Green Onion Galette, a quick supper of puff pastry, onions and Parmesan cheese.
It’s time for my Cottage Cooking Club wrap-up of five tasty vegetarian dishes. Every month I join other bloggers to feature recipes from award-winning food writer Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage Veg cookbook. Realizing there isn’t much about beef, pork, poultry and seafood that I don’t relish, you may wonder Why Vegetarian? Why now?
EMMA
As I’ve admitted, I was tossed into this vegetarian mumbo-jumbo by shame. Years ago, my dear vegetarian friend, Susan, brought her own meals to Hirsch dinner parties. I couldn’t be bothered. (Yes, I have groveled and apologized about that for 25 years.) Eventually I offered an elegant green salad and crusty bread to my veggie guests. Gradually I began to realize that this dietary option is not mumbo nor jumbo. It’s a legitimate choice.
For your left over puff pastry, Cheesy Peesy Puff Turnover, filled with peas (fresh or frozen) and grated cheese.
Cheesy Peasy Puff Turnover is folded to a triangular pocket. I served it with homemade Broccoli-Leek Soup.
Four years ago, my 9-year-old granddaughter announced she was a Vegetarian. Although I suggested to her Mother it was just a phase, how the hell was my darling sweet Emma going to get enough iron, zinc, Vitamin B-12 and calcium to grow and flourish. Where’s the protein? Would her friends think this strange? Would Melissa, her mother, have to make two different menus for their dinners now? Couldn’t her Mom and Dad just say, “No?” ( I don’t say these concerns were legitimate, I am just admitting having them.)
Emma (9) in 2011, the year she announced she was a Vegetarian. Clara (7) is on the right. Death Valley National Park
Fast forward four years. Emma is still a healthy young woman, about to enter high school, and, yes, a Vegetarian. (Grandmothers can be wrong.) Before her family’s recent visit, I called Emma and asked to interview her about her vegetarian lifestyle. I’d never had a serious discussion with anyone about this rather important lifestyle choice. She agreed. We set a date, stipulating no Mom, no Sister, listening in. (They’d already asked.) Briefly, this is the very enlightening result.
Honey-roasted Cherry Tomatoes, an easy topping to make and delicious on risotto and grilled or roasted vegetables.
Grandma: Emma, I’ve heard various rumors but will you tell me why you chose to be a vegetarian?
Emma: You remember we went to Hawaii when I was 9, right?” she asked. (I nodded affirmatively.) “Our family went spearfishing. Dad caught a fish. When the boat people pulled it in, it wasn’t dead. They just whacked and whacked it on the head to kill it.” (Emma demonstrates the whacking technique.)
Grandma: What did you do?
Emma: Clara (7) and I started screaming and crying. Mom took us down into the cabin until the trip was over. Then, later that night we went to a Luau where they were roasting a pig. It just went round and round on the spit all night. I got sick.
That’s the night Emma made her announcement.
I piled my Honey-Roasted Cherry Tomatoes on toasted Artisan bread with Maldon Sea Salt flakes sprinkled on top.
Grandma: What did your Mom say?
Emma: She said okay. But right from the beginning she made three rules: [Readers, I know. I know. Pot. Kettle. Black.)
1) We went to the library, checked out books about food, proteins, vegetarian stuff. I had to read them and any books she gave me on the subject.
2) I was responsible for taking vitamins every morning, especially B vitamins;
3) When I am around other kids who are eating hamburgers, stuff like that, I can’t say, “Gross!” or “Ooh.” I must be polite.
My health concerns were proven unnecessary. The Places lead an outdoor lifestyle. This Summer Emma and her Dad took a 4-day Hiking trip over Paiute Pass ((11,423-ft). Emma carried a 24-pound pack.
Grandma: Do you ever do that?
Emma: Of course not, Grandma, 90% of the kids at my school are vegetarian. (eye roll and sigh)
Stir-fried Sesame Cauliflower, a strongly seasoned side dish with chile, garlic and ginger.
The kicker here is this. Our girls go to a Seven Day Adventist private school. One of the Adventist beliefs and practices is a vegetarian lifestyle. Since they have attended this school since preschool, this was a comfortable choice for Emma.
In California they also live near Loma Linda populated by a high concentration of Seventh-day Adventist. It is one of five places in the world identified as Blue Zone Areas. These are the 5 sites where people are particularly healthy and live the longest. The other four Blue Zones Areas are Karia, Greece; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Okinawa, Japan; and Sardinia, Italy.
I wish this Sesame Cauliflower photographed better because it is tasty. I served it as a side straight from the pan but, with rice or noodles, it’s supper.
Grandma: I know you make your school lunch. What’s in it?
Emma: Vegetables and Fruit, Peanut Butter Sandwiches, Nuts, Tofu, Salads, Protein Bars, Leftovers, Salads and Yogurt for dessert. I love yogurt.
Emma, this Winter at Hearst Castle, just before our interview. She looks pretty healthy, huh?
Grandma: Do you ever get hungry?
Emma: No, Grandma. (another eye roll and sign)
Roasted Parsnip Chips with shallots.
Grandma: Tell me your favorite foods.
Emma: Pad Thai, Veggie Burgers, Tofu with various seasonings, Apples, Raspberries, Mushrooms and Caesar Salad.
These are ‘crisp and carmelized at the thin ends, chewy in the middle, tender and creamy at the fat ends,’ Best served hot, just out of the oven.
Grandma: Do you think you’ll always lead a Vegetarian lifestyle?
Emma: Yep, Grandma, I do.
There are many things I always want to do with my granddaughters but never in a million years did I think I would be exchanging vegetarian recipes and ideas with one of them. Every day of Life, a learning experience!
We are not allowed to print any of Hugh’s recipes but if you would like to learn how to make any of these delicious recipes, e-mail me. I’ll send them.
What a lovely post and tribute to her! I admire her spirit and commitment. You are a wonderful Mom and Grandma. Help your kids eat healthy and all good things will follow
Michelle, Thank you. You remember these girls when Clara was a Toddler and Emma just a little girl. See you in June, for sure.
So true Mary, every day of life, a learning experience. What a great post. We have so much to learn from these precious young people. Your granddaughter is amazing, so much wisdom from someone so young.
This is a very special post today. Well .. Love the foretelling and the drama Of the whacked fish as well as using the interview structure.
So looking forward to seeing Emma tomorrow and talking to her about this.
I also think I would like to come back as Missy’s kid. (Oh that would make me your grandchild… Also good)
Clara and I can talk rocks while we munch on veggie treats.
Mary,
I love love love this post. Emma is such a credit to her whole family. But you get kudos for having an open mind and curious spirit.
BTW, you never were in the dog house for letting me bring my own goodies. Hirsch dinner parties were always such fun- it was about your wonderful company, after all.
It doesn’t look like vegetarianism is slowing down Emma one bit. I bet she’ll love all these CCC dishes—I certainly would. Such beautiful, healthy granddaughters! You are blessed, my friend.
What a lovely post! And how fun that you were able to interview your granddaughter! How clever of you! I will admit that I gave this same book to my niece who has decided to be a vegetarian (because her friend became one). It’s becoming pretty common. But what great advice from your daughter!!!
And your food! Well, isn’t the spring onion tart amazing? It is one of my go-to recipes. It’s also wonderful made as little squares with the onions in rings… Happy that you made the pea and cheese turnovers. But it’s hard to go wrong with puff pastry. Love the tomatoes. I haven’t tried the cauliflower, soup or parsnips – they all look delicious!
I hope you are enjoying your last bit of time on the coast! It looks like it’s been a wonderful time!!
Well Mary, you always have a really good literary or otherwise kicker in your stories and today’s story is really creative and introspective. A truly wonderful story on your beautiful granddaughter, becoming, and continuing a vegetarian lifestyle. Your family looks so lovely and I really enjoyed the shared story of personal experiences intertwined into this months vegetable selections cooking along with the Cottage Cooking Club. Thanks for sharing a part of you, your healthy granddaughter, and family, truly special.
I really enjoyed your interview with your granddaughter – thank you for sharing that.
And your food looks amazing! Serving the cheesy peasy turnover with soup is a great idea and I loved the cauliflower stir-fry, which I made this month as well. I haven’t tried many of the galettes from the book, but based on your recommendation, I may try the spring onion next month.
What a great post Mary, your granddaughter sounds so wise. We have quite a few vegetarians in our family as well and everyone seems pretty healthy. The cheesy peasey turnover was one of my favorites. Can’t believe we are halfway through. Have a great week!
What a great post! I already knew you were terrific, and from you, Melissa, and now Emma. Amazing-ness clearly runs in the family! I’m impressed with her rational choice and followthrough. And now, you can share recipes too! I want to try the spring onion tart. Looks fabulous as does the sesame cauliflower. You’re making me hungry!
This was such a fun post. I loved reading the interview with your granddaughter, and love that you can share these recipes with her. I also cracked up about making vegetarian guests bring their own food to dinner parties 🙂 Too funny. All of your dishes came out beautifully. I’ve never tried broccoli-leek soup, but it looks and sounds excellent.
I love that your granddaughter agreed to be interviewed for this lovely post. Enjoyed it immensely. Our daughter is a vegetarian too. She toyed with it for a short time in high school, then when she went of to India in college, she came back a full time vegetarian. You do worry (at least I did) if they are getting all the nutrients needed. I like that her mom had her do her research beforehand – smart lady.
It is becoming harder to entertain these days, I am like you, it’s a struggle to prepare a menu with so many food aversions; and not just vegetarianism, but gluten free, sugar free, avoidance of the nightshade family – new one to me! Google it.
Now for your wonderful looking recipes you chose this month. They all look fabulous! Especially the green onion galette. Beautiful presentation! That is magazine/cookbook worthy! I enjoyed all the other recipes you made as well, except I did not ever do the parsnip one. Beautifully done, Mary!
Please thank your granddaughter for sharing her story.
Fantastic post, Mary! Love the interview and the reminiscences. Your photos and recipe choices are wonderful, too. Isn’t it nice that vegetarian eating is so much more integrated into the culture these days? I like the idea of everyone knowing that they can come to my home and be well fed.
And thanks for your offer – if I ever lose track of the cookbook again, I promise I’ll email you. (Here’s hoping that I don’t lose it twice, though.) 🙂
I bookmarked this post, because I knew it might take forever but I just HAD to get back to it and read it thoroughly.
Love this and the conversation with Emma. If you might recall, my Sienna decided to turn vegetarian this year. It took us all a while to adjust, but I think we’re finally working out a system.
Since I went vegetarian in college and stayed that way until I was pregnant with Sarah and had to revert, I realized that being supportive was the only option. I wish I could get her to take vitamins. (Good thinking on Melissa’s part)
I will serve whatever meal I need to, but make sure there are at least one or two sides that she can pull together to make a full meal. If it’s just her and I – we both eat vegetarian. When Joe is home, I have to up my ante and put the animal protein on the table. Lots of tofu and tempeh in the house. Plenty of vegetables in the refrigerator. The other night she decided she wanted tofu tacos (I was eating shredded wheat for dinner and she wasn’t interested). so she went on line and found a recipe for taco seasoning and made herself exactly what she wanted. As long as she cleans up after herself, I say go for it 🙂