Creamy Zucchini Gratin

A spin on the traditional gratin, this version nixes the cream, adds the nuttiness of walnuts, and has a hint of olive oil. It takes a few moments to put together, and can easily be doubled to use up extra zucchini.

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Creamy Zucchini Gratin

For the filling:
3 tablespoons medium extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 medium onions, chopped
4 medium zucchini, cut in 1/2-inch half-moons
2 tablespoons sorghum flour or other whole grain flour
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Fine sea or Himalayan salt to taste
Freshly ground pepper to taste
3/4 cup hot unsweetened nondairy milk (see Note)

For the topping:
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup sorghum flour or other whole grain flour
2 tablespoons large-flaked nutritional yeast
Fine sea or Himalayan salt to taste
Freshly ground pepper to taste
2 tablespoons medium extra-virgin olive oil

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Have a 9-inch deep dish pie dish ready.

To make the filling, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, cooking until softened and translucent, about 8 minutes. Add the zucchini and cook until softened, about 8 more minutes. Add the remaining oil, mixing well. Stir in the flour, nutmeg, and a few dashes of salt and grinds of pepper. Mix to coat. Slowly pour in the hot nondairy milk while stirring. Let cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Scrape the mixture into the prepared dish.

To make the topping, put the walnuts, flour, nutritional yeast, and a few dashes of salt and grinds of pepper in a food processor. Process until mixed and the walnuts are coarsely ground. Add the oil. Process for about 30 seconds until the mixture can stick together when squeezed in fingers. Evenly sprinkle the mixture over the zucchini.

Bake for about 16 to 18 minutes, until bubbly and the topping has browned. Let cool at least 20 minutes before serving, though it will thicken more as it stands. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Note: The best option for nondairy milk in this recipe is coconut milk beverage (in the carton), as it is fattier and richer, has produces a creamier (but neutral tasting) result.

Crispy Roasted Potatoes with Garlic Scapes

An easy summery side dish, garlic scapes add a mild garlic flavor to crispy twice-cooked potatoes accented by fresh oregano and thyme. When garlic scapes are young and tender, they can be used like green onions, but mature scapes should be cooked to bring in the tenderness.

On the potato front — these are my absolute favourite way to make them. Twice cooked and crispy edges with creamy insides, you’ll never want them any other way again.

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Crispy Roasted Potatoes with Garlic Scapes

1 pound small creamy flesh potatoes
1/4 cup (60mL) extra-virgin olive oil, divided
5 sprigs fresh oregano
5 sprigs fresh thyme
Sea or Himalayan salt to taste
Freshly ground pepper to taste
10 to 15 garlic scapes, cut into 2-inch pieces

Preheat the oven to 425F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Bring a large saucepan filled with water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt and the potatoes, cooking about 12 to 15 minutes, until just tender (not cooked-through). Drain well.

Transfer the potatoes to the baking sheet. Using your palm, smash the potatoes to about 1 1/2-inches thick. (If the potatoes are too hot, put a folded paper towel between your palm and the potato). Toss with 3 tablespoons of the oil, and sprinkle with the oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes until golden and crispy, flipping after about 35 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the scapes and cook until lightly browned and tender, about 6 to 10 minutes. When the potatoes are finished, toss all ingredients together. Add additional salt, pepper, and herbs if desired. Serve warm.

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SunButter Caramel Cookie Strawberry Pie

A SunButter cookie crust, loaded with strawberries, and topped more cookies and a SunButter-caramel? Yes, please!

SunButter Crumble Strawberry Pie

This is the second recipe I’ve developed for SunButter, one of my favourite allergy-friendly brands and product perfect for from-scratch baking. This pie is super easy — it’s a cookie crust with a short baking time, crumbled cookie topping, and a stovetop strawberry filling that takes moments to prepare (after you slice two pounds of strawberries!). And, because I always have to add one more frill, it’s loaded with a SunButter caramel topping.

You can adapt this dessert to your tastes or what you have on hand: try a mixed berry or peach filling, top with a chocolate ganache or a whipped topping (with or without the caramel!), or make the crust in a muffin tin for a tart-sized treat.

You can head on over to the SunButter website for the full recipe here: SunButter Caramel Cookie Strawberry Pie, and be sure to Like them on Facebook (and me, too!) to see even more allergy-friendly (and oh-so-good) recipes, too.

You can also check out my first recipe for them here: Double SunButter Hi-Hat Blondies.
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(Disclosure statement: I received monetary compensation and free product from SunButter from a recipe development partnership. I only, however, promote and partner with companies I love and use regularly in my own kitchen. As always, all opinions and recommendations expressed are completely my own.)