Caper Crostini

Crostini are great for entertaining, and this caper/shallot mixture can be made ahead of time. Burrata just makes everything better, so the combo of these ingredients is absolutely delish! Burrata is like a super soft fresh mozzarella that comes in water in a tub (you can get it at Trader Joe’s). If you can’t find it, use any soft cheese. You could simply use onion instead of shallots as well. I sliced the baguette and drizzled with a bit of olive oil (optional) on a cookie sheet before broiling in the oven. Yum!

By Erin Gleeson for The Forest Feast

Caramelized Onion Pizza

I loooove onions that are slow cooked with balsamic vinegar. Red or white onions work. Cook them at a medium/low temperature for a long time, at least 20 minutes, until all the liquid is gone and they start to get very soft and a little golden/caramelized. If they need more time, you can always add more balsamic vinegar. Throw the onions on top of a (store-bought?) pizza dough with a little cheese and bake in the oven. (For a non dairy version you could just use sauce, or even pesto).  I like to drizzle mine with a bit of olive oil, salt and pepper before serving.  Yum!

By Erin Gleeson for The Forest Feast

Chard Tart

This Chard Tart could also be considered a free form quiche or galette. No matter what you call it, it’s pretty great for breakfast, lunch or dinner! Slice the chard thinly and throw those stalks right in the mix as well (they are so pretty!). If you like your shallots (or you could use onion) more caramelized, you can cook those first (on medium) and throw the chard in for the last few minutes. Make your own dough or buy some from the store. I used whole wheat pizza dough, but for something a little richer, you could use pie crust. Enjoy!

By Erin Gleeson for The Forest Feast

Sage Chips

If you like kale chips, you’ll LOVE sage chips! These little flavor packed crispy bites will disappear in seconds. AND they only take a few seconds to make! Simply drop the (clean, dry) sage leaves into hot olive oil and fry them up for a minute or 2. Make sure you watch them to ensure they don’t get burned. Depending on how hot your oil is, they can go fast. Sprinkle them with salt and enjoy alone, or with wine and cheese. Or you can sprinkle them on top of chicken or fish, or even on quinoa or roasted vegetables. They’ll add a nice kick of flavor to just about anything. Happy weekend, Feasters, and enjoy!

by Erin Gleeson for The Forest Feast

The Thomas Restaurant in Napa

I just wanted to share some photos that I did recently for a new restaurant in Napa called The Thomas. I shot with the chef, Brad Farmerie (of Public in NYC), in a nearby garden- it was so fun to juxtapose the beautiful dishes with the lush growing produce in that warm, wine country light. You can read a bit more about my shoot and see some more photos in this article on Umami Mart that went up yesterday. If you’re in Napa, I definitely recommend stopping by for a drink and a bite on their roof deck. Happy Tuesday!

By Erin Gleeson for The Forest Feast