Falafel Delight

I have been making humus for a while now so I decided to move on to another great chickpea dish so I created a roasted red pepper falafel.

1 1/4 cups dried chickpeas (7 oz)

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

3/4 cup finely chopped onion (1 medium)

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1 teaspoon fine sea salt

3/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon cayenne

Read More http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Falafel-109010#ixzz0mc7BqLgC

Add all of the following ingredients to a food processor.

1 can chickpeas (drained)
1/4 cup chopped roasted red bell pepper (drain well if stored in oil)

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

3/4 cup finely chopped onion (1 medium)

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Read More http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Falafel-109010#ixzz0mc7cY9fV

1/2 cup chopped green onion
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 garlic cloves (finely chopped)
3/4 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon coriander
1/2 teaspoon black pepper1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
3 Tablespoons flour

Mix until finely chopped and well mixed. Stopping and scraping down the sides often. Form mixture into patties and dust lightly with flour. Heat oil in large skillet. Carefully brown the falafel on both sides.

I served these with a fresh greens, sun dried tomato, and soy dressing.

1 1/4 cups dried chickpeas (7 oz)

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

3/4 cup finely chopped onion (1 medium)

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1 teaspoon fine sea salt

3/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon cayenne

Read More http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Falafel-109010#ixzz0mc7BqLgC

1 1/4 cups dried chickpeas (7 oz)

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

3/4 cup finely chopped onion (1 medium)

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1 teaspoon fine sea salt

3/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon cayenne

Read More http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Falafel-109010#ixzz0mc7BqLgC

1 1/4 cups dried chickpeas (7 oz)

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

3/4 cup finely chopped onion (1 medium)

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1 teaspoon fine sea salt

3/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon cayenne

Read More http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Falafel-109010#ixzz0mc7BqLgC

Taco Soup

As I have stated before, I don't like eating left-overs but I hate wasting food even more. I am continually creating recipes based on what is left over from the night before. This soup was created from the remains of taco night. This took less than 10 min to make and as we have seen before, it was better than the original meal of tacos.

Left-over Ingredients
Seasoned taco meat
Sour Cream
Grated Cheddar Cheese
Chopped Tomato
Sliced Green Onion
Taco Shells

Additional Ingredients
Beef Broth
Salt
Cayenne Pepper

Very simply mix the seasoned taco meat with beef broth, salt & cayenne pepper. Bring to a simmer and stir in sour cream and part of the grated cheese until melted. Serve topped with crumbled taco shells, remaining grated cheese, tomato, and green onion.

Dry Fried Tofu with Broccoli

Tofu isn't always the easiest ingredient to prepare. I found a foolproof and simple way to create a pleasantly textured and delicious tofu stir fry.

Here is the link to the full explanation along with great step-by-step photo instructions.

http://hubpages.com/hub/How_to_Cook_Tofu_Like_the_Pros

These instructions may look like a lot of information but I promise this is VERY simple. After the dry fry process, I marinated the tofu in rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, sliced onion, garlic, sesame oil and sesame seeds. Then quickly stir fried the tofu with broccoli.

Daddy's Venison Sausage

My Dad made homemade venison sausage mixed with 40% Venison and 60% pork. It was so good and perfectly spiced. I took the raw sausage out of the casing and added it to a hot cast iron skillet with onions and bell peppers. Once browned, this mixture can be eaten alone or wrapped up in a tortilla.

I simply mixed up a box of Jiffy cornbread mix along with a cup of cheddar cheese and poured it over the top of the meat mixture right in the skillet and baked at 350° until golden brown on top. This can be served for breakfast or dinner. Thanks Dad!

Ravioli with Broccoli Romanes

This meal took less than ten minutes and it was healthy, filling and packed with flavor. I simply tossed a bag of frozen ravioli and broccoli romanes in some boiling water and put green onions, sun dried tomatoes, garlic and chopped walnuts into a hot skillet with a little butter until onion are translucent. I tossed in the ravioli and broccoli and seasoned with salt, pepper and Parmesan cheese. So simple and so good!

Appetizers

We served these three appetizers at the VIP mixer before the 100 Club of Central Texas annual awards banquet. This venue was held at a breathtaking exotic animal reserve in Creedmore TX.

Smoked Salmon on crackers with Cream Cheese, Capers, and Red Onion


Blue Cheese and Candied Walnut Tarts


Shrimp Cocktail Shots with Avocado and Cilantro

Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution

This program is inspiring to say the least. I am moved to tears each episode. The facts he brings to light about the reality in our public and private kitchens will shock you. I hope everyone will visit his website and take advantage of the recipes and education provided to help change our bad eating habits.

Message from Jamie

This food revolution is about saving America's health by changing the way you eat. It's not just a TV show, it's a movement for you, your family and your community. If you care about your kids and their future take this revolution and make it your own. Educate yourself about food and cooking. Find out what your child is eating at school. Make only a few small changes and magical things will happen. Switching from processed to fresh food will not only make you feel better but it will add years to your life.