Monday, May 3, 2010

A Healthy Snack Feast, For Spring ... and a Friend


 Spring Snack Spread ...


Cucumber "Sandwiches"

Avocado Stuffed with a Red Onion & Caper Salmon Salad

Blanched Brussels Sprouts Slaw with Hazelnuts & White Truffle Oil

I have a close friend, B, who can't eat anything.  Don't misunderstand: It's not that he won't eat certain foods or that he's picky - the poor guy has major digestive issues, and an unbelievable array of things are strictly off limits in his diet.  As you can imagine, having him over for drinks and a bite can be a bit tricky. Usually, our pre-get together conversations go something like this:

Me: How about chick peas? I can make chick pea flat bread!
B: Nope. No chick peas.
Me: Sorghum flour! It has no gluten.
B: Sorry. No grains of any kind.
Me: Ok ... polenta?
B: Sorry. ... No corn. 
Me: (in a small voice): Mozzarella?
B: (sighing) Only aged cheeses ...

And so it goes. But rather than look at this as a problem, I've decided to embrace it as a challenge, and figure out ways to treat my friend to surprising, flavorful morsels and still stick within the parameters of his  restrictive diet. He seemed really happy with this little feast I put together, and the best part is - it didn't seem like there was any sacrifice involved. 

To solve the whole no grains issue, I decided to make cute little cucumber "sandwiches." I sliced the cukes very thin, and salted and drained them so they wouldn't be too watery. Half my sandwiches were a watercress and harissa mayonnaise (organic!); the other half were a leek and morel mushroom cheese with tomato.  These were crisp and refreshing - perfect for a warm evening on the deck.



It turns out that cabbage is really good for certain digestive issues, and Brussels sprouts - which I love -  happen to be in the cabbage family. I first got inspired by a Brussels sprouts slaw I saw on Top Chef Masters, but I couldn't find the recipe anywhere.  I hunted around online and ended up making my own version out of several I found. To make this, blanch some baby Brussels sprouts in salted water, and shock them in cold water immediately after draining them. Next, cut them into little ribbons and pat them dry. Toss in toasted hazelnuts, extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, a squeeze of Meyer lemon, and a drizzle of white truffle oil. Just keep adding until it tastes right, and top with shaved Manchego cheese.  This was a hit! The truffle oil imparted a real woodsy depth of flavor, and the crunch of the nuts gave the salad a fun texture.

Finally, to get that "ladies who lunch" vibe going, I decided to make a salmon salad and serve it in avocado halves. I used canned wild-caught Pacific salmon, organic mayo, capers, red onion, a squeeze of Meyer lemon, and salt and pepper. Again, this is one of those dishes you just keep mixing until it tastes the way you want. Don't forget to put a little acid on your avocados so they don't turn brown and yucky!
Grains or no grains, this was a filling - yet somehow light - meal. The lesson here? If you,  a friend, or family member has dietary issues, don't give up and settle for bland, sad foods. With a little imagination, there's always something flavorful you can whip up. Believe me - it will be appreciated!





26 comments:

  1. Trix love the brussel sprout slaw, hazelnuts omg that looks and sounds great! your friend is lucky to have you go and make all these gorgeous foods, every one of them is terrific...hope he loved them too! Love the tip on the avocado, I always put lime on them never knew they needed the acid...thanks~

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  2. Ouhh Trix... When's my turn to come over for lunch? I have no digestive issues... Just the veggie requirement I know you won't have a problem with ;) Sounds like you and B had a grand feast!

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  3. all sound just fine with me but I really like the salmon on the avocado - it just seems like a perfect match ... very, very nice .. would have loved to be on that deck...

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  4. Oh! I can't believe you produced such a spread! Everything is so adorable and I want to eat it all! You are so patient with your friend! He is so lucky to have you!
    I love what you said about "being a bit of a drag queen"; this is why I love you!!! lol!

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  5. You are brave to take on this challenge!! I feel as though I'm reading a transcript of "chopped" you did a magnificent job!

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  6. Wonderful spread! I post appetizers every Friday for Happy Hour Friday. These would be perfect!

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  7. I can't imagine no grains! Such a good spread.

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  8. This seemed like quite a fun challenge. I like to invite vegans over for dinner because it give me a chance to mix it up! When I was working at the Hilton, we used cucumbers as sushi-like wrappers for hors d'oeuvres filled with cream cheese . It was a bit tricky, but looked cool.

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  9. I can't imagine any food challenge getting you down, Trix. Triumph over adversity... and make really great things. I'm mad for that brussels sprout salad... those little red net bags keep calling me at whole foods and darn, I am trying to behave and shed a few pounds ( amazing what keeping heavy cream in the fridge can do for your waistline). All of these sound perfect for my road to recovery. Thanks!!

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  10. Trix - love EVERYTHING in your post, especially the salmon filled avocados! YUMMERS!! Fantastic warm weather spread :)

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  11. These look so refreshing and light. Any would be great for an afternoon snack. Love them.

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  12. Wow, you sure did a terrific job with this challenge! Everything look amazing! The stuffed avocados look especially tempting!

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  13. This is infamous, pain-in-the-butt B. Tasty Trix is not just a great cook, she is a great friend.

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  14. Your Brussels sprout dish looks fantastic. Great job creating your own recipe. And if you think your friend is high-maintenance, you should try feeding my kids!

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  15. Delicious!!! My only food problem is that I didnt get to taste any of these beauties! How creative of you. the salad and the avocados my favourite!!! Gorgeous ideas!!!

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  16. Looks like we are in the mood for the same things! That is a beautiful selection of appetizers even for the picky ones! Love the color combo, and crunchy vegetables bites!

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  17. Oh man, I don't know what I could do if I wasn't able to eat all that delicious food. You are a great friend and made some amazing looking treats for him!

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  18. Love brussel sprouts, they would make a great slaw!

    My heart however is taken by the stuffed avocado. They just look so so good.

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  19. Oh my, how i love try those brussel sprouts salad and the stuffed avocado! I think I have to make some too. Treat n Trix! hehe.... Btw, I have some awards for you. Please feel free to pick them up. Have a great day!
    Cheers, Kristy
    http://kristygourmet.blogspot.com/2010/05/more-awards-my-lucky-finger.html

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  20. you are the best friend anyone could hope for! a kind and fantastic cook. I thank you for for ur friend. :)

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  21. Now this is true culinary skill! To come up with such delectable yummies with so many restrictions... bravo!

    The cucumber sandwiches sound so refreshing!

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  22. I know which part of the buffet I'll be diving into first~the avocado and salmon! Great ideas.

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  23. wow, that all looks amazing! i would be sad to have to be concerned about so many gastric issues, but it would cause me to think more abstractly about food.

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  24. I love all of these snacks, Trix. Raw vegetables and fruits make the best snacks-so refreshing. That stuffed avocado looks especially good. I need to look at that more closely...

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  25. Great snacks Trix! I love healthy foods spiced up to look and taste great! Thanks a lot

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