Wow you all had some great ideas for how to cook mushrooms! It certainly seems that they are a versatile ingredient.
Yesterday went rather slowly - probably due to it being my first day back at work following the long weekend. Shall we call it the Tuesday blues?
Because I went for a ride on Monday (on my scheduled 'rest' day), I decided to take last night off. It was a freezing day , so it was actually kind of nice to come home to a warm house, without having to head back out into the dark / cold night for a run. After a few days of back to back rides and runs, I think my legs were thankful too!
One thing that was not blue was last night's Mystery Box inspired meal.
The chosen ingredient...
Sunflower Seeds!
Did you know? Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E and betaine - which may protect against cardiovascular disease. They are also a good source of magnesium, known to lower blood pressure and help in the growth of healthy bones.
I was curious as to how I could incorporate these seeds into a meal that was not granola or a muesli bar.
I figured that the sunflower seeds might work well in a sweet sunflower butter of sorts. I processed the sunflower seeds then added almond oil and agave nectar - mixed until smooth.
The result was a little thick so next time I would probably add more liquids, but the flavour was lovely. Nutty yet sweet.
Warmed and served atop a stack of roasted pumpkin.
With a serve of green and roasted tofu on the side.
And for no reason in particular, I opened one of my favourite GF beers.
I was craving something sweet after dinner, so I processed a couple frozen bananas with a handful of frozen cherries, to make Gena's infamous banana soft serve.
A healthy and tasty end to the day.
Sweet Sunflower Butter
1 cup sunflower seeds
2 T almond oil
1 T agave nectar
Process seeds until smooth and crumb like. Slowly add other ingredients and process until well combined and smooth.
What about you? Do you cook with sunflower seeds?
Happy Baking :)
Posts
I just have to say I love the mystery box idea. I'm sure I've said it before. But my worst "cooking flaw" is the fact that I can never THINK of something to cook. I never have ideas. I like the idea of a box of ideas. ;)
ReplyDeleteI don't normally use sunflower seeds but this looks awesome! I love that you put it on pumpkin!
ReplyDeletei just bought an acorn squash so im totally excited to use it!! i just realized that it was kobocha squash i like better .. but acorn is cool too.. damn should have bought the other one hehe.
ReplyDeletei just realized we have similar writing too :) hehe
I never thought of making a sunflower butter. What a great, creative idea! I love it! I actually always have sunflower seeds on hand to top green salads, mix into chicken salad and add to granola. They're the best!
ReplyDeleteYou're just so creative with your meals! I would've probably just ended up sprinkling those seeds on top of a stir fry, or mixing them into a bread!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great end to the day :)
oh I love cooking with sunflower seeds! My favorite thing to make are veggie burgers with sunflower seeds, garbanzo beans, kale, herbs, carrots, and millet bread crumbs. I must try your seed butter next. YUMMY!
ReplyDeleteI actually get mad when sunflower seeds are in my bread, but I think I would actually like them as a butter. Thanks for the recipe!
ReplyDelete@ Lindsay - those veggie burgers sound delicious!!! What a great mix of flavours !!
ReplyDeleteooh, i often forget that i have them in the pantry but should use them more. i did try a sunflower seed pate from diet, dessert and dogs (i think?) that was pretty fun!
ReplyDeleteOh wow, I had never thought to make sunflower seed butter! I can't wait to try it. I keep a mixture of sunflower seeds and pepitas in our cupboard and mix them into salads, pasta, rice and cous cous whenever we have them. I also really like to sprinkle them over my Vegemite on toast for breakfast. Yummy!
ReplyDeleteThat looks wonderful! I have some sunflower seed butter I purchased in the back of my fridge but I rarely use it.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea Lisa! Hmm I wonder how they would go in a pesto? I suppose it's like a nut?
ReplyDeletewould love to try this though am worried it would be a bit much for my food processor - love sunflower seeds - had them in a crumble just this week which was very good but not as good as in a cheesy seedy lasanga topping
ReplyDelete