Bananas Foster Crepes

So, disclaimer, I hate making crepes. This is probably due to the fact that I'm horrible at making them. So much so that the making of these particular crepes, if it were filmed and made into a movie (omg who would do that), would be rated R. There was a lot of cursing, I'm embarrassed to admit a bit some much crying, and a great deal of self-doubt. Crepe making has never been my thing. I love, love, love them, however...I can't make them. Truely. I've tried everything. Every tip, every trick, and I've researched them to death. It's my tragic flaw. 

To make matters worse, my best most normal looking crepes happen to be made on an actual crepe pan (that I love more than crepes themselves) that my grandmother gave me. It's the one that she used to use. My Grandma is my idol and so anything that has influenced her life, I of course, must have so I can be just like her. However, brace yourself, said crepe pan was misplaced several years ago during a move. And that's the story of how the light in my soul went dark with the loss of a very dear pan and one quick *pouf*. My lost, beloved, Grandmother's crepe pan. 

Anyways, for some reason or another I was feeling pretty full of myself Sunday morning when I decided to make these crepes. I had just bought a ton of bananas and wasn't really sure what to do with them all. In fact, I was going to make a savory crepe when there those bananas were, just staring me in the face. Unfortunately, we only had whisky on hand as opposed to rum. But really, who cares. Whisky worked like a dream.

Produce On Parade - Bananas Foster Crepes

Since I'm terribly honest and would never try to deceive you...my crepes (even the above) looked like they were made by a T-Rex. Seriously. These crepes you see in the photographs? These were my were my All Stars. They were the Lebron James (sorry, Honey) of my crepes. If you're even remotely decent at making crepes, good for you, you've been blessed by some higher power. If you're a lowly, ordinary human being crepe maker like me, I've got a tip. When you put the batter in the pan, only roll the pan slightly. You'll have somewhat of a thicker crepe, but it'll be okay. Then, don't flip it. I know, it's heresy! Just don't. It'll be fine, let it cook for a minute longer then slip it out of the pan in (mostly) one piece. Voila!

I cannot explain to you how good these crepes were. Bananas bathed in a salted vanilla caramel sauce and tucked into fresh, buttery crepes. This dish is perfect for a decadent breakfast or a snazzy dessert! You'll have to try them for yourself. 

Bananas Foster Crepes

Bananas Foster Crepes

Serves 4

  • Crepes:
  • 1 cup soy milk
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4  cup vegan butter, chilled 
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • pinch of kosher salt
  • Filling:
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp. vegan butter
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 2 large pinches of salt
  • grating of nutmeg
  • 2 ripe bananas, sliced
  • 2 Tbsp. rum or whiskey 
  • cinnamon (for sprinkling)
  • powdered sugar (for sprinkling)

Notes: If you want a super hefty amount of filling in your crepes, then go ahead and double the filling recipe. I don't judge. 

To make the crepe batter, place all the crepe ingredients into a blender. Blend on high for a few minutes, until the butter is well incorporated. Cover and place in the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes. 

Produce On Parade - Bananas Foster CrepesWhen there's about 5 minutes left for the batter to chill, make the filling by melting the butter and the sugar together in a medium frying pan over low heat.

After a few minutes, once the sugars are caramelized add the vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Stir well to combine, then add the sliced bananas. Saute another few minutes, until the bananas are just a bit soft.Produce On Parade - Bananas Foster Crepes

Produce On Parade - Bananas Foster CrepesRemove from heat and stir in the rum. Return to a low heat and allow the alcohol vapors to cook off for about 1 minute. Remove from heat and set aside until ready to use. 

Coat a small frying pan with a nonstick cooking spray. Bring to heat over medium flame. 

Add 1/4 cup of the chilled crepe batter the pan. Tilt the pan slightly to widen the circle of the crepe. Allow to cook for about 1-2 minutes, until browned and somewhat crispy on the bottom. If you're feeling skillful, flip the crepe. If not, that's okay. Let it cook until the top is set then gently release the sides of the crepe with a spatula and slide it out of the pan. Stack the crepes on a plate.

Produce On Parade - Bananas Foster Crepes Produce On Parade - Bananas Foster CrepesPlace about 1-2 Tbsp. of the filling to one crepe and repeat with remaining crepes.

Produce On Parade - Bananas Foster CrepesServe hot with a sprinkle of cinnamon and powdered sugar. 

Produce On Parade - Bananas Foster Crepes Produce On Parade - Bananas Foster CrepesJammin' out to some classical music today: Aphex Twin – Avril 14th.

German Word of The Day: Breakfast --> Frühstück (pronounced: frou(rhymes with you)-schtuck

Good Deed of The Day: This is a big one! Sign this petition at the Humane Society of The United States to help put an end to cosmetics testing on animals in the United States. Please take a look at this exceptional infographic to learn more about animal testing. This is so very important!Recipe Card

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Ginger Coconut Green Linguine

Prepare to be amazed on so many different levels.  Produce On Parade - Ginger Coconut Green Linguine

St. Patrick's Day is in ten days! Normally, I don't really do novelty recipes. I wish I did more, but honestly, I just don't think that far in advance...or care. It's mostly the latter. St. Pattie's Day was always fun as a kid. We would make green rice krispie treats and green eggs, among other things. When Todd and I have little chitlins we're going to make a ton of green vegan food for St. Patrick's Day! I find it preferable to use natural methods to make fun, green dishes as opposed to using a dye. I'm not a crazy anti-dye person but, dye in food just kind of freaks me out. I can't explain it. 

This green linguine is done in the time it takes you to boil a pot of water and cook the pasta. Seriously you guys. And it happens to be the is the perfect vegan St. Patrick's day entree! Serve with a side of broccoli and oh man, you will be a green super-star. So make this green linguine and you'll be eating your greens too! This pasta is a keeper for sure. Todd loved it, which, let's be real...it's swiss chard and spinach so...I was pretty impressed with myself. When I tasted it though, I understood why, and you will too. It's freaking delicious!

Produce On Parade - Ginger Coconut Green LinguineSlightly sweet with a hint of gingery spice, this delectable green linguine bathes in a creamy coconut, swiss chard, spinach, and basil sauce. Besides the utterly amazing flavor, what I love about this pasta is how quick it comes together. 

Ginger Coconut Green Linguine

Serves 6

  • 16 oz. linguine, dry
  • 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 1/2 Tbsp. fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 15 oz. can lite coconut milk
  • 2 tsp. vegan sugar
  • 2 tsp. lemon juice
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp. fresh black pepper
  • red pepper flakes, to taste
  • 1 bunch of fresh swiss chard, de-stemmed and chopped
  • 2 large handfuls of fresh spinach
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil (optional)

Notes: Kale can be used instead of swiss chard, if you prefer. Full-fat coconut milk can be used, just use half the can and add half a can of water. Try not to let the coconut milk boil over or it will curdle. Once the water for the pasta is boiling, add in the pasta and cook. The pasta and sauce should get done at about the same time. 

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. Cook pasta according to package until al dente. Drain and set aside until ready to use. 

Produce On Parade - Ginger Coconut Green LinguineIn a large, high rimmed saute pan heat the oil over low. Add the garlic and ginger. Saute until fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. 

Ginger Coconut Green LinguineAdd in the coconut milk, sugar, lemon juice, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Stir well and bring to a slight simmer over medium heat. 

Produce On Parade - Ginger Coconut Green Linguine

Now, add in the swiss chard and spinach. Cover and simmer for about 5 minutes over low, until the greens have wilted. 

Transfer to a blender, add the basil, and blend on high until smooth and creamy. Taste and add any additional seasonings you wish, then transfer back to the large saute pan and stir in the cooked pasta to coat. 

Produce On Parade - Ginger Coconut Green LinguineServe hot. 

Produce On Parade - Ginger Coconut Green Linguine Produce On Parade - Ginger Coconut Green LinguineDon't forget to have your little kitchen helper by your side!

Produce On Parade - Ginger Coconut Green LinguineYes, I cook in a full length nightgown that may or may not be inside out. I'm turning into my grandmother...actually, she did gift me it so...

Listening to Brand New – The Boy Who Blocked His Own Shot and reliving 2004.

German Word of The Day: Coconut --> Kokosnuss (pronounced: co-cus-nose)

Good Deed of The Day: Sign this petition from The Human Society to help protect wolves with federal safeguards to stop trophy hunting and trapping seasons in several states. Thousands of wolves have been mercilessly slaughtered.

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Butternut Miso & Quinoa Soup

Are there people out there who're going about not liking miso? I can't imagine it. An absurd notion, for sure. Red miso is my favorite because it's the most misoy of all the misos. Why even bother with mellow yellow or boring white miso when you can have bold and radical red miso? I'm just a miso extremist I guess. 

Produce On Parade - Butternut Miso & Quinoa SoupThis is an umami laden soup that's hearty enough for a meal. A miso-tahini broth stocked with butternut squash and yam, that's swimming with red quinoa and spinach. Topped with fresh avocado.

Produce On Parade - Butternut Miso & Quinoa Soup

Butternut Miso & Quinoa Soup

Serves 4

  • 4 cups water
  • 1 4" piece of kombu (optional)
  • 1 cup frozen cubed butternut squash
  • 1/2 red garnet yam or sweet potato, diced
  • 2 cup cooked red quinoa (I make lots and freeze it) 
  • handful of spinach, chopped
  • 3 Tbsp. red miso 
  • 2-4 Tbsp. tahini
  • 2 Tbsp. rice vinegar
  • 1/2 avocado, diced
  • fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
  • sesame seeds, for garnish

In a medium soup pot, bring the water, kombu, squash, and yam to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes over low, until the squash and sweet potato are tender. 

Produce On Parade - Butternut Miso & Quinoa SoupAdd in the quinoa and the spinach. Cook for an additional few minutes, until the spinach has wilted. Remove from heat and allow to cool a minute or two. 

Produce On Parade - Butternut Miso & Quinoa SoupMeanwhile, in a small bowl add about 1/2 cup of the soup water. Whisk in the miso until smooth. Add the thinned miso to the soup pot. 

Produce On Parade - Butternut Miso & Quinoa SoupRepeat with the tahini. 

Add in the vinegar and the avocado. At this point you can remove the kombu and discard it, but better yet mince it up and add it back to the soup!

Serve hot and topped with fresh basil and sesame seeds. 

Produce On Parade - Butternut Miso & Quinoa SoupListening to: [soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/113364689" params="color=63a88a&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=true" width="100%" height="166" iframe="true" /]

German Word of The Day: Butternut Squash --> Butternusskürbis (pronounced: booternuss-kurbis)

Good Deed of The Day: Sign this petition to stop the killing of 1,800 whales and dolphins and the deafening of 15,900 more by ceasing the operation of the Navy's underwater sound system in the Hawaiian Islands, the California and Atlantic Coasts, and the Gulf of Mexico.

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