Vegetable Fries Experiment

Since French Fries (well, really anything fried) cause my stomach to implode, I like to find nice baked fries recipes so I can enjoy the taste of French or sweet potato fries without the nasty heartburn complication.  Recently, I stumbled upon two fry recipes for portobello and avocado fries that looked divine.  I tweaked the avocado recipe, mostly because I didn't have panko, but also because I was short on time and it was easier just to combine both recipes.  My friend, who enjoyed this meal with me, helped me make a basil aioli for dipping.  The portobello fries are from A Cozy Kitchen, my favorite food blog to steal stuff from, and the avocado recipe is from Circle and Kitchen.

Portobello Fries

1/2 cup bread crumbs
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon oregano
salt and pepper
2 portobello mushrooms
2 large eggs, beaten

1) Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment, foil, or cooking spray.  On a plate, combine the bread crumbs, cheese, garlic powder, and oregano.  Beat the eggs in a small to medium sized bowl (big enough that you can dip portobello slices).

2) Cut the portobellos in 1/8 inch slices.  Individually, dip into the eggs and evenly coat with the bread crumb mixture.  Place the fries on the baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes.  At about 10 minutes, flip them so they are baked evenly.

Avocado Fries

2 firm-ripe medium avocados, pitted, peeled, and sliced into 1/2 inch wedges
2 large eggs
salt
1 1/4 cups panko
grated Parmesan for serving

1) Repeat the same procedure for the portobello fries, using the panko and salt to taste instead of the bread crumb mixture.

Basil Aioli

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup packed basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1 medium garlic clove
pinch of salt
1/2 cup mayonnaise

1) In a food processor or blender, combine olive oil, basil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt until mixture is smooth.

2) Combine with mayonnaise.

They were delicious! I saved the extra aioli and plan on making these tasty fries again soon!

Cauliflower Pasta

Today was a "me day".  I decided to take the day off and pamper myself.  I gave myself a facial, took a long, hot shower, and painted my toe nails.  And most importantly, I finally managed to get to the grocery store after a week of boxed mac and cheese.  To wrap up the day, I decided to try a new recipe.  Found on Kitchen Daily, this pasta recipe puts an Italian twist on cauliflower.  It originally calls for red pepper flakes, but I omitted those for my stomach's sake.  I also omitted anchovy fillets...just because.

Penne with Cauliflower

1 head cauliflower, cored and cut into 4
olive oil
4 cloves garlic, chopped
2 tablespoons capers, chopped
2 to 4 tablespoons kalamata or oil-cured olives
white wine
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons flat leaf parsley, chopped

1) Boil cauliflower until very tender, then drain.  Cook penne according to instructions.

2) Heat 4 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high on a large skillet.  Add garlic and reduce heat to medium-low and stir.  Add capers and olives and saute with the garlic, but don't let the garlic brown.

3) Deglaze the pan with whit wine with just a splash.

4) Add the cauliflower to the olive mixture and mash with a fork, stirring it in and varying the textures.  Add salt and pepper to taste and even some pasta water if too dry.

5) Toss with the penne with the mixture and add cheese.  Top with parsley (which I, unfortunately, forgot to buy).  Sprinkle with a little more Parmesean for good measure, and serve.

It was great to eat something healthy again!  I will definitely be making this again.