Sweet Potato Pudding

Man oh man is sweet potato pudding good. And easy! Oh, and packed with Vitamin A (and probably a few calories thanks to the brown sugar, but life is short)!

Ingredients:
3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and grated
3/4 pound dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ cup cornmeal
1 cup raisins
1-2 cups water or coconut water
1 tablespoon vanilla
½ cup dark rum (optional)
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Combine all ingredients in large mixing bowl, mix well, and pour into lightly greased 11 x 7 baking pan. Cover lightly with foil and bake 1 hour. Remove foil and bake 15 minutes until browned.

Sara's Super Scalloped Potatoes

Imagine my delighted surprise when I went home for Thanksgiving to find that my sister had come up with a vegan recipe for scalloped potatoes! I don't think I've had them in years, and this recipe was really delicious.

Ingredients:
1/4 cup margarine, melted
1 tablespoon salt
2 teaspoons pepper
6 tablespoons flour
6 medium potatoes, sliced
1 onion, chopped
2 cups soy milk
1/2 cup soy sour cream
optional: 1/2 cup shredded soy cheese (follow your heart brand...so good!)

Instructions:
Grease a heavy baking pan with Crisco. Stir the salt and pepper into the flour and whisk together with the melted margarine, soy sour cream and soy milk. Layer the potatoes and onions into the pan, then pour the mixture over them. Bake at 350 degrees F for 90 to 120 minutes. If you are adding the shredded soy cheese, sprinkle this on the top during the last 15 minutes of baking so it doesn't burn. So good!

Great Broccoli Rabe and Orzo side

I absolutely adore broccoli rabe (or rapini), though if not prepared well it can be somewhat bitter. I whip up this easy side dish at least a few times a month because I enjoy it so much. This recipe makes enough for two people, though I could happily eat the entire thing myself.

Ingredients:
One bunch broccoli rabe
1 vegetable bullion cube
several cloves of garlic, chopped
olive oil (1-2 tablespoons)
1/3 cup orzo
salt to taste

First, wilt the broccoli rabe in about 1/4 cup of water with some salt to taste. Cook until tender. While the broccoli rabe is wilting, bring a cup of water to boil, then add the bullion cube and stir. After the cube has dissolved add the 1/3 cup of orzo and cook as recommended.

In a large fry pan, sautee the garlic in the olive oil on medium heat. Add the broccoli rabe and the orzo (with the vegetable stock) and cook until the liquid has mostly evaporated. If desired, salt a little more to taste.

This is a great side; Broccoli rabe is so good for you--1/5 of a bunch has 50% of your vitamin C, 20% of your vitamin A, 15% of your calcium, and 6% of your iron for the day! Only 1/5 of the bunch! It also has some protein and fiber, almost no carbs, and is extremely low in calories. All in all a great food.