Tag Archives: basil

Basic Herbs Masterclass with Georgie Socratous

capture_24112014_132653In this video tutorial, Georgia describes the differences between soft herbs and woody herbs, when and how to add herbs to dishes and what to do with the stalks.  She describes how to include different herbs with different ingredients, and, she shows how to dry herbs. Continue reading

How to use a Pestle and Mortar by Jamie Oliver

capture_16112014_131356 Jamie demonstrates the two basic techniques for using a pestle and mortar, bashing and muddling.  He demonstrates how to grind spices with both muddling and bashing.   He then creates a wonderful flavored oil by bashing fresh basil leaves and mixing them with olive oil.  Finally, he makes a marinade by bashing lemon peel, rosemary, garlic, and olive oil.  You can almost smell and taste his dressing, flavored oil, and marinade just by watching his video.  Learning how to use a pestle and mortar is definitely a skill worth developing. Continue reading

Baked Eggplant Parmesan by Dani Spies

capture_23102014_131437In this video recipe, Dani bakes her eggplant instead of frying it, which eliminates a lot of calories from frying.  She uses 3 dairy cheeses, a ricota mixture with an egg, parmesan, and mozzarella.  All three of those dairy cheeses and egg binder can be replaced with non dairy alternatives and an egg substitution.  This is a great basic candidate for an easy recipe makeover, replacing all the animal products with vegan alternatives.  This is an easy and delicious recipe to make, and it can be made ahead for use later in the week.  With the vegan substitutions, it is also a low fat and healthy recipe. Continue reading

3 Delicious Creamy Soups – Tomato, Carrot and Ginger, and Leak and Potato by Sara Lynn

capture_17102014_122424In this video, Sara Lynn demonstrates how to prepare three different soup recipes that are hearty, healthful, and delicious.  For those who prefer a completely vegan soup, the cheese, cream and sour cream Sara Lynn uses can easily be replaced by non-dairy alternatives.  Please notice how easy and similar the preparation is for each of these soups.  These soups can be made ahead and frozen for a quick meal later.  Enjoy.

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Penne Pasta with Eggplant and Mozzarella by Renee Pepino

capture_13102014_134321Renee Pepino demonstrates how to prepare Penne Pasta with Eggplant and Mozzarella from her book, More Than Pasta.  This is an easy recipe.  Simply sautee chopped eggplant with garlic.  Add tomato sauce, basil and oregano to make a sauce.  Top penne pasta with this eggplant-tomato sauce.   Then add pieces of mozzarella cheese and shredded parmesan cheese to the dish.  This dish can be transformed into a vegan meal by substituting vegan cheese for the dairy cheese.  It looks good.  Enjoy. Continue reading

Greek Omelette by Annie and Dan Shannon

capture_01102014_114417Annie and Dan Shannon demonstrate a vegan Greek omelette recipe from their award winning cookbook, “Betty Goes Vegan”.  They replace eggs in a traditional omelette with a blended mixture of silken tofu, spices, and seasonings.   They use vegan mozzarello cheese, tomatoes,  spinach, basil, oregano and olives for a filling.  This is a healthy and delicious recipe for any meal, breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even diner. Continue reading

Vietnamese Vegetable Spring Rolls with Orange Almond Sauce by Jaden Hair

capture_16092014_231210Do you know it is really easy to make spring rolls.  Watch as Jaden shows how to include vegetables in a rice paper wrapper to create a spring roll.  You can use any kind of filling you wish.  The trick is to moisten and soften your rice paper wrapper correctly.  In this video, Jaden also shows how to make a delicious “Orange Almond” dipping sauce.  These spring rolls are good food for appetizers, lunch, brunch, dinner, or finger foods.  They also make a nice treat to take to a party. Continue reading