Latke Round-up!

I love a good latke this time of year! It is easy and fun to experiment with different variations of this potato pancake. Latkes are traditional Hanukkah treats because they are cooked in oil and symbolize the miracle of the holiday.

Unless otherwise noted, I like to use Russett potatoes when making latkes since they have less moisture. A non-stick pan can be helpful too!

Here’s a quick round-up of favorite Forest Feast latke recipes:

• Cauliflower Potato Latkes

• Sweet potato Latkes from The Forest Feast cookbook

• Zuchini Latkes

Happy Hanukkah!

Holiday Party: Cava Sangria Punch

I love how pretty this punch bowl recipe looks for a party. It was inspired by our favorite neighborhood cafe in Barcelona while researching The Forest Feast Mediterranean. In Spain, it is typically served in a pitcher but it’s perfect for a party to make it in a bowl

Note: Double the recipe for a mixing bowl or simply add equal parts juice and prosecco (or, like the recipe, add slightly less juice for a less sweet version). You can use any type of fruits that are in season. I used figs, cranberries, persimmons, apples, pomegranates, clementines, star fruit and edible flowers. Slice them thinly so they’ll float. (Tip: the pom seeds only float on top of larger items.)

Check out the video demonstration here.

Cava Sangria

1 bottle Cava or any dry sparkling white wine (750 ml)

2 c white grape juice (480 ml)

Mix in a pitcher with:

1 c raspberries (165 g)

1/2 grapefruit cut into triangles (peel on)

Serve chilled or over ice.

* * *

For more holiday-centric party ideas, you might like:

Green Kale Dip

Holiday Appetizer: The Cheese Ball (video)

Holiday Cocktail Party

Sweet Potatoes Two Ways

Thanksgiving is around the corner. If you are looking for some new sweet potato ideas, here are a couple of Mediterranean-inspired options from my new book — one sweet and one savory!

Baked Sweet Potatoes with Hazelnuts

One of my favorite ways to experience new cities is by staying with friends who are locals. While we were in Barcelona researching recipe ideas for The Forest Feast Mediterranean, we were invited by friends to celebrate Todos los Santos (All Saints’ Day) at their home. The meal included sweet potatoes with roasted chestnuts. For this version, I used hazelnuts instead, which are more readily available and also delicious!

BAKED SWEET POTATOES WITH HAZELNUTS

recipe from The Forest Feast Mediterranean

3 medium sweet potatoes

dollop of butter

1 t honey

sprinkle of cinnamon

chopped hazelnuts

Pre-heat oven to 375°F. Wash sweet potatoes and prick them several times all over with a knife & place on baking sheet. Bake for 45-60 minutes (when a knife goes in easily, they are done).

Slice potatoes in half lengthwise, then score them in a grid. Top each with a dollop of butter, honey, a sprinkle of cinnamon & chopped hazelnuts.

Note: When serving these on a buffet with several sides, I look for small sweet potatoes (or you can quarter them after they’ve been cooked) for individual-sized portions.

Sweet Potatoes with Feta Dressing

Here’s a savory Mediterranean-inspired recipe from the new book. It is easy to prepare in advance and can be served at room temperature, making it perfect for a gathering like Thanksgiving.

SWEET POTATOES WITH FETA DRESSING

recipe from The Forest Feast Mediterranean

4 medium sweet potatoes (no need to peel)

2 T milk

1/3 c (50 g) crumbled feta

1 T olive oil

2 T rice vinegar

pinch of nutmeg

scallions (chopped)

Cube sweet potatoes & lay out on a baking sheet. Drizzle generously with olive oil & sprinkle with salt & pepper. Roast potatoes at 425°F (220°C) for 30 min or until fork tender.

For dressing, use an immersion blender to combine the milk, crumbed feta, olive oil, rice vinegar & nutmeg. Drizzle potatoes with desired amount of dressing & sprinkle with chopped scallions.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

++++

Happy Thanksgiving!
xoxo

For more sweet potato recipes ideas, check out my…

• Sweet Potato Pizza

• Sweet Potato and Lentil Tacos

• Lentil & Sweet Potato Salad

Fall / Jewish Holiday Dinner Party Menu

The Jewish high holidays begin this weekend and go on throughout the month of September. People often celebrate the Jewish new year (this Sunday), Rosh Hashana, with festive fall dinners 2 nights in a row. It's traditional to have apples slices dipped in honey as an appetizer or dessert (to sweeten the new year) and to enjoy fall produce such as pomegranates and figs. And we always serve a round challah which symbolizes the cycle of the year. We have been invited to a dinner on Sunday and are hosting one on Monday. In case you are planning a menu like I am, here are a few ideas. But this menu also works well for any fall gathering!

MENU:

Pomegranate Campari & Sodas

Endive Bar Appetizer Platter

Apple Matchstick Salad

Squash Lasagna

Roasted Zaatar Carrots *or* Crispy Old Bay Brussels

Honey Cake

COCKTAIL: Pomegranate Campari & Soda

A pomegranate Aperol Spritz could also be fun and festive. For that, mix equal parts Prosecco and Aperol over ice, add a splash of club soda and garnish with pomegranate seeds.

APPETIZER: Endive Bar

Serve a platter with yellow and/or purple endive leaves for people to fill themselves. I set out small bowls of fig jam, crumbled blue or feta cheese, ricotta or cream cheese, caramelized onions (easy to make ahead), pomegranate seeds, sautéed butternut squash cutes, sunflower seeds or pine nuts and fresh thyme or cilantro leaves.

SALAD: Apple Matchstick Salad

MAIN COURSE: Squash Lasagna

VEGETABLE SIDES: Roasted Zaatar Carrots or Crispy Old Bay Brussels Sprouts

DESSERT: Honey Cake (a Rosh Hashana tradition!)

Happy New Year (Shana tovah!)...and happy fall cooking!

Memorial Day Party Menu

I'm so looking forward to the 3-day weekend we have coming up! The weather is supposed to be nice so we're hoping to entertain on the deck. In case you are too, click on over to this menu I put together for Instyle Magazine. It includes a Cucumber Spritzer Cocoktail, Spicy Feta Lettuce Wraps, Asparagus Pastry Straws and the easiest Chocolate Ricotta Mousse. Happy Hosting!!