14 Oct
Black Bean Mushroom Burgers
Posted by Michelle as Beans and Grains, Vegetarian Entrees | 34 Comments
Bizarre seeing a healthy recipe on a dessert website, isn’t it? Well, the truth of the matter is that I do need to eat “regular” meals or else I would end up in a sugar coma. When I whip up something that I think is great, I want to share it with all of you. After all, I’m pretty certain you need more than dessert to survive as well, right? 
These “burgers” are full of flavor and deliciously hearty. Mushrooms and onions are sauteed with seasoning before being combined with the beans, which imparts much more flavor than I have found in more bland black bean burgers. This was also my first time making homemade bread crumbs (can you believe it?!) and I loved it! They were so much fresher than store-bought.
07 Jul
Scallion Pancakes with Ginger Dipping Sauce
Posted by Michelle as Vegetarian Entrees | 25 Comments
I am really enjoying branching out and trying new Asian recipes, so when I ran across this recipe I was immediately hooked. While it uses very few ingredients and the dough is made quite simply with flour and water, these pancakes have such a remarkable flavor. The combination of sesame oil, the scallions, salt and pepper, and being toasted in just a bit of oil all combine to create an incredibly delicious meal. And although the ginger dipping sauce is likely an after-thought as many condiments and dips are, this one could easily be the star of the show. The fresh ginger and red pepper flakes give it a great kick, and I’m already brainstorming other uses for this fabulous sauce. For starters, I think it would be great in place of standard soy sauce for sushi.
19 May
Mushroom Spinach & Gruyere Quiche
Posted by Michelle as Breakfast Foods, Vegetarian Entrees | 13 Comments
Given the current state of today’s economy, many people are trying to cut back on their grocery bill. Unfortunately, a lot of people think “eating cheap” equates to ramen noodles and spaghettios. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. In fact, slashing spending on food opens up the possibilities to getting creative and exploring new flavors. Since meat is one of the more expensive parts of a grocery bill, throwing in a few vegetarian meals during the week can really stretch the dollar. Quiche often graces the table for fancy breakfasts or the occasional brunch, but egg-based dinners can be very tasty, filling, and cheap!
The traditional quiche is baked in a flaky, buttery crust. While it tastes fabulous, we’re dangerously close to bathing suit season. We can spare the butter (and save it for dessert), right? It also drastically reduces the time it takes to assemble this dish, making it an easy weeknight meal.
03 Oct
Homemade Pierogi
Posted by Michelle as Vegetarian Entrees | 24 Comments
So just about everyone that reads my blog is pretty aware of my much-talked-about Italian heritage. Well, I also have a *smidgen* of Polish in me, and this meal pays homage to that blood. Homemade pierogi made it onto my Top 100 list, so when Annie asked if I would be interested in making them together, I jumped at the opportunity. Truth be told, I’ve never eaten a homemade pierogi in my life. Mrs. T’s all the way for me! Traditionally, the only time we really ever ate pierogi growing up was during Lent – mostly because they were an easy no-meat alternative on Fridays. And if we’re being honest, the suckers are really good! Who can resist a half-moon of dough filled with potato and cheese, fried in butter and onions?
30 Aug
Black Bean "Burgers"
Posted by Michelle as Beans and Grains, Vegetarian Entrees | 5 Comments
I have had these on my “to make” list for quite some time, but had never gotten the opportunity to try them. Today I was looking for something healthy for lunch since I usually just snack on whatever I can find, and I remembered I had wanted to try these.
These patties were very tasty and dredging them in cornmeal gave them a great crisp exterior. I ate my “burger” with brown rice and salsa and sour cream on the side. I will be keeping this recipe as it’s perfect for quick, healthy lunches! The recipe below reflects the changes that I made from the original.
Black Bean Patties
(Adapted from Cooking Light)
2 cups rinsed, drained canned black beans, divided
1 clove garlic, minced
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 large egg white
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup cornmeal
Cooking spray
1/4 cup reduced fat sour cream
Preparation
Place 1 1/2 cups beans, garlic, and salt in a bowl; partially mash with a fork. Place 1/2 cup remaining beans and egg white in a food processor; process 30 seconds or until well combined. Add bean puree to mashed beans in bowl, and stir until combined. Add cheese and onion to bean mixture; stir until combined. Divide bean mixture into four equal portions, shaping each into a 1/2-inch thick patty. Place cornmeal in a shallow dish. Dredge both sides of each patty in cornmeal.
Heat pan over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add patties; cook 3 minutes on each side or until browned. Top each patty with 1 tablespoon sour cream and extra cheese if desired.
