Autumn has officially arrived and I love the idea of a warm, cozy sip that uses locally grown apples with bourbon and smoky mezcal. This one is delicious for a swanky cocktail party but also works just fine in a red solo cup next to a bonfire or on a hayride.
The dog days of summer require something cool, strong, and slightly sweet - this one is just the ticket. Quick and easy to whip up…but impressive as a pre-dinner cocktail or for just sippin’ on the back porch. Feel free to increase the amount of vodka depending on your day -
Something magical happens when goat cheese is paired with summer tomatoes and juicy ripe peaches. This super quick salad works well as a starter course, but also equally impresses as an appetizer when served with our firecrackers or buttery grilled toast. We especially love the bright green nuance of fresh basil and mint from the garden, even though added bits of zesty arugula or watercress would make this the summer salad to end all summer salads….
Nothing on the planet is more delicious than fresh tomatoes steeped in olive oil, basil, and fresh garlic. Our SUMMER TOMATO TOAST is simple, but promises to be the belle of this year’s Fourth of July pool, lake, or river party. The tomatoes gain sweet complexity the longer they sit…so prep about an hour before guest arrival to ensure maximum flavor…and guest adoration.
This is also a baseline recipe for delectable crab cakes; but the smoky trout fillets take it to “next level” status. I love this recipe when using trout I’ve caught and smoked myself, but fear not non-anglers – smoked trout fillets can be found in the seafood section of both Wholefoods and Fresh Market
Thanksgiving isn’t complete without mashed potatoes, and this totally vegan version is as good as any you’ve ever had - I promise. The secret comes in using a ricer on the cooked potatoes, which will help make these airy and cloud-like; we’re also adding a layer of texture to the creaminess via the fried shallots, giving this holiday staple an unexpected, sweet crunch; and finally, be sure to add enough salt to the final product, especially since we’re rolling sans cream and butter, be liberal, but be sure to taste as you go.
At this year’s FRIENDS-GIVING, your vegan friends should feel comfortable at the table; and this totally plant based ROASTED DELICATA SQUASH recipe is just the ticket to bring Holiday harmony to your home. And honestly, everyone will love this delicious side dish - and that doesn’t necessarily mean dinner is filled with Thanksgiving treason.
