Monday & the Missing Meat: Summerin’ Succotash.

If you’re co-habitating with a picky eater (or 4), as I am, and they haven’t completely zapped the fun out of cooking for you, this may be something to try for your gang. RDK is mega picky, yet the things he loves always surprise me….(he digs artichokes, okra, mushrooms—these things usually on people’s lists of “not likes”.) My mom even keeps a cheat-sheet sticky note inside her cabinet at home titled “RDK Likes and Dislikes”. What can I say, we aim to please!

Almost everything in this recipe worked for my kiddos except when they asked me to pick out the “circles” (okra). For this little summer garden delight, it’s pretty basic and accompanies well if you’re goin’ meatless or not. We’ll match this with some homemade coleslaw and maybe potatoes this evening. Haven’t gotten that far.

Here goes:
Dice (2) cloves of garlic and sautee in olive oil in a skillet.  Add (1) chopped white onion and (15-20) sliced okra. While those cook along merrily, slice the (raw) corn off of the cobs ( I used four ears). Add to skillet. Next– I dropped in (1) bag of frozen shelled edamame, but butterbeans are probably more traditional. You’re the boss. Toss in a good heap of salt and a few splashes of cider or red wine vinegar. Cook together on low/med heat for 10-12 minutes (until okra softens). Tastes like healthy, sunny, summer days.

And for a sweet-ish finish– a little (vegan friendly) dessert that’s been getting lapped up by the youngsters (tricky mommy) is Cashew Cream. It doesn’t photograph well, but perhaps I could sell you on how easy and healthy it is. (And keeps for a while in the fridge.)

*Pour 1 lb raw cashews into a bowl. Cover and soak with water for 2 hours. Drain most of the water off and pour contents of the bowl into a blender or processor. Next add: cinnamon, nutmeg, a few splashes of vanilla, few blobs of agave or honey and a few pinches of salt. Add some splashes of (cashew or any) milk or water. Blend away! (You will likely need to add a little more milk or water, blending and adding until desired consistency. Also, at any point you can add more sweetness (honey or agave, etc.). Top with something naughty…. whipped cream, chocolate syrup, sprinkles, fruit, etc.

Darn good.

At least you can give your bod a fighting chance with a healthy start this Monday. And then joyfully cruise downhill for the next six days :)