Demo Doings!

Hello! Gosh — I cannot believe how fast the millennium year went. My first memory was of a delicious brunch with champagne that was delightful!

I know that 2001 will be a fan-tastic one for all of you. I'm excited myself. Think big; only let positive thoughts enter. Glass 1/2 full. Love you all. Bon Appetit!, as Julia says.


Blue Corn Muffins

3 Tbs. canola oil
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
2 cups blue cornmeal
1-1/4 cups soy or rice milk _ add 1 Tbs. lemon juice to this
1/2 tsp. red chile powder
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1-1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 cup honey/maple syrup

Preheat oven to 400°. Great or line muffin pan. In a medium sized bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, sea salt, red chile.

Mix the honey, soy milk, canola oil. Add this to the dry ingredients and mix. Spoon the batter into prepared pans, filling them until just even with the top surface of the pan.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until knife inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops are beginning to brown.

Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before browning. Makes 12 muffins.

Lentil Chile

4 cups dried green lentils
6-7 cups filtered water
1 1-lb. can tomatoes or 3-4 fresh chopped
2 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. coriander
1 Tbs. red chile powder
12 cloves of garlic, chopped
2 medium onions, finely chopped
1 bunch cilantro, chopped
Sea salt to taste, about 2 tsp.
2 red/yellow peppers, seeded and chopped
2 medium-sized yams or sweet potatoes, diced
Nice toppings: tofu, sour cream, grated sharp cheddar cheese, sliced green onions

Place the lentils and 6 cups of water in a Dutch oven, bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer, let it cool for approximately 30 minutes, checking every now and again.

Add tomatoes, cumin, red chile, cilantro, onions, yams/sweet potatoes, peppers, and garlic. Cook for another 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Check the water level as it cooks. You may want to add more water or tomato juice that is spicy. (Add liquid in 1/4 cup increments.) Add sea salt and season the chile to taste.

At this time, you can adjust the seasonings to your liking. You may like a bit more cumin or chile, depending on you; so enjoy, and serve with the toppings, or plain.

This dish is also nice with a warm tortilla and avocado. Serves 8.