Labor Day BBQ

We had a little end-of-summer Labor Day weekend BBQ at the house last night. We made a few salads and Jonathan grilled up some mean burgers! In addition to kebabs, he also BBQed some spicy marinated chicken wings that went quickly (inspired by Bittman’s Buffalo recipe in the Times Magazine today). I have a couple more recipes from the BBQ that I’ll share soon! After dinner we projected Coming to America in the back yard (Eddie Murphy is the best!).

Hope everyone is enjoying the holiday weekend…I am gearing up for the Jewish New Year that is later this week. Is anyone else planning their Rosh Hashana menu? I’ll share mine soon :)

xx!

Erin

Blueberry Picking in Vermont

While on the east coast for a wedding last week, Jonathan and I snuck away for a couple nights to his family’s house in Vermont, which is absolutely gorgeous this time of year. Blueberry picking is big there in August, and we found a stunning place to gather some: Merck Forest. I love freezing blueberries and using them instead of ice in drinks at cocktail hour. Cheers!

Summer Salad with Egg, Tomato, Basil, Cucumber & Avocado

Continuing in the effort to make filling summer salads for lunch, yesterday I came up with this combo: 2 hard boiled eggs topped with pear tomatoes and cucumber (from a friends garden!), plus half an avocado (cubed) and a handful of chopped fresh basil. I tossed the whole thing with olive oil and a bit of truffle salt (obsessed with that stuff!).

Happy weekend!

x Erin

Cottage Cheese Tomato Salad

I have just returned from a lovely trip back east to New York, Connecticut and Vermont to see family and friends and attend a cousin’s wedding. When I get back from vacation (usually having spent my time eating copious amounts of bread and cheese!) I often feel like I need something light for a few days. As I settle back into the studio this week, I am making lots of fresh but filling salads for lunch. Gorgeous summer tomatoes came in our CSA box this week and I am topping them with cottage cheese plus a handful of fresh basil and some avocado chunks.

Enjoy!

By Erin Gleeson for The Forest Feast

Portobello Cream Bites

Portabello Cream Bites with goat cheese and garlic, yum! Jonathan and I recently made these for a cocktail party and they were a hit. We found pre-made pastry cups that we filled, but you could also put this cheesy, creamy mushroom mixture on crackers or crostini. I spooned the mixture in to a freezer ziplock bag, snipped the corner and piped it in. They are easy to make ahead and can be served at room temperature. Garnish with scallions and enjoy with a cocktail!

By Erin Gleeson for The Forest Feast