The Peony Life » winter http://thepeonylife.com Creating memories through food Thu, 19 Jan 2017 01:07:51 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.3.19 Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Mustard and Maple Glaze http://thepeonylife.com/2015/11/roasted-brussels-sprouts-with-mustard-and-maple-glaze/ http://thepeonylife.com/2015/11/roasted-brussels-sprouts-with-mustard-and-maple-glaze/#respond Sun, 15 Nov 2015 20:55:31 +0000 http://thepeonylife.com/?p=1517 This recipe is proof that eating healthy doesn’t have to be a bore! Oh, and did I mention this recipe is vegetarian and gluten free? At the moment, I’m ALL ABOUT this seasonal side! Brussels sprouts are in season here in California and I like to buy them still attached to the stalk, while I can. These mini cabbages are on... 

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Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Mustard and Maple Glaze is the perfect vegetarian side dish to serve during the holidays!

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Mustard and Maple Glaze is the perfect vegetarian side dish to serve during the Holidays!

Did you know that an 80g serving of sprouts contains four times more vitamin C than an orange?

Did you know that an 80g serving of sprouts contains four times more vitamin C than an orange?

This recipe is proof that eating healthy doesn’t have to be a bore! Oh, and did I mention this recipe is vegetarian and gluten free? At the moment, I’m ALL ABOUT this seasonal side! Brussels sprouts are in season here in California and I like to buy them still attached to the stalk, while I can.

These mini cabbages are on my radar because they are so freakin’ versatile!  This recipe features roasted brussels sprouts but they are excellent raw in salads, sautéed, grilled and steamed.

The freshest sprouts are green with a white base. If they are slightly yellow or brown it means they’re past their prime.

The freshest sprouts are green with a white base. If they are slightly yellow or brown it means they’re past their prime.

This dish is single-handedly responsible for my fiancé falling in love with brussels sprouts! They were never his thang and he clearly didn’t light up when they rolled out on his dinner plate. I was SO OVER the usual brussels sprout and pancetta sauté I had gotten a little too used to making. There had to be a better way!

Fresh brussels sprouts from Santa Cruz California. There's nothing like cutting them fresh from the stalk!

Fresh brussels sprouts from Santa Cruz California. There’s nothing like cutting them fresh from the stalk!

So there I was trying to brainstorm while staring into my fridge in a trancelike state. Then BRAAAAP! It hit me like a ton of delicious food angel bricks! To combine my favorite condiment of all time; spicy Dijon mustard and a sweet Canadian staple; maple syrup. I am oh-so-happy to say it was a success and this meatless side is completely addicting!

This recipe is both vegetarian and gluten free but it’s important to remember not all Dijon mustards and maple syrup brands are gluten free. Annie’s & Organicville are two brands of Dijon mustard that are easily accessible and gluten free. When choosing maple syrup you want to make sure you’re always buying the purest kind. The maple syrup in my kitchen has one ingredient; maple syrup!

Sprinkle roasted brussels sprouts with a small handful of toasted pistachios or hazelnuts before serving. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary.

Sprinkle roasted brussels sprouts with a small handful of toasted pistachios or hazelnuts before serving. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary.

This is a great option to have on your dinner table during the Holidays for a variety of reasons. It’s simple to prepare, has few ingredients and lends new flavors to the traditional thanksgiving dishes.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Mustard and Maple Glaze are a welcomed lighter option in contrast to stuffings, creamy mashed potatoes and gravy (all of which I live for) but I’m trying to find a healthier balance this year. I’m loading up on healthy vegetable sides and just a couple of my favorite indulgences.

I hope you love this recipe as much as we do in my house! xo

Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with Annie’s Organics and Organicsville. This is not a sponsored post. I just simply like their products!

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Mustard and Maple Glaze
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Author:
Recipe type: Side Dish
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
  • 1 lb brussels sprouts, halved
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • salt + pepper
  • 2 tbsp dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • ¼ cup toasted pistachios or hazelnuts
  • sprig of rosemary for garnish (optional)
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400F and line a baking sheet with tin foil.
  2. Wash, trim and halve sprouts. Make sure loose leaves set aside as they will burn quickly in the oven.
  3. Drizzle sprouts with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, toss to coat
  4. Bake for 35-40 minutes, tossing sprouts half-way through the cooking process. You want sprouts to be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
  5. While sprouts are roasting, lets make the mustard and maple glaze. Combine Dijon mustard + maple syrup + red wine vinegar and mix together using a whisk.
  6. Remove roasted sprouts from the oven and sprinkle with kosher salt. Toss with mustard and maple glaze then pour into a serving dish.
  7. Sprinkle toasted pistachios or hazelnuts overtop of the roasted sprouts and garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary.

 

 

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Cream Of Wild Mushroom Soup http://thepeonylife.com/2015/09/cream-of-wild-mushroom-soup/ http://thepeonylife.com/2015/09/cream-of-wild-mushroom-soup/#respond Wed, 30 Sep 2015 20:05:37 +0000 http://thepeonylife.com/?p=16 I’ve been a lover of mushroom soup since I was a little girl. I have fond memories of my babysitter Margret warming me up Campbells Cream of Mushroom soup after play school. It was one of those things I would never get sick of, no matter how many times I had it for lunch. There was always something so... 

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Show the cold weather WHO'S BOSS and enjoy a bowl of Cream Of Wild Mushroom Soup!

Show the cold weather WHO’S BOSS and enjoy a bowl of Cream Of Wild Mushroom Soup!

I’ve been a lover of mushroom soup since I was a little girl. I have fond memories of my babysitter Margret warming me up Campbells Cream of Mushroom soup after play school. It was one of those things I would never get sick of, no matter how many times I had it for lunch. There was always something so satisfying about it to me. Even now; there still is.

'GROW YOUR OWN' mushroom kits at the San Francisco Ferry Building

‘GROW YOUR OWN’ mushroom kits at the San Francisco Ferry Building

This would of been such a cool idea for a school science project. Teachers take note!

This would of been such a cool idea for a school science project. Teachers take note!

Even after I had grown up and entered into elementary school, it was still my trusty go-to for lunch. I refused to bring sandwiches like the rest of the kids. I had this phobia of soggy bread and on the few occasions I packed a sandwich, it always found its way to the garbage can. After a tough game of calling my bluff, my mum Cynthia finally conceded. She realized that I wasn’t playing; I would rather starve than eat soggy sandwiches. This was war.

Back in the day I would bring this massive stainless steal thermos with me to school every.single.day. Do kids still do that? Or am I aging myself beyond belief? Whatever the case, it was genius! I brought soup with me everyday to school, often times Cream of Mushroom and it would always be steaming hot, even by lunchtime.

Beautiful Bulk Organic Californian Shiitake Mushrooms

Beautiful Bulk Organic Californian Shiitake Mushrooms

I grew up in Nova Scotia on the East Coast of Canada. If you’re not familiar with East Coast winters, they’re really reaaaally cold . It’s a lovely place with it untouched beauty and the people are so kind and down to earth. Just make sure to do yourself a favor and visit in the summertime!

As a child and then teenager, one of my favorite ways to warm up was over a bowl of cream of mushroom soup. Nowadays it’s like nostalgia in a bowl. This is a grown up version of one of my all time favorite soups, I think the childhood me would be proud of :)

You can use a combination of whatever mushrooms you have available. I like the texture combination of Shiitake, portobello and crimini mushrooms.

This afternoon I'm getting cozy with a large cup of Cream Of Mushroom Soup! Talk about nostalgic!

This afternoon I’m getting cozy with a large cup of Cream Of Mushroom Soup! Talk about nostalgic!

Cream Of Wild Mushroom Soup
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Author:
Serves: 5-6
Ingredients
  • 5 oz fresh shiitake mushrooms
  • 5 oz fresh portobello mushrooms
  • 5 oz fresh crimini or porcini mushrooms
  • 1 tbsp good olive oil
  • 1 stick and 1 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 carrot, chopped
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme & 1 tbsp minced thyme
  • 2 cups leeks, chopped(white & light green parts only)
  • ¼ cup all purpose flour
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup half & half
  • ½ cup flat leaf parsley, minced
  • Kosher salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste
Instructions
  1. CLEAN mushrooms by wiping them with a paper towel. It’s important not to wash the mushrooms.
  2. In preparation of the Mushroom Stock separate the stems from the caps and slice the caps into ¼′ slices. Set aside. Discard any unwanted parts and coarsely chop the mushroom stems. Set aside.
  3. Heat Olive Oil and 1 tbsp of the butter in large pot. Add the chopped carrot, onion, mushroom stems, sprig(s) of thyme, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper and cook over medium/low heat for 10-15 minutes, until the veggies are tender. Add 6 cups water and bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. Strain, reserving the liquid. You should have approx. 4½ cups Mushroom Stock, if not add some water
  4. In a large pot heat the remaining butter and add the leeks. Cook over low heat for 15-20 minutes until leeks start to brown. Add sliced mushrooms caps and sautee for 10 minutes, or until they are brown and tender. Add the flour and cook 1 minute. Add the white wine and stir for another minute, scraping the bottom of the pot. Add the mushroom stock, minced thyme leaves, 1½ tsp, 1 tsp pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes. Add cream, half & half, parsley, salt and pepper to taste, heat thoroughly but do not boil. Serve hot!

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