Duck Fried Fingerling Potatoes with Aioli

Yes, you do need to allow a little extra time for this one dish to cook, but it is worth the wait!
Trust me on this one ....

In a world where finding Gluten Free French fries is a rare occasion, these divine spuds will thrill you beyond belief! Usually you have to ask the restaurant about the oil that  fries are made in - What other foods were fried in the oil? Breaded Gluten containing foods? Depending on the answer, you either can or can't get the fries ... usually not!

Well, I am thrilled to tell you that the Duck Fried Fingerling Potatoes are made in their own dedicated pan! So GO FOR IT! The sound of Duck Fat fried makes you think ... intriguing flavor ... but should I? YES!

Divine! Absolutely Divine! The Duck Fat gives the potatoes the richest, buttery flavor that is perfectly complimented by the fresh herbs and sea salt.  I will travel by car and ferry for these again and again!  The Duck Fried Fingerling Potatoes are perfectly fried and seasoned but the side of the freshly made aioli .... creamy and garlic-y goodness to dip them in ... makes me want to beg for more! I think I did beg for more and then decided to be good and save some, not easy, to take home with me for the next day to have with my breakfast.  They were perfect! Such a bonus to enjoy them with another meal!

So you might be thinking ... Duck Fat? Is that good for me?
Every day I am looking into facts about food, reading and researching about everything I consume.  I know that Duck Fat is used by pastry chefs to make pie crusts and croissants and is becoming more popular in restaurants so I thought I would share some interesting facts with you.  No worries ... you can enjoy a variety of foods made with Duck Fat because it is not as bad as you think.  Duck Fat is actually comparable to the health benefits of olive oil and better than butter. 

• Duck Fat is high in linoleic acid
• Higher percent of mono-unsaturated fats than saturated
• Good source of Omega-6 and Omega-3 essential oils
• Lower saturated fats than butter
• High smoke point
• 115 calories in 1 Tbs.
• Rich flavor so you don't need that much to enhance the flavor in your dish.

Enough chewing the fat ... believe it or not, I actually had more ... it was a long day and I was hungry!  I actually started with
Truffled Wild Prawns - sauteed with Marcona Almonds, honey, sea salt, fresh herbs and Truffle oil - the sauce was rich and well rounded, I wished I had a slice of Gluten Free bread to soak it up.  Then I had a brilliant thought ... a spoon ... that works too! Hey, the chef took time to make this silky sultry sauce and it is meant to be enjoyed ... right?!?! (I didn't use the spoon but I really wanted to!)

I also had the
Prima Greens - fresh local mixed greens in red wine vinaigrette with Oregon Blue Cheese or Cypress Grove Chevre - I got the Chevre ... perfect!

The Duck Fried Fingerling Potatoes were actually my dessert at the end!

Prima Bistro is located atop Star Store in the heart of Langley.  They have a deck with outdoor seating that overlooks the water, a nice bar area and quaint indoor seating, surrounded by local artwork on the walls.  Prima offers a lunch, dinner menu, kids menu.  Live music on Thursdays, 1st Saturdays, 4th Sundays! Check out Prima blog to learn more about local events, happenings and fun stories about the locals, guests, and of course food and drinks.  They also offer a Happy Hour daily from 3-6 PM which includes appetizers, beer, wine and cocktails - nice selection of Potato Vodka, Cider and local wines.

This is a family owned business and the staff is awesome! Everyone is very warm and friendly.  I spent quite a bit of time chatting with Rachel, the Manager of Prima.  She has been Gluten Free for a year and has learned quite a bit about Gluten Free food and cross contamination.  She has shared her knowledge with the Chef (aka her brother in law) and the staff.  I love to support family businesses! I also love love love to support a business that takes the time to offer Gluten Free menu options and educate their staff about living Gluten Free. Rachel said that all of their sauces and dressings are made daily so they know what is in everything. She is also looking into offering a few more Gluten Free items for Gluten Free Foodies!

This is a must go to when you are on Whidbey Island!
Bravo!

Lisa

Matiz Gallego Organic Chestnuts – 6-8 chopped
Matiz Quince Paste – ¼ cup, chopped
Spanish olive oil – 1/3 cup
Matiz Flor de Sal Sea Salt – 1/4 tsp
La Masia Sherry Vinegar – 2 Tbs
Matiz Marcona Almonds – ¼ cup
Romaine Lettuce – 1 head, washed and chopped

To make the dressing …
In a big mixing bowl, add the chestnuts, quince paste, Spanish olive oil, sea salt, sherry vinegar and mix.  Let the dressing sit for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
Add the chopped romaine lettuce and Marcona almonds to the bowl with the dressing and mix well.
Serve in your favorite chilled salad bowls, top with a few extra Marcona Almonds and chestnuts.
I love love love ... all of the Matiz ingredients imported from Spain by Culinary Collective based in Lynnwood, WA because they are natural and Organic.  You can purchase all of the products at The Spanish Table.

Add the
Chestnut and Quince Salad with Marcona Almonds
 to your list for the perfect for Meatless Monday meal!
This is Gluten Free, Dairy Free and Vegan too!

Salud!

Lisa

Today is an exciting day for Two Degrees! You can now find Two Degrees Bars at Whole Foods Markets Nationwide! When you buy Two Degrees bars you not only feed yourself but a medically formulated nutrition pack is donated to a severely malnourished child in Africa at the same time.  Two Degrees is the only food company with a one-for-one business model of social giving.  Now it is even easier to be a part of their mission to feed the world's more than 200+ million hungry children.  “We are fortunate to have Whole Foods Market as a partner given their like-minded commitment to food that is good and does good” said Two Degrees Co-Founder and President Will Hauser. The Nutrition Packs are endorsed by the World Health Organization globally. The packs are 95% effective in treating and curing severe malnutrition. This is the most important meal that you can feed yourself  because you are sharing a meal with someone half a world away from you. The bars are Gluten Free, Vegan, all natural and under 200 calories. There are currently three flavors available - Cherry Almond, Chocolate Peanut, Apple Pecan.  Two Degrees will start selling nut free bars to feed even more people with nut allergies.  The bars retail for $2.49 each and a box of nine bars is $21.99.  You can also buy the bars via their website.  To find Two Degrees at additional locations near you look at their map/zip code searchpage. Do you want to help even more? Look at the website for information about Two Degrees - join the movement - fundraisers, sponsorships and providing the bars at your business. If you are a college student there is information about becoming a campus director.  Please go to their website  www.twodegrees.com.  You can also follow the company for the most up to date information. Please "Like" Two Degrees on Facebook and share this posting with as many of your friends and family as you can.  As you know I always say to put a snack in your pocket or purse before you leave the house.  It is so important to have something with you when you are out to keep your energy up, eat something healthy and feel good.  Just think ... when you are enjoying a Two Degrees bar you are nourishing a child in Africa and your soul ... Thank you! Lisa P.S. The video was made by Pat White - an Intern at Two Degrees! How cool is that?!? Bravo!

Regardless of the weather or time of year at least you can taste the flavors of Summer!
As of today our Summer has consisted of 78 minutes of above 80 degrees ... umm ...
we have to get Summer any way we can this year!
Enjoy!
Lisa

Is it a soup or .... a warm salad?
Get your spork out because you will need it!
 spoon + fork = spork!


Wow! Either way this is awesome! I didn't know I liked beets but this will really get your appetite going!

I was just craving some natural deep, dark colors in my food.  I'm in need of some serious nutrients today! You can't get more vibrant than beet red and dark green kale when it comes to vegetables.


Beet and Kale Soup with Garlic and Bacon
Serves 3-4
***Beware of staining when working or eating beets!

6-8 beets and greens
4-5 kale leaves
1/4 cup Spanish olive oil, plus a little more for the pan
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 cup cooked bacon bits
1/4 cup fig or plain Balsamic vinegar or red wine
Matiz sea salt with herbs
3 cups vegetable broth
Aji Limo, dried

Clean the beets and cut into slices and put into a metal bowl. 
Add the Balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup of olive oil, 1/2 tsp of sea salt with herbs, one chopped up garlic clove to the beets. Mix well.




Use a large saute pan and add enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan.  Turn the heat to medium low and add the chopped garlic and bacon.  Cook for 1-2 minutes, stir. 



Carefully add the kale and beet greens, and mix well. Caution, this will create some steam.  Let the greens cook down for about 5-8 minutes until the greens are soft and not stiff.  Add the vegetable broth.  You will begin to see  a red color in the sauce or broth from the beet greens.  Continue to cook down for 3-5 minutes.  Add the beet mixture and spread out all over the pan.  Cook for 10-12 minutes. 

Serve before a main course or maybe as part of a multi-course meal.  It is the perfect way to get your appetite going with the sexy beet red and dark green for your eyes, the wafting aroma of the vegetables getting hot and steamy ... traveling across the kitchen. Last but not least ... taste ... ooh la la!



Enjoy!
Lisa

So if you just gotta' have something two days in a row ...
are you addicted?

Well, I know I am to this mid-day pick me up treat!

Banana Coffee Cacao Nib Smoothie made with Coconut Milk and frozen coffee ice cubes!

 I found these totally cool beans ...
coffee bean ice cube tray made out of silicone recently!
I came up with the idea of this smoothie yesterday because I wanted a combo of creamy, coffee ... chocolate and naturally sweet.  This was a perfect excuse to pull out those COOL BEANS that I made the other day!

• starting solids pouches
• simple combos for 6+months
• meals for 7+months 
• happy tot meals
• probiotic multigrain cereal
• frozen meals
• snacks.

 I decided to share my samples with some experts ... babies and toddlers that I know are picky eaters.  Let's just say that lil' Riley ... loves the Sweet Potato Puffs! The Puffs come in a variety of flavors including greens, apple, banana and strawberry.  Great finger food for babies to learn tactility and self feeding.

Dr. Bob Sears, author and pediatrician is also a partner in the company.  The company also gives back to raise money for projectpeanutbutter.org for children in Malawi and Sierra Leone.  The website has a plethora of information for new parents to help make the healthiest choices for their new baby and toddler.

Happy Baby Foods gives a whole new meaning to Hip Hip Baby Hooray!

Enjoy!
Lisa

Vixi Bars
Have you heard about them?!?
Well now you know ... you need to get these!
Vixi (Latin) - to live ... to be alive!
I have to say that these little bars are so awesome they make you happy to be alive and enjoy them!
They are the creation of Kate Criswell - founder, CEO, nutrition consultant, athlete and personal trainer. WOW!
I guess she gets hungry doing all that!

All I know is that these little bars are awesome!
Gluten Free
Soy Free
No Sugar added
Lactose Free
No Preservatives
Non-GMO
Good Protein and Fiber

Awesome tasting ... easy to take with you anywhere too! These little bars are pocket/purse size so you put them in and you will not be without an easy snack anytime.  Vixi Bar is the perfect snack to enjoy with your coffee, tea or favorite beverage to keep you moving and fight unhealthy temptations.

I tried - Chocolate Macaroon, Coconut Bliss, Cherry Biscotti, Apple Crisp - Love love love them! I haven't tried the other flavors because I can't have peanuts but they sound just as awesome!
Peanut Butter Cup, Peanut Butter and Jelly, Peanut Butter Banana!

I know you can buy them online via their website. Please contact them to find out about other markets and retailers in your area. www.vixibar.com

Please tell them you heard about them from Gluten Free Foodies!

Enjoy!
Lisa

Smoked Pussac Punay Bean Dip
Ingredients
1 cup Zócalo Gourmet - Pussac Punay Beans, cooked
1/4 cup Spanish olive oil, plus a little more to blend if too dry
1 tsp Matiz Sea Salt - any flavor - smoked - herbed or Flor de Sal
2 Tbs roasted crushed garlic
1/4 cup red onion, chopped
1/4 tsp Rey de la Vera - Smoked Pimenton
1/2 tsp Aji Amarillo, dried

Cook the beans by following the Pussac Punay - Beautiful Beans recipe.  Let beans cool for 10 - 15 minutes.

Take the cooked, cooled beans and put them into the food processor.

Add the ingredients and pulsate the food processor to pulverize to a creamy texture. I like a bit of texture with creamy. 

Serve with corn chips, vegetables, crackers or make a tapas plate  with a Spanish cheese - Manchego or Idiazabal - Jamon Serrano, Pamplona Chorizo, Matiz Velasco Piparras and other favorites. Don't forget the Spanish wine!

Food for thought - Check out these impressive numbers for Pussac Punay Beans compared to other beans. Great protein and fiber, low fat and sugars!