Orange Avocado Salad

This citrus salad is easy and pretty!

Peel and slice 1 avocado and 1 orange into rounds. Layer on a plate, alternating. Sprinkle with cilantro and green onion (scallion). For a dressing, drizzle with olive oil and a pinch of sea salt.

About one avocado and one orange per person should do. For a group, multiply the recipe and display on a platter. I sliced the avocados around the middle (not lengthwise as usual) to make nice little circles the size of the orange slices. Add more or less of an herb sprinkling, according to your taste. Enjoy cold or at room temp!

Photos and Illustration by Erin Gleeson for The Forest Feast

Food Revolution Day!

Jamie Oliver is a big hero of mine- I so admire the work he has done in school cafeterias to spread awareness about food education and combat childhood obesity. So in honor of Jamie’s Food Revolution Day, The Forest Feast hosted a dinner party! This weekend, people all over the world are hosting healthy dinner parties to increase awareness about the food we eat. The aim is to cook with fresh ingredients - no processed foods allowed! The Forest Feast is all about cooking simply with fresh produce, so here’s our menu:

Food Revolution Day

on May 19 is a chance for people who love food to come together to share information, talents and resources; to pass on their knowledge and highlight the world’s food issues. All around the globe, people will work together to make a difference. Food Revolution Day is about connecting with your community through events at schools, restaurants, local businesses, dinner parties and farmers’ markets. We want to inspire change in people’s food habits and to promote the mission for better food and education for everyone.

You can get involved by donating or signing Jamie’s petition

by clicking here.

Photos and Illustrations by Erin Gleeson for The Forest Feast

Vanilla Ice Cream with Candied Lemon

I have so many lemons right now I don’t know what to do with them all! So I tried candying them and they are quite nice atop ice cream with a bit of lemon zest. Crunchy and sweet. Enjoy!

Photos and Illustration by Erin Gleeson for The Forest Feast

Farro Beet Salad

Farro, Beets and Beet Greens! Farro is a hearty, chewy grain kind of like wheatberries.  Instead of throwing those beet greens out, chop them finely and add them in- they are kind of like kale. Dress lightly with olive oil, salt and pepper (or any dressing, really) and eat warm or at room temperature. This dish is great for a picnic!

Photos and illustration by Erin Gleeson for The Forest Feast

Strawberry Mint Julep

Strawberries came in my CSA box this week, so in honor of “I’ll Have Another” winning the Kentucky Derby this weekend, I thought I’d make a special drink with a seasonal twist. Cheers!