Native Foods Blog: 9 Tips in the Kitchen

Wow, I was lucky as I scored front row seats at Chef Tanya’s Cooking Demo on Saturday in Aliso Viejo. All because of that little red Rewards Card I signed up for at Native Foods Café….one day, about a month ago, I go in for my usual Ensalada Azteca and Strawberry Parfait (hey, it’s a salad so why not a little dessert at the end) and LO and Behold, my receipt says “You won front row seats for 2 at the next Cooking demo”. HURRAY!

Rad, totally. Then I find out it’s Paula Deen’s recipes that Chef Tanya is making the native (vegan way). So cool. My mom loves Paula Deen so I took her….and there is Chef Tanya in a Paula Deen wig and cracking me up with the Southern Belle’s accent. And yummy peach cobbler. Meaty spaghetti. Oh my.

But here’s what I jotted down from Chef Tanya’s talk….

1. Buy a Silpat---they are environmentally safe and great way to make vegan cheese! NOTHING sticks to them. Buy them at Bed, Bath and Beyond, Chef’s Catalog, Sur La Table and Macy’s.

2. Use a red bell pepper…they are just a ripe green pepper with better flavor for spaghetti

3. When in doubt, use olive oil as a substitute for butter

4. When making spaghetti sauce, add SALT early on while sautéing your onions as it brings the flavor out and a sweetness.

5. Where to get Quinoa Noodles for spaghetti (quinoa is the perfect protein!): Whole Foods, Mother’s and Albertsons

6. Tomato Paste: Buy the canned paste that is organic from Italy…Fire roasted the best.

7. Paula Deen calls for “Italian Spice Blend” in her recipes . Well, super easy to make at home: Just blend equal parts (dried) thyme, tarragon, oregano and salt. Save money and don’t buy them pre-blended!

8. To reduce the acid in your tomatoes in the sauce…add a quirt of Agave!

9. Cheesecloth…should be a household staple! Available at supermarkets and very cheap. Great for cheese making, straining etc. My 5 year old does not like onions and celery when I make veggie soup at home so I just wrap the celery and onions in cheesecloth and tie them with a string….still get all the nutritional and flavor benefits and my picky eater never knows!