Cowboy Caviar (bean salad)

From: NYT

Ingredients:

Directions:

Hot Mama Grade: B

Hot Mama Notes: A little too beany for me. And maybe it would taste sooooo much better with fresh corn off the cob than frozen. I omitted the sugar and oil dye to my sister's dietary restrictions, so I didn't make the dressing separately at all. I might have to make this again the proper way to see if I like it better. 

Easy Chickpea Salad

From: NYT

Ingredients:

Directions:

Hot Mama Grade: A 

Hot Mama Notes: Cucumber, chickpeas, and red onion are a winning combination! No salt, sweeteners, or oil or my sister refuses to eat it otherwise! But the vinegar and garlic are a new flavor additive for me with this combination. My Zaatar from the store has salt in it, so I will add it separately to my individual portion, along with the oil. I used a whole English cucumber because why not! I used a bit less onion and tomato. I didn't have any fresh dill so only added parsley. 

Easy Dal

From: NYT

Ingredients:

Directions:

Hot Mama Grade: B+

Hot Mama Notes: I used garlic powder in lieu of asafoetida, as I didn't have any, and I really wanted to try this dish. I am sure it will be much better with the correct spice! My Indian friend says Laijee Godhoo is the brand to get! 😊 Still, for a quick and easy dal recipe, this is great. I had multiple bowls. I also substituted regular butter for ghee. I look forward to making this recipe again, the proper way! 😊 

Ambrosia?

Ingredients

    •    8 oz Cool Whip 1 container - 

    •    14 oz sweetened condensed milk 1 can -

    •    21 oz cherry pie filling 1 can

    •    20 oz crushed pineapple 1 can - well drained

    •    2 cups mini marshmallows

    •    1 cup shredded coconutunsweetened or sweetened is fine

    •    1/2 cup pecans chopped - optional

Instructions

    •    Combine first four ingredients in a large bowl.

    •    Fold in remaining three ingredients.

    •    Refrigerate for one hour before serving.

Video

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Cauliflower Steak

From: Blue Zones Kitchen One Pot Meals by Dan Butner

Hot Mama Grade: A

Hot Mama Notes: I put less cherry tomatoes and no grapes. This recipe is basically roasted cauliflower. I am of the opinion that roasting vegetables makes delicious. This recipe is no exception. The spice blend was good,and the cherry tomatoes add a like, especially fresh out of the oven. It could be also that the tomatoes were extra delicious being fresh from the garden a few moments before. I didn't make the vinegrette. I don't think it needs it. I am a big fan of smoked paprika. 

Bean Risotto

From: Blue Zones Kitchen One Pot Meals cookbook

Ingredients:

Directions:

Hot Mama Grade: A

Hot Mama Grade: This is a tasty recipe. I like the chewiness of the farro and the white beans. It makes a good combination much like beans and rice does. The flavor is good and not overpowering. I ended up putting a bit too much lemon, but even with that, it was tasty. I would make this recipe again. I used spinach instead of dandelion greens as that is what I had. I try not to have dandelions! I used dried oregano and thyme, but I always have fresh rosemary on my garden. I did oresoak the farro, but the package said I didn't need to if I cooked it 30 minutes. 

Mushroom & Walnut Bolognese Spaghetti Sauce

From: Blue Zones Kitchen One Pot Meals cookbook

Ingredients:

Ingredients:

Hot Mama Grade: B

Hot Mama Notes: This recipe is a lot of work. I like the crock pot option. If I decide to make this again, I would choose that option. 

My youngest kid really enjoyed the taste of this spaghetti sauce, though he said it would taste better with ground beef in it, ha! My other kid at home who doesn't like mushrooms didn't really care for it. I thought it was OK. Way too much work for what you get. I doubt will be making this again.