Homemade Ice Cream

If you look at the store brands of ice cream, you might want to make your own. Plus, you can experiment with the ingredients by mixing two or more berried, melons, or tropical fruits together. Think of some of the strange ice creameries, and how they become so popular.

~Use organic ingredients if possible.~

optional fold in before freezing:

1. chocolate chips 

2. pieces of pecans

3. toasted walnuts

 

Berry Ice Cream

Makes 3 1/2 cups (455 g)

1 cup (130 g) Greek yogurt or a dairy-free plain yogurt

2 cups (260 g) frozen berries (eg. blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, blackberries, Oregon marionberries aka "Cabernet of blackberries", or elderberries) 

2 Tbs. (30 g) honey

2 tsp. (10 ml) vanilla extract

1/2 cup (120 ml) milk (If using a plant-base, dairy-free, milk, it will add that flavor.)

1. Place all the ingredients in a blender.

2. Pour into a glass container.

3. Freeze for 4 hours.

Tropical Fruit Ice Cream

Makes 3 cups (390 g)

2 cups (260 g) fruit cut into cubes and freeze (eg. pineapple, mango, papaya, coconut, banana, passion fruit, peaches, avocado, or guava)

1/2 cup (120 ml) coconut milk

1 cup (130 g) Greek yogurt or a dairy-free plain yogurt

2 Tbs. (30 g) honey

2 tsp. (10 ml) vanilla extract

1. Place all the ingredients in a blender.

2. Pour into a glass container.

3. Freeze for 4 hours.

Melon Ice Cream

Makes about 5 cups (650 g)

2 1/2 cups (600 g) melon cut into chunks and freeze (eg. watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, casaba)

1 cup (130 g) sugar

1 1/2 cups (300 g) coconut cream, heavy cream, or dairy-free milk

1 tsp. (5 ml) lemon juice

1. Whisk the cream/milk and sugar.

2. In a blender, add the melon and lemon juice.

3. Stir in the cream mixture.

4. Place in a glass container.

5. Freeze for  4 hours.

Strawberry Ice Cream

Makes 3 cups (390 g)

2 cups (260 g) chopped strawberries 

1 cup (120 ml) coconut milk

1 Tbs. (15 ml) maple syrup

1. After blending all the ingredients in a blender, freeze 1-2 hours.

2. Let it set for 10 minutes at room temperature before serving.

Read More

Baked Apple and Nut Oatmeal

 A good breakfast or snake made of fruit, nuts, and oats hit the spot.

Makes 9 servings

Preheat the oven to 350F (175C)

(dairy-free) organic butter for greasing

3 cups (390 g) organic rolled oats (which are gluten-free)

1/3 cup (95 g) organic brown sugar, packed

2 tsp. (10 g) baking powder

1 tsp. (5 g) cinnamon

1 1/2 cups (360 ml) (dairy-free) milk

2 organic eggs

1/4 cup (30 g) melted, (dairy-free) organic butter

1 tsp. (5 ml) vanilla

1 organic apple, cored, peeled and chopped

1/4 cup (30 g) chopped, organic nuts (pecans, walnuts, or your choice)

optional: sliced apples on the plate

1. Combine the oats, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon in a bowl.

2. In a different bowl, combine the milk, eggs, melted butter and vanilla.

3. Mix the wet and dry ingredients together.

4. Stir in the chopped apple and nuts.

5. Pour the mixture into the greased baking pan.

6. Cook about 30 minutes.

7. Remove and serve warm.

Read More

Multi-toppings Tostada Snacks

Tostadas are corn tortillas that have been baked or fried until crispy and topped with toppings. A taco is one that is stuffed and folder in half. I use the very small corn tortillas for an afternoon snack or appetizers. The various topics make it an interesting experience for guest. 

Bocadillos de Tostada de varios ingredientes (Spanish)

"Multi-ingredient tostada sandwiches"

Suggested toppings:

• yellow or white organic corn tortillas (Any size you want. Small ones are good for appetizers, larger ones can be cut into triangular shapes or serve as a pizza.)
• olive oil
• organic mash avocado(s)
• sautéed and/or chopped organic onion(s)
• organic cut lime(s) or lime juice
• cold or heated can(s) of organic refried beans
• heat or not organic tomato sauce
• organic salsa
• organic chopped chiles and/or jalapeños
• chocolate sauce
• (dairy-free) sour cream and/or yogurt
• shredded cooked organic spicy meat (chicken, pork, beef, and/or turkey) [Carnitas "little bits of meat"]
• shredded cooked wild fish
• cooked shrimp
• fried squid
• sliced cooked and/or raw organic vegetables of your choice
• shredded organic cabbage
• chopped organic spinach
• sliced sautéed and/or organic mushrooms
• sliced organic fruits of your choice
• (dairy-free) cheese(s)
• sautéed and/or crushed organic garlic
• hispanic spices: oregano, cayenne, cilantro, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, allspice, parsley, and/or cilantro

uno 1. The tortilla shells are fried in oil until golden brown on each side (45-60 seconds).

 (a) Keep them flat by pressing down with tongs.

dos 2. Transfer to a paper towels to drain the oil.

tres 3. Mix and match any combination of ingredients.

cuatro 4.  Spread various toppings on the tortillas. 

 (a) This can be an individual, fun active.

cinco 5. Sprinkle any spices on top.

Read More

Mango recipes

There are hundreds of mango varieties. They contain vitamin C and folate, which is essential for healthy cell growth. So, here a few ways to enjoy this summer fruit.

mango tree

~Use organic ingredients if possible.~

I. A refreshing sweet snack by itself.

II. Sprinkle with chili powder and add a squeeze of lime.

III. Mexican salsa: Chopped mango, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and cilantro; use as a dip or onto of fish or chicken

IV. Skewer kababs: mango chunks with peppers, onions and tofu or meat; grill

V. Salad: layer thin mango slices with avocado and a citrus vinaigrette

VI. Indian lassi drink: mango, yogurt, cardamom, and cinnamon; purée

VII. 

Mango Thai Rice

ข้าวมะม่วง (Thai)

/K̄ĥāw mam̀wng/

"mango rice"

Serves 4

1 cup (130 g) organic rice

1/2 cup (120 ml) organic coconut milk

2 Tbs. (30 g) organic sugar

2 organic mangoes, peeled and pitted

Rice:

หนึ่ง /nùeng/ ๑. 1. Soak rice, covered in water overnight, rinse and drain.

สอง /song/ ๒. 2. Layer the rice on cheesecloth and fold around the rice. 

สาม /sam/ ๓. 3. Place in a steamer for 20 minutes.

สี่ /see/ ๔. 4. Remove the rice and place in a bowl.

ห้า /hah/ ๕. 5. Pour the coconut milk over, mix, and rest for 20-30 minutes.

หก /hòke/ ๖. 6. Slice the mango into thick slices.

Sauce:

1/2 cup (120 ml) organic coconut milk

2 Tbs. (30 g) organic sugar

1/4 cup + 2 Tbs. (120 ml) water

1 Tbs. (15 g) cornstarch

1 tsp. (2 g) sesame seeds

เจ็ด /jèd/ ๗. 6. In a small saucepan, combine the coconut milk, sugar, and 1/4 cup (60 ml) water. Let it summer.

แปด /ppaed/ ๘. 8. Mix the 2 Tbs. (30 g) of cornstarch with water. Let it stand.

เก้า /gaao/ ๙. 9. Whisk in the hot coconut milk. 

สิบ /sip/ ๑๐. 10. Cook for a few minutes.

Serve:

สิบเอ็ด /sip et/ ๑๑ 11. Place the rice on a plate. Arrange the mango slices on the side. Drizzle with the sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

ขอให้เจริญอาหาร (Thai)

/kŏr hâi jà-rern aahăan/ 

Bon Appétite

Read More

Peach Bruschetta

 If you cannot fine peaches, use another fruit.

Bruschetta alle pesche (Italian)

Makes 20 piece servings

Preheat the oven to broil

2 minced organic cloves of garlic

3 Tbs. (45 ml) olive oil

1 (gluten-free) baguette, thinly sliced

2 organic peaches, peeled and chopped

1 organic tomato, chopped

thinly sliced basil leaves

2 Tbs. (30 ml) balsamic vinegar

uno 1. Cook the garlic in olive oil over low heat.

due 2. Arrange the sliced bread on a baking sheet.

tre 3. Brush the tops with the garlic oil.

quattro 4. Boil until toasted, remove from the oven and cool.

cinque 5. Combine the peaches and tomatoes.

sei 6. Top the sliced bread with the peaches, tomatoes and basil.

sette 7. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar.

Peach Tree

Read More

Mango Sorbet

Sorbet is a dessert consisting of frozen fruit juice, fruit purée, wine, liqueur or flavored water with a sweeter (sugar, honey, etc.), also called "water ice" or "Italian ice". 

"Sorbet" < French sorbet < Old Italian sorbetto < Turkish şerbet, which is believed that sorbets originated in ancient Persia (today Iran).

Makes 6 desserts

2 organic mangos, peeled and pit removed

1/4 cup (60 ml) each organic: orange juice and honey

juice of half an organic lemon

mint leaves for garnish

1. Line a dish that can go in the freezer, with plastic wrap.

2. Add all the ingredients in a blender or food processor.

3. Belen until smooth and creamy.

4. Pour into the minced container and freeze until sold.

5. Remove 15 minutes before serving.

6. "Shave" the ice into dessert containers or use scoop "balls" of ice.

7. Garnish with mint leaves

Option: Try different types of fruits with lemon or lime

Read More

Fruit and Vegetable Tray

This trey can be used by itself for appetizers or in combination with a cheese and/or meat platter. If used by itself, add some dip and condiments: spicy mustard, tapenade, jam, etc. 

Here are some suggestions. Add a variety of color to the trey:

(Use organic fruits and vegetables.)

🍇🍐🥥

by season:

spring: assortment of berries, apricots, kiwi

summer: peaches, apples, grapes, citrus, baby seedless watermelon

fall: berries, pears, apples, seedless grapes, citrus

winter: grapefruit, oranges, kiwi, apples

topical: pineapple, bananas, mango, papaya, star fruit

garnish: pomegranate seeds

Tips: 

• Use different color of the same fruit, example red and green grapes.
• Pick a color scheme or stick to shades of colors, example red grapes, strawberries, etc.; green and blue apples, kiwi, cantaloup, etc.
• Choose a platter that barely fits the amount of fruit being served. It should look very full.
• Consider using a few less-common fruits, example dragon fruit, star fruit, yellow kiwi. Even one unexpected item to shake things up a bit.

🥦🌶🥒

• thinly sliced rainbow radishes
• raw asparagus
• mini bell peppers of different colors
• purple cauliflower
• peeled rainbow carrots
• green beans
• different types of pitted olives
• artichoke hearts
• cherry tomatoes
• celery
• unexpected items example: French radishes, jicama, broccolini

Tips: Serve dips inside of hollowed out bell pepper or small heads of cabbage.

Look at some of the appetizer dip recipes on our blog.

Try:

meat trey:  https://veggiefernandezs.blogspot.com/2021/01/meat-tray.html

cheese trey: https://veggiefernandezs.blogspot.com/2021/01/cheese-tray.html

bread trey: https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4757368533685219635/8725978017749853860

Read More

Chocolate Pudding Tofu Pies

Tofu carries loads of health benefits. Why not use it in desserts as well?
                                                                        Serves 6

1 16-ounce (455 g) package organic firm tofu, drained and liquid removed either by weighing it between towels for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave, uncooked for 2 minutes
1 cup (130 g) each: powdered sugar, sweetened cocoa

1 tsp. (5 ml) each organic: honey, vanilla extract, and corn syrup

1/4 to 1/2 cup (80-120 ml) (dairy-free) milk

6 mini graham cracker crust pie shells

organic (diary-free) whipped cream

fruit

shaved chocolate

1. In a blender, purée tofu, sugar, cocoa, corn syrup, and vanilla until smooth.

2. Add milk as needed to make a smooth, thick pudding.

3. Spoon pudding into the pie shells and refrigerate.

4. When serving, top with whipped cream, fruit and chocolate

Read More

Chutney à la Apples and Dates

 The sauce tops any dish of potatoes latkes, pancakes, waffles, the options goes on....

1 pound (455 g) organic tart apples, cored and peeled

1/3 cup (45 g) each organic, finely chopped: dates and yellow onion

1 2-inch (5 cm) piece of ginger, peeled and finely chopped

1/4 cup (60 ml) red wine vinegar

2 Tbs. (30 ml) each organic: apple cider vinegar and honey

1/2 cup (65 g) organic packed light brown sugar

zest of 1 organic lemon

1/2 tsp. (2,5 g) ground allspice

1. Add all the ingredients in a saucepan over medium-high heat.

2. Bring to boil, then turn to low.

3. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very tender, about 30 minutes.

4. Uncover, turn the heat to medium and simmer, stirring often, until the liquid reduces to a syrup, 10-15 minutes.

5. Remove and let cool completely.

6. It can be store up to 1 day, covered, in the refrigerator.

 (a) Let it come to room temperature before using. 

Try German potato patties:

https://veggiefernandezs.blogspot.com/2020/01/german-potato-patties.html

Read More

Mushroom Gravy with Cranberries

 This is a nice sauce over turkey, meals, or vegetables.

1 Tbs. (15 ml) (dairy-free) butter

4 cups (240 g) sliced organic mushrooms

2 chopped organic shallots

2 minced organic garlic cloves

1/2 cup (120 ml) dry white wine

2 Tbs. (30 g) cornstarch

1 1/2 cups (360 ml) organic vegetable or chicken broth

1 Tbs. (15 g) fresh thyme or 1 tsp. (5 g) of dry thyme

some black pepper

1 1/2 cups (195 g) fresh or frozen organic cranberries

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, met the butter.

2. Add the mushrooms, shallots, garlic, and cook about 5 minutes.

3. Add the wine, raise heat to medium-high, and boil until liquid has reduced by half, about 3 minutes.

4. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch, 1 Tbs. (15 g) at a time, into 1/2 cup (120 ml) of broth.

5. Add remaining broth, thyme, and pepper to the gravy pan.

6. return to a boil and then stir in the cornstarch mixture and. cranberries.

7. Simmer until thickened, about 6-8 minutes.

Read More