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Raw “Pasta” & My Favorite Summer Kitchen Companion

I have a new helper in the kitchen. It creates these lovely strands of raw zucchini “pasta”…

The first time I had “zucchini” noodles, I was amazed at how refreshing & satisfying they were. I had no idea they could be such a breeze to prepare.

With the abundant availability of gorgeous zucchini & summer squash at the Farmers’ markets this time of year, it was time to start thinking of all the wonderful ways I wanted to enjoy the bounty! Blog after blog has been posting recipes for vibrant raw pasta & I was craving some with a vengeance. I realized it was high time that I invest in a spiralizer. Even The Blissful Chef picked the spiralizer as her “June Kitchen Tool of the Month.” 

When my friend & fellow vegan blogger extraordinaire, Jackie of Vegan Yack Attack, recently posted a gorgeous “Raw Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta”, I immediately started researching what would become my favorite new kitchen companion. It seemed that every raw foodie in the blog-o-sphere suggested this one, but it was impossible to find. With a full bag of zucchini from the CSA in my possession, time was of the essence. I needed something now. Gena of Choosing Raw’s second, more economical pick as the Joyce Chen Spiral Slicer. Amazon had it in stock for $25. SOLD. It arrived in a speedy two days & it was literally “cranking” out out raw, fresh zucchini noodles in no time! And I knew just what to top them with, so I blended up some of Jackie’s creamy raw tomato sauce…

 

The Joyce Chen is fairly easy to use. Unfortunately, as some reviewers pointed out only a 3 1/2 inch piece of zucchini will fit comfortable in the contraption, so there is a bit of waste, but I just reserved the pieces for alternate use - stir fry, salad, etc. It was also a bit tricky to get the hang of, everything having to be “just right” - the size & precise  placement of the vegetable - but eventually I figured it out. The “noodles” came out more of an angle hair consistently, thinner than I’ve had in the past, but making them that much more tender & delicate. 

Jackie’s raw tomato sauce is divine. I made a few substitutions based on preference & what was on hand. I added a few more cloves of garlic, used fresh basil (as she encouraged), & decadently substituted sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil. Mmmm, gorgeous & fragrant, & the perfect dressing for the raw noodles. I also discovered it make scrumptious dip for toasted bread, & would be a lovely wrap or sandwich spread. 

And, thank goodness for “iphoneographie!” Just as I was about to take photos of this colorful creation, the camera battery died. I had to utilize the bit of light that was left before I dove in & devoured this fine dish.

I may never eat “traditional” pasta again! Enjoy! 

Two Berry-licious Breakfasts

I spoke to my Mom this morning to make our Sunday movie date plans & she mentioned she was making a modified version of the “Blueberry Steusel Cake” from the Skinny Bitch Ultimate Everyday Cookbook…

        

Her modification? Subbing fresh blackberries in place of the blueberries… 

        

Resulting in this beautiful creation…

       

Yum! Meanwhile I was rearranging my Pinterest boards & looking for inspiration. When I came across this oatmeal recipe from Vegan Yack Attack, I felt a rumble in my tummy & knew it was time to make breakfast. Using her recipe as my guide, I added my own little twist & came up with this…

       

“Very Cherry Berry Coconut Multigrain Oatmeal”

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup multigrain hot cereal (I used Country Choice Organic’s blend of rye, barley, oats, & wheat)
  • 1/4 cup frozen berries (I used Trader Joe’s Very Cherry Berry Blend)
  • 1 Tbsp. ground flaxseed
  • 1 Tbsp. unsweetened coconut flakes
  • 1/2 Tbsp. agave nectar
  • 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • pinch of cinnamon
  • 1 cup coconut milk (The kind for drinking, not the canned) 

Directions:

  1. In a small sauce pan combine coconut milk, fruit, oats & remaining ingredients, bring to a boil, then simmer for 3-5 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Top with additional coconut flakes if desired & serve. 

Berry-licious Deliciousness. Enjoy!