Basmati Rice with Leeks and Shitake Mushrooms!

011rice with leeks and mushrooms

How can you go wrong with leeks and shitake mushrooms?

The real secret to this dish is the method.

The leeks, mushrooms and rice are all sauteed in butter and olive oil.

This adds flavor and texture to the veggies and it toastes the rice a bit adding flavor, as well.

rice with leeks and mushrooms

To finish off add 2 cups of vegetarian broth for every cup of rice and cook on medium heat in a covered skillet.

004rice with leeks and mushrooms

  

Anna’s Breakfast Potato, Veggie and Egg Scramble with Cheese!

068 anna's potato and veggie scramble

Not only is my BFF Anna is a great cook but she is the hostess with the mostest!

We invade her lovely home for long weekends and she manages to entertain us like royalty!

One of her specialties is this casserole, of sorts, or breakfast scramble.

067 anna's potato and veggie scramble

She par cooks potatoes in the microwave

Chops and sautes any vegetables on hand, usually: red peppers, asparagus, leeks, and mushrooms and sets those aside

Then dice the potatoes and combine in a large skillet the cooked veggies, potatoes, some cheese then crack a few eggs on top

Turn the heat down to low and cover to allow the eggs to cook.

You’re finished!

You can also do this in the oven in a lovely casserole dish for a more elegant presentation.

Or cook the eggs seperatly and serve on top.

Either way it’s delicious!

066 anna's potato and veggie scramble

  

Roasted Eggplant and Lentil Spread with Roasted Garlic and Roasted Red Pepper!

091eggplant lentil spread

The secret to the delightful flavor of this dish is the roasting!

Roasted garlic, eggplant, rep pepper and sauteed leeks create a richness that makes this similar to a pate in texture and flavor.

002eggplant lentil spread

This recipe is also full of nutrition. Lentils are hardy and full of protein and fiber.

This is also light and when spread on whole wheat or flax crackers leaves you satisfied yet not full.

003eggplant lentil spread

It is also easy to make and can be whippped up on short notice.

Ingredients

1 medium eggplant
1 cup lentils
1 glove garlic
1 medium leek
1/2 cup olive oil
1 bunch cilantro
1 lime
1 roasted red pepper
Salt and pepper to taste

Method

In a 350 degree oven wrap in aluminum foil the eggplant cut in half with a drizzle of olive oil on the flesh.

In a clay roaster or aluminum foil wrap the garlic and place in oven to roast.

Both should take no more than 30-45 minutes.

In a pan add a drizzle of olive oil to sliced leeks and sautee until translucent.

Cook 1 cup of lentils in 2 cups of water until tender.

When everything is done and cooled for handling, place in the food processor.

Add the cilantro and puree.

Add enough olive oil to create the texture you desire.

For a creamier dip; just add more oil.

010eggplant lentil spread roasted red peppers

I then chopped the roasted red pepper, very fine, and folded it into the finished mixture.

I wanted little “pops” of sweet juicy flavor and the texture contrast.

I, also squeezed some lime into the finished dish and then gave it a good mixing.

Serve with your favorite crackers or breads or even crudites.

014eggplant lentil roasted red pepper

  

Shiitake Mushroom and Leek Pizza with Arugula, Tomato, Feta Salad

067linda and shelly

Inspired by a visit with my favorite aunt, I felt like nurturing her with her favorite flavors and some new decedant treats like cheeses and bread!

We enjoyed the leek and mushroom pizza on tuesday at the restaurant, however, we did have some issues.

We thaught that there was too much “sauce”. It was cheese or something, we couldn’t put our fingers on it but it over-powered the delicate flavor of the leeks and the mushrooms seemed non-existant.

031leek and mushrooms

I sauteed my leeks in olive oil with about 4-5 cloves of roasted garlic which I had left over and I used shiitake mushrooms.

039leek and mushroom pizza PD

I use the shiitake because of the intense flavor and the rubbery texture. They stand up to cooking and the flavor is rich and earthy.

040leek and mushroom pizza

I also used fresh mozzerella; about 5 1/4 inch slices then sprinkled on some parmesan; not much. Pizza is best with a light touch.

The leeks had the sweet, delicate onion flavor that I was hoping for and that sweetness accented the shiitake perfectly.

043leek and mushroom pizza

Arugula and tomatoes with feta cheese and a splash of oil was fresh and flavorful! I threw in some fresh basil for a peppery/licorice punch!

046arugula, tomato and feta salad

We are already missing her and looking forward to the next visit.

055ari and linda

  

Aunt Linda, Leek and Mushroom Flatbread, Honey Ice Cream, Flourless Chocolate Cake and Wine!

001aunt linda PD

What to do when your favorite aunt comes into to town on a cold and rainy Spring day? Eat, of course!

And we did! Right up until we went to bed. It was sinful but the celebration just couldn’t end.

She lives so far away and comes to town so rarely…

003leek and mushroom flatbread PD

Mushroom and Leek flatbread at 87 West, seated next to the fireplace was the perfect setting for a cozy chat.

The warmth of the fire took the chill off…

leek and mushroom flatbread PD

Arugula tops off the flatbread and adds nice balance to the creamy rich cheeses.

014flourless chocolate cake Tartine

Off to my favorite spot, Tartine Bistro for great wine!

Reza, the amazing bartender knows how to pick his wines. He never dissapoints.

Peanut butter accents rich dark chocolate!

017honey icecream on berries PD Tartine

This honey ice cream was a pleasant surprise on warm berry cobbler. Mouth watering delicious!

They make it in house and it is subtle, creamy and delicious!

018wine and desserts at Tartine PD

  

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