Thanksgiving 2010

THANKSGIVING 2010

Pear Vodka Cocktail
Assorted Crostini

Fennel & Celery Root Salad
Fresh Cranberry Ginger Sauce
Fresh Cranberry w/Spices
Grape Chutney
Roasted Turkey Brined w/Stout Beer
Roasted Turkey Brined w/Sage
Mixed Mushroom Gravy
Oyster Wild Rice Dressing
Sourdough, Sausage & Apple Stuffing
White Cheddar Sage Potatoes
Roasted Red Onions w/Pomegranate, Orange & Parsley
Roasted Carrots & Parsnip Rounds
Roasted Yams w/Green Onion Creama
Green Beans w/Shallots & Lemon

Grape Sorbet
Carmel Pear Terrine
Ginger Chocolate Cheese Cake

A perfect summertime drink

Pineapple Agua Fresca (adapted from Bon Appetit)

Makes 3 pitchers (approx 30 cups).

2 pineapples

10 cups water

1 cup sugar

1bottle (1.25 liters) sparkling water (I used orange flavor)

1 bottle (1.75 liters) Vodka

limes

ginger

Slice and puree the pineapple with sugar (in batches). Add water and let soak overnight. The original recipe called for about 6 teaspoons grated ginger. I added about 2 teaspoons sliced ginger so the ginger flavor was very subtle.

Stain pineapple mix, add limes (juice from 1-2 per pitcher). Over ice pour 1/3 each pineapple mix, sparkling water and vodka into 10-12 cup pitcher. Garnish with line or pineapple slice. Enjoy!

BBQ for the team

Well no pictures but a drink recipe worth repeating.

Menu for 30

Pineapple Agua Fresca (adapted from Bon Appetit)
Red and Gold Roasted Beet "bites" with goat cheese
Watermelon Gazpacho
Cantaloupe,Bocconcni and Prosciutto Salad
Green beans w/blue cheese and lemon
Burger Bar w/choice of meats, breads and toppings
Turkey Herb or Basic Beef Burgers (and veggie burgers standing by)
Caramelized Balsamic Onions
Blue or Gorgonzola cheese
Tricolor roasted red peppers
Sauteed Mushrooms
Tzatziki
Cheddar, Swiss or Jalapeno Jack cheese slices
Lettuce, Tomato, Pickles and Onions
Assorted buns and pita

Rhubarb Cheesecake Bites

Burger bars are a great way to allow for the traditional and adventurous eaters to co exist happily. Happy with mustard and pickles-done, want a Greek flavored burger-done, want to create something totally new-done. Easy to make and easy to server.

Picnic on the water

Summer in Seattle is one of the best places on earth. Add a boat ride on the sound and you've got perfection and excuse for a good picnic.

Another sign of summer, most the herbs came from my garden




-White bean, dill and tri-colored cherry tomatoes
-Grilled veggies w/parsley yogurt sauce
-Stuffed grilled chicken breast w/olives and oranges
-Lime & mixed berry tart


And best of all a new drink worth repeating. Cucumber Martini

4 ounces lime juice
4 ounces simple syrup
16 oz vodka (I used dryfly)
2 small cucumbers peeled and sliced very thinly
mint (from the garden for extra goodness)

Mix all ingredients and refrigerate at least 3 hours. Server up or over ice w/a slice of cucumber and lime.

Fnally a couple of crackers just in case a family of ducks would like to join you.

Eat Fancy Eat Healthy

How can a 6 course meal be healthy? Actually small servings of multiple course is the prefect way to enjoy some great food and still eat healthy.

Recent examples of dishes that can be put together for multiple courses.

Two colored roasted beet salad w/a sprinkle of goat cheese (1 tsp per serving)

"Cream" of asparagus soup w/just two tablespoons soy cream

Roasted Pepper and Fennel soup w/2 tablespoons of 1/2 & 1/2 and a saving of Parmesan cheese

Shrimp over Avocado Cream



Sorbets. I've tried tomato, mango basil & peach mint. Great for mid course or dessert.


Fancy salad with a touch of luxury


Sting them all together for a great event w/o any of the guilt.

Killer Vinaigrette

This goes well on just about everything!

5 tablespoons grapeseed oil
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons sesame oil
4 tablespoons dijon (I used stone ground)
1/2 cup rice vinegar
3 tablespoons line juice
3 tablespoons soysauce
1 teaspoon Sriracha (or other chili sauce)
Salt to taste

You can change up the vinegar, use lemon vs lime etc. Just make sure you have the sesame oil and mustard. Also you can add toasted sesame seeds.

Dinner for my Family in Florida