|
The Organic Personal Chef |
|
|
"Health is the greatest of human blessings.
Let food be your medicine."
- Hippocrates
|
|
|
|
OUR SERVICES
| |
In-Your-Home Cooking
Custom Menu Planning
Organic Grocery Shopping
Private Cooking Lessons
Parties
Romantic Dinners
Special Occasions
Your Sous Chef
Kids Events
Kids Cooking Classes
Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Dairy-Free and Sugar-Free Menus Available.
All budgets considered.
|
|
|
|
The Organic Personal Chef may be the service for you if:
- You are a busy parent who doesn't have time to cook, but want your family to eat healthy, balanced meals.
- You are struggling with food allergies and want delicious, guilt-free meals tailored to your needs.
- You love food, but don't like or have time to cook.
- You want to practice eating healthy, dynamic cuisine, or learn how to prepare it easily.
- You want the luxury of fine dining, without having to leave your home!
Below are some examples of menu items. There are many other options available. All menus are custom-prepared according to your needs and preferences. All ingredients are local and organic whenever possible. Meats are always naturally raised without antibiotics or hormones. Fish which are lowest in trace metals are selected. Most dishes can be tailored to a vegetarian or vegan diet. Almost all recipes can be adapted to a gluten-free and/or dairy-free diet. Services are available for many budgets.
I look forward to cooking for you!
Cara
The Organic Personal Chef
(720) 935-2540
Email Me
|
|
"One cannot think well, love well, sleep well,
if one has not dined well."
- Virginia Woolf
|
 | |
Asparagus, Feta and Leek Quiche
| |
|
Vegetarian Entrées
Thai Vegetable Curry
Potatoes, snow peas, carrots and bell peppers simmered in coconut milk, flavored with lime, lemon grass, ginger and garlic
Spinach Cheddar Bake
Creamed spinach baked with onions, sliced hard-boiled eggs, topped with a crisp layer of cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs and herbs, served over a bed of brown rice.
Perfect Eggplant Parmesan
Thin slices of eggplant are lightly fried in olive oil, then baked with layers of fresh, home-made tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, abundant fresh basil and garnished with freshly grated parmesan.
Asparagus, Leek and Feta Quiche
Springtime vegetables baked into a firm, savory custard, highlighted with tangy feta and herbs and enveloped in a hand-made crust.
Potato and Onion Latkas
Shredded potatoes and onions cooked into golden, crunchy pancakes soft and tender on the inside, accompanied with fresh, home-made apple sauce.
Cuban Black Beans and Rice
Stewed, spiced black beans served over herbed rice and garnished with fresh radish and cilantro, accompanied by fried sweet plantains.
|
 | |
"Feijoada" Black Bean Stew |
Meat Entrées
Moroccan Lamb Tagine
Robust lamb stew layered with Arab, Persian and Andalucian influences, mixed with aromatic spices and sweetened with dried apricots and a touch of honey.
Brazilian "Picadinho de Carne" Seasoned ground beef slowly cooked in a flavorful red wine sauce with finely chopped, tomatoes, green peppers, peas and onions.
Slow-Baked BBQ Spare Ribs St. Louis style pork ribs marinated, then gently roasted in a classic, home-made BBQ sauce, garnished with fresh herbs and orange zest.
Southwestern Stuffed Peppers Baked red and green bell peppers filled with seasoned ground beef, rice and fresh salsa, smothered with sharp cheddar cheese, garnished with sour cream and cilantro.
Classic Sausage Hero Grilled Italian sausage nestled in a crispy bread roll and topped with sautéed bell peppers, caramelized onions, topped with a spoonful of home-made Italian sauce. Home-Made Buffalo Burger with the Works Grilled, ground buffalo meat lightly seasoned with green onions, parsley and dry mustard, accompanied by lettuce, sliced tomatoes, onions, pickles, melted cheese and a toasted roll, served with baked garlic fries. "Feijoada" Black Bean Stew This traditional Brazilian black bean stew is flavored with juicy chunks of pork and beef, sautéed vegetables and spices, served over rice and accompanied by sliced oranges and fried bananas. |
|
Poultry Entrées
 | |
Country-Style Chicken Kiev |
Lemon Roasted Chicken with Dilled Wild Rice
Seasoned chicken pieces roasted with lemon, garlic and aromatic herbs, served on a bed of wild rice flavored with a hint of dill.
Chicken Cacciatore
Meltingly-tender chicken layered with mushrooms, bell peppers and garlic, smothered in a rich, Italian, home-made tomato sauce seasoned with rosemary and oregano.
Brazilian Coconut Chicken
Northeastern Brazilian-style chicken stewed with an assortment of vegetables, creamy coconut milk and a touch of red wine.
Chicken Enchiladas
Hand-rolled corn tortillas brimming with tender chicken and seasonal vegetables, smothered with sharp cheddar cheese and served with green chili sauce or spicy, red tomato sauce
Country-Style Chicken Kiev
Chicken baked and crusted with parmesan, toasted breadcrumbs, herbs, melted butter and white wine, garnished with fresh scallions and parsley.
Couscous with Chicken and Vegetables
Chicken simmered with zucchini, peas, carrots and chickpeas served over a bed of couscous, moistened in a harissa-flavored broth.
Garlic Chicken with Vegetables and Thyme
Chicken and veggies infused with lemony garlic and thyme, slowly roasted to succulent perfection.
Chicken Vindaloo
A classic East Indian sweet-and-sour curry with a kick, sautéed with fresh ginger, onions, garlic and a variety of traditional spices. |
 | Baked Salmon
|
Fish Entrées
"Lasagna" of Salmon with Spinach Layers of pink salmon, dark green spinach leaves and a white cream sauce, garnished with black olives, fresh parsley and chives. Sardines with Walnut and Parsley Topping Fresh, broiled sardines textured with a crisp walnut topping and drizzled with warm olive oil and lemon, spread over a bed of fresh arugula leaves and brown rice. Salmon, Leek and Potato Gratin Fresh and smoked salmon baked with mashed potatoes, leeks and Gruyere cheese, topped with sprigs of fresh dill. Wasabi Salmon with Miso-Sesame Sauce Baked salmon drizzled with red miso, spiced with ginger, wasabi and sesame seeds, garnished with colorful, edible flowers. Ghanaian Stew A thick tomato-based stew from Ghana simmered with broccoli, onions and chickpeas, flavored with sardines, olive oil and a hint of cayenne, served on a bed of white or brown rice. Baked Salmon with Honey-Dijon Mustard Sauce A flavorful fresh salmon filet complimented with the contrast of honey and mustard. Salmon and Citrus Rice Bowl Broiled salmon in an orange, ginger, honey marinade served over brown rice with sugar snap peas, sliced oranges and garnished with fresh mint.
|
 | Pasta Primavera
|
Pasta
Spaghetti Puttanesca
A piquant combination of garlic, tomatoes, capers, olives and anchovies simmered and tossed with spaghetti, topped with fresh basil and parmesan.
Traditional Lasagna Bolognese
Layers of flat lasagna noodles baked with alternating layers of Bolognese sauce, béchamel and freshly grated parmesan.
Fusilli with Goat Cheese and Olives
Creamy goat cheese spiced with garlic, red pepper and green onions, mixed with fresh black olives, tomato and garnished with parmesan.
Lemon and Asparagus Pasta
Penne tossed with a puree of steamed asparagus, lemon zest, parmesan and olive oil, makes for a refreshing spring-time fare.
Linguini with Fresh Basil Pesto
A zesty, homemade puree of fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil and parmesan accented with a hint of lemon, tossed thickly with linguini and topped with fresh basil.
Pasta Primavera
An abundant array of seasonal vegetables scattered among whole wheat noodles in a garlic olive oil sauce, garnished with fresh basil and parmesan.
Spaghetti with Sardines, Cauliflower and Kale
Savory flavors combine to make this scrumptious, light dish accented with fresh lemon, caramelized onions, extra-virgin olive oil and freshly grated parmesan.
 | |
Spicy Soba Noodles with Peanut Sauce
|
Capellini with Salmon and Vodka Sauce
Al dente capellini blanketed with baked salmon in a creamy vodka sauce, punctuated with dill and lemon zest.
Spicy Soba Noodles with Peanut Sauce
Classic Asian flavors fuse together with this sweet and spicy dish. Carrots, yellow peppers, snow peas and broccoli are folded into soft soba noodles and gingery peanut sauce, topped with bean sprouts and toasted peanuts.
|
|
Appetizers
 | |
Spicy-Sweet Chicken Wings |
Spicy-Sweet Chicken Wings
Chicken wings marinated, then baked in a sweet and spicy sesame sauce.
Olive Tapenade with Goat Cheese Crostini Chopped green and black olives with thyme leaves, walnuts and currants, layered over goat cheese, spread on crostini. Garnished with thyme tips.
Roasted Pears with Pecorino Cheese Golden-brown pears soaked in a caramel, brandy-vanilla sauce and served with thick slices of Pecorino cheese.
Italian Caponata A Sicilian dish of sautéed eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes and olives, seasoned with garlic, herbs, lemon and honey, served with baguette.
Home-Made Nachos Mashed avocado combined with chopped onions, zesty lemon juice and garlic, accompanied by freshly chopped mango, tomatoes and cilantro, served over tortilla chips with melted cheddar cheese. Baked Brie with Pecans Warm, softened brie sprinkled with toasted pecans and drizzled with warm maple syrup, served with baguette or crackers.
Ham and Cheese Dip Diced ham and Swiss cheese combined into a creamy spread, served with crackers or tostini.
Warm Artichoke Dip with Toasted Pita Artichoke hearts baked into a golden, cheese dip, served warm with toasted pita. |
|
Soups
 | |
Sweet Potato and Chipotle Soup |
Thai Coconut Soup
Chicken simmered in coconut milk with mushrooms and baby corn, flavored with lime juice, lemongrass, ginger and spices.
Zucchini Soup Tender, sautéed zucchini pureed in a mildly-spiced chicken broth, garnished with sour cream and chives.
Soup au Pistou White bean soup with vegetables and pasta in a tomato-based broth with garlic, basil and parmesan.
Sweet Potato and Chipotle Soup Pureed sweet potato and chipotle chilies in chicken broth with hints of cumin and garlic, topped with sour cream and cilantro, served with tortilla chips.
Leek and Potato Potage A simple, fragrant spring soup with leeks and potatoes simmered in a light chicken broth, accented with cream and chives. |
|
Salads
 | |
Baby Greens Salad
|
Orange Salad
Thinly sliced orange rounds with olives, parsley, paprika and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Warm Beet Salad
Roasted beets with steamed greens, chevre and toasted walnuts in an orange vinaigrette,
Artichoke Spinach Salad
Baby spinach with marinated artichoke hearts in a creamy garlic dressing.
Raw Kale Salad
Kale tossed with Gouda, pear and toasted walnuts, sprinkled with vinegar and olive oil.
Confetti Cabbage Slaw
Red and green cabbage, shredded carrots and beets, bell peppers, onions, raisins and sunflower seeds, tossed with a creamy dressing.
Baby Greens Salad
Baby greens with sliced almonds, dried cranberries and feta flavored with an apple-cider vinaigrette.
|
|
Sides
 | |
Roasted Red Potatoes
|
Butter-Pecan Sweet Potatoes
Baked sweet potatoes sprinkled with butter, raw honey and toasted pecans.
Roasted Red Potatoes Small baked potatoes infused with garlic, olive oil and Herbes de Provence.
Ginger Garlic Green Beans Steamed green beans coated in minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame seeds and red pepper flakes.
Sesame Broccoli Broccoli florets roasted and coated in soy sauce, fresh lemon juice and sesame seeds.
Wild Rice Pilaf with Cranberries and Pecans Wild rice tossed with toasted pecans, dried cranberries, raisins and fresh parsley.
Lemon and Ginger Jasmine Rice Jasmine rice sautéed with ginger and lemon, sprinkled with sliced scallions.
Steamed Artichokes Tender, whole artichokes served with melted butter and lemon dip. |
 | Raspberry Rose Cream Puffs
|
Desserts
Orange Lemon Mousse Home-made citrus curd folded with meringue and whipped cream, sprinkled with a dash of cinnamon.
Strawberry Shortcake Stacked vanilla layer caked filled with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Peach Crisp Baked peaches covered in a golden crumble crust, served with vanilla ice cream. Iced Raspberry Soufflé Pureed raspberry meringue topped with billowy whipped cream and garnished with fresh raspberries and mint. Sorbet and Ginger Cookie Sandwiches Crisp, spicy ginger cookies stacked and filled with fruity sorbet. Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies The American classic, baked till golden on the outside, soft and chewy in the middle. Walnuts are optional. Chocolate Pudding Cake Warm, moist, gluten-free and dairy-free chocolate cake, sprinkled with cocoa powder and powdered sugar.
Saint Honoré Raspberry Rose Cream Puffs
In honor of my favorite Parisian patisserie, La Duree; light cream puffs filled with raspberry sauce and rose petal custard, topped with rose infused Chantilly cream and fresh raspberries.
|
|
Breads
 | | Perfect Blueberry Muffins |
Cinnamon Nut Buns
Warm, buttery sweet rolls made from scratch, swirled with cinnamon and walnuts or pecans.
Vermont Graham Bread A wholesome, country-style bread made with whole wheat flour and sweetened with maple syrup.
Zucchini Walnut Bread Moist zucchini bread sweetened with honey and textured with walnuts and raisins.
Sweet Potato Biscuits Orange sweet potatoes give a soft texture and beautiful golden color to these fluffy biscuits served with butter.
Sweet Cranberry Muffins Sweet and sour combine to make this delicious soup accompaniment or snack.
Perfect Blueberry Muffins Sweet blueberry muffins topped with cinnamon and raw sugar. |
|
Lunch
 | |
Eggplant and Mozzarella Melt |
Eggplant and Mozzarella Melt
An open-faced, Italian bread sandwich spread with tomato sauce, layered with breaded eggplant, melted mozzarella and sprinkled with fresh basil.
Grilled Ham and Cheese with Pineapple Melted Swiss cheese, thinly sliced ham, pineapple and basil on toasted bread.
Classic BLT, N.Y. Style Bacon, lettuce and tomato layered on whole wheat bread with a touch of mayo.
Home-Made Macaroni and Cheese Creamy, golden-baked macaroni and cheese layered with toasted breadcrumbs and sliced tomatoes. Mediterranean Burger Spiced, hand-rolled lamb burgers topped with roasted eggplant and feta, served on a whole wheat bun.
Black Bean Taco Salad Seasoned black beans tossed with rice, fresh lettuce and tortilla chips, sprinkled with red salsa, cheddar cheese, sour cream and fresh lime juice. |
 | Huevos Rancheros
|
Brunch
Blintz Pancakes with Fresh Strawberries
Moist cottage cheese pancakes layered with sour cream, fresh strawberries and topped with pure maple syrup.
Caramelized Apple Crepes
French-style pancakes rolled with apples sautéed in lemon and honey, sprinkled with cinnamon and ground ginger, accompanied by crème fraiche.
Classic Hash Browns
Diced potatoes roasted in olive oil with garlic, onions and spices
Huevos Rancheros
Toasted corn tortillas topped with 2 sunny side-up eggs on a bed of red salsa and melted Monterey Jack cheese.
Dutch Baby Pancakes
A light, puffy pancake sprinkled with cinnamon, lemon and pure maple syrup.
Bircher-Benner Muesli
This dish is named for the internationally-known health spa in Switzerland where it is served daily to clients. Rolled oats soaked with raw almonds and combined gently with fresh apples and heavy cream, drizzled with honey and lemon.
|
 | |
Grain-Free Zucchini Bread
|
Grain-Free Breads
Bread
Best Grain-Free Sandwich Bread
This coconut flour-based bread combines the flavors of flax, onion and sesame seeds to make a moist and tasty frame for any sandwich.
Coconut Flour Bread This grain-free bread is lightly sweetened with honey and remarkably satisfying. It offers a beautiful dense crumb similar to coffee cake but without the sweetness. A great bread for preparing sandwiches and ideal for a nutricious and protein-packed French toast.
Parmesan-Herb Bread An aromatic almond flour -based bread flavored with parmesan, oregano, basil, thyme and garlic.
Muffins Zucchini Bread or Muffins Grated zucchini baked into a moist almond flour sweet bread with walnuts.
Almond muffins Almond butter blended into a nutty sweet bread with shredded coconut and sliced raw almonds.
Nut and Fruit Fiesta Muffins Walnut and almond flours baked with sunflower seeds and a variety of fresh fruit, create colorful sweet muffins.
Pizza Dough Herbed Flaxseed Pizza Dough Flaxseed meal is great for making pizza dough. It has a slightly nutty flavor and is lighter in texture. This version is flavored with Italian mixed herbs and lightly sweetened with honey. Almond Pizza Dough An Almond Flour base offers a flat, but flavorful dough, perfect for gourmet pizza.
Coconut Flour Pizza Dough Coconut flour combined with dried oregano, dried basil and crushed garlic rolled into a full and fragrant dough.  | |
Grain-Free Blueberry and Walnut Pancakes
|
Pancakes Paleo Pancakes Ground almonds and coconut milk are the features of this cave-man-diet pleaser, served with raw honey and fresh fruit.
Blueberry & Walnut Pancakes Pancakes made from finely ground walnuts and almond flour, sprinkled with toasted walnuts and blueberries, served with pure maple syrup.
Apple Berry Pancakes Fruity pancakes with almond flour and shredded coconut, topped with whipped cream and raspberry sauce. |
|
Guilt-Free, Good for You Sweets
 | |
Watermelon Freeze
|
Candies
Almond Goji Berry Truffles
Dried goji berries combined with creamy almond butter and maple syrup enveloped in a thick coating of melted, dark chocolate.
Chocolate-Macadamia Clusters Milk or dark chocolate mixed with raw macadamia nuts and shredded coconut, formed into sweet and nutty clusters, served cold.
Cinnamon Walnut Turtles Walnuts coated with raw honey, cinnamon and vanilla formed into tasty clusters. Shredded coconut and dried fruits can also be added.
Sweet and Spicy Pecans Pecans and walnuts baked into a crisp, fragrant treat spiced with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and a hint of cayenne.
Watermelon Freeze Pureed watermelon and cantaloupe simmered and infused with fresh mint and lemon, served frozen as a refreshing treat.
Grain-Free Cakes Almond Spice Cake Sweet, moist cake with an almond flour-base, flavored with walnuts, raisins and spices, served with a cream-cheese frosting.
Carrot/Pumpkin/Zucchini Cake A moist and delicious cake with carrots, pumpkin or zucchini, almond flour a hint of orange..
Grain-Free Cookies Chocolate Chip Cookies These cookies are plump and chewy. Cocoa can also be added to the dough, to make chocolate chocolate-chunk cookies. Almond flour baked with chocolate and cinnamon, best served with milk.
Cinnamon-Ginger Cookies Cinnamon and ginger combined into fragrant spiced cookies with almond flour and grated coconut.
Macaroons Shredded coconut baked with sliced raw almonds, sweetened with raw honey.
 | | Grain-Free Fresh Strawberry Pie |
Grain-Free Pies Paradise Peach Pie Pecans and peaches scattered with fresh pineapple, cinnamon and dates, served chilled in an almond-pecan pie crust, garnished with fresh berries.
Fresh Strawberry Pie Ripe strawberries flavored with maple syrup and fresh lemon juice,abundantly layered in a raw almond pie shell, served chilled.
Amazing Apple Pie A nutty sweet crust made from pecans, walnuts and dates, filled with fresh apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup and lemon juice.
|
 About the Chef
Cara is passionate about food. She has cooked for people all over the world including Italy, France, Hungary, Turkey, Brazil and many parts of the U.S., for over 15 years. She specializes in international, home-style and creative cuisine. She has over 10 years experience teaching fun, healthy cooking to kids of all ages. Cara is constantly researching and staying up-to-date with current nutrition facts, learning about alternative diets and inventing recipes for all styles and preferences of dining. She enjoys sampling regional cuisines when traveling, and uses these experiences as inspiration for creating the diverse, delicious and healthy meals available to you in the comfort of your own home. Contact: Cara Cruickshank (720) 935-2540 ~ organicpersonalchef@yahoo.com |
|
|
"To eat is a necessity, to eat intelligently is an art."
-La Rochefoucauld
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
