Bean Spread & Goat Chevre Date Appetizer

I cooked my own beans! My friend Alisa had me over the other day and shared her freshly cooked beans…after my first few bites I was asking for instructions! I just loved it! I can make them the perfect texture and saltiness that I want.  It also saves money buying in bulk and I can have more variety, blend all sorts of beans together to create mixes or dishes.  I also avoid the possible poisoning from the metal can and eat it sooner cause it’s fresh in my refrigerator, some nice side benefits.  I am also in LOVE with the Chocolate Heirloom Tomato.  I just tried it for the first time at my weekly farmers market run and could not leave the stand with out at least three!

I thought it’d be fun to try making a spread with my lovely food processor and use the Beans and Tomatoes.  It turned into an idea for an appetizer and soon I was pulling out my other favorite that I have yet to share with you, the Chevre-stuffed Medjool Dates, yes you may start drooling now. I am.  So enjoy, and now perhaps you will have a pretty little treat to bring to your next party!

{Arugula Bean Spread}

Ingredients:

1 cup Assorted Cooked Beans
 (such as Black, Kidney, Lima, etc)
Handful of washed Organic Arugula

Dash of Minced Fresh Garlic or Garlic Flakes

¼ cup freshly Chopped Red Onion

Pink Himalayan Salt to taste

Organic Chocolate Heirloom Tomato

Organic English Cucumber

Combine first set of ingredients in a food processor and well, process! Then dice the Chocolate Heirloom Tomato and gently fold into the spread.  Slice your English Cucumber and spread with the dip for a delicious appetizer. 

{Goat Chevre-Stuffed Medjool Dates}

Ingredients:

Choice or fancy Medjool Dates

Goat Chevre (I used a Chevre flavored with garlic and herbs)  

Delicately slice Dates long-ways and remove pit.  Use a spoon to carve off a bit of the Chevre.  Use your fingers to slightly roll the Chevre long-ways.  Gently open each Date and place the rolled Chevre inside, closing the Date’s skin around it to finish. Arrange Dates on an oiled sheet and bake at 300 degrees for 10-15minutes or until the Chevre begins to ooze out of the Date.  Pull out and let cool, then serve warm.  

{Linked To}

Gluten-Free Wednesdays

Cranberry Acorn Squash Goat Cheese Pizza

Welcome to the season of Fall! I would like to say it's my favorite season, but honestly it's always been a wash between Fall and Spring.  Yet, every time I notice that brisk chill in the air or the changing color of leaves, Fall quickly takes first place in my heart.  For now it has my loyalty and as I start pulling out those cozy scarves and warm jackets my excitement will grow even more.  

Obviously, I believe such a magnificent season must be brought in with style and celebration.  You may laugh, but Thursday was the official first day of Fall and I created a Fall-inspired meal.  I didn't plan to make it feel like Thanksgiving, but my central ingredient is typically on the Turkey day menu.  I had an Acorn Squash that was a little past due and needed to be used, so I decided to try a new twist on an old favorite: a colorful Fall pizza!  My pizza dough continues to rock my family's taste buds, so it works wells as a base for any fun creative dish.  

Here's the outcome of my Fall and Acorn Squash inspirations! I hope you can give this delightful recipe a try! 

{Cranberry Acorn Squash Goat Cheese Pizza}

~makes 12 squares

For the Dough:

1 package of dry, active Yeast

1 tbsp Sucant
1 cup warm Water

3 Tablespoons Olive Oil

1 teaspoon crushed dry Rosemary

1 teaspoon of Oregano

1/2 teaspoon Cardamon

1/2 teaspoon Curry Powder

1/2 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar

1 teaspoon Sea Salt

1 teaspoon Xanthan Gum

1/4 cup Sucant (Organic Evaporated Cane Sugar works as well)

2 1/2 cup Bob's Red Mill All-Purpose Flour

For the Topping:

1 ripe Acorn Squash

1 Tablespoon Olive Oil

2 Tablespoons Pure Maple Syrup

1/4 teaspoon of Sea Salt 

2 cups fresh or defrosted Cranberries

1 cup sautéed Onions

Goat Cheddar and Brie Cheese

To begin, combine 1 cup warm water (following temp. directions on your yeast package) with the Yeast and Sucant in a small bowl and whisk.  Let it sit for 5-10 minutes allowing the yeast to proof and foam.

While the yeast works, combine everything except the flour in a large bowl. Then add the proofed yeast and flour. Mix it all with a spatula and work the dough into a ball for 2-3 minutes. Cover your pizza stone or 10x13 baking sheet with olive oil and sprinkle cornmeal all over to keep it from sticking.

Finally, drop the dough with the aid of your spatula onto the stone.  Wet your hands to flatten and spread the dough evenly to the thickness you want your crust to be.  Lightly coat the dough with olive oil.  This will help it brown beautifully.

Place pizza in pre-heated oven at 425 degrees and bake for 10 minutes. 

To prepare the Acorn Squash, microwave it whole for 2 minutes to soften it.  Cut in half and scoop it clean.  Then continue to slice into little half moons about 1/2 inch or so thick.  Toss in a large bowl with the Olive Oil, Sea Salt and Maple Syrup until well covered.  Place on parchment lined sheet and pour remaining liquid over the squash. 

Pull your pizza out and turn the oven down to 375 degrees.  When ready place the Acorn Squash in the oven for about 20 minutes or until soft.

Meanwhile grate fresh Goat Cheddar and Brie all over the pizza until it's well covered.  Top it with the Cranberries and lightly sautéed Onions.  Once the Squash is ready pull the skins off and place them on top, either moonshaped or diced.  Once the cheese begins to bubble pull it out and let it cool.  

I hope this new twist on pizza brings the fall season home for you! Happy brisk and cozy days to you!

{For more delicious recipes}
Gluten Free Wednesday

Slightly Indulgent Tuesday

MMMondays

Just Another Meatless Monday

My Meatless Mondays

Mouthwatering Mondays

Tuesday Night Supper Club

Tasty Tuesdays

Fresh Veggie and Chicken Tacos

I love produce and tend to purchase more than I or my family can eat.  As I opened the fridge today such was the case.  Produce, produce, produce.  I wouldn't have it any other way, but it needs to be grilled, sautéed or baked...soon! Grabbing a few of the goodies I decided to try my hand at a veggie chicken taco.   As typical, the meal evolved as I tried new flavors and seasonings.  Goat creamed cheese somehow found its way in there along with my favorite, brown rice.  A nice warm lunch my mom and I loved the results and hopefully you will to.