COTTAGE COOKING: EMMA, OUR FAMILY VEGETARIAN

COTTAGE COOKING: EMMA, OUR FAMILY VEGETARIAN

Green Onion Galette, a quick supper of puff pastry, onions and Parmesan cheese.

Green Onion Galette, a quick supper of puff pastry, onions and Parmesan cheese.

It’s time for my Cottage Cooking Club wrap-up of five tasty vegetarian dishes. Every month I join other bloggers to feature recipes from award-winning food writer Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage Veg cookbook. Realizing there isn’t much about beef, pork, poultry and seafood that I don’t relish, you may wonder Why Vegetarian? Why now?

EMMA

EMMA

As I’ve admitted, I was tossed into this vegetarian mumbo-jumbo by shame. Years ago, my dear vegetarian friend, Susan, brought her own meals to Hirsch dinner parties. I couldn’t be bothered. (Yes, I have groveled and apologized about that for 25 years.) Eventually I offered an elegant green salad and crusty bread to my veggie guests. Gradually I began to realize that this dietary option is not mumbo nor jumbo. It’s a legitimate choice.

For your left over puff pastry, Cheesy Peesy Puff Turnover, filled with peas (fresh or frozen) and grated cheese.

For your left over puff pastry, Cheesy Peesy Puff Turnover, filled with peas (fresh or frozen) and grated cheese.

Cheesy Peasy Puff Turnover is folded to a triangular pocket. I served it with homemade Broccoli-Leek Soup.

Cheesy Peasy Puff Turnover is folded to a triangular pocket. I served it with homemade Broccoli-Leek Soup.

Four years ago, my 9-year-old granddaughter announced she was a Vegetarian. Although I suggested to her Mother it was just a phase, how the hell was my darling sweet Emma going to get enough iron, zinc, Vitamin B-12 and calcium to grow and flourish. Where’s the protein? Would her friends think this strange? Would Melissa, her mother, have to make two different menus for their dinners now? Couldn’t her Mom and Dad just say, “No?” ( I don’t say these concerns were legitimate, I am just admitting having them.)

Emma (9) in 2011, the year she announced she was a Vegetarian. Clara (7) is on the right.  Death Valley National Park

Emma (9) in 2011, the year she announced she was a Vegetarian. Clara (7) is on the right. Death Valley National Park

Fast forward four years. Emma is still a healthy young woman, about to enter high school, and, yes, a Vegetarian. (Grandmothers can be wrong.) Before her family’s recent visit, I called Emma and asked to interview her about her vegetarian lifestyle. I’d never had a serious discussion with anyone about this rather important lifestyle choice. She agreed. We set a date, stipulating no Mom, no Sister, listening in. (They’d already asked.) Briefly, this is the very enlightening result.

Honey-roasted Cherry Tomatoes, an easy topping to make and delicious on risotto and grilled or roasted vegetables.

Honey-roasted Cherry Tomatoes, an easy topping to make and delicious on risotto and grilled or roasted vegetables.

Grandma: Emma, I’ve heard various rumors but will you tell me why you chose to be a vegetarian?

Emma: You remember we went to Hawaii when I was 9, right?” she asked. (I nodded affirmatively.) “Our family went spearfishing. Dad caught a fish. When the boat people pulled it in, it wasn’t dead. They just whacked and whacked it on the head to kill it.” (Emma demonstrates the whacking technique.)

Grandma: What did you do?

Emma: Clara (7) and I started screaming and crying. Mom took us down into the cabin until the trip was over. Then, later that night we went to a Luau where they were roasting a pig. It just went round and round on the spit all night. I got sick.

That’s the night Emma made her announcement.

I piled my Honey-Roasted Cherry Tomatoes on toasted Artisan bread with Maldon Sea Salt flakes sprinkled on top.

I piled my Honey-Roasted Cherry Tomatoes on toasted Artisan bread with Maldon Sea Salt flakes sprinkled on top.

Grandma: What did your Mom say?

Emma: She said okay. But right from the beginning she made three rules: [Readers, I know. I know. Pot. Kettle. Black.)

1) We went to the library, checked out books about food, proteins, vegetarian stuff. I had to read them and any books she gave me on the subject.
2) I was responsible for taking vitamins every morning, especially B vitamins;
3) When I am around other kids who are eating hamburgers, stuff like that, I can’t say, “Gross!” or “Ooh.” I must be polite.

My health concerns were proven  unnecessary. The Places lead an outdoor lifestyle. This Summer Emma and her Dad took a 4-day Hiking trip over Paiute Pass ((11,423-ft). Emma carried a 24-pound pack.

My health concerns were proven unnecessary. The Places lead an outdoor lifestyle. This Summer Emma and her Dad took a 4-day Hiking trip over Paiute Pass ((11,423-ft). Emma carried a 24-pound pack.

Grandma: Do you ever do that?

Emma: Of course not, Grandma, 90% of the kids at my school are vegetarian. (eye roll and sigh)

Stir-fried Sesame Cauliflower, a strongly seasoned side dish with chile, garlic and ginger.

Stir-fried Sesame Cauliflower, a strongly seasoned side dish with chile, garlic and ginger.

The kicker here is this. Our girls go to a Seven Day Adventist private school. One of the Adventist beliefs and practices is a vegetarian lifestyle. Since they have attended this school since preschool, this was a comfortable choice for Emma.

In California they also live near Loma Linda populated by a high concentration of Seventh-day Adventist. It is one of five places in the world identified as Blue Zone Areas. These are the 5 sites where people are particularly healthy and live the longest. The other four Blue Zones Areas are Karia, Greece; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Okinawa, Japan; and Sardinia, Italy.

I wish this Sesame Cauliflower photographed better because it is tasty. I served it as a side straight from the pan but, with rice or noodles, it's supper.

I wish this Sesame Cauliflower photographed better because it is tasty. I served it as a side straight from the pan but, with rice or noodles, it’s supper.


Grandma: I know you make your school lunch. What’s in it?

Emma: Vegetables and Fruit, Peanut Butter Sandwiches, Nuts, Tofu, Salads, Protein Bars, Leftovers, Salads and Yogurt for dessert. I love yogurt.

Emma, this Winter at Hearst Castle, just before our interview.  She looks pretty healthy, huh?

Emma, this Winter at Hearst Castle, just before our interview. She looks pretty healthy, huh?

Grandma: Do you ever get hungry?

Emma: No, Grandma. (another eye roll and sign)

Roasted Parsnip Chips with shallots.

Roasted Parsnip Chips with shallots.

Grandma: Tell me your favorite foods.

Emma: Pad Thai, Veggie Burgers, Tofu with various seasonings, Apples, Raspberries, Mushrooms and Caesar Salad.

These are 'crisp and carmelized at the thin ends, chewy in the middle, tender and creamy at the fat ends,' Best served hot, just out of the oven.

These are ‘crisp and carmelized at the thin ends, chewy in the middle, tender and creamy at the fat ends,’ Best served hot, just out of the oven.

Grandma: Do you think you’ll always lead a Vegetarian lifestyle?

Emma: Yep, Grandma, I do.

ccc_logo2-002

There are many things I always want to do with my granddaughters but never in a million years did I think I would be exchanging vegetarian recipes and ideas with one of them. Every day of Life, a learning experience!

We are not allowed to print any of Hugh’s recipes but if you would like to learn how to make any of these delicious recipes, e-mail me. I’ll send them.

AVOCADOS, GUACAMOLE & the GREEN TEAM

AVOCADOS, GUACAMOLE & the GREEN TEAM

It’s not easy being green.

Guacamole with Tomatoes and Bell Peppers

Today’s French Fridays recipe is Guacamole with Tomatoes and Bell Peppers. Is there any avid home cook who does not have a favorite guac recipe? Mine was created by Josefina Howard for her Rosa Mexicano restaurants in New York City. However, my loyalty to Dorie Greenspan is unwavering. Tucking skepticism in my back pocket, I forged ahead.

At the Food & Wine Classic, my friend, Michelle Morris,  and I hop into Hendrick's hot air balloon. Michelle, who is a chef, teacher and author just won a Colorado Book Award for her first cookbook, Tasting Colorado: Recipes from the Centennial State.

At the Food & Wine Classic, my friend, Michelle Morris, and I hop into Hendrick’s hot air balloon. Michelle, who is a chef, teacher and author just won a Colorado Book Award for her first cookbook, Tasting Colorado: Recipes from the Centennial State.

After pulling out my mortar and pestle, I made a mixture of lime zest, cilantro leaves, red onion, jalapeño and salt, lightly pounding it into a mush. To that I added chucks of avocados, pepper, grape tomatoes, lime juice and red bell pepper, gently stirring until I achieved a chunky texture.

Would its flavor rise to Rosa’s standards? Absolutely. With chips and a glass of rosé, Dorie’s guacamole was almost a meal. (Eaten in moderation, this mixture has nutritional value. Okay, okay, the chips and rosé, not so much.) I also used it as a delectable garnish for Potato, Asparagus, Broccoli and Goat Cheese Frittata to be featured in an upcoming post.

The weather Gods were kind for  the 2014 Food & Wine Classic in Aspen.

The weather Gods were kind for the 2014 Food & Wine Classic in Aspen.

Sticking with the green theme, Sunday I debuted on the Green Team at Aspen’s Food & Wine Classic. During the daily two Grand Tastings, the Greens are the trash team. In 2013 F&W recycled a phenomenal 92% of its Grand Tastings trash/garbage. This year more than 1,000 people filled out volunteer applications for 620 coveted spots on various committees. As a newbie, I was surprised to be chosen and placed with the Greens. Obviously they realized I knew a thing or two about trash.

IMG_6071

When I reported for duty at the Green Team station Sunday, I was assigned, as my partner, a handsome gentleman, about my age, I’d say. His name was Bob and he was none too happy to be separated from his wife, also a volunteer. Apparently she was okay with it. “Good luck with him,” she laughed, walking off with her assigned partner.

Although we’d already passed an on-line training session, we received additional instruction before being sent to our stations inside the huge Grand Tasting tents. Our job was to be sure trash ended up in one of three holes. And, it better be the right hole. Our Team Leader, Doug, escorted us to our three-holer, located at the tent’s north end.

This is the Grand Tasting tent where Bob and I worked for a day. Food & Wine vendors are lined up in three long rows. It's a big tent. Think Denver International Airport.

This is the Grand Tasting tent where Bob and I worked for a day. Food & Wine vendors are lined up in three long rows. It’s a big tent. Think Denver International Airport.

Bob and I pulled on our plastic gloves, glancing at each other warily. We had 15 minutes before hundreds of people would be pouring into the tent for the 90-minute Grand Tasting session. I decided to utilize those 15 minutes wisely. Within ten minutes I knew snippets of Bob’s story. We discovered friends in common. Even more surprising, he and his wife live next to The Gant where I now live. By the time the tent flaps opened, Bob and I were practically family.

Readers, Green Teaming for 90 minutes, no bathroom break, is challenging. If a straw is paper, it’s compost. If it’s not, trash. If various vessels are numbered from 1-7, compost. All Hagen-Daz packaging, trash. (Shame on you, H-D.) If a plastic glass is easy to break, recycle. If it’s bendy, compost. On and on and on. Admittedly, Bob was better than I. He often had to reach down to remove something I tossed and put it elsewhere. We laughed. A lot. When friends stopped by, we talked trash. After an hour, we noticed the attendees became happier, friendlier and very appreciative of our labor.

My favorite cooking demonstration was given by Chef Marcus Samuelsson

My favorite cooking demonstration was given by Chef Marcus Samuelsson

When the gong rang to end the last Tasting, they cranked up the music so the vendors could celebrate. We did a modified-jig with the Kitchen Aid gals whose booth was next door. But, we’re committed. Next year, it’s the Green Team, Bob and me, partners-in-trash.

The gong rang signalling the end of the 2014 F&W Classic. They cranked the music up and the vendors celebrated.

The gong rang signalling the end of the 2014 F&W Classic. They cranked the music up and the vendors celebrated.

French Fridays with Dorie is an international cooking group working its way through Dorie Greenspan’s Around my French Table. To see how my colleagues fared this week, go here.

IMG_6095

COTTAGE COOKING CLUB’S VEGGIE ADVENTURE

COTTAGE COOKING CLUB’S VEGGIE ADVENTURE

Read my lips: No new Cookbooks.
That’s the promise I made to myself a year ago when moving back to Colorado and into a very tiny condominium. I committed to keeping only my fave fifty which tucked neatly into my bookshelf. Unfortunately, sometimes promises and commitments just don’t fly. My stacks now sport a look of messy vitality. No buyer’s remorse, however, with these recent purchases.

Asparagus Pizza with a whole-wheat crust. Too good to imagine. I cut in square pieces and shared with The Gant's front-office staff.

Asparagus Pizza with a whole-wheat crust. Too good to imagine. I cut in square pieces and shared with The Gant’s staff.

Currently I’m loving what cookbook author David Lebovitz has to say in his newest blockbuster My Paris Kitchen. Chef Jody Williams, the self-taught cooking phenom who runs Buvette, a restaurant in New York’s West Village, just published a cookbook by the same name. It’s called Buvette, the pleasure of food. It’s terrific. A sleeper. (So is she.)

The star of my recent cookbook-buying frenzy is River Cottage Veg by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, a ‘well-known British chef, TV personality, journalist, food writer and real food campaigner’. That’s why today I am welcoming you readers to The Cottage Cooking Club, a monthly online cooking group dedicated to Fearnley-Whittingstall’s genius recipes.

The pizza,  just before diving into the oven - note the thicker crust. Thinner is better.

The pizza, just before diving into the oven – note the thicker crust. Thinner is better.

The CCC was created by Andrea Mohr aka The Kitchen Lioness, whose impressive and well-photographed blog was chosen the Food Blog of the Year 2013 by Germany’s foodies magazine. Mohr has been cooking mouthwatering dishes from RCVeg since last August and has inspired others, including me, to buy this book. Many food bloggers in the States and across the Pond will now be joining The Kitchen Lioness to cook this book.

I’m betting you’ll love my first three recipes: Asparagus Pizza, a pie of three cheeses, caramelized onions and roasted asparagus; Radishes with Butter and Salt, a classic French appetizer born from the old-fashioned radish sandwich, an after-school snack for garçons et filles; and, Stir-fried Sesame Cauliflower, an easy stir-fry seasoned with chiles, garlic and ginger.

Add other crudités to this or just slice a baguette to serve as a more substantial appetizer.

Add other crudités to this or just slice a baguette to serve as a more substantial appetizer.

I used my own whole-wheat recipe for the pizza dough and made two pizzas, one thin and one chunky. (Preferred the thin crust.) After sautéing two thinly sliced onions and spreading it on the rolled dough, toss slender asparagus spears on top. I covered each pizza with buffalo mozzarella, grated Parmesan and goat cheese and baked for 12 minutes at 450 degrees. To my mind, using a baking peel lightly coated with corn meal and pizza stone for baking certainly enhanced the product. I shared this pizza with The Gant’s front office staff and their critique was simple, “More.”

Stir-fried Sesame Cauliflower, a quick and easy side dish.

Stir-fried Sesame Cauliflower, a quick and easy side dish.

With the radishes (garden fresh and prettier than mine, I hope), be sure to use a sweet sea salt. I chose Maldon. Sometimes it’s nice to slice a baguette to serve with this appetizer. The stir-fry is quick and easy. After sautéing an onion in sunflower oil, stir in garlic, green chiles and grated ginger. Add the cauliflower florets and a half-cup of water and cook for ten minutes before stirring in sesame seeds, sesame oil, soy sauce and chopped cilantro. This is cauliflower like you’ve never tasted.

My California girls surprised me with a visit over the Memorial Day Week-end while Dad watched over the home front.

My California girls surprised me with a visit over the Memorial Day Week-end while Dad watched over the home front.

Although we cannot publish the recipes, I’d be happy to send the ingredient list/instructions to any of you. Try it. You’ll like it. You aren’t sold yet? Here’s another review from VegetarianTimes:

Why we love it: The author does right by veggies with boldly flavored, globally inspired dishes that’d outshine any steak on the table.The idea is not to replace meat but to ignore it. 
How many: More than 200 vegetarian recipes, about a third of them vegan.
 Who’s it for: Vegetarians looking beyond tofu cutlets and veggie patties; omnivores cutting back on meat.
 What to make right away: Baby Beet Tarte Tatin; Sweet Potato and Peanut Gratin; Herby, Peanutty, Noodly Salad; Vegetable Biryani.

IMG_5947

My 13-year-old granddaughter and many of my friends are vegetarians so I look forward to cooking more vegetable dishes from River Cottage Veg and sharing the results with them and all of you.

FRENCH FRIDAYS:  IT’S A PARTY

FRENCH FRIDAYS: IT’S A PARTY

Ever feel the urge to celebrate, throw a last-minute wine and nibbles soirée? Something, you know, not so fancy-schmanzy. I nominate this week’s recipe, Tuna Rillettes, a pâté made from canned tuna, seasoned and combined with fat (creme fraîche), as your star appetizer.

 

P1010144

 

Luckily this French Fridays with Dorie choice dovetailed neatly into what I needed to pull out of my back pocket last night. The past several days I’ve been in Denver to take a Bells-and-Whistles-Tutorial from Zoe Zuker, the president of the company that redesigned my blog.

Since my new blog went live last month,  Zoe’s been in hand-holding mode until I could get to Denver for some hands-on instruction. We’ve danced through the “Don’t panic, Mary,” and “I’ve got your back.” routine. When I messed up, she steered me back on track. We each made our punch lists. Ready. Set. Go.

 

Tuna Rillettes

Tuna Rillettes

 

The four hour drive to Denver was dicey. When the Chain Law is in effect for trucks, you know that Vail Pass at 10,662 feet will be ugly. Howling winds provoked the falling snow, creating slippery roads and visibility problems. I turned off my audiobook, tightened my seatbelt, murmured “Blizzaks, don’t fail me now,” and eventually arrived in the mile-high city.

After that drive, Zoe-instruction seemed like a walk in the ballpark. Go Rockies!

 

Who can go to work without a good breakfast? Not us?  Zoe poses before eating (and, working.)

Who can go to work without a good breakfast? Not us.  Zoe poses before eating (and, working.)

 

When I arrived home last night, I was bone weary and mentally fatigued but exhilarated by this whole blog accomplishment. I needed to honor that…thus, the party. I would be both the host and the guest of honor.

Are you with me? After throwing my bags on the bed, I took a can of tuna, one shallot and lemon from the pantry. Creme fraîche from the fridge. And, curry powder, allspice, pepper and salt from my spice drawer. I blitzed the ingredients together, transferring the mixture to its serving bowl before slipping it into the fridge for some all-important flavor-blending.

 

The Fruit Platter

Our Breakfast Fruit Platter

 

Savory French Toast (my choice because I'm into Vegetables)

Savory French Toast (my choice because I’m into Vegetables) Yes, I admit it, that’s Hollandaise Sauce.

 

 

Pork Belly Hash (A girl needs her protein.)

Pork Belly Hash for Zoe.  (A girl needs her protein.)

 

I opened a bottle of Côtes de Paso Blanc from Halter Ranch Winery, dished some cornichons and Kalamatas into bowls and pondered my cracker assortment. Sorta Meh. Aw, well. Cocktail napkins? Check. By the time I changed my clothes, the rillettes was ready. Dorie is spot on. “This is soft, spreadable, and just a tad rich, and it’s also quickly made,” she says.

As many of you readers know, my blog began three years ago as a tool for me to insert structure, organization and some pleasure back into my Life. If that was the goal, it’s been accomplished. Although it seems like yesterday, my husband, Michael, died almost two years ago. Since then, and three self-diagnosed nervous breakdowns and a cancelled trip to Europe later, I’ve put my Life back together.

 

Working through a Coffee Break - women can multitask.

Working through a Coffee Break – women can multitask.

 

In doing that, Lights has taken on a Life of its own. The question I’m now most often asked is, “Where do you want this blog to go? Where are you taking it?”  My answer to that is no answer at all. I’m willing to let this creation of mine lead me.

In the past three years this blog has enriched me with new relationships and experiences, professional and personal. I’ve had to re-sharpen my writing and cooking skills. The journalist in me can now add embellishment, exaggeration and humor to my stories. It’s my blog, after all. And, technically? The phrase, “I’m too old for this, Zoe” is not allowed. If Ms. Zuker can successfully run her own company, she seems to feel she’s up to the task of handling me!

 

What is Zoe thinking?

What is Zoe thinking?

 

My Lights will stay on bright as long as I believe I have something worthwhile and positive to share with you readers. I appreciate beyond words your allowing me to do that. At my last night’s party I toasted my blog and myself (first glass of wine). The second toast was to all of you who read it (second glass of wine). And, then I went to bed!

 

Bonne Nuit.

Bonne Nuit.

 

French Fridays with Dorie is an international cooking group working its way through Dorie Greenspan’s Around my French Table. You can grab the recipe for your back pocket here.  While I suspect some of my colleagues also enjoyed a glass of vino with this week’s recipe, you can check out our FFWD site to see. If you want a wonderfully delicious breakfast, go to Fooducopia in Denver.

FRENCH FRIDAYS IS MMMMMM, MMMMMM, GOOD

FRENCH FRIDAYS IS MMMMMM, MMMMMM, GOOD

 

This week’s French Fridays with Dorie recipe is Vegetable Barley Soup with the Taste of Little India. Très confus? Dorie admits this is neither French bistro fare nor authentically Indian. It’s a Greenspan concoction. While walking through a Parisian Indian neighborhood she spotted and bought several tiny sachets of mixed spices. Adding them to a rather conventional root vegetable and barley potage kicked its flavoring out of France and up a notch.

 

Author Brigit Binns, who has written 28 cookbooks, welcomes us to her first cooking class of the season.

Author Brigit Binns, who has written 28 cookbooks, welcomes us to her first cooking class of the season.

 

The veggies are predictable: onions; carrots; and, parsnips. The spices are not: garlic; fresh ginger; turmeric; red pepper flakes; and, Garam Marsala (coriander, black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, kalonji, caraway, cloves, ginger and nutmeg). Chicken broth and pearl barley complete it. The recipe for this heart-healthy dish is included in this recent Chicago Tribune article, Cook Along with French Fridays, giving we Doristas our 15 minutes of fame.

 

Vegetable Barley Soup with the Taste of Little India

Vegetable Barley Soup with the Taste of Little India

 

Admittedly, even tasty soup is just soup. Ho hum. What do you think of adding warm and fragrant Oven-Roasted Olives, Sautéed Cauliflower Wedges with Bagna Cauda  and Hoppe’s crusty artisan bread to this meal? For dessert let’s try Blueberry & Cinnamon Swirl sheep milk ice cream. A 2013 Rosé Galaxie made by winemaker Amy Butler, who owns Ranchero Cellars, banishes any ho-hum thoughts. Read on, you’ll get the picture(s).

 

The Two Cheese Mavens: Lindsay Dodson-Brown of Justin Vineyards & Winery (L) and Alexis Negranti of Negranti Creamery (R)

The Two Cheese Mavens: Lindsay Dodson-Brown of Justin Vineyards & Winery (L) and Alexis Negranti of Negranti Creamery (R) prepare for class.

Last weekend I attended author Brigit Binn’s first cooking class of the season at Refugio, her home in Paso Robles. Binns‘ twenty-eighth cookbook, The New Wine Country Cookbook, Recipes from California’s Central Coast, has been my tour guide and culinary bible since arriving here in January. I barely made the cut of the chosen twelve but for two whining e-mails to Brigit and a last minute cancellation. Who says begging isn’t helpful?

 

The most difficult thing about making ricotta cheese in an outdoor kitchen on a windy day is to keep the burner's flame lit. Brigit and her husband, Casey, try to block the wind!

The most difficult thing about making ricotta cheese in an outdoor kitchen on a windy day is to keep the burner’s flame lit. Brigit and her husband, Casey, try to block the wind!

 

Everyone in the class got to play.

Everyone in the class got to play.

 

The class was entitled Two Cheese Mavens. Lindsay Dodson-Brown of Justin Vineyards & Winery and Alexis Negranti who owns Negranti Creamery helped us make mozzarella and ricotta cheeses. But this was a teaching lesson with sideshows. While we were making cheese, Binns and her husband, Casey, were creating delicious, homemade flatbreads dressed in tasty toppings, roasted baby artichokes and those olives, all made in their wood-burning outdoor oven. Butler poured her 2013 Rosé as well as a 2012 Viognier, and a 2010 Carignan. (More about Winemaker Butler next week.) Do you understand why I humbled myself and groveled?

 

This flatbread is the best I've ever tasted. Briget shared the dough recipe so I will share also if you contact me.

This flatbread is the best I’ve ever tasted. Briget shared the dough recipe so I will share also if you contact me.

 

Casey made his scrumptious olives in their outdoor oven. Mine tasted almost as delicious with my conventional one. Just as tasty the next day, served cold. Quoting from page 274 of Binn’s cookbook: “Toss brine-cured or oil-cured olives with a little olive oil, scatter with some springs of fresh thyme and rosemary, and a little lemon or orange zest. Roast in a shallow pan for 10 to 15 minutes at 425 degrees until the olives are shriveled, aromatic and slightly crisp.” [Between this recipe and Dorie Greenspan’s Herbed Olives, avoid the high-priced olive bars and turn plain, inexpensive olives into Fancy Nancys – Mary]

 

Casey's Olives, roasted in their outdoor oven

Casey’s Olives, roasted in the outdoor oven

 

 

My olives (a different kind) with herbs, olive oil and seasoning, ready for the 425 degree over

My olives (a different kind) with herbs, olive oil and seasoning, ready for my 425 degree oven

 

Just Right

Just Right

 

The cauliflower in my farmer’s market is gorgeous so I couldn’t resist this purchase. I recently found a recipe by Chef Chad Colby for Sauteed Cauliflower Wedges with Bagna Cauda on this blog. Since I’d never made the Italian dipping sauce, Bagna Cauda, before, it was worth a try. Yummy. More about Bagna Cauda-Love in a later Post.

 

P1000992

 

 

Sauteed Cauliflower Wedges with Bagna Cauda

Sauteed Cauliflower Wedges with Bagna Cauda

 

About my dessert. First, you milk a ewe. Now I didn’t have to do that because Alexis Negranti and her husband, Wade, already had. Negranti, who taught us how to make mozzarella, also chit-chatted about her passion,  creating different flavors of sheep milk ice cream – Chocolate, Black Coffee, Raw Honey, Salted Brown Sugar, Pumpkin, Fresh Mint – using fresh produce from local farmers. There’s much to tout about this dish of deliciousness but, for now, be satisfied that its fat content is less than 8%. As I mentioned, this was a feast…with leftovers.

 

Blueberry and Cinnamon Sheeps Milk Ice Cream.  Killer. I'm a convert.

Blueberry and Cinnamon Swirl Sheep Milk Ice Cream. Killer. I’m a convert.

 

 

P1000972

 

French Fridays with Dorie is an international cooking group working its way through Dorie Greenspan’s Around my French Table, more than 300 recipes from my home to yours. To see what my colleagues made this week, check out our FFWD site.

French Fridays Under Stage 3 Drought Restrictions

French Fridays Under Stage 3 Drought Restrictions

This week’s French Fridays with Dorie recipe is Two Tartines from La Croix Rouge. According to Ms. Greenspan, our leader extraordinaire, La Croix Rouge is one of Paris’s busiest, most chic cafés. Chic grabs my interest but it’s the roast beef and smoked salmon tartines that whet my appetite.

 

Two paper-thin slices of the rarest-possible roast beef is needed for this week's Tartine Saint-Germain.

Two paper-thin slices of the rarest-possible roast beef are needed for this week’s Tartine Saint-Germain.

 

Besides being just darn delish, these tartines are easily thrown together and require little equipment, dishes and utensils. Last Saturday the water guru in Cambria, where I am living this winter, invoked Mandatory Stage 3 Drought Restrictions. The crucial word here is mandatory.  Everyone has to play or fine$ are imposed. Despite our recent rains, more than 22% of California still remains in the worst category: Exceptional Drought. Unfortunately, we on the Central Coast are part of that number.

Let’s leave water issues for later and get to the tastier part of my post. Tartines are simply fancy French toasted, open-faced sandwiches topped with any spreadable ingredient that one would eat. The combinations are endless. We Americans being Americans prefer to just slap another piece of bread on top, toasting is optional, and enjoy a sandwich. A Brit, John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich, claims credit for that.

 

A light dinner, Tartine Saint-Germain with roasted brussel sprouts (Spotted at the farmer's market. Sold.)

A light dinner, Tartine Saint-Germain with roasted brussel sprouts (Fresh. Spotted at the farmer’s market. Sold.)

 

The French love their tartines and there are five of them in Greenspan’s Around my French Table cookbook. We’ve made them all. You may remember the Nutella, Dieter’s and Goat Cheese and Strawberry Tartines. Of those three, I remain nuts about Nutella.

At La Croix Rouge the two most popular tartines are Tartine Saint-Germain and Tartine Norvégienne.  For the Tartine Saint-Germain,  start with a 2-inch thick slice of rustic bread. Grill or toast it on one side only. Then, slather the toasted bread with mayonnaise (I suggest using Aïoli, a garlicky mayonnaise and très français.)  Although Dorie says to thinly slice a cornichon or gherkin to lay on top of the mayonnaise before covering the tartine with rare roast beef, I suggest not. Save the pickles for the surface along with salt and pepper. Cut the bread crosswise into one-inch wide strips.  The wine is red.

 

For the Tartine Saint-Germain, I chose a Zinfandel from Peachy Canyon, another Central Coast wine.

For the Tartine Saint-Germain, I chose a Zinfandel from Peachy Canyon, another Central Coast wine.

 

Will it surprise you that the Tartine Norvegiénne includes smoked salmon?  First, repeat the bread drill.  Once toasted,  spread butter (I used homemade dill sauce) on the bread and smother it in smoked salmon. Don’t forget those one-inch crosswise cuts.  Top it off with pepper, capers and sliced lemons. The wine is white.

These were tasty, light dinners for me. Two tartines. Two nights.

 

While I'm not ready to put aside my lox and bagel with creme cheese, this Tartine Novegiénne is tasty.

While I’m not ready to put aside my lox and bagel with creme cheese, this Tartine Novegiénne is tasty.

 

Even better, these were no fuss, no mess, little clean-up, which helps as I try to restrict my water use here. Cambrians are restricted to using no more than two units of water, 1,500 gallons per resident per month. When I think of all the people in the world who have little access to water, I’m not feeling abused.

What I am feeling, however, is naive. Last Saturday I stopped by the local hardware store to purchase a bucket (for the shower, in case you were wondering). While paying, I said to the clerk, “I am a winter resident here and haven’t experienced water restrictions before. Could you give me some tips.” 

 

For this tartine, I chose a chardonnay from Terra Robles, another local winery committed to sustainability.

For the smoked salmon tartine, I chose a chardonnay from Terra Robles, another local winery committed to sustainability.

 

The moral of this story is whenever you have a question, stop by your local hardware store. Business screeched to a halt. Customers gathered around the counter and my water-saving seminar began. Within 15 minutes I knew more than I wanted to know. No dishwasher. (Okay.) Launder colors and whites together. (Maybe.) Buy bottled water for cooking and drinking and brushing your teeth. (Aren’t all those plastic bottles bad for the environment?) Your car remains dirty. ( Or, grab a sponge and that bucket of shower water.) The other tips? (You don’t want to know.)

Next week-end my friends Susan and John Lester who blog at Create Amazing Meals will be coming here to join me for “Vintage Paso: Zinfandel and Other Wild Wines.” Readers, be honest, do you think it would be rude to ask them to bathe before they come?

French Fridays with Dorie is an international cooking group working its way through Dorie Greenspan’s Around my French Table, more than 300 recipes from my home to yours. Please visit the blogs of my other colleagues who do bathe frequently by clicking here.