ROASTED RED PEPPER HUMMUS

My husband was out of town overnight, for the Arkansas Hospitality Association meeting, while
I enjoyed and appreciated the change in our weeknight routine, and took the opportunity to cook as little as possible, and to use up what was in the refrigerator.
I made this yummy Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, slathered it on a sandwich with goat cheese, then piled on chicken, avocado, pan fried Prosciutto and arugula. My daughter took one bite, and suddenly half of my sandwich was gone.

ROASTED RED PEPPER HUMMUS

1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup garbanzo beans, drained
1/4 cup tahini
juice from 1 lemon
3/4 cup roasted red peppers
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

In a food processor, combine garlic, garbanzo beans, tahini, and lemon juice. Process until the mixture is smooth. Add roasted peppers and basil and pulse until the peppers are finely chopped. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer hummus to a bowl, cover and chill until you are ready to serve.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from All Recipes
allrecipes.com/‎

CHOCOLATE AVOCADO PUDDING

I was intrigued with the combination of ingredients in this recipe, and was inspired, interested and excited to try the flavors. The pudding had a wonderful, thick, silky, rich texture, and I really enjoyed the taste, different from regular chocolate pudding, but delicious.

CHOCOLATE AVOCADO PUDDING

1 ripe avocado, peeled, pit removed
1/2 cup almond milk
4 tablespoons cocoa powder
6 dates, pitted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Puree all ingredients in a blender, adding a little more milk if needed. Spoon into bowls, add whipped topping and berries if desired.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Shape Magazine, January/February 2014
www.shape.com/healthy-eating/healthy-recipes‎

GRILLED CORN AND BLACK BEAN SALAD

It gives me great pleasure to dream about the fresh produce that will soon be readily available. Trips to the grocery store and Farmers Market are always so wonderful and even more delicious when there is a large variety of fruits and vegetables in season.
With Daylight Savings in effect today, beautiful, bright summery salads like this Grilled Corn and Black Bean Salad are closer to being freshly procurable.

GRILLED CORN AND BLACK BEAN SALAD

4 ears fresh corn, shucked
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons chili powder
salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 bunch radishes, trimmed and thinly sliced
3 green onions, thinly sliced
1/3 cup chopped cilantro
4 ounces queso fresco, crumbled (optional)
1 avocado, cut into cubes

Heat grill to medium. Add the corn and grill until charred in spots, about 10 minutes. Let cool completely.
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Using a large, sharp knife, carefully cut the corn kernels from the cobs and transfer to the bowl.
Add the beans, radishes, green onions and cilantro, toss well. Divide the salad among plates, top with queso and avocado.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Every Day with Rachael Ray
www.rachaelray.com/‎

FRIED FLOUNDER WITH BLACK BEAN AND AVOCADO SALSA and LEMON BUTTER COOKIES

I LOVE to read, and always have a pile of books.
Reading was what I missed most about my life before kids, but thankfully Book Club got me back in the habit of reading and showed me I could find the time.
I read on the treadmill, in the car line while waiting for the kids to come out of school, while on an airplane, a passenger in a car, sitting beside the pool, curled up on the couch in a blanket, and I always carry my current book in my purse just in case the line at the post office is too long, or I'm waiting on a friend at a restaurant.
I have recently devoured a couple of books that, along with delicious stories included wonderful recipes.
Today is the National Education Associations "Read Across America" day - and with the kids out of school due to snow and ice, this delicious combination of nourishment for the mind and body is definitely worth celebrating.

FRIED FLOUNDER WITH BLACK BEAN AND AVOCADO SALSA

FOR THE BLACK BEAN AND AVOCADO SALSA
2 (14 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup halved grape tomatoes
4 green onions, finely chopped
1/2 small jalapeño pepper, finely chopped
juice from 1 lime
1/4 cup olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
few dashes of hot sauce
handful of chopped cilantro
2 avocados, cut into cubes

In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients.

FOR THE FLOUNDER
1/2 cup flour, seasoned with salt and pepper
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs, seasoned with salt, pepper and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
olive oil
1 1/4 pounds flounder fillets
tartar sauce, for serving
lemon wedges, for serving

Set up your dredging stations: one plate or bowl for the flour, one for the eggs and one for the panko.
Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Dredge your fish fillets, first in the flour, then in the egg, then in the panko.
Add 2 to 4 fillets at a time to the skillet and fry 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until cooked through. Remove from the skillet, tent with foil to keep warm, and fry the remaining fillets, adding more oil as necessary.
Serve with a dollop of tartar sauce, lemon wedges and the black bean and avocado salad.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Dinner a Love Story, Jenny Rosenstrach, 2012
www.dinneralovestory.com/‎

LEMON BUTTER COOKIES

1 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extreact
zest of one lemon
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
1/4 cup cornstarch
sugar crystals

Cream butter, sugar, vanilla and zest until smooth. Add dry ingredients, mix until just incorporated. Use waxed paper to shape and roll dough into 2 8-inch logs, (about the width of a cookie).
Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for an hour.
 Heat oven to 350F.
Slice cookies about 1/4 inch thick, put on ungreased cookie sheets, sprinkle on sugar crystals or roll the logs in sugar before cutting.
Bake for 15 minutes, until slightly golden. Cool on waxed paper.

Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from A Fine Romance: Falling in Love with the English Countryside, Susan Branch, 2013

www.susanbranch.com/‎

BLACK BEAN SOUP and CAULIFLOWER SOUP WITH CREME FRAICHE and VEGETABLE NOODLE SOUP

We awoke to the message that the kids would be out of school, and there is just something about the kids being home due to inclement weather that makes me want to cook. But not just anything will do, it has to be hot, hearty fare to warm the soul as well as the stomach, and cookies!!
I made this Black Bean Soup for lunch, which my husband and I shared before he went back to work. I managed to get the kids and their friends that were over, to sit and eat, between putting on coats and gloves and trips out to the trampoline.

BLACK BEAN SOUP

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
salt and pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
3 cups chicken broth
cilantro, sliced avocado and plain Greek yogurt for serving

Heat oil in a medium pot, over medium heat. Add onion, season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden, about 8 minutes. Add garlic and cumin and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add beans and broth, bring to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer until beans are heated through and creamy, about 10 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes.
Puree in a blender or with an immersion blender. Season with salt and pepper and rewarm. Divide soup among bowls and serve with cilantro, avocado and Greek yogurt.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Martha Stewart
www.marthastewart.com/cook‎

CAULIFLOWER SOUP WITH CREME FRAICHE

In a deep pot over low heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Stir in 2 chopped shallots and 1 cup of thinly sliced celery. Cook until onions are very soft, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon ground coriander and 1 head of chopped cauliflower. Add 1/2 cup water.
Increase heat to medium-low and cook, stirring often, for about 25 to 30 minutes. Add 2 cups of chicken broth, increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Puree soup using an immersion blender, until smooth.
Spoon soup into bowls and garnish with creme fraiche.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Wall Street Journal, September 2013
online.wsj.com/public/page/magazine-food.html‎

VEGETABLE NOODLE SOUP

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 onions, diced
3 celery ribs, diced
4 carrots, thinly sliced
1 garlic clove, minced
3/4 teaspoon chopped thyme
6 cups chicken broth
1 cup water
1 bay leaf
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2/3 cup alphabet pasta
1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
2 tablespoons chives, finely chopped

Heat oil in a saucepan. Add the onions, celery and carrots and cook over moderate heat, stirring, for 8 minutes. Add the garlic and thyme and cook for 1 minute. Add the broth, water and bay leaf and simmer until the vegetables are tender, 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Stir in the pasta and simmer until tender, 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the peas and chives. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Discard the bay leaf.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Food and Wine, August 2007
www.foodandwine.com/recipes‎

GRILLED SHRIMP AVOCADO BOATS

I recently read a fascinating article on comfort food, and consequently during a lunch with well-read friends, over our Grilled Shrimp and Avocado, our conversation flowed to that very subject. A common thread throughout both discussions was that comfort food, a term first used in 1977, and defined as "food prepared in a traditional style, having a usually nostalgic or sentimental appeal"(www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comfort%20food‎) is an individual preference, and predominantly determined by childhood experiences. The formative encounters, perhaps being the most powerful, and having a greater impact than experiences later in life. So if you grew up eating and enjoying meatloaf, pumpkin soup, pierogi or spotted dick, that is the food you will most likely turn to when you are seeking to soothe yourself through food. Which of course makes me worry what my children will desire, as I barely ever make the same thing twice.
Interestingly, studies of American preferences show males and females differed in reasons for choosing comfort food and the types they chose. Men preferred warm, hearty, meal-type fare, generally triggered by positive emotions, whereas women, choosing snack type foods such as chocolate and ice cream, tend to gravitate toward those foods when they are experiencing negative emotions.
Food consumed as a response to emotional stress or in order to increase positive feelings, may be a key contributor to the obesity epidemic, currently facing many parts of the world (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comfort_food#Russia)
A hotel I stayed in recently, advertised a "Comfort Food Night", alongside their "Managers Toast Night" and "BBQ" night. Their comfort offerings were a baked potato, cheese burger and a salad.
Whatever your comfort food may be, please indulge responsibly.

GRILLED SHRIMP AVOCADO BOATS

Peel one pound of jumbo shrimp, leaving tails on.
Marinate in 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of minced ginger, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of fresh dill, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon zest. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
Cut 2 avocados in half and twist to separate. Remove pits. Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper, salt and lemon juice. Cover, set aside.
Drain shrimp. Swirl a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan, cook shrimp for 2 minutes, turn over and cook for 2 minutes longer.
Arrange avocado halves on arugula. Fill avocados with shrimp.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Arkansas Democrat Gazette, August 2005
www.arkansasonline.com/news/features/food/‎

BRUSCHETTA WITH TOMATO, AVOCADO, BASIL AND MINT

A friend of mine saw a movie "girl rising" while she was traveling, and worked very hard to bring it to our town. My heart swelled and I was so proud of her when the numbers in the theater grew so large, they had to move the showing to a much bigger room.
It is a movie that "showcases the human spirit and the power of education to change a girl and the world" (from the Girl Rising website girlrising.com/‎) It was a very thought provoking and emotional film, telling the stories of nine girls from different countries.
I was meeting friends before and going out for a cocktail after, so I made an appetizer for my husband and I to share when he got home from work. We came together briefly to catch up on the day, and enjoy a bite to eat and each others company, before heading in different directions for the evening.

BRUSCHETTA WITH TOMATO, AVOCADO, BASIL AND MINT



1 baguette, cut crosswise into rounds
olive oil
1 garlic clove, peeled
1 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped jalapeño
1 pound assorted tomatoes, coarsely chopped, juices drained
2 large avocados, halved, pitted, peeled, cut into small cubes

Heat oven to 425F.
Arrange bread rounds on large rimmed baking sheet. Brush with oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake until crisp, about 12 minutes. Cool.
Press garlic into medium bowl. Add onion, basil, mint, lemon juice, and chiles. Mix in tomatoes, then avocados, season to taste with salt and pepper.
Serve with the toasts.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Bon Appetit Fast Easy Fresh Cookbook, 2008
www.bonappetit.com/.../the_bon_appetit_fast_easy_fresh_cookbook

GREEK SALAD WITH AVOCADO, SHRIMP AND CAPER VINAIGRETTE and HELLO DOLLY BARS

The kids were out of school Friday, for Parent-Teacher conferences. Thankfully there were no surprises to be had during the meetings, and we feel very fortunate to have incredible teachers, who work extremely hard, and want the very best for their students.
With the day ahead of us, and the kids having earned some fun, we invited friends over for lunch and play. It was fruit, sandwiches and chips for the kids and a Greek salad for the adults - however we were all able to come together over dessert, and agree it was a scrumptious success for all ages.

GREEK SALAD WITH AVOCADO, SHRIMP AND CAPER VINAIGRETTE

VINAIGRETTE
1/4 cup olive oil
1 4 ounce jar of capers with liquid
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
3 hard boiled eggs, white part only, finely chopped
2 tablespoons finely chopped roasted red peppers from a jar
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
SALAD
10 cherry tomatoes, halved
2 to 3 avocados, halved, pitted, peeled and diced
3 cups of shredded hearts of romaine lettuce
1 1/2 cups feta cheese
1 1/2 cups cooked shrimp

VINAIGRETTE
Whisk all ingredients in medium bowl to blend. Cover and refrigerate until needed.
SALAD
Combine all ingredients in large bowl. Add vinaigrette to salad and toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Bon Appetit
www.bonappetit.com/recipes

HELLO DOLLY BARS

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup melted butter
3 tablespoons sugar
2 cup chopped pecans
1 cup chocolate morsels
2/3 cup sweetened flaked coconut
1 (14 ounce) can of sweetened condensed milk

Heat oven to 350F.
Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter and sugar in a medium bowl. Press mixture onto bottom of a lightly greased 13 by 9 inch pan. Bake for 8 minutes. Sprinkle pecans, chocolate morsels, and coconut over hot crust. Pour condensed milk over top.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly browned and edges are bubbly. Let cool for 1 hour on a wire rack. Cut into bars.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Southern Living, April 2001
www.southernliving.com/food/kitchen-assistant/

CREAMY MEDITERRANEAN SPREAD and GUACAMOLE HUMMUS and SHISH TAWOOK

I was so excited to host a dear friends birthday dinner, and when I asked her what she would like, she mentioned Greek food.
We served the Mediterranean spread, and guacamole hummus alongside olives, feta, spanakopita and dolmas, and the Shish Tawook with Tabbouleh. These three dishes were super quick and easy to put together, and although the spanakopita and dolmas were a little more time consuming, they were worth it - delicious!
It was a flavorful, varied and fun menu, just like our fabulous guests.

CREAMY MEDITERRANEAN SPREAD

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
7 ounces roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
4 ounces crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup chopped Kalamata olives
1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Spread cream cheese onto bottom of shallow dish (I will sometimes mix the cream cheese with store bought hummus). Combine remaining ingredients, spoon over cream cheese.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Food and Family, Summer 2010
www.kraftrecipes.com/foodfamilyarchive/.../magazine_archive.aspx

GUACAMOLE HUMMUS

In a food processor, combine 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained, 3 cups fresh cilantro leaves, 1 garlic clove, chopped, and 1 ripe avocado, roughly chopped.
Process until finely chopped. Add 3 tablespoons olive oil and juice of 1 lemon.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Everday Food
www.marthastewart.com › Food

SHISH TAWOOK

10 cloves garlic, peeled, crushed
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons plain yogurt
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground white pepper
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, rinsed and cut into 1-inch pieces

In a large, sealable, plastic bag, combine garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, yogurt, cardamom, salt and white pepper. Stir well. Add chicken and turn to coat it all over.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.
Prepare grill. Thread chicken onto skewers, dividing pieces evenly among them. Grill over medium-high heat, turning skewers at least twice, until chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes total.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from the Arkansas Democrat Gazette, May 2008
www.arkansasonline.com/news/features/food/

ROASTED PUMPKIN GUACAMOLE

After all the whirl and wonderful fun of holiday entertaining,  I was ready to appreciate a little simple, unembellished eating.
I was charmed by this Roasted Pumpkin Guacamole - by the twist on a familiar dish. I loved the crunch of the pumpkin seeds and the freshness of the lime juice and avocados mixed with the earthiness of the pumpkin. It was delicious with corn chips and lightly toasted bread, but would also work well as an accompaniment to fish or chicken, or tossed with salad greens.

ROASTED PUMPKIN GUACAMOLE

1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
1 cup of pumpkin or butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1 teaspoon salt
2 avocados
1/2 cup finely chopped sweet onion
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 fresh jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/2 cup toasted pumpkin seeds
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Heat oven to 375F.
Place pumpkin on a cookie sheet, toss with half the olive oil and season with salt. Roast pumpkin about 15 minutes, until just tender. Remove from oven, cool to room temperature.
Halve the avocados, remove pits, leaving the skin intact. Cup one half at a time in palm, score flesh with paring knife in a grid. Spoon avocado flesh into bowl. Add onion, lime juice, jalapeno, cilantro, pumpkin seeds, remaining olive oil, cumin and pumpkin. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Gently stir together.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Better Homes and Gardens, September 2012
www.bhg.com › Food › Recipes from the Magazine

TOMATO STACK SALAD WITH CORN AND AVOCADO

My husband decided he wanted to invite some acquaintances from twitter over for dinner. Having no idea what we were getting ourselves in for, we planned what we hoped would be a fresh and delicious menu. This was one of my favorite dishes, flavorful but light - and the dressing was one of the best I have tasted.
The evening could have gone either way, but thankfully, the group who came were absolutely fabulous, a truly wonderful, interesting mix of people, that made it a fun evening, full of great conversation, delightful appreciation of food, and who we would welcome back any time.

TOMATO STACK SALAD WITH CORN AND AVOCADO

2 bacon slices
1/4 cup low-fat buttermilk
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons low-fat mayonnaise
2 teaspoons cider vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
2 ears shucked corn
4 tomatoes, cut into slices
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 ripe peeled avocado, thinly sliced
4 teaspoons olive oil

Heat the grill to high heat.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add bacon to pan, cook 8 minutes or until crisp. Drain bacon on paper towels, and chop.
Combine buttermilk, chives, basil, mayonnaise, vinegar and garlic, stirring with a whisk. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
Coat corn with cooking spray. Place corn on grill rack, grill 8 minutes or until well marked, turning occasionally. Remove from grill, cool slightly. Cut corn kernels from cobs.
Sprinkle tomato slices evenly with salt. Alternate layers of tomato and avocado on each of 4 plates.
Drizzle each tomato stack with about 1 1/2 tablespoons dressing and 1 teaspoon oil. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 teaspoon black pepper over salads, top each salad with chopped bacon.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Cooking Light, August 2012
www.cookinglight.com/

WHITE BEANS WITH LEMON, FENNEL AND AVOCADO

There are some ingredients I find intimidating to prepare and cook, and consequently, I usually stay away from a recipe that includes them, or I will leave them out. One of those foods, is fennel. I haven't ever used it, never have thought much about what to do with it. However, because I loved the sound of every other ingredient in this delightful assortment of foods, I decided to be brave and make this salad, following the recipe and using all of the components listed.
It was perfect with the grilled chicken that I served for dinner - and I found the fennel added a wonderful crunch and interesting anise flavor. It wasn't at all difficult to prepare - I would definitely recommend both this aromatic vegetable and the exploration of new foods.

WHITE BEANS WITH LEMON, FENNEL AND AVOCADO

1 can cannellini beans, rinsed
1 bulb fennel, trimmed and shredded or finely chopped
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup minced red onion
1/4 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped
1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives, sliced
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
salt and ground black pepper to taste
2 avocados, diced

In a large bowl, combine the beans, fennel, tomatoes, onion, parsley and olives.
In a small bowl, mix the oil, lemon juice and basil to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Add the dressing to bean mixture and toss to coat. Fold in the avocado and serve immediately.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Arkansas Democrat Gazette, August 2012
www.arkansas.com/dining/recipes/