Rutabaga Fries

Rutabaga, a root that I had never tried before.... and I have to say they are ok, as long as it's a fairly thin sliced and it has been fried, and dipped in ketchup or ranch dressing. I can't say that I will keep rutabagas on hand at all times, but for days when I really want "fries" with my burgers - they will be a good substitute. 

Ok, so I read that if you soak them in milk or cream for 1/2 hour before cooking them it helps remove the "bite" or the bitterness. Not sure if it did or not, but I did soak it after I had sliced it up.

Rutabaga Fries

Ingredients:

• 1 Rutabaga, peeled, sliced (the thinner the better)
• Onion salt (to taste)
• Garli Garni (or garlic powder) to taste
• Coconut oil/Olive Oil/ (any other frying oil)

Directions:

1. Wash, peel with pairing knife, and slice (fairly thinly) the rutabaga.

2. Submerge the sliced rutabaga in cream/water mix for about 30 minutes

3. After 30 minutes, rinse the rutabaga of the cream mixture.

4. Heat up the oil to 325 degrees F.

5. While oil is heating up, coat "fries" in spices.

6. Fry the "fries" until golden brown and done through (I didn't get them all cooked through, and we didn't care as much for the flavor of the "raw"ish ones).

7. Serve with ranch dressing, sugar free ketchup, or whatever you enjoy with your fries. 

Products used:

Nutiva Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, 15-Ounce Tubs (Pack of 2)

Garlic Festival Garli Garni - All Purpose Garlic Seasoning 2.8 Ounce

Cheesy Mashed Turnips

I had never cooked turnips before, and now I think I am in love! They have been a great substitute in my recipes for potatoes. I used them first in clam chowder, and they were great.... so, being encouraged with my success, I decided to buy more and try this recipe. I have read various recipes for this, one in Dana Carpender's book: 500 Low Carb Recipes, and various ones online. This is what I ultimately came up with:


Cheesy Mashed Turnips
Ingredients:
- 1 lbs of Turnips, peeled and chopped
- 2 Tbs. Butter
- 2-3 Tbs. Garli Garni
- 1 tbs Onion salt (to taste)
- 1 Tbs. Chives (fresh or dried, I used dried)
- 1/3 C. shredded cheese (I used a shredded "Mexican blend" cheese)


Directions:

1. Wash, peel, and cube turnips.
2. Place in a sauce pan, and just cover with water.
3. Bring to a boil
4.  Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 15 minutes or until very tender. 
5. Remove from heat and drain. 
6. Mash; add butter, onion salt, garli garni, pepper. Stir until well mixed.
7. Mix in cheese until melted.

These turned out great, a little watery, and I am not sure why. But it was still really yummy, this makes four 1/2 cup servings with about 5 net carbs per serving. 

Note: I have seen other recipes that incorporate heavy cream, or cream cheese, or even sour cream.... and I will have to experiment with those in the future.

Products recommended:

500 Low-Carb Recipes: 500 Recipes from Snacks to Dessert, That the Whole Family Will Love

Garlic Festival Garli Garni - All Purpose Garlic Seasoning 2.8 Ounce