Expendable Edibles

Broccoli Stalk Stir Fry

Ingredients:

carrots
broccoli stalks
olive oil
sesame oil
garlic
ginger

Preparation:

Peel the carrots and broccoli stalks (shave down to the tender middle of the broccoli) and cut them into long, julienne-style strips.

Heat the oils in a skillet and add the garlic and ginger. Add the broccoli and carrots, tossing them around for a bit. Cover for a few minutes to allow to steam. Add a splash of tea if the mixture gets a little dry.

Ingredients:

coconut milk, separated
wilted lettuce or spinach (water-logged and yellow pieces removed)
olive oil
garlic
ginger

Preparation:

Separate the cream from the milk in the coconut milk by putting it in the freezer for half an hour. The cream should rise to the top, and that is what you will use in the recipe.

Saute the greens with oil, garlic and ginger until they are wilted. Stir in the cream from the coconut milk. Transfer the mixture to a blender and process until smooth.

Use this sauce underneath chicken and fish. It can be used warm or cooled.

This recipe works for mushrooms that are a little past their prime and have gotten that slippery feel.

Set mushrooms out on wax paper and air dry them overnight. Store them in an airtight bag and use in stir-fry dishes or stews.

Mediterranean Salad

Ingredients:

romaine lettuce, the lighter-colored base part
olive oil
garlic
scallions
1/4 cup feta cheese (Gorgonzola will also work.)
lemon zest
salt and pepper

Preparation:

Wilt the greens in a pan with the oil and scallions. Remove from the heat and serve with a sprinkle of the cheese, zest and seasonings to taste.

Cut orange peel into strips. Remove the white pith. Soak the prepared peel in ice water.

Boil equal amounts of sugar and water. Add the peel to the sugar water and simmer until the liquid is evaporated.

Potato peels need treatment immediately, so make this recipe as soon as you peel the potato.

Preparation:

Place peels in ice water. Brush both sides of peel with melted butter.

Add seasonings of your choice to taste. Things like Italian spices, salt and paprika work well. Bake for 15 minutes until crisp.