BRIGHT GREEN PEA & COCONUT SOUP

It’s beginning to be that dreary time of Winter where it feels like the beginning of the end.  After getting back from LA over the holidays, I arrived to 20-something degree weather, and the last few days couldn't have been more dreary.  It’s easy to feel like spending all day on the couch or eating a banana for dinner is not out of the realm of possibilities.  I’m fighting my “dreary” feelings by blasting myself with brightness, in food more than feelings, but I’m working on both.

This soup, from Anna Jones’ new book, is a fresh and vibrant recipe that is remarkably flavorful despite its few ingredients. I doctored it up just barely, but it was exactly what I needed.  It uses those frozen peas I always have in my fridge, and made me feel a little more “awake” after eating it.  Bright foods for fighting seasonal depression ? I’ll take it. 

Bright Green Pea & Coconut Soup (Gluten-free, Vegan) Serves 4-6

*Adapted from A Modern Way to Cook

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 bunch of green scallions, chopped (green and white parts)
• 1 shallot, minced
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 2lbs. frozen green peas
• 1 (15oz.) can of coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon white or yellow miso
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
• 1 bunch of fresh cilantro, roughly chopped (stems, too!)
• 1 bunch of fresh basil, roughly chopped (stems, too)
• 1 lemon
• Extra virgin olive oil, to serve
• Freshly ground pepper, to serve
• Microgreens, to serve (opt.)

In a large saucepan, heat coconut oil over medium high heat.  Once pan is hot, add scallions, shallots and celery. Cook, stirring often, for 3-4 minutes or until ingredients have softened.

Then, add frozen peas, coconut milk, miso, salt and 3 cups of filtered water.  Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes.

Remove from heat.  Stir in all herbs and the zest + juice of 1 lemon.  Transfer mixture to vitamix/blender and puree until smooth.  (*If you have an immersion blender, use it here and dirty one less dish.)  Once soup is smooth, divide amongst bowls.  Top with freshly ground pepper, micro greens and a drizzle of olive oil. 

STICKY DATE CAKE WITH SALTED TOFFEE SAUCE

I can't believe it's already Christmas and this year is coming to a close.  I'm spending time in rainy California with family, tons of christmas cookies and holiday music.  This sticky date cake will be a beloved new addition to our usual Christmas morning cinnamon rolls (gf, of course), hot chocolate and quiche.  These cakes couldn't be more festive if they tried, and I hope they bring some much needed cheer to your holiday gatherings.

STICKY DATE CAKE WITH SALTED TOFFEE SAUCE (Gluten-free) Makes 10 mini bundts

Date Cake:

• 1 1/2 cup chopped medjool dates 
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup coconut oil, liquified
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 3 mandarins, zested + 2 tablespoons juice
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup oat flour
• 1/2 cup arrowroot or tapioca flour
• 1/3 cup coconut or brown sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

Salted Toffee Sauce (Adapted from Nigella)

• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoon maple syrup
• 3/4 stick butter, cubed
• 2/3 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease a mini bundt pan with coconut oil and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, add chopped dates, baking soda and boiling water.  Let mixture sit for about 10 minutes to soften.

Once dates have soften, using a masher or fork, mash the mixture until dates have broken down and sauce is thick, smooth-ish paste.  Then, stir in coconut oil, vanilla, maple, and mandarin juice + zest.  

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together almond, oat, and arrowroot flour with sugar, spices and salt.  Then, mix flour mixture into wet ingredients, a little at a time, until all dry ingredients are incorporated.  Stir until well combined, then evenly divide among mini bundt cakes (filling until 3/4 full).  Bake for 15-17 minutes or until edges are firm and cake bounces ever-so-slightly back.  Set aside to fully cool in the pan before trying to remove.  

To make toffee sauce: Put sugar, maple, and butter in a saucepan and slowly bring to a boil.  Once sugar and butter have dissolved, let simmer/bubble for 3-4 minutes, then whisk in the heavy cream (carefully, it will bubble up).  Mix in sea salt.  Then, cook mixture over medium heat until thick, glossy and golden brown.  Remove from heat.  Store in a clean mason jar.  

To serve: Top date cakes with warm toffee sauce.  Serve immediately!  Also, would be great with a dollop of creme fraiche or ice cream ;) 

WHOLE GRAIN MILLET & BUCKWHEAT GRANOLA

Finally the weather has started to shift in NYC and it feels like we’re collectively taking a deep sigh. There’s nothing like those first few days when you no longer need AC to sleep and there’s finally a cooler breeze in the air. This is hands down my favorite time of the year.

Now that the summer heat has subsided, I’m starting to feel my oven again. I can appreciate baking and filling my house with those warming smells without worrying about overheating the house (or myself). This granola is the perfect transition treat filled with, not one, but three whole grains. Top with your favorite add-ins or whatever you have on hand, then store in an airtight container. Although this granola technically keeps for over a week, mine never lasts that long ;)

WHOLE GRAIN MILLET & BUCKWHEAT GRANOLA (Gluten-free, Dairy-free) Makes 3 1/2 cups 

• 1 1/2 cup gluten-free rolled oats
• 1 cup puffed millet
• 1/2 cup buckwheat groats
• 1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup raw almonds, chopped
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup extra virgin coconut oil
• 1/4 cup clover honey
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl, mix together the first eight ingredients. Once mixed, add in all wet ingredients. Using your hands, mix together all ingredients to make sure everything is well-coated.

Add to a baking sheet in one even layer. Bake for 15 minutes. Turn off the oven, mix together granola with a spoon, then add back to oven for 5 minutes. Then set granola aside to cool.

Your granola will stay good in an airtight container for about 10 days. Storing in the fridge will help it keep even longer.