Pumpkin Smoothies

I had so much fun going to the pumpkin patch a few days ago in Half Moon Bay with Jonathan. The ocean is only a half hour from us, just over the mountain. There is a lot of coastal agriculture on this stretch of Highway 1, and it’s just gorgeous, despite the dramatic fog! We stopped into Farmer John’s Pumpkin Patch and picked up a red kuri pumpkin (which the farmer said was the sweetest). Slice and bake your pumpkin until soft (350, approx 30 min. depending on size, or microwave 5 min). Scoop out the flesh (discard seeds) and cool. (If you don't have time, you can also just use a can of pumpkin purée.) Combine the pumpkin with a frozen banana, ice, honey, milk (I used almond milk) and a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg. This is great for breakfast or dessert. To fancy-it-up, you could even add ice cream! Sprinkle a little cinnamon on top before serving.

Happy Halloween!

By Erin Gleeson for The Forest Feast

Peach Ricotta Tart

I was so happy to have this recipe featured yesterday on a website I love, A Cup of Jo, as “The Best Peach Tart You’ll Ever Have”!. This peach tart (technically a galette) is simple, pretty and delicious! Just roll out one store bought pie crust (or make your own, if you fancy). I used the kind that comes rolled in the long red Pillsbury box in the refrigerated section. Spread a thin layer of ricotta cheese over the dough, leaving about a 1 inch border. Sprinkle the ricotta with a bit of cinnamon and sugar, then layer thinly sliced peaches over the cheese. Fold and pinch the corners over to make a little crust, then bake for 20 minutes or so on a cookie sheet at 350 degrees until browned. Before serving, I like to drizzle a little good olive oil and add a pinch of coarse sea salt to each slice.

You’ll need: 1 (pre-made) crust, 2 to 3 peaches (no need to peel), 1 small tub ricotta, cinnamon, sugar, olive oil, sea salt. Bon appetit!

by Erin Gleeson for The Forest Feast

Mushroom Quinoa Risotto

Foragers, alert! Mushrooms are everywhere right now. I was in Santa Cruz recently and met a forager who showed me all the edible mushrooms he’d found on his walk and gave me tips on how to spot them. Often they are just little bumps under leaves…who knew!? Most of the ones he pointed our were types of Russula mushrooms. For this Mushroom Quinoa Risotto recipe I used Oyster mushrooms.

As always, forage with an expert and use an identification book. Be sure to check with an expert before eating anything. Happy hunting!

Sufganiyot Jelly Donuts

In honor of this last day of Hanukkah, I made Sufganiyot (jelly donuts). Believe it or not, this is a Hanukkah tradition, right along with latkes.  This was the first time I’d made them so I used Martha Stewart’s recipe and they came out great!

Kale Chips

Kale Chips are an easy healthy snack to have before dinner, perhaps with a holiday cocktail!? All the crunchy satisfaction, and a little less guilt. They burn quickly, though, so watch them like a hawk. Four of five minutes in a hot oven does it, just until they get a little brown around the edges. Enjoy!