Monday was my mom’s last day here so I treated her to a manicure for Mother’s Day and also made her a special meal by request. In return, she organized the back hall closet and laundry room for me. I think she is trying to shape me into a civilized home owner. ;) It was an offer I couldn’t refuse!
After some careful consideration on my recipes page, she decided on my Mushroom Barley Risotto. [On the weekend, she also chose 15-Minute Creamy Avocado Pasta]- two very good choices!
We picked up a few groceries and also Eric at the train station.
Then I got busy in the kitchen…!
I must have inherited my mom’s love for mushrooms because I can’t get enough of them lately. I never used to like them growing up (I only liked the canned variety), but now I just love most kinds of fresh mushrooms.
When you have a local mushroom farm nearby, it only makes sense to learn to love ‘em!
Mushrooms are also quite healthy too!
According to Alive Magazine, mushrooms are:
- High in antioxidants: Cremini and Portabella mushrooms have antioxidant levels comparable to that of broccoli, red peppers, and carrots.
- Immunity Boosters: Mushrooms appear to stimulate the immune system, including T and B cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells.
- Phytochemical rich: Phytochemicals are thought to have an anticancer effect in some research.
- Rich in dietary fibre, riboflavin, Vitamin D, and niacin.
[In case you missed it last summer, check out the Portabella mushroom recipe challenge I participated in where I made Easy Stuffed Portabella Pizza in a Cashew Basil Cheese Sauce.]
Next, I made Cheezy Garlic Bread inspired by the garlic bread in Eat, Drink, & Be Vegan. I sliced a multi-grain baguette in half, spread on some Earth Balance, and then sprinkled it with garlic powder, kosher salt, and nutritional yeast. I placed it in the oven on low broil for a couple minutes until crisp. It turned out great!
I also sautéed some broccoli in a bit of olive oil, salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar until just tender.
With Cave Springs white wine from Niagara region.
I love that this mock ‘risotto’ recipe is made with pearled barley…it really does amp up the nutrition and satiety factor.
Check out our dining room GLOW!
For dessert, we split the last two Chocolate Cupcakes…so sad to see those go. Eric and my mom just rave about those cupcakes! I will be making those for guests again real soon.
Peace out!
Oh that looks really good – too bad my hsuband HATES mushrooms! I’ll have to make this oon a night he’s gone!
My husband does, too! But this meal looks too good to pass up. Mine’ll be away a couple of nights this month, so I think that’ll be the perfect time to bust this meal out:-).
I love that you let your mom pick from a “menu.” How fun!
Earthy mushrooms with a good, buttery white wine is one of my favorite pairings.
I love mushrooms but haven’t eaten them in YEARS because my boyfriend hates them. He has a weird thing about them being fungus lol.
so does Eric!!
I totally forgot about the risotto recipe from last year, but I have been trying to come up with a cheese-less risotto for a while now (not a big cheese fan, as strange as it sounds to cheese lovers!) so thank you!!! I also love mushrooms, and like you said, since they’re so good for you, what’s not to love right? Looks like an absolutely delicious meal!! :)
I would have never considered using the pearled barley as a healthier substitute but once again you have taught me a better and more nutritious sub — it was delicious! If anyone is looking for a healthy cupcake recipe that is delicious, they have to make your chocolate cupcakes. I am HOOKED and it’s going to become my go to recipe in the future.
I will request them next time I come to visit! ;)
Putting it on the menu for your next visit :)
That looks so good! I’m making risotto this week and will have to add yours to my list. Yum :)
Mmmm that risotto looks to die for! And nothing wrong with a couple chocolate cupcakes now and again! YUM!
I need to make another attempt at mushroom risotto. The recipe on my blog is a very traditional, full-fat, full-flavored risotto, and while being quite delicious, is very very rich. My boyfriend and I found that we could only eat a very small serving because of it’s richness.
I love the nooch garlic bread idea! I’ve been experimenting with my nooch a lot lately. It’s just got so many nutritional benefits! I love that stuff!!
That dish looks so hearty and comforting! And with the addition of garlic bread? I’m sold.
I absolutely adore barley risotto! And mushrooms make it so much heartier.
What a beautiful (and healthy) meal! :)
I’m so glad you had some time with your mom! I hope mine can come and visit soon so I can spoil her with good vegan food and show her around. We’ve been on the search for some really good “cheesy” garlic bread. We’ll have to try the above combo because it looks fantastic!
I wasn’t into mushrooms either but they are really growing on me actually.. I think I will try this recipe soon! :)
I still haven’t grown into liking mushrooms but I try to eat them when I can. =( Your meal looks wonderful and I love the new room glow! That orange really makes it pop!
I love the glow in your dining room! It looks so welcoming and homey! And that risotto looks fabulous. I wish my husband liked mushrooms! Oh well, I guess that means more for me!
I can’t get enough mushrooms either! “Mufwoom” was actually one of my first words!
haha so cute!
I have never tried risotto! any kind at all. There I said it ;) but this recipe sounds really fun to try. Hmm Ontario usually does have a good mushroom crop eh? Our farmers market always has a lot of cool varieties :) http://lauren-whatlaurenlikes.blogspot.com/2011/06/sweet-potato-monster-farmers-market.html
I LOVE that last picture of your dining room! Amazing colors….with a very yummy looking dinner! :)
I’m convinced that mushrooms are the best risotto toppings (?) on the planet. I bet the earthiness pairs really well with the barley!
mmm yes it does :)
I really really want to like mushrooms…but I just can’t get down. It’s a texture thing…they’re rubbery and just blegh! But I sooo wish I liked them.