Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Kiwano, Banana and Pineapple Sorbet




Healthy Benefits 
Kiwanos (horned melon) are low in calories, loaded with dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium as well as iron. 
Pineapples offer beneficial digestive support enzymes, a number of important minerals, and vitamins along with fiber. They are low in calories, abundant with carbohydrates and free of fat. Uncooked, juiced, cooked or even processed, pineapples provide incredible nutrients and vitamins. 
The fiber, potassium, vitamin C and B6 content in bananas all support heart health.  

Ingredients 159 calories per serving (makes 2 servings with extra filling)
1 or 2 Kiwanos - juice (see Note to vegan chef below)
2 frozen bananas
1 cup frozen pineapple
1 lime - for zest on top
Directions 
- Remove the 'points' on the Kiwano for easier handling with a knife or your fingernail
- Slice the Kiwano lengthwise...marvel at the beautiful gelatin green color and seeds
- Using a large spoon, scrape the insides of the Kiwano above a wire mesh colander resting over a bowl (to collect the juice). It will be a little challenging but not bad.
- Save the empty Kiwano shell to be used as a distinctive serving bowl
- Using the back of a large spoon, press against the Kiwano pulp in the wire mesh colander so that the juice collects in the bowl. This is time consuming because the pulp doesn't want to separate from the seeds. You won't be able to extract all the pulp in the colander.

- In blender, combine frozen bananas, pineapple and the Kiwano juice (1 is fine, 2 is good too)
- Blend until smooth
- Spoon into empty Kiwano shells
- Add lime zest to top and serve right away.

Note to vegan chef
The 'horns' on Kiwano are pointy...enough to break the skin if you're not careful. They can easily be knocked off with a fingernail or knife. (The cashier at Whole Foods appreciated that I removed the points before she had to handle them.)

Kiwano juice has a mild 'sweet cucumber taste' so you can use the juice from one or two Kiwanos. Both ways are good.

Be patient when trying to remove the Kiwano pulp with a spoon. It can take 10+ minutes and you won't get all of it. Spend about 12-15 minutes on it and be happy with that.

For a little more zest and visual appeal, add the zest of lime on top. (not seen in photos)

Don't refrigerate or freeze: the shell will not hold up, it will wilt. The sorbet can freeze fine but I like making it fresh for guests.

You will have more filling than what fits in two Kiwano halves.


Fun facts
Kiwanos originated in desert conditions in Australia. It's also grown in Israel, New Zealand, South Africa, Portugal and parts of California. It's also known as the English Tomato, the Hedged Gourd and the Melano.




Saturday, June 7, 2014

Cauliflower, Carrot and Zucchini Pancakes



Really good!

Ingredients
1 head cauliflower, steamed and coarsely mashed
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 flaxseed eggs
1/2 cup almond, hemp or soy milk 
3 large garlic cloves, crushed

1 cup grated carrots
1 cup grated zucchini
2 green onions, sliced
1/4 cup parsley, minced
1/4 cup chives, minced
Pam spray





Instructions
In a mixing bowl, stir the flour and baking powder.

In larger bowl, mash cauliflower then beat together the flaxseed egg, soy milk, carrots, zucchini, and onions. Add dry ingredients to this and stir until combined.

Using a large skillet, spray oil over medium heat. Pour the batter by tablespoons into the pan, making a few pancakes at a time. Cook about 2 minutes on each side and golden brown.

Note to vegan chef:
The batter can be sticky so I just scooped the batter on the pan and used a potato masher to bring it down to size.


Inspired by:
Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/vegetable-pancakes-recipe/index.html?oc=linkback
                  See full instructions on polishvegan.com