{Week 29 Vegetable Experiment: Peas}

10/26/2012

0 Comments

 
Picture
Oh, peas! I've been excited to try out the fresh version of you...

I bought some at the market in the spring and they camped out in my refrigerator until I realized they probably weren't good anymore...

And they weren't in season all summer, so when I saw fresh shelled peas at the market this week, I just had to get some...

They're going to become Italian Peas! Recipe: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/italian-peas/
Picture
I remember cans of peas being dumped into a bowl as a kid, and nothing about that was appetizing... Wrinkly, wet, syrupy, yellowish/green... Ugh! I've never tried them, except mixed into soups or pasta dishes... which I still pick out when it's easy enough...

So I've been anxious to see if they're any better when fresh. I mean, they look beautiful that way!
Picture
This recipe mixed in some onions, garlic & chicken broth.

I didn't want to open chicken broth for just 1 Tablespoon, so I followed the suggestion to just use 1 T water and a sprinkle of chicken bouillon. I also added an extra spoonful of water because the skillet seemed a little dry.

I also tried a recommendation by a reviewer to add a sprinkle of parm cheese on top before serving.
Picture
All of these years of "hating" the idea of peas... Definitely a little nervous!
Picture
Not instantly in love, but I'm thinking about it...

I didn't instantly hate it either, so that's a start!

I did finish my helping, but didn't go back for seconds.


Picture
Eh, I declare this one a semi-success...

I'll definitely try peas again, but maybe not with this recipe. There has to be a better way to like peas!

I really want to like peas, so if anyone has a suggestion of a way to make a picky eater fall in love with peas, send it my way!
0 Comments

{Week 26 Vegetable Challenge: Zucchini}

8/20/2012

0 Comments

 
Picture
Yes, zucchini again! I know, Oy vey!! I think the challenge is how many ways someone can make zucchini without getting sick of it! (I still have a few more donated squash to use up too!)

I'm sure those of you with gardens, or friends with gardens, or neighbors with gardens can sympathize...

This guy is going to become Zucchini Pie!

Recipe: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/moms-zucchini-pie/
Picture
Easy peasy! I love using pre-made dough as a time-saver on weeknights... It usually turns out pretty good too!

I did use reviewers recommendation to place a little spicy brown mustard on the bottom of the crust, since BK and I like mustard.
Picture
This groovy little mandolin slicer came in very handy! My dad will be so happy... we bought these together last year, and I am finally using it!

And Brandon is happy because I kept all of my fingers and limbs in tact! Bonus!

Look at those nice thin slices! I used it for the onion too, with the chopper attachment and it worked well for that too...
Picture
It's looking good already!

I only used 1T of butter for sauteeing instead of the 4T in the recipe, and added some minced garlic.

Per some of the reviews, I continued to cook these in the skillet until almost all of the liquid had cooked off, in order to make sure the end product wouldn't be too soggy and the pie would cook evenly. Also, allow this mixture to cool a little before adding the egg mixture, so the egg doesn't begin to cook when you mix it in.
Picture
Ooo, golden and bubbly on top...

If there is a puddle of moisture in the middle, you can dab it up with a paper towel.
Picture
Excited to try my quiche-like zucchini concoction...
Picture
Annnnd... It earned an almost-thumbs-up! I love quiche with broccoli, and it had me kind of wishing there were broccoli in it.

I think next time, I would still slice the zucchini thin, but also quarter the pieces, so they would come out in forkfuls easier, and maybe add some of my favorite broccoli... but besides that, if you like quiche, you'd probably like this. Semi-success!
0 Comments