Creamy Tomato Soup

I’ve always loved tomato soup. It’s so warm and comforting. This is a creamy version made without cream. Ingredients 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 cup chopped onions (1 medium onion) 2 tablespoons chopped garlic 3–4 medium potatoes, chopped (you can also use a combination of potatoes and parsnips) ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon black…

Tomato Vegetable Soup

Tomato soup is a childhood favorite (yes—the kind from a can). This recipe is definitely a healthier version. The kale, quinoa and nutritional yeast add extra fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals to the dish. It’s chock-full of nourishment! Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil ½ cup chopped onions (1 small onion) 2 tablespoons minced fresh…

Pasta Bolognese

This is a basic marinara recipe with added vegetable protein for a more substantial and “meaty” sauce.  It’s easy to prepare, but still quite enjoyable. There are only a few ingredients, so it’s important that they are all good quality. Ingredients 1 (16-ounce) package pasta (regular or gluten-free) 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons…

Spaghetti with Sundried Tomatoes & Artichoke Hearts

I happily discovered  pasta products from “Explore Cuisine”. I was immediately impressed!  Each 2-ounce serving has a whopping 20-25 grams of protein and 10-15 grams of fiber! The nutritional value is incredible for a pasta product. As the goal of my recipes is to maximize nutritional value, it was the perfect ingredient for my dish. It…

Black Bean and Corn Salad

This is another recipe inspired by our corn season. Using fresh, organic seasonal corn is always best! This is a great potluck, picnic, or barbecue dish. Ingredients 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained 2 cups lightly cooked corn kernels 1 medium-size sweet bell pepper, diced (approximately 1 cup) 2–3 medium-size tomatoes, diced (about…

Summer Lentil Salad (French Lentils, Cucumber, Tomato & Herbs)

All summer long I have been creating different types of summer salads–figuring out how many ways I can use zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes, corn, etc… This recipe is a variation of another lentil salad that I created. I changed it up by adding local, seasonal cucumbers, tomatoes and fresh herbs. Salads can be quite diverse and when adding…

Tomato and Cucumber Salad with Fresh Herbs

I like to make this dish when tomatoes and cucumbers are in season (they taste so much better). We have them in such bounty that I am constantly looking for ways to add them to my recipes. I decided to use lemon balsamic vinegar instead of regular balsamic this time around and I thought it…

Pasta with Fresh Tomato Salad

This recipe is a great alternative to pasta with marinara when tomatoes are in season. It is so fresh and easy to prepare. The tomato salad can also be eaten with quinoa, millet or your favorite bread. Ingredients: 1 (12-16 oz.) package regular or gluten-free pasta (rotini, fusili, elbows, small shells, etc.) Tomato Salad* 4…

Tomato & Corn Salad

How many variations of tomato salad can I create? Well, here’s the thing: when I see the bounty of the summer season, I try to use our seasonal produce in as many ways as I can. Delicious corn grows in our northeast region and we have a local grower right down the road. Tomatoes are wonderful when they’re…

White Bean Summer Salad

This is a variation of my Garden Bean Salad recipe. Ingredients 2 (15-ounce) cans white (navy or northern) beans, rinsed and drained 2 medium-size cucumbers, diced (remove seeds, if large and tough) 2 fresh tomatoes, diced ¼ cup chopped spring (baby) onions or scallions 2 tablespoons capers 5 tablespoons lemon balsamic vinegar (one of ME’s bulk…

Thai Coconut Curry Vegetables with Tofu

The first time I tried Thai food, I fell in love. Since then I have created a few recipes to emulate the dishes I have come to love. This is my version of Thai red curry. People really enjoy this dish! Ingredients 1 (14–16-ounce) block of tofu, cubed and baked* 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil…

Cajun Quinoa Salad with Seasonal Veggies

Another quinoa salad recipe! As the price of quinoa has gone down, I am again inspired to use this nutritious ingredient. At Mother Earth’s we have quite a wonderful selection of bulk spices. I tend to use the same seasonings over and over again, so I figured it was time to add some new spices to…