Showing posts with label Sides. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sides. Show all posts

Thursday, 15 August 2013

Roasted Honey Thyme
Yams
Summer time fun for me includes using the
BBQ
You can virtually make everything on it with no fuss and no heating up the kitchen.
Yay!
Yams are usually used in the winter, but
this easy dish adds so much flavor to your next BBQ
You'll have everyone begging for seconds and the recipe...
 
1 large peeled yam, sliced
1 tbsp. honey
1 tsp fresh thyme
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp Cajun spice
drizzle of oil
pinch of salt
aluminum foil
 
Place the cut yam on the foil.
Drizzle with honey
Sprinkle with seasonings and oil
Wrap!
 
Place on cold BBQ and turn it on to low!
Roast turning after 20min. as it takes the BBQ time to warm up.
Then continue to turn over 2 more times at 20min. intervals for a total of 40-50min.
 
Place the rest of your BBQ foods between these times to save time.
 
Remove pkg. from the BBQ and serve.
It's that easy
 
Enjoy with love!
 


Wednesday, 26 June 2013

A. Vogel
Bio Snacky Sprouter
Day 4
Ready to Eat and Enjoy!

This whole journey has been so exciting.
As an avid gardener, I actually watch my plants grow daily.
You can imagine how fun it was to watch these next to my sink in the kitchen as they changed.
Here is what they looked like on day 4.
The mung beans were the largest and easiest to see. These would be great in a salad and sturdy enough for stir fry.


Now I can distinguish that these are radishes because they are the 2nd largest.
Just in case I couldn't figure it out....
I tasted them!
Wow did they ever taste like a radish with the hot kick too!
The tiniest seed are the alfalfa sprouts.
These are the ones we see in the grocery store packaged.
I must admit these are not as earthy as the store bought ones. That's a good thing.
This is a fabulous revelation for anyone (child) that is picky and apprehensive to try new foods.
I made two recipes you might want to give a try.
Wrap N' Roll
My kids love wraps this needs no recipe.
Just use any leftover chicken, slice or shredded.
Toast a tortilla wrap
Slather with Tzatziki
Layer carrot ribbons
Sliced peppers
Chicken or any deli meats
Fresh herbs or chives
Top with Alfalfa sprouts
Wrap and Roll
Chow down
Sprouty Spring Salad
This colourful hearty side dish or salad can be made up to 3 days ahead and enjoyed.
Recipe:
1 roasted yam, peeled
1/2 green or red pepper, chopped
1 1/2 cup cooked brown rice
1 peeled carrot, diced
1 cup bean sprouts (mung, radish, alfalfa)
1 can black beans, drained
Dressing:
3 tbsp. walnut oil
1/2 lemon, zested and juiced
1 clove garlic minced
3 tbsp. chopped chives
1 tbsp. chopped oregano fresh
(1 tsp dried can be substituted)
Mix together toss with salad ingredients.
ENJOY!


#biosnacky @A.Vogel.ca 

Tuesday, 11 June 2013

Apple & Cheddar
Thyme Biscuits

Is there anything more comforting than the glorious aromas from baked goods?

Most of us don't have thyme (time, tee hee)to bake
 
The scent of bread baking just puts us in a  wonderful relaxed state that, leaves us waiting in anticipation for the end product. 

Throughout the world breads are the symbol of home, comfort and food on the table.

This is an easy biscuit.
Of course, if I make it, it has to have some nutritional value in it! Right?

The addition of apple adds sweetness and fiber.
Um, your family and friends won't even notice it~
Unless you tell them
~AFTER~
they tell you how delish they are~~


2tbsp coarse corn meal

3 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp salt
 1 tsp thyme
1 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
1/2 tsp baking soda
3/4 stick vegetable shortening or butter
2 cup old sharp cheddar, shredded
 1/2 apple, peel on, shredded

1/4cup milk or water + more if needed

In a large bowl add the apple and cheddar. Drop in the dry ingredients. Using your hands "sift" the shredded ingredients into the dry ingredients to coat the mixture.
 Using a pastry cutter tool, cut the shortening into the dry ingredients.
 Begin to slowly add the water to add just enough so that the dough begins to stick together.
~you may need more or less depending on the humidity outside~
On to a floured surface, form into a round, gently pressing together.


Form into approx. 8"-9" circle
 
I used the bottom piece of a springform cake pan, which is quite thin.

Spray the bottom with non stick spray or grease and flour it.

Using a knife or pizza wheel cut wedges all the way through. 

Bake in a 350F preheated oven for 
30-35min.
The top can be brushed with melted butter before baking for a deeper browning.

Enjoy with love!

Tuesday, 4 June 2013

Roasted Balsamic Squash

Most people are familiar with squash but, only use it in the colder months.
I decided to not fire up my stove which would heat up the house now that the weather is warmer and decided to fire up the BBQ instead which makes clean-up much easier!
 
A colourful side dish cooked on the same grill as the rest of your meal.
This one was quite easy and the caramelization that develops can't be beat.
The BBQ adds a smoky aroma and sticky sweetness
 
1 butter nut squash, washed
2 tbsp each fresh snipped chives and oregano
1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp. EVOO + more for brushing on squash
pinch of sea salt
 
Cut 1/2" slices of the squash into rings
 
You don't need to remove seeds or peel, they can easily be removed when cooked.
My method keeps the rings together on the BBQ
 
Brush surface with some oil and sprinkle on some salt. Add just a sprinkling of herbs. More can be added to the finish.
Place on low temperature BBQ about 200F
Cook turning over to brown evenly,
until it is easily pierced with a fork.
 
When cooled to the touch, remove seeds and peel.
Dice into 1" cubes
 
Dressing: whisk the oil and balsamic vinegar together. Pour over the diced vegetables, add the chopped herbs then a sprinkling more of salt.
 
 
Can be served hot or at room temperature.
Can be stored up to 3 day in the refrigerator.
 
Serves 6-8
 
Enjoy with love!



Tuesday, 14 May 2013

Roasted Yam & Pear Toss
 

One of my favourite things about Summer besides enjoying the beautiful weather to the fullest, is
BBQing
I have even taught my kids to BBQ!
Why not? It's fast and easy and they feel a sense of accomplishment.
The food is delicious and the clean up is fast!
When I have meat that is slow cooking like Beer Can Chicken or Leg of Lamb
I like to accompany that with something that is going to utilize the low and slow method on the BBQ
This way it all gets cooked together making good use of the heat
I thought this sweet and starch combo would be a great side dish (with lots of leftovers!)
and something a little different for the weekday doldrums
What a beautiful contrast of colours! 
Since my family are always the Guinea Pigs for my new creations :D, I got a thumbs up for this dish for a go ahead remake this dish for company.
 
 
1 large yam, washed, skin pierced all over with a fork
1 green pear, not over ripe, cut lengthwise into thirds
1 lime zested and cut in half
1 tbsp tahini paste (sesame seed paste)
1 clove garlic, peeled and finely chopped
2 tsp maple syrup + 1 tsp extra for marinade
1 tbsp EVOO
1 tbsp pesto
salt & pepper to taste
Wrap yam in a sheet of foil and place directly on BBQ grill. Cook on low heat until fork tender approx. 30min depending on size of yam. Set aside and allow to cool to the touch.
Brush cut pear sides with  maple syrup and place directly on BBQ grill. Cook on low heat to caramelize until you develop grill marks 10min if pear is hard *Do not overcook or the pear will disintegrate.*
Place lime on grill cut side down. Grill for 5 min to achieve grill marks. Set aside to cool to touch
 

Prepare the Dressing:
Place the tahini, zest, pesto, garlic, olive oil, extra maple syrup, 1/4 tsp pepper and 1/2 tsp salt in a small ramekin. Squeeze the lime halves and stir to blend. Add 1 tbsp of water and stir together.
Assembly:
Peel skin of the yam.  Slice into 1/2"-3/4" round slices, then cube the yam.
Dice the pear, removing seeds. Toss together.
Drizzle with  dressing toss to coat. Can be served warm or room temperature. Readjust seasoning.
Enjoy with love
 
 
 



Thursday, 25 April 2013

Cracked Wheat
Salad
Here's a new twist to an old favourite.
Wheat!
Most of us are used to having wheat in a processed form via:
bread; yum
pasta; double yum
desserts; yummers!
Need I say more?
As you are aware everywhere you turn the media, Doctors (OZ), books, newspapers
are trying to convey the need for more fiber in our diets.
Unfortunately the processed way generally is quite refined and has much of the fiber removed.
This recipe uses the whole grain but it is cracked making it faster to use & cook.
This cracked grain is soaked and has no cooking involved!
It is great for a side dish, can be made ahead of time and you could easily eat this for lunch and because it is a whole grain and full of fiber and natural protein, it will keep you full for hours!
 
1 cup cracked bulgar wheat
1/2-1 cup chopped tomato
1/4 cup chopped flat leaf parsley
1 1/2 oz EVOO
1/2 oz red wine vinegar
1 green onion, ends removed, chopped
1 clove garlic, peeled, finely chopped
salt & pepper to taste
Soak the wheat in 2 cup water for 1hr.
Drain the wheat of an excess water, add the remaining ingredients. Toss to combine.
Can be stored for up to 3 days
Enjoy with love!
 


Tuesday, 23 April 2013

Roasted Red Pepper Pesto
&
Leek Risotto
 I must admit Risotto is not from the region of Italy my parents are from.
It is from the Northern part of Italy and my family is from Rome.
Pasta is the main carb in Rome but, for me risotto  is such a comfort food.
I make it throughout winter as a hot side dish and it has taken me years to get it just right.
Now my mom asks me for recipes for added interest to her weeknight meals!
I make it as part of our dinner or by itself with a large fresh salad. It's creamy goodness is great on a cold or rainy night.
Roasted Red Pepper is one of my favourite vegetables, it adds flavour to many of my dishes or as a side on it's own.
This puree is more Portuguese than Italian and this came to me as an idea
An idea of why not?
Let's try it and see,
Well it was really delish and the whole family loved it!
Especially the kids who are not so small anymore and still don't want to eat their veggies.





3 tbsp EVOO

1 leek, washed, chopped

1-2 tbsp chopped flat leaf parsley

1 cup italian arborio rice

1/2 cup white wine

3 cup chicken or vegetable broth

1/3 cup grated parmesan or pecorino cheese

Sauce:

1 cup roasted red pepper*

1 clove garlic

Preheat a medium pot, add oil and leeks. Cook on medium heat to soften leeks until they are slightly translucent. 
Add the rice and stir to coat for 1-2 min.



Add the wine, stirring until wine is absorbed.


Lower the heat and add 1 cup of broth and continue simmering & stirring. When the broth has almost absorbed add the next cup and continue until the grain has plumped and is not longer white. Taste for doneness and seasoning.
 

While the rice cooks, puree with a processor/blender or hand mixer the roasted red peppers and garlic. If the mixture is too thick add 1 tbsp EVOO and continue to puree.
 
Stir in the pureed peppers and cheese. Mix to incorporate. Let the mixture sit for 10 min to combine flavours and absorb all of the liquid.

 
Serve as a side with a well balanced meal. Including a salad gives you extra fiber to a well rounded meal, keeping you full for longer.



*Roasted Peppers:
Place 2 whole peppers either under the broiler, on the BBQ or ontop of the grill of a gas burner.  Turning as the skin chars and blackens.      Don't worry you are just burning the skin.
Place on a baking sheet to cool slightly..you will see many chefs cover with plastic or put the peppers in a bag...this is not necessary and it softens the vegetables too much..my Italian mom would not approve of that.

With a sharp knife scrape off the burnt peel. If too much peel sticks to the pepper, rinse it quickly under running water...but very quickly as to not rinse off the flavour!
Core and discard seeds. With your fingers pull strips of the pepper lengthwise as it tears along the grain. Place in a container for pureeing.*


Enjoy with love

 

 







Thursday, 18 April 2013

Low Fat
Chickpea & Zucchini
Quinoa Stew

I love it when side dishes actually have a dual role and can be eaten as a meal!
Well Quinoa, a high protein grain with the added goodness of chickpeas is a
Power Packed Protein Punch
Add in the zucchini and tomatoes and it is a complete meal! and Vegan too!
If you don't tell people that they are eating Quinoa visually; they actually think they are eating couscous, the cousin of pasta.
Quinoa is highly nutritious!
 
 

2 cup tomato puree

1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained or 1 cup dried (*recipe below)

1 onion, peeled and chopped

1 small zucchini, washed,ends trimmed and sliced

4-5 sprigs of parsley, washed and finely chopped stems included

1 1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained

1-2 tsp salt

pepper to taste

1 tbsp EVOO

 

Preheat a medium size saucepot. Add oil, onion and zucchini, sauté for 3-5 min on medium low (#5), stirring.  Pour in tomatoes, salt, pepper and parsley. Stirrig to mix together; turn up the heat and bring to a boil.  Add 1 cup of water.  Immediately reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 30-40 minutes. *This can be made up to 2 days in advance and reheated*

Pour in quinoa, stir to blend. Cook until tender approx. 20min., stirring.  If it becomes too dry add some more water to make a stew like consistency.

 

*Place dried chickpeas in a pot of water large enough to cover the chickpeas by approx. 2".  Bring to a boil, reduce heat to #3-#4 and continue cooking for 1/2 hr.  Drain and rinse. Tip into tomato sauce and continue cooking for the recipe or until softened.*

Serves: 4-6
Enjoy with love!
 


Tuesday, 16 April 2013

Jalapeno & Green Pepper
Vegan Cornbread
 
 
Cornbread is technically not a bread because it is a pan "bread" that rises with baking powder instead of yeast but, it is so fast and easy, that any cook can make it in minutes and have a great dish ready for dinner and perhaps a snack later on ;)
Mix it quickly and pop it in the oven to bake and you have a steamy side with your meal.
I have seen and tried quite a few recipes. Some have been good some have been too pasty(spoonbread) for my liking. Some have had too much of a grit feel in my mouth.
I like a combo of flour and cornflour with some fresh or frozen kernels in the mix.
 
When I make cornbread as an accompaniment to a main meal, I want it savoury, not sweet as many recipes put enough sugar to classify this as a dessert, in my humble opinion.
I omitted the sugar suggested, in my quest to lower the calories and used sweetened dairy free milk, so that it would have a touch of sweetness.
Just like me!    What!
This recipe is a version that I found in a
Vegan cookbook.
It has no dairy or eggs and is even good for you with the addition of wheat flour.
As you can see by the picture it is not as yellow as expected because of the wheat and lack of eggs. But, it rose to the occasion and is very fluffy.
I added pickled jalapenos that you can find in the Mexican isle of your favourite grocery store. Thinly diced they are not too hot, even for a child.
I added a compound garlic "butter" made with margarine so that it would have some more substance because of the lack of eggs and fat.
AND
when it's hot out of the oven what else are you going to do other than slather somethin that will melt off!!
Of course use your imagination and add any ingredient your family loves and make it your
very own.
 
This is quite delish, very low in fat and high in fiber!
 
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup whole grain corn flour
1 tbsp baking powder
pinch of salt
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (I only had red wine vinegar)
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 cup sweetened soy, rice or almond milk
1/2 chopped green pepper  (red can be substituted)
1 tbsp jalapeno fresh or canned
1/4 cup chopped chives or green onion
1/2 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels (I ran out! humpf)
 
Garlic Butter
 
1/3 cup margarine
1 garlic clove, pressed
pinch of sea salt & pepper
1 tbsp chives or any herb you like
Mix together and refrigerate until needed. Spread to your hearts desire. Keeping the calories in mind of course ;)
 
 
 
Lightly oil or spray an 8"x8" casserole dish
Preheat the oven to 350F
 
In a large bowl, blend dry ingredients together
 
Mix wet ingredients together. Pour into dry ingredients and mix with a spatula or wooden spoon. Before everything is mixed, add in the herbs, and vegetables. Continue to blend, do not over mix.
 
Spoon into casserole dish. With the spatula evenly spread the mixture to the sides.
Bake for 35-45 minutes until a skewer pierced through, comes out dry.  
 
 
Enjoy with love!

Wednesday, 10 April 2013

Mango Salad
with
Cellophane Sweet Potato Noodles
I had this salad years ago at a Vietnamese restaurant as a starter with our meal.
It was recommened to me by my girlfriend.
I was never a big fan of Vietnamese food simply because much of that regions food is sweet and hot and those combinations are for braver stomachs!
However this salad is so fragrant and delicious that I couldn't get over it and raved to my friend.
Being of Asian origin she taught me how to make this fresh salad that can be had as a meal when you add noodles to it. Every once in awhile I enjoy making this and everyone in my family loves it because it is very different from our Italian food.
The cutting of the vegetables takes a bit of time to prepare but my mandoline makes this process easier.
For those of you who are not familiar with a mandoline, it is a tool that chefs use to "julienne" vegetables perfectly so that you don't have to spend so much time doing so.
Mine is a very good quality. When I bought it, there was nothing more inexpensive and it has many attachments enabling me to even get a cross cut for waffle fries.
Today they sell them made out of plastic and are  very affordable.
If you do alot of fine cuts, perhaps you would be wise to invest in one.
Many of you may be tempted to put these veggies through the shredder of your processor
DON'T
You will get a messy mush releasing too much water.
 
 
1 green unripe mango, peeled and seeded
1/2 red or green pepper
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
4" piece of english cucumber, peel on but washed
1"-2" piece kohlrabi, peeled*
1 carrot, peeled and ends cut off
1/2 pkg enooki mushrooms, root ends cut off
200-400g pkg cellophane sweet potato noodles
1/4 cup salted peanuts
6 radish leaves, washed
1-2 tsp toasted sesame seed oil
2-3 tbsp finely chopped cilantro
 
Vinegrette:
1 cup water
1/2 cup white vinegar
1 tbsp sugar
3-4 kefir lime leaves, found in an Asian grocery store
2 cloves, garlic peeled and chopped
2"-3" piece of ginger, slivered
1-3 tsp sriracha sauce(Asian Hot Sauce)
 
 
Place vinegrette ingredients into a small pot and bring to a boil.  Boil on medium high heat for 2 minutes. Turn off the heat. Allow to come to room temperature. This can be placed in a  sealed container unstrained and refrigerated for months.
 
Bring a large pot filled 1/2 way with salted water to a boil. Drop in the noodles and turn the heat off.
Stir to seperate every 5-8 min. The noodle will soften and it will be ready when you taste it for an "al dente" bite. Drain and set aside.
 
Toast peanuts on medium high in a small skillet. Shaking the pan regularly to colour and bring out the fragrance. Cool and chop. Set aside
 
Meanwhile using a mandoline:
 
Julienne the vegetables to a thickness of 1/8" wide and 3"-4" long strips or to your liking. Conversely, if you do not have a mandoline, cut the vegetables with a knife to 1/8" thickness then cut lengthwise giving you slivers or matchstick pieces.
 
Cut the radishes across their width for variety.
Cut the tomatoes lengthwise.
 
*Kohlrabe is a wonderful crisp vegetable that has a thick peel. It is pleasant and crispy when eaten raw. It does not have a strong flavour making it easy to add to many dishes or salads.*
 
Assembly: Place the noodles back into the pot. Toss all of the vegetables onto the noodles except the mushrooms.
 
With the tonges toss to mix thoroughly. Drizzle desired amount of Vinegrette ontop to taste. Add some salt if necessary. Drizzle with sesame oil, toss to coat.
 
Sprinkle peanuts and cilantro leaves on top.
Place a radichio leaf on the bottom of the plate and fill with the mixture. Garnish with mushrooms.
 
Makes 4-8 servings
 
Enjoy with love!
 



Thursday, 28 March 2013

Mediterranean Potato Salad
 
Spring is HERE!
YAY!
Finally I will get to participate in one of my favourite pastimes
Barbecuing
The wonderful aroma of ribs, chicken or steak on the BBQ
The best thing about my pastime?
I just have to make the salads :D
This salad has taken me years to devise, really it comes from mixing many fresh ingredients so that I don't have to make too many sides.
As it is Mediterranean it uses heart healthy extra virgin olive oil instead of mayonnaise, making this side guilt free but, you still get your potatoes!
It's combination has so many varieties in each bite, soft potatoes, cruchy cruditees, a bit of sharpness from the pickle juice. I get alot of comments on it and the best part is, it can be changed with whatever you have in your fridge!
 
5 large white, russet or yellow potatoes, peeled, cubed
1/4 small onion, chopped
1/4 or a green bell pepper, diced
1/3 of an English cucumber, diced
1 roasted red pepper, diced (fresh or pickled can be used)
1 carrot, peeled, diced
2 pickles, diced
3 tbsp pickle juice (lemon or any vinegar can be used)
2 tbsp flat leaf parsley, minced
4-5 tbsp EVOO
salt & pepper to taste
 
Bring a 3/4 filled pot of water to a boil. Tip in the potatoes. Do not salt the water
 
Bring the water back to a boil, then reduce the heat to a rolling simmer #4-6.
 
 
Meanwhile prepare all of the vegetables.  Place them into a large bowl.
 
When the potatoes are fork tender, drain well and place into the large bowl. 
 
While potatoes are hot add salt, pepper, oil, vinegar and parsley. 
 
Toss all of the ingredient together.
 
Serve warm or at room temperature. If you have leftovers it can be stored in the refrigerator covered.
 
Serves 5-8
 


Thursday, 21 March 2013



Snow Pea Shoots
Are you familiar with this vegetable?
These are Pea Shoots only available for a short time once a year.
 
This is the edible vine of the plant that snow peas grow on.
They are here in spring at the Asian market or grocery stores as they are used shortly after the peas are picked.
 
Tender a flavourful they take seconds to make
Amaze your family with this unique addition to your repertoire.
 
2 lbs snow pea shoots, washed and drained
1-2 portobello mushrooms, cleaned & sliced
2 cloves garlic, sliced
1 tbsp ginger, minced
1-2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tbsp tamari sauce (1 tbsp soy sauce can be substituted)
1 tsp sesame seed oil
1 tsp sesame seeds, toasted
 
Pour oil into a preheated large size skillet.  Add mushrooms, garlic and ginger, cook for 30 seconds to soften.
 
Add 1/2 of the pea shoots and cook while turning vegetables over with tongs. 
When they begin to wilt add the remaining shoots.
Continue turning to distribute heat as they quickly soften. Sprinkle tamari sauce over greens.
Cook until fully wilted for 5-10 minutes.
 
Dress with sesame oil and seeds.
 
Enjoy with love!
 


Wednesday, 27 February 2013

Java Pork Roast
with
Veggie Fries
Roast is such a comfort dish!
It is so easy all you have to do is sear the outside and pop it into the a crockpot or the oven without searing it. The slow cooking browns it beautifully.
 
When I was working full time I utilized my automatic timer from the oven.  Most people are unaware of this feature, but every oven has one. Check the manual if you can find it!
 
I would time it to turn on at a certain time and finish cooking at a certain time and dinner was ready when we walked into the house. If you utilize your oven this way you must use frozen foods if you are away all day. The small space does not allow air to defrost the food quickly, so it is food safe. 
If you are afraid to do that, then use your crockpot.
 
This dish is great anytime of the week, for family or guests, even for a laid back Sunday dinner!
 

Rub:
 
 2tbsp dried oregano
1 tsp instant espresso powder or coffee
1 tsp salt
1tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2tsp ground sage
1 tsp peppercorns
2 tsp pepper flakes
Gravy:
1/2 cup white wine
2tsp cornstarch
1cup green olives (opt.)
1  5lb  boneless pork sirloin roast, centre cut,
Rub the dry herbs and spices all over roast and place in a plastic bag with a zip lock, squeeze out all air and marinate min. 1 hr or up to 24 hrs. Remove roast from refrigerator 1 hr before roasting, bringing the meat to room temperature, relaxing the muscle fiber. This can also be frozen and ready to go when needed. If popped in the oven frozen, the cooking time will increase by approx. 1 hr.
Place Roast on rack in roasting pan pour wine over top and add 1-2 cups of water to bottom of pan. Roast at 375F for 2-3 hrs, uncovered until temperature reaches 160F. or until the tip of a knife inserted releases clear juices, turning every 1/2 hr.  If the liquid evaporates too quickly add more wine or water. Let rest for 15min covered with a foil tent, before slicing thinly.
Gravy:  Strain juices through a small sieve, directly into a small saucepot. Add 1tbsp water to cornstarch, stir to mix well and pour  juices into the pan.  The coffee makes this gravy very dark and rich.  Bring to a boil stirring constantly, reduce heat and continue cooking to desired consistency. Add olives and cook 1 more min.
 Crockpot Method: Place 1-2tbsp vegetable oil in a preheated skillet. Place roast in and sear on all sides until golden brown.  Place the roast into the crockpot and turn dial to slow for 6-8 hrs. Proceed with recipe.
Veggie Chips
3 beets, washed and peeled
1 yam, peeled
3 potatoes, peeled, washed
vegetable oil for frying
Slice paper thin in a food processor, mandolin or by hand. Heat a heavy bottomed pot with 1" of oil to 365F, or drop a small piece of potato into oil, if it sizzles immediately, it is ready.
Begin to fry potatoes, then yam and lastly beets so as not to transfer the colour.  Remove with a spider or slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, sprinkle with salt.
 
Enjoy with Love!