Vegetables

A bit of Patak’s to the rescue, a few spices, a few vegetables and a nutritious, delectable entrée in minutes. Meat eaters and vegetarians will finally agree on something: this is delicious and easy. It has a ton of vitamens and if you added steam kale, spinach or broccoli, you would be more than all set.

Mixed grains, pine nuts, and cranberries and that great feeling that comes with good food, well made, and enjoyed.

I am pretty partial to hummus and never, much like eggplant dishes, met a recipe I didn’t like. This one, I love. Probably because I love beets. I first had this served on cucumber slices – the combination of beet-red hummus atop crisp cucumber coins was incredibly refreshing. But pita bread works well too as the ‘side’.  If you were in a rush, canned beets would be acceptable.

Ok – these are not too classic but are they good! This recipe combines the best of homemade latkes with a package of dry potato pancake mix for a double-potato flavor in an especially crisp little pancake. Serve with sour cream or applesauce. What’s nice about these is they don’t spatter when they hit the hot oil, they stay white (no turning dark black as raw potatoes alone do) they fry up faster, and a beautiful golden colour.

 

What could be easier than two ingredients for a side dish with major appeal?  Use large Idaho style potatoes for show-off wedges.

You can never have too many potato recipes. A great way to serve potatoes is like one more great little black dress. You just need to have it. Serve these potatoes with anything or serve them alone but they are great with any sort of roast chicken, even take-out chicken. Invest in a great potato peeler to make short work of peeling the spuds.

For a smoky taste, grill over the BBQ. Peppers can also be roasted in a 450 F. oven. broiled or charred over a gas burner. If you don't have the patience to remove the skins, just flake off the charred parts. A plate of these and some sourdough bread is a touch of Tuscany sunshine. 
 

Light, green and savory- a perfect spring side at Passover or any other time.

State fairs serve stuff like this and I knew I had to make a home version. Cheesy, creamy cheddar Mac is fried to a crisp fritter consistency. Serve with sea salt and hot sauce. It all starts with a great homemade Mac and cheese recipe.