IN MY KITCHEN - JANUARY

Sherry at Sherry's Picking hosts a monthly share called IN MY KITCHEN where anyone can participate.

This is what's IN MY KITCHEN right now for January. 

I have a few fresh herbs in my kitchen because I wanted to make a quinoa tabouleh salad for New Year's Eve for a dinner party. 

Thanksgiving Recipes for 2024- Gluten Free and Vegan

As I sit on the beach in 85 degree sunny beautiful weather, watching the waves, and listening to the gulls, I'm thinking about my Thanksgiving plans and my Thanksgiving recipes. 

We usually fly home for Thanksgiving to be with our family, but this year we are remaining in Florida. We decided not to fight the crowds in the airport or deal with hustle bustle of traveling on a holiday, despite wishing to be with our kids and grandkids. Check out my recipes!!

10 Vegan and Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Sides

Sweet Potato, Apple, and Prune Bake

This a traditional Tzimmis when baked melts together for a chunky delicious mix of fall flavors.

The photo is before it was baked. It becomes creamy and delicious when baked.

Baked Apple, Yam, and Dried Apricot Casserole

A healthier choice for yam casserole with apricots and apples adding to the sweetness for a wonderful yam bake.

Before Baking

Chunky Cranberry Apple Chutney

The perfectly healthy cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving using fresh cranberries with sweet apples spiced with interesting flavors.

Thanksgiving Shredded Carrot, Cranberry, and Cashew Salad

One of my favorite salads. It's sweet and crunchy and perfect for Thanksgiving since it is best to make it the night before to give the incredible flavors a chance to mingle and the carrots a chance to relax.

 Dairy-free Mashed Potatoes and Mushroom Gravy

Enjoy this rich vegan gravy over dairy free mashed potatoes. A real comfort food without the heavy fats and calories.

Roasted Asparagus and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

A simple but delicious combination of two complementary vegetables. 

Roasted Vegetable Platter Tray 

Roasted vegetables are perfect for Thanksgiving because they can be served hot or at room temperature so they can be made in advance. It's all in the presentation. Make a variety of vegetables in advance and arrange on a platter. 

Asian Quinoa Slaw Salad 

A wonderful quinoa side that is both flavorful and delicious. Your guests will keep coming back for more. 

Green Bean Casserole

A healthier alternative to the more traditional high fat green bean casserole in a mushroom cream sauce.

Crunchy and Creamy Roasted Brussels Sprouts 

Roasting is the tastiest way to cook Brussels sprouts. They are crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside. Even Brussels sprouts haters are swayed by this recipe.

I have both of these appliances and love them both. They are both on sale on Amazon just click on the photo.

Roasted Vegetable Pasta Primavera

Looking for a delicious, light, and healthy pasta entree that is loaded with flavorful roasted summer vegetables, tasty olives, capers, and artichoke hearts? This easy vegan pasta primavera is it!!

Asparagus Soup

No matter what the season, I enjoy a hot bowl of soup especially recipes like this asparagus soup that are fast, easy, seasonal and tasty. This delicious rich green soup can be whipped up in just 20 minutes from start to finish. If you like Asparagus, you'll love this flavorful soup!

It's finally spring on the East Coast and fresh asparagus are beginning to show up at local farmers markets, supermarkets, and the CSAs. I bought my first bunch of asparagus today and couldn't wait to make this simple soup that meets both gluten free and vegan standards.

I eat asparagus other ways as well. When asparagus are fresh and tender, I enjoy them raw. I eat them one by one, add them to salads or use them with dips on a crudités platter. Try my recipe for (link) roasted asparagus and cherry tomatoes .

However, sometimes I prefer my vegetables cooked, so I grill them or use small and medium asparagus spears to make this quick creamy soup that is light and flavorful.

Soup helps me boost the nutritional value of my meals and have yet another way to eat healthy greens!

Asparagus are a powerhouse of nutrients and help balance blood sugar

Not only are asparagus delicious, burt their health benefits are impressive.

1.  Nutrient Dense ( lots of vitamins and minerals) 
2.  Cancer protective antioxidants
3.  Anti- inflammatory 
4.  Helps balance blood sugar

In addition to being nutrient dense, asparagus contain cancer protective antioxidants,  anti-inflammatory properties, and may even help prevent cataracts. They contribute to maintaining normal blood sugar levels which make them a good choice for those with Type Two diabetes.

How to Select Asparagus

1. Look for bright green stalks
2. Look for firm stems
3. Their flowering tips should be closed and tight
4. Whether the stalk is thin, medium, or thick, the asparagus can all be very flavorful
5. Avoid stalks that are woody and may be chewy to eat.

How to Prepare Asparagus
Rinse well and then simply break off the ends that are the woody end. The woody end may appear white. The asparagus usually snap at just the right place. There is no need to even use a knife.

How to Eat Asparagus
1. Wash and eat them raw- they are delicious
2. Grill them and use as a side dish or garnish
3. Make them into a simple creamy soup

Author: Judee Algazi @ Gluten Free A-Z Blog
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 4 bowls

Soup Recipe

Ingredients: 
1 large onion, sliced in half moons or sliced ( or 2 leeks, sliced)
2 large stalks celery, cleaned and sliced
1/4 cup of vegetable broth or 1 tablespoon of olive oil to sauté
1 pound of fresh asparagus, washed and woody end snapped off
6 cups of vegetable broth
2 cups water
1 clove of  garlic, cut in half
Cracked pepper to taste


Directions: 

Saute the onion and celery in olive oil spray or 1/4 cup of vegetable broth in a 4 quart soup pot until translucent. Add 4 cups of broth and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, add the asparagus and clove of garlic then reduce heat and simmer for about 6- 8 minutes until the asparagus are tender. Add remainder of liquid only if needed. Puree in a high speed blender and serve! Cracked pepper to taste

What is your favorite way to eat asparagus? Do you eat them often? Do you grow them? 

Linked on : My Blog Carnival List and Souper Sunday at Kahakai Kitchen

My notes:
I skip adding salt because the vegetable broth can be salty

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