الأربعاء، 21 نوفمبر 2012

No Croutons Required - Soups and Salads to Grace your Holiday Table

The challenge for November was to come up with a vegetarian soup or salad to adorn your holiday table. The roundup is short this month but surely lots of ideas to get you in the festive mood. Thanks to all who sent in a recipe. I will announce the most popular submission at the end of the month with input from friends and family. Please vote for your favorite via email or in the comment section to help us come up with the winner for this month's challenge. Neither my submission, nor Jacqueline's, is eligible for the vote.

cabbage salad

Our first entry is from Janet of the Taste Space with this heavenly Warm Balsamic Rosemary Cabbage Salad. Surely this warming and earthy salad consisting of red onion, garlic, cabbage, balsamic vinegar, fresh rosemary, raisins, green apples and nuts and or seeds would be a lovely dish to add to your holiday table on special occasions, or anytime for that matter. An additional bonus are Janet's reflections on the frustrations and joys of food blogging. (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)

Lentil Salad with Tempeh, Dried Cherries, Spinach and Gorgonzola

I'm up next with this unique and flavorful Lentil Salad with Tempeh, Dried Cherries, Spinach and Gorgonzola. Marinated and salty fried spiced up tempeh strips fill out this multi-layered salad consisting of puy lentils dressed with shallots, a hint of natural sugar, dried cherries, red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar tossed with fresh spinach and garnished with creamy gorgonzola. My dining companions had no complaints whatsoever. Praise certainly encourages the cook to keep experimenting and offering up special dishes. (London, Ontario, Canada)

Italian veggies

Next up is Rita who cooks Italian food that is most appealing indeed. Her contribution this month is Vegetables Cooked the Italian way. I could not resist spinach, black cabbage and brussels dressed up with olive oil, garlic, chili, lemon juice and fresh parsley. I think you will agree that your table will be dressed up with this delightful side of goodness. (London, UK)

soya bean salad

More festive ideas for our dinner tables come from Nitu Didi. Check out this Soya Bean Salad with lots of different flavors and nutrients. Soya beans and veggies and even fruits, such as onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado, peppers, radish, pineapple, apples, kiwi and parsley are dressed with olive oil, fresh lemon juice and a bit of salt. Take your pick when it comes to the produce you wish to include to make your own special holiday offering. (Spain)

sweet corn chowder

Janice dishes out delights from her Farmergirl Kitchen such as this Sweetcorn Chowder. Comfort in a bowl means shallots, potatoes, some flour to thicken up the mixture, sweetcorn, veggie stock, bay leaves, milk, herbed cheese and fresh parsley. So simple, but nourishing and no doubt a great idea to sweeten up your dinner. I'm totally smitten with the idea of the herbed cheese. (Scotland, UK)

spinach blue cheese pear soup

Finally, my dear friend Jac of Tinned Tomatoes and fellow partner for this ongoing event offers up a luscious Spinach, Pear & Blue Cheese Soup. Sauteed onions and garlic in olive oil with some potatoes added after and then spinach and pear, all dressed up with blue cheese, worcestershire sauce, seasoning, including nutmeg cannot fail to impress your guests. Of course, top with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of cayenne. This gal knows how to make a dish that is not only healthy but irresistible too. (Scotland, UK)

Jacqueline will be hosting the December edition of No Croutons Required. Check back at the beginning of the month for the theme.

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