Crazy for carrot souffle

It’s November now, which means the holidays will quickly be here. As I say most years, “This is the year I’m going to be more organized and get everything done early.” Yeah. I really mean that.

But truly what that takes on the food side of things is trying out a few recipes well in advance. This is one that is a standing request at our friends-of-the-family holiday celebration because it appeals to young and old. It travels extremely well too, so it can be served at room temperature or reheated (microwave if necessary). **Recipe credit to Cooking Light magazine**

Carrot souffle

• 2 lbs carrots
• 2/3c sugar
• 1/4c low fat sour cream
• 3 tbsp flour
• 2tbsp butter, melted
• 1tsp baking powder
• 1tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4tsp salt
• 3 eggs

Boil carrots until soft, about 15 min. Drain. Place carrots in food processor or blender and process until smooth. Add remaining ingredients and pulse to combine. Pour into a baking dish coated in cooking spray and bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes.

The best way to tell if it’s done is to jiggle the pan — the middle should stay firm. NOTE: While this puffs up some, it is not a true “souffle” in its lightness or presentation. But still good, and still healthy!

Shown here with parmesan chicken and garlic butter noodles.

Trio of dill salads

First off, a confession. I committed murder for this week’s recipes. Beet murder.

My least favorite thing about beets is that they are messy to prep. But fun, if one takes the right attitude! 😉

Quick and easy this week while we were at the lake — and attempting to use up the misc share vegs and some lovely dill. I ended up doing a simple lettuce salad with beets, goat cheese and dill, just some of that fab EVOO and balsamic to dress, carrots (threw into a tinfoil packet on the grill while brats cooked and more dill+butter to finish) and cucumber sour cream salad. This one was the highlight–super easy, fresh and healthy.

Creamy Dill Cucumber Salad

1 cup sour cream
3 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 cup minced fresh dill
Salt and black pepper
3 medium cucumbers (about 1 1/2 pounds)

Halve each cucumber lengthwise, peel and scoop out seeds. Slice into 1/4-inch rounds. Whisk the sour cream, vinegar, sugar, dill and salt and pepper to taste in a medium bowl. Add the cucumbers; toss to coat. Serve chilled. Note: cucumbers have a ton of water in them. Meaning if you don’t like watery salads, you’ll want to sweat the cucumbers first by tossing in salt and letting them sit for an hour or so. Rinse, then toss with sauce. I didn’t find this step necessary since we were eating right away. This salad also called for shaved red onion. No thanks, said the boys.

PS I don’t know about you, but I am itching as my tomatoes start to ripen now….this is the best month of the year!