olive oil

Easy Peasy Mushroom Crostini

Hi everybunny!
Sorry for the lack of post yesterday… but I have good news: New RFFMBT shirts are almost here! Keep checking back because I am hoping to have them listed in the shop later this week! I will make an announcement via my blog, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter when they are ready for purchase! I have a couple of new designs that I’m really excited for you guys to see as well as my famous “Eat More Rabbit Food” shirts!

Oh My Goji Shirt
Remember when I used to do Toast Tuesdays?! Today’s recipe kind of brings that back to the blog… in a super sophisticated toast way haha. Here’s to this small bite for Toast Tuesday!

Whether you’re entertaining guests, in need of a quick snack, or looking for a simple appetizer for dinner with your family, these Mushroom Crostini are easy peasy to make! I find myself loving the most simple of recipes because you get to experience so much of one flavor in a single bite. These minimal ingredient mushroom crostini were inspired by my trip to the Mycopia Mushroom Farm and are full of earthy flavor and the perfect amount of crunch and chewiness. The flavor of mushrooms cooked in olive oil, salt, and pepper is like no other. Simple, and delicious.

Easy Peasy Mushroom Crostini
Easy Peasy Mushroom Crostini
Easy Peasy Mushroom Crostini
Easy Peasy Mushroom Crostini

Easy Peasy Mushroom Crostini
Serves 1 – when making this recipe for guests, the more mushrooms the merrier!

4 slices of whole grain baguette, 1/2 inch thick slices
1 cup chopped baby bella mushrooms
1 Tbps olive oil
Pinch of salt & pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lay sliced bread on a baking sheet and spray each piece with olive oil cooking spray. Bake for about 15 minutes or until they begin to turn golden brown. While the crostini cook in the oven, heat olive oil in a skillet. Add the mushrooms and cook for about five minutes until they become soft. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss well. Transfer the mushrooms and top on the whole grain crostini. Serve.
Note: I like to use olive oil spray to lighten up my crostini bread. Especially since there is already a serving of olive oil mixed in with the mushrooms! It’s a lighter way to get your bread crispy.

The Rabbit Food Pyramid Breakdown
Produce: mushrooms
Whole Grain: baguette slices
Protein: suggestion – complete this meal with a side of 1/2 cup cooked lentils, chickpeas, or beans!
Plant Based Fat: olive oil

I Can’t Believe It’s Not Pasta!

I Can’t Believe It’s Not Pasta!
I can't believe it's not pasta!

Really, I can’t believe it!
There’s tons of hype about spaghetti squash these days, but I found out the hard way that I’m extremely allergic. After the allergy incident, I was determined to find a light healthy veggie pasta alternative. I’m pretty proud of this one!

This is an excellent pasta alternative for someone who is looking for something light and healthy, gluten free, low carb, vegan (without the cheese), or someone who is simply looking for a tasty way to incorporate more veggies into their diet. Also a huge plus for mommies who want to disguise more veggies in their kids meals!

So what’s the secret noodle?
Broccoli! Broccoli slaw to be exact.

What is broccoli slaw?
Broccoli slaw is made of raw shredded broccoli stalks. Sometimes you will see it in the grocery store mixed with shredded carrots and/or cabbage.

Sound too scary?
Give it a try by slowly incorporating the broccoli pasta into your regular pasta! Start with a larger ratio of pasta, and then each time you make it, try using more of the broccoli pasta.


Considered to be one of the most nutritious vegetables, broccoli offers us:

  • High amount of potassium.
  • Magnesium and calcium that help regulate blood pressure.
  • One cup of broccoli contains the RDA of vitamin C, an antioxidant necessary for fighting against free radicals.
  • Contains high levels of both calcium an vitamin K, which are important for bone health.
  • High in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps to make us feel full and prevent overeating.
  • Trace minerals, such as zinc and selenium that act to strengthen the immune system.

Now that you’ve met your new friend broccoli, let’s make some “pasta!”

I can't believe it's not pasta!
I can't believe it's not pasta!
I can't believe it's not pasta!
I can't believe it's not pasta!

I Can’t Believe It’s Not pasta!
Serves 1

2 cups raw broccoli slaw
1/4 cup organic tomato/marinara sauce
1/4 cup chopped yellow onion
1/4 cup shaved parmesan cheese
1 tbsp olive oil

Place olive oil and chopped onions in a skillet over medium/high heat. Cook the onions until they become translucent. Add the broccoli slaw to the same pan and sauté for about 5 mins, tossing frequently. Add the tomato sauce to the pan and stir until evenly coated and heated. Transfer the “pasta” to a bowl and top with parmesan cheese.
Note: You want the broccoli slaw to get soft, but not mushy. “Al dente” is probably the best description!

I can't believe it's not pasta!

The Rabbit Food Pyramid Breakdown
Produce: broccoli, onions, and tomato sauce
Whole Grain: –
Protein: parmesan cheese
Plant Based Fat: olive oil

Tuscan Kale Salad

You may have heard me talk about my FAVORITE kale salad before. If not, let me introduce you to the Tuscan Kale Salad from True Food Kitchen. True Food’s menu was created by  Dr. Andrew Weil’s anti-inflammatory diet, but “you don’t have to be a die-hard Yogi to dine at True Food Kitchen. You need only a desire to give your body nutrients, and your palate something memorable. The basis for Dr. Andrew Weil’s anti-inflammatory diet isn’t meant to deprive a healthy body of great flavors, it’s meant to take popular trends in cuisine and pair them with healthy living.”

The Tuscan Kale Salad is my all time favorite. Ever! Since There isn’t a True Food Kitchen everywhere, I am bringing the restaurant to your kitchen with a single serving Tuscan Kale recipe! This particular salad doesn’t come with smoked tempeh on it, but it’s my favorite way to order. Since I don’t have a smoker, I found an awesome short cut to get the same smokey flavor!

So what is tempeh?
Tempeh (tem-pay) is similar to tofu because it is made from soybeans, but it’s taste and texture are completely different. Tempeh is much more textured and firm since the soybeans are cooked and slightly fermented, and has a mild nutty flavor. It’s low in fat and high in protein and calcium, making it a great addition to salads!

Where do I buy Tempeh?
Most grocery stores such as Ralph’s, Kroger, Pavillions, Trader Joe’s, and health food stores like Whole Foods carry tempeh. It’s usually located by tofu and other vegetarian foods in the refrigerator section. I used Tofurkey Brand Smokey Maple Bacon Flavored Tempeh from Whole Foods for this recipe.

P.S. I love when my sister lets me use her camera and fancy lenses!

Tuscan Kale Salad
Tuscan Kale Salad
Tuscan Kale Salad
Tuscan Kale Salad
Tuscan Kale Salad
Tuscan Kale Salad
Tuscan Kale Salad
Tuscan Kale Salad
Serves 1

4 Strips of Smokey Maple Bacon Flavored Tempeh
2 cups chopped Tuscan kale (aka dinosaur kale)
1 Tbsp shaved parmesan (or shaved cheese blend)
3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 garlic clove – mashed
pinch of salt
pinch of pepper
pinch of hot red pepper flakes

Wash and dry kale. Cut kale into half inch strips and place in a bowl. Mash garlic with a fork and combine with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and hot red pepper flakes. Massage dressing into the kale and set aside. Place 4 strips of tempeh in a pan sprayed with nonstick cooking spray over medium heat. Cooke each side of the tempeh for 2 minutes until golden brown. Remove tempeh from the stove and cut into one inch pieces. Toss the tempeh and parmesan in the salad and enjoy.

Tuscan Kale Salad
The Rabbit Food Pyramid Breakdown
Produce: kale
Whole Grain: enjoy with one serving of whole grain crackers or a side of quinoa
Protein: tempeh and cheese
Plant Based Fat: olive oil

Sweet Roasted Acorn Squash

Remember on Facebook when I said my kitchen smelled like cotton candy?
Well it wasn’t cotton candy, and it was not vegan marshmallows: it was a vegetable.
You heard that right! Sweet Roasted Acorn Squash to be exact!
Easy to prepare, delicious, nutritious, and very filling!

Sweet Roasted Acorn Squash

Ahhh tis the season of winter squash!
My seasonal squash of choice? Acorn Squash.
Now take a look at this fine little cutie! (seriously, I think they are so adorable!)
Don’t let the cutie patootie looks fool you, this is a mean, lean, powerhouse nutrient machine!

  • One cup of acorn squash contains 145% of the daily recommended requirements for Vitamin A.
  • It also contains Vitamin C, potassium, manganese, folate (folic acid), and 15% of the omega three fatty acids necessary to good health
  • It’s also an excellent source of fiber that will keep you full and focused.

Now, you may be asking, how does one choose an acorn squash? Pick the cutest one available. Just kiddinggg!

Look for:
Select a squash that has a good balance between green and orange skin. You want to choose a smooth squash without any soft spots. The heavier the squash, the more moist it will be, so choose a squash that is heavy for it’s size.
Avoid: Too much orange coloring on the skin, which indicates an overripe squash.
Storage: Store at room temperature (no need to refrigerate before cooking) and use within two weeks of purchase. Cooked acorn squash can be sealed and refrigerated up to 4 days.

The first way I ever had an acorn squash was roasted with butter and brown sugar, and to this day it is still my favorite.There is nothing like the smell of Sweet Acorn Squash roasting in the oven. It smells like a sweet sugary dream come true!
Sweet Roasted Acorn Squash

Sweet Roasted Acorn Squash
Sweet Roasted Acorn Squash
Sweet Roasted Acorn Squash
Sweet Roasted Acorn Squash
Sweet Roasted Acorn Squash
Sweet Roasted Acorn Squash
I decided to lighten up this recipe with Earth Balance Natural Buttery Spread With Olive Oil. If you haven’t tried this before, you need to head on over to your local Health Food store and get a tub. My mom and I have been using it in place of butter in our Armenian family recipes to give those heavy meals, a light touch. It’s an incredible alternative to butter, made with natural expeller-pressed oils such as soybean, olive, and Flax. It’s also vegan, lactose-free, gluten-free, casein-free, non-GMO, and contains no trans fat, and no cholesterol. With all of that said, this is a great source of healthy plant based monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated  fats.

Earth Balance

Sweet Roasted Acorn Squash
Serves 2

1 Acorn Squash (about 1 lb)
1 Tbsp Earth Balance Natural Buttery Spread
1 Tbsp brown sugar or Splenda Brown Sugar Blend

Preheat oven to 400°F and arrange a rack in the center. Cut the acorn squash in half. Scrape out the seeds and strings (like a pumpkin). Save the seeds for another recipe coming soon! Divide the Earth Balance spread into 1/2 Tbsps. Using your fingers, coat the yellow flesh of each squash with Earth Balance. Divide the brown sugar into 1/2 tbsps and sprinkle over each half of the squash. Place in a baking pan and surround with crinkled aluminum foil to hold the halves upright. Place in the oven and roast until fork tender about 45 minutes to one hour.
Note: I recommend using a baking pan with raised edges so any drippings can be caught.
On that note: If you don’t have a baking pan with raised edges, you can shape your own out of foil and then place on top of a cookie sheet.
Last note: Don’t throw the seeds away! Keep them in a ziplock or container in the fridge for another recipe.

Sweet Roasted Acorn Squash

The Rabbit Food Pyramid Breakdown
Produce: Acorn squash
Whole Grain: 0
Protein:
 0
Plant Based Fat: Earth Balance Olive Oil Buttery Spread

Mmmm tastes like fall, feels like winter!
Roasted acorn squash would be excellent stuffed with quinoa(whole grain) and lentils (protein). Stay tuned for a recipe to stuff your cute little squash!

Harvest Grains with Tofu and Veggies

Thank you so much for the birthday wishes everyone!

I has a fabulous day filled with family, friends, and delicious food haha. Great mind think alike, and the theme of my birthday gifts ended up being Rabbit Food For My Bunny Teeth, and I was adorned with some fancy shmancy new goodies for the blog! My sister got me a photography & lighting kit so I can perfect my foodie photos! I take all of my photos in natural light, which means I have to cook and photograph all of my dishes in daylight to get the right lighting. Now that I have a handy dandy lighting kit, I will be able to take photos even after the sun goes down! I was also given some new blog props from my best friend Lauren. She found the cutest fruit decorated knives and veggie shaped cutting boards for me! With the blog themed gifts still going strong, my parents gave me a set of gorgeous Italian hand painted bunny dishes. I can’t wait to show them off in some future recipe posts! Although Sam is out of town, he managed to surprise me (with the help of Lauren) with an insanely amazing dehydrator and I cannot wait to bust that box open and make some kale chips and healthy treats! Thank you so much to everyone who made my birthday so special!

Since I am having my mini surgery today, I thought I would post a recipe while I am up on my feet moving around. My latest grain addiction (don’t fret, quinoa is still in the mix) is a fabulous Harvest Grain Blend from Trader Joe’s: A savory blend of Israeli style couscous, orzo, baby garbanzo beans and red quinoa.

It’s slightly chewy and rather hearty. Most mixed grain blends look fabulous in the bag, but end up turning into an uncooked and overcooked mess due to a need of completely different cooking times to get the correct texture. This blend is perfectly selected so that each grain cooks within the same amount of time. It’s like magic!

Unfortunately Trader Joe’s in not accessible everywhere, so if you don’t have a chance to try this blend, one half cup of whole wheat couscous, brown rice, or quinoa would still make for a delicious dish! Or you could blend all three of those grains evenly and use a one half cup serving for your own whole grain blend! On second thought, I want to try that! I love the textures of all three of those grains!

Harvest Grains with Tofu and Veggies
Serves 1

1/2 cup cooked Harvest Grains (from Trader Joe’s)
1/2 cup broccoli
1/2 cup cauliflower
1/2 cup green beans
1/2 cup peas
1/5 package of tofu
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1/2 clove garlic – minced

Cook harvest blend to package instructions (omit butter and extras, only using water). Combine olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic in a pan over medium heat. Add the vegetables and tofu. Cook tofu for about 3 minutes on each side and until vegetables have reached desired tenderness. Serve veggies and tofu side by side with the grains.

The Rabbit Food Pyramid Breakdown
Produce: cauliflower, broccoli, green beans, peas
Whole Grain: harvest grains blend
Protein: tofu
Plant Based Fat: olive oil

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