspberry jam, 1/2 cup milk, and 1/2 cup raspberries.

Repeat steps to prepare the second serving.  



Advance purchase required!
Book your Chicago Food Tour today!
buy tickets at zerve
or call Zerve at (800) 979-3370

Monday, July 20, 2009

Summer snacking

Susan Pachikara (COPYRIGHT 2009)


Americans get a fourth of their daily calories from snacks. To help guard against diet-related illnesses, consider munching on nutrient rich fruits and vegetables. Vine-ripened grape tomatoes are a delicious choice this time of year. Easy to eat and full of immune boosting vitamin C, they marry well with fresh herbs. For a cool, tangy treat, try pairing them with a serving of basil chive dip.


BASIL CHIVE DIP
2009 Cardamom Kitchen LLC All Rights Reserved

Serves 8

TIP:

- Herbs provide flavor with minimal calories - a gift to anyone watching their weight. In this recipe, chives round out the flavor of sweet basil (a mix of cloves, mint, and cinnamon) with a taste of mild onions.
- Storing tomatoes in the refrigerator compromises their flavor and texture. Keep them on the kitchen counter instead, out of the sun.


INGREDIENTS

5 ounces Neufchatel cheese (room temperature)
1/3 cup light sour cream
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/3 cup sweet basil, finely chopped
3 tablespoons chives, finely chopped
Freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

Blend together the Neufchatel cheese and sour cream.

Mix in the garlic powder, sweet basil, and chives.

Season with pepper.

Serve with grape tomatoes or other vegetables.

Susan Pachikara (COPYRIGHT 2009)

Sweet basil has delicate green leaves. To chop them, gather the leaves in a tight mound and rock a sharp knife over it. Then, hold the knife perpendicular to the original position and rock it over the leaves in the opposite direction.

Basil loses it flavor when subjected to heat. Add it toward the end of a recipe when cooking.

Susan Pachikara (COPYRIGHT 2009)

Chives produce pale purple flowers in the spring and reed like leaves all summer long. The blossoms impart an intense onion flavor so use them sparingly. Discard the tough stems.

Susan Pachikara (COPYRIGHT 2009)

Like basil, the flavor of chives fades when heated. So throw them in at the end of your recipe. Or use them raw. As a mild member of the onion family, they add flavor to salads and Deviled eggs.



Advance purchase required!
Book your Chicago Food Tour today!
buy tickets at zerve
or call Zerve at (800) 979-3370