If Shaman Rose Can Cook

I firmly believe that if you can read, you can cook.

Shaman Rose tried desperately to prove me wrong. She insisted that she could NOT cook.

I refused to believe her. There was a lot tied up in her “I don’t cook” statement, none of which was true.

Then she almost burnt my house down “helping” prepare bacon one Father’s Day. I reconsidered momentarily but ultimately kept the faith.

Every time she came for a visit, she’d ask, “What’s that? How’d you make that?” I’d roll my eyes. Mostly I cook by feel but I’d recite the ingredients and attempt to estimate quantities. Her desire to make healthy, yummy dishes for herself and her hubby was growing.

Gradually, gradually, she reported that she made chili and it was good. Or that her husband liked a veggie dish I had suggested. She was cooking. And enjoying it.

Well, guess what? Today SHE sent ME a recipe and Shaman Guy deemed it “INCREDIBLE!”

So here it is:

• l lb  Pasta of your choice (we use quinoa pasta which is gluten-free)
• 2 Tbs. –  Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 bag – Baby Spinach (stems removed)
• 6 oz – Mushroom Medley (thinly sliced)
• 6 sun-dried tomatoes in oil,drain & chop
• Almond Alfredo Sauce, recipe below
• 1/4 bunch freshly parsley, pick & chop
• Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper

Almond  Alfredo Sauce

• 1 Cup Blanched & Slivered Almonds
• 1 Large Yellow Onion (roughly  chopped)
• 2 Tbs.  Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 3 Cloves Garlic Minced
• 1 tsp.  White Miso
• Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper

For Almond Alfredo Sauce

1.  Cover blanched almond slivers with water and soak overnight in the refrigerator.

2.    In a large skillet, over medium high heat, saute the onions with oil, salt, & pepper until soft & translucent. Add the garlic & let cook 3 mintues. Remove from heat & set aside.

3.     Drain the soaked almonds & blend with 2 cups water until smooth, then strain through a colander lined with cheesecloth or paper towel. Set over a bowl to drain. Alternatively, you may use a fine mesh sieve.

4.      Discard the almond solids. Return the almond milk to the blender & process with the onion mixture & miso. Season with salt & pepper, to taste. Before use, heat the sauce over a very low flame until hot.

For the Pasta

1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions.

2. In a large skillet, over medium high heat, sauté mushrooms in olive oil until golden. Season with salt & pepper.

3. Toss pasta with mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes,& Almond Alfredo Sauce. Garnish with parsley.

Serve hot.

 

Here’s to all you non-cooks out there. If Shaman Rose can do it, so can you. Enjoy eating healthy & yummy!