I Can't Believe It's Vegetarian Chili + BHM Virtual Potluck

Am I alone in amazement that we are literally saying goodbye to January already?! Nonetheless here we are heading into February with no signs of time slowing down to allow for anything other.  Be that as it may, I'm inviting us to slow down as often as possible, release "hurry mode", and intentionally embrace the simple and grand moments that make up life.

As you might have guessed by now, hearty, comfort food is one of my favorite ways to settle in and take a load off.  And when you're talking good for you x good to you fare, it doesn't get much better than this.  Enter one of my favorite dishes, chili--with a vegetarian twist.  For this dish, I'm not referring to my Spicy Three Bean Chili.  Instead, I'm talking about a meatless version that mimics all the heartiness, texture and um-um goodness and flavor of your favorite turkey or beef chili.  Are you excited yet?

If I hadn't made it myself, I would have been hard pressed to believe that this was a truly meatless dish, because it gives off the exact texture and look of the chili of my childhood (grandmama's beef chili) and my favorite turkey chili I make most often these days. I don't know about you, but I call that a win-win, especially for those of us currently working on our summer bodies. ;)

With the ease of nothing more than adding meatless crumbles to my typical chili base, it was quicker, easier--and just as delicious--as my original recipe. Finish with a garnish of creamy avocado slices, peppery jalapenos, bright and fragrant cilantro, a generous splash of citrus, and whatever else you please, to take it over the top.  And don't just take my word for it.  I want you to make. it. and then tell me you're as thrilled as I am to add this to the vegetarian repertoire you never knew you wanted.

And because chili has always been a staple in my food story--from childhood until now--I'm excited to be sharing this recipe as a part of the Black History Month Virtual Potluck, now in its fourth year.  In case you're wondering, it's a wonderful collection of recipes, stories, and heritage, that showcase black culture through the lenses of cuisine and storytelling, as shared by black food bloggers throughout Black History Month (translation: it's really something special.)  *Grab the full list of BHM Potluck 2020 recipes and bloggers following the recipe below.

Enjoy... and Happy Eating! 

I Can't Believe It's Vegetarian Chili
Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 bell peppers, diced

1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes

1 8-ounce can tomato sauce

12 oz. water

1 ½ tablespoons chili powder

1 tablespoon cumin

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

2 15oz. can chili beans

1 package of Meatless Crumbles (I used Gardein's)

Several splashes of Tabasco sauce (optional)

Sliced avocados, limes, jalapenos, and chopped cilantro, for garnish 

Method:

Preheat olive oil in a heavy bottomed pot under medium heat.  Add the onion, bell pepper and ½ teaspoon salt.  Cook until vegetables begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes.  Add in garlic and cook for another minute. 

Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, spices and seasonings, 1 teaspoon salt and Tabasco, if using.  Stir until mixed thoroughly and bring to a slight boil.  Cover, reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add in meatless crumbles and beans and cook for an additional five to ten minutes.  Garnish, serve and enjoy!

Black History Month Virtual Potluck, 2020

Beautiful Eats & Things | Honey Herb Roasted Sweet Potatoes | vegetarian

D.M.R. Fine Foods |Vegetarian Chili | vegetarian

Dash of Jazz |Vegan Buttermilk Biscuits with Spiced Pear Compote | vegan

Dish it with Tisha | Mushroom and Okra Po' Boy |vegetarian

Domestic Dee |Dirty Rice |vegan

Food Fidelity |Vegan Curry Cauliflower | vegan

Kenneth Temple |Wakanda Cake | vegan

Marisa Moore Nutrition |Spicy Black-Eyed Pea Fritters | vegan

Meiko and the Dish | Cajun Shrooms & Grits | vegetarian

Rosalynn Daniels | Vegan Bread Pudding | vegan

Savory Thoughts | Haitian Black Rice (Diri Djon Djon) | vegan

The Hungry Hutch | Vegetarian Southern-Style Collard Greens | Vegan

Whisk it Real Gud | Vegan Jollof Rice | vegan

A Little Food | Southern Sweet Fried Corn | vegan

AGirlCalledAdri | Pound Cake | vegetarian

Baum Ass Foods | Slow Cooked Black-eyed Peas + Greens | vegan

Collards Are the Old Kale | Red Beans and Tri-Color Quinoa | vegetarian

FoodLoveTog | Black-Eyed Pea Hummus | vegetarian

Her Mise En Place | Rice Pudding | vegetarian

Kalisha Blair | Yeasted Cornmeal Dinner Rolls | vegetarian

Kenya Rae | Sweet potato Biscuits | vegetarian

On Ty’s Plate | Collard Greens Salad with Orange Vinaigrette | vegetarian

Orchids + Sweet Tea | Banana Cake + Cinnamon Browned Butter Buttercream | vegan

Razzle Dazzle Life | Roasted Garlic White Veggie Lasagna | vegetarian

Sweet Tea and Thyme Sweet Potato Casserole with Brown Sugar Topping | vegetarian

Orchids + Sweet Tea | Southerner's Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bites | vegetarian

Marisa Moore Nutrition | Crispy Roasted Okra with Peanut Sauce | vegan

Kenneth Temple | Vegan File Gumbo | vegan

Meiko and the Dish | Sweet Potato Pancakes | vegetarian

 

 

Sweet Potato Chowder

Hearty root vegetables are a staple in my cooler weather recipes.  And one that tends to be in heavier rotation and stand out from the crowd in my kitchen is the good to you, good for you sweet potato.  I mean, what's not to like love about this superstar ingredient?  With health benefits galore and the knack for tasting really good no matter how you fix it, I took my sweet potato affections to another level recently and decided upon a luscious, decadent Sweet Potato Chowder.

The delightful thing about this chowder is that it comes together easily (I love a good homemade soup, stew and chowder) and tastes quite good.  And here's the reason for that: it's flavored with curry, which lends both phenomenal taste and color, coconut milk, and has a slight (not overbearing in case you're dubious) hint of spicy kick from chipotle in adobo.  Combined with the sweet, hearty potatoes and other flavorings,  it's a chowder worth making and savoring again and again.

As the cooler weather and holiday season unfold, this is one dish you'll want in your repertoire for certain.  Go ahead and make it...and thank me later.

Happy Eating!

Sweet Potato Chowder
Ingredients:
5-6 large sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 large onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons mild curry powder
1 chipotle pepper in adobo, diced
2 teaspoons kosher salt (plus more to taste, as needed)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 quart chicken broth
1 can coconut milk
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Sour cream (optional)

Method:
Heat oil in a large soup pot or dutch oven.  Add onion and cook until they begin to soften slightly (about 2-3 minutes).  Add in garlic and curry and cook until onions become softened and translucent (another 3-4 minutes).  Add in potatoes, chipotle, salt, pepper, broth and coconut milk.  Stir to combine well.  Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 20 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender. 

Ladle 3 cups of soup mixture into a blender and puree.  Add pureed soup back into pot, stir to combine and taste for seasoning.  Garnish with fresh parsley and a swirl of sour cream (optional).  Serve warm and enjoy!

 (Cook's Note: Recipe can be made ahead and stored in airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before reheating and serving.) 

Adapted from Better Homes and Gardens

Roasted Red Peppers and Cherry Tomatoes with Goat Cheese

Tomato season is finally here--and if that excites you as much as it does me, then you'll be happy to add a simple, but superbly fresh and delicious recipe to your Summer eats rotation.  Vibrant, roasted red peppers provide the perfect canvas for ripe cherry tomatoes, sweet basil, tangy goat cheese and other savory flavorings.

The tastes of Summer are on full display in this simple, yet scrumptious, salad.

Happy Eating!

Roasted Red Peppers and Cherry Tomatoes with Goat Cheese

(Recipe adapted from Bon Appetit)

 

Ingredients:

• 4 red bell peppers, halved, seeds and ribs removed
• 6 oil-packed anchovy fillets, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 cup basil leaves, divided
• Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
• 2 tablespoons plus ⅓ cup olive oil
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

Method:

• Preheat oven to 375°. Place bell peppers, skin side down, in a shallow baking dish and top with anchovies and garlic. Tear ¼ cup basil leaves over top, season with kosher salt and black pepper, and drizzle with 2 Tbsp. oil. Bake until peppers are tender but still hold their shape and are slightly charred around edges, 35–45 minutes. Let cool.

• Meanwhile, blend remaining ¾ cup basil and remaining ⅓ cup oil in a blender until smooth; season basil oil with kosher salt and black pepper. 

• Arrange bell peppers on a platter. Top with tomatoes, goat cheese, and more basil, then drizzle with basil oil and season with sea salt and black pepper.
   
   

 

Pasta Primavera

This past weekend looked and felt like Spring.  And as much as I endeavor to enjoy each season fully, I can't deny that it made me wish for winter to hurry along so that the milder, sun-kissed days could settle in for good.

The infectious nature went beyond the weather and drifted into my kitchen--and the result was my favorite rendition of Pasta Primavera ("Spring Pasta" in Italian).  My take abandons the typical cream-laden dish and instead serves up bountiful fresh, vibrant vegetables that stand deliciously on their own.  Accents of Italian dried herbs, sun dried tomatoes and Parmesan infuse extra decadence--and robust flavor--that makes for a dish you'll want to savor throughout Spring--and beyond.

This dish was a hit at my Spring Pop-Up Cooking School last year--and I trust you'll find it to be a welcomed addition to your spring eating repertoire.

Happy Eating!

Pasta Primavera
Ingredients:
1 lb. linguine (or pasta of choice)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 onion, diced
1 tablespoon Herbs de Provence
1 bunch of asparagus tips
1 zucchini, sliced
1 yellow squash, sliced
3 carrots, peeled and chopped
1/3 cup sun dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 pint cherry tomatoes
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
Grated Parmesan, to taste

Method:
Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or saute pan.  Add onions to the pan and season lightly with salt and pepper.  Saute until they begin to soften and become translucent, about 4 minutes.  Add in garlic and herbs an saute for another minute.  Add in vegetables, except the cherry and sun dried tomatoes, and season lightly with a sprinkling of salt and pepper.  Cook until the vegetables begin to soften and become tender, about 7-10 minutes.  Remove mixture from pan and pour into a large bowl.  Stir in sun dried and cherry tomatoes and set aside.

Meanwhile, as the vegetables are cooking, bring a large pot of water to a boil and season liberally with salt.  Add in pasta to boiling, salted water and cook according to package instructions.  Drain pasta and reserve pasta water.

Pour pasta into bowl with vegetables and toss to combine, adding in reserved pasta water to moisten, as needed.  Taste for seasoning and garnish generously with Parmesan.  Serve and enjoy!    
Recipe adapted from Giada de Laurentiis 

Summer Corn Salad

Each season brings its bounty of good eats, and Summer is filled with more than its share of my favorites.  From stone fruits, to cool treats, to luscious tomatoes, sweet corn and more, there's just so much to relish.  And speaking of sweet corn, I finally slowed down long enough to make proper use of the fresh ears that had been hanging out in my refrigerator for the last week or so.  

Since I believe in letting stellar ingredients speak for themselves, I took a minimalist approach in bringing together an easy, yet vibrant, corn salad, complemented with juicy tomatoes, roasted okra, and fresh basil leaves for garnish.  Corn, tomatoes, okra and basil.  Sounds like a garden party in a bowl, no?  And, it tastes even better!  

So if you're like me and looking for a delicious way to get your Summer corn fix, then this salad is one you'll want to make, likely again and again.  Make it your own and use as much of the ingredients as you like--then enjoy! 

Happy Eating!

Summer Corn Salad

printable recipe

Ingredients:
Fresh ears of corn
Fresh okra
Plum tomatoes, chopped
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Butter
Fresh basil 
Olive oil
Sherry Vinegar (optional, for finishing)

Method:
Preheat oven to 425 F.

Place okra on a baking sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss to coat.  Roast okra for 20-25 minutes in preheated oven.  Remove and set aside.

While okra is roasting, prepare the corn by removing the husks and silk, and then by carving off the kernels. (Cook's Tip: cut off one end of the corn ear to stabilize it and then stand it upright over a large kitchen towel or bowl to capture the kernels as you carve down the ear.)

In a large skillet, melt butter over a medium heat, toss in corn and saute until corn is softened slightly (about 8-10 minutes).  Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Add corn and okra to a serving bowl and toss to combine.  Add in tomatoes and garnish with fresh basil leaves.  Finish with additional seasoning to taste and a drizzle of sherry vinegar, if using.  Serve and enjoy!

{A Taste of Comfort}: Roasted Vegetable Soup

As the extremely wintry weather continues to make its rounds, I've been keeping the chill at bay with hearty, delicious and comforting bowls of goodness.  And there's nothing quite as warming and satisfying as a bowl of richly flavored and hearty soup to settle me in and make me forget that Jack Frost is just on the other side of the door.

So just in time for the weekend, I'm sharing my recipe for Roasted Vegetable Soup featured on POPSUGAR Food.  Now all that's left to do is kick back, relax, whip it up and enjoy the perfect taste of comfort.

Happy Eating!

Spinach, Pear and Pomegranate Salad

Spinach, Pear and Pomegranate Salad

Over the holidays I was on the hunt for the perfect green salad to bring to the table.  Then I recalled one of my recent Pinterest additions that fit the bill perfectly.  It was a hearty, yet elegant, spinach salad that combined sweet pears, a slight tang (and gorgeous color accent) from pomegranate seeds, blue cheese and walnuts, for one spectacular dish.  

I knew it was the salad that I wanted to prepare and share with family and friends, as well as one that I happily carried over into my permanent salad repertoire.  With a few slight tweaks--I substituted the blue cheese for the goat cheese that I had on hand and made a sherry vinaigrette to dress the dish--it has become a new (and likely perennial) favorite.  

Hearty enough for a satisfying bite during the cold weather, scrumptious enough to merit regular menu appearances--and chocked full of nutrients!--you'll love bringing this dish to your table.

Happy Eating!

Spinach, Pear and Pomegranate Salad -- recipe courtesy of Williams-Sonoma

Sherry Vinaigrette
Ingredients:
1/4 cup sherry vinegar
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1 small shallot, finely diced
1/2 teaspoon honey
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Method:
Whisk together the vinegar, mustard, shallot, honey, and salt and pepper to taste.  Slowly drizzle and whisk in the olive oil.  Drizzle desired amount over salad and toss to coat.  
  

{Homemade}: Gnocchi with Balsamic Brown Butter

I was away from my home kitchen for most of last week, so once the weekend rolled around, I was more than ready to get back to it and take in a good home-cooked meal.  I'd been eyeing a recipe for easy, homemade gnocchi -- that diverged from the traditional potato gnocchi -- and decided to give it a try.  And now that the results are in, I'm glad I did.

I enjoy making homemade pasta, however I had never gotten around to making gnocchi.  So with a full week behind me, and an equally full week ahead of me, I loved the possibility of bringing together a dish that screams "rock star" without any of the fuss you'd expect.

The ingredient list for the pasta recipe read like a dream: ricotta, egg, flour, salt.  That simple.  Now if the results turned out to be solid (aka edible -:) ), I was certain that this would become a go-to staple in my repertoire.   

A quick turn later after making the dough, I begin to pipe it out into hot, boiling, salted water and within minutes, homemade gnocchi was mine for the feasting.  In keeping with my fuss-free, yet delicious, theme, I decided to pair the creamy, pillowy drops with a favorite balsamic brown butter.  I rounded out the dish with toasted walnuts and freshly grated parmigiano for a bit of added crunch and flavor.  

Pleased with the results, I couldn't wait to file this one away for future noshing.  But...not without sharing it with you first.

Happy Eating!

Gnocchi 
by Chef Nemo Bolin of Cook and Brown Public House

Ingredients:
2 cups ricotta
1 large egg
Pinch salt, plus more for seasoning
1/2 cup flour
Method:
Combine ricotta, egg, and a pinch of salt in a food processor. Process until creamy and smooth. Add flour and pulse just enough to incorporate. Transfer dough to a pastry bag or resealable plastic bag. Cut off the tip of the bag leaving a 1/2-inch-wide hole. Working in batches, pipe gnocchi directly into boiling salted water, using a paring knife to cut off segments of dough (see image). 

Cook until nearly doubled in size, 2-3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use right away or freeze on baking sheet until hard and transfer to a resealable plastic freezer bag. (No need to thaw them before using; they’ll reheat in whatever sauce you pair them with.)
 
Balsamic Brown Butter
Recipe courtesy of Giada De Laurentiis

Ingredients:

6 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Method:

In a medium saucepan cook the butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally. When the foam subsides, and the butter begins to turn a golden brown, about 3 minutes, turn off the heat. Let cool for about 1 minute. Stir in the balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.

Combine the gnocchi and balsamic brown butter.  Sprinkle with toasted walnuts, top with freshly grated parmigiano, and enjoy!

 
  

Panzanella Salad

Summer is on the wind-down, but I'm determined to relish the fresh and vibrant tastes it offers until the very end.  Scrumptious, juicy tomatoes, currently in season, play a star role in everything from soups to sauces to salads and makes Summer especially delicious.

Combined with perfectly toasted, golden homemade croutons (what could be better?) and a host of fresh vegetables, herbs and other special touches, a beautiful and classic Italian tomato bread salad, known as Panzanella, is born.

Panzanella is a cinch to make and transports well, making it an ideal dish for al fresco dining, picnics, beach outings and more.  Or, in my case, right in the comfort of my home kitchen.  And it's one more reminder of how delicious Summer can truly be.

Happy Eating!

Panzanella Salad

Ingredients:
Small Ciabatta or other loaf bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 hothouse cucumber, sliced
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
Fresh mint, shredded or torn
Fresh basil, shredded or torn
Red onion, sliced
3 tablespoons olive oil
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Capers, drained
Champagne Vinaigrette

Method:
Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat.  Toss in bread cubes and sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Saute bread until golden and crispy in texture.  

In a large bowl, combine croutons, vegetables, herbs, onion and vinaigrette to taste.  Toss to mix thoroughly.  Serve and enjoy!
Recipe adapted from Ina Garten

   

Spiced Chickpea and Tomato Soup

Spiced Chickpea and Tomato Soup

I don't think you can ever have enough simple, yet satisfying, recipes in your repertoire.  And when they come wrapped as a bright, flavor-full (and figure-friendly) soup, it's a definite win-win. 

Such is the case with this Spiced Chickpea and Tomato Soup recipe.  I've made it before and for all the reasons I shared above, I was keen to make it again.  The chickpea base gives body to the pureed soup, and the tomato and roasted peppers (yes, there are roasted red peppers!) contribute slightly tart and bright flavors, while lending to the silky texture and gorgeous color that result.  

However, I think what most delights me is the spice kick that elevates this dish.  It stems from a savory blend of minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt and ground coriander mixed together to form a paste (see my mortar and pestle action below) and serves as the potent seasoning base for this effortless, yet scrumptious bite.

Garlic-Chile-Coriander Paste in the making

I like to finish by garnishing it with a dollop of Greek yogurt, for a beautiful color (and cooling) contrast, and fresh basil, for a sweet note.  And that's the best note of all in the world of splendid eats.

Happy Eating!

Spiced Chickpea and Tomato Soup

Ingredients: 
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon coarse salt
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 1/2 cups crushed canned tomatoes, with juice
1/2 cup drained jarred roasted red peppers, rinsed
3 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken stock 
Greek yogurt, for serving
Fresh basil, for garnish

Method: 

Using a mortar and pestle, or the back of a spoon, crush garlic, chiles, coriander, and salt to form a paste.

Heat oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add garlic mixture, and cook until just softened, about 3 minutes.

Stir in chickpeas, tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and stock. Simmer, stirring often, for 15 minutes. Let cool slightly. 

Puree soup with an immersion blender or, working in batches, in a standard blender.  Top each serving with a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh basil.  Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Martha Stewart

  

Portobello and Zucchini Tacos

I always keep an eye out for delicious and creative recipes; recipes that excite me, make me salivate (it's true) and ultimately send me to my workshop kitchen to recreate them in eager anticipation of the dish to come.  It's a food story that comes full circle for me often.  Recipe. Ooh, Ahhh. Kitchen. Dish. Enjoy. Recipe Again.

As these stories go, I happily stumbled upon a light, vegetable-laden, and supremely delicious take on one of my favorite foods ever: tacos.  Tacos are so versatile--essentially encasing whatever goodness you can muster between the warm tortilla--and mixing it up with some hearty vegetables, herbs, seasonings, and a few extra adornments, is the perfect spin for a casual and easy dinner.

This recipe, adapted from Martha Stewart, boasts portobello mushrooms that provide a meaty likeness, tender zucchini, red onion, dried oregano and the quintessential staples of salt, pepper and olive oil.  (I also tossed in a red bell pepper for an extra layer of flavor and nutrition.)  Following a stint of oven roasting, the vegetables were done and the tacos were ready for assembly.  I finished some off with sprinkles of feta cheese crumbles (for an extra salty bite) and others with a hearty salsa.

 
These tacos are a simple, yet satisfying, meal that's created another chapter in my never-ending food story.  Now I hope you'll give them a try.

Happy Eating!

Portobello and Zucchini Tacos

Ingredients:
5 medium portobello mushrooms, stems and gills removed, sliced 1/2 inch thick
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 tablespoons olive oil
Coarse salt and ground pepper
4 medium zucchini, sliced
1 medium red onion, halved and sliced 1/4-inch thick
1 red bell pepper, sliced
Tortillas
Feta cheese crumbles
Salsa

Instructions: 
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss mushrooms with 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 tablespoon oil, and 1/4 cup water; season with salt and pepper. On another rimmed baking sheet, toss zucchini, onion and red pepper with remaining teaspoon oregano and tablespoon oil; season with salt and pepper.

Place both sheets in oven. Roast, tossing occasionally, until vegetables are browned and fork-tender, 25 to 30 minutes (zucchini may cook faster than mushrooms).

Meanwhile, in a small skillet over medium-high heat, warm tortillas according to package instructions (they should be lightly browned but still soft). Wrap loosely in a clean kitchen towel to keep warm.

To serve, fill each tortilla with mushrooms, vegetable mixture, cheese crumbles, and/or salsa.  Enjoy!

{Cook's Note: To clean portobellos, snap off stem, then use a small spoon to gently scrape (then discard) the dark gills from the inside of the cap.}
Recipe adapted from Martha Stewart
 

 

Vegetable & Herb Frittata

What can I say about a frittata?  For starters, this Italian-style omelet, as it's been referred to, is one of the most versatile dishes (think breakfast, lunch, brunch and breakfast for dinner), the perfect canvas for vegetables, herbs, meats and cheeses, and translates beautifully for entertaining a crowd or your own private indulgence.  Oh, and, I'm a fan.

As easy to pull together as grabbing whatever you have on hand in the fridge (exactly what I did for this recipe), a frittata  cooks up with very little fuss, while yielding what I find to be one of the best egg preparations around.  Eggs + filling + technique = another great recipe for your mornings, afternoons, evenings, or whenever you're simply in the mood.

Happy Eating!

Vegetable and Herb Frittata
Servings: 2*

Ingredients:
4 large eggs, plus one large egg white
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 shallot, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Splash of milk
3 dashes of hot sauce (optional) 

Preheat oven broiler.

Combine eggs, Parmesan, a generous sprinkling of salt and pepper, milk and hot sauce in a bowl and beat eggs with a fork until well blended.  Set aside.

Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat, add pepper and shallot and cook to soften (about 2-3 minutes).  Pour eggs over the vegetable mixture and tilt pan to distribute eggs evenly over the mixture and around the surface of the pan.  Continue cooking until edges become browned and the center is slightly set.  Sprinkle on some parsley and put under the broiler for one and a half minutes (watching carefully to avoid burning!).

Remove from broiler when top is lightly browned and set.  Finish with another sprinkling of parsley.  Cut into wedges, serve and enjoy! 

(*Cook's Note: You can easily increase the servings by increasing the number of eggs in the recipe.)