Category Archives: Food

Creamed Corn with Bacon and Leeks

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Nothing says comfort food like Creamed Corn with Bacon and Leeks. Corn is starting to come into season now, and hopefully you can find it fresh and sweet and serve steamed – as is – or with a little salt and butter! This is a fantastic recipe for leftover steamed corn. Cut kernels off the cob and cook with some milk, leeks and bacon. Delish!

creamed corn with bacon and leeks blog

Ingredients

  • 6 ears corn
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 chopped leek
  • 4 slices bacon
  • Salt/pepper to taste

Directions

  • Cut kernels from ears of corn to measure 3 cups
  • Using the dull side of knife blade, scrape milk and remaining pulp from cobs into a bowl
  • Place 1 1/2 cups kernels, milk, salt and pepper in a food processor, process until smooth
  • Cook bacon in large cast-iron skillet over medium heat until crisp, turning once
  • Remove bacon from pan, reserving 1 teaspoon drippings in pan; crumble bacon
  • Add leek to pan and cook 2 minutes or until tender, stirring constantly
  • Add pureed corn mixture, remaining 1 1/2 cups corn kernels, and bring to boil
  • Reduce heat and simmer for 3 minutes or until slightly thick
  • Sprinkle with the crumbled bacon just before serving

Enjoy! 🙂

dit-elle-Esther

Healthy Black Bean Chicken Enchiladas | (can be made gluten, dairy, and soy free)

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Chicken enchiladas are pretty simple to make.  There are a bunch of different things you can throw in there, and let’s be honest…if it’s drenched in yummy sauce you can’t go wrong. 🙂

When Maya was 5 weeks old, she was diagnosed with a dairy and soy allergy.  Since I was breastfeeding…that meant no dairy or soy for me either :(.  Dairy isn’t so hard, but finding things that don’t have soy is REALLY HARD.  Making dinners was really hard (wait did I say that already?).  I had to get creative.  Did I mention I have two hungry teenage stepsons?  SO…I made this recipe just thinking of things that would taste good that didn’t have dairy and soy.

Maya is still what I’d call “dairy intollerant” (she gets really congested), but we have a little bit here and there and she does ok.  The entire recipe only has 1 cup of cottage cheese, and 1/2 a cup of shredded cheese.  Adds the perfect amount of creaminess to the enchiladas and a hint of cheese on top.

They are packed with low fat protein and taste delicious!  Blog Gluten Free Healthy Black Bean Chicken Enchiladas-1 Blog Healthy Black Bean Chicken Enchiladas-7

Ingredients

  • Bag of Tortillas.  I love these, and you could easily sub in any gluten free options.
  • 7-8 chicken breasts (depending on size)  Basically each enchilada has almost a full chicken breast!
  • Large jar or can of enchilada sauce.  I go back and forth between red and green.
  • Small yellow onion
  • Jar of diced chiles (they aren’t that spicy if you’re worried and add a great flavor and moisture to the mix)
  • Can of refried beans (I like to use black bean, but use whatever!)
  • 1 C low fat Cottage Cheese (I love the one that has Chive in it!) don’t use for dairy free
  • 1/2 C Shredded cheese don’t use for dairy free
  • 2 TBL of Olive Oil

Directions

  • Start boiling your water for the chicken.  I have NO idea why I boil the chicken!  I saw a friend do it once, and then have done it ever since when making enchiladas!  It’s easier, doesn’t have any added fat from cooking it with oil, and it requires less attention-WIN.
  • Add chicken and cook for 10-12 minutes (until they rise to the top)  They will cook more in the enchiladas, so you want to make sure you don’t overcook them.
  • Put olive oil large a non stick pan.  Add onions and stir for about 5 min (or until they start to get soft).
  • Once chicken is cooked, let it sit on a cutting board/plate/bowl.  You will want it to cool before you shred it (I’ve burned my fingers WAY too many times)  Oh, and note-if you have a dog…don’t let the chicken sit out on the counter.  Do I need to tell you what happened when I did that?? 😦
  • Dump refried beans, chilis, cottage cheese (opt out for dairy free)  into the pan with the onions.  You can add a little bit of your enchilada sauce to the mixture if you aren’t using the cottage cheese to make it a little moister.  Start finger shredding the chicken into this mixture and stir.  (or do it all in a big bowl)  Maya loved helping stir it all together!
  • Pour about 1/4 C of enchilada sauce into a 9×13 pan, so they don’t stick.
  • Scoop about a cup of mixture into each tortilla, roll and place (seam side down) into 9×13 pan.  Repeat until all tortillas are filled or you run out of mixture.
  • Pour the rest of the enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and add cheese on top (opt out for dairy free)
  • Bake at 350 for 20.  Garnish with avocado, some plain Greek Yogurt, salsa (or all three!)

Keeping it real…

I actually first wrote this post 2 and a half years ago, but hated the picture I took.  The kids were hangry haha.  SO, I never posted it.  I was super excited to find it in the archives after making it again for dinner on Monday!  This time I snapped a few slightly better rushed picture before we ate (oh, to have TIME!!), and had the post all ready to go-WIN!!

Here’s the first picture from 2.5 years ago with green sauce… 🙂Blog Healthy Chicken Enchiladas-9Enjoy!!

dit-elle-Lauren

Coconut Panna Cotta with Tropical Fruit

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We’re excited for warm and dry season so we can eat all meals on our deck! Nothing says summer like Panna Cotta with fresh fruit or berries. Coconut Panna Cotta with Tropical Fruit is a wonderful twist on the classic Panna Cotta with Berry Coulis.

coconut panna cotta with tropical fruit (2)

The number one challenge in photography is lighting! Too bright or too dark creates different challenges. This past week has been a rainy grey one in Seattle. To maximize lighting, I have been running outside between showers to try to get good shots! Welcome to my mini studio! 🙂

 

coconut panna cotta with tropical fruit (4) coconut panna cotta with tropical fruit (3) coconut panna cotta with tropical fruit (1)

Ingredients

  • 2 (7-gram) pouches gelatin (5 teaspoons)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 1/4 cups grass-fed whole milk or heavy cream
  • 1 (14-ounce) can coconut milk
  • 1/4 – 1/2 cup granulated sugar (I used 1/3 cup coconut sugar)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 6 tablespoons shredded coconut + more for toasting and sprinkling on top
  • Sliced mango, pineapple, kiwi or banana, for serving

Directions

  • In a saucepan, sprinkle gelatin over water and let stand for 1 minute. Place over medium heat and stir constantly until granules are dissolved, about 3 minutes. Add milk or cream, coconut milk, sugar and vanilla. Stir over medium heat until sugar is completely dissolved, 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Pour mixture into 6 ramekins; sprinkle coconut on top. Chill in the refrigerator until set, about 3 hours.
  • Optionally (I did not do this step) to serve, dip each ramekin in boiling water for a moment to loosen panna cotta. Turn onto a serving plate. Arrange sliced fruit beside each panna cotta and serve.
  • Optionally (I added this step) toast some coconut and sprinkle on top.

Thanks for the inspiration PCC Natural Markets!

dit-elle-Esther

Baked Goat Cheese with Honey, Pine Nuts and Rosemary

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This is a super easy, super elegant and delicious appetizer! Bake a patty of goat cheese, topped with Pine Nuts, Rosemary and drizzled with honey.

baked goat cheese pinenuts honey rosemary blog (2)baked goat cheese pinenuts honey rosemary blog (1)

Ingredients

  • Goat cheese
  • Pine nuts
  • Honey
  • Fresh or dried rosemary

Directions

  • Heat oven to 400
  • Put cheese in oven proof dish and top with pine nuts, and optionally dried or fresh rosemary and drizzle with honey (you can also use fresh rosemary as garnish after this is baked, as shown in the photo)
  • Bake for 20 minutes or until edges are brown
  • Let cool for a bit and serve! Enjoy!

dit-elle-Esther

Sweet Potato, Carrot, Onion Hash

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Truth be told, these started out in my mind as pancakes (clearly that didn’t happen!).  I’m not really sure they are a “hash”, but I couldn’t think of a good name for them.  They reminded me of the consistency of polenta, but I didn’t want to confuse anyone any more than I already was haha.

Whatever it ended up being still tasted really good, so it all worked out in the end 😉

I like that the carrots and onions add some additional nutrients/health benefits, and the eggs add a little protein!Blog Whole30 Paleo Sweet Potato Carrot Onion Mash-1 Blog Whole30 Paleo Sweet Potato Carrot Onion Mash-2What you need… (would feed 4-6 people)

  • One Large Sweet Potato
  • 1 medium onion
  • Handful of baby carrots (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1/2 Teaspoon crushed garlic
  • 2 eggs
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil (or oil of your choosing)

What to do…

Blog Whole30 Paleo Sweet Potato Carrot Onion Mash-3

  • Chop up  your sweet potato, onion, and carrots, and toss them into a Cuisinart.  Pulse until all finely diced.  Maya LOVES this part, and it’s an easy way to get your child involved in the  process 🙂
  • Whisk eggs and garlic together and add into the Cuisinart.  Pulsing a few more times, and scraping down the edges to blend.
  • Salt and pepper to taste.
  • In a large frying pan, heat oil until nice and hot.
  • Pour mixture into pan (I had to do it in two batches).  Wait until it gets nice and brown before flipping.  I loved the crispy parts in there!
  • Honestly, I made 4 little pancakes the first batch and attempted to keep them in tact.  They fell apart, so I just mixed them together in the end…Blog Whole30 Paleo Sweet Potato Carrot Onion Mash-4I served it with fish and a variation of my staple Mango Avocado Salad, and it was yummy!  I think it would be amazing with a fried egg and avocado too for brunch!  Really, the possibilities are endless 😉

Enjoy!dit-elle-Lauren

Vanilla Ice Cream and Berries

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This is a great go-to dessert year round, but especially in winter when fresh berries are no longer in season. Posting it now in case berries are not yet available in your region/stores, but this is equally good with fresh berries!

You can also serve plain Greek yogurt with berries, or for a totally yummy non-dairy and paleo version, try berries with coconut milk! Totally delish any season!

berries and ice cream blog (2)berries and ice cream blog (1)

Ingredients

  • Vanilla ice cream, plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
  • Berries (frozen or fresh)

Directions

  • If using frozen berries, add 1/2 cup per person to a bowl and microwave on high for about a minute
  • Pour over ice cream or yogurt
  • Serve immediately and enjoy! Can you taste summer already? 🙂

dit-elle-Esther

Mango, Avocado, Goat Cheese, and Arugula Salad

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One of my favorite combinations is mango and avocado.  It’s refreshing and light, yet filling with the good fat from the avocado.  Add in a little goat cheese, drizzle with a balsamic glaze + Olive oil, then toss over arugula, and you have a ridiculously easy and delicious summer salad!Blog Mango Avocado Goat Cheese Arugula Salad-1 Blog Mango Avocado Goat Cheese Arugula Salad-2 Blog Mango Avocado Goat Cheese Arugula Salad-3

 Ingredients

  • One Mango
  • 1 Avocado
  • 1 oz Goat Cheese (I love the individually wrapped oz medallions that you get at Trader Joe’s.  NOT AN AD, just love them 🙂  They stay fresh longer, and…portion control!! haha)
  • Balsamic Reduction ( you can reduce your own by boiling Balsamic Vinegar, and then simmering on the cooktop until thick), OR…you can cheat and use this from Trader Joe’s 🙂
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Serve over a bed of Arugula or spinach would be great too!

What you do…

  • Put a few handfuls of Arugula in your bowl.
  • Dice Up your mango, toss them in.
  • Dice up your avocado, toss them in.
  • Crumble your goat cheese over everything.
  • Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze + Olive Oild, and that’s it!

Enjoy!dit-elle-Lauren

Honey Creme Brulee with Raspberries

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This is a variation of the classic Crème Brulee. Instead of heavy cream, this recipe calls for milk and powdered milk. Honey also adds a nice flavor. Serve with raspberries or other seasonal berries.

honey creme brulee and raspberries blog (2)honey creme brulee and raspberries blog (1)

Ingredients

  • 2 cups milk
  • 3/4 cup dry milk
  • 1 Tbsp sugar
  • 2 Tbsp honey
  • 5 large egg yolks
  • 1 tsp vanilla essence
  • Topping: 3 Tbsp sugar and fresh raspberries

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 300
  • Combine first 4 ingredients in large saucepan and heat until tiny bubbles form around the edge (do not let boil, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
  • Whisk egg yolks
  • Gradually add hot milk mixture to egg mixture, stirring constantly with a whisk
  • Whisk in the vanilla
  • Divide the milk mixture evenly among 6 shallow (6-oz) custard dishes
  • Place in 13×9 inch baking pan, add hot water to pan to a depth of 1 inch around the custard dishes
  • Bake at 300 for 1 hour or until center barely moves when dish is touched (like jello)
  • Remove dishes from pan, cool completely on a wire rack
  • Cover and chill at least 4 hours or overnight
  • Make the hard sugar topping just before you serve by sifting the 3 Tbsp sugar evenly over custards. Use a kitchen blow torch held about 2″ from top of each custard to heat, melt, and caramelize sugar (about 1 minute each).
  • Top with raspberries and serve

A wonderful spring or summer dessert! Enjoy!

dit-elle-Esther

Avocado Brownies

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Avocado brownies? Why? Because they are moist, soft, rich and delicious! Almost paleo (minus the sugar) and very rich, I would not give these to kids but they are a nice grown-up treat! Cut into squares and eat warm or store in the freezer for a cool dark chocolate treat!

avocado brownie blog

Ingredients

  • 2 large, ripe avocados, mashed until creamy (about 1 cup)
  • 8 ounces semisweet or dark chocolate, melted
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup rice flour
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder, sifted
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350° F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or grease baking dish.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together mashed avocados, melted chocolate and coconut oil until smooth and creamy. Whisk in sugar. Mix in eggs, one at a time, until well combined. Add vanilla.
  • In a small bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Stir dry mixture into avocado mixture until just combined — be careful not to overmix! Spread batter into the prepared pan.
  • Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool and then cut into squares.

Modified slightly from the original and thanks PCC Natural Markets

dit-elle-Esther

Sweet Potato, Guacamole, Chicken Sausage, Soft Boiled Egg…Breakfast for dinner?

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I know I’m not the only person that loves breakfast for dinner!  And, I also know that it’s kind of a repeat for me, but…it’s easy and DELICIOUS!  Who wouldn’t want that?!

I literally came up with this meal 30 minutes before I was supposed to make it, and it took me approximately 30 minutes to make.  Admittedly, because I ran inside while Maya was playing with our neighbors.  I turned on the oven, peeled and chopped the sweet potatoes, seasoned them, and turned on the pot for the eggs, in…less than 5 minutes.  Then…we played for a few more minutes.

THANK GOD FOR LITTLE DISTRACTIONS, NO?!!!

And, precooked chicken sausages are a godsend in our household.  I freeze them for later, and soak them in a warm water bath right before I need them!

Diced up for a pasta meal, or sliced in half for this!  SO easy, delicious, and healthy!

Blog Sweet Potato Guacamole Chicken Sausage Soft Boiled Egg Whole30 Paleo Gluten Free-1 Blog Sweet Potato Guacamole Chicken Sausage Soft Boiled Egg Whole30 Paleo Gluten Free-2 What you need…

  • One sweet potato (for 2-4 people)
  • Olive Oil
  • Sea salt
  • 3 Pre Cooked Chicken sausage (Depending on the amount of people you want to feed!  I did one per adult, and half for Maya) I love Aidell’s, but there are so many good ones!
  • Avocado (or pre-made guacamole-yes, I cheated on this one!)
  • Eggs (2 for me and the Huz, one for Maya)

What to do…

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  • Cut sweet potato in 1/2 inch slices
  • Lightly coat in olive oil (or oil of your choosing), and salt and pepper to taste
  • Start a pot of boiling water.  For me, it’s a LOT easier to soft boil eggs for more than two people.  If you want a runny egg and there’s more than 2, it’s way too much for me to manage on top of everything else!!!
  • Bake the sweet potatos in the oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping over half way through.
  • At the half way mark add chicken sausages that are cute in half.
  •  In that time, remove the eggs from the boiling water.  7 minutes = runny yolk, 8 minutes, less, so…I remove ours at 7, and then turn the heat off for Maya’s while ours then run under a cool water bath.
  • Once the sweet potatoes are crispy on the outside, take them and the chicken sausages out.
  • Layer everything and enjoy!dit-elle-Lauren