GCC: Risotto with Springs Vegetables, Tomato, and Basil

July 21, 2013 by Monica in Cooking Club, Gutsy Cooks Club, International, Main Courses, Quick Meal, Rice, Vegetable, Vegetarian

I’m late, late, late on this posting, so let’s jump to it. This month’s Gutsy Cook is Marie from Weekend Viands. She decided that all of her recipes would be coming from the Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking by Marcella Hazan.

Speaks right to my Italian roots and I was super excited with her choices. This past weekend it was the risotto. I have made it before, my first try was for the Daring Cooks Challenge and I wrote all about it here. The second time was with this choice which, ironically was also a Gutsy Cook club choice.

Risotto is one of those meals that people think is super complicated, but in reality is not. The trick is to take your time, stir and in no time you will have this creamy rice creation – Italian comfort food at its best.

Hearts of Palms and Cherry Tomato Salad

June 23, 2012 by Monica in Salad, Sides, Vegetable, Vegetarian

I bet you some of you have never tasted Heart of Palms? Or maybe I’m wrong, but if there is a single vegetable that I have encountered that give people a pause is hearts of palm.

Hearts of palms are the inner portion of the stem of the sabal Palmetto, or “swamp cabbage,” palm tree. They have a taste similar to artichokes but look like white asparagus without the tops. They are grown primarily in Florida, Brazil, Ecuador and Costa Rica, and are usually purchased canned and packed in water.

If you have never tried them, I urge you to do so because these little gems are delicious.

Carrots and Zucchini Salad

March 29, 2012 by Monica in Cookbooks, Gutsy Cooks Club, Quick Meal, Sides, Vegetable, Vegetarian

We all need our veggies, especially someone like me that unfortunately does not eat enough of them.

Do have a favorite veggie? I think I pretty much like all with the exception of brussel sprouts - we just cannot seem to get onboard with each other.

If there is a favorite I will have to say carrots. I like them raw, cooked, in salads, cakes, dipped in anything. The same goes for zucchini, which I love grilled with a splash of olive oil and some chopped herbs.

A couple of weeks back I gave Heidi Swanson Sunburst Carrot Salad recipe a try out in my kitchen. It was part of our Gutsy Cook menu options and I had all the ingredients at hand.