pumpkin

Pumpkin Smoothies

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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

Bloody Mimosa

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Citrus is in season, so why not add a bit of it to cocktail hour?! This drink lies somewhere between a blood orange champagne cocktail and a mimosa and using rose brut gives it the most dreamy color. Perfect at brunch or anytime!

photos and illustration © Erin Gleeson

Tu B'shvat Celebration

It is the Jewish holiday of Tu B'shvat today, the New Year of the Trees! Those who celebrate it have a meal this evening with 15 different types of fruits and nuts, drink 4 cups of wine and plant a tree together. Lovely idea, isn’t it? In modern tim…

It is the Jewish holiday of Tu B'shvat today, the New Year of the Trees! Those who celebrate it have a meal this evening with 15 different types of fruits and nuts, drink 4 cups of wine and plant a tree together. Lovely idea, isn’t it? In modern times, many Jews have connected Tu B’Shvat with ideas of environmental awareness and sustainability.

photo © Erin Gleeson

Blood Orange Cabbage Salad

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This salad is so simple and colorful. Just slice or chop 2 carrots, 1 purple cabbage, 5 radishes and 2 blood oranges. Toss together with a handful of golden raisins. Make a simple dressing of olive oil, balsamic vinegar and the juice from one more blood orange. Use a couple of the outer cabbage leaves as bowls for a pretty look. A wintery citrusy delight!

Photos and Illustration © Erin Gleeson