Roasted Brown Butter Squash with Nuts, Dates, and Crispy Herbs

This beautiful squash medley is a wonderful combination of creamy and caramelized textures, and savory and sweet flavors. A colorful mix of butternut, acorn, and delicata squash are sliced and roasted, then smothered in nutty, brown butter for a warming fall recipe. Topped with chewy dates, toasty nuts, and crispy herbs — prepare to devour this dish!

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Roasted Brown Butter Squash with Nuts, Dates, and Crispy Herbs
Serves 6 - 8

Ingredients:

3 lbs acorn squash, delicata squash, butternut squash, or a mix of all three
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
8 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup walnuts, chopped
2 tablespoons pine nuts
6 Medjool dates, pitted and chopped
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup fresh sage leaves, stems removed, washed and patted dry
1/4 cup fresh rosemary leaves, stems removed, washed and patted dry
Large flake salt (like Maldon)
1 cup grated Pecorino Romano

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

2. Scrub the squash well. If the butternut squash is young and small, the peel may be left on (the delicata and acorn squash rind may be left on). Otherwise, peel the butternut squash, slice all the squash in half and remove all seeds and loose pulp. Slice into 1/2" thick half moons. Place sliced squash on a rimmed baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, and a sprinkling of salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Roast, turning once until the pieces are browned and caramelized, roughly 25-30 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. When the butter starts to foam, add the walnuts, pine nuts, sage leaves, and rosemary. Stir constantly until the butter begins to brown, the herbs begin to crisp, and the nuts begin to toast, roughly 5 minutes. Keep a watchful eye. Remove the sage leaves with tongs and place them on a paper towel- lined plate. Watch the butter carefully to ensure it does not burn. Remove the pan from heat when the butter turns golden brown. (This will all happen very quickly, so pay attention.)

4. Remove the mixture from the heat, and stir in the chopped dates, cinnamon, Aleppo pepper, and apple cider vinegar.

5. Drizzle the mixture over the roasted squash and top with the crispy sage, flake salt, and grated Pecorino Romano.

6. Serve with a simple pasta, or over sturdy kale, or alongside roasted greens.

Spicy Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles

Nothing quite compares to the fresh crunch of a homemade pickle! These sweet, tangy, bread-and-butter pickles need only one night in the refrigerator before they can be happily snacked upon. Add the crispy, green pickles to anything from hamburgers, to salads, or charcuterie boards.

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Spicy Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles
Makes (3) 12-oz. jars

Pickle Ingredients and Supplies:

1-1/2 pounds pickling cucumbers
2 tablespoons Kosher salt
1 yellow onion, sliced
(3) 12-oz glass canning jars with sealing lids

Brine Ingredients:

1-1/4 cups granulated sugar
1 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons mustard seeds
1 teaspoon celery seeds
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon whole cloves
2 cloves garlic, sliced
Dill sprigs

Directions:

1. Wash and sterilize the jars using boiling water.

2. Use a vegetable brush to scrub the cucumbers in hot water, rinsing off any dirt.

3. On a large cutting board, use a chef's knife or a crinkle cut slicer to cut the cucumbers into 1/4" slices. Slice the yellow onion in half, then thinly, pole to pole.

4. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cucumbers with salt and the sliced yellow onion. Place the salted cucumbers and onions in the refrigerator. Refrigerate for 1-1/2 hours.

5. Remove the cucumbers and onion from the refrigerator and place in a colander and thoroughly rinse off the salt with cold water.

6. Evenly distribute the cucumber and onion slices into the prepared jars and set aside.

7. Prepare the brine by combining the white sugar, white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, peppercorns, crushed red pepper, whole cloves, and garlic in a medium saucepan. Over medium heat, bring the brine to a simmer until the sugar completely dissolves.

8. Pour the hot brine over the pickles and onions that were previously placed in the jars. Stir to incorporate. Add the fresh dill to the top of the pickles. Let the mixture stand at room temperature for 1 hour to cool, then add the lids and refrigerate for 24 hours before enjoying! These pickles are good in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Classic Potato and Caramelized Onion, Gruyère Gratin

Experience this classic potato presentation -- thinly sliced potatoes layered with a distinctive Mornay sauce (a Béchamel sauce with Gruyère cheese added). The addition of savory, caramelized onions and fresh thyme infuses comforting flavors into every bite.

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Classic Potato and Caramelized Onion, Gruyère Gratin
Serves 6 - 8

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter
2 medium sweet onions, sliced pole to pole
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
2 lbs Russet potatoes (about 2-3 medium to large potatoes), washed, peeled, and thinly sliced with a mandoline
3 cloves garlic, minced

Mornay Sauce Ingredients:

4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1-1/2 teaspoons Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cup grated Gruyère, 1/4 cup reserved for topping the gratin

Directions:

1. Prepare the caramelized onions. In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté the sliced onions over medium heat. Once the onions start sweating, turn the heat down to medium-low. Stir the onions occasionally, as needed. Allow them to cook slowly for 35-45 minutes until a deep brown color is formed and they become fully caramelized. Add the garlic and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Add the thyme leaves and stir allowing the fragrance to bloom.

2. While the onions cook, prep the potatoes. Use a sharp peeler to peel the potatoes. Rinse off, then slice into 1/8” thick slices using a handheld mandoline.

3. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

4. Prepare the roux. In a separate, smaller saucepan, heat the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter has melted, add the flour and whisk continuously until the mixture is completely smooth, as it cooks for about 1 - 2 minutes. This process removes the raw flour flavor and helps create a silky sauce.

5. Create a Béchamel sauce by very slowly pouring milk into the roux. Continue whisking the mixture until the sauce is smooth. Add in the salt and pepper and continue whisking over medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes or until the sauce thickens and becomes very creamy.

6. Remove from heat and transform the sauce into a Mornay sauce by slowly adding in the shredded Gruyère cheese. Whisk until the sauce is smooth, and the cheese is well incorporated. The sauce will continue to thicken while maintaining its creamy texture.

7. Layer the gratin. Butter the bottom and sides of a large baking dish and lay a single layer of potatoes, then a layer of caramelized onions. Pour some of the sauce over the potatoes and continue to layer the potatoes, onions, and sauce to form additional layers. Repeat this step until all of the potatoes are used (or until the layers reach within 1/2” from the top of the dish).

8. Top the final layer of potatoes with the remaining onions, then sauce, and finally sprinkle with the reserved 1/4 cup of cheese.

9. Cover the gratin with a tight-fitting lid or foil and bake for 60 minutes. Remove the lid or foil, and continue to bake for another 10 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the gratin is hot and bubbling.

10. Garnish with additional fresh stems of thyme, and serve while hot.

Celery, Fennel, & Farro Salad with Pecans, Raisins, & Gorgonzola

Nutty farro and oh-so-thinly sliced celery and fennel are coated in a tangy Dijon dressing in this warm and hearty salad. Punchy, earthy Gorgonzola, sweet raisins, and toasted pecans add depth and flavor making this meal a delicious choice for any lunch or dinner!

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Celery, Fennel, & Farro Salad with Pecans, Raisins, & Gorgonzola
Serves 4

Salad Ingredients:

4 cups chicken stock
1 cup uncooked farro
3 stalks celery, plus leafy tops chopped and saved
1 small fennel bulb
1/2 cup halved pecans
1/4 cup raisins3 oz Gorgonzola
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh mint, choppedDressing

Ingredients:

1/3 cup olive oil
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 shallot, finely diced
1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper

Directions:

1. Bring the vegetable stock to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the farro and stir. Boil for 5 minutes. Stir often so that the farro does not stick to the pan. Cover and reduce the heat to low, and simmer.Continue to stir frequently until the farro is tender and the stock has been absorbed, about 60 minutes. Remove the farro from the heat, drain any excess liquid, and let it stand, covered, until ready to serve.

2. Thinly slice the celery and fennel with a mandoline.

3. Toast the pecans over medium-low heat in a dry skillet, roughly 2-3 minutes. Watch closely to ensure they don’t burn. Coarsely chop.

4. In a wide-mouthed jar, whisk together the dressing ingredients until emulsified.

5. Combine the cooked farro, celery, celery tops, fennel, pecans, raisins, Gorgonzola, parsley, and mint in a large serving bowl. Drizzle with the dressing and toss until coated. Enjoy immediately.

Truffled Mashed Potatoes

Looking for holiday potatoes with a little something extra? Try our truffled mashed potatoes this season! Subtle truffle flavors marry well with creamy potatoes. The result? An elevated side dish suitable for including on any dinner menu. Sooo delicious!

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Truffled Mashed Potatoes
Serves 6 - 8

Ingredients:

4 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and roughly chopped
2 tablespoons Kosher salt
4 tablespoons butter, brought to room temperature
1 cup half-and-half, brought to room temperature
2-3 teaspoons black truffle salt, season according to taste
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Chopped fresh chives, for garnish
Swirl of black truffle oil, for garnish

Directions:

1. Put the potatoes into a large pot, add 2 tablespoons of Kosher salt and cover with cold water.

2. Bring the potatoes to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, or for about 20 minutes.

3. Mash the potatoes using a potato ricer or a potato masher. Add the butter, and mash. Add the truffle salt, and mix again. Add the half-and-half, and stir until smooth and evenly combined.

4. Taste the potatoes, then season well with additional Kosher salt and pepper. Add additional truffle salt, per your preference. We tend to season lightly with truffle salt, as the flavor permeates the potatoes and a subtle flavor seems to accent them best.

5. Garnish the finished potatoes with chopped fresh chives and a swirl of truffle oil, if desired.

Sweet Corn Carbonara

We know that a classic pasta carbonara, made with very distinct ingredients, is nearly a sacred dish in Rome. However, we couldn't help riffing on the original with a summery flare! Our recipe substitutes bacon for traditional guanciale and features the addition of summer sweet corn, and basil fresh from the garden. We hope you enjoy this easy and delicious summer dinner as much as we did!

Bucatini alla Carbonara with Grilled Corn, Bacon, & Basil
Serves 4

Ingredients:
12 oz bucatini
6 slices thick-cut bacon
4 ears sweet corn, grilled and kernels removed from the cob
1/3 cup pecorino romano, finely grated
2/3 cup parmesan, finely grated
2 whole eggs
3 egg yolks
10 leaves fresh basil, chiffonade cut
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Directions:
1. Preheat the grill and grill the corn cobs on direct heat, turning until slightly charred about 3-4 minutes per side. Once the corn has cooled, remove the kernels from the cob using a corn stripping tool. Wash and thinly chiffonade the basil.

2. Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large skillet. Once the bacon has cooked, let it cool on a paper towel-lined plate. Once it's cooled, slice or crumble into bite-sized pieces. Discard the excess bacon grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet.

3. In a medium bowl, combine the whole eggs and the egg yolks. Whisk together. Mix in the finely grated pecorino romano, parmesan cheese, and freshly ground pepper to the eggs. Whisk the mixture until well-combined and set aside.

4. Cook the bucatini according to the package instructions in a large pot of well-salted water until al dente. Reserve at least 1 cup of pasta water for finishing the sauce.

5. In the large skillet, immediately mix the hot pasta with the egg mixture and about 1/2 to 1 cup of the reserved pasta water. Stir the pasta together with tongs until the noodles are coated and a silky sauce is formed.

6. Add the cooked bacon and grilled corn to the coated noodles. Stir until combined. Serve immediately with a garnish of basil and extra cheese, as desired. Enjoy!

Spring Roll Bowls

Craving fresh and flavorful? Crunchy, salty, sweet, colorful, and delicious -- our Spring Roll Bowls can satisfy them all! Great for lunch or dinner, this veggie-packed bowl delivers a healthy punch of flavor and goodness in an easy to assemble bowl. A rainbow of ingredients pair with marinated tofu and vermicelli noodles. It’s all topped with a bold and spicy peanut sauce that will tickle your taste buds!

Spring Roll Bowl with Spicy Peanut Sauce
Makes 4 servings

Tofu and Marinade Ingredients:
14 oz block firm or extra firm tofu
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1-1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 tablespoon sesame seeds

Bowl Filling Ingredients:
2 large carrots, or 4 small carrots peeled
1 red pepper
1 English cucumber
4 green onions, sliced
1 avocado, sliced
1/4 head red cabbage, sliced with a mandoline
1 cup edamame
8.8 oz vermicelli noodles (1 standard package)

Spicy Peanut Sauce Ingredients:
1 cup peanut butter
2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
2 teaspoons sesame oil
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons ginger, grated
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 tablespoons water, for thinning

Garnishes:
1/4 cup mint leaves
1/2 cup unsalted peanuts
Fresh cilantro leaves
Lime wedges

Directions:
1. Prepare the tofu. Drain the tofu and cut it in half down the length of the tofu block. Press the tofu between two paper towel-lined plates and use a large book or a heavy cutting board to gently press out any excess moisture. Let the tofu continue to press while preparing the other ingredients.

2. Prep the veggies. Cut the carrots and red pepper into matchsticks. Slice the cucumber, green onion, and avocado. Use a mandoline to finely shred the cabbage. Measure out the edamame.

3. Make the peanut sauce. Combine all of the peanut sauce ingredients together, except for the water, in a small bowl or measuring glass, and whisk to incorporate. Slowly whisk in the water one teaspoon at a time to thin the sauce until it is just able to be poured.

4. Place the vermicelli noodles in a bowl with very hot water, stir to separate. Cover for 15 minutes until noodles are softened and tender. Drain the noodles and run them under cool water. Set aside.

5. Cut the pressed tofu into 1/2" cubes. In a medium bowl whisk all of the the tofu marinade ingredients together, except for the sesame seeds, and then combine with the tofu. Gently and slowly toss the tofu in the marinade until the tofu is coated. Set aside for 10 minutes to let flavors incorporate into the tofu. Then sprinkle the tofu with the sesame seeds.

6. Assemble the bowls. Divide the cooked vermicelli noodles equally into four bowls. Top the noodles with the bowl filling ingredients and the tofu, sectioning the ingredients if desired. Drizzle with the peanut sauce and garnish with mint, peanuts, cilantro, and lime wedges.

Spring Panzanella

Is it spring yet? Bring it on with our snappy and colorful Spring Panzanella Salad! You’ll find it a satisfying dinner, or a delightful side salad. This healthy salad is packed with spring veggies like roasted asparagus, crunchy snap peas, and super-thin, sliced radishes. Further, this salad experience is elevated with homemade seasoned croutons, creamy goat cheese, a fresh tangy dressing, and tasty garnishes.

Spring Panzanella
Makes 2 large entrée salads, or 4 side salads

Crouton Ingredients:
2-3 cups cubed of rustic loaf of bread, cut into 1-1/2” cubes
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried Herbes de Provence seasoning
1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Salad Ingredients:
3-4 cups baby arugula
1 cup snap peas, sliced on the big angle
1/2 bunch asparagus, sliced into 1 inch pieces (tossed with olive oil, Kosher salt, pepper) 4 oz goat cheese, bite sized pieces
4 radishes, thinly sliced with mandoline

Vinaigrette Ingredients:
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (zest, and then juice)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1 teaspoon Herbes de Provence
1 teaspoon shallot, minced
1 teaspoon honey

Garnish Ingredients:
lemon zest of 1 lemon
10 mint leaves, cut into a chiffonade

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Slice the asparagus into 1” pieces. Toss with one tablespoon of olive oil and salt and pepper. Roast the asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet for 5 minutes, or until just crisp tender.

2. Prepare the cubed bread into semi-soft croutons. Melt the butter in a large skillet and mix with the olive oil. Toss the cubed bread in the skillet until evenly coated. Sprinkle with the Herbs de Provence, kosher salt, and pepper. Stir the croutons while heating until they are lightly toasted on all sides.

3. Meanwhile, prepare the snap peas by washing and cutting on a dramatic angle to reveal the peas inside.

4. Prepare the radishes by washing and cutting thin slices with a mandoline. Take care! Mandolines are super sharp, amazing tools that should be respected. We recommend to gear up for safety and use a protective glove AND the hand guard. The thin slices are so worth it!

5. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together all of the vinaigrette ingredients until emulsified.

6. Mix the salad together in a large bowl. Toss the arugula, sliced radishes, and asparagus with the dressing until coated.

7. Carefully layer in the snap peas and croutons. Top with bite-sized pieces of goat cheese and garnish with lemon zest and fresh mint.

Classic Potato and Leek Gratin

In this classic dish, thinly sliced potatoes are layered with a distinctive Mornay sauce. Mornay sauce is a Béchamel sauce with the addition of Gruyère cheese. The additions of savory leeks, garlic, and rosemary combine in a wonderful way in the sauce to infuse flavor into every bite. This recipe is a warm, comforting side dish, or hearty enough for the main event!

Classic Potato & Leek Gratin
Serves 6 - 8

Ingredients:
2 lbs Idaho potatoes (about 7-8 potatoes), washed, peeled, and thinly sliced with a mandoline
5 tablespoons butter, divided
3 small leeks, green parts removed, finely sliced
1 tablespoon rosemary, minced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1-1/2 cup grated Gruyère, plus
2 tablespoons reserved as topping

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.

2. Prep the potatoes. Use a sharp peeler to peel the potatoes. Rinse off, and then slice into 1/8” slices using a handheld mandoline.

3. In a large saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter and cook the leeks over medium heat until they are translucent, about 10 minutes. Add the rosemary and garlic and cook for about another 3 minutes.

4. Prepare the roux. In a separate, small saucepan, heat the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter has melted, whisk in the flour until the mixture is completely smooth. Continue cooking for about 1-2 minutes. This process removes the raw flour flavor and helps create a silky sauce.

5. Create a Béchamel sauce by very slowly pouring milk into the roux, continue whisking the mixture until the sauce is smooth. Add in the salt and pepper and continue whisking over medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes very creamy.

6. Transform the sauce into a Mornay sauce by slowly adding in the Gruyère cheese. Continue cooking and whisking for a few more minutes until the sauce is smooth, and the cheese is well incorporated. Add the cooked leeks mixture to the sauce.

7. Layer the gratin. Butter the bottom and sides of a large baking dish and lay a single layer of potatoes. Pour some of the sauce over the potatoes and continue to layer the potatoes, pouring more sauce at each layer. Repeat this step until all of the potatoes are used (or you get to within 1/2” from the top of your dish).

8. Coat the final layer of potatoes with sauce and sprinkle with the reserved cheese.

9. Cover the gratin with a tight fitting lid or foil and bake for 60 minutes. Remove the lid or foil, and continue to bake for another 10 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown.

10. Garnish with additional fresh pieces of rosemary, and serve hot.

Classic Minestrone Soup

Minestrone, a classic Italian soup, features a wide range of  vegetables, beans, and pasta. Our recipe version focuses on techniques for building great flavor in stages. The result? Deep, rich, satisfying tastes and textures without being over-cooked. You’ll find this soup highly flexible – use seasonal vegetables, or whatever you have on hand.  We think you’ll agree that this minestrone easily earns its reputation as a healthy, winter comfort food.

Comforting Minestrone Soup
Serves 4 - 6

Ingredients:
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
3 celery stalks, dice
2 carrots, cut on the bias into slices
2 small potatoes, cut into 1/2" cubes
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tablespoon tomato paste
2 bay leaves
1 Parmesan cheese rind
1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
6 cups vegetable broth
1 can (15.5 oz) Great Northern beans
1 can (15.5 oz) butter beans
1 cup ditalini pasta (or other small pasta)
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 cup frozen peas
3 cups chopped kale
Parmesan cheese, shaved, for serving

Directions:
1. Start by making the mirepoix. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onions and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened. Add the celery and carrots, and continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until softened.

2. Add the potatoes and garlic and continue to cook for another 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste.

3. Add the bay leaves, Parmesan rind, canned tomatoes, vegetable broth, Great Northern and butter beans, ditalini pasta, salt, pepper, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the soup for another 20-25 minutes. Use tongs to remove the Parmesan rind, bay leaves, and thyme stems.

5. Stir in the red wine vinegar, frozen peas, and chopped kale. Cook for one more minute, or until the kale just begins to wilt. Serve with shaved Parmesan cheese as a garnish on top.

Winter Bowls

The season for healthier dinners has arrived! Each January inspires a renewed energy and recommitment to healthier habits. Winter grain bowls are a delicious way to achieve those goals! This tasty bowl features baked tofu with quinoa, roasted beets, and arugula all dressed with a flavorful turmeric tahini dressing.

Winter Grain Power Bowls Makes 4 large bowls

Winter Grain Bowl Ingredients:
1 block extra firm tofu 1 large purple beet (or two small beets), peeled & diced into 1/2" cubes
1 large golden beet (or two small beets), peeled & diced into 1/2" cubes
1 fennel bulb, stalks removed, cored, and thinly shaved
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon pepper, divided
1 cup quinoa
2 cups vegetable stock
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 red onion, thinly sliced with a mandoline
1 large carrot, shaved and rolled
4 cups arugula
1/3 cup shelled pistachios
Fresh mint leaves, torn for garnish

Turmeric Tahini Dressing Ingredients:
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup tahini
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
2 tablespoons water (as needed, to thin)
1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1 clove garlic, minced

Directions:
1. Prepare the tofu by slicing it into 1" thick slices. Lay the slices on a paper towel-lined baking sheet, then cover the tofu with another layer of paper towels. Place a cutting board on top of the covered slices to press out the excess water from the tofu. (Place a cookbook or a heavy pot on top of the cutting board to help apply weight and pressure so that extra water is forced out of the tofu. This pressing and draining step will help the tofu achieve a better texture when baking.) Press and drain the tofu slices for about 20-30 minutes.

2. Preheat the oven to 400°F. In two separate bowls, prepare the beets and fennel. Toss the diced beets with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Toss the shaved fennel with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Place the prepared beets and fennel in a large roasting pan and roast for 15 minutes or until the fennel starts to turn golden brown. Remove the fennel and continue roasting the beets for another 15 minutes, or until the beets are fork tender.

3. Meanwhile, prepare the quinoa on the stovetop using a 2:1 liquid-to-grain ratio. Bring the vegetable stock to a boil and add the quinoa. Stir, cover, and turn down the heat to low. Check after 15 minutes to see if the quinoa is tender, or if more liquid is needed to finish cooking. The small kernels expand as they soak up the cooking liquid. When tender and ready, you’ll see a tiny curlicue emerge; this is the beginning of a quinoa sprout, (and a sign of doneness.) Remove from the heat when done.

4. After the tofu has drained, remove the weights and paper towels and cut the tofu slices into 1" cubes. Gently toss the tofu cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch until evenly coated. Spread the tofu cubes across a lined baking sheet and bake in the oven at 400°F for 30 minutes. Half way through baking, turn the tofu pieces. Bake until the tofu is baked and crisped on all sides.

5. Prepare the turmeric tahini dressing by whisking all of ingredients together until the dressing is combined.

6. Thinly slice the red onion using a mandoline. Shave the carrot into ribbons using a vegetable peeler. Tear the mint leaves for a garnish.

7. Once all of the ingredients are prepared, assemble the bowls. Add a scoop of cooked quinoa to each bowl, then add the roasted beets, roasted fennel, and baked tofu. Continue building the bowl by adding a few slices of red onion, a few ribbons of carrot, and a handful of arugula. Drizzle the bowl with the dressing and then garnish with pistachios and fresh mint leaves.