The Organic Personal Chef

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"Health is the greatest of human blessings.  

Let food be your medicine."

- Hippocrates

 

Spring Sample Menu

 

IN THIS MENU
Vegetarian Entrées
Meat Entrées
Poultry Entrées
Fish Entrées
Pasta
Appetizers
Soups
Salads
Sides
Desserts
Breads
Lunch
Brunch
Grain-Free Breads
Good for You Sweets
About the Chef
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

 
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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.

 
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"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  
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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.  

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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.  

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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.

 

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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 
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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
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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 
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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 
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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.

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  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
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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
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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.

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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.   

 

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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.  
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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
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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.

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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.
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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