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Recipe number two. I made this dish at a cooking class for a gentleman who wanted to learn vegetarian dishes so he could feed his family healthy food. I suggested a Moroccan dish called Tagine. It is typically made with meat and cooked in ‘Tagine‘, which is a special ceramic cooking pot with a cone like lid. It is nice to have one at home but it isn’t necessary to make a delicious tagine  at home.

We started with a spice mix consisting of cumin, coriander, turmeric and cayenne pepper. We then sautéed some onions, garlic, tomato paste and harissa- a moroccan hot paste. We added potatoes, turnips, carrots and chickpeas to the mix including some broth.

This is a delicious dish for a crowd, especially with some whole wheat couscous. Try it next time you are entertaining…
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I thought it would be good idea to highlight some vegetarian dishes to highlight healthy eating. I am not for giving up meat or anything else unless medically necessary but I do believe in moderation and incorporating a bit of everything in ones diet.

I try to make a vegetarian meal once or twice a week. Indian food is a great way to do so. I usually cook some beans or lentils as well as some delicious vegetables. I pair it with fresh whole wheat rotis and I am able to serve my family a delicious, well balanced meal.

So, the first one today is made with sweet peppers and potatoes. It is a very simple to make. I started with some oil and cumin seeds. I added onions, garlic and tomato sauce to the mix. Potatoes and peppers were next followed by a variety of spices.

This dish can be an entree or a side dish. It is perfect with any fish or meat…. but we are sticking to vegetarian options this week… another one to follow tomorrow.
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My weakness- are potatoes. I love then in potato chips and fries! I try to stay away from them but when I do indulge, I try to make them in a healthy way. I love make oven fries at home with very little oil. I stick with non-caloric flavors like smoked paprika, garlic powder or herbs.

Sweet potatoes are delicious and super healthy. I love making oven fries with sweet potatoes. I love the sweet flavor with the savory and smoky garlic and smoked paprika- talk about amazing bold flavors… I don’t miss the super unhealthy french fries at all…
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I made this dish with the citrus chicken. I love making broccoli and sometimes run out of ways of reinventing the vegetable. I sautéed up some sliced garlic to start with. I then added the broccoli. I added some delicious white wine, orange juice and zest.

This dish has incredible flavor thanks to the garlic, wine and orange zest. It is simple to make and it complements the citrus chicken beautifully.

Make this side dish next time you are confused about how to make your broccoli!
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I made this compote for Thanksgiving. Our tradition is to open wine sometime in the afternoon- while I am still cooking. Around 3 I take the cheese and crackers out. I usually make a fig compote cooked in red wine, brown sugar and fresh thyme. It is delicious, especially with some aged goat cheese. We also drink Kir Royale with the cheese and crackers. I love the tradition and look forward to it every year.

The other thing I did different was the compote. I made this one with dried figs and apricots. I decided to use orange and lemon juice with honey. I served it with a variety of Spanish cheeses including manchego, an aged goat cheese and another one- can’t remember the name.

Definitely make this for your next holiday get together. It is quick, easy and delicious. You can make this in advance and keep it in the fridge. Enjoy!

• ½ cup dried mission figs, cut into thin strips
• ½ cup dried apricots, cut into thin strips
• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ¼ teaspoon salt

In a small saucepan, add the figs, apricots, orange juice, lemon juice, honey and salt. Bring the liquid to a boil and turn it down to a simmer. Reduce the liquid till the compote is thick and syrupy. It will take about 15 minutes. Taste for seasonings and serve with cheese.