Tag: craisins

Gluten-Free, Salad, Side, Vegetarian

Breezing through a Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad

Annie

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Bet you can’t guess where I found my inspiration for my Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Pistachios and Cranberries recipe — Pinterest (obviously). I’ve come to like Brussels sprouts. For Thanksgiving at my dad’s parents’ house, I would go to their garden, bursting with late fall veggies, and my task would be to pick the Brussels sprouts to have for Thanksgiving dinner. Of course I would painstakingly pick them, but I would never eat them; I didn’t even get to enjoy my labors then, but I love this salad; it’s light, different, innovative and totally tasty. I made a few changes — I served this raw instead of cooking everything in a skillet. I like the crunch and flavor of the Brussels sprouts this way. Plus, transforming them from their solid form to a shaved one, you wouldn’t know you’re eat Brussels sprouts. For some color, my mom thought shredded carrots would make a nice addition. The pistachios are a decadent and unusual crunch, the parmesan — flavor and the craisins and fig balsamic (a local purchase from Ithaca) — a needed sweetness to combat and balance the salad’s earth tones.

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Dairy-Free, Dessert, Gluten-Free, Snack, Vegetarian

Luscious Lemon Cranberry Cookies

Annie

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You’d never know these Lemon Cranberry Cookies were lacking butter. Made with some coconut flour, applesauce and agave, they’re citrusy, so yummy and just the perfect after dinner dessert. Their consistency would also go well with a cup of coffee or tea. I whipped these up along with the Bang Bang Cauliflower, when we had our family friends over for dinner, back from their southern hiatus. Not tart, but also not too sweet, these cookies are perfectly balanced. I might have to add them to my holiday cookie line-up. You can’t have just one.

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Breakfast/Brunch, Dairy-Free, Dessert, Gluten-Free, Low Sugar, Snack, Vegan, Vegetarian

Bite-size “Granola” Bars

Annie

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I could eat these Craisin Walnut Energy Bites all in one sitting. They’re so good. Why have I been buying store-bought granola or energy bars all this time? These are just under 90 calories a bite and about 180-270 calories per serving (depending if 2 or 3 bites is a serving). While it’s not that much difference calorie-wise for a commercial energy or granola bar, what is different is that you know exactly what goes into these energy bites: nuts, dried fruit and oats. No added sugar. No preservatives. Nothing you don’t want. Sounds like a perfect pre- or post-work out snack, right? I can’t wait to experiment with new nut, dried fruit and spice combinations. These craisin walnut energy bites are definitely a recipe you must try!

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Dairy-Free, Entrée, Local Finds, Salad

Green with Envy Ravioli

Annie

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This “green” ravioli is a break from the standard marinara sauce, pesto or Alfredo sauce. I made this two ways: 1) sautéed the vegetables, placed them over arugula and tossed everything with white balsamic vinegar and then 2) sautéed the whole mix — all vegetables, arugula and white balsamic included. I preferred the first; the taste of both the arugula and the white balsamic was more prominent. The chicken marsala ravioli had enough flavor of its own that there was no need to any a “sauce”; instead, the flavors from the vegetables worked on their own and were enhanced by the acidity of the white balsamic.  All that green may look intimidating, but Ravioli with an Arugula, Kale & Craisin Salad is absolutely delicious!  Continue reading “Green with Envy Ravioli” →

Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Snack, Vegan, Vegetarian

Snackin’ on Granola

Annie

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Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Granola with Craisins is the perfect easy and delicious snack. I’ve never made granola with hazelnuts before, but the hazelnuts came out wonderfully toasted; chopped walnuts also work quite well, and are usually my go-t0 nut to add in. The mini dark chocolate chips gives you just enough of your chocolate fix without being overwhelming. With some many options for nuts, dried fruit and spices, you can experiment with what works best with the season or for you. I made this last fall and have been hooked ever since. You can make the granola in bulk and be happily snacking for the rest of the week!

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