culinary pleasures ~

This past weekend, I had the grand fortune of attending one of Sherry Page's Culinary Getaways in Napa Valley.  There really are not enough adjectives to describe how much I enjoyed three days of incredible food bliss.  Sherry is one of those people who lives life to the fullest.  She makes sure to enjoy every single bite she places into her mouth, and she wants those who are with her to experience the best of the best.  I always feel as if I won the lottery every single time I get to hang out with her!  

Not only does she share the most simple and delicious recipes with others, but she also reminds every one how easy it is to fill a plate with "off-the-charts" flavors.  One of my favorite moments in her getaways is how the guests react to foods they have never tasted or been exposed to {re: fava beans, beets, fleur de sel, etc.}...it's as if their entire taste bud world has been opened to new pleasures of delicious bliss.  Eye lashes flutter, mouth slows to an intentional chew, and a smile slowly highlights their thoughts...pure goodness straight from mother nature never tasted so good, and now they are hooked!  

A gathering of strangers around a table partaking in amazing offerings of food, wine, chocolates and olive oils.  The connection is made over a fava bean crostini, a glass of late-harvest wine, and a shared moment overlooking the glorious landscape of the Silverado Trail.  Food and wine bring people of all backgrounds and cultures together ~ magical experiences and lovely connections are made around a simply curated table of culinary pleasures.

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Grape Crush ~

Friends, the harvest/crush was everything I had hoped for...and a tad bit more.  Being surrounded by the glorious beauty of vineyards, fresh air, and fun-loving friends was a total added bonus to the amazing awe that filled my soul as I helped harvest 1,000 pounds of cabernet sauvignon grapes.  I literally caught myself grinning from ear-to-ear as my bin grew full and my hands were soaked in fresh grape juice.  For those few hours, I was in harmony with nature and nothing else mattered.  

We picked, we laughed, we ate delicious local food, and we crushed {a hand-cranked machine de-vined the plump, juicy grapes}, and we tasted...oh my goodness, I've never tasted grape juice so incredibly amazing.  If I were not into delicious wine, I would say forgo the fermenting process and just indulge in the purity of the first stage of crush.  Wow! Oh how I wish I could share a glass with each of you...it was that amazing.

So if ever given the opportunity to offer free labor to pick grapes, take it.  I guarantee it will be a moment in time you will never forget.

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A Wine Country Perk ~

Right now, grapes are taking center stage.

It's harvest/crush time here in the wine country, and once again, I'm realizing simple is best ~ a plate filled with juicy delicious table grapes is definitely one of life's greatest pleasures {especially if you picked them off the vine yourself!}.

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My Tomato ~

Isn't she a beauty?

My Pop-paw would be proud of this perfect heirloom tomato because it was so juicy and flavorful.  I sliced it up and had it for breakfast ~ placed upon a piece of toasted rye bread smeared with cream cheese and then sprinkled sea salt and ground pepper on top of the plump red fruit of glory.  Seriously, I thought I might cry it was so darn good! 

This garden thing has my emotions on a happy high, for there truly is nothing better than growing your own vegetables which reward you so unselfishly with their mouth-watering taste.

It's a tomato frenzy around here, so share some of your favorite concoctions with me.  Pretty please?!

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Coop Crush ~

I have a major coop crush.  

I cannot stop thinking about these adorable Bantam variety of chickens that have made The French Laundry garden their new home.  It is definitely the equivalent to a five-star resort in the world of chickens....umbrellas for shade, a customized coop with a tres chic blue door, their very own rows of napa cabbage to munch on, and hand-fed snacks of strawberries, carrots, purslane, and more from the chief gardener. 

While admiring our newest neighbors, we had the honor of chatting with their 'land-lord', Thomas Keller.  It was one of those surreal moments for a foodie like me ~ standing in an organic garden, crushing on chickens, and making small talk with one of the most talented chefs in the world.  

Sometimes life is so good you just have to pinch yourself.

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Growing ~

This weekend, the crumb and I visited Tara Firma Farms.  I left there a different person, a person seeking a way to be a part of this amazing place.  I'm not sure when or how this is going to happen, but my heart danced there, my senses were in overdrive, and my desire for a deeper knowledge of bio-intensive gardening needs to be nurtured. 

Tara and Craig Smith founded this farm in 2009, and I was blown away that neither of them had any farm background when they purchased this 300-acre property.  The Omnivore's Dilemma is what changed their life causing them to step away from their corporate jobs in order to help balance the needs of environment and nutrition via a harmony with land and animals.  So far, it is remarkable what they have accomplished and are offering to the community. 

Tara gave us a tour of the farm which included baby chicks {biggest deal ever for the crumb}, goats, a new to the world baby bull, baby owls, piglets, and the vegetable gardens.  She spoke freely, proficiently, and brilliantly.  I could have listened to her stories, ideas, lessons, and facts for hours, and I did ask how I could learn more about the bio-intensive farming from their mastermind gardener, Elijah.  I'm hoping a valid answer is forthcoming...

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Wishful Thinking ~

If I had one wish, it would be for everyone on this planet to have access to affordable and fresh organic food.  Around every corner, there would be communal gardens offering seasonal goodness and local farmers sharing the fruits of their labors with one and all.  

Healthy food, food which is the gift of the Earth, is so incredibly important to me.  My entire life revolves around it, for I am a firm believer in you are what you eat.  As the old adage states, "an apple a day, keeps the doctor away" is a simple truth.  What we put into our bodies equates to our overall health ~ Eat Good, Feel Good. 

Whenever I leave my 'bubble' of Northern California, I immediately begin to worry about where I will find the food which my family and I are used to eating.  This should not be a worry.  It is not fair to be considered 'high maintenance' because I expect local, seasonal food wherever I go.  What happened to the history of planting, growing, and eating food from a local garden?  Why has genetically engineered corn become the base for most everything in a typical diet?  

Perhaps I'm naive, but I truly believe if every person on this Earth had access to the edible greatness which comes from unaltered soils, then hunger, disease, healthcare, the environment and more would be impacted in a positive way.  

Wishful thinking of a healthier, happier world is something I do not plan to stop.  Anything is possible if we set our minds to it, take action towards change, and support the efforts of those who are making a difference.  One life, one body, one chance ~ we are all worth it.

**This post is the first of a new series, Wishful Thinking.  Each Wednesday, an admired blogger will share their thoughtful wishes.  There are no boundaries.  The platform is open to all things great and small, and I anticipate Wednesdays will be quite wonderful around here. 

The French Laundry {Garden}

There are not many things in life that I covet ~ but this garden brings out every shade of green with envy emotion imaginable!   Of course, I'm not surprised The French Laundry is the mastermind behind this incredible seven acres of organic goodness. 

For the record, we have yet to dine in this holy temple of gastronomy, but one day, I will mark this culinary experience off my bucket list.  Until then, I'll continue to visit  this garden wonderland in hopes of keeping  the green eyed monster satisfied!

A Crate of Goodness

A wooden crate filled with rhubarb and fresh herbs (including my favorite, lemon verbena) hand-picked by my lovely friend, Sherry, greeted us upon our return from the South.  You see, Sherry is a Southern Belle too, and she gets it ~ she knows just how wonderful it is to welcome someone home with a perfectly simple gift of home-grown goodness!  This crate was just what the doctor ordered to set my baking heart on fire again!

Lemon-Verbena Rhubarb Crumble

8-10 Stalks of Rhubarb cut into small 1/4 chunks 

12 Lemon Verbena leaves

1 cup of turbinado sugar (or brown sugar)

1-1 1/2 cups of rolled oats

6 tablespoons of butter

Place rhubarb in a non-reactive bowl/pan (I used a ceramic baking dish) and sprinkle with sugar.

Allow rhubarb and sugar to sit for approx. 3 hours., and then strain liquid contents of dish into a small saucepan.  Replace rhubarb in baking dish.  Bring 'sugary substance' to a boil and remove from heat.  Add lemon verbena and let steep for 15 minutes, then drain into bowl (discard leaves).

In a separate bowl, mix the remaining sugar, rolled oats and butter together forming a chunky mixture (you may wish more/less butter and/or oats).  Pour the infused sugar 'syrup' over the rhubarb and then add the 'crumble' topping.  Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes - 1 hour (or until the rhubarb mixture is bubbling and the topping is golden brown).  Serve warm with a dollop of ice cream or sorbet!

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{Georgia} Farm

Just as we seek out the current museum exhibitions when traveling, we always make sure to frequent our favorite local, organic delectable restaurants.  Farm 255 in Athens never disappoints with their make-your-tummy-happy offerings, and as you must know by now, I strongly support any artisan, company, or restaurant with a philosophy for making/keeping our beloved Mother Earth a blissful place of existence.

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SOL Food ~

Okay my lovely peeps, it's confession time ~ the Reverie trio is completely addicted to Sol Food!  I can't get enough of their lemon-garlic dressing and café helados, the crumb is all about the oregano and garlic marinated free range chicken, and McDreamy is head-over-heels for the atmosphere and its I-don't-feel-like-I'm-in-Northern California-vibe!  

Sol Hernandez began serving her delicious dishes at the local farmer's market, and she was an instant hit. After a few years, she opened up a cool little restaurant in San Rafael.  Sol has a very dedicated clientele thanks to her incredibly delectable cuisine (which also is sustainable, local, and organic), so it wasn't long before location numero dos opened its doors.  Both restaurants look and feel like Puerto Rico:  colorful shutters and chairs, green plantains holding down stacks of napkins, and lively Latin music adding a hint of happy energy in most everyone who enters through the doors.

If only I could box it up and send each of you a taste of this Puerto Rican perfection ~ it's that good!  

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Blackberry Picking

"At first, just one, a glossy purple clot

among others, red, green, hard as a knot.

You ate that first one and its flesh was sweet

like thickened wine: summer's blood was in it

leaving stains upon the tongue and lust for picking."

~ Excerpt from "Blackberry Picking" by Seamus Heaney

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Tomato Tart

Summertime means delicious tomatoes in great abundance!  After a morning of being outdoors, I've always been a fan of a simple tomato sandwich for lunch.  Sprinkling sea salt upon the fresh slices of juicy redness, adding a bit of basil, and settling this fantastic grouping upon a chunky slab of olive oil drizzled wholegrain bread = the best! 

And now that the crumb has adopted her mama's love for tomatoes (especially the heirlooms), there is always a bowl of this hearty fruit on our kitchen counter.  The other evening, I prepared a delicious tart, and it was absolutely perfect paired with a side salad.  Easy, healthy, yummy and a big hit ~ my defining elements for a great recipe. 

Tomato Tart

One Organic Pie Shell

1 - 1 1/2 pounds of cherry tomatoes

6-8 oz. goat cheese (softened)

2 tbsp. olive oil

1-2 tsp. sea salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

2 tbsp. fresh basil (roll like a cigar and cut into strips)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Toss the tomatoes in a bowl with olive oil, salt and pepper.

Spread goat cheese inside pie shell.

Arrange tomatoes atop the goat cheese.

Bake for an hour until tomatoes are soft.

Remove and let cool for 10 mins.

Sprinkle basil over tart and indulge while still warm.

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A Well-Rounded Treat

I'm always looking for healthy snack foods, and these delicious 'power balls' are filled with nutrient rich ingredients to give anyone a perky little boost anytime of the day!  And they are REALLY easy to make.

Well-Rounded Treats

1 cup chopped pitted dates

1 cup raw walnuts (or almonds)

1 cup sesame seeds

1/4 cup lemon juice

2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest

1/2 cup unsweetened dried coconut flakes

Place dates, walnuts, sesame seeds, lemon juice and zest in a food processor.  Pulse and blend until completely mixed.  The mixture will be slightly sticky.  With dampened hands, roll tablespoons of the mixture into balls.  Roll in coconut and chill until ready to serve.

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Green Goodness

One of my must-haves in life is greens ~ leafy, flower, herb, sprouts ~ all types of edible green goodness! Every week, my basket is always brimming with a variety of my favorites from the Farmer's Market. And now that Spring is here, almost every meal consists of at least one generous serving of these fresh vitamin and mineral packed superfoods.

It's hard for me to narrow down a favorite or two, but if I had to choose one leafy green that I couldn't live without, it would be wild arugula (with kale, watercress and mesclun mix as the runners-up).

Now tell me....what are your favorite greens?

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Culinary Confetti

Eating is a vital part of our lives, and it is very important to realize, 'we are what we eat'. I never put myself into a certain category when it comes to food consumption; meaning, I'm neither vegetarian, vegan, pescetarian, etc. I eat for my health, my well-being, my livelihood.

I'll admit, there are certain foods that make me feel better than others, but mostly, I focus on organic, free-range, local goodness provided by Mother Nature. So when I discovered the 21-day kickstart program in favor of veganism (which I could never fully commit to since I love cheese and eggs SO much), I took a peak because I knew there would be some really good recipes I could add to our overall culinary repertoire. The Couscous Confetti Salad didn't disappoint! It is full of flavor and an array of beautiful colors ~ a true party for your palate.

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~ FISH ~

Being a conscious consumer matters. It matters a WHOLE lot! We are fortunate enough to live in an area that takes sustainable, local, eco-conscious living to an important level of awareness, and my hope is that this awareness continues to spread like wildfire across the continents.

Food is an essential element in all of our lives, yet we must make a valiant effort of mindful consumption. Our existence, as well as millions of other species, on Earth relies upon it.

One of our favorite local restaurants is FISH. Not only is the food off-the-charts incredible (best tuna melt sandwich ever, warm the cockles of your heart chowders, and the most amazing fish and chips to touch a plate), but their commitment to the ocean and its inhabitants speaks volumes. It matters to them where the fish comes from and how and when they are caught.

The words written upon the chalkboard in this restaurant should become the adopted slogan for each and every one of us. Conscious sustainable living taken to a whole new level!

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Chocolate Ricotta Mousse

This year, we celebrated Valentine's Day by having dinner with our lovely friends. Each of us played a part in cupid's meal - mine was dessert! Of course, I had to come up with something decadent but healthy, so I decided upon Chocolate Ricotta Mousse. Let's just say, it didn't disappoint (and shhhh, it is SO easy)!

Chocolate Ricotta Mousse

4-6 individual servings

3 ounces of raw organic dark chocolate
1 pound organic ricotta cheese

1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 Tablespoon of organic honey

Melt the chocolate in a double broiler. Stir the chocolate until it is fully melted.

Combine the melted chocolate, ricotta, vanilla, and honey in the food processor (or mix with mixer).

Process or mix until it is smooth.

If you prefer smoother consistency, add a few tablespoons of heavy whipping cream

and continue to process until desired smoothness.

***Also, I added ricotta cold from refrigerator,

this caused some of the melted chocolate to harden into tiny chunks,

I let it stay this way for an added 'nib' effect.***

Topping:

1 cup organic heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla OR 1 teaspoon of maple syrup

Organic Strawberries (or any seasonal fruit) cut into pieces

Beat the heavy cream with the vanilla or maple syrup until soft peaks form.

Add fruit to mousse and top with whipped cream (mint garnish optional).

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Café Bliss

 
Cafés are very dear to my heart. Despite the fact that there are millions all over the world, including the 5 within walking distance from our home, we all have one or two cafés we like to 'call our own'. Each one is different in their own special way, but when you find the one that speaks to you and makes you feel at home, you find a delightful comfort in knowing the search is over. For me, this discovery is one of life's sweet little treasures.

We found 'our café' at Cibo. It is an extension of my own kitchen, our dining table, and our living room. It is where we gather with close friends every Sunday morning at the same time without question. It is where the friendly and happy owners and baristas greet us with warm smiles and know us by name. A place we admire for using local, sustainable and organic ingredients in every thing they offer (even the incredible made-with-love pop-tarts!). And they serve Blue Bottle coffee - hands down the best coffee ever!

So tell me....where do you go for café bliss?

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GREENS!

When it comes to my closet, you will not find anything green amongst my black, grey and white wardrobe, but in regards to food - green might just be one of my favorite colors!

Greens juice is definitely something I crave. In fact, my entire little family craves it! Nothing like hearing "Greens please!" to bring a big smile to my face. So every few days, the juicer comes out of hiding, and the stacks of greens (kale, parsley, cucumber, and celery) along with fresh flavor enhancers such as apple, ginger, lemon, and lime gather upon the kitchen counter waiting their juicing fate.

Depending on the season and local availability, the ingredients may vary, but the one constant is the color because GREEN = vitamins, minerals and healthy living galore! MMM good!

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