Rosemary Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Sweet Potatoes, Apples, and Tofu

You can’t go wrong highlighting the flavors of fall in this easy dish. It works well as both a main course or side dish, depending on what you’re serving with it. For me, I love pairing it with some warm Maple-Kissed Cornbread from my first book and a quick kale skillet.

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Rosemary Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Sweet Potatoes, Apples, and Tofu

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons minced fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon packed finely grated orange zest
1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and cut in half
1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 2 medium)
1 pound (454g) extra-firm tofu, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
2 large sweet-tart baking apples, such as Mutsu, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
Fine sea or Himalayan salt
Freshly ground pepper

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Put the olive oil, rosemary, and orange zest in a small bowl. Whisk well to combine. Add the Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, tofu, and apples. Gently toss to coat. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Bake for approximately 35 minutes, stirring twice, until the vegetables are tender and cooked through, and the tofu and vegetables are golden brown. Serve warm.

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Cinnamon-Spiced Ice Syrup Milk

I’ve posted about Ice Syrup before; it’s such a unique, Niagara-based flavor that’s made in the same technique as our amazing ice wine. You can get your hands on some from the site linked above, and once you do, don’t neglect it on your pancakes, either. If you’re in the mood for a non-coffee, non-tea warm winter drink, this is the one.

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Cinnamon-Spiced Ice Syrup Milk

2 cups creamy unsweetened nondairy milk, such as So Delicious Coconut Milk
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons Ice Syrup
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Put the nondairy milk and cinnamon a medium saucepan. Whisk to combine, then heat until steaming. Remove from heat and stir in the ice syrup and vanilla extract. Serve warm.

Creamy Roasted Parsnips and Fennel

Spicy parsnips and fragrant fennel bond in a creamy, not-too-rich sauce full of fresh sage flavor. The nuts add just the right amount of texture, in this easy and quick dish that can be adapted to your tastes. Try potatoes and rutabaga with rosemary for another variation. This recipe was also featured on the California Walnuts website.

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Creamy Roasted Parsnips and Fennel

3 tablespoons (45mL) extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 pound (454g) parsnips, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch slices
1 large bulb fennel, cut into 3/4-inch slices
2 shallots, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
3 tablespoons (45mL) sweet rice flour (see Note)
2 cups (480mL) unsweetened nondairy coconut beverage, such as So Delicious
2 tablespoons (30mL) finely chopped fresh sage
1/2 teaspoon (3mL) freshly grated nutmeg
Sea or Himalayan salt to taste
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1/3 cup (80mL) finely chopped toasted hazelnuts, walnuts, or both

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Have an 8-inch square glass dish or 9-inch deep dish pie dish ready. Toss the parsnips and fennel with 1 tablespoon (15mL) of the olive oil. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake until just starting to brown on the edges, about 25 minutes.

While the vegetables are in the oven, put the remaining olive oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the shallots and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add 1 3/4 cups (420mL) of the nondairy milk. Pour the remaining milk in a small bowl. Whisk in the flour until smooth. Once the mixture on the stovetop is steaming, slowly add in the flour mixture, a little at a time, whisking constantly, to create a smooth consistency. Add the sage, and nutmeg. Continue to whisk the mixture until it has thickened, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside until the vegetables are finished baking.

Once the vegetables are finished, lower the oven temperature to 375 degrees F. Put them in the dish. Top with the sauce mixture. Sprinkle with the nuts. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbling. Serve warm.

Note: Sweet rice flour leaves a smooth finish, perfect for sauces and gravies. It is also sold under the names “glutinous rice flour” and “mochiko”.