Favorite January recipes

I didn't get a chance to cook much in January.  I probably needed a break after cooking-intensive December.  I still want to share some of the amazing recipes we've enjoyed this month:

TABBOULEH SOUP from Running with Scissors was so easy to make!  It's a perfect light and fresh soup for those days when you do not have time to cook for hours.

I spotted the recipe for GREEN SALAD WITH WHITE BEANS, APPLES, AND WALNUTS in the January issue of Better Homes and Gardens magazine and made it for supper a week ago.  Very very yummy and filling!

I've already blogged about Alicia's SOUR CREAM APPLE PIE.  I believe it deserves a second mention since I've made it 3 times this month.

Annelises's PUFFY OVEN PANCAKES were part of our Christmas branch (I know, I know it's was not in January but they were really good!).  My sister enjoyed it with Nutella and sliced pears, I sprinkled mine with icing sugar and a bit of lemon juice, and Eric tried apples and cheddar cheese (with a generous serving of maple syrup).

OLIVIE SALAD has been served multiple times in our house in January: it reminds me of my childhood and I am happy that my non-Russian relatives love this "potato salad".

I didn't expect much from CARROT SOUP WITH MISO AND SESAME not because I didn't trust Deb's recipe but because I didn't manage to get nice sweet carrots.  To my surprise, even with ordinary carrot, the soup turned out really good: miso gave it a very nice, deep flavour.  Like the tabbouleh soup makes an amazing light yet nourishing meal.

What you've been cooking lately?  I am building my February menu and would love to get some ideas!

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Holiday update

BritGirlTX left a comment about my HANDMADE HOLIDAYS PROJECT:

"'Z' should be ZZZZZZZ .... well earned holiday rest! :O)"

And this is exactly what we've been doing over here: sleeping in, spending time with my sister, watching a bit of TV, making gingerbread house, and listening to Christmas radio. 

I am happy to be spending a lot of time playing piano.  I am absolutely in love with him and him.... their music is divine!  And yesterday we finally left the house to see RAIN by Circe Eloize and it was unbelievable!!!

I am hoping that all of you are enjoying some quiet and happy holiday time.  I will be back with my regular posts and other projects soon.

xxx

Anya

P.S. If you are looking for an easy breakfast recipe, try Anneliese's PUFFY OVEN PANCAKES (via Dana's Sweets and Treats Christmas Countdown)

Image by Anneliese

Recipes from the web - Favorite October recipes

Just wanted to share some of my favorite dishes from last month:

• CANNELLINI AND KALE SOUP (Martha Stewart) - loved fried garlic and smooth texture of this one!

• MINESTRONE AND PARMESAN BISCUIT POTPIE (Martha Stewart) - a big hit at our house.  I replaced squash with sweet potato and used corn instead of beans.  Will definitely try more variations.

• ROASTED CAULIFLOWER is my absolute favorite side dish/snack this time a year. Folks at The kitchn share some of their favorite recipes.  I use olive oil, Herbes de Provence, salt and pepper on mine.

• VEGETARIAN GREEN CHILI (Better Homes and Gardens*)- I will be honest, I didn't not expect much from this recipe, but it turned out AMAZING!  If you are having a hard time finding frozen edamame, use beans instead (I used black beans).  I think green salsa is the secret ingredient in this chili.

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Recipes from the web: Raw edition

Montreal is suffering (or enjoying) a heat wave.  It's way too hot and too humid to do anything, let alone cook.  Last weekend I decided to quickly sauté some veggies and 10 minutes later I was as wilted as my zucchinies and peppers.

What can you eat when thermometer climbs up to 40C during the day?  How about raw food? No, not just salads and smoothies, but a 3-course meal!!!
I have been experimenting with "cooking" raw for a couple of years now and here are my 

favorite easy raw recipes

First course is a bowl of raw broccoli soup.  As you may remember, I am not a big fan of broccoli but the creamy, cool, raw soup was recently added to my short list of favorite broccoli dishes.  I combined 2 recipes: Gena's RAW CREAM OF BROCCOLI SOUP and RAWDORABLY RAW CREAM OF BROCCOLI. The procedure is quite simple: soak nuts (cashews work great), add vegetables and spices, blend until smooth, and serve.

Image by Gena

Main dish - raw pasta with marinara sauce.  This is a very popular raw recipe and just like with regular marinara sauce, each cook has his/her little secrets.  My personal favorite is ANY PHYO'S VERSION.  The only problem is that no one can take a good picture of it - the whole dish is gone in less than a minute!

Image by Jamie Reed via Hello Yoga in Tokio

Recipes from the web - 2

I think it's time for another round of "Recipes from the web".  For those of you who missed the first edition, click HERE.

June and July are the months of birthdays, gatherings and celebrations in my family: my mom's birthday, father's day, my sister's birthday, my father-in-law birthday and so on ....  Cooking a big filling meal is usually out of the question so we opt for finger food and appetizers.  Here is a selection of my favorite hors d'oeuvres:

Goat-Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

(from Martha Stewart)

Image from Martha Stewart

 I made them back in January (ha ha so much for summer recipes) using a mix of cream cheese and goat cheese for stuffing and they were delicious!!!  I think they could be easily veganized too.

Chickpea Radish Hors d'Oeuvres

(Vegan Yum Yum)

Image by Lolo

This chickpea spread is great on crostinis, crackers, and even as a dip for vegetables.  It was a big hit at my mom's birthday party last week.

Banana Tatin Verrines

(Tartelette)

Image by Tartelette

This simple dessert is SO good on a cool-ish summer evening.  I tried it with pears, instead of bananas as well as with a mix of two.  If you can not find creme fraiche, use yogurt and/or whipped cream.

Recipes from the web

Even when not busy studying and working, I don't always get a chance to take pictures of every dish I cook.  Since I often try recipes from blogs and websites I decided to share some of them with you. Today we have my 3 ultimate favorites:

The Sour Cream Apple Pie 

by Alicia Paulson (Posie Gets Cozy)

Image by Alicia Paulson

This is probably the best APPLE PIE RECIPE in the whole wild world.  The creamy slightly tangy filling and crusty topping go sooo well together.  I've baked it twice and both times there was nothing left by the next day.  Thank you, Alicia!

Baked French Toast 

by Dana (MADE)

Image by Dana Willard

In our household this type of breakfasts are called "piggish": sweet, rich, yummy, and utterly amazing!  I am yet to make this BAKED FRENCH TOAST with pumpkin - so far I used raspberries with a little bit of almond extract and it was delicious!!!

P.S. You can easily veganize it by using soy milk and egg-replacer.

Miso Slaw
(Sprouted Kitchen)

Image via Sprouted Kitchen

As soon as spring can be smelled in the air, I crave light salads.  I think my body gets tired of rich and heavy winter food and is ready for some nourishing greens.  This MISO SLAW makes a perfect light spring supper or lunch - full of freshness and yummines.  I am thinking of having some tonight.... mmmm

P.S. Replace Greek yogurt with soy yogurt and enjoy a vegan version of miso slaw

Bon appetit!