Category: Vegetarian

No. 619Recipe Card Posted on by — Leave a comment

LA Hippie Nachos

LA Hippie Nachos| Bijouxs Little Jewels

These nachos are special, they are LA Hippie Nachos. Lots of little nudges make regular nachos special, Hippie Nachos No 619 from Bijouxs Little Jewels Collection.

HIPPIE NACHOS

So, what are Hippie Nachos you say? I came across this recipe online here, and had to make them. They really are such a step-up from standard nachos, yet remain true to the classic.

THE RECIPE

Who does not love nachos?? I have made them many ways over the years but discovered Hippie Nachos a recipe from artist Louesa Robuck. I met Louesa right after I moved to Ventura, a chance encounter and a friend and I went out to view her Monotype paintings in her studio. That was how the connection began. Her beautiful book Foraged Flora had just come out and she gifted me a copy! So, over the years I have attended her work shops Punk Ikebana, it was great. She truly is a talent.

ALL ABOUT THE BEANS

I think the key to this recipe is the amping-up of seasoning of the refried beans that make these nachos so special. Do not skip this step in the recipe. It’s an easy fix and really makes a difference. Once you prepare the beans you can assemble the nachos and broil to cheesy brown delights. The Have’a Corn Chips are also special, available in many markets.  

LA Hippie Nachos | Bijouxs Little Jewels

 

Serve the nachos right out of the skillet while still warm.

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Bijouxs Basics: Marinated Roasted Red Peppers

Marinated Roasted Red Peppers | Bijouxs Little Jewels

Back to the Basics, Bijouxs Basics that is, here today with these perfectly roasted and charred peppers that are bathed in a marinade of olive oil and herbs and so versatile-Bijouxs No. 611 from the Membership Collection.

BIJOUXS BASICS

Here in the Bijouxs Kitchen I have a collection of basics, these I use over and over and are often the building blocks of many meals. Bijouxs Basics: 15-Minute Arrabiata Sauce, Bijouxs Basics: Everything Butter, Bijouxs Basics: Frijoles de la Olla (Beans in a Pot), and Bijouxs Basics: Pineapple Upside-Down Cake to name a few. Just type ‘basics’ in the search bar for all my recipes.

Marinated Roasted Red Peppers is the newest Bijouxs Basics in the Collection. They are so versatile.
Use them as a savory side, add crusty bread for a simple appetizer, toss them into an omlette or fritatta. The wonderful marinade can be used as the base for a salad using the peppers-the ideas are endless.

Bijouxs Basics: Marinated Roasted Red Peppers

ROASTED RED PEPPERS

Bijouxs Basics: Marinated Roasted Red Peppers

A super easy fix. Just place the whole peppers in a 450 degree oven and roast on a pan for about 40 minutes, turning occastionally for an even char. Remove the peppers while hot and close in a plastic bag. After 30 minutes when cool enough to handle, gently peel off the skin. Top the peppers with herb oil mixture. Allow to marinate for 30 minutes. Cover and store in refrigerator if not using right away. NOTE: the olive oil will solidify in refrigerator, just remove for a few minutes before serving.

Bijouxs Basics: Marinated Roasted Red Peppers
Serve with crusty toasted baquette for dipping also add a round of creamy goat cheese. You got this!

 

No. 606Recipe Card Posted on by — Leave a comment

Wild Mushroom Risotto

Wild Mushroom Risotto | Bijouxs Little Jewels

Where the wild things are…Wild Mushroom Risotto. Gorgeously rich with the flavors of the earth paired with the creamy comfort of Italian risotto. Little Jewel Recipe #606 from the Collection Membership-join the Collection here.

WILD MUSHROOMS

Well, not really wild, but cultivated species of the ever elusive mushroom. Pictured here are a collection from Santa Barbara farmers market, these will create a bellissimo risotto.

Wild Mushroom Risotto | Bijouxs Little Jewels

RISOTTO

If you have some fears about making risotto, fear not! It is an easy, creamy, comforting Italian dish you will make again and again. After all, it’s just rice.

There are many recipes to prepare risotto, too many to count, but Wild Mushroom Risotto is one you will want to collect. This recipe is easy, in that the mushrooms and risotto are sautéed together, keeping things simple.

This risotto keeps the mushrooms the same size as the risotto to create an even texture. Make sure you do not overcook the rice, keep a soft toothsome chew. It is ready when you can drag the spoon across the pan bottom and a trail remains. Remember the rice will continue to cook after you remove it from the heat.

I served the risotto in my favorite bowl handmade by a friend back home when I lived in Pasadena, great memories! Cheers.

 

No. 605Recipe Card Posted on by — Leave a comment

Marinated Heirloom Tomatoes

Marinated Heirloom Tomatoes | Bijouxs Little Jewels

Tomato season is just the best, and it’s here. Simple Marinated Heirloom Tomatoes on the dining table today. Membership Collection Recipe No. 605.

SUMMER TOMATOES

Up along the California Central Coast farming is going strong, with berries, stone fruits and our favorite fruit, Heirloom tomatoes, making an early appearance. These Heirloom beauties need little adornment to bring to the table.

Marinated Heirloom Tomatoes | Bijouxs Little Jewels

MARINATED TOMATOES

Slicing the tomatoes crosswise exposes the juicy interiors helping the marinade flavor penetrate the tomatoes. Finely chopped red onion, fresh garlic, chopped herbs such as parsley and basil are key ingredients. Just a touch of maple syrup and salt soften the marinade’s edge.

Marinated Heirloom Tomatoes | Bijouxs Little Jewels

Plate the sliced tomatoes in a single layer on a large platter then top with the marinade. As with most marinades, allow time for the flavors to meld, about 30 minutes. I made my tomatoes before the meal and stored for a couple hours.

I served the marinated tomatoes with thick slices of sourdough bread topped with Goat cheese and lightly broiled. I wanted to photograph that image but the tomatoes and toast disappeared from the platte! Sign of a good recipe.

Enjoy the season and Membership Collection Recipe No. 605. Thank you Members for your support.

 

 

 

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Mushroom Ragu

Mushroom Ragu | Bijouxs Little Jewels

This ragu is bursting with mushrooms and complex umami flavors, this may become your new Sunday sauce–Mushroom Ragu No. 595 in the Collection, another Little Jewel from the Kitchen.

MUSHROOMS

A vegetable based ragu so rich you will never miss the meat. Mushrooms are the key along how they are cooked, no rush here. This sauce is a great weekend project, perfect for Sunday Supper. Although this is a meatless sauce, the complex flavors beguile the diners. How can there be a ragu without meat? The answer is the richness from mushrooms, along with some traditional and not some not-so traditional ingredients.

L’ARTUSI, NYC

The recipe has been on the menu from day one at L’Artusi, and it is said there would be an uprising if it leaves the menu. Gargenelli pasta with mushroom ragu, ricotta salata. So loved, it can be ordered via Goldbelly here. Of course, although it relies on humble ingredients, all the parts must be just right for the sauce to come together. I followed the chef’s tips, such as brushing the mushrooms with a paper towel, avoiding any extra water. (I was one of those cooks who purchased a mushroom brush, but it is lost in the drawer of my food tools). Looking at this upgrading to improved mushroom brush.

RAGU INGREDIENTS

I have made this recipe a compilation of recipes, resulting in what I think is just a dandy mushroom ragu. Besides the mushrooms, the other cast of characters in this sauce are easy to find and work with in the kitchen. Onion, tomato paste and pasata, along with sauce favorites cream, butter, cheese and wine-what’s not to love. Ingredients such as Sicilian oregano, Red Boat fish sauce and mushroom broth are a some of the unique things you may not have on hand, but an easy order from Amazon.

SERVE THE SAUCE

I enjoy the ragu over polenta, Bob’s Red Mill makes an organic one, again Amazon, the stores don’t seem to carry their organic one. This umami-rich sauce is a winner over creamy-dreamy polenta. Also a great sauce for your favorite pasta.
Your new Sunday sauce from Bijouxs Little Jewels from the Kitchen.

 

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