2 January 2013

Cooking Light Virtual Supper Club Heralds in the New Year With "Clean Food"




Are you tired of shovelling snow, driving along ice-patched roads or wearing suits designed for igloos? If so, then move to British Columbia because so far it has not hit in full force (insert photo of fingers, toes and eyes crossed here). Even on the dreariest winter days we are happy to band together in the kitchen to create a menu that is healthy and "lightened up." We are so glad you have decided to join us once again for our Cooking Light Virtual Supper Club. This is a monthly event where a group of ladies and one gent in two neighbouring countries get together to create a delicious meal with a theme in mind. 

With the entrance of 2013 we begin our fourth year of the Virtual Supper Club where we continue to share a love for Cooking Light magazine with an emphasis on healthy eating and living. This is the perfect way to keep those New Year resolutions by recreating light recipes from these pages. This is a team effort where we combine what Cooking Light readers like best...good food with great company. 

What better way to start fresh than with Clean Food, a theme chosen by our very own Giz of Equal Opportunity Kitchen. 




Clean food is a catch phrase that is on the tip of our tongues these days. Everyone has been discussing a " sustainable diet” for years now and the importance of eating locally. But what exactly does that mean? To many it means eating seasonal, unprocessed, and locally-grown foods that are good for both us and the environment. This would include delicious recipes that include whole grains, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds. This recipe seemed to fit the bill.

Let's see what our group has brought to the table shall we?



Jerry of Jerrys Thoughts, Musings and Rants signs in from enjoying the Christmas holidays in Rome with a Lentil Herb Salad that starts the year off right and with good luck too.
Next I brought along a salad of Bulgur with Dried Cranberries that is reminiscent of middle eastern taboulleh.  Made with cracked wheat or bulgur it also features dried cranberries which are indigenous to British Columbia. This would also make a delicious and healthy substitute for dressing with your favourite pork or chicken recipe.
Susan of The Spice Garden brings a light dish from Terry Walters Eat Clean Eat Well website. Roasted BrusselsSprouts with Fennel and Shitake Mushrooms makes a statement.

Roz of La Bella Vita  ends our meal with a very light Citrus Granita made with stevia instead of refined sugars. Please do have a peak at her blog for making a lifestyle change towards "Clean Eating."

** Bulgur with Dried Cranberries**
from Cooking Light


  • 1 cup coarse-ground bulgur
  • 2 cups (1/4-inch) cubed peeled English cucumber
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/3 cup thinly sliced green onion
  • 1 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind 
  • 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice 
  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • Place bulgur in a large bowl; cover with 2 cups boiling water. Cover; let stand 30 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork. Add cucumber and remaining ingredients; toss gently to combine.

You are reading this post on More Than Burnt Toast at http://morethanburnttoast.blogspot.com. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to the author and or owner of More Than Burnt Toast. All rights reserved by Valerie Harrison. Best Blogger Tips

20 comments:

  1. A delicious and healthy combination! I really love bulgur and dried cranberries.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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  2. I haven't had bulgur in way too long. This looks fantastic Val with the dried cranberries.
    Sam

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  3. My daughter-in-law announced that she and her husband were adopting "clean eating" -- I had to ask what that meant and of course it just makes sense. I'll have to share this month's menu with her. (I have some bulgur begging to be used!)

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  4. What an interesting post; I still have so much to learn on this trendy subject. Love the idea of adding dried cranberries to bulgur. Seems the only time i use it is to make Tabouleh; time to widen my horizon; thanks Val.

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  5. I'm excited to learn more about "clean eating". In the meantime, I have all the ingredients for this except the cucumber which is easy to take care of.

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  6. This is simply awesome for jump-starting a healthier new year Val. FYI, I used Stevia at the last minute after reading that it is allowed in the clean eating approach. This was a SUPER wonderful theme! Happy New Year Val!

    Hugs,
    Roz

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  7. I love everything about this recipe! I can see how it would pair fantastically with just about any entrée!

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  8. This looks yummy, Val. And so healthy. Looking forward to some great menus with the group.

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  9. All of these dishes sound scrumptious and nourishing. I never thought of adding cranberries to bulgur, but it must taste marvelous! :-)

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  10. dear Val.I really love this post and I love bulgur especially.in salads:))
    happy new year Val!

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  11. This looks delish!
    I think I would like the freshness of the cucumber and the cranberries.
    Thanks for helping us 'keep it light'

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  12. I'm definitely in clean eating mode this month! I love the sound of this recipe!

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  13. YUMMY!
    Looks so healthy and tasty all at once. Is that really possible??
    Here's to 2013 and wondering what the adventure holds for you!
    :)
    V

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  14. Love this recipe, Val! I actually printed it off the Cooking Light site a couple month's ago, thinking it would be a good side for roasted chicken ... delish! Did you pair yours with chicken or fish?

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  15. It's a new year and we're all supposed to be talking about *gulp* healthy food now. I had a major backslide off my good eating plan in the past two months and gained back about 12 of the 15 pounds I lost. I know I have to get my diet back on track, but I'm enjoying the junk too much right now.

    You're giving me more inspiration to eat better. If healthy food looked more like this, I might just eat more of it.

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  16. what a unique and refreshing little side dish! i happen to love bulgur and intend to make this posthaste!

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  17. Bulgur and dried cranberries - what a tasty match. I do love Cooking Light and cook from it more and more. I am learning more and more about "Clean Eating" and while I don't abide by all the rules all of the time - it is fun to be mindful of it while cooking.

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  18. Wonderful dish! I love the dried cranberries in it and I think I may some bulgar in my pantry. This would taste great with our grilled salmon tomorrow night.

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  19. I should try after gaining so much weight and cholesterol high...will look into this.

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  20. I am not sure that I have ever cooked with bulgur. . . not ever sure where I would find it. LOL This looks amazing so it is time to add some bulgur to our diet.

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Welcome to my home. Thank you for choosing to stay a while and for sharing our lives through food. I appreciate all your support, comments, suggestions, and daily encouragement.

Val

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