Grilled Corn Fritter Salad Stack Recipe for a Meatless Monday on the Grill

September 6, 2010 in Entrees, Gluten Free, Healthy Fare, Side Dishes, Vegetarian Entrees

DSC_5976

Corn Fritter Salad Stack with Tomatoes and Arugula

“Sex is good, but not as good as sweet, fresh corn.”  — Garrison Keillor

I agree with America’s favorite radio host that corn – while sweet and fresh – is one of the very best simple pleasures of life. When I bite into a steamy ear dripping with butter and salt, I  just want to stand up and shout “Life is GOOD!” Naturally, I am always looking for easy recipes that will enhance corn’s golden goodness. Especially easy, flavorful and healthy meals. Yes, I did use the word “healthy,” which corn is when eaten in its whole state. Who says you can’t do Meatless Monday on the grill?

(**Food Trivia Question: Is corn a vegetable or a grain? See the end of this post for the answer!)

There are two schools of thought on corn fritters: deep fry them so they’ll be globe shaped, or make them pancake style. I think you can tell by the photo which style I chose. That way, you can make a pretty stacks with a little dressed arugula and some ripe tomatoes. And, a bonus: this easy dinner takes 20 minutes, max – even if you have to shuck the corn!

Read the rest of this entry →

Meatless Monday: A Light, Cool, Refreshing Salad – Crispy Tofu Cubes with Mango and Avocado in Sweet Chili Sauce

August 2, 2010 in Appetizers, Entrees, Gluten Free, Healthy Fare, Vegan Recipes, Vegetarian Entrees

DSC_3842

I make a cold shrimp salad with avocado and mango in an Asian sweet chili sauce. It is a great go-to quick main dish salad for the summer – cool, refreshing and so flavorful.  Crispy tofu cubes in place of the shrimp is a wonderful switch up – added at the last minute, of course, to preserve their crispiness.

Anne and I have been huge tofu fans since writing 101 Things to do with Tofu a few years ago. It’s a fab frugal source of protein – and has a mild flavor that plays well with pretty much any other flavors. And, this sweet chili dressing is bright and flavorful with a touch of heat. If I wasn’t in mixed company when I ate this salad last night, I would have licked my plate. No, really.

Perfect for a summer Meatless Monday!

Read the rest of this entry →

Meatless Monday: 'Who-Needs-Bacon?' Wilted Spinach Salad Recipe

February 1, 2010 in Entrees, Healthy Fare, Side Dishes, Vegan Recipes, Vegetarian Entrees

Are you with me on this? There is just something weird about eating warm bacon grease spooned onto a salad. I have always loved the taste and texture of barely wilted spinach in a salad, but most restaurants and recipes use hot bacon grease in the wilting liquid. It is a truly American dish, traditionally served with a warm bacon dressing, according to Supreme Food Geek Alton Brown. But, seriously, the time has come for an upgrade! Spinach is one of the healthiest things you can put into your mouth, so I say Hoo-rah for Spinach!

Don’t you just love Meatless Mondays?!

Read the rest of this entry →