recipe Archives | Community Food Co-op

Spring Asparagus Salad

by Selva Wohlgemuth, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist

asparagus salad with hard-boiled eggs and onions in bowl next to egg shells

Every spring the appearance of fresh, seasonal asparagus coincides with the popularity of eggs during the Easter season. These two seasonal favorites combine in this delicious vegetarian recipe.

Spring Asparagus Salad

Makes 2–4 servings (serve as an entree or a side)

INGREDIENTS

For the Olive Oil Vinaigrette:

1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 medium red onion, thinly sliced

For the Salad:

2 pasture-raised fresh eggs
1 bunch asparagus
fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
2 lettuce leaves (garnish)

METHOD

Mix together the olive oil, vinegar, honey, and sea salt until the salt is dissolved.
Add the thinly sliced red onion and mix well. Allow the onions to marinate in the
dressing for about 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, fill a small saucepan with fresh water and bring to a boil. Gently pierce the “butt” ends of the egg with a push pin or small needle. You want to make sure not to push in too far, just enough to pierce a hole in the shell. Gently add the eggs to the boiling water and reduce the heat to medium. Allow the eggs to simmer uncovered for 10 minutes. Once the 10 minutes are up, quickly rinse the eggs under cold water and set aside on a dry towel to cool further.
While the eggs are boiling, place a steamer basket into a large pot and fill with water just so the water is under the basket. Gently bend each asparagus spear at the bottom end until it naturally snaps. Discard the ends in the compost or save for a future asparagus soup. Place the asparagus into the steamer basket, cover the pot, and bring the water to a boil. Cook for about 3–5 minutes or until the asparagus is bright green and tender. Be careful not to overcook the asparagus, otherwise it will turn green-brown. Once the asparagus has reached optimal color and tenderness, quickly rinse the asparagus in cold, running water for about 30 seconds to stop the cooking process.
Salad Assembly: Place the lettuce leaves in a serving dish and top with steamed asparagus. Evenly pour the vinaigrette with the marinated onions over the asparagus and top with the sliced hard-boiled eggs. Sprinkle the eggs with chopped cilantro or parsley, freshly ground pepper, and a bit of sea salt. Serve immediately.

Current Health Studies on Eggs

See Selva's story from the April 2017 issue of the Co-op News to learn about the current dietary recommendations regarding egg consumption.

Asparagus and Bell Pepper Quiche

by Renee Russel

asparagus bell pepper quiche with tomatoes

The fresh taste of asparagus shines in this irresistible quiche!

Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4-6 slices

INGREDIENTS

Filling

1/2 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1/3 cup red pepper, diced
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 pre-made 9-inch pie crust

Quiche

6 eggs
2 cups half and half
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

METHOD

Preheat oven to 325°F.
Bring a small pot of salted water to a boil, and gently steam or blanch the asparagus and peppers
until al dente, roughly 3 minutes. Drain and cool.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cooked vegetables and cheese. Mix well and scoop the filling
into the pie shell.
Crack the eggs and add them to the bowl. Beat them slightly, then whisk in the half and half and spices.
Pour the mixture into the pie shell, over the vegetable filling.
Bake on a center rack in the preheated oven until completely set.

Recipe by Renee Russel for Welcome to the Table. Reprinted by permission from WelcometotheTable.coop. Find more recipes and information about your food and where it comes from at www.welcometothetable.coop.

Nutritional Information

674 calories, 51 g. fat, 62 mg. cholesterol, 836 mg. sodium, 44 g. carbohydrate, 9 g. fiber, 17 g. protein

Welcome to Kimchi Nirvana: Kimchi Stew

by Jeremy Meadows, former Cordata deli cook

Kimchi Stew expands your cooking repertoire with a new and unique flavor profile. The recipe comes together particularly easily using leftover shredded chicken, or leave out the meat (but not the flavorful marinade ingredients) for a vegetarian dish. Control the degree of heat by varying the amount of chili flake. Adapted from the kimchi jjigae recipe at norecipes.com.

There are two types of people: those who love kimchi and those who loathe it. I used to count myself as one of the latter category’s staunchest supporters. “How,” I thought, “could anyone enjoy something that looks like it was collected from a crime-scene and smells like a fisherman’s socks?” But those were the dark times, before my conversion.

My epiphany came in the form of a hot dog—a plain old bratwurst with ketchup and mustard. But where once sat a drab pile of sauerkraut, there, atop my dog, sat that blood-red concoction from the farthest east—pungent, spicy, and redolent of the ocean. I was immediately struck with that feeling you get when you see someone you know, but outside of their usual context, like running into your dentist at a party. “What are you doing here,” I thought. But I persevered. And I’m glad I did, because the flavor, to put it mildly, was sublime.

My road to kimchi nirvana, however, was not an easy one. Like coffee or alcohol, kimchi is an acquired taste. And just as the road to coffee and alcohol connoisseurship is often paved with sugar and littered with bottles of peach schnapps, it often takes a bit of flavor-masking to develop an appreciation for kimchi. So, don’t just dig right into the jar. At first, try it in a stir fry or on a hot dog. Or better yet, try this kimchi stew recipe, which tastes like a funkier version of American chili.

Still, you might be wondering, “Why not just stick with what I already know and love?” Well, there are kimchi’s legendary health benefits to consider. But more importantly, the taste (once acquired) is utterly delicious. So, hold your nose, open your mouth, and see the light.

Kimchi Stew

INGREDIENTS

6 ounces thinly sliced pork belly (or 2 cups cooked shredded chicken)
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced ginger
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon mirin
½ yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 cup tightly-packed kimchi
½ cup kimchi juice from kimchi jar (if there isn’t enough squeeze kimchi to extract more)
1½ cups water
1 tablespoon red miso
2 tablespoons Korean chili flake (or 1 tablespoon red pepper flake)
8 ounces soft tofu, cubed
2 thin-sliced green onions
1 tablespoon butter

METHOD

Marinate the pork belly (or chicken) with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and mirin while you prepare the other ingredients.
Put a heavy bottomed pot over medium heat. Once hot, add pork belly mixture, (or if using chicken add a little oil then chicken mixture). Sauté for a few minutes, then add onions and kimchi. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until very fragrant.
Add kimchi juice, water, miso, and pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then taste. Add more chili flakes if desired.
Turn heat to low, add tofu and simmer for 20 minutes.
Just before serving stir in butter and garnish with green onions.

Summer Grilling Guide

by Laura Steiger, Outreach Team

It's prime harvest season! Time to embrace all that summer has to offer. So, break free of the kitchen and head outside to fire up the grill.

These simple techniques—combined with the best selection of meats, fish, and farm fresh vegetables and fruits harvested at the peak of flavor—will produce results that will be the envy of all.

SALMON

Remove any bones with tweezers. Brush both sides of the salmon with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. For more seasoning, try adding a bit of crushed garlic, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a bit of lemon zest. Or make a simple marinade—my favorite is olive oil, coconut aminos, vinegar, garlic, and seasonings—and marinate salmon for 1/2 hour or longer.

On a grill heated to medium high, place the salmon, skin-side-down, on the grill and cover. Cook, undisturbed, until the salmon flesh flakes easily. For most 1-inch-thick fillets, cook 10 to 12 minutes, check early to prevent overcooking. Allow another 10 minutes for each extra inch of thickness. Serve over salad for an easy summer meal.

salmon salad with tomatoes and bell peppers

SAUSAGE

Choose from a selection of delicious sausages in our meat deparment from local favorite suppliers: Jack Mountain Meats in Burlington or Uli's Famous Sausage in Seattle. To grill, start sausage over indirect heat. Turn as needed until cooked through (165 F). Then, brown the sausage quickly over direct heat to finish. If the grill is hot enough, you can skip the browning step—on many grills, 20 minutes of indirect heat is enough time to brown the sausage AND cook it through.

Photo by Bruno Kelzer on Unsplash

VEGGIES

Select a combo of your favorite summer vegetables like peppers, zucchini, summer squash, tomatoes, and spring onions. For a more unique array, try grilling cauliflower, fennel, baby bok choy, or watermelon radishes. Drizzle veggies with olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper. For added flavor, add a couple dashes of soy sauce, crushed garlic, and a handful of chopped fresh herbs—try rosemary, thyme, tarragon, or basil. Toss gently to evenly coat. Grill vegetables on an oiled preheated grill until lightly charred, 3 to 5 minutes per side.

grilled vegetables, grilled peppers, onions, mushrooms, and zucchini with tomatoes

FRUIT

Peaches, plums, nectarines, mango, and pineapple are all absolutely delicious when grilled. Slice in half or into spears. Brush the cut sides of fruit with olive oil. Grill on medium-low until fruit develops grill marks and starts to soften, about 4 to 5 minutes. Brush the tops with oil, turn over and move to the side of the grill to continue cooking over indirect heat for another 4 to 5 minutes. You can add flavor by brushing fruit with maple syrup, butter, or honey. But if you start with ripe fruit, they really shouldn’t need anything at all!

Summer Backyard Taco Picnic: Zucchini Tacos

by Jeremy Meadows, former Cordata deli cook

These zucchini tacos are a great way to celebrate the bounty of the season.

It’s summer! Abundance is everywhere! The markets are overflowing with seasonal delights from every corner of Kingdom Plantae. We’re up to our ears in corn, up to our knees in peas, and up to our heads in lettuce (I could go on, but don’t worry, I won’t). And not only are these botanical delicacies at their lowest prices of the year, they are also at peak deliciousness.

So why, when all of this amazing produce abounds, does our typical summer backyard picnic fare consist mainly of hamburgers and hot dogs—including the “fruits of the season” only as an afterthought, if at all?

The answer, counterintuitively, may be traced to the very abundance that we enjoy here in the U.S.

While we are home to only 4.5 percent of the world’s population, we have 11.5 percent of the world’s farmland—more than any other country. And while that hardly seems like a problem, it has enabled us to devote a staggering 67 percent of our arable land to crops—mainly soy and corn—that feed livestock, not people. This, along with the alarming rise of factory farming, has led to an incredible abundance of cheap meat. It has also contributed to the development of a cuisine that is among the least sustainable and, forgive me for saying, least interesting in the world.

Don’t get me wrong, some American food is great. I mean, southern barbecue has to rank up there with Beethoven’s Ninth as one of the supreme achievements of humankind. But, as renowned chef and farm-to-table pioneer Dan Barber points out in his terrific book, The Third Plate, most of the world’s great cuisines were born from hardship, not abundance.

The relative scarcity of farmland in countries like Mexico, Italy, and Thailand has required people there to grow a greater proportion of their crops for human consumption, which is a far more efficient method of extracting calories from the soil than raising livestock. It has also encouraged their much more varied, plant-heavy cuisines. And, let’s face it, if variety is the spice of life, then American life, at least culinarily speaking, is pretty bland in comparison.

So, if we want to develop a truly sustainable, world-class American cuisine, we need to start giving plants their day in the sun.

Zucchini Tacos

INGREDIENTS

1 large zucchini or summer squash
1 large ear of corn
2 cloves thinly sliced garlic
3 limes, 1 zested, 2 quartered for garnish
1 tablespoon oregano leaves
¼ cup olive oil, plus 1 teaspoon, divided
salt
tortillas
½ cup grated cotija cheese
red salsa
cilantro leaves for garnish

METHOD

Trim ends and slice zucchini lengthwise in half, continue halving lengthwise into eight equal spears. Slice each spear in half crosswise resulting in 16 thick wedges. In a bowl, combine zucchini with garlic, oregano leaves, ¼ cup oil, and a large pinch of salt. Marinate for about an hour.
Meanwhile, remove corn husk and chop off the bottom stem end of the cob to make a flat surface. Holding the ear upright, carefully cut vertically down the ear to remove the kernels. Place in a bowl. Add 1 teaspoon of oil and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine.
Once zucchini has marinated, heat a heavy frying pan (preferably cast iron) over medium high heat until very hot. Add corn and smooth to an even layer. Let fry, without stirring, for 30 seconds or until corn begins to blacken slightly. Remove to a bowl and stir in lime zest.
In the same pan add about half of the zucchini (don’t overcrowd) cut side down. Cook for about 30 seconds, just until it takes on a little color, then flip to cook the other cut side the same way. You want the zucchini charred on the outside, but still firm on the inside. Remove to a plate.
Assemble the tacos. Add one or two pieces of zucchini to a tortilla. Top with corn, red salsa, some cotija cheese, and cilantro leaves. Squeeze a little lime juice over each and enjoy!

Celebrating Salmon: Three techniques for perfect salmon every time

by Paul Manthe, Downtown deli

I recommend three approaches to cooking fish which are simple, adaptable, and quick: pan roasting, salt broiling, and poaching. They are all accessible to home cooks, requiring no specialized equipment or knowledge. If you have a typical kitchen and a basic range of tools, you can use these alternatives to baking or frying. —Paul Manthe, Cordata deli

When I was a child, sometime back in the 1970s, I recall that around this time of year, after the fall salmon run, our family would often receive gifts of whole salmon from sport fishing acquaintances. I assume these gifts were occasioned by the realization that the giver had caught more than they could consume or find space for in the freezer.

These gift salmon were invariably baked whole, simply salted and peppered. The meat came out a bit dry, as you might imagine, and the leftovers thriftily went into salmon hash, casserole, or salmon salad.

Since then, Bellingham’s population has nearly doubled, as it has throughout the entire Puget Sound region, and the salmon runs have decreased considerably as the growing human population stresses the local environment.

I propose that we cherish those remaining and when fortunate enough to acquire a salmon that we prepare it with the utmost respect and care.

As we probably will not see abundant salmon runs like those ever again, I propose that we cherish those remaining and when fortunate enough to acquire a salmon, or even part of one, that we prepare it with the utmost respect and care. Long exposure to dry heat, as in baking, is not the best way to prepare salmon, or any fish. Alternative methods are called for.

My purpose in presenting these methods as simply as possible is to encourage a sense of ease and dispel some of the fear of cooking I feel from many people. Cooking is a life skill, it’s basic and necessary. It is above all not a competition, in spite of all the television shows which insist on presenting it that way.

I encourage you to try these methods and adapt them to your own needs and tastes.

Pan Roasting

This is by far my favorite method, which I presented in the Winter 2017 issue of the Co-op's In Season magazine.

EQUIPMENT

Oven-going skillet.

METHOD

Preheat oven to 400 F.
Portion skin-on fillets.
Heat skillet on range top until just hot, not smoking.
Add a teaspoon or so of butter or oil to the skillet, then quickly add the fish, skin side up.
Sear the fish in the hot skillet for just two or three minutes, then quickly turn skin side down and slide the skillet into the oven.
Bake for three minutes per pound of fish.
Serve with lemon or vinegar, or create a pan sauce with wine, butter, and herbs using the remaining juices from the skillet.

Salt Broiling

A Japanese technique that uses the high direct heat of your oven's broiler to seal in the juices of the fish.

EQUIPMENT

Broiler pan or a flat pan of some sort with a rack inside to elevate the fish off the bottom of the pan.

METHOD

Individually portion skin-on filleted fish (approximately a half-pound per person).
Liberally salt each piece of fish with coarse or kosher salt on the flesh side only.
Allow to stand at room temperature for about a half-hour.
Move the top rack of your oven to its highest position, and set your oven controls to broil.
When hot, broil fish for a good five minutes or so. It will hiss and flare from time to time, but this is to be expected.
After surface of fish is browned and crusted, slide out the pan, turn the fish skin side up, return to oven, and broil for a few more minutes to finish.
Present skin side down, with a squeeze of lemon or a dash of vinegar.

Poaching

A moist heat method, which Scandinavian cooks have relied on for hundreds of years.

EQUIPMENT

Stove-top pan deep enough to hold a few inches of water.

METHOD

In a pan large enough to accommodate your fish, bring a few inches of salted water (1 teaspoon salt per cup of water) to a simmer.
Lower fish into salted water, skin side up.
Simmer for three to five minutes only, then remove carefully and allow the fish to rest, covered, for a few minutes more before serving.
Serve with a squeeze of lemon, or for added richness I like to add a bit of butter or a drizzle of flavored oil.

Cashew Orange Date Balls

by Alissa Segersten, Cookbook Author and Food Blogger

If you are in the mood for a sweet snack, this recipe can be whipped up within 10 minutes! I like to have a container of some sort of nut-date ball in the refrigerator for my children to pack in their school lunches. One ball serves as a sweet treat and also a good dose of protein and healthy fat.

Recipe reprinted with permission from Nourishing Meals (October, 2016). Photo by Alissa Segersten.

Keep a stash of these healthful treats on hand.

Cashew Orange Date Balls

Yield: 1 dozen balls
vegan • gluten-free • no refined sugar

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 cups raw cashews
1 cup medjool dates, pitted
2 tablespoons coconut oil, softened
1 teaspoon orange zest
pinch sea salt
unsweetened shredded coconut

METHOD

Place the cashews into a food processor fitted with the “s” blade. Process until very finely ground, then add the dates, melted coconut oil, orange zest, and salt. Process again until the dates are very finely ground and the mixture begins to form a ball.
Take small handfuls of the cashew-date mixture and form small balls. Roll each ball in the shredded coconut. Transfer to a glass storage container and place in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

About the Author

alissa segersten of whole life nutrition and nourishing meals

Alissa Segersten holds a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from Bastyr University. She is the founder of Whole Life Nutrition and Nourishing Meals, the mother of five children, a whole-foods cooking instructor, professional recipe developer, and cookbook author. She is passionate about helping others find a diet that will truly nourish them, and offers elimination diet recipes, healthy gluten-free recipes, and paleo and vegan recipes, as well as tips for feeding your family a nourishing, whole-foods diet.

Alissa is the author of two very popular gluten-free, whole-foods cookbooks and guidebooks: The Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook and Nourishing Meals. She is also the co-author of The Elimination Diet book.

Learn more at nourishingmeals.com.

Cascadia Daily Cocktail

by By Josh and Tomo Kramer of Shrub Farm

The Whiskey Ginger gets a PNW makeover with Ginger & Apple Shrub and whiskey. It’s local, classy, and best enjoyed after a long day on the slopes.

A warming, spirited Washington take on the classic whiskey ginger, this Cascadia Daily delivers a little zing, a little zest, and a whole lot of fun. Plus, the shrub is full of digestive health benefits thanks to ginger and raw organic apple cider vinegar. Drink by a roaring fireplace for ultimate cozy vibes.

Cascadia Daily Cocktail

makes one 16-ounce cocktail

INGREDIENTS

ice
2 ounces whiskey
1 ounce Ginger & Apple Shrub
squeeze of lime
sparkling water
crystallized ginger

METHOD

In a pint glass with ice add 2-ounces whiskey, 1-ounce Ginger & Apple Shrub, and squeeze of lime.
Top with sparkling water and garnish with crystallized ginger and a lime slice.

Learn More

Learn more about this local business, the health benefits of raw vinegar, and find more recipes at Shrub Farm's website, Instagram, and Facebook.

Read our profile of Shrub Farm and it's sister business, Apple State Vinegar, at Local Vendor Profile: Shrub Farm.

Maple-Ginger Tummy Tonic

by Josh and Tomo Kramer of Apple State Vinegar

A delicious warming tonic to support digestive health.

Health starts in the gut—it’s important to have a balance of good bacteria so we can properly digest our food and absorb the nutrients we need to do all the things we love. But often, a combination of factors can leave our gut less than happy. We feel bloated, sluggish, tired, and it can affect other parts of our body, too. That’s where our raw apple cider vinegar comes in! This yummy drink combines the digestive power of apple cider vinegar with vibrant ginger, sweet maple, and just a little kick of pepper. Sit back, sip, and enjoy some stomach ease (plus
delicious flavors!).

Maple-Ginger Tummy Tonic

makes one big mug of warm alcohol-free mocktail

INGREDIENTS

2 cups water
2 inches peeled crushed ginger
2 tablespoons Apple State Vinegar
2 teaspoons maple syrup
pinch of pepper (you can use black pepper, cayenne, or any semi-spicy pepper)

METHOD

Bring water and ginger to a rolling boil on a stovetop, then simmer for 5 minutes.
Strain the mixture, pouring the ginger-water into your favorite mug.
Add vinegar, maple syrup, and pepper. Stir and enjoy!

Note: We love ginger as a base for this tonic, but any whole spice can work well. Feel free to substitute turmeric root, a cinnamon stick, or any of your other favorites.

Learn More

Learn more about this local business, the health benefits of raw vinegar, and find more recipes at Apple State Vinegar's website, Instagram, and Facebook.

Read our profile of Apple State Vinegar and it's sister business, Shrub Farm, at Local Vendor Profile: Shrub Farm.

Gut Nourishing Steel Cut Oats

by Selva Wohlgemuth, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist

This recipe for Gut Nourishing Steel Cut Oats incorporates many of the dietary tips mentioned in Selva's column about Gut Bacteria that was published in the December 2018 Co-op News.

Photo by Selva Wohlgemuth

Gut Nourishing Steel Cut Oats

Cooked and cooled steel-cut oats have a higher amount of resistant starch and are high in mucilaginous fiber. Blueberries, flaxseeds, and cinnamon provide a great source of polyphenols (as well as fiber). The optional yogurt provides a food-based source of probiotics. Each serving provides 11 grams of fiber! Enjoy after a workout, as a fiber-rich breakfast, or simply as a snack.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup cooked and cooled steel-cut oats (cooked per package instructions)
½ cup frozen blueberries
½ cup unsweetened non-dairy milk
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
1 tablespoon chopped nuts
½ cup plain grass-fed yogurt (optional)

METHOD

In a microwave-safe glass or ceramic bowl add a 1-cup serving of cooked and cooled steel cut oats.
Add the blueberries, and non-dairy milk.
Reheat in microwave for about 3 minutes.
Once warmed, stir in the ground cinnamon and flaxseeds. Top with chopped nuts and plain yogurt.

Learn More About Gut Bacteria

Read Selva's column in the December 2018 Co-op News to learn more about symbiotic and potentially harmful gut bacteria and get some tips on how growing good gut bacteria.

Ask the Nutritionist

Have questions? Send them to contact@happybellynutritionist.com. Selva Wohlgemuth is a registered dietitian nutritionist. Learn more about her approach to general health and well-being at her Happy Belly Nutrition website, and see her recipes and other kitchen tips at Poppies and Papayas.

by Selva Wohlgemuth, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist

Spring Asparagus Salad

Makes 2–4 servings (serve as an entree or a side)

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

Current Health Studies on Eggs

by Renee Russel

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

Nutritional Information

by Jeremy Meadows, former Cordata deli cook

Kimchi Stew

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

by Laura Steiger, Outreach Team

SALMON

SAUSAGE

VEGGIES

FRUIT

by Jeremy Meadows, former Cordata deli cook

Zucchini Tacos

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

by Paul Manthe, Downtown deli

Pan Roasting

EQUIPMENT

METHOD

Salt Broiling

EQUIPMENT

METHOD

Poaching

EQUIPMENT

METHOD

by Alissa Segersten, Cookbook Author and Food Blogger

Cashew Orange Date Balls

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

About the Author

by By Josh and Tomo Kramer of Shrub Farm

Cascadia Daily Cocktail

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

Learn More

by Josh and Tomo Kramer of Apple State Vinegar

Maple-Ginger Tummy Tonic

INGREDIENTS

Learn More

by Selva Wohlgemuth, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist

Gut Nourishing Steel Cut Oats

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

Learn More About Gut Bacteria

Ask the Nutritionist

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