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
It’s a chilly rainy day here in the woods! What better time to curl up by the fire with a book and some Hot Chai Cider. Just pop a chai tea bag in a pot and simmer with cinnamon sticks, a bit of water and some apple juice or cider. The tea adds a nice spice to the traditional cup of cider. Serve hot with cookies!
Photos and Illustration © Erin Gleeson
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
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
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
