Dinner For My Best Friend
The other night my best friend Julie came over for dinner. Julie moved to Boston about 3 years ago, so I don't get to see her as often as I'd like. When I do get to see her, it's always a great time and feels as if no time has passed. When I found out she was coming to visit for the day, I decided to make a special dinner for us.
Since it's spring, I worked up a fresh seasonal menu for the night.
To start, I served Roasted Artichokes with a Walnut Dip.
For our main course, I made a Vegan Asparagus and Mushroom Strata.
If you have never had or heard of a Strata before, the best way I can describe it is like a savory bread pudding. Traditionally, Strata is made with eggs, cheese and cream - mixed with either vegetables or sausage. I obviously had to create my own variation of this decadent dish without the use of dairy or eggs, and I must say it came out delicious. You really can't tell that there is no cheese or eggs in this, if you don't tell your guests, they'll never know.
I served the Strata with Sautéed Kale with Lemon and Garlic. (this 101-Wednesday coming up, I'll be posting a video on how to make this along with a raw kale salad..)
It's very rare that I decide to make a cocktail instead of serving wine, mainly because I don't like many cocktails. I thought having my best friend over was a good reason to come up with a fun cocktail for us to enjoy. I made Watermelon Elderflower Martinis. If you don't drink alcohol, you can still enjoy this drink without any.
It was a magical time having my best friend over for the night, catching up and enjoying some healthy eats. Until next time!
Since it's spring, I worked up a fresh seasonal menu for the night.
To start, I served Roasted Artichokes with a Walnut Dip.
For our main course, I made a Vegan Asparagus and Mushroom Strata.
If you have never had or heard of a Strata before, the best way I can describe it is like a savory bread pudding. Traditionally, Strata is made with eggs, cheese and cream - mixed with either vegetables or sausage. I obviously had to create my own variation of this decadent dish without the use of dairy or eggs, and I must say it came out delicious. You really can't tell that there is no cheese or eggs in this, if you don't tell your guests, they'll never know.
I served the Strata with Sautéed Kale with Lemon and Garlic. (this 101-Wednesday coming up, I'll be posting a video on how to make this along with a raw kale salad..)
It was a magical time having my best friend over for the night, catching up and enjoying some healthy eats. Until next time!
Roasted Artichokes
by Sarah Farsh April 1, 2012
- 4 artichokes, tops and bottoms trimmed
- 1/4 cup vegetable stock
- 8 garlic cloves
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
Vegan Asparagus and Mushroom Strata
by Sarah Farsh April 1, 2012
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 bunches asparagus, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
- 18 oz mini bell mushrooms, sliced
- 1 loaf rosemary boule bread, cubed
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- 1 cup spinach
- 2 packages of firm tofu
- 6 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 4 tbsp vegetable stock
- 2 tbs tahini
- 2 tsp turmeric
- pinch of cyan pepper
- 1 cup soy milk
*This recipe would work great with various veggies, don't be shy to create different variations using other veggies.
Sautéed Kale with Lemon and Garlic.
by Sarah Farsh April 1, 2012
- 2 bunches kale, chiffonade
- 1 lemon
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (leave out if your a baby)
- 4 tbsp vegetable stock
Watermelon Elderflower Martini
by Sarah Farsh April 1, 2012
Serves 2
- 3 cups fresh watermelon
- 2 shots vodka
- 1 shot St. Germain
Your modified strata saved my Easter Brunch for us veggies - thanks so much for posting this!
ReplyDeleteI posted a pic of my finished product here: http://veggieinparadise.wordpress.com/2012/04/10/easter-brunch/
I am so happy to hear that!! Thank you for sharing your experience!
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