Our First Strawberry Harvest of the Year

Freezing Basil: A Pinterest Success!

I have seen a number of pins floating around Pinterest about freezing fresh herbs.  My husband and I often buy basil, use a little in a dish, and put the rest in the fridge.  By the time we think of using it again, the basil has started turning brown and is no longer useful.  We used to make pesto and freeze it in ice cube trays, but we are trying to cut down on fat in our diet, and pesto is full of oil and fatty nuts.  So the idea of freezing basil without oil was very appealing, although I was unsure that it would actually work.

Well, now I know for sure.  This works like a charm.  Here are the directions that I followed.  It's really a very easy process.

1.  Chop basil

2.  Put basil in ice cube tray, spreading it evenly between the cubes

3.  Fill ice cube tray with water

4.  Put in freezer

5.  Once frozen, the basil cubes can be removed from the tray and stored in a freezer bag.  

We used a cube in some tomato sauce for a spaghetti dinner.  It was amazing!  Thank you Pinterest :)

Berry Waffles: A Pinterest Success!

Recipe:  Belgian Waffles
Modifications: I used whole wheat flour, soy milk, and added strawberries and blueberries to the batter.
Verdict:  A-May-Zing!

This was my first time making waffles completely from scratch.  I think my favorite part was beating the egg whites.  I have never done that before.  These waffles were so delicious!

Chickpea Cauliflower Curry

Here is one of my favorite recipes, a hearty Indian inspired stew flavored with curry powder.  This makes a great, quick meal that is not very high in calories or fat, but packs a flavor punch.  I hope you like as much as my hubby and I do.

Recipe:  My own

Verdict:  Yummy!

1 can of chickpeas
1 can of tomato sauce
1/2 head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized piees
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 teaspoon Liquid Aminos
1 teaspoon Srirachi sauce
2/3 cup frozen peas
Salt and pepper to taste
Crushed garlic, to taste

Combine all ingredients together in a saucepan.  Cook over medium heat, until cauliflower is tender.  Adjust seasoning as necessary.  Serve with pita bread.