the ultimate blender cookbook fast, healthy recipes for every meal

THEUltimateBLENDERCOOKBOOKFast,HealthyRecipesforEveryMealREBECCAMILLERFFRENCHPhotographybyJustinLanier

Tomyfamily,wholovesagoodlaughandgreatfood

Andtoallblenderloverslookingtowhirtheirwaytowholesomemeals

Contents1.BlenderBasics

2.NutMilksandFlours

AlmondMilk

BrownRiceMilk

HempSeedMilk

CoconutMilk

CoconutFlour

AlmondFlour

WhiteandTraditionalWholeWheatFlour

OatFlour

ChickpeaFlour

QuinoaFlour

WhiteRiceFlour

WhiteCornmeal

3.HealthyDrinks

CoolMintSlush

MangoandGreekYogurtFreeze

AMEnergyBooster

PureStrawberryBananaSmoothie

RevitalizingRawGreenJuice

BeetandCarrotJuiceTonic

CranberryOrangeFrappe

PumpkinSpiceSmoothie

CoconutAlmondSmoothie

RefreshingPineappleGingerJuice

WatermelonCucumberAguaFresca

4.Breakfasts

BuckwheatWaffleswithTwo-BerryCoulis

SweetSpeltFlourCrêpes

ChiaSeedPancakes

Two-BiteRaspberryFinanciers

SpinachEggCups

PoachedEggswithFriedTomatoes

ZucchiniAppleMuffins

TemptingBananaCoconutLoaf

5.NutButtersandFruitSpreads

CreamyCashewButter

DarkChocolateHazelnutSpread

MaplePecanButter

SweetPistachioButter

SmoothAlmondButter

RichCoconutButter

WhippedCitrusZestButter

QuickStrawberrySpread

CardamomPeachSpread

6.DipsandSalsas

FreshPineappleMangoSalsa

SimplyGuac

PiquantTomatoandChipotleSalsa

RoastedGarlicWhiteBeanDip

IrresistibleBlueCheeseDip

Super-EasyEdamameDip

CoolingCucumberTzatziki

MushroomPâté

SmokyHummuswithArtichokes

BasicAïoli

7.Soups

VerdantSpringPeaSoup

AutumnSquashandPearSoup

HeartyKaleandPotatoSoup

ChickenTortillaSoup

SpicyChickpeaSoup

ComfortingBroccoliLeekSoup

CreamyCauliflowerFennelSoup

GreenGazpacho

8.Salads

SpinachSaladwithBlueberryVinaigrette

ChoppedKaleSalad

ClassicCaesarSaladwithHomemadeGarlicCroutons

BibbLettucewithGrapefruitShallotVinaigrette

SummerCornandAvocadoSaladwithCilantroButtermilkDressing

CarrotQuinoaSalad

FrenchLentilSaladwithRoastedTomatoVinaigrette

Go-ToHerbVinaigrette

9.BlenderBurgers

Family-FavoriteSalmonBurgerswithQuickPickledCukes

PorkBurgerSliderswithTangyBarbecueSauce

HerbedGoatCheeseTurkeyBurgers

LambPitaBurgers

Super-SatisfyingBeetandChickpeaBurgers

ZestyBlackBeanBurgers

QuinoaandButternutSquashBurgers

10.MainDishes

CaribbeanShrimpFritterswithSpicyAïoli

SpinachChickenEnchiladaswithAnchoChileSauce

LemonTarragonChicken

ChickenTikkaMasala

RoastedTurkeyBreastwithChipotleSauce

SlicedSkirtSteakwithChimichurriSauce

MarinatedPorkTenderloinwithCranberryRelish

SpinachPestoSaucewithRigatoni

ArtichokeRicottaManicottiwithSneak-It-InVeggieSauce

Vietnamese-StyleSummerRollswithPeanutDippingSauce

11.Vegetables

FrenchGreenBeanswithWalnutMisoButter

BakedEggplantPuree

HerbedCarrot-ParsnipPuree

AsianSlaw

CrispyZucchiniFries

IndianSpicedSpinach

CreamyCauliflowerMash

FreshCornCakes

RoastedRootVeggieswithRomescoSauce

12.Desserts

LimeTartletswithCoconutCrusts

TartLemonSquares

FudgyGluten-FreeBrownies

WholesomeChocolateMousse

BlueberryCheesecakeBites

Gluten-FreeRaspberrySwirlCupcakes

ChaiTeaCake

ChocolateCoffeeQuinoaCookies

EasyWhippedCream

RoastedStrawberryIceCream

JustBananasIceCream

CherryliciousFrozenYogurt

SweetPeachIceCreamwithGlazedPecans

Acknowledgments

IntroductionWhileworkingonthisbook,Iwasoftenaskedquestionslike,“Whytheblender?

Isn’titeasiertomixthingsbyhand?Don’tyoufindithardtoclean?”Theshortanswer:No.

Thelonganswer:Ablendercangreatlyassistahomecookwithchoppingvegetables,mixingmarinadesformaincourses,andliterallywhippingupawholesomedessert—allinminutes.Ablendermakesmealprepquickandeasy.It’sahelpfultoolforturningfresh,local ingredients into healthful meals—and not just liquid ones. You can greatly boostyournutritionalintakebyaddinggreens,nuts,andsuperfoodstoyourdietonadailybasis.Andthebestpart:Nutritiouscanequaldelicious!

Yousee,fromthethirdgradetheblenderwastheoneappliancethatIdidn’thavetoaskpermissiontouse.IwasfreetocreateasIpleased.AndsoIdid.Andhavecontinuedtodoso foralmost30years,developingrecipes thatgivebangfor theirbuck—creativecombinations of natural foods that are nutrient-dense, enhance energy, and, mostimportant,cometogetherquickly.

Myfirstforaysintoblendinginvolvedlotsofmilkshakesandsalsas—perfectafter-schoolsnacksforthetweenyears.Duringmycollegedays,myblenderwasprimarilyanicecrusher(andprobablysawmorealcohol thanitshouldhave!).AsImaturedandgotmarried,myblendertookonamoresophisticatedrole,blendingvinaigrettesandpureeingsauces.

Thenbabymadethreeandtheblenderworkedtirelesslypulverizingvegetablesintohealthy,preservative-freemushforournewaddition.Alongcamebabytwo,andlifegotevenmore hectic, but our blender did not give up on us, nor we on it. Its blades stillwhirred,nowaccommodatingfour.Wewhippedupeverythingseeminglypossibleinourblender:crêpes,muffins,meatlessburgers,andmore.

Whenthesmoothiephenomenonhit,wewerealreadythere,blendingaway.Ifoundways to incorporatemore foods rich in fiber,antioxidants,andheart-friendly fattyacidsintoeverydish.

In thesepages, Iwant tosharemyloveofblendingandshowhowthismiraculousmachine can effortlessly aid you in the quest for healthier eating. I admit, I’m a foodfanatic.IobsessabouteverybitemyfamilyandIingest.Iwanteachmorseltomeltinourmouths,leavingushappyandsatisfied.Ihopetheserecipesrelaymysenseofexcitementaboutfood:brightcolors,juicytextures,diverseflavors.

Eating shouldmake you feel good—physically and socially—and the blender canhelp get you there … fast. It minimizes prep time, allows you to easily make largequantitiesforacrowd,andtrulyisacinchtoclean.

You, too, can turn your blender into a kitchenworkhorse,makingmeals a time torecharge,relax,andconnect.

HealthyMadeSimpleWhatisthekeytosuccessfulblending?Fresh,wholesomeingredients.Thefresherthe

produce,grain,nut,orotherfoodstuff,thetruertheflavorandthemorecompletethenutrition.Youareincontrolofeveryingredientyouputintheblender,sotheresultisuptoyou.Youcanreplacestore-boughtfoodslikemuffinsandsoupswithhomemade,chemical-freeequivalentsandswapsyrupybottledsaladdressingsforsugarlessblends.

AccordingtotheCentersforDiseaseControl(CDC),only32.5percentofAmericanseat the recommended two or more servings of fruits per day. The number drops evenlower, to 26.3 percent, for those who eat the recommended three or more servings ofvegetablesperday.*Thatmeansalotofusaren’teatingourfruitsandveggies!

Enter the blender. Large amounts of fruits and vegetables can be blended tomanageablesizesforeasyconsumption,andtheblender’sbladesbreakdowncellwallsofhard-to-digestrawplant-basedfoodsforbetterabsorption.

Itmaybetemptingtoloadupsmoothieswithsugarorsauceswithcream,butthere’sno needwhen blending. Fruits lend sweetnesswhile nuts and healthy oils can create avelvetytexture.

This collection of recipes may serve as a user manual for beginning blenders, aspringboardforthoselookingtoincorporatemorefruitsandvegetablesintheirdiets,oraresourceofnewideasforthosealreadyproficientwiththeirblenders.

Thegoalwiththeserecipesistousetheblendertoitsfullestpotential.Itspowerisuncanny.Avortexisactuallycreatedinsidetheblenderjar,whichbringsmetothesecond,third,andfourthmostcrucialelementsofblending:Donotoverblend,donotoverblend,donotoverblend.IknowI’mbeingrepetitive,butthisshouldbecomeyourmantra.Iwillreiterate it throughout the book, but when a recipe says to pulse, really pulse. It’s sotemptingtogojustalittlemore,butafewextrasecondsofblendingandapotatosoupcango fromsatiny smooth togummyglue.Youcanalwaysblendmore,but it’sdifficult toreverse theeffectsofoverblendingwithoutstartingover,sogoslowly.Believeme, I’vehadtostartagainmorethanonce(mydogisalwayshappytosopupmymistakes,though;sheneverseemstomindthetexture!).

Myhopeisthatthisbookhelpsmaketheblenderyourbuddy,thatyou’llseeitasanapproachableassistanthelpingyoupreparetasty,healthymeals.Ialsohopetheserecipesbecomepartofyourdailyrepertoire,essentialsyouloveandgobacktoagainandagain.Usetheblender toexperiment,putgoodfoodonthe table,andget thingsdonefast,butmostofall—havefunwithit!

AWordAboutBlendersIuseaVitamixProfessionalSeries750,andIloveit.Tome,itistheBentleyof

blenders.IalsohaveanOsterblenderandtheNinjaUltimablender.Theybothdoafinejob,butIhaveadifficulttimeblendingupburgersintheOster,andtheNinjajustdoesn’thavethepoweroftheVitamix.NeithergrindsnutsandseedsasthoroughlyastheVitamix.

TheBlendtecand theVitamixareextremelycomparable.Theybothworkwell, it’sjustwhatbellsandwhistlesyouprefer.Blendtecisslightlymorecompactandfitsnicelyundercupboards;Vitamixblenderscomewithtampersforpushingingredientstowardtheblades;somehavepulsebuttons,butnotalldo.Taketimetocomparisonshopandyou’llfindtherightfit.Bothwilldoanexceptionaljob.

Thatsaid,powerblendersareextremelyexpensive.Thepayoff:healthynaturalfoodpreparedwithlittleeffort.Powerblendersarebuilttolastalifetime.Mostoftherecipesinthis book require a high-speed blender. Smoothies, salad dressings, andmarinadeswillworkwithconventionalblenders,butforthoselookingtoblendupdishesforeverymeal,you’llneedapowermachine.Considerthemoneyspentasaninvestmentinyourhealth,yourfuture,yourhappiness.*CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention,“State-SpecificTrendsinFruitandVegetableConsumptionAmongAdults—UnitedStates,2000–2009,”MorbidityandMortalityWeeklyReport(September10,2010).

CHAPTER1BlenderBasicsAreyoureadytostartblending?Incorporatingblenderrecipesintoyourdailymeal

planwillmakeyourlifeeasier—andmakeyoufeelgoodtoo.Butwheretostart?

The first step:Look at your ownkitchen.What ingredients do youhave on hand?UsingtheblenderhasinspiredmetothinkdifferentlyaboutwhatIkeepinmycupboardsandfridge.Ihaveslowlyaddednewingredients tomyshelves—lotsofseeds,nuts,andwhole grains—and stockedmy fridgewith an array of fresh produce. The blender hasinspiredmetoconsumesuchawidervarietyoffruitsandvegetablesthaneverbefore.

There are also some important techniques to keep in mind when using a blender.Havingalighttouchandnotover-blendingisoftenthekeytosuccess.Remembertoworkwiththeblender,notagainstit.Theblenderdoesneedyourassistancesometimes—you’rea team. Actually we’re a team: you, me, and the blender. So let’s get to it and startblending!

AWell-StockedBlenderKitchen

EssentialsataGlance

INTHEPANTRYOilscold-pressedextra-virginoliveoil,cold-pressedextra-virgincoconutoil,

aroma-freecoconutoil,organiccanolaorgrapeseedoilVinegarsbalsamic,applecider(Bragg’s),whitewine,redwine,andricewine

vinegarsFlourswhitewholewheat,spelt,oat,lightbuckwheat,almondandcoconutfloursGrainsold-fashionedrolledoats,brownriceLegumeslentils,chickpeas,blackbeansNutsandSeedsalmonds,pecans,walnuts,cashews,flaxseeds,hempseeds,

pumpkinseeds,chiaseeds,quinoa,nutbuttersSweetenersrawhoney,maplesyrup,darkbrownsugar,organiccanesugar,

confectioners’sugarCannedgoodscoconutmilk,fire-roastedtomatoes,artichokehearts,beans,

chipotlesinadobe,pumpkinCartongoodsalmondmilk,organicchickenbrothSpicesandsuchMaldonsalt,koshersalt,cinnamon,coriander,cumin,ginger,

nutmeg,paprika,redpepperflakesBakingitemsbakingpowder,bakingsoda,purevanillaextract,unsweetened

cocoapowder,bittersweetchocolatechips,unsweetenedcoconut,dates,bakingspray,

xanthangum

INTHEFRIDGEOrganiceggs,butter,buttermilk,plainyogurt,ricottacheese,lemons,limes,Dijonmustard,freshherbs(cilantro,parsley,rosemary,thyme,basil),kaleandotherleafygreens

INTHEFREEZERIce,homemadechickenstock,berries

INTHEPRODUCEBINAvocados,onions,garlic,shallots,freshginger

TheNewBlenderKitchenSomeoftheingredientsinthisbookmaybenewtoyou—theyweretomejustafew

yearsback.Whilemylocalmarketcarriesmostingredientsusedinthisbook,whenIaskedthecashieriftheysoldchiaseeds,shemelodicallychimedback,“Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia?Aren’tthosesoldonTVwithaclaypet?”Andevenmyownmotherasked,“Canyougethighfromhempseeds?”

Mostoftheseitemsshouldbereadilyavailableatconventionalmarkets,butyoumayhavetosearchfartherafieldtofindanaturalfoodstoreoronlineretailer.

Budgetisahugeconsiderationwhenstockingyourcupboardswithorganic,naturalstaples. Healthy foods don’t come cheaply, so slowly build up your pantry. Add oils,grains, sweetenersandsuperfoodsasyouuse them.Noneed tobuyeverythingatonce.Oncepurchased, a littledoes seem togoa longway.Agood jarof rawhoneycan lastmonths. Buying in bulk is another money-saving option. And save even the smallestamountsof ingredients.Youneverknow,youmayjustneeda teaspoonofalmondflourtomorrow.

HEALTHYFATSANDOILS

I’velearnednottoshyawayfromfats.Ittookawhile,though.Growingupintimesoflow-fateverything,Ibelievedthatfatswerenothingbutharmful.However,notonlydofatsgiveflavorandrichtexturetofoods,manycanactuallybebeneficialtoyourhealth.Yourbodycravesfats,andwhenyoufeedittherightonesinmoderation,you’llfeelfullandsatisfied.Fatsalsoaidyourbodyinabsorbingfat-solublevitamins.

I’dbuycold-pressedextra-virgincoconutoilbythetruckloadifIcould.Ithasbeenshownthatthisfat,oncethoughtofasveryunhealthy,actsasanantibacterialagent,raisesthebody’smetabolism,andisrichinmedium-chainfattyacids,whichincreasethegoodHDL cholesterol level in the blood. It does have a slight flavor, but being the coconutloverIam,Ifinditenhancesmostdishes.

Coconutoilbecomesliquidat76°F,soitmayliquefyinyourcupboardonahotday—butdon’tworry,it’llsolidifyagainwhenitcoolsdown,withnoilleffectstotheoil.

Ifyou’renotafanofcoconutflavor,consideraroma-freecoconutoil,whichhasnotasteandisaparticularlygoodoilforfrying.IlikeOmegaNutritionandNutivabrands.

Becauseof itshigh smokingpoint,peanutoil,whichcontainsvaluableamountsofvitaminE,alsoworkswellforfrying.

Extra-virginoliveoil,showntolowertotalcholesterol,ismyothercan’t-live-withoutfat.Ievenuseitforpopcorn(coconutoilworkswonderswithpopcorn,too!).

OrganiccanolaorgrapeseedoilsarewhatIusewhenIneedacompletelyneutraloil.

Avocados, which are high in fiber and potassium, are another healthymonounsaturatedfatIuseoften.

VINEGARS

Balsamic,applecider,whitewine,redwine,andricewinearethebasicvinegarsIalwayskeepinstock.

MILKS

Forthosewhowanttosteerclearofdairy,theblendermakesiteasy.Homemadenutmilkscanbemadeinminutes.Almondandcoconutmilkaremyfavorites.Ifyoupurchasenondairymilksatthestore,lookforthosewiththefewestingredientspossible.Andtrytoavoidcoconutmilkinthecarton.InsteadbuyBPA-freecannedcoconutmilkwheneverpossible.

Although it’s not a milk, I like to use coconut water as a nondairy liquid insmoothies.

Idon’tavoidcow’smilkmyself(IwasborninthedairystateofWisconsin,afterall),butIdouseitsparingly.Ijustmakesureit’salwaysorganic.Ioftenusetangybuttermilkbecauseit lendsarichflavor tobakedgoods.Italsocontainsprobioticmicrobes,whichmakesiteasiertodigestthanplaincow’smilk.

NUTSANDSEEDS

Theblendermakesitacinchtoaddnutsandseeds—whicharepackedwithprotein,nutrients,andhealthyfatslikeomega-3s—toyourdiet.Theybothcontainahighfatcontentthough,whichmeanstheygorancidquickly.Istorelargeamountsinthefreezerandkeepsmallerportionsinthepantryinairtightliddedglassjars.

Ikeepawidearrayofnutsonhandincludingalmonds,pecans,walnuts,pistachios,hazelnuts,cashews,andpinenuts.buybothinbulkasittendstobemuchlessexpensive.

Mypantryisalwayschock-fullofseeds,whichIconsidernutritionalpowerhouses.Ilikethemforthecrunchandnuttyflavortheygivetofood.It’seasytoaddahandfultoasmoothieorsaladdressing.Sprinklethemovervegetablesandmaincourses,too.Imostoftenuseflaxseeds,pumpkinseeds,chiaseeds,andhempseeds.

GRAINS,FLOURS,ANDLEGUMES

Havingapantryloadedwithavarietyofgrainsandbeansmakeslifesomucheasier,especiallywhenyouneedtowhipupamealinminutes.Youcanturntothecupboardandsay,“Aha,I’llmakefill-in-the-blankbecauseIhavefill-in-theblank.”

Someofthebasicsthataregoodtohaveonhandincludebrownrice,old-fashionedrolledoats,quinoa,chickpeas,lentils,blackbeans,andpeanuts.

I’mpartial todriedbeansfor their textureandflavor,butcannedbeansworkwhenyou’repressedfortime.

Oneof thebest thingsyoucanmake inablender: fresh flours.Wholegrainskeeplongerthanready-madeflours,andmakingnutfloursissomuchmorecost-effectivethanbuyingthem.

SWEETENERS

IpreferthingsmuchlesssweettodaythanIdidevenayearago.IfindthatasIreducemysugarintake,mytastebudsadapttomyneweatinghabits.Icontinuallytrytouseaslittlesugaraspossible.

Althoughsugarissugarissugarandthegoalistoreduceoverallintake,whenIdouse sweetener, I tend to gravitate toward something less processed than standardwhite

granulatedsugar.

Raw honey ismy sweetener of choice. There aremany claims that it has curativeproperties,andwhile Ican’tconfirm them, Ido like that rawhoney isunprocessedandunpasteurized,whichmeansthegoodnessofhoneyisnotdestroyedbyheat.

Maplesyrupisanothergoodsweetener.Itcontainssomemineralsandisespeciallyhighinmanganese.Ibuyitfromalocalsourcewhotapstreesinourarea.

Thereare some recipes that justworkbestwithplainold sugar. In that case, IuseunbleachedorganiccanesugarbecauseatleastIknowit’sgrownwithoutpesticidesandisbetterfortheearth.It’salsosaidtobelessprocessedthanregularsugar.

HERBSANDSPICES

SmallbowlswithDiamondCrystalkoshersaltandMaldonseasaltresidenexttomystoveatalltimes.Nexttothemstandsablackpeppergrinder.Iprobablyusethecontentsofthesethreevesselsmorethananythingelseinmykitchen.Iaddapinchofsaltandtwistoffreshlygroundpepper(don’tusethetypethatcomespreground)toalmosteverything.

When I don’t have fresh herbs growing, I always make sure I have bunches ofcilantro,parsley,rosemary,thyme,andtarragononhand.Ihaveanextensivedriedspicedrawer,butsomeessentialsincludecumin,coriander,ginger,cinnamon,andpaprika.

Dijonmustardisanothermust-have.Creamyandsharp,itjustgivesthatextraoomphtomanyvinaigrettesandsauces.IespeciallylikeMaillebrand.

TipsandTricks

LIQUIDSANDSOFTFOODSFIRSTHowyouloadyourblendermaymakeadifferenceinyouroutcome,andkeepthingsblendingsmoothlywithoutextraspatulaaction.Addliquidsandsoftfoodstotheblendercontainerfirst,thenputtheharderingredientsontop,includingice.

GOSLOWLYANDDON’TOVERPROCESSIsaiditbeforeandI’llsayitagain:Donotoverblend.Theblenderisapowerfulmachine,andtheconsistencyofsomethingcangofromgreattoghastlyinseconds.Justgoslowly.Lessismore.Whenyourmachineiswhirringwithnothingmovinginside,stopitandpushtheingredientstowardthebladewithaspatula.Irarelyexpectthateverythingwillblendupevenlywithoutalittlehelpfromaspatula.It’sgoodtomakesureallthebitsofwhatyou’reblendingareoutfromunderthebladesandfullyintegrated.Alsogoeasyonyourmachine.Whenitgetsoverlywarmorstartstosputter,turnit

offandletitcooldown.

NONEEDTOMINCEAprimaryadvantagetousingablenderisease.Ipurposefullycallforlargepiecesofvegetablesandclovesofgarliconlycutinhalfoncetoavoidlotsoftimespentdicingandchopping.Lettheblenderdothework.Theremaybeoneortworecipeswhereyoudohavetomince,butonlybecause,forexample,onlyhalfthesoupgetsblended

inordertoretaintexture;inthiscasethegarlicshouldbemincedsincenotallofitwillbepureed.

EVERYTHINGTOTASTEAlmosteveryrecipeinthisbookcallsforsalt,pepper,orsomeothertypeofseasoning.Usetheamountslistedasaguide,butdon’thesitatetousemoreorlessaccordingtoyourpreference.Anotherbeautyofblendingisthatunlikebaking,it’snotanexactscience(thatis,unlessyou’remakingsomethinglikeblenderbrowniesoracake).Youcanalwaysaddanothersqueezeoflimeorsprigofcilantroandkeeptesting

untiltheflavorsseembalancedtoyou.Ifsomethingtastestoosweet,addanacid;toosour,addasweetener.Playaround.Tasteasyougo.

EASYCLEANUPTheverybesttowaytocleanyourblenderistodoitrightaway.Don’tletfooddryandhardeninsidethecontainer.Itonlytakessecondstoclean.Fillyourblenderaboutone-thirdfullwithhotwaterandafewdropsofliquiddishsoap.Placethelidontheblender,placethepitcherbackonthebase,andrunitonlowforafewseconds,thenturnittohighforaminute.Pouroutthewater,rinsetheblenderwithmorehotwater,anduseadishbrushtoscruboutanyremainingfoodshouldtherebeany.That’sit,yourblenderisclean!

SOAKINGNUTS,SEEDS,GRAINS,ANDLEGUMESLotsofnuts,seeds,grains,andlegumesareusedinthisbook,andtheyallnaturallycontainphyticacid.Phyticacidbindstomineralsandpreventsthemfrombeingabsorbedbyourbodies.It’sdebatablewhetherphytates(phyticacid)shouldbeofconcern.However,toavoidthem,youcansoaknuts,seeds,grains,andlegumes.Notonlydoessoakingreducephyticacid,italsoneutralizesenzymeinhibitorsthatarepresent,whichsomesaycancausetroublewithdigestion.Onamorefunctionallevel,soakingnutsmakesthemmucheasiertogrindfornut

milks.Ifyousoaknutsbeforemakingnutbutters,theymustbethoroughlydriedatatemperaturebelow150°F.Mostovensdon’tgothatlow(mylowestsettingis200°F),sokeeptheovendoorslightlyajaranduseanoventhermometertoregulatethetemperature.It’ssaidthatifyouheatthenutsabove150°F,you’lldestroythegoodenzymes.Ifyou’rereallydedicatedtosoaking,considerpurchasingafooddehydrator.Ifthisallseemslikealotofhassle,youcandryyournutsinanovensetto300to

350°Fwiththesametasteresult—oryoucanjustblendthemintoabutterwithoutsoakingatall.Unlessyou’reastrictvegetarianoryourdietisrestrictedinotherways,you’relikelytogetthenutrientsyouneedfromotherfoodsandstillreaptheotherpositivebenefitsofnutsandseedswithoutsoakingthem.

SPATULAAgoodstrong,dishwasher-safesiliconespatulawithsomebendandflexibilitymaybethesinglemostimportanttoolyou’llwantwhenworkingwiththeblender.Itwillhelpscrapeallthegoodbitsout,andwillalsohelppushingredientstowardtheblade.Ihaveseveraldifferentsizes,includingasmalloneforscrapingundertheblade.

SHARPPARINGKNIFEANDCHEF’SKNIFEWhiletheblenderbladeswilldomostofyourcuttingandchopping,it’sstillgoodtohavesharpknivesonhandtocutuplargefruitslikewatermelonanddomoretediousjobslikeremovingribsfromkale.Alwayshandwashyourknivesanddrythemimmediatelyaftereachuse.

FINE-MESHSTRAINER/SIEVEYou’llfindthissimplekitchentoolindispensableforjuicesandstrainingpureesandsauces.

NUTBAGSAlthoughyoucanusecheeseclothorasieve,Ifindthatasturdynylondrawstringbagworksbestwhenstrainingnutandseedmilks.

ICECUBETRAYSPourleftoversmoothiesandpureesintoicecubetraystomakefrozencubes,whichareeasytostoreandblendupagainquitewell.

RESEALABLEFREEZERBAGSGoodtohaveonhandforfreezingfruitandotherblenderleftovers.

STORAGECONTAINERSFrench-madeLuminarcglasseswithairtightplasticstoragelidsareperfectforstoringsoups,juices,andmore.Theyfitwellinthefridge,andIlikethattheydoubleasdrinkingglasses.

METALSTRAWSManyyearsago,IhadacolleaguewholookedatmedisapprovinglyeverytimeIusedaplasticstraw.“Doyouknowhowunnecessarythatis?”shewouldsaytome.Andshewasright.Idon’tthinkIsawonestrawwhenIwastravelinginFrancerecently.TheFrenchseemtoconsumetheirbeveragesjustfinewithoutthem.Accordingtoecocycle.org,weuseover500millionstrawsintheUnitedStates

eachday.Thereareaplethoraofreasonswhyweshouldn’tusedisposableplasticstraws,includinggrowinglandfills,soItrytousemetalandbiodegradablepaperoneswheneverpossible.

CAST-IRONPAN

Thismayseemlikeanoddessentialforblendercooking,butawell-seasonedcast-ironskilletwillfryupablenderburgerwitharestaurant-qualitycrispycrust.Itsnonsticksurfaceisalsogreatforpancakes,andyoucanevenbakebrowniesinit.They’reinexpensiveandcantaketheplaceoffourpans.IfIwerestuckonadesertislandandcouldhaveonekitchentool,thiswouldbeit(unless,ofcourse,Icouldgetasolar-poweredblender!).

CHAPTER2NutMilksandFloursIt’sastonishinghoweasyitistomakeyourownflours.WhenIthinkofthetimeI

onceoncespentlookingforalmondflour,I’mregretfulthatIdidn’tknowtojustmakeit.Well,thatwillneverhappenagain.Withtheaidofmyblender,Icanhavefreshlygroundfloursinminutes.Vitaminsandmineralsdeterioratequicklyoncegrainsareground,sowhenyoumakeyourownflours,youreapMotherNature’sgoodnesspackedintoseedgrainsinsteadofitperishingonstoreshelves.Specialtyflourslikericeandcoconutcanalsobepriceyandhardtofind.Grindingyourownmakesgluten-freeoptionseasilyaccessibleatafractionofretailcost.

The same goes for nutmilks—when youmake them yourself you’re guaranteed afresh product with zero preservatives at a budget-friendly price tag. You also greatlyexpandyouroptionsfordairy-freealternativestocow’smilk.Theremaybemanytypesofalmondmilkavailablethesedays,butwhatabouthempseedmilk?It’shighlynutritiousbutmay not be so easy to find.With the blender, it’s yours for themaking.And don’treservethesemilksjustforsmoothies:Usethemforsavorysaucesandsweetsbaking,too.

AlmondMilkmakesabout3cups

Anexcellentalternativetodairymilk,silky-smoothalmondmilkislowincarbs,cholesterol-andlactose-free,easytodigest,andagoodsourceofvitaminE.

1cupalmonds,soakedfor8hours,thendrainedwithwaterdiscarded

3cupsspringwaterorfilteredtapwater

Sweetenertotaste,ifdesired

Placethenutsandwaterintheblenderjarandprocessonhighuntilcombinedandcompletelysmooth.Addsweetenerifdesired.

Strainthemixtureusinganutbagorstrainer.Discardthepulp.

Chillandserve.

BrownRiceMilk

makesabout3⅔cups

Forthosewithalactoseornutintolerance,brownricemilkisagoodcow’sornutmilksubstitutebecauseit’sunlikelytotriggerallergicreactions.Ricemilk,whichhasalight,refreshingflavor,islowinfatbuthighincarbs.

¾cupcookedbrownrice


Pinchofkoshersalt

¼teaspoonpurevanillaextract

Honeytotaste,ifdesired

Placealltheingredientsintheblenderjarandprocessonhighuntilcombinedandcompletelysmooth.Discardthepulp.

Strainthemixtureusinganutbagorstrainer.

Chillandserve.

HempSeedMilkmakesabout4cups

Consideredasuperfood,hempseedsareoneofthedensestsourcesofplantproteinsavailable.Thesepower-packedkernelsdeliverproteinandomega-3essentialfattyacids,whichareessentialtobrain,skin,joint,andhearthealth.Youcansprinklethemrawonalmostanything,andwhenyoublendtheseedsintoamilk,theygivethebeverageanespeciallycreamyconsistency.

1cupshelledorganichempseeds(alsocalledhemphearts)


1teaspoonrawhoney

Placealltheingredientsintheblenderjarandprocessonhighuntilcombinedandcompletelysmooth.

Strainthemixtureusinganutbagorstrainer.Discardthepulp.

Chillandserve.

CoconutMilk

makesabout4½cups

Richwithitscreamygoodnessandslighthintofcoconut,thismilkmakesadeliciousbaseforsmoothies.Useitincupcakesandmuffinstoo.

2cupsunsweetenedcoconutorcoconutflakes


Soakthecoconutinthewaterfor2hours.

Placethecoconutandthewaterintheblenderjarandprocessonhighfor2minutesoruntilsmooth.

Strainthecoconutthroughanutbag,squeezingoutallthemilkintoabowl.Whenyou’vesqueezedoutallyoucan,transferthemilktoastoragecontainerandreservethepulptomakecoconutflour(page35).

Chillandserve.

CoconutFlourmakesabout1cup

Myfirstadventureswithcoconutflourwerenotsuccessful.SeveralyearsbackIsawitonthestoreshelfandthought,Hmmm,letmeseewhatIcanmakewiththis.Well,Imadeabrick.LittledidIknowcoconutflourisnowherenearaone-to-onesubstituteforgrain-basedflours.Youmaynoticethatmanyofthebakedgoodsrecipescallingforitcontainalargenumberofeggs.Thisisbecausetheflourisextremelyabsorbent;theeggsalsohelpgivestructuretobakedgoodsduetothelackofgluten.Theflour,madefromdriedcoconutmilkpulp,ishighinfiberandmakesagoodgluten-freeoption.TryRaspberrySwirlCupcakes(page212)foragluten-freedessertmadewithcoconutflour.

About1¼cupspulpfrom1CoconutMilkrecipe(page32)

Preheattheovento200°F.Lineabakingsheetwithparchmentpaper.Spreadthecoconutpulpoutinathinlayer,breakingupanyclumps.

Placethesheetintheovenandbakeforapproximately45minutes,oruntilthepulpiscompletelydry.

Putthedriedpulpintheblenderandprocessonhighfor1to2minutesoruntilfinelyground.

Storeinanairtightcontainer.

AlmondFlour

makesabout1cup

Iheartalmondflour.Fromasweet,meringue-basedFrenchmacarontoTwo-BiteRaspberryFinanciers(page73),thisflouraddsasubtlenuttyflavortofoods.Youmayfindthatsomerecipescallforalmondmealinsteadofalmondflour.Theonlydifference:Mealismadefromwholeorunblanchedalmonds,whileflourismadefromblanchedalmondsandissometimesmorefinelyground.

Becautiouswhenmakingthisflour:Anextrasecondortwoandyourflourcanturntobutter!

2cupsblanchedalmonds

Putthealmondsintheblenderjarandstartonlow,thenturntohighfor30to60secondsoruntilthealmondsarefinelygroundintoapowder.

WhiteandTraditionalWholeWheatFlours

makesabout3cups

Whitewholewheatflouristhesameaswholewheatflourinthesensethatit’sgroundfromtheentirewheatkernel—unlikeall-purposewhiteflour,whichisbleachedandthebranandgermremoved.Thedifferenceisthatwhitewholewheatflourisgroundfromahardwhitewheatberryinsteadofaredwheatberry,liketraditionalwholewheatflour.

Theresult:aflourthathasallthenutritionaladvantagesoftraditionalwholewheatbutwithalightercolorandmildertaste.

Use it in cookies, pancakes,muffins, andotherbakedgoods thatdon’t requirea finewhiteflour(thewayangelfoodcakedoes,say,ordelicatebiscuits).

Grindingflourissoeasy,there’salmostnoexcusenottodoit,exceptperhapsyoudon’thavethewheatberries.Well,you’reinluck.BothKingArthurFlourandBob’sRedMillsellred(ifyouwanttomaketraditionalwholewheatflour)andhardwhitewheatberriesbythepoundonline.

Wholewheatfloursareparticularlydifficult tostorebecausetheycontainhealthybutperishable oils. To keep the flour from going rancid, I like to grind my own in smallquantities.

2cupshardwhitewheatberriesforwhitewholewheatflouror2cupsredwheatberries(fortraditionalwholewheatflour)

Placethewheatberriesintheblenderjarandprocessonhighfor1minuteoruntiltheberriesarefinelygroundintoapowder.

OatFlour

makesabout1cup

Oatflourisanexcellentoptionforgluten-freebaking.Thereareseveralrecipesinthisbook—HerbedGoatCheeseTurkeyBurgers(page153)andFudgyGluten-FreeBrownies(page209)amongothers—thatuseit.Tryoatflourinmuffinsandquickbreads,too.

1cuporganicold-fashionedrolledoats

Placetheoatsintheblenderjarandstartonlow,thenturntohighfor30to60seconds,stoppingonceortwicetopushthemixturetowardthebladewithaspatula,oruntiltheoatsarefinelygroundintoapowder.


ChickpeaFlour

makesabout1½cups

OftenusedinMiddleEasterncooking,thisgluten-freeflour,alsocalledgarbanzobeanflour,hasaslightlystrongerflavorthanothernon-wheatflours.Tryitinsavorypancakeorfritterrecipes.

1cupdriedchickpeas

Placethechickpeasintheblenderjar(agraincontainerifyouhaveone)andprocessonhighfor30to60secondsoruntilthebeansarefinelyground.

Pushthemixturethroughafine-meshsieveorafloursifter.Putthelargerpiecesleftinthesievebackintotheblenderandprocessagainforatleastanotherminute.Repeattheprocessuntilyouhaveafine,smoothflour.


QuinoaFlourmakesabout2½cups

Quinoaflourismyall-timefavoritegluten-freeflour,inpartbecauseofthegoodnessitdelivers—highfiberandessentialaminoacids—butI’malsoparticularlyfondofitsearthyflavor.Youcansimplygrindquinoagrainstomakeflour,soifyou’reinarush,don’thesitatetodoso.Afewminutesoftoastingthoughmellowstheflavorandmakesafinerflourwhenground.

1¾cupsquinoa

Preheattheovento350degrees.Spreadthequinoainasinglelayeronalargebakingsheet.Usetwosheetsifnecessary.Toastthequinoaintheovenforabout15minutes.Donotletitbrown.

Removethequinoafromtheovenandallowittocool.Placeitintheblenderjarandstartonlowthenturntohighfor30to60secondsoruntilthegrainsarefinelygroundintoapowder.Storeinanairtightcontainer.

WhiteRiceFlourmakesabout2¼cups

Lightandsilken,thisflourissuperbforcoatingchicken,eggplant,andotheroven-friedfoods.It’salsoapopularsubstituteforall-purposeflourinmanygluten-freebakedgoods.Youcanmakebrownriceflouraseasilybysubstitutingdrybrownriceforthewhite.Brownriceflourmakesanexcellentbinderinmeatlessburgers.

2cupsdrywhiterice

Putthericeintheblenderjarandstartonlow,thenturntohighfor30to60secondsoruntilthericeisfinelygroundintothedesiredconsistency.

WhiteCornmealmakesabout1½cups

TheconnectionbetweenpopcornandcornmealwasoneIhadnotmadepriortoowninga

blender.Yes,ofcourseIknewtheywerebothderivedfromcorn—butpopcorniswhatyoueatatthemoviesandIusecornmealfor,amongotherthings,breadsanddustingpizzacrusts.ButIwasnotthinkingtheobvious:Popcornkernelsaredriedcorn.Cornmealisgrounddriedcornkernels.Popcornintheblender=cornmeal.Voilà!

1cupunpoppedwhitepopcornkernels

Putthepopcornintheblenderjar(agraincontainerifyouhaveone)andprocessonlowfor5seconds.Turnthepowertohighandblendforanother30secondsoruntilveryfine.

CHAPTER3HealthyDrinksSowhat’sbetter,juicingorblending?Hmmm,hardtosay.Theyeachhavetheir

place.Tojuiceistoextracttheliquidfromfruitsorvegetablesandremovethepulp.Blendingpulverizestheproducetomakeasmoothdrink.Thebiggestdifference:Smoothiescanbeloadedwithfiberwhilejuicesnaturallycan’t.However,bothcanbenutrient-packed.Personally,Idrinksmoothiesmoreoften,butIstillcan’tresistacool,revitalizingglassofjuice.Eitherway,fillingyourblenderwithlocallygrowngreens,freshlypickedberries,andhomemadenutmilkscanonlybeagoodthing.

Blender drinks are an excellent way to add the USDA-recommended five dailyservingsoffruitsandvegetablestoyourdiet.Sousethefollowingrecipesasguidelines,but don’t hesitate to voyage out on your own. Be creative. Experimentwith your ownfavoritecombinationsandchangeupyouringredientsaccordingtowhat’sinseason.It’llhelpensurethateverysipisdelicious,andvarietyprovidesabroadrangeofnutrients.

Flash freezing fruits and vegetables at their peak of freshness helps preservevitamins, andwill expandyouroptions to a rainbowof choicesduring those lackluster,produce-poorwintermonths.Thesequickandeasydrinksareasuper-healthywaytostarttheday,orsometimesevenendit.Cheers.

CoolMintSlushserves4–6

Refreshingandsmooth,thisicyconcoctionwillcoolyoudownonthehottestofdays.Asplashofvodkaorginturnsthisdrinkintoadelightfulsummercocktail.Whipupabatchinadvanceandfreezeinaresealableplasticbag.Whenyou’rereadytouseit,breakupthemixtureinthesealedbagthenaddittotheblendercontainer,pulseseveraltimes,andserve.

1wholelemon,cutintoquarters,seedsremoved

¾cupfreshlysqueezedlemonjuice(juiceofabout3lemons)

⅓cuprawhoney,ormoretotaste

¼cupwater

4cupsice

½cupfreshmintleaves,plusextraforgarnish

Addthecutlemonandlemonjuicetothecontainerandblendonmedium-highuntilsmooth.

Addthehoney,water,andiceandcontinuetoblenduntilcompletelysmooth.

Putthemintinthecontainerandpulsefiveorsixtimes,untilthemintischoppedandmixedthroughout.Servegarnishedwithmintleaves.

MangoandGreekYogurtFreeze

serves1

Thisdrinkdeliverstheessenceofmangoes,whichareattheirbestinspringandsummer.Mangoesthataregreenandhardshouldripenafterafewdaysatroomtemperature.Thefeelandsmellofthemangoaremuchmoreimportantthanthecolor.Neverrefrigerateunripemangoes.Ifripemangoesaren’tavailable,lookforjarredmangointheproducesectionorbagsofmangochunksinthefrozenfoodsection,nowavailablefromTraderJoe’sandDole.Whenmangoesareinseason(andusuallyonsale),Ibuytheminbulk,cutthefruitintochunks,andfreezeitinairtightcontainers.

1cupfreshmangochunks

½cupplainGreekyogurt

1cupice

1teaspoonrawhoneyorothersweetenertotaste

Placealltheingredientsintheblenderpitcherintheorderlisted.Blendfor20secondsonlowthenturntohighforanother40to60secondsoruntilthemixtureiscompletelysmooth.

AMEnergyBooster

serves2

There’snodoubtthatthisthick,shake-likesmoothiewillneverwinabeautycontest.Itsbrownish-bluishtintdoesnothavetheseductivepowerofaravishingredraspberrysmoothie,nordoesittastelikeadessertbeverage.However,thisdrinkisapowerhouse.Iconsumesomeformofthisless-than-sexyconcoctionatleastthreeoutofsevenmornings—Isubstitutehempmilk,addpumpkinseeds,changeupthefruitandgreens.It’slikeanelixir.Itkeepsmemovingstraightahead,withnohorriblehighsorlows.Thealmondbutter,whichisapredominantflavorinthissmoothie,helpsregulatebloodsugar,andthefiber-richchiaandhempseedsaddessentialaminoacidsandomega-3fatsthatkeepmefullandhappyuntillunch.

1½cupscoconutwater

1tablespoonfreshlysqueezedlemonjuice

1cuplooselypackedbabykale,spinach,orothergreens

1cupfrozencherries

½cupfrozenblueberries

2tablespoonsalmondbutter

2tablespoonschiaseeds

1tablespoonhempseeds

½–1cupice

Placealltheingredientsintheblenderpitcherintheorderlisted.Blendfor20secondsonlow,thenturntohighforanother40to60secondsoruntilthemixtureiscompletelysmooth.Addmorewaterifyoufindtheconsistencytoothickandblendagain.Drinkimmediately.

PureStrawberryBananaSmoothie

serves2

Strawberriesandbananasareenhancedbythesweet,earthyflavorofhempmilk,anextremelybeneficialnon-dairymilkalternativethatisabreezetomake(page32).It’shardtobelievethiscreamy,dessert-likedrink,with10essentialaminoacids,isactuallygoodforyou!

2cupshempmilk

2frozenbananas,peeledandcutintolargechunks

1pint(2cups)frozenstrawberries,hulled

Placealltheingredientsintheblenderpitcherintheorderlistedabove.Blendfor20secondsonlow,thenturntohighforanother40to60secondsoruntilthemixtureiscompletelysmooth.

fromlefttoright:CoconutAlmondSmoothie,CranberryOrangeFrappe,PureStrawberryBananaSmoothie,RevitalizingRawGreenJuice

RevitalizingRawGreenJuiceserves2

Gogreen!Amixoffruitsandveggiesgivesthisdrinkanagreeablebalancebetweensweetandbitter.Don’thesitatetomixupyourgreenshere—kale,spinach,beetgreens—foravarietyoftastes.Youcandrinkthisasasmoothie,too;justskipthestrainingandadd1cupicewhenblending.

1cupunsweetenedicedgreentea

½apple,peeled,cored,andcutintoquarters

2Swisschardleaves,stemremoved

1romaineleaf

¼cucumber,seededandcutintoquarters


¼cupflat-leafparsleyleaves

1-inchpiecegingerroot,peeled

15greengrapes

Placealltheingredientsintheblenderpitcherintheorderlistedabove.Blendfor10secondsonmedium,thenturntohighfor1moreminute.

Pushthemixturethroughafine-meshstrainer.Chilltoserveorpouroverice.

BeetandCarrotJuiceTonic

serves1

Boostyourstaminaandimmunitywiththisvitamin-loadedjuice.Thecombinationofcarrotsandbeetsdoestendtobecomethick,though,sodon’thesitateaddingmorewatertoobtainathinnerconsistency.Pouringitoverafullglassoficewillalsohelpdilutethisjuice.

¼–½cupcoconutwaterorspringwater,dependingondesiredconsistency

1mediumorange,peeledanddividedintosections

2mediumcarrots,washedandcutinto2-inchchunks

3beets(about5-7ouncestotal),washedandquartered

Placeeverythingintheblenderpitcherintheorderlisted.Blendonlowfor30seconds,turnthedialtomediumandblendfor15secondsmore,thenturntohighandblendfor1minute.

Pushthemixturethroughafine-meshstrainer.Blendasecondtimeforanevensmootherconsistency.Chilltoserveorpouroverice.

CranberryOrangeFrappeserves2

Fresh.Bright.Zingy.ThisvitaminCboosterwillwakeupyourtastebudswithitscitrusytang.Notjustforbreakfast,thisdrinkmakesastimulatingafternoonsnack.

½cupalmondmilk

1cupfrozencranberries

1wholeorange,peeledandbrokenintosegments

¼teaspoongroundcinnamon

1–2teaspoonsmaplesyrup,ormoretotaste

1cupice

Placealltheingredientsintheblenderpitcherintheorderlisted.Blendfor20secondsonlow,thenturntohighforanother40to60secondsoruntilthemixtureiscompletelysmooth.

PumpkinSpiceSmoothieserves2

Likethesmellofburningleavesorappleciderdoughnuts,thissmoothiewilltransportyoutoaplaceofautumnalhappiness.Sipthiscreamyconcoctionthroughastrawandyou’llswearyou’reslurpingupapumpkinpie.

1cupcannedpumpkin

1cupcoconutmilk

1cupice

1smallfrozenbanana,cutintoseveralpieces

1tablespoonmaplesyrup

½teaspoongroundcinnamon

¼teaspoongroundnutmeg

¼teaspoongroundginger

⅛teaspoongroundcloves

¼teaspoonorangezest

Placealltheingredientsintheblenderpitcherintheorderlisted.Blendfor5secondsonlow,thenturntohighforanother20secondsoruntilthemixtureiscompletelysmooth.

CoconutAlmondSmoothieserves1

Smoothandcreamy,thismilkydrinkhasapleasingnuttyflavor.Usinghomemadecoconutmilkaddsanevenrichertaste.It’skindoflikeanAlmondJoywithoutthechocolate.Ifyouwantittomimicthecandybarevenmore,shavealittledarkchocolateontop.

1cupcoconutmilk

1tablespoonalmondbutter

5dates,pitted

1teaspoonpurevanillaextract(optional)

1½cupsice

Placealltheingredientsintheblenderpitcherintheorderlisted.Blendfor20secondsonlow,thenturntohighforanother40to60secondsoruntilthemixtureiscompletelysmooth.

RefreshingPineappleGingerJuiceserves4

IlearnedtomakethisdownrightaddictivedrinkfromabartenderatTheRockhouseinNegril,Jamaica.Afterseeingitlistedonthebreakfastmenuunderjuicessimplyas“Homemade,”myfamilyandIwereintrigued.Onemorningwetooktheplungeandorderedit.Weneverlookedback.WhenIaskedthewaitressaboutthefreshandspicydrink,shetoldmethebartendersmadeit.TheveryfriendlyNaasonshowedmehow.Heblendedupthewholepineapple,peelandall,inhisVitamix.Ittakesalittletime,butitiswortheverysecondofeffort.It’salsoinvitingasanafternooncocktailwithalittleJamaicanrum.

1wholepineapple,coredandcutintochunks

⅓cup(2ounces)freshunpeeledgingerroot,choppedintopieces


Rawhoneytotaste

Placethepineapple,ginger,andwaterinablenderandprocessonmedium-highuntilthemixtureisfullyblended(assmoothasyoucangetit).

Placeafine-meshstraineroverabowlorcontainerandpourinthepineapple-gingermixture.Usingthebackofaspoon,pressthemixtureagainstthestrainer,extractingasmuchofthejuiceaspossible.Youcoulduseanutbag,too.

Putthepineapplemashinthestrainerbackintotheblenderandprocessagainonhigh.Strainagaintoextractmoreliquidfromthemixture.

Afteryoursecondstrain,youshouldhaveabout36ounces.Ifnot,youmaywanttoblendandstrainthemixtureonemoretime.

Finally,addhoneytotasteandstirtocombine.Chillandserveoverice.

WatermelonCucumberAguaFresca

makes2quarts

Aguafrescaor“freshwater”issimplywaterinfusedwiththeessenceoffruit.Thethirst-quenchingdrinkhasjustahintofflavor.It’snottoosweet,andisbestwhenmadewithseasonallyfreshfruit(experimentwithdifferentcombinationsincludingmelons,pineapple,andmango).Serveiticycold.


½largewatermelon,cutintolargechunks(about8generouscups)

1cucumber(about2cups)

¼cuprawhoneyortotaste

6basilleaves,forgarnish

Puthalfthewater,watermelon,andcucumberintheblenderandrunonlowfor5seconds.Thenturntohighandprocessfor25secondsoruntilpureed.Pushthemixturethroughafine-meshstrainerintoa2-quartpitcher.

Repeattheprocesswiththerestoftheingredients,addingthehoneythistime.Pourthesecondstrainedmixtureintothefirst.Stirandchill.Serveovericeandgarnishwithbasilleaves.

CHAPTER4BreakfastsWhileasmoothiemakesamightynicemealreplacement,itjustdoesn’tgivethe

samecomfortingfeelasabig,heartybreakfast.Mindyou,agenerousmealneednotequalsugary,butter-ladendishes.Withafewtweakshereandthere,white-flourwafflesaremadegluten-freewithabuckwheatsubstitution,pancakesarepoweredwithchiaseeds,andbreakfastbreadisloadedwithfruitsandveggiesforalow-sugar,high-fibertreat.

Weekendbreakfastsaremyall-timefavorite.Whetherit’sjustthefamilyorwehaveguests,wealwaysmakeitextraspecialwithtablelinens,asmallvaseofflowersorpinesprigs in winter, and even a candle or two. All these recipes work well for a crowd.Wafflesandcrêpescanbemadebeforethemealandkeptwarminalowoven;toppingslikecoulisandtarragonsaucecanbemadeinadvance.Thesearemealswhenyou’llwantsmoothiesasasupplement.

BuckwheatWaffleswithTwo-BerryCoulismakesabout157-inchwaffles3largeeggs

Doyouknowthatbuckwheathasnothingtodowithwheat?It’snotevenagrain.It’safloweringherbwhosestarchyseedsareharvestedandareavailableinmanyforms,fromhulled,wholerawkernelstogroundflours;toastedbuckwheatkernelsareoftenreferredtoaskasha.Buckwheat,whichiscloselyrelatedtorhubarbandsorrel,isgluten-freeandrankslowontheglycemicscale.I’veexperimentedwiththeflourquiteabitrecentlyasmybrother-in-lawisdiabeticandhasceliacdisease.InthisrecipeIuselightbuckwheatflourbecauseitgivesalightertexturetothewaffles.IampartialtoBouchardFamilyFarmsAcadianLightBuckwheatFlour.Ifyoucan’tfinditandusedarkbuckwheatflour(whichisvisiblydarkerinappearance),use1cupwhitewholewheatflourinplaceof1cupbuckwheatflourforthesewaffles.Buckwheatflourmakesagreatfriedchickencoatingtoo.Friedchickenandwafflesanyone?

2cupsbuttermilk

1teaspoonpurevanillaextract

1¾cupslightbuckwheatflour

¼cuporganiccanesugar

¼teaspoonkoshersalt

1tablespoonbakingpowder

½cuparoma-freecoconutoil,meltedorcanolaoil

Freshblackberries,redraspberries,andstrawberries

Two-BerryCoulis(recipefollows)

Puttheeggs,buttermilk,andvanillaintheblender.Processonmediumfor15seconds.

Next,addtheflour,sugar,salt,andbakingpowder.Pulseseveralmoretimesuntiltheingredientsarejustcombined.

Lastly,addtheoilandpulseuntilmixedtogether.

Bakeinapreheatedwaffleirononamediumsetting.Makesurethewafflesbakeuntilthey’resomewhatcrispy.ServewithfreshberriesandTwo-BerryCoulis.

Two-BerryCoulis1pint(2cups)redraspberries

1pint(2cups)strawberries

¼cupwater

3tablespoonsorganiccanesugar,ortotaste,dependingonthesweetnessoftheberries

Puttheberries,water,and3tablespoonssugarinasmallsaucepan.Cookovermediumheat,stirringconstantly,forabout10minutes.

Next,pourthemixtureintheblenderandrunfor10secondsonhigh.Pourthemixturethroughafine-meshstrainerbackintothesaucepan.Usethebackofaspoontopushasmuchofthesaucethroughthesieveaspossibleandbringittoagentleboilfor3minutes.Allowtocool.ServeoverBuckwheatWaffles.

SweetSpeltFlourCrêpesmakesabout14crêpes

Thisrecipebelongstomy12-year-olddaughter,whohasbeenmakingcrêpessinceshewas9.Aself-taughtcrêpemaker,Camillacombedcookbooksforinstruction,andthenhasperfectedherskillovertheyears(allthreeofthem!).ShegotafewpointersfromagoodfriendofourswholivesinMontréal,andanotherbooktippedherofftothemagicoftheblender—usingitwhipsupcrêpebattertotheperfectconsistency.

When in France recently we noticed that many savory crêpes were made withbuckwheat,whichledustoexperimentwithdifferentflours.I’vemademyownadjustmenttoCamilla’srecipeandsubstitutedspeltflourforthewhitefloursheuses.Itgivesafaintnutty flavor to the thin pancakes,which are so delectable they barely need a filling. A

squeezeoflemonandsprinkleofsugaristheperfectcomplementtothedelicatepancake,althoughafewstrawberriesandhazelnutspreadareprettydarngoodonthem,too.

4largeeggs

2cupsmilk

½teaspoonpurevanillaextract

2cupsspeltflour

½teaspoonkoshersalt

¼cupmeltedunsaltedbutter,plusmoreforgreasingthepan

Puttheeggs,milk,andvanillaintheblenderandprocessonmediumfor15seconds.Addtheflourandsaltandpulseseveraltimes.Addthebutterandmixfor10moreseconds.

Meltabout2teaspoonsbutterovermediumheatinanonstick12-inchskillet.Spreadthebutterevenlyaround.

Pour2to3tablespoonsofbatterinthepan.Cookfor1minutethenflipthecrêpeoverandcookforanotherminute.Thethinnerthebatter,thebetter.Continuetocookcrêpesuntilallthebatterisused.

SweetSpeltFlourCrêpesshownwithQuickStrawberrySpread(front)andCardamomPeachSpread,andDarkChocolateHazelnutSpread(rear)

ChiaSeedPancakesmakesabouttwenty4-inchpancakes2cupsbuttermilk

Chiaseeds,whichcanbeeatenwhole,don’tneedtobegroundtoaccesstheirgreathealthbenefits.Tinyblackandwhitechiaseedsareagreatsourceofproteinandcalciumandwillboostthefibercontentofyourpancakeswhilegivingthemtheslightestcrunchytexture.Soundsstrangeforapancake,Iknow,butitreallyaddsaninterestingnewdimensiontoanoldfavorite.

1largeegg


1tablespoonorganiccanesugar

1½cupswhitewholewheatflour

1tablespoonbakingpowder

2tablespoonschiaseeds

1–2tablespoonscoconutoilorunsaltedbutter

Putthebuttermilk,egg,andvanillaintheblenderpitcher.Pulseonmediumseveraltimes.

Next,addthesugar,flour,andbakingpowdertothepitcherandpulseagaintwoorthree

timesuntiljustblended.Donotovermix;thiswillresultintoughpancakes.

Addthechiaseedsandpulseonemoretime.

Placeagriddleorfryingpanovermediumheat.Add1tablespoonofthecoconutoilorbutteranduseaspatulatospreaditaroundthegriddleorpanasitmelts.

Transferthebatterfromtheblenderpitchertothegriddleorskilletusingatablespoonmeasure,about2tablespoonsperpancake.Spreadthebatterintoacircleshapewiththebackofthespoon.

Cookuntilsmallbubblesappearandstarttoburstuniformlyoverthepancakes.Carefullyflipthepancakesandcookforseveralmoreminutesontheotherside.Whengoldenbrownonbothsides,transfertoaservingplatter.Continuetocookpancakesuntilallthebatterisused,addingmoreoilorbuttertothepanasneeded.

Servewithwarmmaplesyrup.

Two-BiteRaspberryFinanciers

makes24

TheselittleFrench-inspiredcakesgettheirdistinctflavorfrombeurrenoisetteorbrownbutter.Theyaretheperfectearly-morningsnacktohaveawaitingguests.Makethebatterthenightbefore,andwithinminutesthenextmorning,asweetsmellwillbewaftingthroughyourhouse.

½cup(1stick)unsaltedbutter,cutinto1-inchpieces,plusmoreforgreasingthepans

¾cupalmondflour(page36)

¼cupall-purposeflour

⅔cupconfectioners’sugar

½teaspoonbakingpowder

⅛teaspoonkoshersalt

5largeeggwhites

1teaspoonrawhoney

½teaspoonvanillaextract

½pint(1cup)redraspberries

Heatthebutterinasmallpanovermedium-highheat,stirringitconstantly.Keepstirringasthebutterbeginstobubbleandfoam.Itwillbegintobrowninabout3to4minutes(you’llseesmallbitsonthebottomofthepan).Whenitdoes,removeitfromtheheatandsetaside.Notethatthebuttergoesfrombrowntoburnedveryquickly.

Puttheflours,sugar,bakingpowder,andsaltintheblenderandrunfor10secondsonhigh.Usingaspatula,scrapethefloursfromthebottomofthemixerandrunforanother10seconds.Addtheeggwhites,honey,andvanilla;pulsethreetimes.Donotovermix.

Transferthebattertoabowlandstirinthebrownedbutter.Coverwithplasticwrapandrefrigerateforatleast2hoursorupto5days.

Heattheovento400°F.Thoroughlybuttera24-cupminimuffinpan.Removethebatterfromtherefrigeratorandstir.Filleachcupwithatablespoonofbatterandtopwithoneortworedraspberries.

Bakefor13to15minutesoruntilthefinanciersarelightlybrownedandtheyspringbacktothetouch.

SpinachEggCups

makes12eggcups

Madeinacupcakepan,theseeggcupscouldbelikenedtoacrustlessquiche.They’regoodontheirown,butalsomakedivinebreakfastsandwichesplacedbetweentwoslicesofthick,butteredtoast.Anotheroption:Servethemonabedoflightlydressedgreensforasimplelunch.

1-inchpieceshallot,skinremoved

6largeeggs

½cupmilk

½cupricottacheese

2teaspoonsall-purposeflour

¾teaspoonkoshersalt

⅛teaspoonfreshly-groundblackpepper

½teaspoondriedthyme

⅛teaspoonfreshlygratednutmeg

1½cupsbabyspinachleaves

1cupgratedGruyèrecheese

Preheattheovento375°F.Greasea12-cupmuffinpanwithcookingspray.Setaside.Placetheshallotintheblenderjarandpulseonmediumafewtimes.

Addtheeggs,milk,ricottacheese,flour,salt,pepper,thyme,andnutmeg.Blendonmediumfor5seconds(donotoverblendorthemixturewillbecometooaerated).

Addthespinachtotheblenderandpulsetwoorthreetimes,againbeingcarefulnotoverblend—orthemixturewillturngreen!

Stirinthegratedcheeseusingaspoonorspatula.

Filleachmuffincupwith¼cupeggmixture.Bakefor25minutesoruntilslightlygolden.Allowthemtocoolslightlybeforeremovingfromthepan.Slideasharpknifegentlyaroundtheedgessoyoucanslidethemouteasily.

PoachedEggswithFriedTomatoesandCreamyTarragon

Sauceserves4–6

Theeggsandtomatoesherearereallyonlyavehiclefortheoh-so-goodCreamyTarragonSauce.Youcouldservethissauceonamudpieanditwouldprobablymakeitedible.Iliketoaddasideofarugulatothisdishforagluten-freevegetarianmeal,butyoucouldalsoaddCanadianbaconandanEnglishmuffintomakeitmoreliketraditionaleggsBenedict.

CreamyTarragonSauce(following)

1largetomato,cutinto¾-inch-thickslices

Koshersaltandfreshlygroundpeppertotaste

1tablespoonextra-virginoliveoil

2tablespoonswhitevinegar

6largeeggs

MaketheCreamyTarragonSauceandsetaside.

Next,seasoneachtomatosliceonbothsideswithsaltandpepper.Heattheoliveoilinaskilletovermedium-highheat.Frythetomatoesforabout2minutesoneachside.Setaside.

Fillamedium-sizedsaucepanwithwater,bringittohighboil,thenreducetobelowsimmering.

Addthevinegartothewater.

Crackoneegginashallowcuporbowlandgentlyslidetheeggintothewater.Repeatwithanotheregg.Cooktwotothreeeggsatatime,untilalltheeggsarepoached.

Usingaslottedspoon,pushthewhitesneartheiryolkssotheydon’tsettleonthebottomofthepan.

Lettheeggscookfor2to5minutes(2to3minutesforarunnyyolk),thenremovethemgentlywiththespoon.Gentlybloteacheggwithapapertowelandplaceitontopofapan-friedtomato.Topeachegg-tomatocombowithafewspoonfulsofCreamyTarragonSauce.Seasonwithsaltandpepperandserve.

CreamyTarragonSaucemakes¾cup

3largeeggyolks

2tablespoonsfreshlysqueezedlemonjuice


¾cup(1½sticks)unsaltedbutter,melted

1tablespoonfreshtarragonor½teaspoondriedtarragon

Puttheeggyolks,lemonjuice,andsaltintheblenderandprocessonhighfor30seconds.

Pourthebutterthroughthetopofblenderinathinstreamwhileitrunsonmediumforanother30secondsoruntilthickened.

Addthetarragonandpulseoneortwomoretimes.

ZucchiniAppleMuffinsmakesabout18muffins

Iliketousewhitewholewheatflourinthesemuffins,whichhasthenutritionalvalueoftraditionalwholewheatbutwithamilderflavor.Youcangrindyourown(page39),orusethewhitewholewheatfromKingArthurbrand—asuperbproduct.

2largeeggs

⅓cupcanolaoilorcoconutoil,melted

¼cupunsweetenedapplesauce

¾cupdarkbrownsugar,firmlypacked

1tablespoonorangezest(fromabout1largeorange)

1tablespoonfreshlysqueezedorangejuice

2teaspoonspurevanillaextract

1mediumzucchini,cutinhalflengthwisetheninto2-inchchunks(about2heapingcupsor12ounces)

1¼cupsspeltflour

1cupwhitewholewheatflour

2teaspoonsbakingpowder

¼teaspoonbakingsoda

1½teaspoonsgroundcinnamon

¾teaspoongroundginger

¼teaspoongroundcloves


1smallapple,peeledandcutinto½-inchchunks(about1heapingcup)

Preheattheovento350°F.Lineamuffinpanwithpaperliners.

Puttheeggs,oil,applesauce,brownsugar,orangezestandjuice,andvanillaextractintheblenderinthatorder.Runonmediumfor15secondsoruntiljustcombined.

Addthezucchiniandpulsethreetimes.

Inalargebowl,whisktogethertheflours,bakingpowder,bakingsoda,spices,andsalt.Foldthemixturefromtheblenderintothedryingredientsuntiljustcombined.Donotovermix.Stirintheapplechunks.

Filleachmuffincupwitha¼-cupmeasure.Bakefor15minutesoruntilatoothpickcomesoutclean.ServewithWhippedCitrusZestButter(page90).

TemptingBananaCoconutLoafmakes1loaf

Thisrich,densebreakfastbread,loadedwithbananas,pineapple,andcoconut,conjuresupanislandfeel.Oatsandflaxseedalsocontributetothegoodnessofthishealthy—yetstillsweetandmoist—morningtreat.

1½cupswhitewholewheatflour

½cupold-fashionedrolledoats

¼cupgroundflaxseed

2teaspoonsbakingpowder


¾cupshreddedunsweetenedcoconut

2largeeggs

½cupcoconutoil,melted

¾cupdarkbrownsugar


3medium-sizedripebananas,cutintochunks

18-ouncecancrushedpineapple,verywelldrained(aheaping½cup)

Preheattheovento350°F.Greasea9x5-inchloafpanandlinewithparchmentpapersoitoverhangsthesidesbyaninch.

Inalargebowl,whisktogethertheflour,oats,flaxseed,bakingpowder,salt,andunsweetenedcoconut.

Next,placetheeggs,coconutoil,brownsugar,andvanillaintheblender.Runonmediumfor15seconds.

Scrapedownthesidesoftheblender,addthebananasandpineapple,andpulsethreetimes.

Foldthemixturefromtheblenderintothedryingredientsanduntiljustcombined.

Pourthebatterintothepreparedpanandbakefor50minutesto1houroruntilthetopbecomesadarkgoldenbrownandatoothpickinsertedintothecenteroftheloafcomesoutclean.

CHAPTER5NutButtersandFruitSpreadsJustlikefloursanddairy-freemilks,nutbuttersareanotherpantrystaplemade

easywiththeblender.Becauseyouknowexactlywhatyou’reputtingintheblendercontainer,youknowexactlywhatyou’reputtinginyourbody.Youcontrolthetypesofnuts—raw,organic,roasted,soaked—theamountofsugarandwhatkind,thesalt,andwhateverelseyoudecidetoadd.

Nutbuttersmayhaveahighfatcontent,butit’sgoodfat,fatthatmakesyoufeelfullandsatisfied,fat thatkeepsyoufromsnackingalldayonempty-caloriejunkfoods.Nutbutters,whichcontainfiber,protein,andantioxidants,makeexcellentsandwichspreads,butthey’realsogreatadditionstosmoothiesandsauces.

Youcanusetheblendertoenhancecow’smilkbutterwithfruitzestsandevenwhipupaquick fruitbutteror spread.Thepossibilitiesherearenumerous.Getcreativewithyourblends.Combineanutbutterandcoconutbutterorseveralfruitsintoaspread.

CreamyCashewButtermakesabout¾cup

Forsomereason,thisextremelyrichandultra-creamynutbutterseemsmoredecadentthanothers.AndIsupposeitis.Withslightlylessfiberandprotein,cashewbutterdoesn’tquitedeliverthenutritionalmondandpeanutbuttersdo.However,cashewsstillprovideimportantmineralsandaminoacids,soit’snotexactlyasenselessindulgence,justrelativelyspeaking.Tryaddingatablespoonortwoofcashewtosaucesforaddedrichnessanddepth.

2cupsrawcashews,soaked,or2cupsroastedcashews

1tablespoonaroma-freecoconutoil,melted,plusmoreforrubbingthesides


Ifyou’reusingroastedcashews,skiptothelaststep.Ifyou’resoakingyourcashews,covertherawnutswithwaterandsoakfor3hours.

After3hours,preheattheovento300°F.Drainandrinsethenuts,thenspreadthemonaparchment-linedbakingsheetinasinglelayer.Roastthemintheovenfor20to30minutesoruntiltheyarecompletelydry.Ifnot,thenutswillnotturntobutter.Tossthenutswithsalt.

Rubtheinsideoftheblenderjarwithmeltedcoconutoil.Placetheroastednutsintheblenderwiththeoilandrunonlowforapproximately10minutes,oruntilsmooth,stoppingandscrapingdownthesidesoftheblenderevery2to3minutes.

clockwisefromtop:coconutbutter,pistachiobutter,almondbutter,cashewbutter,maplepecanbutter

DarkChocolateHazelnutSpreadmakesabout¾cup

Yes,yougotit!Homemadeyou-know-what.Hazelnutsandcocoapowder.Yum.ThisvariantisslightlynuttierthantheItalianjarredbrand,whichlistssugarasthefirstingredient.Allthemorereasontomakeitathome—youknowexactlyhowmuchofwhatyou’reputtinginthatblenderjar!

1½cupswholehazelnuts

8ouncesbittersweetchocolatechips

2tablespoonsmildoil,suchasaroma-freecoconutorcanola,plusmoreforrubbingthesides

2tablespoonsunsweetenedcocoapowder

2tablespoonsconfectioners’sugar

1tablespoonpurevanillaextract


Preheattheovento375°F.Spreadthenutsinasinglelayeronabakingsheetandbakeintheovenforabout10minutes.Allowthenutstocoolforseveralminutes.Layadishtoweloutonthecounterandspreadthehazelnutsoutonit.Layanotherdishtowelontopandrubthenutsbetweenthetwotowelstoremovetheskins.

Meltthechocolateinadoubleboilerandallowtocool.

Rubtheinsideoftheblenderjargenerouslywithoil.Placetheskinned,toastednutsintheblenderandprocessonlowfor10seconds.Increasetomedium.Scrapedownthesidesandrunonlowfor2minutes.Addtheoilandrunonlowanother2minutes.Scrapedownthesidesagainandcontinuerunninguntilthenutsformapaste(about8minutestotal).Addtherestoftheingredientsexceptthemeltedchocolateandprocessforanotherminuteoruntilcreamysmooth.

Finally,addthemeltedchocolateandblendagainuntilaspreadableconsistencyisreached.Ifthemixturebecamewarmwhileprocessinginyourblender,itwillthickenupslightlyasitcools.

MaplePecanButter

makes1cup

Afriendofminetoldmethismelt-in-your-mouthbutterremindedherofThanksgiving.Noreasontoreservethisdessert-likenutbutterforfall,though.Thepecan-cinnamon-mapleflavorcombinationisadelightfultreatyear-round.

2cupspecans

1tablespoongrapeseedoiloraroma-freecoconutoil

1tablespoonmaplesyrup


Heataskilletovermedium-highheat.Putinthepecansandtoastthemfor5to7minutes,stirringfrequently.

Next,putthetoastedpecansintheblenderandrunonlowfor2minutes.Turnthepowertomediumandcontinuetoblenduntilthenutmixturestartstobecomecreamy.Stopandpushthenutstowardtheblenderbladesduringtheprocessingtimeifnecessary.Theprocessmaytakeupwardof10minutesbutmayhappenin3.

Last,addtheoil,maplesyrup,andcinnamon,andblenduntilsmooth.

SweetPistachioButtermakesabout1cup

Youmaywonderhowsomethingsogreenishbrowncantastesogood.Ijustcouldn’tbeartoleavethisrecipeoutofthebookbasedonitsunattractivecolor,though.IfeelI’dbecheatingyouofadelicioustreat.Ifyouwanttoachieveavibrantpistachio-greenbutter,youcanremovethepurply-brownskinsfromthepistachios.Itdoestakealongtime,though,andtheskinsdon’taffectthetaste,justthelovelycolor!Usepistachiobutterasareplacementforpeanutbutterincookieorbarrecipes,orsimplyspreaditontoast.

2cupspistachios,shelled

1tablespoonrawhoney


Preheattheovento375°F.Spreadthenutsonaparchment-linedbakingsheetinasinglelayerthenroastfor5to7minutesoruntiltheybecomefragrant.

Placethepistachiosintheblenderwiththehoneyandsalt.Blendonlowfor10minutes,stoppingandscrapingdownthesidesoftheblenderevery2to3minutes.Thisprocesstakespatienceandthetimemayvarygreatly.JustcontinueblendingandIassureitwillturntobutter.

SmoothAlmondButter

makes1¾cups

Idon’tknowifalmondbutterwilleverreplacepeanutbutterasanAmericanstaple,butifyoucangetpastthenostalgiaofagoodol’pb&j,you’llfindalmondbutterhassomebenefitsoverpeanutbutter:higherironandmagnesiumlevels,morefiber,plusagooddoseofvitaminE.Andlet’snotforgethowdeliciousitis!

3cupsrawalmonds

2tablespoonscoconutoil,melted,plusmoreforrubbingthesides

Soakthealmondsfor8hoursorovernight.Drainandrinsethenuts,thenspreadthemonaparchment-linedbakingsheetinasinglelayer.Bakethemintheovenfor1½hoursat300°Foruntiltheyarecompletelydry.

Rubtheinsideoftheblenderjarwithmeltedcoconutoil.Placethenutsintheblenderwiththeoilandrunonlowfor10seconds.Thenturntheblendertohighandrunforapproximately2moreminutesuntilthenutsbecomesmoothandcreamy.

RichCoconutButtermakes1cup

Spreadthistastytropicaltreatontoastinplaceofcow’sbutter,oruseaspoonfulinsmoothiesorsauces.Onetablespooncontainstwogramsoffiber!

4cupsunsweetenedcoconutflakes(12-ouncepackagesuchasBob’sRedMill)

Placethecoconutflakesintheblenderandrunfor30secondsonmediumspeed.Usingaspatula,scrapedownthesidesandbottomoftheblenderjar,pushingthecoconuttowardtheblade.

Runtheblenderonhighfor2½minutesoruntilthemixturebecomessmoothandcreamy.Storeinajaratroomtemperatureforuptothreemonths(ifyoudon’teatitsooner!).

WhippedCitrusZestButtermakesabout1cup

Withjustalittlezestandsweetener,youcantransformbutterintosomethingunexpected.It’sdivinespreadonZucchiniAppleMuffins(page78).Tryitonscones,too.

1cup(2sticks)unsaltedbutter,softened

1tablespoonlemonzest

1tablespoonorangezest


1tablespoonrawhoney

Placealltheingredientsintheblenderjarandrunfor5to10secondsoruntilthoroughlymixed.Storeintherefrigeratorinanairtightcontainerforuptooneweek.

QuickStrawberrySpread

makes1¼cups

WhenIwaslivinginNorway,afriendsaid,“I’llmakeaquickjamforbreakfast.”How’sshegoingtodothat?Ithought.Withinminutessheplacedstrawberryjamonthetable.Thissweetspreadthatepitomizesfreshberriesisaversionofherrecipe.I’dliketocallitjambuthesitatetodosobecauseitismostlikelynotwhatyoutraditionallythinkofasjam.Thereisnocanningorpectininvolved,soit’salittlerunnierthanclassicAmericanjam.Thedownsideisthatthespreadwillonlylastinthefridgeforaboutaweek.Theupside:Youcanhaveitinminutes.

1quartstrawberries,hulled

⅓cuporganiccanesugar


1teaspoonlemonzest

Placealltheingredientsinamediumsaucepanandcookovermedium-highheatfor10minutes,stirringfrequently.

Allowthemixturetocoolfor5minutes.Putitintheblenderandpulsetwoorthreetimes.Serveimmediately.

CardamomPeachSpread

makes2¾cups

SimilartotheQuickStrawberrySpread,thispeachspreadisthinnerthantraditionalpreserves.Spoonitoverwafflesorcrêpes.Itmakesaterrifictoppingonicecreamanddesserts,too.

2poundspeaches,peeledandpitted

½cuporganiccanesugar


1teaspoonlemonzest

¼teaspoongroundcardamom

Placealltheingredientsinamediumsaucepanandbringtoalowboilovermedium-highheat.Reducetheheattomediumandcontinuetocookfor20minutes,stirringfrequently.

Allowthemixturetocoolfor5minutes.Putitintheblenderandpulsetwoorthreetimes.Serveimmediately.

CHAPTER6DipsandSalsasTheblendercertainlycomesinhandywhenitcomestoentertaining.Within

minutes,youcanhaveatablefullofspicysalsasandsatisfyingdipsthatwillbemoreflavorfulandnutritiousthanstore-boughtspreads,especiallybecauseyoucanaltertheserecipestosuityourtastes.Justalittlemoremangoandeliminatethecilantro.Yes,moresesameoilplease.Whateveryourpreference,maketherecipeaswritten,thenmakeadjustmentsforyourtaste,littlebylittle.Apinchofsomethinggoesalongwayintheblender.

Dipsnevergooutofstyle.Theyareuniversallyloved.Theycangetapartystartedorturnsomesimplevegetablesintoaleisurelypicnic.Theycanbemadeinadvanceandfeedplentyofguests.

Many of these recipes work as sandwich spreads, too. A thick smear of smokyhummus layered with crunchy vegetables on hearty 12-grain breadmakes a delectablelunch, as does awarm, crusty baguette toppedwith roasted garlic bean dip, cherry-redtomatoes,andvibrantgreenarugula.

FreshPineappleMangoSalsamakes2cups

Thissalsasingssummer.Itremindsmeofeatingdinneroutsideonthepatiowithcandlesflickeringjustaftersunset.Onthemenu:Grilledfishtacos.Awarmcorntortillastuffedwithgrilledtilapia,shreddedcabbage,ascoopofguac,andanicebigspoonfulofPineappleMangoSalsa.Itmakesmymouthwaterjustthinkingaboutit.

1-inchpieceofgingerroot,peeled

½jalapeño,seededandcutinhalf

2tablespoonsfreshlysqueezedlimejuice

1ripemango,peeledandcutintolargechunks(about1cup)

½pineapple,peeledandcutintochunks(2heapingcups)

¼cupfreshmintleaves

Puttheginger,jalapeño,andlimejuiceintheblenderandrunfor10secondsonmedium.Usingaspatula,pushtheingredientstowardtheblade.

Addthemango,pineapple,andminttotheblenderandpulsethreeorfourmoretimes.Thesalsashouldbesomewhatchunky.

SimplyGuac

makesabout2cups

Myhusbandisanever-so-diligentguacamolemaker.Hegrindsthegarlicandsaltintoapaste,finelychopstheonionandcilantro,andcarefullysmashestheavocadosbyhand.Theresultisoutstandingbutthemethoddefinitelytakeseffort.

Withoutsoundinglikeaninfomercial,youcanachievesomethingprettycomparableinmereminutes.Yup,youknowit.Theblender.Justpulseever-so-gingerlyandyou’vegotit,SimplyGuac.

1garlicclove,peeled

¼cupfreshcilantroleaves

¼smallredonion,cutintochunks(about¼cup)

½jalapeño,ormoretotaste,seededandcutinhalf(about2teaspoons)

2tablespoonsfreshlysqueezedlimejuice


½smalltomato,cutinhalfandseeded

3avocados,peeled,pitted,andcutinhalf

Putthegarlic,cilantro,onion,jalapeño,limejuice,andsaltintheblenderandpulsetwoorthreetimes.

Addthetomatoandtheavocadoandpulsetwomoretimes.Garnishwithafewcilantroleavesbeforeserving.

PiquantTomatoandChipotleSalsamakesabout3cups

Noneedtoreservethissalsaforchips.Useitonomelets,mixitinwithblackbeans,oreventossitwithsteamedveggies.

¼cupcoarselychoppedonion


1teaspoonfreshlysqueezedlemonjuice

3to4mediumtomatoes(about24ouncesfreshtomatoes),cutintoquarters

2cannedchipotlepeppers(about1tablespooneach)


Puttheonion,cilantro,andlemonjuiceintheblenderandpulseonlowtwotimes.Usingaspatula,pushtheingredientstowardtheblade.

Addthetomatoes,peppers,andsalt,andblendfor5secondsonmedium.Donotovermix.Drainoffalittleliquidifneededandserve.

PiquantTomatoandChipotleSalsa(rear)andSimplyGuac

RoastedGarlicWhiteBeanDipmakes1½cups

Thecomfortingflavorsofthisdipwraparoundyoulikeawarmblanket,leavingyoufeelingcontentandsatisfied.Tryitasasandwichspreadorpastasauce,too.

1headgarlic

1teaspoonextra-virginoliveoil

3cupscookedwhiteorcannellinibeans,or2(15-ounce)cansbeans,rinsedanddrained

2tablespoonsfreshrosemary,plusanextrasprigortwoforgarnish

1tablespoonflat-leafparsley


¼cupwater


½teaspoonfreshlygroundpepper

Preheattheovento375°F.Cutthetopoffofthegarlichead,placeitonapieceofaluminumfoillargeenoughtowraparoundit,anddrizzlewiththeoliveoil.Wrapthefoilaroundthegarlicandroastfor45minutes,oruntiltheclovesarelightlybrowned.Allowittocoolslightly.

Removetheroastedgarlicclovesfromtheirskins(youcanalmostsqueezethemout)andplacethemintheblendertogetherwiththerestoftheingredients.

Blendonmediumabout10seconds,oruntilcombined.Garnishwithfreshrosemarysprigsandserve.

IrresistibleBlueCheeseDipmakesabout¾cup

Thissolidstandbyisderigueurforanypartyfoodsrepertoire.Itisversatileandappealstomosteveryone.Serveitwithwings,cutveggies,oreventoppingasmallroundofbeeffiletonasliceofbaguette.Youcaneventhinitoutwithalittlecreamorbuttermilkforatastysaladdressing.

1shallot,peeledandcutinhalf

1tablespoonredwinevinegar

¼cupsourcream

¼cupmayonnaise,aïoli,orvegannaise

½cupcrumbledbluecheese



Puttheshallotandredwinevinegarintheblenderandprocessonmediumfor20seconds.Usingaspatula,scrapethesidesandpushtheshallottowardtheblenderblade.Processagainuntilfinelychopped.

Addthesourcreamandmayonnaise(oraïoliorvegannaise)andpulseseveraltimes.

Usingaspatula,putthemixtureinabowlandstirinthebluecheese,pepper,andsalt.

Super-EasyEdamameDipmakesabout2cups

Besuretosaveafewedamametogarnishthisscrumptiousgreendipthatcaneasilybemistakenforguacamole.Evenwiththetelltalebeansontop,you’restilllikelytogetafewquizzicallooks.Icanalmostguaranteeoneguestwillask,“Justwhatexactlyisinthisdip?”

3trimmedscallions,whitepartsonly

1garlicclove,peeled

2cupsshellededamame,cooked

½cupwater

1tablespoonfreshlysqueezedlimejuice

2tablespoonssesameoil

1tablespoonwhitemisopaste

1teaspoonsoysauce

½cupfreshcilantroleaves

½teaspoonsriracha,ifdesired

Putthescallionsandgarliccloveintheblendercontainerandpulseseveraltimes.Usingaspatula,scrapethegarlicandscallionsdownfromthesidesofthepitcher.

Addtherestoftheingredientslistedabove(srirachaifdesired)andprocessuntilsmooth.Addsalttotaste.

fromlefttoright(front);SmokyHummusandArtichokes,PiquantTomatoandChipotleSalsa,SimplyGuac(back)FreshPineappleMangoSalsa,Super-Easy

EdamameDip

CoolingCucumberTzatzikimakesabout1cup

ThisGreeksauceisadelicioussidetogrilledmeatsandisespeciallygoodwithLambPitaBurgers(page157).

1garlicclove,peeled

¼cucumber,cutintochunks

1cupplainGreekyogurt

1tablespoonfreshlysqueezedlemonjuiceorwhitewinevinegar

½teaspoondriedoregano

½teaspooncumin

1tablespoonfreshdill


⅛teaspoonfreshlygroundpepper

Placethegarliccloveintheblenderpitcherandpulseonceortwice.

Addtherestoftheingredientsandpulsethreeorfourtimesoruntilcombined.

MushroomPâtémakesabout3cups

Woodsyandearthy,thistastyterrinemakesanimpressivevegetarianappetizer.Spreaditonawarm,crustypieceofbaguetteandyou’llleaveyourguestsswooning.Ifyouhaveleftoverpâté,heatitupinaskilletwithalittlecreamandchickenbrothforaquickyetexquisitepastasauce.

2tablespoonsextra-virginoliveoil,plusextraforoilingtheramekin

3smallshallots,peeledandsliced

2garliccloves,peeledandsliced

1½poundsmixedfreshmushrooms,suchasportobello,crimini,shiitake,andoyster

¼cupflat-leafparsleyleaves

1tablespoonfreshthyme


⅛teaspoonfreshlygroundblackpepper

1cupcashews,soakedfor2hoursanddrained

½teaspoonfreshlysqueezedlemonjuice

Heattheoilinaskilletovermediumheatandaddtheshallots,sautéingthemfor5minutes.Thenaddthegarlic,mushrooms,parsley,thyme,salt,andpepper,andsautéforanother5minutes.

Transferthemushroommixturetotheblenderandaddthecashewsandlemonjuice.Pulseseveraltimesuntilthemixtureiscombinedbutsometexturestillremains.Spoonintoawell-oiledramekinandcovertightlywithplasticwrap.Chillforatleast2hoursorovernight.Serveonwarmbaguetterounds.

SmokyHummuswithArtichokes

makesabout4cups

Paperorplastic?Cannedordried?Istherearightanswer?Ican’treallysay.Idoknowthattheyallhavetheiradvantages.Thebiggestonetocannedbeansisthefastfactor.Youcandecideyouwanthummusoneminuteandthenextit’sinfrontofyou,readytobedevoured.

Asforpaperorplastic?IguessI’lljustavoidthequestionandtakemyownbags.

1smallgarlicclove,peeled

1cupdriedchickpeas,cookedandpeeled,or2(15-ounce)cansbeans,rinsedanddrained

½cupcookingwaterorliquidfromthecannedchickpeas

¼teaspooncayennepepper

1teaspoonsmokedpaprika

⅓cuptahini

1½tablespoonsfreshlysqueezedlemonjuice

¼cupextra-virginoliveoil

1teaspoonkoshersalt

1(14-ounce)canartichokehearts,drained

Putthegarlicintheblenderandpulseoneortwotimes.

Addtherestoftheingredientsexceptfortheartichokesandprocessonmediumspeedfor30seconds.

Addtheartichokesandpulsethreeorfourmoretimes.Donotoverprocess;youwantsomeartichokepiecestoremainfortexture.

BasicAïolimakes½cup

Yellowandrich,thishomemadegarlicmayonnaisecanbeservedasacondimentwithfish,vegetables,orreallyalmostanythingthatisenhancedbytheflavorsofgarlicandoliveoil.

1garlicclove,peeled

2largeeggyolks


1teaspoonlemonjuice

2tablespoonswater,divided

¼cupcanolaorgrapeseedoil

½cupextra-virginoliveoil

Putthegarlicclove,eggyolks,salt,lemonjuice,and1tablespoonwaterintheblenderjarandprocessonmediumfor5seconds.Usingaspatula,scrapethesidesoftheblenderandpushtheingredientstowardtheblade.

Next,removetheplugfromthecenteroftheblenderlidandwiththeblenderrunningonmedium,slowlypourthecanolaoildropbydropthroughthelid.Youmaywanttouseyourhandasashieldsothemixturedoesn’tsplatterallover.Continueaddingallthecanolaoilthisway.Itshouldtakeabouttwominutes.

Addthesecondtablespoonofwaterandblendonmediumfor5seconds.Beginaddingtheoliveoildropbydropaswell.Oncethemixturestartstoemulsify,youmaypourtheremainingoilinasteadystreamuntilallofitisincorporated.Refrigerateuntilreadyforuse,upto3days.

CHAPTER7SoupsSoups,likesmoothies,areagivenwhenitcomestotheblender.Infact,noother

kitchenappliancecomesclosetoachievingthevelvetysmoothtextureablenderdoes.Animmersionblenderdoesanokayjob,butthedifferenceisdetectable,anditusuallymakesamess.

The blender can also make hot soup in minutes from whole vegetables—unbelievable,Iknow!Thefrictionofthebladescreatesheatthatwarmstheblenderjar’scontentsasitruns.Whileyoucanmakemostsoupsthisway—broccoli,squash,kale—Iliketoroastmyingredientsfirstforadeeper,richerflavor.It’samazingwhatamerehalfhour in theovencandoforveggies.Theystart tocaramelize,and theheatbringsoutasweet,nuttytaste.

This chapter contains hearty soups aswell as some lighter summer purees. Eatingsoupsyear-roundisanexceptionalwaytopacknutritionintoameal.Whetheryouservesoup as a meal’s starter or highlight it as the main course, you can easily count twoservingsofvegetablesintoyourdailyrequirements.

Chickenandvegetablestocksserveasthebaseformostofthesesoups.Ifpossible,make themhomemade—thenyouknoweverything you’re putting in your soup is goodandpure,withnounnecessaryadditives.Thecleanflavorofthestockwillonlyaccentuatethesoup’sstaringredients,givingthemtheprominencetheydeserve.

You’llalsosee thatmostof therecipesmakeat leastsixservings.Thesequantitiesarepurposefullylarge,whichallowsyoutofreezeportionsforlaterifyoudon’teatupthesouprightaway.It’sjustlikeputtingmoneyinthebank!

VerdantSpringPeaSoupserves4

Freshlyshelledpeasareexquisite.There’ssomethingsowonderfulaboutbreakingopenthepodtofindthoseplumpgreenjewelsinside.Frozenpeasarecertainlyafinesubstitute,though,andwillsaveyoutime.Whetheryouoptforfreshorfrozen,thisvitamin-C-richsouphighlightstheessenceofgreenpeasbecausethereislittletomasktheirnaturallysweetflavor,onlyingredientstoenhanceit—anditcanbemadeinajiffy.There’snodoubtyou’llgetrequestsforsecondhelpings,yespeas!

2tablespoonsextra-virginoliveoil

2leeks,trimmedandsliced

1shallot,peeledandsliced

1garlicclove,peeledandsliced

3cupsspring-orfilteredwater

4cupsshelledpeas,or2(10-ounce)bagsfrozenpeas

¼cupfreshmint

1teaspoonfreshtarragon


Crèmefraîcheoryogurt,chives,andoliveoilforserving

Freshlygroundblackpeppertotaste

HeattheoliveoilinaDutchovenovermedium-highheat.Addtheleeks,shallot,andgarlic,andsautéfor5to8minutesoruntilsoftened.

Addthewater,peas,mint,tarragon,andsalt.Bringtoasimmerandcookfor5minutes.Turnofftheheatandallowthesouptocoolforafewminutes.

Usingaladle,transferthesouptotheblenderjarandpuree,intwobatchesifnecessary.Blendonmediumfor20secondsthenhighfor1minute.Donotfilltheblenderjarmorethanthree-quartersfull.

ReturnthesouptotheDutchoventogentlyheatitthroughagainifnecessary.Servewarmwithadollopofcrèmefraîcheoryogurt,chives,adrizzleofoliveoil,andasprinkleoffreshlygroundblackpepper.

AutumnSquashandPearSoup

serves6

Slightlysweetfromtheadditionofpear,thisbeautifulgoldensoupsaysautumnlikenoother.You’llgetagoodhealthydoseofbeta-caroteneandvitaminCfromabowlful,aswellasaveryhappybelly.

3acornor2buttercupsquash(oranyassortedfallsquash),about4poundstotal,cutinhalforquartersandseeded

2tablespoonsextra-virginoliveoil,divided

3carrots,peeledandcutinto2-inchchunks

1mediumonion,sliced

4cups(32ounces)chickenbroth,divided

2pears,anyvariety,peeledandcored,cutintoquarters

1teaspoonkoshersalt

¼teaspoonfreshlygroundpepper


maplesyrupforserving

Preheattheovento375°F.Placethesquashcut-sideuponabakingsheetlinedwithparchmentpaperanddrizzlewith1tablespoonoftheoil.Bakefor1hour.

Meanwhile,heatthesecondtablespoonofoliveoilinaDutchovenovermedium-highheat.Addthecarrotsandonionandsautéforabout8minutesoruntiltheonionissoftened.Setaside.

Whenthesquashisfullycookedandcooledenoughtohandle,scoopitoutoftheskinandputhalfofitintheblender.

Add2cupsofthebroth,pears,carrots,onion,salt,pepper,andcinnamon,inthatorder.

Starttheblenderonlowandprocessfor10seconds,turningittohighandprocessinguntilvelvetysmooth.ReturntheblendedsouptotheDutchoven.Nextprocesstheremainingsquashandbrothuntilsmoothandaddthattothepotaswell.Warmthepureedsouponthestovetopuntilheatedthrough.Servewithadrizzleofmaplesyrup.

HeartyKaleandPotatoSoup

serves6–8

Iapologizeifyou’retiredofhearingmesayblendlightly,butIhavetounderscoretheimportanceofitoncemorewiththisrecipe.Potatoescaneasilyturntoglueintheblender.Whenblendedwithdiligence,thissoupisthickandrewarding.Theadditionofkaleafterblendinggivesadelightfultoothsometexturetothesoup.


1onion,coarselychopped(about1¼cups)

1garlicclove,sliced

3largebakingpotatoes(about2¼poundstotal),peeledandcutintolargechunks

7cupschickenbroth,divided

3–4cupskale(about4largeleaves),stemsremovedandcoarselychopped

¾poundcookedkielbasasausage,cutinto¾-inchthickrounds

½teaspoonfreshly-groundblackpepper

1½teaspoonskoshersalt

HeattheoliveoilinaDutchovenovermedium-highheat.Addtheonionandgarlicandsauté5to8minutesoruntilsoftened.Addthepotatoesandsautéanother3minutes,stirringfrequently.Pourin6cupsofthebrothandbringtoaboil.Reducetheheatandsimmerfor15minutes.

Whenthepotatoesarecookedthrough,pourthesoupintheblenderandpulsethreeorfourtimesonhighoruntilalmostsmooth,intwobatchesifnecessary.Donotprocessformorethan30secondsasthesoupwillbecomegummy.

PourthesoupbackintheDutchoven,addingthekale,sausage,andremaining1cupbroth,pepper,andsalt.Simmerforanother10minutes,untilthekalehassoftenedandthesausageisheatedthrough.

ChickenTortillaSoup

serves6

Seemslikealotofstepsheredoesn’tit?Okay,Iadmitit,thissoupmaybemoretimeconsumingthantheothersbuttherewardisgreat.Ifyouwanttoshortentheprocess,buyarotisseriechickentoshred.Thengostraighttothesoakingchilestep.Nowdoesitseemmoredoable?Ihopeso.I’dhateforyoutopassupthisflavorful,slightlyfierysoup.

7cupschickenbroth,divided

1¼poundsbonelesschickenbreasts

2driedNewMexicochilesorredAnaheim-typechiles,stemmedandseeded

8(6-inch)corntortillas,divided

3tablespoonscanolaoiloraroma-freecoconutoil,divided

1yellowonion,diced

3garliccloves,peeledandminced

4teaspoonschilipowder,divided

2teaspoonsgroundcumin

½teaspoongroundcoriander

1teaspoonkoshersalt,divided

3cupsdicedfire-roastedtomatoes,suchasMuirGlenOrganicbrand

1bayleaf

¼cupcilantro


Dicedavocado,quesofresco,andlime,forgarnish

Bring3cupsofthechickenbrothtoaboilinalargeDutchoven.Whenthebrothcomestoboil,gentlylowerthechickenbreastsintothepot.Bringtheliquidbacktoagentleboil,thenturndowntheheattolowtomaintainasimmerwiththepotuncovered.Makesurethebreastsarecoveredwithbroth.Ifnecessary,addwateruntilthechickeniscompletelysubmerged.

Afterabout10minutes,turntheheatoff,coverthepot,andallowthechickentositinthehotliquidforanother10minutes.Afterthattime,removeoneofthebreastsandcheckitfordonenessbycuttingintothecenterofthebreast.Ifit’spink,itisnotdoneandyoushouldreturnittothebrothuntilit’scookedthrough.Removethecookedbreaststoaplateandcoverwithfoiltocool.

Next,usingyourhandsbreakupthechilesintoabowlfilledwithhotwater(notboiling).Allowthechilestosoakfor15minutes.Meanwhile,cutsixofthetortillasinto3-inch-longby½-inch-widestrips.Heat2tablespoonsoftheoilinaDutchovenovermedium-highheat.Addthetortillastripstothehotoilandfrythemforaboutaminute,gentlytossingthemtopreventburning.Whenthey’regolden,transferthemtoapaper-towel-linedplatetodrain.Setaside.

Reducetheheattomedium,addtheremaining1tablespoonoil,stirintheonionandgarlic,andsautéforabout8minutesoruntilsoftened.Add3teaspoonsofthechilipowderalongwiththecumin,coriander,and½teaspoonofthesalt;stirwell.Cookthemixtureforanotherminuteorso.

Addtheremaining4cupsofchickenbrothaswellasthetomatoes,bayleaf,cilantro,andremainingtwotortillas,torninto1-inchpieces;stirtogether.Bringtoagentleboilthenreducetheheatandsimmerfor15minutes.

Whilethesoupissimmering,shredthestill-warmchickenusingtwoforks.Holdabreastfirmlywithoneforkwhileyoutearthechickenapartintoshreddedpieceswiththeother.Continuetodothisuntilallthechickenisshredded.Sprinkletheremaining1teaspoonchilipowderand½teaspoonsaltoverthechicken;tossittocoat.

After15minutesofcookingtime,allowthesouptocoolfor5minutesthenusealadletotransferhalfofittotheblenderjar,addthedrainedsoakedchiles,andpulseseveraltimes.Donotfilltheblenderjarmorethanthree-quartersfull.

ReturnthepureedsouptotheDutchovenandaddthechicken.Turntheheattomediumandsimmeruntilthechickeniswarmedthrough.Seasonwiththepepper.

Servewiththefriedtortillastrips,avocado,quesofresco,andasqueezeoflime.

SpicyChickpeaSoupserves6

Richwiththeflavorofchickpeas,thishomey,satiatingsoupincludesfire-roastedtomatoesandpaprikaforavibrantspice.It’sthekindofsoupyouwanttodipathick,gooeygrilledcheeseinto.


2garliccloves,finelydiced

1largeonion,peeledandcutintomediumdice

2teaspoonssmokedpaprika

1teaspoongroundcumin

½teaspoonturmeric


1(28-ounce)candicedfire-roastedtomatoes,suchasMuirGlen

2(15-ounce)canschickpeas,rinsedanddrained

4cupschickenbroth

Saltandfreshlygroundpeppertotaste

¼cupflat-leafparsley,finelychopped,forgarnish

Lemonzest,forgarnish

HeattheoilovermediumheatinalargesouppotorDutchoven.Sautéthegarlicand

onionfor8to10minutesoruntilsoftened.Addthespicesandseasoningsandsautéforanother2minutes.

Addthetomatoes,chickpeas,andbroth.Simmerfor5minutes.

Usingaladle,spoonhalfthesoupintotheblenderjarandprocessfor45secondsonmedium.Pourthepureedsoupbackintothepotandstirtogether.Addsaltandpeppertotaste.

Heatthroughandservewithchoppedparsleyandlemonzestforgarnish.

ComfortingBroccoliLeekSoup

serves6

Alighterversionofbroccolicheddarsoup,thiscreamlessblendisequallyrewarding.Theadditionofpotatogivesthebaseavelvetytexture,andasprinkleofcheddarcheesehelpsyouavoidofanyfeelingsofdeprivation.


1cupleeks,sliced

1carrot,peeledandcutinto2-inchchunks

2garliccloves,peeledandcutinhalf

1(8-ounce)russet(baking)potato,peeledandcutinto2-inchcubes(about1heapingcup)


4cups(32ounces)vegetablestock

1(2-pound)headbroccoli,cutintoflorets(about7cups)

1cupshreddedcheddarcheese(4ounces)

HeattheoliveoilinaDutchovenovermedium-highheat.Sautétheleeksandcarrotfor6minutes.

Reducetheheattomedium-low,addthegarlic,andsautéanother2minutes.Nextaddthepotato,sprinklewiththesalt,sauté2moreminutes,thenaddthevegetablestockandbringtoaboil.

Reducetheheatandsimmerthestockmixturefor10minutes.Addthebroccoliandsimmerfor10moreminutes.

Transferthesouptotheblenderandprocessonhighuntilsmooth.Saltandpeppertotaste.Reheatifnecessaryandservewithshreddedcheddarcheesesprinkledovereachserving.

CreamyCauliflowerFennelSoupwithParmesanGremolataserves6

Theroastedvegetablesinthissouparesofragrantandtempting,youmaywanttoeatthemstraightoffthebakingtray.It’shardnottosnagafew,butyouwon’tregretblendingthemintoapleasingpuree.



1headcauliflower,cutintoflorets(about6cups)

1headfennel,coarselychopped(about2heapingcups)

1smallonion,coarselychopped(about1½cups)

2garliccloves,peeled

4cups(32ounces)vegetableorchickenbroth

Koshersaltandfreshlygroundpeppertotaste

ParmesanGremolata(below)

Preheattheovento400°F.Combinetheoliveoilandlemonjuiceinasmallbowl.Spreadthecauliflower,fennel,onion,andgarlicclovesonabakingsheet(ortwoifneededsoeverythingisinasinglelayer).Tosswiththeoil-lemonmixtureandroastfor20minutes.

After20minutes,useaspatulatotossthemixtureonthebakingsheetsandroastitforanother20minutes.Meanwhile,pourthebrothintheblenderpitcher;whenthevegetablesaredoneroasting,scrapeallthevegetablesonthebakingsheetsintotheblenderpitcheraswell.Processonhighuntilsmooth,about2minutes.

Heatsouponastovetopandaddsaltandpeppertotaste.SprinklewithParmesanGremolata.

ParmesanGremolata2tablespoonsfreshrosemaryleaves


1garlicclove,peeled

3tablespoonsgratedParmesancheese

Placealltheingredientsintheblenderandprocessonlowfor15seconds.Scrapedownthesidesoftheblenderandrepeatifnecessary.SprinkleoverCreamyCauliflowerFennelSoup.

GreenGazpachoserves6

Whilemanythinkofgazpachoasaspicytomato-basedsoup,therearemanyvariationstobefoundinSpain,itsorigincountry,andthisisoneofthem.Inspiredbysummer’sbountifulharvest,thistomato-lesssoupcombinesaplethoraofhealthygreenveggies.Serveitcoldinshotglassesorinasmallmugforacheerfulpresentation.

2cucumbers,seededandcutintolargechunks(about3cups)

1smallzucchini,cutintolargechunks(about1heapingcup)

1cupshelledpeas,blanched

½smallyellowonion,coarselychopped(about¾cup)

1greenbellpepper,seedsremoved,cutintoquarters



2tablespoonswhitewinevinegar

1teaspoonorganiccanesugar

1teaspoonkoshersalt

1garlicclove

¼teaspoongroundcoriander


Pinchoffreshlygroundwhitepepper

1–2cupsspringwaterorfilteredtapwater

PlainGreekyogurtandfreshlycutchives,forgarnish

Placealltheingredients(excepttheyogurtandchives)intheblenderintheorderlisted.Processonlowfor20seconds,thenturntohighandrunonhighuntilvelvetysmooth.

Chillforatleast2hoursandservewithasmalldollopofplainGreekyogurtandfreshlycutchives.

CHAPTER8SaladsAsaladintheblender?Really?Yup,it’snojoke.Thewhirringblademakesamean

choppedkalesaladinminutes.However,mostdelicatelettuceleavesdon’tstanduptothemachine’spower.Homemadesaladdressingsdo,though.Ablenderisveryusefulwhenmakingcreamyvinaigrettesandemulsions.

Agoodsaladdressingenhancesingredients,addinganotherdimensiontofreshfruitsandvegetables.Likeeverythingelseyoumakeintheblender,whenyoumakeyourownsalad dressings, you control all the ingredients that go into it.What can start out as ahealthy, organic salad can turn into a sugar-laden, chemical-riddenmealwhen you usestore-bought dressings. Steer clear of those bottled concoctions and go for your ownblend.

Anotherbenefit:You’llsavemoney.Youcanmakejusttheamountyouneed,orwilluse in the followingweek, and forgo opening a large bottle that goes half uneaten andendsupinthetrash.

These salads go beyond lettuce and incorporate quinoa, lentils, and heartiervegetables for amore adequatemeal.You can always add a protein—chicken, shrimp,pork—forsomethingevenmorehardy.Theinclusionofheart-healthyfats,fiber-richnuts,andnutrient-denseseedsturnsthesesimplesaladsintosuperchargedmeals.

SpinachSaladwithBlueberryVinaigretteserves4

Itseemsthenutritionalbenefitsofblueberriesarebeingtoutedtodaymorethanever.AcoupleofhandfulsaddedtoavinaigretteandafewmoretossedwiththissaladwillboostyourvitaminCandantioxidantintake.Doyoureallyneedmorereason,though,thantheirsweetjuicytaste?

Forthevinaigrette

¾cupfreshblueberries

¼cupbalsamicvinegar

⅓cupextra-virginoliveoil

1teaspoonDijonmustard



Forthesalad

½cuppecans

1(5-ounce)bagbabyspinach

2headsendive,sliced

1carrot,peeledandgrated

⅓cupwholefreshblueberries

½cupcrumbledgoatcheese

Mixallthevinaigretteingredientstogetherintheblenderuntilsmooth.

Heatthepecansinasmallskilletovermediumheat,stirringconstantlyforseveralminutesuntiltheydarkenandbecometoasted.Removefromthestovetopandallowtocool.

Tossthespinachleaves,endive,carrots,blueberries,andcooledpecanswiththeBlueberryVinaigrette.Sprinklewiththecrumbledgoatcheese.Savetheremainingvinaigretterefrigeratedforupto5days.

ChoppedKaleSalad

serves4–6

Thissaladissubstantial,asarethepartsthatmakeit.Notallsaladleavescanwithstandthepoweroftheblender,butkalecan.Removetheribs,addtheleavestoyourblenderjarwithwater,andyourbladeswilldoallthework.You’llneedtorepeatthisactionseveraltimesforeachvegetableaddedtothesalad—theytakedifferenttimestodiceup,andyou’llneedtodraineachelementthoroughly—butit’sworthit.Theresultisacrunchy,uniformlychoppedsalad.

Forthesalad

¾cuppinenuts

1bunchkale,ribsandstemsremoved


6radishes,cutinhalf

2ouncesbluecheese,crumbled(about3heapingtablespoons)

Forthedressing

1garlicclove,peeled

½avocado,pittedandpeeled

¼cupfreshlysqueezedlemonjuice(juiceofabout2lemons)

1tablespoonDijonmustard

2tablespoonswater

1tablespoonrawhoney


Putthepinenutsinaskilletandtoastforabout5minutesovermediumheat,stirringconstantly.Setasidetocool.

Next,putthekaleintheblenderandadd4cupsofwater.Pulse8to10timeswithshort,quickpulses.Drainthegreensandputtheminalargesaladbowllinedwithpapertowels.

Addthecarrotsandradishestotheblenderandfillwithenoughwatertocoverthevegetables.Pulseseveraltimesuntilchopped,drain,andaddtothesaladbowl.

Tomakethedressing:Placethegarlicintheblenderjarandpulseseveraltimes.Addtherestoftheingredients,excepttheoliveoil.Processonhighfor30seconds.Addtheoilandcontinuetoblenduntilthoroughlymixed.

Removethepapertowelfromthebottomofthebowlandtossthesaladwiththedressingandpinenuts.Sprinklewiththebluecheese.Tossafewmoretimesandserve.

ClassicCaesarSaladwithHomemadeGarlicCroutonsserves6

IfirstlearnedtomakeaCaesarwhenIwaslivingwithmysisteronesummerwhileIwasincollege.Shemademeagarlickysaladthatblewmeaway.Shortlythereaftershegave

meexplicitdirectionsforhowtomakeit.Thekeywaspouringtheoliveoilinaslow,thinstreamsothedressingwouldemulsify.

Somethingsjustnevergooutofstyle,andaclassicCaesarisoneofthem.MykidslovethissaladasmuchtodayasIdid20yearsago.Onecaveat:TheylikeitwhenIreplacethelemonjuicewithbalsamicvinegar.That’stheirlittletwistonabelovedclassic.

Forthesalad

1garlicclove,peeled

1anchovyor½teaspoonkoshersalt

2largeeggyolks


1teaspoonWorcestershiresauce



2headsromainelettuce,washed,dried,andtornintobite-sizedpieces

½cupfreshlygratedParmesancheese

Freshlygroundblackpepper

Forthecroutons

2tablespoonsplus1teaspoonextra-virginoliveoil

1garlicclove,sliced

3slicessourdoughbread,cutinto1-inchcubes(about2heapingcups)

Putthegarlicintheblenderandrunonhighfor5seconds.Addtheanchovyorsalt,eggyolks,Dijonmustard,Worcestershire,andlemonjuice,andrunonhighfor10moreseconds.Scrapealltheingredientsdowntowardthebladewithaspatula.

Whilerunningtheblenderonlow,slowlypourtheoliveoilthroughtheopeninginthelidandblenduntilslightlythickened.

Makethecroutons:Heatthe2tablespoonsoilinaskilletovermedium-highheat.Addthebreadandstirconstantlyforabout3minutes.Addtheremainingteaspoonoilandthegarlicandcontinuetostir,toastingthebreadforanothertwominutes,oruntilthebreadcubesaretoastedandgoldenbrown.

Tossthelettuceleaves,Parmesan,pepper,andcroutonswiththedressingjustbeforeserving.

BibbLettucewithGrapefruitShallotVinaigrette

serves4

ThesweetandtartdressingherelightlycoatsthedelicateBibbleavesofthissalad,whicharebalancedbytheslightcrunchofsunflowerseedkernels.Whilethissaladshinesasaside,itbecomesastarwhentoppedwithgrilledshrimpandservedasamaincourse.

2shallots,peeledandsliced(about¼cup)

½cupplus1tablespoonextra-virginoliveoil

⅓cupplus1tablespoongrapefruitjuice



1tablespoonorangemarmalade

1teaspoonfreshrosemary


¼teaspoonfreshlygroundblackpepper

1headBibblettuce

1grapefruit,peeledandcutintosegments

½cupricottasalata(1ounce),shavedwithavegetablepeeler

¼cuphulledsunflowerseeds

Inasmallsaucepan,sautétheshallotsin1tablespoonoftheoliveoilforabout4minutes.Sprinklewith1tablespoonofthegrapefruitjuiceandtheteaspoonofsugar.Cookonlowfor8to10minutes.

Whiskinthetherestofthegrapefruitjuiceandmustardtotheshallotmixtureandcookovermedium-highheatuntilitcomestoagentleboil.Stirintheorangemarmalade,rosemary,salt,andpepper;cookforanotherminute.

Transferthemixturetotheblender,addtheremaining½cupoliveoil,andprocessfor1minuteoruntilsmooth.TosswiththeBibblettuce,grapefruitsegments,ricottasalata,andsunflowerseeds,andserve.Savetheremainingvinaigrette,ifany,refrigeratedforupto5days.

SummerCornandAvocadoSaladwithCilantroButtermilkDressingserves4

There’snothinglikesweet,crunchycorncutrightoffthecob—andtossingitwithavocadoandacreamybuttermilkdressingtakesthedeliciousnesstoanevenhigherelevation.Tostretchthissaladalittlefurther,addinafewcupsofarugulaleaves.

Forthedressing

1smallshallot,peeledandcutinhalf

¼cupbuttermilk

¼cupmayonnaise



1tablespoonwhitewinevinegar


½teaspoonfreshlygroundblackpepper

Forthesalad

4earscorn,shuckedandboiled

3greenonions,sliced

1avocado,peeled,pitted,andcutinto½-inchcubes

smokedpaprikaforserving(optional)

Pulsetheshallotintheblenderseveraltimes.Addtherestoftheingredientsforthedressingtotheblenderandprocessonhighfor1minute.Setaside.

Cutthekernelsoffthecorncobsandputinamedium-sizedbowl.Addthegreenonionsandavocado.TosswiththeCilantroButtermilkDressing.Seasontotastewithsalt,pepper,andsmokedpaprikaifdesired.Servecoldoratroomtemperature.Savetheremainingdressing,refrigerated,forupto3days.

CarrotQuinoaSalad

serves4

Quinoaisaquickandeasywaytoaddproteintoasalad.It’salsogluten-freeanddeeplygratifying.Thissaladholdswellandmakesagreatlunch-on-the-go.

Forthesalad

1cupquinoa

2cupsdicedcarrots(about1pound)

2teaspoonsextra-virginoliveoil


Forthedressing

1tablespoontahini

1tablespoonsoysauce


1tablespoonsesameoil

¼teaspoonsriracha

1tablespoonwater

1bunchscallions,trimmedandcutinto2-inchpieces(about5)

Rinseandcookthequinoaaccordingtothepackage’sinstructions.Meanwhile,preheattheovento400°F.Placethedicedcarrotsonabakingsheetandtosswiththeoliveoilandsalt.Roastthecarrotsfor15minutes,tossingtwiceduringthattime.

Tomakethedressing,placealltheingredientsminusonescallionintheblenderpitcherandprocessfor1minuteonhigh.

Tossthecookedquinoaandcarrotswiththedressingandchoptheremainingscallionforgarnish.

FrenchLentilSaladwithRoastedTomatoVinaigrette

serves4

Slow-roastedtomatoesaresweetandaddictive.Youmaywanttodoubletheamountyouroastsoyoucanhaveextrastosnackon.Thefragrantsmelloftheroastingonionsandtomatoesalwaysgetsmykidsinthekitchenasking,“Whatareyoucooking,Mom?”Theyusuallystayprettyclosebyuntilthesaladistossedup.

Forthesalad

1pintcherrytomatoes,cutinhalf

½largeredonion,sliced(about1½cups)


1tablespoonbalsamicvinegar


1cupgreenlentils,rinsed

1bayleaf

1garlicclove,peeled

1carrot,washedandcutinto2-inchchunks

3cupsarugula

½cupcrumbledfetacheese

Forthevinaigrette


2tablespoonsbalsamicvinegar


Preheattheovento350°F.Lineabakingsheetwithparchmentpaper.Placethetomatoesandonioninabowlandtosswiththeoil,balsamic,andsugar.Spreadthemevenlyonthepan,flat-sidedown,andbakefor25minutes.

Meanwhile,putthelentils,bayleaf,garlicclove,andcarrotinasaucepanandcoverwith2inchesofwater.Bringtoaboil.Simmerovermoderateheatabout30minutes,oruntilthelentilsaretender.

Tomakethevinaigrette:Whilethelentilsarecooking,place¼cupoftheroastedtomatoesintheblenderwiththeoil,vinegar,andsalt.Blendonhighfor30secondsoruntilthoroughlycombined.

Drainanyexcesswaterfromthelentils,removethebayleaf,carrot,andgarlic,andputinabowlwiththeremaining¾cupoftomatoes,roastedonion,arugula,andfeta.

Tosswiththevinaigretteandserve.

Go-ToHerbVinaigrette

makesabout½cup

HowisitthattheFrenchcanmakesimplesaladgreenstastesosplendid?Everytime?IfindthemajorityofrestaurantsinFrance,fromthenorthtosouth,serveasmallhandfulofdressedgreenswiththesheerestvinaigrettethatisconsistentlyever-so-tantalizing.Whatisit,then,thatmakesaFrenchvinaigretteauthentic?Perhapsit’sthequalityoftheoliveoilandDijon,orthefresh,delicateherbs.We’llcallthisblendmy“Ffrench”vinaigrette.It’smydailygo-tosaladdressing.Hopefullyit’llbeckonyoutoeatyourgreenslikethoseblendsinFrancedo.

1smallshallot,peeled

2tablespoonsredwinevinegar



¼teaspoonorganiccanesugar


2teaspoonsfreshtarragon

2teaspoonsfreshthyme

1teaspoonfreshoregano


Puttheshallotintheblenderandrunonhighfor10seconds.Scrapetheshallotoffthesidesoftheblendertowardthebladeusingaspatula.

Addthevinegar,salt,pepper,sugar,andmustard.Processagainonmediumforanother20seconds.

Addtheherbsandprocessagainfor10seconds.

Lastly,addtheoliveoilandruntheblenderfor1minuteonhighoruntilthedressingisthoroughlycombinedandtheherbsarefinelychopped.Stoptheblenderandscrapedownthesidesasnecessary.Serveovermesclunorotherdesiredgreens.

CHAPTER9BlenderBurgersI’mnotsurewhenmyzealforblenderburgersstarted,butboyohboydoIlove

them.Andmyfamilydoes,too.Theblenderquicklycombinesanarrayofingredientsthatcanbeformedintopattiesandcookedupinnotime.Addaveggiesideanddinner’sdone.What’snottolove?

Thesalmonandlambburgersaretwoofmyfavorites,butthenagainIalwayshaveahankering for pork sliders, and the black bean burgers are a staple in our house.Truly,they’reallverytasty.Therearealsomanyvegetarianoptionsforasatiatingmeatlessmeal.

Vegetarianburgersshouldnotbecomparedtomeatburgersfortextureortaste.Theseare not fauxmeat burgers, they are their own entity, teemingwith the earthy flavor ofvegetables,crunchytexturesofgrains,andsomehintofspice.

Veggie burgers are not as firm as meat burgers, either, and should be handleddelicately. Refrigerating the patties helpsmake themmoremanageable for cooking. (Ifyouhavetime,refrigeratetheburgermixbeforeandafterformingthepatties.)Don’tgetdiscouragedifyourburgerfallsapartonyourfirstattempt.Turnuptheheatandtryagain.Ahotpanhelpsthebindersintheburgercongeal.Alsoensurethatyouringredientsareasdryaspossibleattheoutset:Drainbeanswellandsqueezeoutunnecessarymoisturefromthevegetables.

Serveburgersonbuns,withsalad,orevenwithjustadollopofdipsuchastzatzikiorguacamole. I hope one bite is enough to inspire the enthusiasm I have for this simplepleasure.

Family-FavoriteSalmonBurgerswithQuickPickledCukesserves4

Theserobustburgerswillgivebeefburgersarunfortheirmoneyanyday—theyarebig,juicy,andflavorfuljustlikeaburgershouldbe.Watercressaddsanicebitetothefirmbutnot-too-firmtexture.Sinceketchupisn’tanoptionhere(oratleastIhopenot!),theQuickPickledCukesareamust.Theirzestycrunchmakesthemtheperfectcondiment.

Fortheburgers

1poundskinless,bonelesssalmonfillet,cutintolargechunks

3ouncessmokedsalmon

1largeegg

¾cupwatercress

1teaspoonlemonzest

⅛teaspoonfreshly-groundblackpepper


FortheQuickPickledCukes

½cupwhitevinegar


¼teaspooncrushedredpepperflakes

⅛teaspoonkoshersalt

1wholecucumber,verythinlysliced

Tomakethecukes:Combinethevinegar,sugar,pepperflakes,andsaltinabowl;addthecucumberslices.Coverwithplasticwrapandallowtomarinateforatleast30minutesbeforeserving.

Tomaketheburgers,placealltheingredients(excepttheoil)intheblenderandpulsefourtofivetimesuntiljustcombined.Themixtureshouldbechunky.

Formthemixtureintofourpattiesandplaceonwaxedpaper.

Heattheoilinaskilletovermedium-highheat.Carefullyslidethepattiesintotheheatedskilletandcookforabout4minutesoneachsideoruntilheatedthrough.ServeonbunswithQuickPickledCukes.

PorkBurgerSliderswithTangyBarbecueSauce

serves4

Wearebigfansofslidersinourhouse.Isitbecausethey’resocute?Becausewefeellikewe’reeatingmore?I’mnotreallysure,butwelovethem.Inthesesweetlittlegems,porkandbeefarecomplementedbythesmokytasteofbacon.Somecheddarandonionarethrownin.Anddon’tforgetthehomemadeTangyBarbecueSaucethattopsthesebabies—you’resuretobecomeafan,too.

½smallredonion,cutintoquarters(about½cup)

7slicesbacon(about7ounces),cutintoquarters

¾poundgroundpork

¾poundgroundbeef

2ouncesgratedcheddarcheese(about½cup)

2tablespoonsTangyBarbecueSauce(recipefollows)

Plusextrabarbecuesauce,cheddarcheese,andcookedbaconslicesfortoppingtheburgers

Puttheonionandrawbaconintheblenderandpulsethreetimes.Usingaspatula,pushittowardtheblade.Addthepork,beef,cheese,andbarbecuesauce.Pulseseveralmoretimesuntiljustcombined.Donotoverblend.Ifneeded,turnthemixtureoutontoasheetofwaxpaperandkneadwithyourhands.Themeatshouldnotbecomepastyfromblending.

Usinga⅓-cupmeasure,makenine3-ouncesliderpatties.Grillorpan-fryuntilcookedthrough.Topwithextracheddarcheese,TangyBarbecueSauce,andcookedbaconslices.

TangyBarbecueSaucemakes1½cups


½smallsweetonion,cutintolargechunks

4clovesgarlic,peeledandsmashed

1½teaspoonschipotlechilipowder

1½teaspoonsgroundcumin

1½teaspoonsdriedoregano

1teaspoongroundcoriander

⅛teaspoongingerpowder

1½teaspoonsDijonmustard



14-ouncebottle(1¼cups)organicketchup

3tablespoonswhitevinegarormoretotaste

2tablespoonslightbrownsugar

1teaspoonLiquidSmoke

Heattheoilina2-quartpotovermedium-highheat.Addtheonionandgarlicandsautéfor8to10minutesoruntilwellsoftened.

Addthechilipowder,cumin,oregano,coriander,ginger,Dijon,salt,andpepper.Stircontinuouslywhilestillsautéingthemixtureovermedium-highheat.

Next,addtheentirebottleofketchup(don’tthrowoutthebottle),andstirthoroughly.Bringthesaucetoagentlesimmerthenreducetheheat,continuingtostiruntiltheketchupstartstocaramelizeandbrown,about3to5minutes.

Addthevinegar,brownsugar,andLiquidSmokeandstirwell.Next,filltheketchupbottleabout½fullwithwater(about⅔cup)andshakeitup,pouringenoughofthewaterintothesaucetomakeittheconsistencyoftomatosoup.Heatthrough.

Usingaladle,transferthesaucetotheblenderjarandprocessonmediumfor15seconds,thenturnthepowertohighforanotherminuteuntilthesauceiscompletelysmooth.

Thissaucewillkeeprefrigeratedfor1monthorfrozenforupto6months.

HerbedGoatCheeseTurkeyBurgersserves4–6

Iknow,Iknow.Turkeyburgerscanbeblandandboring.Iguarantee,though,thesearenotanotherho-humbirdburger.Freshherbsinfuselotsofflavorintothemeat,andaschmearofHerbedGoatCheeseaddsevenmorecharacter.Toensureamoist,full-flavoredburger,lookfororganic,pasture-raisedgroundturkeywithwhiteanddarkmeatblendedtogether(90to93percentlean),steeringawayfromgroundturkeymadefromall-whitebreastmeat,whichtendstobedry.

FortheHerbedGoatCheese

2tablespoonsbuttermilk

1(4-ounce)loggoatcheese

1teaspoonfreshrosemary

1teaspoonfreshsage

1teaspoonfreshthyme

½garlicclove



Fortheburgers


¼cupredonion,coarselychopped


½serranopepper,seededandcutinhalf

⅓cuplooselypackedchoppedflat-leafparsley

2tablespoonsfreshrosemary

1tablespoonfreshsage

2tablespoonsfreshthyme

1teaspoonkoshersalt

½teaspoonfreshlygroundblackpepper

1largeegg

2poundsgroundturkeymeat

TomaketheHerbedGoatCheese:Combinealltheingredientsintheblenderandrunonmediumuntilsmoothandcreamy.Stoptheblenderanduseaspatulatoscrapedownthemixturefromthesidesandpushittowardthebladeseveraltimesifneeded.Setaside.

Tomaketheburgers:Addalltheturkeyburgeringredientsexceptthegroundmeattotheblenderandpulseseveraltimesuntilchoppedandcombined.Addtheturkeyandpulsetwoorthreetimesuntileverythingisjustmixedtogether.Donotoverprocessthemeat.

Formthemixtureintosixpattiesandchillfor1hour.Grilluntilcookedthrough.ServewithadollopofHerbedGoatCheese.

fromlefttoright:ZestyBlackBeanBurgers(front);PorkBurgerSliders,HerbedGoatCheeseTurkeyBurgers(center);TartLemonSquares,FudgyGluten-FreeBrownies,GreenGazpacho(rear)

LambPitaBurgersserves4

LikeSalmonBurgers,LambPitasarearegularinourdinnerrotation.Theycometogetherquickly,myfamilylovesthem,andtheymakegreatleftovers.Pairafewlambpattieswithlettuceleavesandasliceoftomato,addadollopoftzatziki,andyou’vegotamouthwateringmeal.


2tablespoonsfreshmint

2tablespoonsfreshcilantro

2tablespoonsplainGreekyogurt

½teaspooncumin

½teaspoonturmeric



1½poundsgroundlamb


Wholewheatpitas

Choppedlettuceandtomatoes

Putthegarlic,mint,andcilantrointheblenderpitcherandpulseseveraltimesonmedium,usingaspatulaasneededtoscrapethesides.

Addtheyogurt,cumin,turmeric,salt,pepper,andlamb.Pulseagainthreeorfourtimesoruntiljustmixed.

Turnthemixtureoutontoasheetofwaxedpaper,usingaspatulatoscrapeallthemeatout.

Usingatablespoonmeasure,formthemixtureintosmallpattiesusing2tablespoonsperpatty.

Onceallthemeatisformedintopatties(youshouldgetabout14),heattheoilinacast-ironskilletorfrypanovermedium-highheat.

Whenthepanisthoroughlypreheated,cookthepattiesinbatches,turningthemwithaspatulaafterseveralminutes.Oncethey’rebrownedonallsides,turndowntheheatandcookforanotherfewminutes.Yourtotalcookingtimewillbeabout8minutes.Serveinpitaswithtomato,lettuce,andCoolingCucumberTzatziki(page109).

Super-SatisfyingBeetandChickpeaBurgers

serves4–6

Don’tletthelistofingredientsherescareyou.Iknowitseemslongandperhapsdaunting.Withthehelpoftheblender,though,everythinggetsmixedupinasnap.Thebalanceofbeansandvegetablesandbrownriceisimportanttoachievingavegetarianburgerthat’smorethanjustmush.Dippingtheburgerinbreadcrumbsbeforefryinggivesacrispygoldencrusttothepatty.




1(6-ounce)beet,peeledandcutintochunks

3carrots,peeledandcutinto2-inchchunks(about1generouscup)

1largeredonion,cutintolargechunks(about2cups)

½cupcookedbrownrice

⅓cupoatflour

1largeegg


½teaspoongroundcoriander

3cupscookedchickpeasor2(15-ounce)canschickpeas,drainedandrinsed

⅓cupfinelygroundwholewheatbreadcrumbs

Goatcheeseandmixedbabysprouts(availablefromfarmer’smarkets),forgarnish

Preheattheovento375°F.Put2tablespoonsoftheoil,alongwiththevinegarandgarliccloves,intotheblender;processuntilcombined.Putthebeet,carrots,andoniononabakingsheet,tosswiththeoil-vinegarmixture,androastfor35minutes,tossinghalfwaythrough,oruntilthebeetisfork-tender.Removefromtheovenandallowtocool.

Puttheroastedvegetables,brownrice,oatflour,egg,cumin,andcorianderintheblendercontainerandrunonmediumfor10seconds.Usingaspatula,pushtheingredientstowardthebladeandrunforanother10seconds.Addthechickpeasandpulseanotheroneortwotimes,untiljustcombined.

Formthemixtureintopattiesandchillfor1hour.

Putthebreadcrumbsonaplateand,justbeforefrying,lightlycoateachpatty.Tofry,heattheremaining2tablespoonsofoilovermedium-highheatinaskillet.Gentlyslidethepattiesintothepanandcookforabout3minutesoneachsideoruntillightlygoldenbrown.Topwithasliceofgoatcheeseandsproutstoserve.

ZestyBlackBeanBurgers

serves4–6

Thespicycombinationofingredientsinthesepattiesputsthemsomewherebetweenaburritoandblackbeandip.Frythemupinahotpansothey’recrisp,withaninteriorthat’ssoftbutnotmushy,andyou’vegotablackbeanburger.Iliketoeatthemonasaladandnotabun,buteitherwaythey’llfillyouup.

1garlicclove,peeledandcutintoquarters

½smallredonion,peeledandcutintoquarters(about½cup)

1smalljalapeño,seededandcutintoquarters


1teaspoonlimezest

½cupbluecorntortillachips,crushed

½cupsweetpotato(about½largepotato),cookedandmashed

3cupscookedblackbeans,or2(15-ounce)cansblackbeans,rinsedanddrained

1largeegg,plus1largeeggwhite


3tablespoonsgratedcheddarcheese



Putthegarlic,onion,jalapeño,cilantro,zest,andtortillachipsintheblendercontainer.Pulseonmediumthreeorfourtimesoruntiltheonionandgarlicarefinelyminced.Useaspatulatopusheverythingtowardthebladebetweenpulses.Addthesweetpotatoandprocessfor10secondsonmedium.

Addthebeans,eggandeggwhite,cumin,cheese,andsalt.Runtheblenderonlowfor10secondsoruntilcombined.Usethespatulatostireverythingtogether.Youwanttoretainsomewholebeansandnotletthemixtureturntoasmoothpuree.

Lineabakingsheetwithwaxedpaper.Makeeightpattiesusinga⅓-cupmeasure.Scoopoutthemixtureontothepreparedpanandpressdownslightlywithyourhandorthebottomofthemeasuringcup.Placethepattiesinthefreezerforatleast30minutes.

Whenthepattiesarechilled,heattheoliveoilinlargeskilletovermedium-highheat.Gentlyslideasmanypattiesasyoucanfitintothepan,withacoupleofinchesbetweeneachpatty.

Cookthepattiesfor2minutesoneachside,flippingthemverygently.Repeatbycookingthem1moreminuteoneachside(6minutestotal).

ServeonabedoflettucewithaspoonfulofSimplyGuac(page100)andPiquantTomatoandChipotleSalsa(page102).

QuinoaandButternutSquashBurgers

serves4–6

Filledwithgrainsandveggies,thesepattiesaresoftandmoistbutstillmaintainawonderfultexturefromthequinoa.ThesubtlehintofsageflavorsthesetenderburgersthataresmotheredinmeltedParmesancheeseandtoppedwithoven-roastedonions,whichmakesthemdeeplysatisfying.

½butternutsquash(about1pound),seededandcutinhalf

1½yellowonions,sliced



1egg

½cupgratedParmesancheese,plusmoreslicedfortopping

4freshsageleaves

¼teaspoonnutmeg

½cupbrownriceflour

3cupscookedquinoa

Preheattheovento400°F.Placethebutternutsquash,cut-sideup,ononehalfofabakingsheetandtheslicedonionsontheother.Drizzlewith1tablespoonoliveoil.Gentlytosstheonionstomakesurethey’recompletelycoatedwithoil.Spreadtheminasinglelayeronthebakingsheetandbake.Afterabout30minutes,justastheonionsstarttobrown,useaspatulatoremovethemfromthebakingsheet.Reservethemforlater.Bakethesquashforanother15to25minutesoruntilfork-tender(45to55minutestotalbakingtimeforthesquash).Removefromtheovenandallowtocool.

Whenthesquashhascooledtothetouch,scoopouttheinsides.Youshouldhaveabout1½cupscookedsquash.

Reserve¼cupcookedonionsforthetoppingtheburgersandputtherestintheblenderwiththesquash,egg,gratedParmesan,sageleaves,nutmeg,andbrownriceflour.Pulseseveraltimesuntilthoroughlyblended.

Usingaspatula,scrapetheblendercontentsintoabowlwiththecookedquinoa.Stirthemixturegentlytogetherandformintofourtosixlargepatties,dependingonyourpreference.

Preheattheovento350°F.Heattheremainingtablespoonofoilovermedium-highheatinanoven-safefryingpanorcast-ironpan.Whentheoilisniceandhot,gentlyslideintheburgers(asmanyasyoucanfitcomfortablywithoutthemcrowdingoneanother).

Lettheburgerscookforabout6to8minutesonthestovetop,flippingthemhalfwaythrough.Next,withtheburgersstillinit,placethepanintheoventobakeforanother8to10minutes.TopwiththeParmesanslicesafterabout7minutesofbakingtime,andremovefromtheovenwhenthecheeseismelted.Thetotalcookingtimeisabout15minutes.

Topwiththereservedoven-roastedonionsandserveoverabedofdressedgreens.

CHAPTER10MainDishesUnh-unh,there’snochickenintheblenderhappeninghere,Ipromise.Therearea

fewshrimpthatgetchoppedbytheblenderblades,though,andsomemightyluscioussaucesandfillingsareblendedup.Marinadesalsoplayamajorroleinthemaincoursesinthischapter.Theconcentratedflavorsenhancemeats,andtheacidityofthemarinadesmakesthemmorejuicyandtender.

All thesesaucescanbemadeinadvance,andmostof themcanbefrozen.WhenImake Spinach Chicken Enchiladas andArtichokeRicottaManicotti, I often double therecipe, assemblehalf in a foil pan, and freeze it for anothermeal.Homemadepreparedfood.Itmakesmesohappy!Afterabusyday,Idon’thavetothinkaboutdinnerknowingthere’sacompleteonethatonlyneedstobeheated.

Another bonus: versatility. Pesto of course is not just for rigatoni, andSpicyAïolicomplements many types of fish. Tikka masala sauce works well with almost anyvegetables,andredpeppersaucemakesagreatpizzacrusttopper.

CaribbeanShrimpFritterswithSpicyAïoliserves4

I’masuckerforallthingsfried.Idon’tthinkI’veeverturneddownapieceofcrispyfriedcalamariordeep-friedchicken.Andfritters,ohman.Applefritters,conchfritters,cornfritters—Ieat’emall.Youcanonlyimaginehowhighuptheseshrimpfritters—originallyacreationofmyfriendJenny—areonmylistoffavorites.Theymakeascrumptiousstarter,butalsoworkwellasamaincoursepairedwithsomesatiatingsideslikeAsianSlaw(page194)andSummerCornandAvocadoSalad(page139).

FortheCaribbeanShrimpFritters

¼cupchoppedonion

1garlicclove,peeledandcutinhalf

½redpepper,seededandcutintolargechunks

1cuprawshrimp,peeledandtailsremoved

2largeeggs

1cupall-purposeflour

1teaspoonbakingpowder

1tablespoonOldBayseasoning

½teaspoonblackpepper

¼–½cupwater

Peanutoil

FortheSpicyAïoli

1cuppreparedmayonnaiseorBasicAïoli(page113)

2–3tablespoonsDijonmustard

2–3tablespoonslimejuice

2tablespoonsrawhoney

2–3teaspoonsOldBayseasoning

TomaketheSpicyAïoli:Stirtogetheralltheingredientsinasmallbowl.Setaside.

Tomakethefritters:Puttheonion,garlic,andredpepperintheblenderandpulseseveraltimes.Addtheshrimpandpulseanotheroneortwotimes.

Inamediumbowl,lightlywhisktheeggs.Addtheflour,bakingpowder,OldBay,pepper,and¼cupwatertomakeasmoothbatter.Foldintheshrimpmixture.Ifthemixtureistoothick,addalittlemorewater.

Heatseveralinchesofpeanutoilinaskillet.Droptablespoonfulsofthebatterintotheoilandfryuntilgoldenbrown,about3minuteseachside,movingthemaroundsotheydon’tsticktothebottomofthepan.ServewarmwithSpicyAïoli.

SpinachChickenEnchiladaswithAnchoChileSauce

serves4–6

Thereareseveralstepstomakingthisdish.Youhavetomakethesauce,thenthefilling,andfinallyassembletheenchiladas.Youcanalwaysmakethesauceadayortwoinadvance,orevenassemblethewholedishadayortwobeforeyou’reservingit.Eachelementisimportanttothewhole,andtrulyworththeeffort.Thisdishisalwaysacrowd-pleaser.Pleasenote,youcanpurchasearotisseriechickentouseinthisrecipe,orrefertoChickenTortillaSoup(page122)forhowtopoachandshredachicken.

FortheAnchoChileSauce

3anchochilepods(about1½ounces),stemsremovedandseeded


1largeonion,coarselychopped(about2cups)

2garliccloves,peeledandsliced

1(32-ounce)canfire-roastedtomatoes,suchasMuirGlenOrganic

1cupchickenbroth


2teaspoonsWorcestershiresauce

1tablespoonfreshlysqueezedlimejuice

½teaspoongroundcumin

½teaspoondriedoregano



Forthefilling

3cupsshreddedcookedchicken

1(10-ounce)packagefrozenchoppedspinach,thawed

1(15-ounce)canblackbeans,drainedandrinsed

1½cupsshreddedsharpcheddarcheese

1cupfreshorfrozencornkernels

4ouncescannedgreenchiles

1tablespoonlimejuice




Fortheenchiladas

½cupshreddedsharpcheddarcheese

12smallcorntortillas

Tomakethesauce:Putthechilesinabowlandcoverwithboilingwater.Letstandfor30minutes,thendrain,reservingboththechilesandtheliquid.

Heattheoilinaskilletovermedium-highheatandsautétheonionandgarlicfor5to8minutesoruntilsoftened.Addthetomatoesandsoftenedchiles,andcookanother10minutes.Stirintherestoftheingredients,cookanotherminuteorso,andtransferthemixturetotheblenderalongwith½cupofthereservedchileliquid.Blenduntilsmooth.Setaside.

Tomakethefilling:Inalargebowl,putalltheingredientsfortheenchiladafilling.Add1cupoftheAnchoChileSauceandmixtogetheruntilwellcombined.

Preheattheovento350°F.

Toassembletheenchiladas:Pour1cupoftheAnchoChileSauceinthebottomofa9x13-inchbakingdish.Dipatortillainthesauceandfillwith3heapingtablespoonsoffilling.Rollupandplaceseam-sidedowninthebakingdish.Repeatwiththeremainingtortillas.Spoonabout1additionalcupsauceoverthetopoftheenchiladas,topwith½cupcheddarcheese,andbakefor20minutesoruntilwarmedthroughandthecheesetoppingismelted.

LemonTarragonChickenserves4–6

Thedelicateflavorofthetarragonpermeatesthechickenwhenit’smarinatedinthislemonyblend.Insteadofgrillingthechicken,youcanroastitina500°Fovenfor35to40minutes.Afterremovingthechickenfromthemarinade(saveitforthesauce),blotitwithapapertowelanddivideitbetweentworoastingpans.Rotatethepansseveraltimeswhileroasting.Finishwiththereservedmarinadeasdirectedbelow.


¼cuptarragonvinegar

½cupfreshlysqueezedlemonjuice(keeptherinds)


2teaspoonsDijonmustard

1teaspoonkoshersalt

½cupfreshtarragonleaves,firmlypacked,plusextraforgarnish

1(4½-pound)wholechicken,cutintopieces

Putalltheingredientsexceptthelemonrindsandchickentogetherintheblendercontainerandblendfor30secondsoruntilsmooth.

Placethechickenintoaresealableplasticbagwiththelemonrindsandpourinthemarinade.Sealandmarinatefor8hours,orpreferablyovernight.

Preheatyourgrill.Removethechickenfromthemarinade(saveitforthesauce)andcook

itindirectlyfor30minutes(coalsorgasarehotononesideofthegrill,thechickenisontheother),turningasneeded.Movethechickentodirectheatforthelast15to20minutesofcookingtimetogiveitgoodcolor.Watchcarefullysoitdoesn’tburn.

Meanwhile,bringtheleftovermarinadetoaboilandsimmeronlowfor6minutes.Pouroverthechickenbeforeservingandgarnishwithfreshtarragonleaves.

ChickenTikkaMasala

serves4–6

Thischickenismygo-todishforentertaining.It’stheperfectanchorforanall-outIndianmeal:papadum,samosas,saagpaneer,vegetablebiryani,andofcoursenaan.Thejuicy,flavorfulchickenneverfailstogetravereviews.


2-inchpiecegingerroot,peeledandcutintochunks(about⅓cup)

½teaspoonwholeblackpeppercorns

2tablespoonscashewbutter

¾cupplainyogurt

⅓cupwhitewinevinegar


3tablespoonstomatopaste


3tablespoonsHungarianpaprika

5teaspoonsgarammasala

¾teaspoongroundcumin

¾teaspoongroundcoriander

1teaspoonkoshersalt

2poundsbonelesschickenbreastandthighs,cutinto2-inchpieces

Forthesauce:

1cupchoppedtomatoes

2tablespoonstomatopaste

½cupplainyogurt

2tablespoonsbutter(optional)

freshcilantroforgarnis

Placealltheingredients(exceptthechicken)intheblenderintheorderlisted.Runonhighuntilsmooth,about2minutes.Remove½cupmarinadeandreservetomakethesauce.Transferthemarinadetoagallon-sizedresealableplasticbag.

Addthechickenandmarinate8hoursorovernight.

Preheatthebroiler.Removethechickenfromthemarinadeandblotitwithpapertowelstoremovetheexcessmarinade.

Placethechickeninaroastingpanandbroilforabout12minutes,turningthepiecesabouthalfwaythroughthecookingtime.Whilethechickenisroasting,makethesauce.Putthereserved½cupmarinadeinasmallpanwiththetomatoesandtomatopaste.Stirthoroughlyandbringtoalowboil.Lowertheheatandgentlysimmerfor8minutes.Just

beforeserving,stirintheyogurt(andbutterifyou’refeelingdecadent!).Stirinthebroiledchickenpiecesandanyremainingjuicesthathaveaccumulated.Heatthrough.Garnishwithfreshcilantroleaves.Servewithriceandnaanbread.

RoastedTurkeyBreastwithChipotleSauce

serves4–6

Theubiquitouschickenbreastcangetalittledullweekafterweek.Ifindturkeybreast,withitsespeciallyflavorfulmeat,awelcomechangeatthedinnertable.Toppingthebreastwithspicychipotlesaucecertainlyleavesnoroomforboredom.

FortheChipotleSauce

1(7-ounce)canchipotlepeppers

2teaspoonsgroundcumin




1teaspoonWorcestershiresauce

Fortheturkeybreast

1(3-to5-pound)bone-inturkeybreast

¼cupbuttermilk

¼cupwater

1avocado,pittedandpeeled



TomaketheChipotleSauce:Placealltheingredientsintheblendercontainerandrunonhighuntilsmooth,scrapingdownthesidesoftheblenderasneeded.Scrapeallthesauceintoagallon-sizedresealableplasticbag,reserving3tablespoonsfortheservingsauce.

Tomaketheturkeybreast:Usingasharpknife,makesmallslitsintheturkeybreast.Placeitinthepreparedresealableplasticbag.Sealandmarinateforatleast6hours.

Meanwhile,placethe3tablespoonsreservedChipotleSauce(orlessifyoupreferamildersauce)intheblenderwiththebuttermilk,water,avocado,andseasonings.Processuntilsmooth.Refrigerateuntilyou’rereadytouseit.

Whentheturkeyisfinishedmarinating,preheattheovento375°F.Blotthemarinadeofftheturkeyandplaceitinaroastingpan.Cookfor1½to2hoursoruntiltheinternaltemperaturereaches165to170°F.Allowtorestfor10minutesbeforecarving.ServewiththepreparedChipotleSauce.

SlicedSkirtSteakwithChimichurriSauceserves4

Skirtsteakisthecutofmeatfajitasaremadefrom.Longandthin,thesteak,fromthediaphragmofasteer,hasaveryvisibleloosegrain.Servetheflavorfulsteakwithchimichurrisauce.Alittlesalsa-esque,alittlepesto-like,thesauceoriginatedinArgentinaandistraditionallyservedasanaccompanimenttogrilledmeats.

2poundschoice-orprime-gradeskirtsteak


½cupredwinevinegar

Juiceof1lemon

½teaspoonsalt

1tablespoonfreshoregano

¾cupfreshcilantro

½cupfreshflat-leafparsley

½teaspoondriedchiliflakes

⅔cupextra-virginoliveoil

Seasaltandpepper,forseasoning

Poundthemeatevenlywithameatmalletandsetitasideatroomtemperatureforatleast15minutes(preferably30)whileyoumakethesauce.

Placethegarlic,vinegar,lemonjuice,andsaltintheblenderjarandrunonmediumfor2minutes.Addtheoregano,cilantro,parsley,andchiliflakes;runonmediumfor20to30secondsoruntiltheherbsarechoppedandwellcombinedbutsometextureremains.Useaspatulatoscrapetheingredientsdownfromthesidesasnecessary.Emptythecontentsoftheblenderintoasmallbowlandstirintheoliveoil.Setaside.

Seasonthemeatgenerouslywithsaltandpepper.Grillthesteakoutdoorsovercoalorindoorsinagrillpanoverhighheatforabout3to4minutespersideoruntilyourdesireddonenessisachieved.Whenthesteakisfinishedcooking,tentitwithfoilandallowittorestfor5minutes.Slicethesteakagainstthegrainandspoonacoupleoftablespoonsofsauceoverit,servingtheremainderforthosewhowantextra.

MarinatedPorkTenderloinwithCranberryRelishserves4

Therearefringebenefitstothismeal:leftovers.Thetendermorselsofmarinatedmeatmakeadarngoodpressedsandwich.MyhusbandlikestolayertheporkwithslicedSwisscheese(orcheddar),perhapssomesautéedonions,andaspoonfulofcranberryrelishbetweentwoslicesofcrispciabatta.Hethenpressestheminapaninimaker,orsometimesoptsfortheskillet,pressingthesandwichwithasmallerheavypanontop.Therearesomanyoptions—youcouldaddavocado,pickles,MontereyJack,coleslaw.Havefun,beinventive.

Forthemarinade


2tablespoonsfreshrosemary

1tablespoonrawhoney

1tablespoonDijonmustard

½cupfreshlysqueezedorangejuice

Zestof1orange


Forthepork

2porktenderloins,about1poundeach

Koshersaltandfreshlygroundblackpepper


Fortherelish

1¼cupsfreshorfrozencranberries

½orange,seedsremovedandcutintoquarters

¼cupfreshlysqueezedorangejuice

¼cupmaplesyrup

1garlicclove,peeled

1tablespoonfreshrosemary,plusextrasprigortwoforgarnish


Tomakethemarinade:Putalltheingredientsintheblenderandprocessonhighfor60secondsoruntilthemixtureisthoroughlycombined.

Tomarinatethepork:Usingaknife,makesmallslitsintheporktenderloinsandplacetheminaresealableplasticbag.Addthemarinadeandrefrigerateforatleast4hoursorovernight.

Tomaketherelish:Combinealltheingredients(excepttheoil)intheblenderjarandpulseuntiljustcombined.Youwanttomaintainsometextureandnotturnthemixtureintoapaste.Next,heatthe2teaspoonsoliveoilinasmallpanovermediumheat.Addtherelishandcookfor10minutestomeldtheflavors.Setaside.

Preheattheovento400°F.Removethetenderloinsfromthemarinadeandblotdry.Generouslysaltandpepperthetenderloins.Heatthe2tablespoonsoliveoilinanovenproofsautépanorcast-ironskilletovermedium-highheat.Seartheporktenderloinsonallsidesuntilgoldenbrown.

Transfertheskilletorpantothepreheatedovenandroastthetenderloinsforabout12to15minutesoruntilameatthermometerreads140°F.Removetheporkfromtheoven,tentwithfoil,andletitstandforabout10minutes.

Toserve,cuttheporkin½-inchslices,placetheslicesonaplate,drizzleanyjuicesfromthepanoverthem,andgarnishwiththecranberryrelishandrosemarysprigs,ifdesired.

SpinachPestoSaucewithRigatoniserves4

Bynomeansshouldyouruseofthispestobelimitedtopasta.Spreaditonpanini,putitinaquiche,oraddittoadip.Youcanalsoplayaroundwiththeingredients.SubstitutekaleforthespinachortryRomanocheeseinsteadofParm.Andagain,goeasywiththeblendingsoyoupreservesometextureinthesauce.

¼cuppinenutsorwalnuts

2½ouncesParmesancheese

1garlicclove,peeled

2cupsfreshbasilleaves,washedandpatteddry

2cupsfreshspinachleaves,stemsremoved

⅔cupextra-virginoliveoil


1pounddriedrigatoni

1pintcherrytomatoes,cutinhalf

½poundfreshmozzarella,cutinto½-inchcubes

Putthenutsinaskilletandcookonthestovetopovermedium-highheat,stirringconstantly,forabout4to6minutes.Setasidetocool.

Meanwhile,puttheParmesanandthegarlicintheblenderandpulse.Addthepinenutsandpulsetwomoretimes.

Addthebasil,spinach,oil,andsalt.Pulseuntiljustblended.

Cooktherigatoniaccordingtothepackagedirectionsanddrain.Returnthecookedpastatothepot,addthetomatoes,andtossimmediatelywiththeSpinachPesto.Stirinthefreshmozzarella.Servewarmoratroomtemperature.

ArtichokeRicottaManicottiwithSneak-It-InVeggieSauceserves4–6

MuchliketheSpinachChickenEnchiladaswithAnchoChileSauce,thisdishtakesseveralstepstoassemble.Ifyoumakethesauceinbigbatches,though,youcanhaveitonhandtocompletethisdish.Itfreezesreallywell.

Thisexceptionallypalatablesauceischock-fullofvegetables.WhileIprefertoembracethe ideaofhealthyeating,and teachkids (andadultsalike!) to loveveggies,sometimestheyjustwon’tbendandrefusetoeatwhat’sgoodforthem.EnterthisstealthSneak-It-InVeggie Sauce. The creamy reddish-orange sauce really looks no different from tomatosauce,butyouandIwillknowthepunchitpacks.

1largeegg

1(24-ounce)containerricottacheese(about2⅔cups)

⅔cupfreshlygratedParmesancheese,divided

1teaspoondriedoregano


⅛teaspoonfreshlygroundpepper,ortotaste

¼teaspoonfreshlygratednutmeg

1(14-ounce)canwater-packedartichokehearts,drained

1½cupspackedbabyspinachleaves(about2ounces)

10cookedmanicottishells

3cupsSneak-It-InVeggieSauce(recipefollows)

Freshbasilleaves,forgarnish

Preheattheovento350°F.Puttheegg,ricotta,⅓cupoftheParmesancheese,oregano,salt,pepper,andnutmegintheblenderandrunfor10secondsonhigh.

Addtheartichokeheartsandspinachleavestotheblenderandpulseseveraltimesuntilincorporated.

Usingaspatula,scrapethemixtureintoalargeresealableplasticbag.Cutoffonecornerofthebagandsqueezethefillingintothecookedmanicottishells.

Spread1cupofthesauceintothebottomofa9x13-inchbakingdish.Placethefilledmanicottishellsinthedish,coverwithanothercupofsauce,andsprinklewiththereserved⅓cupgratedParmesancheese.

Bakefor30minutesoruntilheatedthrough.Garnishwithfreshbasilleavesandserve.

Sneak-It-InVeggieSaucemakes3cupssauce


1garlicclove,peeledandsliced

1smallonion,sliced


1redororangebellpepper,seededandcutintochunks

1smallzucchini,cutintosmallchunks

1(28-ounce)canfire-roastedtomatoes

1bayleaf

1teaspoonkoshersalt


Heattheoliveoilinaskilletovermedium-highheat.Addthegarlic,onion,carrots,pepper,andzucchinitothepan.Sautéfor8to10minutes,oruntilthevegetablesaresoftened.

Addthetomatoes,bayleaf,salt,andpepper;reducetheheatandsimmerforanother10minutes.

Removethepanfromtheheat,removethebayleaf,andtransferthesaucetotheblenderjarusingaladle.Runfor10to15secondsonhighoruntilthesauceisnearlysmooth.UseforArtichokeRicottaManicotti.

Vietnamese-StyleSummerRollswithPeanutDippingSauce

makes8rolls

Lightandrefreshing,theserollsareperfectforapicnic(ifyoutransportthemordon’teatthemimmediately,wraptheminadamppapertoweltokeepthemfromdryingout)orahealthydinner.Onceyou’vepreppedalltheingredients,theassemblymovesalongquitefast,butitdoestakesomepractice.Thericewrappersaredelicate,andcanteareasily.Giveyourselfafewtrialruns.Addsomeotherfillings,too:avocado,shrimp,chicken,scallions.Thepairingofcrunchysaladingredientswithsoftnoodlescreatesaninterestingcontrastofflavorsandtextures.Anddon’tforgetthepeanutsauce:It’stheicingonthecake.

3ouncesdriedricevermicelli

¼cupfreshlysqueezedlimejuice,divided


1mediumcucumber,seededandcutinto4-inch-longmatchsticks

3smallcarrots,shredded(about1cup)

8(8½-inch)roundricepaperwrappers

Redlettuceleaves,cutinquarters

½cuplooselypackedfreshmintleaves

½cuplooselypackedfreshcilantrosprigs

½cupcrushedpeanuts

1tablespoonfinelymincedjalapeño

Cookthenoodlesaccordingthedirectionsonthepackageandtosswith2tablespoonsofthelimejuiceafterdraining.Setaside.

Mixtogethertheremaining2tablespoonslimejuicewiththesugarandsprinklehalfoverthecucumberandhalfoverthecarrots,tossinglightly.

Haveallyouringredientsforfillingtherollssetoutandready.

Spreadadampkitchentowelonthecounter.Fillapiepanwithwarmtapwater.Completelysubmergearicewrapperinthewaterandplaceitonthetowel.

Workingquicklywhilethewrapperispliable,layahandfulofnoodles(about⅓to½cup)onthewrapper,thenplaceonepieceoflettuce,sixcucumbersticks,1heapingtablespoonofcarrots,severalmintandcilantroleaves,andabout1tablespoonpeanutsonornexttothenoodles.

Wetyourfingersandpullthebottomofthewrapperupoverthefillings.Next,pulltheleftsideofthewrapperupandoverthefillingsandkeepittautasyourollthewrappertightlytowardyou.Repeatwithallthewrappers.CuttherollsandservewithPeanutDippingSauce.

PeanutDippingSaucemakes1cup

½cupsmoothpeanutbutter

2tablespoonssoysauce


2tablespoonsricewinevinegar

1garlicclove,peeled

½-inchpiecegingerroot,peeled


6tablespoonswater

Placeeverythingintheblenderandprocessonhighfor20secondsuntilsmooth.

CHAPTER11VegetablesYoucanusetheblendertocamouflageveggiesinyourdiet,butyoucanalsouseit

toplayupthosebeauties.Whilepureeingvegetablesmayseemlikeano-brainer,itdoesactuallytakesomethought.Addingsometypeoffatandspiceshelpsaddrichness,androastingorsautéingthoselusciousediblesheightensflavors.

Highlightveggiesasamaincourse.Fillyourplatewithtwopureesandaddasaladfortexture,orserveAsianSlawandCrispyZucchiniFrieswithaveggieburger.Veggiescan also greatly enhance a meat dish: Indian Spiced Spinach is an excellentaccompaniment to Chicken Tikka Masala (page 173) and Creamy Cauliflower MashperfectlycomplementsMarinatedPorkTenderloinwithCranberryRelish(page176).

Vegetablesaresogoodforyou that it’s reallyhard toeat toomany,as longasyouprepare them healthfully (no smothering in heavy cheese sauces!). They are low incaloriesandsugarandhighinvitaminsandfiber.Theyarealsorichinphytonutrients—active compounds that have been shown to lower the risk of disease,more specificallytermed antioxidants, flavonoids, and carotenoids, among others. Hundreds ofphytonutrients have been classified, and it’s this variety that gives vegetables theirdifferentcolors.Eatingawidearrayof typesandcolorsofvegetableshelpsensureyouobtain a beneficial level of phytonutrients in your diet. Just likeMama said, “Eat yourveggies!”

FrenchGreenBeanswithWalnutMisoButterserves4

Don’treserveWalnutMisoButterstrictlyforbeans.Tryitslatheredoncarrotsortossedwithbroccoliorevenmixedwithamélangeofsteamedveggies.

¾cupplus2tablespoonswalnuts

1garlicclove,peeled


1tablespoonricewinevinegar

1tablespoonwater

2teaspoonsrawhoney

3tablespoonswhitemisopaste

1poundFrenchgreenbeans

Toastthewalnuts:Putthewalnutsinadryskilletovermedium-highheatonthestovetopfor4to5minutesstirringfrequentlyuntiltheybecomefragrant.Removefromtheskilletandcoolbeforeblending.Place¾cuptoastedwalnutsandthegarliccloveintheblenderpitcher.Pulseseveraltimesonmedium.Usingaspatula,scrapedownthesidesofthe

blenderandpulseagain.

Addthesesameoil,vinegar,water,rawhoney,andmisopaste.Processfor30secondsoruntilblendedthoroughly.Setaside.

Heataninchorsoofwaterinaskilletandbringittoaboil.Addthestringbeansandcookfor3to4minutes.Quicklydrainandplacebackinthepan.Tosswiththemisobutterthentransferthebeanstoaservingdish.Coarselychoptheremaining2tablespoonswalnutsandsprinkleonthebeans.Servewarm.

BakedEggplantPuree

serves4–6

Thisdishistheperfectaccompanimentforroastedmeatsorpastatossedwitharichtomatosauce.Leftovereggplantpureealsomakesadeliciouspastasauceitself!Simplyheatitandtosswithpenne.Perhapsthrowinsomecherrytomatoes,too.

3eggplants(about3poundstotal)

3unpeeledgarliccloves




Forthetopping

1garlicclove,peeled

¼cupwholewheatbreadcrumbs

¼cupfetacheese

1teaspoonextra-virginoliveoil

Preheattheovento400°F.Cuttheeggplantsinhalfandplacethemonafoil-linedbakingsheetwiththeunpeeledgarliccloves;setthesheetintheoventoroast.After30minutes,takeouttheeggplant,butletthegarliccontinuetoroastforanother15minutes.

Inthemeantime,scoopouttheinsideoftheeggplantanddraininacolanderfor15minutes.

Tomakethetopping:Puttherawgarliccloveintheblenderandprocessfor10seconds.Addthebreadcrumbs,feta,andoliveoiltotheblender,andpulsefourtimes.Removefromtheblenderandsetaside.

Reducetheovento375°F.Squeezetheroastedgarlicoutofthepeels.Whentheeggplantisdrained,placeitintheblenderwiththeroastedgarlic,oliveoil,lemonjuice,andsalt.Pulseseveraltimes.

Pourthemixtureintoan8-inch-squarebakingdish,andsprinklewiththebreadcrumbmixture.Bakefor15minutesoruntilthetoppingisbubbling.Servewarm.

HerbedCarrot-ParsnipPuree

serves4

There’ssomethingverysatisfyingaboutthissweetandcreamydish,whichmakesitayear-roundfavorite.Thebrightorangepureeislightenoughtoserveinsummer,yetisalsonourishingenoughtobecomfortinginwinter.

1½poundscarrots(about9medium),peeledandcutinto2-inchchunks

¾poundparsnips(about3),peeledandcutinto2-inchchunks

1garlicclove,peeled

¼cupcoconutmilk


2teaspoonsfreshthyme

Placethecarrots,parsnips,andgarlicina2-quartpotfilledthree-quarterswithwater.Bringthewatertoaboil,thenturntheheatdownandsimmerthecarrotsandparsnipsforabout15minutesoruntilthevegetablesarefork-tender.

Whenthevegetablesaredonecooking,drainthemandputthemintheblendercontainerwiththerestoftheingredients.Processforabout30secondsonmediumoruntilthemixturebecomescreamyandsmooth.Serveimmediately.

AsianSlaw

serves4–6

Thetextureofshreddedcoleslawisanicecomplementtomanymaincourses,especiallygrilledfishandchicken.Foramoretraditionalslaw,mixshreddedcabbagewithBasicAïoli(page113).Thisrecipeusesawaterchoppingmethodthatquicklydiceslargeamountsofvegetables.However,itisveryimportantthatyoudrainthevegetablescompletelyoryou’llendupwithawaterymess.Useextrapapertowelsifnecessarytoabsorbtheexcesswater.

½headcabbage,coredandcutintoquarters


1wholescallion,trimmedandcutinto2-inchchunks

1tablespoonsoysauce


1tablespoonsesameoil

2tablespoonsricewinevinegar

2teaspoonsdarkbrownsugar

½-inchpiecefreshgingerroot,peeled

1garlicclove,peeled

1tablespoonwater

Putthecabbageintheblenderandcoverwithwater.Pulsefourorfivetimesoruntilfinelychopped.Draininafine-meshsieveandputintoapaper-towel-linedbowl.Placeadoubledpapertowelontopofthecabbage.Repeattheblender-waterchoppingwiththecarrotsandscallionatthesametime.Drainthemixtureinthesieveandputitontopofthepapertowel.

Putalltheremainingingredientsinthecleanedblenderjarandprocessonhighuntilsmooth.

Removethepapertowelfromthebowlandtosstheslawwiththedressing.Refrigerateuntilyou’rereadytoserve.

CrispyZucchiniFriesserves4

I’mgoingtobecompletelyupfronthere:Thesetakemoretimethanyoumaythink.Ittakessomedippingandcoatingtoproduceperfectlycrunchy-on-the-outside,tender-on-the-insidezucchinisticks,buttheendresultiswellworththeinvestment.Ifyou’reshortontime,youcanalwaysusestore-boughtpanko.Thisbreadingmethodcanbeappliedtomanyfoods,includingshrimp,chickencutlets,eggplant,andamultitudeofothervegetables.Youcanshallow-frytheitemsforanevencrispiercoating.

6piecesfirmwholewheatbread

3–4largeeggs

½cupall-purposeflour



½cupParmesancheese

2zucchini(about¾pound),cutinto4-inchfrench-fry-likestrips

Preheattheovento400°Fandlinetwobakingsheetswithparchmentpaper.

Removethecrustsfromthebreadandteareachsliceintoseveralpiecesasyouputitintheblender.Pulsetheblendertwoorthreetimes,untilthebreadresemblescoarsepanko-likebreadcrumbs.

Spreadthebreadcrumbsinathinlayerononeoftheparchment-linedbakingsheets.Bakethemfor6to8minutesoruntiltheyarethoroughlydried,butnotbrowned.

Whenthebreadcrumbsarefinishedbaking,setthemasidetocoolforafewminutes.Meanwhile,puttheeggsinashallowdishandlightlybeatthem.Inanothershallowdish,mixtheflour,salt,andpepper.Lastly,putthecooledbreadcrumbs(youshouldhaveabout1½cups)inathirddish(orpilethemonapieceofwaxedpaper)andwithyourhands,gentlymixintheParmesancheese.

Workinginbatches,dipeachzucchinistripfirstintheflour,thentheegg,thenfinallythebreadcrumbmixture.Arrangethestripsinasinglelayeronthetwopreparedpans(youcanreusetheparchmentyoubakedthebreadcrumbson).Bakethefriesfor20to25minutes,turningonceduringthebakingtimetoensurethattheyaregoldenandcrispyonallsides.

ServewithBasicAïoli(page113).

IndianSpicedSpinach

serves4–6

ThefusionofflavorsinthisdishwasinspiredbyMyraKornfeld,achef,teacher,writer,and—mostimportant—coconutgenius!Coconutmilksubtlymarriesthespinachandspices,creatingaharmoniousdishthatwillbegonebeforeyoucanreachforseconds.Mydaughterbelievesthatit’ssogood,shesaysit’slikedessert—andinmyexperience,notmanyspinachdishesgarnerthatreaction.

1-inchpiecepeeledgingerroot

1smallonion,peeledandcutintoquarters

1garlicclove,peeledandcutinhalf


1teaspoongarammasala


2tablespoonswater

3tablespoonscoconutoil,divided

1shallot,peeledandslicedintothinrings

1tablespooncoconutflourorall-purposeflour

1(11-ounce)containerbabyspinach(about8packedcups)

½cupcoconutmilk


Puttheginger,onion,garlic,cumin,garammasala,salt,andwaterintheblender.Processonmediumforabout20seconds,untilthemixtureformsasmoothpaste.Useaspatulatoscrapethesidesandpushtheingredientstowardthebladeandprocesslongerifnecessary.

Heat1tablespoonofthecoconutoilinalargeDutchovenovermedium-highheat.Meanwhile,dredgetheslicedshallotringsintheflourandgentlyslidethemintothehotoil.Stirthemlightlyuntilthey’regoldenandcrispy.Usingaspoon,transferthemtoaplatelinedwithapapertoweltodrain.

HeattheremainingoilintheDutchovenovermediumheat.Addthespicepasteandsautéforabout1minute.Addthespinach,tossitwiththepaste,andcookuntileverythingisthoroughlycombined.

Pourinthecoconutmilkandstirwell.Bringthemilktoasimmer,thenreducetheheatandcookonlowforabout4minutes.Seasonwithpeppertotaste,andmoresaltifneeded.Transfertoaservingdishandtopwithfriedshallots.

CreamyCauliflowerMashserves4

Thislow-carbalternativetomashedpotatoesissosilkyandsmooththatyoumayfindyoulikeitbetterthantraditionalspuds,whichcanturnoutlumpy,bumpy,andgluey.Justmakesureyoudrainthecauliflowerreallywellafterboilingit,perhapsevenplacingiton

apapertowelforafewminutesbeforepureeingtopreventawaterytexture.

1headcauliflower,cleaned,cored,andcutintoflorets

1garlicclove,peeled

1tablespooncreamcheese

2tablespoonsgratedParmesancheese

3tablespoonsmilk



Bringalargepotofwatertoaboil.Addthecauliflowerfloretsandgarlicclove.Bringthewaterbacktoaboilthenreducetheheattomedium-lowandsimmerfor8minutes.

After8minutes,checkthatthecauliflowerisfork-tender.Ifnot,continuetocookuntilitis.Drainwell.

Addthedrainedcauliflower,garlicclove,cheeses,milk,andsalttotheblenderpitcher.Runonmediumfor30seconds,usingaspatulatoscrapedownthesidesofthepitcherasnecessary.

Pourthemashintoaservingbowl.Addblackpeppertotasteandstirwell.

FreshCornCakesmakes12–15cakes

Thesegluten-freecorncakesarenottobeconfusedwithcornfritters.They’reflatter,morelikepancakes.Thebindersherearefresh-groundcornmeal(page43),eggs,andricotta.Thecornmealdoesgivethesecakessometexture.Ifyoupreferafinerconsistency,replaceallorhalfthecornmealwithall-purposeflour.Eitherway,thefocusistrulyonthecorn.

2trimmedscallions,whitepartsonly

1jalapeño,seededandcutintoquarters

2largeeggs

½cupricottacheese


¼cupfinelygroundcornmeal

1½cupsfreshcorncutfromthecob,orfrozencornkernels

¼cupcrumbledgoatcheeseorgratedcheddarcheese

2tablespoonsunsaltedbutter

Sourcreamandfreshlycutchives,forgarnish

Placethescallionsandjalapeñointheblenderandprocessonmediumfor10seconds.Scrapedownthesidesoftheblender,pushingtheingredientstowardtheblade,andpulseagain.

Addtheeggs,ricotta,andsalt.Processagainonmediumanother10seconds.

Finally,addthecornmealandpulseuntilcombined.

Putthemixtureintoasmallbowlandstirinthecornandcheese.

Heat1tablespoonofthebutterinaskilletorfrypanovermediumheat.Usingatablespoonmeasure,scoopoutheapingspoonfulsofbatterontothepan,makingabout3-inchdiametercakes.Frythemforabout2minutesoneachside.Trynottoflipthemprematurelyasthey’llfallapart.Carefullylifttheedgeofonecakewithaspatulatoseeifit’sreadytoflip.Afterthefirstbatchisdone,addthesecondtablespoonofbuttertothepanandrepeatwiththeremainingbatter.

Servewarmwithsourcreamandchivesasgarnish.

RoastedRootVeggieswithRomescoSauceserves6

RomescoisagarlickysaucethatoriginatedinSpain.I’veencounteredquiteafewvariationsonthismildsauceovertheyears,andseenitusedinmanyways—overvegetables,withfish,andevenwithasalad.HereI’vepaireditwithroastedvegetables,butit’sevengoodjustspreadonapieceofwarmbaguette.

1anchochile,coredandseeded

3redpeppers,seededandcutinhalflengthwise,or1(24-ounce)jarroastedpeppers

⅓cuphazelnuts,skinned(page85)

1(14-ounce)canfire-roastedtomatoes,suchasMuirGlen


2tablespoonsflat-leafparsley,plusextraforgarnish


1teaspoonsmokedpaprika

¼cupplus2tablespoonsextra-virginoliveoil

3-poundassortmentofrootvegetables(suchascarrots,parsnips,purpleandwhitepotatoes,andsweetpotatoes),peeledandcutinto2-inchcubes



Preheattheovento450°F.Placetheanchochileinabowlandcoveritwithboilingwater.Allowittositfor30minutes,thendrain.

Placetheredpeppersonafoil-linedbakingsheetandsetintheovenfor40minutesoruntiltheskinshavebeguntocharandarewrinkled.Thenremovethepeppersfromtheovenandimmediatelyputtheminabrownpaperbagtosteam.Makesurethetopofthebagistightlyrolleddowntocreateaseal.Afterabout15minutes,thepeppersshouldbecoolenoughtohandleandyouwillbeabletoeasilyremovetheskins.Reducetheoventemperatureto400°F.

Meanwhile,putthehazelnutsintheblenderandpulsethemuntilthey’recoarselyground.Whenyourpeppersareready,addthemtotheblenderwiththereservedchile,tomatoes,garlic,parsley,vinegar,paprika,and¼cupoftheoil.Pureeuntilsmooth.

Putthecubedvegetablesonabakingsheetandtosswiththeremaining2tablespoonsoliveoilandthesaltandpepper.Roastfor40minutesoruntiltenderandgolden,turningthevegetablesseveraltimeswithaspatulawhileroasting.

TransfertheroastedvegetablestoabowlandtosswithRomescoSauce.Garnishwithchoppedparsleyandserve.

CHAPTER12DessertsWhenafriendofminerecentlyboughtablender,shebragged,“We’reeating

desserteverynight!Andit’shealthy!”Butisn’tthatanoxymoron?Healthydessert?Well,thisisthebeautyoftheblender:thesneak-it-infactor.Withtheblenderyoucanaddhealthyfatslikeavocadotochocolatemoussefortextureandblackbeanstobrowniesforfiberandprotein—withoutanyonedetectingit.Infact,sometimesitseemsbetterkeptasecret.Theideaofbeansinbrowniesdoesnotexactlyconjureupvisionsofabakery-likeconfection,butIswearittasteslikeone.

Myfriend,on theotherhand,uses theblender tomakehealthy“soft icecream”asshe likes to call it.Sheblendsup frozen fruit tomakea sorbet-likedessert.Try itwithyourfavoritefruit.Theblenderisalsogoodformixingupcrusts.Whilethedessertsheredocontainsugar,I’vekepttheamountslow,andtherearenumerousgluten-freeoptions.Whiledessertswillneverreplacethegoodnessvalueofvegetables,youcanalwaysmakethembetterwiththeblender.

LimeTartletswithCoconutCrustsmakes24tartlets

Thecoconutcrustsofthesetartletsareadessertinthemselves.MydaughterAnnalikestoeatthemempty.Shealsolikesthemfilledwithchocolateganache.Thecreamymascarponefillingisjustoneofmanythatyoucanusetofillthesesweetcrusts.Ascoopoflemoncurdwoulddoquitenicely,orperhapsevenasmallscoopoficecream.

2¾cupssweetenedcoconut

3largeeggwhites


Pinchofkoshersalt

1(8-ounce)containermascarponecheese

3tablespoonsrawhoney

1teaspoongratedlimezest,plusmoreforgarnish

Finelydicedpineappleandpapaya,wholeblackraspberries,orotherfavoritefruits,fortopping

Preheattheovento350°F.Greaseaminimuffinpanwithbakingspray.Putthecoconut,eggwhites,vanilla,andsaltintheblenderandrunonmediumfor1minuteoruntilthroughlycombined.Useaspatulatopushtheingredientstowardthebladeifnecessary.oruntilthoroughlycombined.Putabout1tablespoonofthemixtureineachmuffincup;pressdowneachonewithatarttamper,ormakeasmalldepressionusingyourfingers.Putthepanintheovenandbakefor15minutes,oruntilthecrustsarejustbeginningtobrown.Removethecrustsfromthepanverysoonafteryoutakethepanoutoftheovenso

theydon’tbegintostick.

Next,whipthemascarponecheese,honey,andlimezestintheblenderuntilcreamy.Filleachshellwithaspoonfulofthemascarponemixtureandtopwithatinyamountoffruit.Whenallthetartsarefilledandtopped,sprinklewithlimezest.Chilluntilreadytoserve.

TartLemonSquares

makes1(8-inch)pan

Theselemonbarshavetang!Thecrustisdenseandthickandisanequalpartnertothecitrusy,curd-liketoppingthat’start,butnottoomuchso.Thebasestayssomewhatsoft,butdoesn’tturnsoggyeither,whichmakesthesebarseasytobiteinto.Whenlifegivesyoulemons,makelemonbars.

¾cupold-fashionedrolledoats

¾cupwhitewholewheatflour

¼cupalmondflour

¼cupmaplesyrup

¼cupcoconutoil,melted

Forthefilling

4largeeggsplus2eggyolks

½cupfreshlysqueezedlemonjuice

¾cuporganiccanesugar



⅓cupalmondflour

Confectioners’sugar,fordusting

Preheattheovento350°F.Greasean8x8-inchbakingpanwithbakingspray.Blendtheoatsandtwofloursonmedium-highfor20seconds.Addtherestofthecrustingredientsandrunonmediumfor20seconds.Pressintothepreparedpanandbakefor15minutes.

Tomakethefilling:Putallthefillingingredients(excepttheconfectioners’sugar)intheblendercontainerandbeatonlowfor15seconds.Donotoverprocessorthemixturewillbecometooaerated.

Pourthemixtureintothepreparedcrustandbakeforanother25minutesoruntilthefillingisset.Usingafinesieve,dustthetopwithconfectioners’sugar.

FudgyGluten-FreeBrownies

makes1(9-inch)pan

Ifyouthinkit’ssneakytoaddpeppersandzucchinitoapastasauce(page181),howaboutputtingblackbeansinbrownies?Iknowitmaysoundunappetizing,butit’soneofthose“youhavetotryittobelieveit”scenarios.Thesegluten-freebrownies,withtheaddedbenefitoffiberandprotein,arealmosttoogoodtobetrue.Goahead,give’ematry.

8dates,pitted

½cupboilingwater

115-ouncecanblackbeans,drained

½cupunsweetenedcocoapowder

½cupoatflour

2largeeggs

¼cupcoconutoil



⅓cupbrownricesyrup


1teaspooninstantespressopowder

¾cupbittersweetchocolatebakingchipsorchunks

Putthedatesinasmallbowlandcoverwithboilingwater.Setasidetosoakfor10minutes.Preheattheovento350°F.Greasea9x9-inchbakingpanwithbakingsprayandlineitwithparchmentpaper,leavinga1-inchoverhangontwosides.

Drainthedatesandaddtotheblenderjarwithalltheingredientsexceptforthechocolatechunksandprocessonhighforupto2½minutes,oruntilthemixtureissmooth.

Usingaspatula,stir½cupofthechocolatechunksintothemixtureintheblender.Pourthebatterintothepreparedpanandspreadevenly.Sprinkletheremaining¼cupchocolatechunksontopofthebrownies.

Bakefor20to25minutesoruntilatoothpickinsertedintothebrowniescomesoutcleanofbatter(itmayhavemeltedchocolatefromachiponit,butyou’llrecognizethedifference—themeltedchocolateisthickerandsmoother).

Allowtocoolandremovethebrowniesfromthepanusingtheparchmenttoliftthem.Cutintosquaresandserve.

WholesomeChocolateMousse

serves6

Anothercovertdessert,thiscreamymoussefeaturesabaseofavocadosforagooddoseofpotassiumandfiber.Notwhatyou’dexpectfromarichchocolatytreat.

5dates,pitted

½cupboilingwater

¼cupchocolatechips

¼cupalmondmilk

2ripeavocados,pittedandpeeled

½cupunsweetenedcocoapowder

2tablespoonsmaplesyrup

1teaspooninstantcoffee

2teaspoonspurevanillaextract

Pinchofkoshersalt

Putthedatesinasmallbowlandcoverwithboilingwater.Setasidetosoakfor10minutes.Meanwhilemeltthechocolatechipsinadoubleboiler.Stiruntilcompletelymelted.Setasidetocool.

Afterthedateshavesoaked,drainthemandputthemintheblenderandpulseseveraltimes.Addthealmondmilk,avocados,cocoapowder,maplesyrup,coffee,vanilla,salt,andcooledchocolatechips.Blenduntilsmooth.

Spoonthemixtureintosmall4-ounceramekinsandchillforatleast2hours.

BlueberryCheesecakeBitesmakes30bites

Insteadofmakingatraditionalcheesecakecrustusinggrahamcrackers,IliketouseoatyBritishdigestivebiscuits,suchasHobNobs.Manytypesofcookieswillwork,though—chocolatewafers,gingersnaps,andplainbuttercookies.Weetabixcerealbiscuitsareanothergrainyoption.

1½cupscookiecrumbs,suchasHobNobs(orgrahamcrackers)

¼cup(½stick)unsaltedbutter,melted

3largeeggs

1½cupscreamcheese,softened(12ounces)

¾cupricottacheese


2teaspoonsorangezest

½cuporganiccanesugar

http://thehealthyfoodie.com/2012/05/18/vanilla-extract/

Preheattheovento350°F.Greaseamini-muffinpanandsetaside.Putthecookiecrumbsandbutterintheblenderandprocessuntilcombined.Usingateaspoonmeasure,putaspoonfulinthebottomofeachmuffincupandpressthemixturedown(youdonotneedtopushitupthesides).Bakefor10minutesoruntillightlybrowned.

Reducetheoventemperatureto325°F.Meanwhile,mixtogethertheremainingingredientsintheblendercontainerandprocessfor20secondsoruntilcombined.

Filleachmuffincupalmosttothetopandbakefor25minutes.Topeachbitewith½teaspoonSimpleBlueberrySauce(below).

SimpleBlueberrySauce2cupsblueberries

3tablespoonsorganiccanesugar


Bringalltheingredientstoaboil,reducetheheat,andsimmerfor10minutes.Letthesaucecool—itwillthickenasitdoesso.UsetotopBlueberryCheesecakeBites.

Gluten-FreeRaspberrySwirlCupcakesmakes18cupcakes

Iswear,youwouldn’tknowthesecupcakesaregluten-freeifIhadn’ttoldyou(althoughIguessyou’dfigureitoutbytheingredientslist).Theyaredense,moist,andnottoosweet.Theadditionofpureedraspberrygivesazipthatiscomplementedbythesweetcreamcheesefrosting.Evennongluten-freefolksshouldgivetheseawhirl!Andnote,whilethere’sonly½teaspoonxanthangumintherecipe,pleasedon’texcludeitoryoumaynotbehappywiththeendresult.

2cupsraspberries

¾cupplus1tablespoonorganiccanesugar

3ounceswhitechocolate

6largeeggs

¼cupbuttermilk

4-inchpiecevanillabean,seedsscrapedout


½cuparoma-freecoconutoil,melted,orcanolaoil

¾cupcoconutflour

½cupwhitericeflour

½teaspoonxanthangum



Preheattheovento325°F.Linea12-cupmuffintinwithpaperliners.

Puttheraspberriesintheblenderandpureeonhighfor1minute.Pushtheraspberriesthroughafine-meshstrainertoremovetheseeds.Stirin1tablespoonofthesugarandsetaside.

Next,meltthewhitechocolateoveradoubleboilerandwhiskuntilsmooth.Setasidetocool.

Puttheeggs,remaining¾cupsugar,buttermilk,vanillabeanandextract,andoilintotheblender.Runonmediumfor10secondsoruntilblended.

Addthemeltedchocolateandpulseafewmoretimesuntilit’sfullyincorporated.

Finally,addtheflours,xanthangum,salt,andbakingpowder.Pulseagainuntiljustcombined.

Filleachlineraboutthree-quartersfull.Usingateaspoonmeasure,put1to2teaspoonsofraspberrypureeinthecenterofeachcupcakeand,withatoothpick,swirlitclockwiseintothebattertocreateamarbledeffect.Thebatterwillbesomewhatthick,sojustswirlasbestyoucan.Bakefor20minutesoruntilthecupcakesaregolden.FrostwithRaspberryCreamCheeseFrosting(below).

RaspberryCreamCheeseFrostingmakes2cups

6tablespoonsunsaltedbutter,atroomtemperature

3ouncescreamcheese,atroomtemperature

4cupsconfectioners’sugar

⅓cupfreshraspberries(about2ounces)

Putalltheingredientsintheblenderandprocessonmediumfor20seconds,thenscrapedownthesidesusingaspatulaandrepeattheprocess,continuingtoprocessandscrapeuntilthemixtureislightandfluffy.Youwillprobablyprocessforatotalof1to1½minutes.Becarefulnottooverprocessorthefrostingwillbecomerunny.UsetofrostRaspberrySwirlCupcakes.

ChaiTeaCakeserves12

Aninfusionofaromaticspicedblackteagivesthiscakeasubtlehintofcinnamon,cardamom,ginger,andclove.Themoist,fragrantcakekeepswell,andcanbemadeadayortwoinadvance.Thecreamyfrosting,alsoinfusedwithchaitea,ensureseverybiteisflavorful.

1cup(2sticks)unsaltedbutter

2tablespoonschaitea(about6–7teabags)

3largeeggs,atroomtemperature

1¾cupsorganiccanesugar

½cupfirmlypackedlightbrownsugar

2¼cupsall-purposeflour

1½teaspoonsbakingpowder


¾cupbuttermilk


Fortheglaze

1cupfirmlypackedlightbrownsugar

¼cupbuttermilk


1tablespoonchaitea

Preheattheovento350°F.Placethebutterinasmallsaucepanandcookovermedium-highheatuntilcompletelymelted.Addtheteatothebutter,reducetheheat,andsimmerfor1minute,stirringoccasionally,thenturnofftheheatandallowtheteatosteepinthebutterforanother5minutes.

Aftertheteahassteeped,pouritthroughafine-meshsieveintoasmallbowlorPyrexmeasuringcup.Usingthebackofaspoon,presstheleavesagainstthestrainertoensureallthebuttergoesthroughthestrainer.Discardthetea.Measureout¾cupofthebutterandsetaside.Usetheexcesstogreaseandflouradecorative10-cupBundtpan.

Next,puttheeggsandsugarsintheblendercontainerandblendfor20seconds.

Addthedryingredientsandpulseoneortwotimes.Finally,addthebuttermilk,vanilla,andbutter;pulsetwoorthreemoretimes,untilthemixtureisjustthoroughlycombined.Usearubberspatulatoscrapedownthesidesofthecontainer.Donotovermix.Ifthedryingredientsarenotcompletelyincorporated,stirafewtimeswiththespatula.

Pourthebatterintothepreparedpanandbakefor40to50minutes,oruntilatoothpickinsertedintothecenterofthecakecomesoutclean.Ifthetopofthecakestartstobecomeadarkbrowncolorafter40minutesofbaking,butthecenterisnotyetset,coverthecakewithfoilwhileitfinishesbaking.

LetthecakecoolintheBundtpanfor15minutes;thenturnitoutontoaracksetoverwaxedpapertocoolfor1hour.

Meanwhile,makethebrownsugarglaze:Placethebrownsugar,buttermilk,butter,andchaiteainasaucepanandcookovermediumheat,stirringconstantly,untilthesugarhasdissolvedandthemixturejustbeginstoboil.Removefromtheheatandslowlydrizzletheglazeoverthecake,allowingittorundownthesides.Alternatively,skiptheglazeanddustthecakewithconfectioners’sugarbeforeserving.

ChocolateCoffeeQuinoaCookiesmakes2½dozen

Alongwithitsmanyotherattributes,theblenderworkswellasaspiceandcoffeegrinder.Wholebeansaregroundinsecondsbyblenderblades.Heregroundcoffeeisaddedtoaquinoacookiewithmeltychocolatechipsforawinningcombination.Quinoaflour,whichyoucanalsogrindintheblender(page42)givesthesegluten-freecookiesabitofanutty,earthyflavortoo.

¾cupcoconutoil,melted

¾cupfirmlypackeddarkbrownsugar,

2largeeggs

⅓cupalmondbutter


1¾cupsquinoaflour

½teaspoonbakingsoda

½teaspoonbakingpowder


3tablespoonsgroundcoffeebeans

1cupold-fashionedrolledoats

1cupbittersweetchocolatechips

3tablespoonsgroundcoffeebeans

Preheattheovento350degrees.Linetwobakingsheetswithparchmentpaper.Putthecoconutoil,brownsugar,eggs,almondbutterandvanillaextractintheblenderjarandprocessonmediumfor20seconds.

Addthequinoaflour,bakingsodaandpowder,andsalt.Runonmediumfor5secondsthenincreasethespeedtohighfor15to20moresecondsoruntiljustcombined.Useaspatulatoscrapedownthesidesasneeded.

Next,stirintheoats,chocolatechipsandgroundcoffee.Usingatablespoonmeasure,scoopmoundsofdoughontothepreparedbakingsheetabout2inchesapart.Bakefor8minutes.Thecookiesmaylookunderbakedbuttheywillfirmupastheycool.Allowthecookiestocoolonthebakingsheetfor5minutesbeforetransferringthemtoawireracktocool.

EasyWhippedCreammakes1½cups

Literally,youcanhavelushheavenlywhippedcreaminunder2minutesusingtheblender(thatis,ifyouhaveallyouringredientsreadilyonhand…itcouldtakeyoulongertomaneuverthevanillaoutofthebackofthecupboard!).Beforemyblenderinfatuation,Ialwaysturnedtomystandmixerforwhippingcream.Ineverevenconsideredmytall,trustyfriend.(Ihaveyettogiveitaname;it’sstilljustmyreliableunfailingBlender.)Well,folks,Blenderdoesthejob,andquitenicelyImightsay.Nosplatteringcream.Nowaitingaround.It’sdonebeforeyoucaneventhinktoomuchaboutit.Giveitawhirl.

1½cupscoldheavycream

1tablespoonconfectioners’sugar


Putthecreamintheblenderjarandprocessonmediumfor20seconds.Turnthepowertohighandblendforanother20seconds.

Addthesugarandvanillaandblendonhighuntilthecreamisthickandfluffyandwillholdsoftpeaks.Pushtheingredientstowardthebladewithaspatulaifnecessarytoensurethatthecreamblendsevenly.Serveimmediately.

RoastedStrawberryIceCreammakesabout1quart

Itmayseemcounterintuitivetoroastsomethingthat’sbeingputintoicecream,butthere’sactuallygoodreason.Roastingstrawberriesintensifiestheirflavor,andbecausethesugarsbegintocaramelize,itpreventsthefruitfromfreezingrock-solidwhenblendedintoicecream.Servethiswithafewfreshberriesontheside.

1quartstrawberries,hulledandcutinhalf


1(14-ounce)cansweetenedcondensedmilk

1cupwholemilk


Preheattheovento375°F.Placethestrawberriescut-sidedownonaparchment-linedbakingsheet.Sprinklewiththecanesugarandroastfor25minutes.Allowthestrawberriestocool,thencoverthemandplacethebakingsheetinthefreezer.

Oncetheberriesarecompletelyfrozen,putthemintheblenderandaddbothmilksandthevanilla.Pulseseveraltimes.

Transferthemixturetoaplasticcontainerandrefreeze,orfreezeinanicecreammakeraccordingtothemanufacturer’sinstructions.

JustBananasIceCream

makes2½cups

Coulddessertgetanyeasierthanthis?InspiredbyEveSchaub,theauthorofAYearofNoSugar(Sourcebooks,2014),thisdessertis,asthenameimplies,justbananas.Eveandherfamilyembarkedonayearwithoutsugar,whichshewritesaboutsoentertaininglyintheaforementionedbook.Frozenbananaicecreamwasoneofthedessertstheysavoredduringthattime.

6bananas

Cutthebananasinto1-inch-thickslicesandspreadinasinglelayeronaparchment-linedbakingsheet.Freezeforseveralhoursoruntilfrozenthrough.

Putallthefrozenbananasintheblendercontainerandrunonmediumuntilthemixturejustbecomessmooth.Thebananaswillfirstbecomecrumbly,thenwillstarttobecomesmooth.Ittakesafewminutes,andyou’llneedtopressthemixturetowardthebladeusingaspatulaseveraltimes.

Iftheamountseemstoomuchforyourmachine,dividethebananasinhalfandblend.Runningyourblenderonlowalsohelpsprocessthebananas.Becarefulnottooverworkyourmachineduringtheprocess.Serveimmediatelyorrefreezeifthemixturebecomestoosoftwhenblending.Topbananaicecreamwithgroundnutmegorcinnamon,granola,ortoastedcoconut.

CherryliciousFrozenYogurt

makesabout1quart

Thisisoneofthoserecipeswherethebeautyoftheblenderisespeciallyapparent.Dessertinseconds,literally.Youcaneatthiscreamycherry-yogurtcombinationstraightfromtheblender,orputitinanicecreammakerforaslightlyfirmertexture.Youcanalsoswitchupthefruits.Tryotherfrozenberriesandreplacethealmondextractwithvanilla.

1poundsweetcherries,pittedandfrozen(about3½cups)

1½cupsGreekyogurt

¼cuprawhoney

1teaspoonalmondextract

Placealltheingredientsintheblenderandrunforabout20seconds.

Eatimmediately,freezeinanicecreammakeraccordingtothemanufacturer’sinstructions,orplaceinthefreezertofirmup.

SweetPeachIceCreamwithGlazedPecansmakesabout1quart

Freshpeachesarethestarhere,withsupportingrolesplayedbythemaplesyrup,cinnamon,andpecans,whichcouldtaketheleadgiventhechance.Theirsalty-sweetglazemakesthemhardtoresist.

Fortheicecream

1poundfreshpeaches,peeled,cutintopieces,andfrozen

4eggyolks

1cupcoconutmilk

2tablespoonsmaplesyrup

½teaspoongroundcinnamon

FortheGlazedPecans


1tablespoondarkbrownsugar

1cuppecanhalves

½teaspooncinnamon

Pinchofkoshersalt

Tomaketheicecream:Putalltheingredientsintheblenderandrunonmediumforabout20seconds.Transferthemixturetoaplasticcontainerandrefreeze,orfreezeinanicecreammakeraccordingtothemanufacturer’sinstructions.

Topreparethenuts:Preheattheovento350°F.Meltthebutterandbrownsugarinaskilletovermediumheat.Addthepecansandcook,stirringconstantly,forabout3minutes.

Transferthepecanstoaparchment-linedbakingsheet,spreadingthemevenly.Bakefor5

minutesoruntilgoldenbrown.Coolcompletely,sprinkleontheicecream,andenjoy!

AcknowledgmentsThisbookemergedoutofalunchbetweentwosixthgradersonewinterday—Susieand

Camilla,wholovetobake—andtheirmoms,onewithabeliefinblenders,andtheotherwholovestoblend.Girls,thanksforincludingusmoms.

I’d like to extend a huge thank-you to my diligent and discerning testers: JanetBalletto,SarahBrainard,LindaDubilier,MicheleFuncciusRoszko,JenniferHall,JennieHartman, Charlotte Haukedal, Camilla Kampevold, Joanne Konrath, Babs Mansfield,AmoreenaO’Bryon,MichellePerreault-Dougherty,andKaiaSmithback.Yourfeedbackispriceless.

Iwould also like to thankMarceyBrownstein for kindly loaningmeher beautifulkitchenware,andPeterAppelson forsupplyingmewithgorgeoussurfaces (andbelovedset of silverware!). I would also like to acknowledge Migliorelli Farmstand for itsoutstandingproduceandgood-naturedspirit.ThanksalsotoEveSchaubforinspiringmetoeatlesssugar.

ToMaya,Seiya,andJuliafordrinkingmilk,allkinds,againandagain!

I am especially grateful to Kyle and Nile for their enthusiastic taste testing andrecipe-namingefforts.

Iwouldalsoliketogiveaspecialshout-outtoPeterBosch,whodidwhatfriendsdo:youhelpedmeoutinatimeofneed.

Iamforever indebtedtoMichaelandJudithRosenthalforgraciouslyopeningtheirdoors,literally,evenwhentheyweren’thome.Iamsogratefulthestarshavebroughtustogether in our cherished locale. And I’ll be forever thankful to the Reisses, whosefriendshipandgenerosityIdeeplytreasure.

Ithankmymomanddadfortheirendlesssupport,forallowingmetoexperimentinthekitchenwhenIwasyoung,andshowingmebyexamplethevalueoffamilyandmealssharedtogether.

I am also grateful tomy sister Lisa, for herwillingness to test andmake amess,whichissounlikeher,andlettingmeblendendlesslyatthebeach.Atremendousthankstomyentireextendedfamilywhotaste-testedrepeatedlywhileonvacation,—evenlittleHenrik,whotriedthesoup.

I’d like to extend a big thanks to the Countryman Press team, includingMichaelLevatino,AnneSomlyo,andespeciallyLeAnnaWellerSmithforherbeautifulwork(andpatience),andtoSarahBennett,forallshedoes.

Anespeciallyhuge thanks toAnnTreistmanforherblendervision.Youamazemewithyourinsight,passion,andthoroughness;notreallysurehowyoudoallyoudo—andyou’resuchapleasuretoworkwith.

Iamforeverindebtedtomystaragent,SharonBowers,forherexceptionalguidance.Iadoreyouformanythings,includingyourwickedsenseofhumor.

AnnieKamin,Itrulyappreciatethatyousteppedinanddidwhatittakestogetthings

done;manythanks.NinaWeithorn,Iamwowedbyyourculinaryknowledge,hardwork,andenchantingsmile.

AndtotheprofoundlytalentedJustinLanier,whowasmycollaboratorandpartnerincrime.YouknowIwillalwayscarryaspecialplaceinmyheartforyou.Ithankyouformakingmyvisionarealitywithyourskillanddetermination.Andaninfiniteamountofthanksgoes tomy family,whostoodbymeevery step (orwhir) along theway.TomybrilliantandbeautifulgirlsAnnaandCamilla:Ithankyouforyourwillingnesstotryallthingsblended, tomodelandhelponset, and tocare—forothersand theworldaroundyou.AndIthankmydearestJimforhisunconditionallove,support,andwit.Iadmireyougreatly.Youmakemyheartsmile24/7.

IndexPagenumberslistedcorrespondtotheprinteditionofthisbook.Youcanuseyour

device’ssearchfunctiontolocateparticulartermsinthetext.

AAguaFresca,WatermelonCucumber,60–61

Aïoli,Basic,113

Almondbutter

ChocolateCoffeeQuinoaCookies,216CoconutAlmondSmoothie,57

Almondflour

flour,recipefor,36LemonSquares,206–7

Almondmilk

CranberryOrangeFrappe,56recipefor,31

AMenergybooster,50–51

Anchochiles

AnchoChileSauce,168inRomescoSauce,201

Anchovies

CaesarSalad,136

Appetizers.SeeDipsandsalsas

Apples

ZucchiniApplemuffins,78

Artichokes

ArtichokeRicottaManicotti,180–81HummuswithArtichokes,112

Arugula

FrenchLentilSalad,143

AsianSlaw,194–95

AutumnSquashandPearSoup,118–19

Avocados

ChocolateMousse,210

CornandAvocadoSalad,138–39inKaleSaladdressing,134RoastedTurkeyBreast,174SimplyGuac,100–101

BBacon

PorkBurgerSliders,150–52

Bananas

BananaCoconutLoaf,79JustBananasIceCream,220–21PumpkinSpiceSmoothie,57StrawberryBananaSmoothie,52–53

BarbecueSauce,Tangy,152

Beansandlegumes

about,22BlackBeanBurgers,160–61FrenchLentilSalad,142–43FudgyGluten-FreeBrownies,208–9HummuswithArtichokes,112RoastedGarlicWhiteBeanDip,103soaking,tipfor,25SpinachChickenEnchiladas,168–69

Beef

SkirtSteakwithChimichurriSauce,175

Beef,ground


Beet(s)

andCarrotJuiceTonic,56andChickpeaBurgers,158–59

Bellpeppers

GreenGazpacho,128–29VeggieSauce,181

Berries

WaffleswithTwo-BerryCoulis,65SeealsoBlueberry(ies);Raspberries;Strawberries

BibbLettucewithGrapefruitShallotVinaigrette,137

BlackBeanBurgers,160–61

Blenderbasics,17–27

kitchenessentials,18,19,22–23kitchentools,27tipsandtricks,24–25

Blenders,purchasing,15

Blendingprocess

healthbenefitsof,12,15versusjuicing,45tipsfor,15,24

Blueberry(ies)

AMenergybooster,50–51BlueberryCheesecakeBites,211Sauce,211Vinaigrette,132–33

Bluecheese

BlueCheeseDip,104inKaleSalad,134–35

Breads

BananaCoconutLoaf,79

Breakfasts,62–79

about,63BananaCoconutLoaf,79BuckwheatWaffles,64–65ChiaSeedPancakes,70–71PoachedEggswithFriedTomatoes,76–77RaspberryFinanciers,72–73SpeltFlourCrêpes,66–67SpinachEggCups,74–75ZucchiniAppleMuffins,78

BroccoliLeekSoup,126

Brownies,FudgyGluten-Free,208–9

Brownriceflour

inQuinoaandButternutSquashBurgers,162–63

BrownRiceMilk,recipefor,31

BuckwheatWaffleswithTwo-BerryCoulis,64–65

Burgers,146–63

about,147BeetandChickpeaBurgers,158–59BlackBeanBurgers,160–61GoatCheeseTurkeyBurgers,153–54LambPitaBurgers,156–57pantipfor,27PorkBurgerSliders,150–52QuinoaandButternutSquashBurgers,162–63SalmonBurgers,148–49

Buttermilk

about,22BuckwheatWaffles,64–65ChaiTeaCakes,214–15ChiaSeedPancakes,70inCilantroButtermilkDressing,139

Butters

CitrusZestButter,90–91WalnutMisoButter,189SeealsoNutbutters,recipesformaking

CCabbage

AsianSlaw,194–95

CaesarSaladwithHomemadeGarlicCroutons,136

Cardamom

PeachCardamomSpread,94–95

CaribbeanShrimpFritterswithSpicyAïoli,166–67

Carrots

AsianSlaw,194–95BeetandCarrotJuiceTonic,56BeetandChickpeaBurgers,158–59CarrotParsnipPuree,192–93Salad,CarrotQuinoa,140–41Salad,Kale,134–35SquashandPearSoup,118–19VeggieSauce,181

Cashewbutter

inChickenTikkaMasala,172–73

recipefor,82–83

Cashews

MushroomPâté,110–11

Cauliflower

CauliflowerFennelSoup,127CreamyCauliflowerMash,198

ChaiTeaCake,214–15

Cheddarcheese

BroccoliLeekSoup,126SpinachChickenEnchiladas,168–69

Cheese.Seespecificcheeses

CheesecakeBites,211

Cherries

AMEnergyBooster,50–51CherryliciousFrozenYogurt,222

ChiaSeedPancakes,70–71

Chicken

ChickenTikkaMasala,172–73ChickenTortillaSoup,122–24EnchiladaswithChileSauce,168–69LemonTarragonChicken,170–71

ChickpeaFlour,recipefor,42

Chickpeas

BeetandChickpeaBurgers,158–59ChickpeaSoup,Spicy,125HummuswithArtichokes,112

Chilepeppers.SeeAnchochiles;Chipotlepeppers;Jalapeñopeppers

Chipotlepeppers

ChipotleSauce,174TomatoandChipotleSalsa,102

Chocolate

ChocolateCoffeeQuinoaCookies,216ChocolateMousse,210Gluten-FreeBrownies,208–9HazelnutSpread,84–85

Chocolate,white

RaspberrySwirlCupcakes,212–13

Cilantro

AnchoChileSauce,168ChickenTortillaSoup,122–24ChimichurriSauce,175CilantroButtermilkDressing,139EdamameDip,105LambPitaBurgers,156–57SimplyGuac,100–101TomatoandChipotleSalsa,102Vietnamese-StyleSummerRolls,184–85

Citrusfruit.SeeLemons;Limes;Oranges

CitrusZestButter,Whipped,90–91

CoconutButter,recipefor,90

CoconutFlour,recipefor,34–35

Coconutmilk

CoconutAlmondSmoothie,57IndianSpicedSpinach,197PumpkinSpiceSmoothie,57recipefor,32SweetPeachIceCream,223

Coconutoil

about,19ChocolateCoffeeQuinoaCookies,216IndianSpicedSpinach,197RaspberrySwirlCupcakes,212–13

Coconuts

BananaCoconutLoaf,79CoconutCrusts,LimeTartletswith,204–5

Coconutwater

AMEnergyBooster,50–51BeetandCarrotJuiceTonic,56

Coffee

ChocolateCoffeeQuinoaCookies,216

Condensedmilk,sweetened

RoastedStrawberryIceCream,218–19

Condiments

BasicAïoli,113ParmesanGremolata,127QuickPickledCukesas,148

Cookies,ChocolateCoffeeQuinoa,216

Coriander

ChickenTikkaMasala,172–73ChickenTortillaSoup,122–24TangyBarbecueSauce,152

Corn

andAvocadoSalad,138–39FreshCornCakes,198SpinachChickenEnchiladas,168–69

Cornmeal

WhiteCornmeal,recipefor,43

Corntortillas

ChickenTortillaSoup,122–24SpinachChickenEnchiladas,168–69

Cranberry(ies)

CranberryOrangeFrappe,56Relish,177

Creamcheese

CheesecakeBites,211RaspberryCreamCheeseFrosting,213

Crêpes,SpeltFlour,66–67

Croutons,Garlic,136

Cucumbers

CucumberTzatziki,109GreenGazpacho,128–29QuickPickledCukes,148RevitalizingRawGreenJuice,54–55Vietnamese-StyleSummerRolls,184–85WatermelonCucumberAguaFresca,60–61

Cumin

BarbecueSauce,152ChickenEnchiladas,168–69

ChickenTortillaSoup,122–23ChipotleSauce,174CucumberTzatziki,109IndianSpicedSpinach,197LambPitaBurgers,156–57

Cupcakes,RaspberrySwirl,212–13

DDates

ChocolateMousse,210CoconutAlmondSmoothie,57Gluten-FreeBrownies,208–9

Desserts,202–23

about,203BlueberryCheesecakeBites,211ChaiTeaCake,214–15CherryliciousFrozenYogurt,222ChocolateCoffeeQuinoaCookies,216ChocolateMousse,210EasyWhippedCream,217Gluten-FreeBrownies,208–9Gluten-FreeRaspberrySwirlCupcakes,212–13IceCream,JustBananas,220–21IceCream,RoastedStrawberry,218–19IceCream,SweetPeach,223LemonSquares,206–7LimeTartlets,204–5

Dijonmustard

about,23indressing,forChoppedKaleSalad,133–35HerbVinaigrette,144–45SpicyAïoli,167

Dill

CucumberTzatziki,109

Dipsandsalsas,96–113

about,97BasicAïoli,113BlueCheeseDip,104CucumberTzatziki,109HummuswithArtichokes,112

MushroomPâté,110–11RoastedGarlicWhiteBeanDip,103Salsa,PineappleMango,99Salsa,TomatoandChipotle,102SimplyGuac,100–101Super-EasyEdamameDip,105

Drinks,44–61

AMEnergyBooster,50–51BeetandCarrotJuiceTonic,56CoolMintSlush,46–47Frappe,CranberryOrange,56Juice,PineappleGinger,58–59Juice,RevitalizingRawGreen,54–55MangoandGreekYogurtFreeze,48–49Smoothie,CoconutAlmond,57Smoothie,PumpkinSpice,57Smoothie,StrawberryBanana,52–53WatermelonCucumberAguaFresca,60–61

EEdamameDip,Super-Easy,105

EggplantPuree,190

Eggs

BasicAïoli,113CaesarSalad,136CreamyTarragonSauce,inPoachedEggs,77Poached,withFriedTomatoes,76–77SpeltFlourCrêpes,66–67SpinachEggCups,74–75

Endive

SpinachSalad,132–33

FFatsandoils,about,19

Fennel

CauliflowerFennelSoup,127

Fetacheese

inEggplantPureetopping,190FrenchLentilSalad,142–43

Flours,gluten-free.SeeNutflours,recipesformaking

Flours,wholegrain.SeeOat flour;Whitewholewheat flour;Wholewheat flour, recipefor

Freezeressentials,18

FrenchGreenBeanswithWalnutMisoButter,188–89

FrenchLentilSaladwithRoastedTomatoVinaigrette,143

FreshPineappleMangoSalsa,99

Frostingsandglazes

glaze,forChaiTeaCakes,214RaspberryCreamCheeseFrosting,213

Frozentreats

CherryliciousFrozenYogurt,222JustBananasIceCream,220–21`StrawberryIceCream,218–19SweetPeachIceCream,223

Fruitspreads,90–95

about,81CardamomPeach,94–95CitrusZestButter,90–91QuickStrawberry,92–93

FudgyGluten-FreeBrownies,208–9

GGarammasala

ChickenTikkaMasala,172–73IndianSpicedSpinach,197

Garlic

BarbecueSauce,152ChipotleSauce,174GarlicCroutons,136RoastedGarlicWhiteBeanDip,103RomescoSauce,201

Gazpacho,Green,128–29

Gingerroot

ChickenTikkaMasala,172–73IndianSpicedSpinach,197PeanutDippingSauce,185PineappleGingerJuice,58–59PineappleMangoSalsa,99

Glazes.SeeFrostingsandglazes

Gluten-freeflourrecipes

BuckwheatWaffles,64–65ChocolateCoffeeQuinoaCookies,216FudgyBrownies,208–9RaspberrySwirlCupcakes,212–13

Gluten-freeflours.SeeNutflours,recipesformaking

Goatcheese

FreshCornCakes,199SpinachSalad,132–33TurkeyBurgers,153

Grains

about,22,25tipforsoaking,25

Greekyogurt

CherryliciousFrozenYogurt,222CucumberTzatziki,109MangoandGreekYogurtFreeze,48–49SeealsoYogurt,plain

Greenbeans

FrenchGreenBeanswithWalnutMisoButter,188–89

GreenGazpacho,128–29

Gruyèrecheese

SpinachEggCups,74–75

Guacamole,100–101

HHazelnuts

HazelnutSpread,84–85RomescoSauce,201

Healthbenefits

ofblending,12,15forfatsandoils,19inphytonutrients,187

Hempseedmilk

recipefor,32StrawberryBananaSmoothie,52–53

Hempseeds

AMEnergyBooster,50–51

HerbedCarrot-ParsnipPuree,192–93

HerbedGoatCheeseTurkeyBurgers,153–54

Herbsandspices,about,23

Seealsospecificherbsandspices

HerbVinaigrette,144–45

Honey,about,23

IIceCream

JustBananas,220–21RoastedStrawberry,218–19SweetPeach,223

Ingredients,purchasing,19

JJalapeñopeppers

BlackBeanBurgers,160–61CornCakes,198PineappleMangoSalsa,99SimplyGuac,100–101

Juicingversusblending,45

JustBananasIceCream,220–21

KKale

AMEnergyBooster,50–51KaleSalad,134–35andPotatoSoup,120–21

Ketchup

TangyBarbecueSauce,152

Kielbasasausage

KaleandPotatoSoup,120–21

LLamb,ground

LambPitaBurgers,156–57

Leeks

BroccoliLeekSoup,126SpringPeaSoup,116–17

Lemons

ChimichurriSauce,175CoolMintSlush,46–47dressing,inKaleSalad,134LemonSquares,Tart,206–7LemonTarragonChicken,170–71ParmesanGremolata,127

LentilSalad,143

Lettuce.Seespecificlettuces

Limes

LimeTartletswithCoconutCrusts,204–5PineappleMangoSalsa,98–99SimplyGuac,100–101SpicyAïoli,167Vietnamese-StyleSummerRolls,184–85

MMaindishes,164–85

about,165CaribbeanShrimpFritters,166–67Chicken,LemonTarragon,170–71ChickenEnchiladaswithAnchoChileSauce,168–69ChickenTikkaMasala,172–73ManicottiwithVeggieSauce,180–81PorkTenderloinwithCranberryRelish,176–77SkirtSteakwithChimichurriSauce,175SpinachPestoSaucewithRigatoni,178–79TurkeyBreast,Roasted,174Vietnamese-StyleSummerRolls,184–85

Mangoes

andGreekYogurtFreeze,48–49PineappleMangoSalsa,99

ManicottiwithVeggieSauce,180–81

MaplePecanButter,86

Maplesyrup,23

CranberryRelish,177

SweetPeachIceCream,223

MarinatedPorkTenderloinwithCranberryRelish,176–77

Mascarponecheese

LimeTartlets,204–5

Mayonnaise

BasicAïoli,113

Milks,about,22

Mint

CoolMintSlush,46–47LambPitaBurgers,156–57PineappleMangoSalsa,99SpringPeaSoup,116–17Vietnamese-StyleSummerRolls,184–85

Misopaste

EdamameDip,105WalnutMisoButter,189

Mozzarellacheese

PestoSaucewithRigatoni,178–79

Muffins,ZucchiniApple,78


Mustard.SeeDijonmustard

NNoodles,rice

SummerRollswithPeanutDippingSauce,182–85

Nutbutters,recipesformaking,82–90

about,81CreamyCashew,82–83MaplePecan,86RichCoconut,90SmoothAlmond,88–89Spread,ChocolateHazelnut,84–85SweetPistachio,87SeealsoAlmondbutter;Cashewbutter

Nutflours,recipesformaking,34–43

about,29Almond,36–37

Chickpea,42Coconut,34–35Oat,40–41Quinoa,42WhiteCornmeal,43WhiteRice,43SeealsoAlmondflour;Oatflour;Quinoaflour

Nutmilks,recipesformaking,30–33

about,22,29AlmondMilk,31BrownRiceMilk,31CoconutMilk,32HempSeedMilk,32tipfor,27SeealsoAlmondmilk;Coconutmilk;Hempseedmilk

Nutsandseeds

about,22tipsforsoaking,25Seealsospecificnutsandseeds

OOatflour

BeetandChickpeaBurgers,158–59Gluten-FreeBrownies,208–9recipefor,40TurkeyBurgers,153–54

Oats,rolled

ChocolateCoffeeQuinoaCookies,216

Oilsandfats,about,19

OldBayseasoning

ShrimpFritters,166–67

Oliveoil

about,19BasicAïoli,113BlueberryVinaigrette,133dressing,inCaesarSalad,136GrapefruitShallotVinaigrette,137HerbVinaigrette,144–45SpinachPestoSauce,178

Onions

AnchoChileSauce,168

Onions,red

BeetandChickpeaBurgers,158–59BlackBeanBurgers,160–61FrenchLentilSalad,143PorkBurgerSliders,151–52SimplyGuac,100–101

Onions,sweet

TangyBarbecueSauce,152

Oranges

BeetandCarrotJuiceTonic,58CitrusZestButter,90–91CranberryOrangeFrappe,56inCranberryRelish,177inPorkTenderloinmarinade,176

Oregano

ChimichurriSauce,175HerbVinaigrette,144–45

PPancakes,ChiaSeed,70–71

Pantryessentials,18

Parmesancheese

ManicottiwithVeggieSauce,180–81ParmesanGremolata,127QuinoaandButternutSquashBurgers,162–63SpinachPestoSauce,178

Parsnips

Carrot-ParsnipPuree,192–93

Pasta

ManicottiwithVeggieSauce,180–81PestoSaucewithRigatoni,178–79

Pâté,Mushroom,110–11

Peach(es)

IceCreamwithGlazedPecans,223PeachCardamomSpread,94–95

PeanutButter

PeanutDippingSauce,185

Peanutoil,about,19

Pears

SquashandPearSoup,118–19

Peas

GreenGazpacho,128–29SpringPeaSoup,116–17

Pecans

Glazed,223MaplePecanButter,86SpinachSalad,132–33

Peppers,green.SeeBellpeppers

Peppers,hot.SeeAnchochiles;Chipotlepeppers;Jalapeñopeppers

Peppers,red

inRomescoSauce,201

Phyticacid,25

Phytonutrients,187

PickledCukes,Quick,148

Pineapples

BananaCoconutLoaf,79PinappleGingerJuice,58–59PineappleMangoSalsa,99

Pinenuts

KaleSalad,134–35SpinachPestoSauce,178

PistachioButter,Sweet,87


PorkTenderloinwithCranberryRelish,176–77

Potato(es)

BroccoliLeekSoup,126-KaleSoup,120–21

Producebinessentials,18

PumpkinSpiceSmoothie,57

QQuinoa

andButternutSquashBurgers,162–63CarrotQuinoaSalad,140–41

Quinoaflour

ChocolateCoffeeQuinoaCookies,216recipefor,42

RRadishes

ChoppedKaleSalad,134–35

Raspberries

RaspberryCreamCheeseFrosting,213RaspberrySwirlCupcakes,212–13Two-BerryCoulis,65

RawGreenJuice,54–55

Refrigeratoressentials,18

Riceflour,brown

QuinoaandButternutSquashBurgers,162–63

RiceFlour,White,recipefor,43

Ricewinevinegar

AsianSlaw,194–95PeanutDippingSauce,185

Ricottacheese

CheesecakeBites,211FreshCornCakes,198ManicottiwithVeggieSauce,180–81SpinachEggCups,74–75

Ricottasalata

inBibbLettucesalad,137

RoastedGarlicWhiteBeanDip,103

RoastedRootVeggieswithRomescoSauce,200–201

RoastedTurkeyBreastwithChipotleSauce,174

Romainelettuce

ClassicCaesarSalad,136

RomescoSauce,201

RootVeggieswithRomescoSauce,200–201

Rosemary

CranberryRelish,177GrapefruitShallotVinaigrette,137ParmesanGremolata,127inPorkTenderloinmarinade,176RoastedGarlicWhiteBeanDip,103

SSaladdressings

about,130BlueCheeseDipas,104CilantroButtermilk,139SeealsoVinaigrettes

Salad(s),130–45

about,130BibbLettuce,withGrapefruitShallotVinaigrette,137Caesar,withGarlicCroutons,136CarrotQuinoaSalad,140–41ChoppedKaleSalad,134–35FrenchLentil,withRoastedTomatoVinaigrette,143Spinach,withBlueberryVinaigrette,132–33SummerCornandAvocadoSalad,138–39

SalmonBurgerswithQuickPickledCukes,148–49

Sandwichspreads,dipsas,97

Sauce(s)

AnchoChileSauce,168Barbecue,152BasicAïoli,113Chimichurri,175Chipotle,174CreamyTarragon,77CucumberTzatziki,109EggplantPureeas,190PeanutDippingSauce,185Romesco,201SimpleBlueberry,211Sneak-It-InVeggie,181SpicyAïoli,167

SpinachPesto,178Two-BerryCoulis,65

Sausage,Kielbasa

KaleandPotatoSoup,120–21

Scallions

AsianSlaw,194–95inCarrotQuinoaSaladdressing,140FreshCornCakes,198

Seeds.SeeNutsandseeds

Sesameoil

inCarrotQuinoaSaladdressing,140EdamameDip,105PeanutDippingSauce,185WalnutMisoButter,189

Shallots

inGrapefruitShallotVinaigrette,137HerbVinaigrette,144–45MushroomPâté,110–11

ShrimpFritters,166–67

SkirtSteakwithChimichurriSauce,175

Smoothie(s)

AMEnergyBooster,50–51CoconutAlmond,57icecubetraytipfor,27yPumpkinSpice,57StrawberryBanana,52–53

Soup(s),114–29

about,115AutumnSquashandPear,118–19BroccoliLeek,126CauliflowerFennel,127ChickenTortillaSoup,122–24GreenGazpacho,128–29KaleandPotato,120–21SpicyChickpea,125SpringPea,116–17

Sourcream

BlueCheeseDip,104

Soysauce

PeanutDippingSauce,185

Speltflour

Crêpes,66–67ZucchiniAppleMuffins,78

Spinach

IndianSpicedSpinach,197ManicottiwithVeggieSauce,180–81RawGreenJuice,54–55SaladwithBlueberryVinaigrette,132–33SpinachChickenEnchiladas,168–69SpinachEggCups,74–75SpinachPestoSaucewithRigatoni,178–79

Spreads.SeeFruitspreads;Nutbutters,recipesformaking

Spreads,savory


SpringPeaSoup,116–17

Squash,summer.SeeZucchini

Squash,winter

AutumnSquashandPearSoup,118–19QuinoaandButternutSquashBurgers,162–63

Strawberries

RoastedStrawberryIceCream,218–19StrawberryBananaSmoothies,52–53StrawberrySpread,Quick,92–93WaffleswithTwo-BerryCoulis,65

Sugar,darkbrown

BananaCoconutLoaf,79ChocolateCoffeeQuinoaCookies,216ZucchiniAppleMuffins,78

Sugar,lightbrown

inglaze,forChaiTeaCakes,214

Sugar,organiccane,about,23

SummerCornandAvocadoSalad,138–39

Sweeteners,about,22–23

Sweetpotatoes

ZestyBlackBeanBurgers,160–61

Swisschard

RevitalizingRawGreenJuice,54–55

TTahini

inCarrotQuinoaSaladdressing,140HummuswithArtichokes,112

Tarragon

HerbVinaigrette,144–45LemonTarragonChicken,170–71SpringPeaSoup,116–17TarragonSauce,Creamy,77

Tartlets,Lime,withCoconutCrusts,204–5

Thyme

Carrot-ParsnipPuree,192–93HerbVinaigrette,144–45MushroomPâté,110–11

TikkaMasala,Chicken,172–73

Tomatoes,canned

ChickenTortillaSoup,122–24fire-roasted,inAnchoChileSauce,168fire-roasted,inRomescoSauce,201fire-roasted,inVeggieSauce,181SpicyChickpeaSoup,125

Tomatoes,fresh

inChickenTikkaMasalasauce,173guacamole,SimplyGuac,100–101LentilSaladwithRoastedTomatoVinaigrette,143PestoSaucewithRigatoni,178–79PoachedEggswithFriedTomatoes,76–77TomatoandChipotleSalsa,102

Tools,kitchen,27

Topping(s)

CardamomPeachSpreadas,94–95GlazedPecans,223Two-BerryCoulis,65SeealsoSauce(s)

Tortillas.SeeCornTortillas

TurkeyBurgers,153–54

Two-BerryCoulis,65

TzatzikiSauce,109

VVanillabeans


Vegetables,186–201

about,187AsianSlaw,194–95Carrot-ParsnipPuree,Herbed,193CauliflowerMash,Creamy,198EggplantPuree,Baked,190–91FrenchGreenBeanswithWalnutMisoButter,188–89FreshCornCakes,198preparing,tipfor,24RoastedRootVeggies,200–201Spinach,IndianSpiced,197ZucchiniFries,Crispy,196Seealsospecificvegetables

Vinaigrettes

BlueberryVinaigrette,132–33Go-ToHerbVinaigrette,144–45GrapefruitShallot,137HerbVinaigrette,144–45RoastedTomatoVinaigrette,143SeealsoSaladdressings

Vinegars,about,22

WWalnutMisoButter,189

Watercress

SalmonBurgers,148–49

WatermelonCucumberAguaFresca,60–61

WhippedCream,Easy,217

WhiteCornmeal,recipefor,43

WhiteRiceFlour

RaspberrySwirlCupcakes,212–13recipefor,43

Whitewholewheatflour

BananaCoconutLoaf,79ChiaPancakes,70–71LemonSquares,206–7recipefor,39ZucchiniAppleMuffins,78

WholeWheatFlour,recipefor,39

XXanthangum


YYogurt,plain

insauceforChickenTikkaMasala,172–73SeealsoGreekyogurt

ZZucchini

GreenGazpacho,128–29VeggieSauce,181ZucchiniAppleMuffins,78ZucchiniFries,196

Copyright©2015byRebeccaFfrench

Photographs©JustinLanier

DesignbyLeAnnaWellerSmith

Allrightsreserved.Nopartofthisbookmaybereproducedinanyformorbyanyelectronicormechanicalmeansincludinginformationstorageandretrievalsystemswithoutpermissioninwritingfromthepublisher,exceptbyareviewer,whomayquotebriefpassages.

ISBN:978-1-581-57295-7

ISBN:978-1-581-57605-4(e-book)

PublishedbyTheCountrymanPress,P.O.Box748,Woodstock,VT05091

DistributedbyW.W.Norton&Company,Inc.,500FifthAvenue,NewYork,NY10110

TheUltimateBlenderCookbook

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