The Skylonda

This is my new favorite winter cocktail to drink in our neck of the woods, so I named it after our “neighborhood”, Skylonda. I just soak some cinnamon sticks in a jar of bourbon for a few days which gives it a nice spice. Then to the bourbon, I add a few drops of bitters and a splash of dry vermouth. It’s kind of like a Manhattan but not sweet, and it’s garnished with an orange slice instead of a cherry.  I like it on the rocks, but you cocktail connoisseurs might prefer it straight up. Cheers!

Photos and illustration © Erin Gleeson

Roasted Sunchokes

Sunchokes (a.k.a. jerusalem artichokes) are a gnarly looking vegetable, but quite tasty! They are similar to potatoes, but less starchy. This roasted combo goes great with soup on a winter day.

Photos and illustrations © Erin Gleeson www.theforestfeast.com

Persimmon Pear Cake

This Persimmon Pear Cake is a nice twist on the traditional pumpkin bread. It’s denser than cake, which is why you don’t need icing. Peel, cube and cook persimmons and pears in a small pot on the stove (add a bit of butter and water to get it simmering).  Mash it up until you get about 1 cup of puree (depending on the size of the fruits, you may need another persimmon or pear). Combine this fruit mixture with all the other ingredients and bake in a round spring form pan. A light drizzle of honey, plus nuts if you like… and serve it warm!

Photos and Illustrations © Erin Gleeson

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!

Happy New Year 2012

I am taking a little holiday break, feasters….I’m off to NYC for a few days to show my husband my exhibit at the French Culinary Institute, drop off my work for the food photography exhibit at the Powerhouse Arena in Brooklyn and see friends and family. Sweet wishes for a delicious New Year! “See” you in a week or so…