I came up with this recipe for the 2017 Georgia Organics conference. It’s a great meal idea for meatless Mondays, and a perfect way to showcase some of Georgia’s fine winter produce.

Produce from the farmers market tends to have so much flavor! A couple of things to keep in mind:

• The smaller the leaves on a bunch of collard greens, the better the collards. Small bunches are usually what’s sold at a local market. They will take less time to cook because they are more tender, and they won’t be bitter!
• Also, fingerling sweet potatoes from a local farm shouldn’t even be in the same category flavor-wise as a store bought sweet potato. Try it once and you’ll agree.

Sweet Potato, Quinoa and Collard Green Grain Bowl

yields 4 servings

Place the quinoa, veggie stock and sesame oil in a medium saucepot . Add a little salt and pepper and bring to a simmer. Cover with a lid and continue to cook until all the liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes.

Heat the fry oil to 350 degrees in a medium sauce pot. In a small bowl mix together all ingredients for the sauce. Set aside.

In the meantime, heat a large cast iron skillet on medium heat and add 1 tbs of butter. Once hot, add the sliced sweet potatoes, season with salt and pepper and cook without stirring for 4 minutes. If the potatoes are nice and golden brown, flip them over and continue to cook without stirring for another 4 minutes, cooking until they are golden brown and tender all the way through.

Place 2 tbs of butter in a medium sized dutch oven on medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic and saute until tender and translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the chopped collard greens, along with the tamari, chili paste, and sweet garlic chili sauce. Cook until tender, adding as much veggie stock as needed. Season with salt and pepper. Young collards should take about 10 minutes to cook, older ones take longer because they are tough and fibrous.

Combine the tahini with about 1/2 a cup of water, whisking vigorously until the consistency is that of egg wash. Dip the cauliflower in the tahini mixture and then coat with the rice flour. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 4 minutes. Drizzle with the garlic/ginger sauce.

To assemble, divide the quinoa between 4 bowls, then assemble the sweet potatoes, collard greens and fried cauliflower on top of the quinoa in separate piles. Sprinkle with green onions and peanuts.

Wild rice soup is a relatively new obsession for me. It’s beyond satisfying and a great cold weather staple. Be careful with store bought versions if you are gluten free because a lot of them add flour!

But why flour? Doesn’t it make sense to thicken a rice soup with RICE? I’m pretty sure the only reason why most people add flour is because it’s more readily available than sweet rice flour. I order my sweet rice flour and my Minnesota wild rice online.

Here’s an exciting bit of news for you. You can use sweet rice flour as a one to one substitute anytime a recipe calls for a roux, which is a thickener made of equal parts flour and butter. Yes, this means you can easily make a gravy without adding weird ingredients like xantham gum!

Here’s what your rice should look like once it’s absorbed enough liquid.

Wild Rice Soup

8 tbs butter

1 cup pancetta, small diced

1 cup yellow onion, small diced

1 cup carrots, small diced

1 tbs garlic

½ cup sweet rice flour

6 cups chicken stock, hot

5 dry shiitake mushrooms

1 1/2 cups wild rice

4 tbs slivered almonds, chopped

1 cup heavy cream

4 tbs dry sherry

Fresh chopped parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Place the wild rice and 4 cups of water in a pot, season with a little salt and pepper. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the rice is very tender, the grain should look like it burst open, showing the tender inside. This will take about 35 minutes.

Heat your chicken stock in a sauce pot.

Melt the butter in a medium sized dutch oven or heavy bottomed sauce pot. Add the pancetta, and cook on medium heat for 8 minutes. Pancetta should be starting to get crispy at this point. Now add the onions, carrots and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally until the onions start to become translucent, about 6 minutes.

Add the sweet rice flour and stir to combine with the ingredients in the pot. Add the hot chicken stock and dry shiitake mushrooms to the soup pot. Allow to come to a boil, stirring occasionally. Once it has boiled it will thicken. Pull the re-hydrated shiitakes out of the soup, let them cool and then slice them thinly. Add them back to the pot. Then add the rice, almonds, cream and sherry. Stir to combine, season with salt and pepper and serve.

I adapted this recipe from one I learned when I worked at the Ritz-Carlton Dining Room. I have to admit I’ve spotted this tart on a lot of menus around Atlanta since then. The original recipe has probably been circulated around so much because it is the best. Chef Bruno Menard came up with it, and his father is a very well respected chocolatier in France, and from what I could tell from working with him, a love for chocolate ran in the family.

I had two little problems with his recipe. The first problem was, it called for glucose. Not the worst of the inverted sugars, honestly, but I still wanted to try to avoid it. Maple syrup was the substitute I settled on, and I like it because instead of being an empty sugar, maple syrup provides vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium and b6. On to problem number 2: it needed a crust. Originally, this dessert was “composed,” meaning it had an ice cream quinelle, a cocoa nib tuile, a wafer, and a small stick of tempered chocolate complete with a little piece of gold leaf waving like a flag off the end of it. Beautiful in the settings of a five star five diamond dining room, but I wanted something a little more rustic. So I developed a nut based crust not only for nutritive value, but because I think it stands up better than a flour crust could to the intense richness of that chocolate ganache filling.

Caramel Chocolate Tart with Pecan Crust

Crust:

¾ cup raw pecans

¾ cup almond flour

½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut

3 tbs soft butter

2 tbs maple syrup

pinch of salt

Preheat the oven to 325*.

Pulse the pecans in a food processor until they reach a fine crumb consistency. Combine the ground pecans, almond flour, unsweetened coconut and salt in a large bowl. Add the soft butter and maple syrup, and mix until combined using a rubber spatula.

Line a 9 inch tart pan with the crust mixture, making sure it’s an even thickness all around. Bake until golden brown, about 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow the crust to cool completely before filling it.

Chocolate Tart:

3/4 cup sugar

2 tbs water

1 lemon wedge

1 cup heavy cream

1 tbs maple syrup

1 tsp of sea salt

1 ¼ cup dark chocolate, chopped

2 1/2 oz butter, diced

First make a caramel by placing the sugar in a small sauce pot with the water. Squeeze the lemon juice into the sugar (this will prevent the caramel from crystalizing).  Melt the sugar over medium heat and continue to cook until it turns a rich golden brown color. It will be extremely hot, do not touch it with your fingers. Add the heavy cream, cane syrup and pinch of salt. Stir until combined.

Place the chopped chocolate in a mixing bowl. Pour the caramel cream over the chocolate and gently stir. Once the chocolate and cream are combined add the butter, one chunk at a time. Pour into the prepared tart mold and refrigerate. Once chilled it is ready to serve.

I’ve always thought that cranberries deserved a bigger role at thanksgiving. There’s plenty to thank them for after all. They are amazing little anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer vitamin C bombs.

I used to shy away from juicing. Diabetes runs in my family, and it just never made sense to me to drop a huge load of sugar (albeit natural) into my bloodstream with no fiber to mediate it.

So instead of super-sized pressed juices, I’ve been making really intensely flavored, nutrient dense 2 ounce shooters. Maybe it appeals to the party girl of my youth. Your mouth will pucker up just the same as it did in your twenties from that shot of tequila, but instead of getting drunk and making bad decisions you’ll be boosting your immune system and detoxing your liver. What a welcome change!

Autumn Tonic

1 cup cranberries

1 cup filtered water

1 pear, quartered

2 ounces of ginger (or more depending on how spicy you dare to make it)

2 lemons

Place the cranberries and water in a small pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the cranberries burst. Run them through a food mill or a blender (you’ll need to strain them if you use the blender). Chill the juice in the refrigerator while you juice the rest of the ingredients.

Using a juicer, juice the ginger and pear. Squeeze the lemon using a citrus reamer. Strain out the pulp and seeds. Combine all with the chilled cranberry juice. Store refrigerated and use as quickly as possible. It will last up to 4 days.

Flavor isn’t the only thing this recipe provides. These little guys are packed full of nutrients and firing-on-all-cylinders level energy.

They are a perfect treat to take on a fall hiking adventure, and I also love packing them with me whenever I have to travel. This saves me from being forced to eat things that don’t make me feel my best. Making healthy choices begins by setting yourself up for success. These keep me on track with my meal plan, in addition to satisfying my taste buds.

Flavor Bombs
Yield: 12-15 balls

¼ cup pecan flour, or meal
¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes (preferred brand: Let’s Do Organic)
¼ cup cocoa nibs + 1 tsp cocoa nibs
2 tbs quinoa
½ tsp clarified butter or expeller pressed neutral flavored oil
1 cup almond flour
½ cup medjool dates, pitted
1 inch piece of fresh turmeric, peeled and grated
½ tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp maple syrup
½ orange, juiced

Puff the quinoa by getting a small pot with sides at least 6 inches high. Add in the clarified butter and quinoa, then cook on high heat for about 3 minutes, or until the quinoa starts to jump. Color should stay light.

Combine the pecan flour, coconut flakes and ¼ cup cocoa nibs in a small casserole dish and set aside.

Place the puffed quinoa, almond flour and dates into a food processor. Blend for one minute. Scrape down the sides and add the grated turmeric, cinnamon, 1 tsp cocoa nibs, vanilla extract and maple syrup. Blend for another 2 minutes until the mixture is combined. Adjust the consistency by blending in the orange juice. The mixture should be pretty firm and just a little sticky.

Fill a small bowl with water. Use the water to wet your fingers as you scoop the balls out of the processor with a small scoop or spoon. Roll them in your hands until they are a round ball, then coat in the pecan, coconut and cocoa nib mixture. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Refrigerate if desired.

*If pecan and almond flour are unavailable you can substitute whole nuts that you grind in your food processor.

You’ll love using preserved lemons in place of fresh lemons for a new twist on some of your favorite classics. Check out my top 10 ideas for incorporating them below this recipe.

I’ve never found a brand in stores that captures the subtly seductive flavor of a homemade version, and they are just about the easiest things in the world to make. They last forever in the fridge, just make sure you use clean utensils to remove them from the container each time.

Through the preserving process the entire lemon becomes edible, but my favorite part is the rind. I try to get all the meat of the lemon and the white part off as well and then I slice the rind really thin to use.

Moroccan Preserved Lemons

10 organic lemons, washed thoroughly, a couple extra for juice if it’s your first batch
1 cup kosher salt
1 cup sugar
1 bunch fresh thyme, optional
1 tsp black pepper, optional

Mix the salt and sugar together in a bowl with the sprigs of thyme and black pepper.

From the top of the lemon, cut an X about half an inch down. This will allow you to pack the inside of the lemon with the salt and sugar mixture.

Lightly cover the bottom of a clean container with the salt and sugar mix. Start packing the lemons with the mix and lay them in the container, packing them as tightly as possible. Use all the salt and sugar. If you need to cheat on your first batch and add a little extra fresh squeezed lemon juice that will help to speed up the process. Cover with a lid and refrigerate.

The salt will start to pull the juice out of the lemon, and you will end up with a lot of liquid in the container. This is good! It helps to push the lemons down to submerge them a little more after a couple days. Remember you want them fully submerged. Your lemons should be done in about 30 days. You’ll know they are ready when the peel is tender and the texture is soft and silken. The flavor will be much milder than a typical lemon. Hold on to the salty leftover brine to help you start your next batch!

10 Great Uses For Preserved Lemons

1. Garnish for grilled salmon or trout
2. Garnish on top of roast chicken mixed with parsley
3. Thinly slice the rind and add it to a salad
4. Mince and add preserved lemon and pine nuts to quinoa to boost flavor
5. Add to roasted beets
6. Make a preserved lemon vinaigrette
7. Great addition to sautéed kale
8. Mix with roasted cauliflower and chickpeas to make a delicious side dish
9. Preserved lemon butter on top of grilled artichokes
10. Mix with fresh shaved parmesan and sprinkle on top of roasted brussel sprouts

Don’t just think of this as a dip! It makes a great sauce on top of chicken or roasted veggies like cauliflower. It also makes a great veggie sandwich spread.

I love this dip not just for it’s versatility, but because of how nutrient dense it is. It’s full of vital, sustaining ingredients that will make you feel nourished and satisfied.

As a snack I suggest serving this dip with your favorite veggies for the most health benefits, it’s also great with gluten free bread or crackers.

Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Dip

yield: 3 cups

½ cup roasted walnuts, chopped

¼ cup roasted pine nuts

3 red bell peppers, roasted, peeled and seeded

4 small garlic cloves, peeled and chopped

1 tbs pomegranate molasses

3 tbs fresh lemon juice

1 tsp fresh ground cumin, toasted in a dry skillet

1 tsp aleppo pepper

½  cup extra-virgin olive oil

salt and freshly ground black pepper

In a food processor combine the roasted peppers, nuts, garlic, pomegranate molasses, lemon juice, aleppo and cumin. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the food processor a couple of times. Add the olive oil and season with salt and pepper, blend until combined.

Transfer to a serving bowl and serve with veggies or gluten free bread/crackers. If you’re not consuming it immediately, it will hold in the refrigerator for about a week.

(Substitute ⅓ tsp cayenne and ⅔ tsp paprika for aleppo if needed.)

(Pomegranate molasses can be purchased, but I usually just reduce pom juice down to a syrup consistency.)

Pineapple Core = Bromelain

Bromelain = Natural Muscle Relaxer (highly recommended post-surgery)

As you know, the pineapple core is really fibrous and chewy. Not so great for a snack, but it blends up really well in a smoothie. Whenever I snack on a pineapple I always save my cores by just throwing them in a baggie to store in the freezer.

Other benefits of this smoothie include:

1. Almonds deliver some much needed protein to balance out all that fruit sugar and give us the energy we need to kick this day in the behind.
2. Hemp seeds supply us with a healthy dose of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which are essential for proper cardiovascular health. 90% of women have a risk factor for cardiovascular disease or stroke. Being proactive helps!!!
3. Pomegranate juice is going to deliver a one two punch to cardiovascular issues, because it helps increase blood circulation. This is helpful for reducing the risk of heart attacks.
4. Blueberries are really high in fiber, which is great for managing diabetes. High fiber foods naturally lower cholesterol, also making this even more of a heart friendly treat!
5. Bananas are rich in potassium. Potassium helps lower blood pressure. That’s good news for your heart as well!

I might have to rename this smoothie something like the Bodyguard or the Heartguard. Seems like calling it the muscle relaxer doesn’t even tell half the story!

Bodyguard/Muscle Relaxer

yield: 1 pint

1/2 banana (just stick the other half in the freezer for tomorrow)

1 cup pomegranate juice

2 tbs slivered almonds

1/4 cup blueberries (frozen)

1/4 cup pineapple core (frozen)

1 tsp hemp seeds

Blend all ingredients together until smooth. I usually blend on high in my vitamix for no less than a minute.