Baked Latkes

INGREDIENTS

4 to 6 tsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
2 lbs potatoes (or combination of any of the following: potatoes, zucchini, yams, carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, turnips)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 sea salt
1/4 tsp ground pepper
1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
1 Tbsp fresh dill, minced (optional)

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

Coat two cookie sheets with 2 to 3 teaspoons of the oil on each.

Grate the potatoes (and other vegetables, if using) into a large bowl. Add all the other ingredients, including remaining oil. Stir to combine.

Drop the potato mixture by rounded tablespoonfuls onto the greased cookie sheets. Flatten slightly to make them into patties rather than mounds.

Bake for until the undersides are lightly browned and crisp, about 10 minutes. Brush the tops of the latkes with a very light coating of oil, then flip them over and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them; they are done when they are crisp and golden brown.

Serve hot with sour cream or apple sauce.

Roasted Parsnips

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 lbs of parsnips, peeled and cut into 2 1/2 inch sticks
4 tsp of extra virgin olive oil
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper
1/3 cup of vegetable broth
3 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
4 tsp drained, bottled horseradish
1/2 Tbsp finely chopped parsley
1/2 small garlic clove, minced

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large roasting pan, toss the parsnips with the olive oil, salt and pepper. Add the broth, cover, and roast, stirring once or twice, until the parsnips are tender and the stock has evaporated or been absorbed, about 20 to 45 minutes (depending on how tender the parsnips are to begin with). Check often to avoid the parsnips getting mushy.

Combine the softened butter with the horseradish, parsley, and garlic, and season with salt and pepper. Toss the warm roasted parsnips with the horseradish-herb butter and serve.

Serves 4.

Hearty Lentil Soup

INGREDIENTS

2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 yellow onion, chopped
1 leek, sliced
1 carrot, diced
1 parsnip, scrubbed and diced
1 potato, peeled and diced
1 stalk celery, sliced
1 cup dry lentils, rinsed
1/2 can crushed tomatoes
3 cups vegetable broth
2 bay leaves
1 dash tamari
2 tsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup red wine
1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped

DIRECTIONS

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, leek, carrot, parsnip, potato, and celery. Cook until onions are translucent, stirring occasionally.

Add lentils, tomatoes, broth, bay leaves, tamari, Worcestershire sauce, and wine to the saucepan. Stir and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the lentils are cooked.

Remove the bay leaves from the soup. Stir in the cilantro and serve.

Ginger Parsnip Muffins

No one will guess that the mystery ingredient in your muffins is parsnips. The grated raw vegetable adds fibre and moistness and is delicious paired with crystallized ginger and honey. This recipe works equally well with large-flake rolled oats or the quick-cooking (not instant) type.

INGREDIENTS

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup rolled oats
1 Tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp sea salt
2 Tbsp finely chopped crystallized ginger
1/2 cup raisins
1 egg
1 cup peeled, grated parsnip (1 medium)
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

DIRECTIONS

Grease muffin cups.

In large bowl, combine flour, rolled oats, baking powder, and salt. Stir in ginger and raisins; set aside.

In medium bowl, lightly beat egg; stir in grated parsnip, milk, honey, and oil until blended. Stir liquid ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring just until moistened. Spoon into muffins cups.

Bake in 400°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until firm to the touch. Cool in pan 5 minutes; remove muffins and cool on rack. Store in airtight containers.