Wrap It - à la Mediterranean

They're easy to transport, easy to make, inspire creativity, and are fun to eat... I'm talking about Wraps. 

This wrap integrates a North African ingredient with a tasty hummus (or you may substitute BBQ'd tofu) filling.

Mediterranean Chicken Wrap Recipe

 Yield - 8 wraps

• 1 cup uncooked whole wheat Couscous (or gluten free grain of choice)

• 1/2 c. chopped Almonds, toasted

• 1/2 c. golden Raisins

• 3 c. BBQ'd Tofu (opt.)

• 2 c. shredded organic Romaine Lettuce

• 2 Tbs. diced organic Red Onion

• 1/4 . extra virgin organic Olive Oil

• 1/4 c. organic Lemon Juice

• 1/2 tsp. Cumin

• 2 Tbs. chopped organic Parsley

• 1 tsp. grated Lemon peel

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 4 whole wheat Pita Bread pockets, split into 8 rounds (or 8 whole wheat organic Tortillas)

• 1 c. Hummus

Cook couscous according to package directions.

In a medium bowl, gently combine couscous, almonds, raisins, tofu, lettuce and onion.

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, cumin and lemon peel. Season with salt and pepper.  Mix 1/4 cup dressing into couscous mixture.

To assemble wraps, lay bread split side up on work surface. Spread each with 2 tablespoons hummus. Spoon approximately 1/2 cup couscous mixture down center of each pita round. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon dressing.  Fold up bottom and then sides to wrap.

~ Sahtein! ♥

Berry Parfait - non-Dairy

Strawberry - Blueberry Parfait

• 8 oz. organic Silken Tofu

• 2 packets Stevia or 2 Tbs. Birch Xylitol

• 1 generous cup sliced organic Strawberries

• 2 Tbs. low-sugar Apricot Jam

• 1 tsp. Rose Water

• 1 c. organic Blueberries

• 1 oz. Dark Chocolate (opt.)

Rinse and slice strawberries.

strawberries

Place tofu, sweetener, strawberries, jam and rose-water in food processor.

parfait1

Blend until smooth.

parfait2

Fill parfait or wine glasses 1/2 full with strawberry mixture.  Add a layer of blueberries.

Pour more parfait on top. Add another layer of blueberries.

parfait3

Decorate with chocolate shavings and half a strawberry.

parfait4

Refrigerate 20 minutes to an hour.

~ Enjoy! ♥

Non-Dairy Fruity Parfait

Blueberries, our star Anti-oxidant fruit, is fun to cook with. And avocados... another super-anti-oxidant fruit, lends its creaminess to this parfait recipe that I adapted to be non-dairy and no-sugar (unless you choose to use honey).

Avocado-Blueberry Parfait

• 1 organic Lime

• 1 Avocado

• 1 c. organic Silken Tofu

• 3 Tbs. Honey (or 3 packets Stevia)

• 1 c. fresh organic Blueberries                            

• 1 tsp. Orange blossom water *

• 2 Tbs. Birch Xylitol 

• 2 tsp. Water

• 1 Tbs. finely chopped Mint leaves + 4 sprigs for Garnish

Zest the lime.  Squeeze the juice and set both aside.

Combine avocado, tofu, Stevia or honey, lime juice, and zest in the bowl of a food processor fitted with metal blade.  Pulse about 10 times.  Scrape down sides of the bowl , and process for about 2 minutes, until tofu is smooth.  Chill while preparing the rest.

Place 1 Tbs Xylitol, 2 tsp. water and orange blossom water (or honey) in small pot over medium-low heat. Bring to a simmer. Add the blueberries. Toss to coat and remove from heat.

Add chopped mint to the avocado mixture and stir.

Divide a third of the blueberries in the bottoms of 4 parfait or dessert dishes. Dollop with half of the avocado mixture. Top with another third of the blueberries, followed by the remaining avocado mixture. Top with the remaining blueberries. Garnish with the mint sprigs.

~ In Good Health! ♥

   *Orange Blossom water is the flavor that gives Middle Eastern Baklawa (not Greek Baklava which uses honey) its distinct flavor.  Place a few drops in your water for a refreshing flavor.

Decadent Dairy-Free Mousse - Vegan + Sugar Free

Minted Chocolate Tofu Mousse

I love the combination of mint and chocolate.  If you don't, you can substitute orange zest or Rum extract for the mint.

• 10 oz. (1-1/4 c.) organic Silken Tofu

• 1 c.  Dark Chocolate, in pieces (I used 75% dark)

• 1/4 c. organic raw Cocoa powder

• 1/4 c. Green tea or Water

• 1 Tbs. Almond extract

• 1/2 c. Birch Xylitol or 4-5 packets Stevia

• 1/4 c. fresh organic Mint leaves, chopped  ( or 1 tsp. dry mint)

Place chocolate, cocoa, water, extract and sweetener in pot over medium-low heat (or in a double-boiler over simmering water). Stir until chocolate pieces melt and mixture is blended.

Remove from heat.

In a food processor, whip tofu until smooth.

Add chocolate mixture and process until shiny and well blended. Add mint leaves and pulse 4 - 5 times just until mixed.

Scoop into dessert cups or bowl. Refrigerate 1 hour.

Your mousse will be thick, rich and oh-so-good!  Sprinkle additional chopped mint on top for garnish.

~ Bon Apetit! ♥