Learning to Cook

I have always been surrounded by wonderful cooks and bakers. While this has been delightful for my taste buds, I always wondered if I would ever be able to cook like them. When I lived in Brazil, I was forced to learn how to cook because the ingredients at my disposal were so different. The experience was, at first, frustrating. But, once I began to experiment, the world of cooking opened up to me. My recipe box is now brimming, and I thought others might be interested in trying some of the recipes I have found. I haven’t tried them all yet, but I plan to in the future! I hope you enjoy, and please feel free to add your own suggestions/comments.

Friday, May 23, 2008

Italian Roasted Snap Peas


Serve this Italian-inspired combination of sweet snap peas, leeks and tomatoes with roast chicken or garlic-rubbed grilled steaks.

Makes 4 servings, about 1/2 cup each

ACTIVE TIME: 10 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 35 minutes

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

1 large leek, white part only, halved lengthwise and thoroughly washed
1 pound sugar snap peas, trimmed
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 teaspoon dried oregano

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Cut leek halves into 2-inch lengths and then very thinly slice each piece lengthwise, yielding 2-inch-long strips. Toss the leek strips, peas, oil and salt in a medium bowl. Spread evenly on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 15 minutes. Stir in tomatoes. Return to the oven and roast until the vegetables begin to brown, about 10 minutes more. Toss with oregano and serve.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 96 calories; 2 g fat (0 g sat, 2 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 14 g carbohydrate; 3 g protein; 4 g fiber; 311 mg sodium; 135 mg potassium.
Nutrition bonus: Vitamin C (45% daily value), Vitamin A (35% dv).
2 Carbohydrate Servings
Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat

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