Asian-Inspired Napa Cabbage Salad

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As always, thanks for reading.  I look forward to seeing you at the shiny new Diet, Dessert and Dogs!

“Um, Mum, we are coming with you, aren’t we? Because (and sorry to have to tell you this), we actually have more fans than you do on this blog.”]  

  

A few weeks ago when I hosted a pot luck dinner for some friends from my nutrition school days, I promised on this blog to post all the recipes from the evening.  This napa cabbage salad was originally on the menu (but got usurped by Isa and Terry’s Caesar).   Well, tonight we ate the salad with/for dinner, so I’m happy to finally present the recipe here.

Napa is one of those foods that seems to straddle two different types of vegetable:  is it a lettuce (genus lactuca)?  Is it a cabbage (genus brassica)?*  What I love about it is its perma-crunch quality; even the next day, and even if you’ve thrown foresight to the winds and dressed the entire salad, the leftovers are still crisp.  In fact, my HH remarked this evening that he prefers this salad on the second day, as the flavors mature! (I’ll try that next time I make a salad of mesclun greens, too:  “Yes, that’s right Honey, it’s supposed to be limp and a bit slimy; that’s just what happens on the second day, after the flavors mature“).

After a long day of grocery shopping, errands, school work, and grumbling over the thermostat falling once again, I wasn’t feeling overly hungry (shocking, I know, but it does happen once in a while).  I’d picked up some sliced turkey for my HH, and had the napa in mind for me.  Turned out to be the perfect dinner for a six-foot one, 195-pound male carnivore and a five-foot four (and a half!), mumblemumbleunclearnumber-pound female vegetarian:  turkey sandwich and napa salad for him; a big plate of napa salad for me.  Mmm.  Can’t wait for the mature leftovers, tomorrow.

Napa Cabbage Salad

This fabulous salad recipe was given to me by my friend Barbara, who got if from someone else (exactly whom, she can no longer remember).   The two essential components, I’ve found, are the napa and the dressing; pretty much everything else can be adjusted or substituted. This is the type of salad that invites picking at it, right out of the salad bowl, once you’ve already finished what’s on your plate.

TO VIEW THE COMPLETE RECIPE, PLEASE VISIT THIS PAGE ON THE NEW DIET, DESSERT AND DOGS, BY CLICKING HERE.

Gluten-Free Recipe Index

[Diet, Dessert and Dogs has moved!  If you’re reading this page, you’ve landed on the old site.  Please visit the new location by clicking here–and don’t forget to update your readers and blogrolls!

 

TO VIEW RECIPES FOR ALL THE DISHES LISTED HERE, PLEASE VISIT THE GLUTEN-FREE INDEX AT THE NEW DIET, DESSERT AND DOGS, BY CLICKING HERE.   

Appetizers and Dips

 Almond-Veggie Pate

Arame and Edamame Salad

 

Carrot Pate

Celeri Remoulade (use GF mayonnaise)

Eggplant “Caviar”

Herb and “Feta” Polenta Appetizers

Mock Tuna Salad

Muhammara (Pepper-Walnut Dip) (Uses GF bread)

Perfect Guacamole

Quinoa, Sweet Potato and Black Bean Bites (use GF bread crumbs)

Raw Imitation Fried “Rice” (use GF soy sauce)

Raw Nori Rolls 

Roasted Garlic and Pumpkinseed Pesto

Sweet Potato “Fries” Three Ways

Swiss “Cheese” 

 

Baked Goods and Sweets 

TO VIEW RECIPES FOR ALL THE DISHES LISTED HERE, PLEASE VISIT THE GLUTEN-FREE INDEX AT THE NEW DIET, DESSERT AND DOGS, BY CLICKING HERE.  

Apple-Quinoa Cake 

Apple Noodle Pudding (Kugel)  (use GF noodles)

Banana Daiquiri Ice Dream

Bean Brownies 

GF Cashew Chocolate Chip Cookies  

Cheela (Chickpea Pancakes)

Chocolate Pecan Pie Filling (use a GF crust)

Chocolate Tofu Pudding 

Cocoa Nibbles (LaRAW Bars)

Coconut Mini Loaves or Cupcakes

Decadent Chocolate Pâté

Frosted Banana Oat Bars

Fudge Two Ways

Grown-Up Baked Apples with Walnuts and Figs

Mostly Raw Chocolate Truffles

Peanut Butter Cinnamon Popcorn (or Rice Crumbles)

Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Warm Caramel Sauce (use GF pumpkin bread)

Pumpkinseed Shortbread Buttons

Raw Carob-Cashew Pudding

Raw Fig and Cherry Bars (high calcium)

Raw Milky Way Bars

Soy-Free Vegan Whipped Cream

Speedy Fruit Sorbet

Spiced Brown Basmati Rice Pudding

Sweet Potato and Carrot Casserole

Beverages

TO VIEW RECIPES FOR ALL THE DISHES LISTED HERE, PLEASE VISIT THE GLUTEN-FREE INDEX AT THE NEW DIET, DESSERT AND DOGS, BY CLICKING HERE.  

Ecuadorian Hot Chocolate

Ginger-Mint Iced Tea

Mint Smoothie

Mystery Smoothie

Sweet Potato Smoothie

Breakfast and Brunch

TO VIEW RECIPES FOR ALL THE DISHES LISTED HERE, PLEASE VISIT THE GLUTEN-FREE INDEX AT THE NEW DIET, DESSERT AND DOGS, BY CLICKING HERE.  

Apple Noodle Pudding (Kugel)

Apple-Quinoa Cake

 

Blended Hot Cereal  

Cheela (Chickpea Pancakes)

Grown-Up Baked Apples with Walnuts and Figs

Mediterranean Tofu Scramble

 

Mex-Ital Tofu Scramble

 

Mint Smoothie

 

Quinoa-Oatmeal Croquettes

Sweet Breakfast Scramble (the biscuits are NOT GF)

Sweet Potato and Carrot Casserole

Sweet Potato Smoothie

Swiss “Cheese”

The Best Home Fries Ever

Tofu Omelet with Pesto, Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms

Tofu Omelet with Sauteed Apples and Sweet Curry Sauce 

 

Condiments, Sauces and Toppings

TO VIEW RECIPES FOR ALL THE DISHES LISTED HERE, PLEASE VISIT THE GLUTEN-FREE INDEX AT THE NEW DIET, DESSERT AND DOGS, BY CLICKING HERE.  

 

Avocado Mayonnaise

Brandied Apricot-Ginger Spread 

Cranberry Preserves 

Creamy, Cheesy Pasta Sauce 

Homemade Crunchy Granola 

Lentil-Tomato Sauce

“My Life in Balance” Buttery Spread (butter substitute)

Pumpkin Butter

Roasted Garlic and Pumpkinseed Pesto

Soy-Free Vegan Whipped Cream

Sundried Tomato Tapenade

Swiss “Cheese”

Sweet Curry Sauce

Tahini-Miso Sauce

Tomato Tracklement

Entrees

TO VIEW RECIPES FOR ALL THE DISHES LISTED HERE, PLEASE VISIT THE GLUTEN-FREE INDEX AT THE NEW DIET, DESSERT AND DOGS, BY CLICKING HERE.  

Balti Tofu and Chickpeas in a Thick Creamy Coconut Sauce

Bangkok Noodles with Cashews and Pineapple

 

Chili to Last Through the Winter

 

Date Pasta (use GF pasta)

 

Frugal Frittata

Kale and Potato Lasagna

Kitchari (an Anti-Candida Stew)

Lentil Pistachio Patties

Meatball Stroganoff (use GF meatballs)

Mediterranean Rice Casserole

Mediterranean Tofu Scramble

Mex-Ital Tofu Scramble

Nutroast Extraordinaire

Portobello “Steaks”

Quick and Easy Tofu Masala

Quinoa-Oatmeal Croquettes

Quinoa, Sweet Potato and Black Bean Bites (use GF bread crumbs)

Roasted Potatoes with Sweet and Sour Cipollini Onions

Savory Veggies with Coconut and Rice

Sweet Breakfast Scramble (the biscuits are NOT GF)

Sweet and Sour Cabbage and Bread Stew (use GF bread)

Sweet and Spicy Tempeh

Sweet Potato and Kasha Burgers 

Tagine of Quinoa with Chickpeas, Olives and Prunes

Tofu Omelet with Pesto, Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms

Tofu Omelet with Sauteed Apples and Sweet Curry Sauce

Flash in the Pan (quick and easy) 

TO VIEW RECIPES FOR ALL THE DISHES LISTED HERE, PLEASE VISIT THE GLUTEN-FREE INDEX AT THE NEW DIET, DESSERT AND DOGS, BY CLICKING HERE.  

Avocado Mayonnaise

 

Blended Hot Cereal

 

Cauliflower, Parsnip and Bean Mash or Dip 

Cranberry Preserves 

Cultured Vegetables 

Ginger-Mint Iced Tea

Grown-Up Baked Apples with Walnuts and Figs

Kale and Avocado Salad (Raw)

Mex-Ital Tofu Scramble

Raw Carob-Cashew Pudding

Sautéed Greens with Onions and Apples

Speedy Fruit Sorbet

Raw (Or Mostly Raw) Dishes

TO VIEW RECIPES FOR ALL THE DISHES LISTED HERE, PLEASE VISIT THE GLUTEN-FREE INDEX AT THE NEW DIET, DESSERT AND DOGS, BY CLICKING HERE.  

Avocado Mayonnaise

 

Avocado Pesto Salad 

Bittersweet Salad with Apples and Dandelion Greens 

Chilled Avocado Soup

Chilled Peach Soup with Cashew Coconut Cream 

Cocoa Nibbles (LaRAW Bars)

Cultured Vegetables

Dilly Coleslaw with Raisins and Walnuts

Greens with Hearts of Palm and Pine Nuts

Kale and Avocado Salad (Raw)

Mango Avocado Salad

Minted Peach and Corn Salad

Mock Green Papaya Salad

Mostly Raw Chocolate Truffles

Perfect Guacamole

Raw Carob-Cashew Pudding

Raw Fig and Cherry Bars (high calcium)

Raw Imitation Fried “Rice” (use GF soy sauce)

Raw Milky Way Bars

Raw Nori Rolls

Speedy Fruit Sorbet

Salads

TO VIEW RECIPES FOR ALL THE DISHES LISTED HERE, PLEASE VISIT THE GLUTEN-FREE INDEX AT THE NEW DIET, DESSERT AND DOGS, BY CLICKING HERE.  

Arame and Edamame Salad

Asian-Inspired Napa Cabbage Salad

 

Avocado Pesto Salad 

Bittersweet Salad with Apples and Dandelion Greens 

Celeri Remoulade

Classic Three Bean Salad 

Cultured Vegetables

Dandelion-Potato Salad

Dilly Coleslaw with Raisins and Walnuts

Greens with Hearts of Palm and Pine Nuts

Kale and Avocado Salad (Raw)

Mango Avocado Salad

Minted Peach and Corn Salad

Mock Green Papaya Salad

Mock Tuna Salad

Quinoa, Roasted Beet and Walnut Salad

Quinoa Salad with Buckwheat and Cranberries

Radish and Grapefruit Salad

Raw Imitation Fried “Rice” (use GF soy sauce)

Sweet Potato and Ginger Salad

Swiss “Cheese” in a Mosaic Salad

Soups

TO VIEW RECIPES FOR ALL THE DISHES LISTED HERE, PLEASE VISIT THE GLUTEN-FREE INDEX AT THE NEW DIET, DESSERT AND DOGS, BY CLICKING HERE.  

Chili to Last Through the Winter

Chilled Avocado Soup

 

Chilled Peach Soup with Cashew Coconut Cream

Curried Root Vegetable Chowder (omit dumplings from original recipe)

 

Moroccan Spiced Tomato Soup

Pear and Parsnip Soup

 

Spiced Cauliflower Soup 

Sweet and Sour Cabbage and Bread Stew (use GF bread)

Turnip and Pear Soup

Tofu and Tempeh 

TO VIEW RECIPES FOR ALL THE DISHES LISTED HERE, PLEASE VISIT THE GLUTEN-FREE INDEX AT THE NEW DIET, DESSERT AND DOGS, BY CLICKING HERE.  

Balti Tofu and Chickpeas in a Thick Creamy Coconut Sauce

Chili to Last Through the Winter

Chocolate Tofu Pudding

 

Frugal Frittata

 

Mediterranean Tofu Scramble

 

Mex-Ital Tofu Scramble

My Mother’s Potato Corn Chowder

Quick and Easy Tofu Masala

Sweet and Spicy Tempeh 

Sweet Breakfast Scramble (the biscuits are NOT GF)

Tofu Omelet with Pesto, Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms

Tofu Omelet with Sauteed Apples and Sweet Curry Sauce

Vegetables and Side Dishes (Cooked) 

TO VIEW RECIPES FOR ALL THE DISHES LISTED HERE, PLEASE VISIT THE GLUTEN-FREE INDEX AT THE NEW DIET, DESSERT AND DOGS, BY CLICKING HERE.  

Aloo Masala (Potato Curry)

Apple Noodle Pudding (Kugel) (use GF noodles)

Arame and Edamame Salad

Baked Beans Nested on Greens

Balti Tofu and Chickpeas in a Thick Creamy Coconut Sauce

Brussels Sprouts Even My Honey Will Eat

Cabbage T’horin

Caramelized Baby Bok Choy with Cashews and Sesame Seeds

Cauliflower, Parsnip and Bean Mash or Dip

Dandelion-Potato Salad

Easy Millet and Red Pepper Pilaf

Mediterranean Rice Casserole

Peas in a Creamy Curry Sauce

Portobello “Steaks”

Quinoa, Roasted Beet and Walnut Salad

Roasted Potatoes with Sweet and Sour Cipollini Onions

Sautéed Greens with Onions and Apples

Savory Veggies with Coconut and Rice

Sweet Potato and Carrot Casserole

Sweet Potato and Ginger Salad

Sweet Potato Cranberry Hash

Sweet Potato “Fries” Three Ways 

Sweet Potato Smoothie

The Best Home Fries Ever

 

 

 

Recipe Index

[Diet, Dessert and Dogs has moved!  If you’re reading this page, you’ve landed on the old site.  Please visit the new location by clicking here–and don’t forget to update your readers and blogrolls!

As always, thanks for reading.  I look forward to seeing you at the shiny new Diet, Dessert and Dogs!

“Um, Mum, we are coming with you, aren’t we? Because (and sorry to have to tell you this), we actually have more fans than you do on this blog.”]  

 

 

Appetizers and Dips

TO VIEW THE RECIPES LISTED HERE, PLEASE VISIT THIS PAGE ON THE NEW DIET, DESSERT AND DOGS, BY CLICKING HERE.

Almond-Veggie Pate

Arame and Edamame Salad

Carrot Pate

Cauliflower, Parsnip and Bean Mash or Dip

Celeri Remoulade

Cheela (Chickpea Pancakes)

Chinese Scallion Pancakes

Eggplant “Caviar”

Herb and “Feta” Polenta Appetizers

Katie’s Creamy Aspara-Dip

Mock Tuna Salad

Muhammara (Pepper-Walnut Dip)

Perfect Guacamole

Quinoa, Sweet Potato and Black Bean Bites

Raw Imitation Fried “Rice”

Raw Nori Rolls

Roasted Garlic and Pumpkinseed Pesto

Swiss “Cheese”

TO VIEW THE RECIPES LISTED HERE, PLEASE VISIT THIS PAGE ON THE NEW DIET, DESSERT AND DOGS, BY CLICKING HERE.

Baked Goods and Sweets

Apple Noodle Pudding (Kugel)

Almond-Quinoa Muffins

Apple-Quinoa Cake

Anzac Biscuits

Banana Daiquiri Ice Dream

Butter Tarts (Egg and Dairy Free)

Butterscotch Mousse Pie

Carob and Raisin Biscuits

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudgies

Chocolate Macaroons

Chocolate Pecan Pie

Chocolate Tofu Pudding

Cinnamon-Pecan Coffeecake Cupcakes

Cocoa Nibbles (LaRAW Bars)

Coconut Mini Loaves or Cupcakes

Cosmic Cookies

Decadent Chocolate Pâté

    French Toast Soufflé with Summer Berries

Frosted Banana Oat Bars

Fudge Two Ways 

Gluten Free Bean Brownies

Gluten Free Cashew Chocolate Chip Cookies

Grown-Up Baked Apples with Walnuts and Figs

Hazelnut Mocha Cookies

Holiday Apple Cake

Jam-Filled Turnovers

Last Minute Christmas (Agave) Cookie

Maple Walnut Cookies

Marzipan-Topped Shortbread Cookies

Mini Sweet Potato and Chocolate Chip Muffins

Mrs. K’s Date Cake

Oat-Nut Pie Crust

Orange-Oatmeal Muffins

Peanut Butter Biscuits

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Peanut Butter Cinnamon Popcorn (or Rice Crumbles)

Pear and Ginger Mini-Loaves or Muffins

Plum-Topped Cornmeal Cake

Polish Lemon Cake

Potato-Onion Bread

Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Warm Caramel Sauce

Pumpkinseed Shortbread Buttons

Raspberry Coconut Coffee Cake

Raw Carob-Cashew Pudding

Raw Fig and Cherry Bars (high calcium)

Raw Milky Way Bars

Soy-Free Vegan Whipped Cream

Speedy Fruit Sorbet

Spiced Brown Basmati Rice Pudding

Spiked Sweet Potato Truffles or Truffle Cups

Sweet Potato-Cranberry Scones

Tropical Lemon Coconut Muffins

Tutti-Fruiti Christmas Cookies

Vanilla Muffins

Vegan Lemon Cheesecake

Vegan Molten Chocolate Cakes

Zucchini and Pineapple Mini-Loaves

Baked Goods–Savory 

TO VIEW THE RECIPES LISTED HERE, PLEASE VISIT THIS PAGE ON THE NEW DIET, DESSERT AND DOGS, BY CLICKING HERE.

Beer Bread with Olives and Sundried Tomatoes

Cheela (Chickpea Pancakes)

Chinese Scallion Pancakes

Potato-Onion Bread

Spelt Pizza with Caramelized Onion, Artichokes and Chard

Beverages

TO VIEW THE RECIPES LISTED HERE, PLEASE VISIT THIS PAGE ON THE NEW DIET, DESSERT AND DOGS, BY CLICKING HERE.

Ecuadorian Hot Chocolate

Ginger-Mint Iced Tea

Mint Smoothie

Mystery Smoothie

Sweet Potato Smoothie

Breakfast and Brunch

TO VIEW THE RECIPES LISTED HERE, PLEASE VISIT THIS PAGE ON THE NEW DIET, DESSERT AND DOGS, BY CLICKING HERE.

Almond-Quinoa Muffins

Apple Noodle Pudding (Kugel)

Apple-Quinoa Cake

Baked Oats

Banana-Berry Breakfast Cakes

Beer Bread with Olives and Sundried Tomatoes

Blended Hot Cereal

Carob and Date Pancakes

Carob and Raisin Biscuits

Cheela (Chickpea Pancakes)

Cinnamon-Pecan Coffeecake Cupcakes

Corn Crêpes with Tomato Tracklement

Earth Bowl Breakfast

Fluffy Fruited Pancakes

French Toast Soufflé with Summer Berries

Frugal Frittata

Grown-Up Baked Apples with Walnuts and Figs

Homemade Crunchy Granola

Mex-Ital Tofu Scramble

Mini Sweet Potato and Chocolate Chip Muffins

Mint Smoothie

Mystery Smoothie 

Orange-Oatmeal Muffins

Peanut Butter Biscuits

Pear and Ginger Mini-Loaves or Muffins

Plum-Topped Cornmeal Cake

Potato-Onion Bread

Quinoa-Oatmeal Croquettes

Raspberry Coconut Coffee Cake

Savory Filled Breakfast Crepes

Sweet Breakfast Scramble

Sweet Potato-Cranberry Scones

Sweet Potato Smoothie

Swiss “Cheese”

The Best Home Fries Ever

Tofu Omelet with Pesto, Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms

Tofu Omelet with Sauteed Apples and Sweet Curry Sauce

Tropical Lemon Coconut Muffins

Two-Toned Potato Pancakes (Latkes)

Vanilla Muffins

Vegan Lemon Cheesecake

Zucchini and Pineapple Mini-Loaves

Condiments, Sauces and Toppings

TO VIEW THE RECIPES LISTED HERE, PLEASE VISIT THIS PAGE ON THE NEW DIET, DESSERT AND DOGS, BY CLICKING HERE.

Almond Curry Sauce

Avocado Mayonnaise

Brandied Apricot-Ginger Spread

Cashew Coconut Cream

Cranberry Preserves

Creamy, Cheesy Pasta Sauce 

Cultured Vegetables

 Miso Gravy

“My Life in Balance” Buttery Spread (butter substitute)

Pumpkin Butter

Orange Fig Sauce

Quick Tomato Tracklement

Roasted Garlic and Pumpkinseed Pesto

Soy-Free Vegan Whipped Cream

Sundried Tomato Tapenade

Sweet and Spicy BBQ Sauce

Sweet Curry Sauce

Tahini-Miso Sauce

Entrees

TO VIEW THE RECIPES LISTED HERE, PLEASE VISIT THIS PAGE ON THE NEW DIET, DESSERT AND DOGS, BY CLICKING HERE.

Balti Tofu and Chickpeas in a Thick Creamy Coconut Sauce

Baked Beans Nested on Greens

Bangkok Noodles with Cashews and Pineapple

Chili to Last Through the Winter

Corn Crêpes with Quick Tomato Tracklement

Date Pasta

Frugal Frittata

Jalapeno Pesto Pizza

Kale and Potato Lasagna

Kitchari (an Anti-Candida Stew)

Lentil Pistachio Patties

Meatball Stroganoff

Mediterranean Rice Casserole

Mediterranean Tofu Scramble

Mex-Ital Tofu Scramble

Nutroast Extraordinaire

Portobello “Steaks”

Quick and Easy Tofu Masala

Quinoa-Oatmeal Croquettes

Quinoa, Sweet Potato and Black Bean Bites

Reubenesque Sandwich

Savory Veggies with Coconut and Rice

Soba Noodles with Ginger, Chard and Walnuts

Spaghetti with Lentil-Tomato Sauce

Spelt Pizza with Caramelized Onion, Artichoke and Chard

Spiced Carrot Gnocchi in a Creamy Sauce

Spicy Red Pepper Pasta

Sweet Breakfast Scramble

Sweet and Sour Cabbage and Bread Stew

Sweet and Spicy Tempeh

Sweet Potato and Kasha Burgers

Tagine of Quinoa with Chickpeas, Olives and Prunes

Tofu Omelet with Pesto, Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms

Tofu Omelet with Sauteed Apples and Sweet Curry Sauce

Two-Toned Potato Pancakes (Latkes)

Flash in the Pan (quick and easy)

TO VIEW THE RECIPES LISTED HERE, PLEASE VISIT THIS PAGE ON THE NEW DIET, DESSERT AND DOGS, BY CLICKING HERE.

Avocado Mayonnaise

Blended Hot Cereal

Brussels Sprouts Even My Honey Will Eat

Cocoa Nibbles (LaRAW Bars)

Cranberry Preserves

Earth Bowl Breakfast

Ginger-Mint Iced Tea

Grown-Up Baked Apples with Walnuts and Figs

Mex-Ital Tofu Scramble

Raw Kale and Avocado Salad

Sautéed Greens with Onions and Apples

Speedy Fruit Sorbet

Gluten-Free

TO VIEW THE RECIPES LISTED HERE, PLEASE VISIT THIS PAGE ON THE NEW DIET, DESSERT AND DOGS, BY CLICKING HERE.

For GF recipes, see the new Gluten-Free Recipe Index, organized by category!

Raw (Or Mostly Raw) Dishes

TO VIEW THE RECIPES LISTED HERE, PLEASE VISIT THIS PAGE ON THE NEW DIET, DESSERT AND DOGS, BY CLICKING HERE.

Almond-Veggie Pate

Avocado Mayonnaise

Carob-Cashew Pudding

Chilled Avocado Soup

Chilled Peach Soup with Cashew Coconut Cream

Cocoa Nibbles (LaRAW Bars)

Cultured Vegetables

Dilly Coleslaw with Raisins and Walnuts

Earth Bowl Breakfast

Greens with Hearts of Palm and Pine Nuts

Kale and Avocado Salad

Mango Avocado Salad

Milky Way Bars (Raw) 

Mint Smoothie

Minted Peach and Corn Salad

Mock Green Papaya Salad

Mostly Raw Chocolate Truffles

Mystery Smoothie

Perfect Guacamole

Raw Fig and Cherry Bars (high calcium)

Raw Imitation Fried “Rice”

Raw Nori Rolls

Speedy Fruit Sorbet

Salads

TO VIEW THE RECIPES LISTED HERE, PLEASE VISIT THIS PAGE ON THE NEW DIET, DESSERT AND DOGS, BY CLICKING HERE.

Arame and Edamame Salad

Asian-Inspired Napa Cabbage Salad

Barley Hazelnut Salad

Bittersweet Salad with Apples and Dandelion Greens

Celeri Remoulade

Classic Three Bean Salad

Cultured Vegetables

Dandelion-Potato Salad

Dilly Coleslaw with Raisins and Walnuts

Greens with Hearts of Palm and Pine Nuts

Kale and Avocado Salad

Mango Avocado Salad

Minted Peach and Corn Salad

Mock Green Papaya Salad

Mock Tuna Salad

Quinoa, Roasted Beet and Walnut Salad

Quinoa Salad with Buckwheat and Cranberries

Radish and Grapefruit Salad

Raw Imitation Fried “Rice”

Sweet Potato and Ginger Salad

Swiss “Cheese” in a Mosaic Salad

Soups

TO VIEW THE RECIPES LISTED HERE, PLEASE VISIT THIS PAGE ON THE NEW DIET, DESSERT AND DOGS, BY CLICKING HERE.

Chili to Last Through the Winter

Chilled Avocado Soup

Chilled Peach Soup with Cashew Coconut Cream

Curried Root Vegetable Chowder with Dumplings

Moroccan Spiced Tomato Soup

My Mother’s Potato Corn Chowder

Pear and Parsnip Soup

Spiced Cauliflower Soup

Sweet and Sour Cabbage and Bread Stew

Turnip and Pear Soup

Tofu and Tempeh

TO VIEW THE RECIPES LISTED HERE, PLEASE VISIT THIS PAGE ON THE NEW DIET, DESSERT AND DOGS, BY CLICKING HERE.

Balti Tofu and Chickpeas in a Thick Creamy Coconut Sauce

Chili to Last Through the Winter

Chocolate Tofu Pudding

Frugal Frittata

Mediterranean Tofu Scramble

Mex-Ital Tofu Scramble

Quick and Easy Tofu Masala

Reubenesque Sandwich

Sweet Breakfast Scramble

Sweet and Spicy Tempeh

Tofu Omelet with Pesto, Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms

Tofu Omelet with Sauteed Apples and Sweet Curry Sauce

Vegetables and Side Dishes (Cooked)

TO VIEW THE RECIPES LISTED HERE, PLEASE VISIT THIS PAGE ON THE NEW DIET, DESSERT AND DOGS, BY CLICKING HERE.

Almond-Veggie Pate

Aloo Masala (Potato Curry)

Apple Noodle Pudding (Kugel)

Arame and Edamame Salad

Baked Beans Nested on Greens

Balti Tofu and Chickpeas in a Thick Creamy Coconut Sauce

Barley Hazelnut Salad

Brussels Sprouts Even My Honey Will Eat

Cabbage T’horin

Caramelized Baby Bok Choy with Cashews and Sesame Seeds

Cauliflower, Parsnip and Bean Mash

Chinese Scallion Pancakes

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudgies (cookie)

Dandelion-Potato Salad

Easy Millet and Red Pepper Pilaf

Mediterranean Rice Casserole

Peas in a Creamy Curry Sauce

Portobello “Steaks”

Quinoa, Roasted Beet and Walnut Salad

Roasted Potatoes with Sweet and Sour Cipollini Onions

Sautéed Greens with Onions and Apples

Savory Veggies with Coconut and Rice

Spiked Sweet Potato Truffles or Truffle Cups

Sweet Potato and Carrot Casserole

Sweet Potato and Ginger Salad

Sweet Potato-Cranberry Hash

Sweet Potato “Fries” Three Ways

Sweet Potato Smoothie

Tagine of Quinoa with Chickpeas, Olives and Prunes

The Best Home Fries Ever

Two-Toned Potato Pancakes (Latkes)

Vegan Molten Chocolate Cakes

Zucchini and Pineapple Mini-Loaves

Bittersweet Salad with Apples and Dandelion Greens

DIET, DESSERT AND DOGS HAS MOVED!

If you’re reading this page, you’ve landed on the old site.  Please visit the new location by clicking here–and don’t forget to update your readers and blogrolls!

As always, thanks for reading.  I look forward to seeing you at the shiny new Diet, Dessert and Dogs!

“Um, Mum, we are coming with you, aren’t we? Because (and sorry to have to tell you this), we actually have more fans than you do on this blog.”]

 

Why, oh why did I choose Sundays? What was I thinking?  I must have been on a chocolate high at the time and totally out of it.  Otherwise, why on EARTH would any sane person choose Sunday morning to track her weight loss (which, at this point, is actually a misnomer; for, as of this morning, I am now tracking my weight gain.  Oh, woe).  

Well, I suppose I can take some small comfort in the fact that we spent all of last evening at a spectacular birthday bash for my friend Gemini I’s husband. And, given that my mouth was basically open for business between 6:00 PM and midnight last night, I’m assuming some of this is temporary (I’m hoping. . . .).  Enough self-recriminations–must move onward!  And man, that gal sure knows how to throw a party. 

For your entertainment pleasure, I thought I’d try to remember as many as I can of the continual flow of appetizers and h’ors doeuvres that floated by all evening, aloft many a wait-staff’s capable hands. In addition to a huge buffet table heaving with platters of cheese, crackers, olives, breads and spreads and cut fruits, there was also an endless array of hot and cold appetizers, including stuffed button mushrooms, garlic-stuffed olives, one-bite caramelized onion quiches, mini crab cakes with wasabi dollops, bocconcini-stuffed sundried tomatoes, mini shrimp dumplings, mini hamburgers (yes, with mini buns–looked like plastic toys, actually!), mini cold rice paper spring rolls, chicken satay skewers, mini grilled cheese sandwiches, and a probably six or seven other choices I’ve forgotten. 

The dessert trays were deadly, heaped with one-bite brownies in three or four flavors, double-chocolate chip cookies and plain ole vanilla ones, three kinds of biscotti, miniature individualized banana splits served in shot glasses, all topped off by the birthday cake, an enormous rectangle of vanilla sponge decked out with cream and fresh strawberries, all tied up with white chocolate ribbons and bows. 

One side of the room served as a bar station, where servers were generously dispensing custom pomegranate-blueberry martinis (I have no idea what else was in it, but it was delicious) and any type of wine or liquor you choose.  I was thrilled to see my favorite Australian shiraz in the group. . . all I can say is, good thing I wasn’t the designated driver last evening (thanks, HH!).

As it turns out, Gemini II’s daughter is actuallly a vegetarian in a highly carnivorous family, so there were lots of veggie options there–though I’m not sure whether that was actually good for me or not.  I threw WOCA to the winds and ate more than my fair share (and am paying the price for all that wheat I consumed).  

Which leads me to. . . .salad.  After that kind of indulgence, today I’m craving something basic.  A simple, cleansing salad seems in order. 

Now, I must admit that I’ve never really been a salad person.  Is it because I don’t like salads?  No, that wouldn’t be the reason; I thoroughly enjoy my mixed baby greens, for instance, whenever the HH and I have dinner at one of our local haunts.  After reading about the need to properly toss a salad on The Good Eatah’s blog recently, I thought my tossing skills might not be up to snuff.  Or maybe the idea of cold, raw veggies smack dab in the middle of a cold, raw winter is just too painful to bear? But that’s not it, either; I do still enjoy munching on my cold, raw apples and grapefruit.

Part of my aversion to salads may be rooted in the meals of my childhood, when “salad” meant iceberg lettuce, woody tomatoes, and wobbly cucumber slices, unceremoniously slathered with mayonnaise.  Still, I was confident that years of therapy had finally eradicated that association. No, I’ve decided that the reason for my anti-salad stance is actually twofold:  first, being basically lazy, I’ve always found it just so much work to wash, peel, and cut up all the veggies.  And second, my frugal (okay, downright cheap) nature has too often prevented me from taking advantage of time-saving salads-in-a-bag, as I’m unwilling to fork over my hard-earned discretionary spending money on those overinflated prices. You see my dilemma.

Still, once in a while I encounter a salad that does seem worth the extra effort, and today’s recipe came to mind.  Just like a fulfilling relationship, a bowl of delectable salad greens may take some work, but the result is eminently satisfying (hear that, HH?). Such is the case with several of our staple salads here in the DDD household, such as the Asian-Inspired Napa Cabbage Salad, the always-popular “Broccoli Delight” from my friend Caroline’s cookbook, or the super-easy and absolutely irresistible Raw Kale salad (“Ohh, Mum, that kale salad is our favorite!  Pick that one!”).  All these are delicious (and I’ll post recipes in future), but this time, I favored dandelion.

This simple, appealing salad accompanied our highly successful Savory Stuffed Crepes, which the HH and I enjoyed for brunch the other day.  Originally, this recipe called for the duo of pears and dandelion, but once, when I ran out of pears I subbed apples, and have now come to prefer the latter combination. 

I first tasted dandelion greens during my year studying nutrition, but had been daydreaming about them since my early twenties, when I read the novel The Bone People by New Zealand author Keri Hulme. In the book, the protagonist (an eccentric hermit whose lifestyle I sorely envied at the time) produced her own dandelion wine.  Well, if I can’t have the wine, I suppose the leaves will have to do. . . .but I would still love to sample that fermented version one day.

The salad marries a subtle, slightly sweet and creamy dressing with the bitter gusto of the dandelion.  Being high in calcium and other minerals, dandelions are a natural health food.  They’re also a great liver tonic, stimulating that all-important organ to filter the “bad” cholesterol out of the body.  And after all that booze last night. . . .well, come to think of it, I could have used a fresh juice with some dandelion leaves in it, too!

The recipe produces an abundance of fresh dressing that pools gently at the bottom of the bowl, perfect for sopping up with scraps of bread or for treating The Girls to a dressing-topped dinner. (“Um, Mum, did we hear that correctly?”) Overall, the salad is crisp, light, and very refreshing.  (“Didn’t you just say, ‘dinner,’ Mum?”) And it offers a fabulous array of minerals and vitamins. (“We were sure we heard ‘dinner.’ Isn’t that right, Mum?”)  And, as dandelion is both a high-antioxidant food and a leafy green, I’m submitting this recipe as my contribution to Sweetnicks’ weekly ARF/5-A-Day roundup (check it out on Tuesday evenings). It would make the perfect accompaniment to a healthy dinner.  (“Knew it!  Is it time yet?  So, when do we get some?“)

 Bittersweet Salad with Apples and Dandelion Greens

adapted from Enlightened Eating by Caroline Dupont

TO VIEW THE COMPLETE RECIPE, PLEASE VISIT THIS PAGE ON THE NEW DIET, DESSERT AND DOGS, BY CLICKING HERE.

The recipe was created by the exceedingly talented Jennifer Italiano, owner of Toronto’s first all-raw restaurant and one of my personal favorites, Live Organic Food Bar (they’ve now expanded the menu options to include macrobiotic and some other cooked items). 

TO VIEW THE COMPLETE RECIPE, PLEASE VISIT THIS PAGE ON THE NEW DIET, DESSERT AND DOGS, BY CLICKING HERE.

Leftover Pizza for Breakfast

 I must be on a “dinner-for-breakfast” kick.  This morning, I scarfed up the last 2 pieces of pizza from last night’s cooking class.  Normally, the class participants take all the leftovers home with them, but due to intermittent snow squalls throughout the GTA, two people cancelled at the last minute and left me with–yum!–breakfast.

I am feeling a bit downcast this morning, as last night’s was the final class, not just of 2007, but likely forever.  After four years of offering alternative cooking classes in my home and finally reaching some sort of critical mass on the website, I decided with this recent move to stop teaching in the house. 

First of all, my H.H. hated it (since he was relegated to the upstairs TV room for the entire evening), and even though The Girls loved it (“Yes, Mum, all those new people to sniff and free food dropping from the air all evening!”), I find this new place isn’t as well suited to having three cooking stations in the kitchen.  Besides, it’s a new home; time for a fresh start.  I’ve been feeling so overwhelmed with other projects and commitments lately that it was beginning to seem onerous every time I had to prep a class (a full-day venture, plus cleaning up until midnight most nights).

What I will miss is meeting an ongoing array of amazing women (sorry, Garry, you were the only man to register in the entire four years!) who have opened my mind to new experiences and taught me more about life than I could ever have taught them about cooking.

Believe me, as one who formerly suffered from anxiety attacks, I was the last person you’d expect to invite total strangers into  my home.  But after a giddy year as a nutrition student at CSNN, my desire to share what I’d learned and cook with the amazing selection of new and healthy foods I’d discovered overcame any doubts I may have had.  (Besides, we all know that the last thing those health-foodie, crunchy granola types would ever do is steal or pillage).

So:  to Giovanna, who burst onto the scene post-radiation with her smile still beaming, it was such a pleasure to meet you and observe as you entered this world of alternative medicine and organic eating.  Your courage and determination have inspired me.  And so cool to know that there are such incredibly gorgeous wigs out there (though I must say I prefer the natural grey on you).

To Sandra, with your naturally effervescent nature, thank you for winning the prize for “only student who attended all fourteen cooking classes in a single season.”  I enjoyed hearing the plethora of stories about your kids and their pranks, and I wish you continued success as you introduce healthier options into your family’s menus. 

To Barbara, with your peripatetic streak and calming smile, I so enjoyed hearing about your many travels and so many interesting customs from other countries.  Thank you for your unbridled appreciation of the food and for being so affectionate with my dogs (“yes, thanks, Barbara!”).  I know you will love your upcoming time in Cairo.

To Maria-Elena, you brought an informal approach and many guffaws to the class.  Thank you for showing me that the Coconut Cream Pie could work when made in the blender, even though that wasn’t what the recipe called for. Who needs to measure, anyway?

To Michelle, I’m so glad you took that first chance and leapt in.  I have so enjoyed our outings and discovering this new friendship. And thanks for all the great puppy pix and recipes to try out! You are a natural at it.

There are so many more, and every one has touched me in some indelible way.  Still, I know this was the right move for me, one that will allow my concentration to move to more current interests (hmm, such as this blog!). 

Yes, I will sorely miss the camaraderie and buzz in the kitchen.  What I won’t miss is having to dash frantically around the house cleaning up the night before class (oh, wait, maybe I should miss that–this may mean our house is never clean again!).  I won’t miss the last-minute forays to the corner store for overlooked okra or missing miso, or having to reprimand Chaser when the guests arrive because her exuberance overtakes her and she jumps up on people even though she’s been trained not to (“But Mum!  They might have food!”).

Last evening’s theme was “Light and Easy Suppers,” healthy dishes that are mostly kid-friendly and can be cooked up in a fairly short span. 

Here’s the final menu (this suddenly feels like a tribute to the Titanic, or something!):

• Sesame Sweet Potato Wedges with Thai Dipping Sauce
• Spelt Thin-Crust Pizza with Artichokes, Caramelized Onion, and Chard (photo above)
• Tofu Masala Curry with Brown Basmati
• Moroccan Spiced Tomato Soup
• Napa Cabbage Salad
• Gluten-Free Pumpkinseed Shortbread Cookies.

I will post recipes for all of these over the next while. Now that there will BE no more cooking classes, this is my best place to share, though I don’t have all the photos yet (of course, given my shaky photography “skills,” that may not be a bad thing).

In the meantime, why not indulge in pizza for breakfast?