Avanti Dank Teriyaki

Avanti Dank Teriyaki medley on Blood Orange Honey Dijon dressed baby kale
w/ teriyaki tofu, haricot verts, carrots & whole garlic cloves. 

This all natural, dark and rich teriyaki is sweetened w/ dried fruit, 100% fruit juices, honey and molasses.  It's loaded w/ trinity roots, spices and healthy oils.  It keeps well in the fridge and freezes perfectly.  Use it on everything you cook in the kitchen and on the grill.  Brush it on for the last few mins of cooking for a lacquer glaze.  Share your culinary photos of your Avanti Dank Teriyaki plated dishes on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages all at AvantiNatural.  

Dank Teriyaki glazed carrots top a spicy miso broth vegetable soup

Amount	Measure	Ingredient	Prep Method
1	Cup	Pineapple juice
3	Cups	oj
2/3	Cup	Sweet marsala
10	Medium	Dried apricots
10	Medium	Dried prunes
1	Tablespoon	Barberries	Optional, sub dried tart cherries if desired

Directions:

Bring to a simmer covered, simmer for 10 mins.  Cool.  In a blender or Vitamix add all the ingredients below. 

10	Cloves	Garlic
1	Cup	Fresh ginger	Peeled, rough dice
1	Large	Shallot
1	Medium	Orange	Peel AND juice
1	Cup	Soy sauce
1 ½	Teaspoons	Black pepper
1	Whole	Japanese chili	Dry or more to taste
2	Tablespoons	Toasted sesame oil
2	Tablespoons	evoo

Blend all of the above until smooth.  Return to the pan and add the following

2	Cups	Pineapple juice
1 ½	Cups	Water

Put the water in the vitamix and turn it on, to rinse out all the goodness from the jar.  Add that to the pot w/ the pineapple juice.  Bring to a simmer, adding in

2	Tablespoons	Molasses
¼	Cup	Honey

Stir to dissolve the sweeteners.  Taste, add a tablespoon more honey if desired. 

All to cool completely.  Store refrigerated.  This is best made several days in advance of your first use.  Allow the flavors to marry for the best tasting Dank Teriyaki

Dank Teriyaki tacos w/ tofu & haricot verts, pickled jalapeños, carrots & garlic

Thin a little teriyaki sauce w/ some sake, vermouth, white wine or apple juice and make roasted teriyaki garlic cloves.  About 30 mins in a 375 oven will do it.  

Here's what they look like heading for the oven, just need to add the sake.  

Give them a quick stir.  Now into that 375 oven for 30 mins.

And they look like this when they are tender, seasoned, dank and done.

More soup this time w/ extra HOT jalapeño & carrot pickles 

Eating Healthy & Delicious is a Win Win Win Situation!

Eat, Live & Party Well

Blog post by Chef Mark Cleveland

Avanti is the longstanding leader in organic, sustainable, local, flavorful cuisine in Orange County, CA.

Mean

ing 'forward' in Italian, Avanti Natural is a culinary philosophy that integrates the best of traditional European and Asian healthful eating with the latest nutritional information for optimum health.

Our successful restaurant Avanti Café was located on 17^th St in Costa Mesa from 2005 through 2014.  Follow us on social media to see what is new and in store for Avanti in our culinary futures.

At Avanti Natural, we believe that you don't have to sacrifice taste to eat healthy; you can Eat Well & Live Well

We are Whole Foods Experts  It’s time to take Avanti Natural to restaurant menus & kitchens everywhere.

Post photos of your versions of Avanti Natural recipes on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.  Check our blog on the website for how to recipe blogs.  We’re excited to see and share your culinary creativity!

www.avantinatural.com

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Avanti-Cafe/166822256677277?ref=hl

Twitter  https://twitter.com/AvantiNatural

Pinterest  http://www.pinterest.com/avantinatural/boards/

Instagram http://instagram.com/avantinatural

Roasted garlic & Avanti Dank Teriyaki tofu, zucchini & dandelion greens 

Popcorn Perfected

Crunchy & Delicious :: Bring on the movies

Every cook is at least part mad scientist.  And tinkering w/ popcorn methods is an obsession that can last a lifetime.  At this moment in time, I’m ready to say, that this recipe truly is tuned to perfection.  The results are crunchy, delicious and irresistible. 

Amount	Measure	Ingredient	Prep Method
2	Tablespoon	Coconut oil
2/3	Cup	Popcorn kernels	finest quality, organic

I use an induction burner w/ a heavy stainless steel 5 quart pot w/ a good fitting lid.  Put the coconut oil into the cold pot.  Top w/ the kernels.  Set the temp to 390 or 400 degrees depending on your unit.  Let ‘er rip.  The popcorn will take care of itself.

Made right, Popcorn is the perfect snack

Meanwhile in a small saucepan combine the following flavorings AND set the oven to 350

2	Tablespoons	Evoo*	Or favorite oil
1/3	Cup	Nutritional yeast
2	Tablespoons	Soy sauce	shoyu, tamari, namashoyu
3	Tablespoon	Strongly brewed green tea**
½	Teaspoon	Hot chili flakes	Optional
¼	Teaspoon	Black pepper	Optional

When the corn is fully popped, stir the flavorings into the pot.  Stir well.  Put the popcorn pot into the oven and turn it off.  When the pot is cool to the touch, your crunchy Popcorn Perfected is ready to devour. 

Who can resist Avanti Popcorn Perfected?

*A note on oils.  All Avanti fans know that we only use healthy lipids.  Consider avocado oil, grapeseed oil, rice bran oil, sunflower oil or organic butter.  Feel free to infuse your oil w/ flavors such as chili, rosemary, garlic, lemon and more.

**A note on tea.  I use brown rice green tea, Genmai Cha, for most of my cooking needs.  The puffed brown rice adds the most engaging nutty flavor to dishes.  Use about 1 Tablespoon of tea in ¾ cup of water for this recipe.  You’ll only need 3 T of the brewed tea, but once you taste this popcorn, you’ll likely make batch after batch.  And left over tea can be thinned out w/ a little hot water for a nice tea break, added to smoothies, added to soup, etc. 

Switch up your liquids.  This popcorn is scrumptious if you substitute 3 T of good bourbon, Scotch, sherry, brandy, flavored vodka or your favorite libation in place of the tea.  Make sure to use a low flame to heat the flavorings if you’re using booze since you don’t want to set the mix on fire.  

Avanti Popcorn Perfected is GlamourDish

Eating Healthy & Delicious is a Win Win Win Situation!

Eat, Live & Party Well

Blog post by Chef Mark Cleveland

Avanti is the longstanding leader in organic, sustainable, local, flavorful cuisine in Orange County, CA.

Meaning 'forward' in Italian, Avanti Natural is a culinary philosophy that integrates the best of traditional European and Asian healthful eating with the latest nutritional information for optimum health.

Our successful restaurant Avanti Café was located on 17^th St in Costa Mesa from 2005 through 2014.  Follow us on social media to see what is new and in store for Avanti in our culinary futures.

At Avanti Natural, we believe that you don't have to sacrifice taste to eat healthy; you can Eat Well & Live Well

We are Whole Foods Experts  It’s time to take Avanti Natural to restaurant menus & kitchens everywhere.

Post photos of your versions of Avanti Natural recipes on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.  Check our blog on the website for how to recipe blogs.  We’re excited to see and share your culinary creativity!

www.avantinatural.com

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Avanti-Cafe/166822256677277?ref=hl

Twitter  https://twitter.com/AvantiNatural

Pinterest  http://www.pinterest.com/avantinatural/boards/

Instagram http://instagram.com/avantinatural

Avanti Power Dashi \\ Flavors of Immune Defense //

Avanti Power Dashi supports roasted organic eggplant dengaku w/ garlic tomatoes & jalapeño

Pay attention to the care & feeding of your internal immune system.  There are microbes lurking all about.  Keep your wits about you w/ an arsenal of super food defenses to insure that the invading hoards remain at bay.

Dashi is the Mother Broth of Japan, loaded w/ umami, generally containing kombu seaweed & katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes) as the main ingredients.  Avanti Power Dashi is a vegetarian version enhanced w/ shiitake mushrooms and a cornucopia of optional ingredients too.  This open ended recipe encourages creativity in your kitchen. 

This is an immune boosting micro nutrient rich flavor powerhouse.  Always use the highest quality ingredients.  Always choose organic whenever possible.  Keep it somewhat simple.  There are a few essential ingredients.  The rest are optional.  Make it in many variations until you find two or three versions that entrance you the most.  Keep it seasonal and garden fresh as well.  Grow your own onions and garlic.

Avanti Power Dashi steeped and basking in its magnificence

Avanti Power Dashi

Essential Ingredients

Amount	Measure	Ingredient	Prep Method
2	Quarts	Filtered water
5	Medium	Dried shiitake mushrooms
1	3 X 4 inch	Dashi kombu	Wiped w/ damp cloth
¼	Cup	Citrus zest	Organic

Optional Ingredients

2 to 5	Whole	Dried chili peppers
¼	Teaspoon	Green tea
¼	Teaspoon	Asafetida
½	Teaspoon	Reishi mushroom powder
1	Teaspoon	Dried oregano
1	Tablespoon	Nama shoyu or tamari
2	Tablespoons	Sake or sherry

Power Roots

1	Tablespoon	Fresh ginger
1	Medium	Red onion, skin & first layer
2 or 3	Medium	Scallions
1	Large	Leek trimmings
1	Tablespoon	Fresh galangal
2	Teaspoons	Fresh turmeric
2	Whole	Garlic cloves, crushed
1	Medium	Carrot

Strong Fresh Herbs

1	Sprig	Lemon verbena
1	4 inch piece	Lemon grass
3	Whole	Bay leaves

Delicate Fresh Herbs

2	Sprigs	Lemon balm
3	Sprigs	Fresh oregano
8	Whole	Fresh basil leaves
10	Springs	Fresh thyme
1	Sprig	rosemary

Combine the essential ingredients w/ your optional, power root and strong herb selections in a medium stock pot. Cover and put over medium low heat.  Set a timer for 15 mins.  When the mixture comes to a very low simmer, allow to barely simmer very gently, covered for 5 mins.  Turn off heat.  Replace cover and allow to fully cool.  If adding delicate fresh herbs, add them 20 mins after you’ve turned off the heat.  Replace cover and cool. 

Putting the Dashi in Age Dashi Dofu w/ Avanti Shichimi crusted organic tofu

Once cool, there are three ways to go.  1) strain and use the powerful clear broth.  2) Pull out the herbs, lemon grass, bay leaves, lemon verbena etc. (anything fibrous or tough) and Vitamix the rest for a true power bisque. 3) Strain off the first power broth for a clear delight, then Vitamix the soft bits w/ some brewed herbal, green or genmai tea for an amazing soup & sauce base.  

Blended Avanti Power Dashi forms the flavor sauce for Crystal Dumplings & Frittata Crisps

Once you taste the base flavors of this umami rich, versatile kitchen concoction you'll be inspired to plate up a myriad of dishes.

Shiitake & crimini mushrooms lend their charms to roasted vegetables w/ blended Power Dashi

Eating Healthy & Delicious is a Win Win Win Situation!

Eat, Live & Party Well

Blog post by Chef Mark Cleveland

Avanti is the longstanding leader in organic, sustainable, local, flavorful cuisine in Orange County, CA.

Meaning 'forward' in Italian, Avanti Natural is a culinary philosophy that integrates the best of traditional European and Asian healthful eating with the latest nutritional information for optimum health.

Our successful restaurant Avanti Café was located on 17^th St in Costa Mesa from 2005 through 2014.  Follow us on social media to see what is new and in store for Avanti in our culinary futures.

At Avanti Natural, we believe that you don't have to sacrifice taste to eat healthy; you can Eat Well & Live Well

We are Whole Foods Experts  It’s time to take Avanti Natural to restaurant menus & kitchens everywhere.

Post photos of your versions of Avanti Natural recipes on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.  Check our blog on the website for how to recipe blogs.  We’re excited to see and share your culinary creativity!

www.avantinatural.com

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Avanti-Cafe/166822256677277?ref=hl

Twitter  https://twitter.com/AvantiNatural

Pinterest  http://www.pinterest.com/avantinatural/boards/

Instagram http://instagram.com/avantinatural