Creamy Potato Soup

Not only is this Creamy Potato Soup recipe naturally gluten free, it is hearty and flavorful. The use of roasted vegetable purees adds additional flavor and nutrition.

Creamy Potato Soup
Modified from Jessica Seinfeld

Ingredients:
·1 head cauliflower, chopped
·½ of an acorn or butternut squash, chopped or 5-6 carrots, chopped
·Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
·Salt and pepper
·1 small to medium onion, chopped
·1 tsp minced garlic
·1½ cup homemade chicken or vegetable stock
·2 cups water
·1½ pounds of potatoes, peeled and chopped
·1 cup skim milk
·½ tsp salt
·½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:
Season cauliflower and squash (or carrots) with EVOO, salt, and pepper. Spread veggies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in a 425˚ oven until tender.

Meanwhile, heat a few teaspoons of EVOO in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft.

Add the broth and potatoes and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, partially covered, until the potatoes are tender (about 20 minutes).

Carefully spoon broth and potato mixture into a food processor or blender and add the roasted vegetables. Puree until smooth. Return puree to the large saucepan and add milk and salt. Heat over low heat, stirring frequently, until soup is well blended. Serve in bowls with shredded cheese sprinkled on top.

Yield: 8 servings

Turkey Burger

I love this flavorful and healthy burger recipe. Not only does the cauliflower puree add to the nutritional content, but it also helps make a perfectly moist burger.

I am so excited that a friend is lending me Jessica Seinfeld's Deceptively Delicious cookbook! I have flagged a few recipes to try, and I am learning tips to incorporate veggies into some of my favorite dishes. I took my favorite turkey burger recipe and used Jessica's tip for incorporating cauliflower puree. The outcome was fantastic - a flavorful, moist, and healthy Turkey Burger!

Ingredients:
·1 lb. ground turkey
·1 cup cauliflower puree
·1 cup Rice Chex, crushed
·4 green onions, thinly sliced
·2 tsp minced garlic
·1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
·Salt and pepper

Directions:
Heat the grill. In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients and season with salt and pepper. Divide the mixture evenly and form 6-8 patties. Oil the grill with olive oil cooking spray. Place the burgers on the grill and grill until one side is brown, then flip and grill the other side until done.

Burgers can also be cooked on a hot skillet and then transferred to a hot oven to finish cooking all of the way through.

I've also shared this recipe on: Seasonal Sundays

Sweet Cherry Tomato Pasta

This quick, easy, and delicious recipe is from Jessica Seinfeld. It seriously only took about 15 minutes start to finish. It has great flavor and is a fairly healthy pasta dish.

·1 lb. spaghetti

·2 TBS olive oil

·1 handful (1 cup) fresh basil leaves, torn, plus extra for sprinkling

·2 pints cherry tomatoes

·2 tsp kosher salt

·¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

·1 cup fresh ricotta

Start boiling your water. Cook pasta according to the package directions. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and basil, and cook, stirring, for 15 seconds. Stir in the tomatoes, salt and pepper and cook, covered, for 8 minutes. Remove cover and continue to cook, stirring, until the tomatoes split. Your pasta should be about done. Drain it. Toss the pasta with the tomatoes and stir in the ricotta and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Serve sprinkled with the extra basil.

I've also shared this recipe on: Seasonal Sundays