Interesting Finds

Interesting Find – Recipe for Honey Bunnies

Published on by carol lou

I cut this recipe out of a magazine many years ago, it was a feature for Fleischmann’s yeast Bunny Bake. I made these when my children were young. I just ran across the recipe in one of my files (I have lots of time at home to go through recipes now that I am staying home!). I thought it would be a great recipe to post. I checked the Fleishmann’s website and found the recipe for Honey Bunnies. Below is a photo of my original recipe and the bunnies I just made. For the entire recipe check out the Fleishmann’s site. It is a great recipe for spring and Easter baking.

Interesting Find – Runamok Maple – Curried Maple Cashews with Sausage Crumbles

Published on by carol lou

When I was in Napa Valley recently I was walking through the Culinary Institute of American and spied this free recipe on the shelf. It certainly peaked my interest since it had cashews, maple syrup, and sausage. Well, I tried the recipe and it is amazing. All I can say is you must try it. Runamok also has a great website with many other great sounding recipes and maple products – I call this a terrific find!

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Runamok Curried Maple Cashews with Sausage Crumbles

Ingredients

  • 8 oz. sausage without casing
  • 2 tablespoons Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup
  • 2 cups roasted cashews
  • 2 teaspoons curry powder
  • salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Place a wide pan over high heat on the stove.  Oil is usually not necessary unless the sausage is very lean.  Add the sausage and break it into small pieces as it cooks.  Continue sautéing until it is brown and crumbly and most of the fat has been rendered.  Remove with a slotted spoon, placing the crumbles on a piece of paper towel to absorb any remaining grease.

    Preheat the oven to 375.  Line a rimmed cookie sheet with parchment.  In a bowl, toss the sausage crumbles, with all of the remaining ingredients and stir to coat the nuts.  Spread out the ingredients in one layer on the cookie sheet and put in the oven.  Roast for about 10 minutes or until the syrup has formed a glaze on the cashews.  Remove from the oven to cool. 



On the Road

Published on by carol lou

I have been traveling on and off for the last three weeks: Seattle to the Midwest to California wine country. From flying fish at Seattle’s Pikes Place Market, wonderful fried walleye in Wisconsin and single-vineyard wines in Napa; I have certainly had a great food and wine experience. After this break from my kitchen, I am ready to be back to cooking and entertaining. The Culinary Institute of America- The CIA at Copia in Napa – currently has a wonderful static display featuring the life of Julia Child. I just couldn’t help but reflect on this quote:

I love to follow my passion and I hope you too have a passion to follow. I am looking forward to 2020. Time to explore new recipes, ingredients and techniques for a fun year of food, cooking and entertaining.

Interesting Find – Trader Joe’s Frozen Croissants

Published on by carol lou

Many times, some the most interesting finds are in our local stores.  I read about Trader Joe’s Frozen Croissants and decided to try them out.  Croissants are one thing that I will not make from scratch!  I bake many breads, but never decided to attempt croissants.  So, last time I was in Trader Joe’s I picked up a package of their frozen almond croissants.  These croissants rise overnight (or 9 hours) and then you simply bake them in the morning.  I have to say, they are delicious.  I thought with the busy holiday season right around the corner, these would be the perfect breakfast or brunch addition to serve overnight guests or for your holiday events.  They not only have them in almond but also with chocolate chunks.  This is one frozen find I will definitely purchase again.

Ready to serve

Frozen out of the package

Overnight rise – ready for the oven

What is Raclette?

Published on by carol lou

I received a note from a friend that was searching my blog for the Raclette dinner I served them a few years ago.  I sent her a note saying the reason I had not posted about the dinner is there really was not a recipe.  What is Raclette you say?  Raclette comes from the French word that means “to scrape” and refers to both the type of cheese and the traditional Swiss dish it is served with. Cheese legend says the dish originated hundreds of years ago when farmers would heat up a piece of cheese over the open fire for a hearty and filling meal.  It is such a fun dinner and very interactive. Traditionally, Raclette is served with boiled potatoes, crusty bread, cheese, sausages and gherkins.  I like to add a few items; shrimp, tenderloin strips, asparagus, tomatoes, various sausages cut into slices, various dipping sauces (bbq sauce and teriyaki are a few examples) the options are endless.  If you are looking for a fun entertaining idea  or a last minute gift, a Raclette grill is perfect.  The grills are electric, easy to use, easy to clean  and can be purchased from major kitchen stores. I have found Raclette cheese at major food stores and Trader Joes.   It is definitely a fun and unique dinner that is casual and easy to prepare.  

Interesting Find – Retro Donuts, Lewisburg, VW

Published on by carol lou

During a recent trip through West Virginia we happened upon a very Interesting Find – Retro Donuts.  There are two things I always search out on a road trip – fried chicken and donuts.  Why you ask?  Well, I find that those two items are two of the best where you can find local traditional food that is not from a box, can or chain restaurant.  I have had some of the best fried chicken out of fryers in gas stations, and donuts from local bakeries that are creating new and interesting taste sensations.  Retro Donuts was just that kind of find.  After finding them on the internet, we put their address in our GPS and we were on our way.  Inside an unassuming building we found a sparkling clean, well appointed, classic donut shop that looked like it was out of the 1950’s with music to match.   However, once I took a look at their selection I could tell this was not your typical shop.  Flavors such as mascarpone blueberry, maple bacon and red velvet with chocolate and vanilla are not the flavors from the past.   They also offer delicious organic, fair trade coffees and espresso along with a great menu.  It was probably one of the friendliest spots I have visited in a long time.  As I was pouring my coffee, a gentleman was telling me how much he loves the coffee and that we is a daily customer.  I also met Arthur Forgette as I was getting my second cup of coffee.  Arthur is the proprietor and comes from a vast background in the culinary world who settled in Lewisburg with his love, Debbie Porter.  Besides Retro Donuts they have an award winning restaurant in Lewisburg the French Goat and a bed and breakfast Maison Marcel.  After my brief conversation with Arthur and his passion for what he does, I cannot wait to return to their other two ventures.  If they are anything like Retro Donuts,  they are well worth the drive. 

 

Entertaining Holiday Gift Guide 2018

Published on by carol lou

Are you looking for a gift for someone who loves food and entertaining this holiday season?

After searching, trying and tasting my way around the country – here are my favorites for 2018.

 

Glassybaby

I was intrigued by Glassybaby after I happened to find them on the internet.  Their product and their story was one that really peaked my interest.  During a recent trip to Seattle, WA we visited their Medrona, WA shop and spent time watching each glass votive being made and learning how Glassybaby came to be.  Lee Rhodes, who started Glassybaby was battling cancer and during this time, her husband was also dealing with the stress of seeing a loved one battle the disease.  He enrolled in a glass blowing glass as a means to relieve stress.  When he came home with hand blown votives, Lee loved them and started to pass them along to other cancer patients.  They then starting selling them to help women dealing with cancer purchase wigs and other things they might need while going through treatments. This was the inspiration behind Glassybaby – and to this day they are devoted to giving hope, beauty, kindness and million of dollars to help people, animals and the planet. 

Each hand-blown glass votive is a work of art. as unique as the individual who chooses one, formed by eight hands, born in the USA, citizen of the world, each with its own name, one of a kind. kind of like you.  They arrive beautifully packaged and ready to give.  A perfect gift for anyone on your gift list!

Glassybaby weddings

 

Wonderbag

I know I have mentioned previously all of the inquiries I get regarding products and their desire to have me try them.  I read them all and when one really peaks my interest, I reply back that I would love to try their product.  Wonderbag was just one of those products.  

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The Wonderbag is a unique powerless slow cooker that gives you the healthiest meals possible. It continues to cook food, which has been brought to a boil by conventional methods for up to 12 hours, without the additional use of additional electricity.  No plugs. No fuss. By freeing up time spent cooking, the Wonderbag can make your life easier and transform lives of women in Africa. For every Wonderbag purchased in the developed world, a contribution is made to the Wonderbag Foundation – supporting the donation of bags to families in need throughout Africa. Their mission statement says it all:

Our mission is simple: to economically empower women and girls across the world by addressing the critical daily challenges of time poverty, self worth and cleaner, healthier cooking. We are about finding, supporting and innovating culturally relevant solutions to life’s challenges for communities around the world. 

Our mission is supported by the Buy One, Give One model – for every Wonderbag purchased, a donation is made to the Foundation in order to support Wonderfeasts and subsidize Wonderbags to communities across the world one community at a time.

This is a great gift for tailgaters, boaters, campers, and picnic lovers – a great take along to keep your food hot or cold.  Check out their website for all of the great ways you can use this product and recipes.

Beautiful Briny Sea

This year when at the Atlanta Mart I happened to walk by and immediately had to stop when I saw this wonderful assortment of salts  at Beautiful Briny Sea.  I must admit, the Unicorn salt is one of my favorites.  I like to sprinkle Unicorn salt over avocado toast, the Campfire salt is great on grilled corn.  

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Their Story:

Beautiful Briny Sea is an artisan dry goods company based in Atlanta, Georgia. Our small-batch salt blends, sugars, and other culinary products are made with integrity, sustainability and a whole lot of love.

Our humble beginnings date back to 2011, when restauranteur Suzi Sheffield decided to seek new adventures while continuing to pursue her culinary passion. Armed with a boatload of creativity, a love for all things homemade, and a flair for whimsy, Suzi brought Beautiful Briny Sea and its beloved small-batch sea salts to life in a studio in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward.

Since then, their product line has expanded to include twelve salt batches, as well as a handful of various other sundries and specialty goods. Suzi’s always dreaming up new concoctions in the Salt Shack, so keep your ear to the ground for upcoming products, fun collaborations, and other new projects.

 

Marcella Kriebal

Art work and cookbooks by Marcella Kriebal first came to my attention when I was shopping at Union Market in Washington, DC.  That day, Marcella was selling her unique pieces of art and her Mi Comida Latina cookbook.  I purchased one of her cookbooks and to this day, it graces my kitchen.  The recipes are unique and delicious and the artwork is just beautiful to look at.  

 

This unique cookbook is both a work of art and valuable reference book. It features over 100 hand drawn recipes from Marcella’s Travels throughout Latin America.

This collection includes many of Marcella’s favorite dishes, desserts, and drinks inspired by her travels in Central and South America; tamales, ceviche, empanadas, flan and many more favorites from countries including Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Puerto Rico. She has also included lots of pages about ingredients that are less common in the US including prickly pear, yuca root, and epazote. 

 Above is just one example of her beautiful works of art. 

 

Piedmont Provisions

Piedmont Provisions is based in lovely Athens, GA. They are one of our favorites from from South.  I previously noted in a recent recipe how much we love their Peach Cobbler jam.  Their preserves are created using traditional methods and hand-hammered copper pots, which allow the true fruit flavor to shine without being overly processed.  Easy to purchase online, I have purchased numerous times and always delicious.  A perfect holiday gift or hostess gift

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Interesting Find – Early Mountain Vineyards, Madison, VA

Published on by carol lou

I am always on the lookout for my next Interesting Find – this one came my way via the radio.  i was driving along one day and heard that Virginia had a Vineyard nominated by The Wine Enthusiast for Best American Winery in 2018.  I personally had never heard of Early Mountain Vineyards and after asking many of my friends here in Northern Virginia, I was not alone.  So, time to make take a field trip to Early Mountain Vineyards and what a delightful trip it was.  We headed out on a beautiful fall Sunday afternoon to check out this gem in Virginia.  Early Mountain is 89 miles from Washington, DC and 30 miles from Charlottesville, VA in Madison, VA off of Highway 29.  You are immediately greeted by a panoramic view of beautiful countryside and a gorgeous stone building.  Once you enter you know you have found a special place, dynamic views, beautiful furnishings and a very nice tasting room.  Melissa Rice, Director of Events, gave us a tour of the facility and event venues.  It is a beautiful space for any event, but we were there for lunch and wine and we ended up on their patio for lunch.  Besides their own wines, you can also taste a various selection of wines from around the state.  We ordered from their Harvest Celebration menu beef sliders, pork sliders and grilled butternut squash.  They were all delicious and we accompanied our menu choices with glasses of Early Mountain “Rise” 2015 (a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Tannat, aged 18 months in barrique* barrels, 50% new, bottled unfiltered and aged for a year and half prior to release).  I have to say it was one of the best ways I know to enjoy a beautiful day in Virginia.  I am definitely looking forward to returning.

Check out their Calendar of Events – they have some great upcoming events 

*  Do you know what a barrique barrel is?

The word ‘barrique’ refers to a specific size and shape of oak barrel. In making wine there are many different sizes of barrels used. Barrique barrels are relatively small barrels. Barriques are also known as Bordeaux barrels, because it was in Bordeaux that their shape and size was designed and developed. Barriques are relatively tall and have a capacity of  225 liters (59 gallons).

 

Interesting Find – Seasonal Roots – Kale Pesto

Published on by carol lou

As you know, I am a huge fan of farmer’s markets in the area.  I love to go and find the fresh produce, meats, dairy items and seasonal items all directly from the local farms.  I receive plenty of  e-mails weekly regarding products and services various organizations and companies would like me to feature on my blog.  There are a few that come along that really capture my attention, Seasonal Roots was one of them.  A farmer’s market delivery service very similar to  many CSA’s (Community Supported Agriculture).  For those of you not familiar with a CSA’s, CSA’s have been synonymous with a weekly or bi-weekly box full of local fruits and vegetables that are in season, delivered to your door or local drop spot where you can pick up your box.  With Seasonal Roots you can customized your delivery and box size to meet the needs of your family,  Seasonal Roots works with many farmers in Virginia so you are not limited to one farm and that farms crops.  They use multiple farms so the variety is vast.  My box arrived packed with produce and a bag of granola and what I really like is it challenges me to think outside of the box and serve new and interesting items.  I must admit, I am one that never buys kale, but when it was delivered, time to make Kale Pesto.  Is is just delicious on a bowl of piping hot pasta, now I wonder why I haven’t been buying kale regularly.  Check out Seasonal Roots if you live in VA or check out the nearest CSA in your area.  It is time to support our local farms and enjoy the bounty from the farms in your region.  I love what their box says – From Dirt to your Doorstep, how appropriate.

Seasonal Roots currently has a promo code, EATLOCAL93,  now through Oct. 17, new members will receive $25 off the membership fee. 

 

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Kale Pesto

Ingredients

  • 5 cups packed chopped kale
  • 1 cup toasted walnuts
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced
  • 1 1/4 cups olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Rinse and pat dry the kale, cut out the tough inner stem and discard, chop the leaves.  Toast the walnuts - preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with foil for easy clean-up, bake walnuts 4 - 6 minutes until they begin to brown, watch closely.

    Pulse kale and walnuts in a food processor,  Stir frequently and add olive oil slowly.  It took me many pluses and olive oil to incorporate all of the kale.  Once the kale is all pulsed, add the remaining ingredients and pulse until all is incorporated.  Remove to a storage container, drizzle top with olive oil and refrigerate until serving.  You can also freeze pesto in ice cubes trays to bring out and use as needed.  Delicious on pasta.

 

 

Interesting Find – The Apple House, Linden, VA

Published on by carol lou

If you are traveling through the western part of Virginia along Route 66 this fall, a must stop is The Apple House in Linden, VA.  We just happened upon this gem when driving the back roads, checking out antique shops in the area.  We turned a corner and there it was, a road side destination that was filled with cars.  Immediately, that peaked my interest and we decided to go in and check it out.  You are immediately hit with the aroma of apples and cinnamon. The line is long so be patient.  The donuts – yes, the donuts.  I know they serve a vast menu and have a country store full of jams, hot sauces, gifts, etc, but really, I think it is all about the donuts.  Fresh from the fryer, moist, delicious and covered with sugar.  Apple Butter Cinnamon Donuts – do I need to say more? 

The Apple House directly off of Route 66 in Linden, Virginia

Apple Butter Cinnamon Donuts