Hello November

Hello November, my sweet friend, who brings to me the anticipation of :

rainy day
warm comfort food
small gatherings
shopping
fall vintage markets
super moon viewing

My body clock starts the tempo of yearning to wear boots, flannel shirts with age, jeans, leggings, always my go to turquoise jewelry and road trips.  I can always find an excuse to go on a road trip just about any season of the year.

The crisp cooler air mixed with the aromatics of fall.  Heady earthy scents wrap around me.  I stop for a moment...ahhh...one more glorious fall that I will thoroughly embrace for the treasured gifts that I will receive.

I am planning a trip to go to view the fall leaves that turn here in Texas.  Yes, we have leaves that actually give to us the beauty of the jewel tones of fall.  The southwest region has a beautiful drive peppered with hills that give us the beauty of the maples, rich henna colored rock walls, famous apple town of Texas , and the reminder that life is grand in small towns. I will be remote..no T.V. no computer.

Rejuvenate
Reconnect
Relaxtion

I have already started to anticipate my trip.  I have a plan on paper for my Thanksgiving.  I have  a "no-plan" for my non-work days.  Adventures are waiting.  Find your adventure!

I will cook, sit by a fire, look at the wide open sky that twinkles with stars and be grateful.












Take a moment to find your fall adventure.  A gathering with friends would be a great start to kick off the adventures of  November.  How about a Super Moon Viewing on November 14th?

Sparkling Cranberry Drink

2 bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon
1 bottle of Cranberry Sparkling Water
1-2  cans of cranberry or bottles of cranberry drink
ice in star shapes ( if you have a star ice tray) or cranberries frozen in ice

Mix all together.  You can adjust the amount of the cranberry juice to your liking or be creative to add a bottle of pomegrante juice instead of 2 cranberry.  Add the ice cubes just before serving.

This is a lovely drink in a glass drink dispenser.

Cheesey Bread

1 can of crescent rolls in sheet form
1 package of cheddar cheese* only use 4 ounces of cheese
2-4 T  flour
1-2 T butter
pastry brush
paprika
italian seasoning
baking sheet

Preheat oven according to directions on package
roll out sheet on floured board
cut  out shapes with leave cutter or by hand
place on parchment paper on cookie sheet
sprinkle with cheese
dust with paprika and italian seasoning for color

Bake
Remove
Serve hot or cold

Make a beautiful tray of red grapes, walnuts,  cheeses, hummus

Happy Super Moon Gazing!

Fundamental Things

I love the word fundamental.  Fundamental! Fundamental! Fundamental! ...How could you not love the word?  The word has fun and mental which means to me that you need fun for a great mental attitude.  This may be a little primitive in the overall definition or phonetic break down; yet it works for me.

The intrinsic value of a  great mental attitude gives to us the ability to approach any obstacle on our journey.  We should look at our journey being grateful for all the gifts we will receive.  Oh sure, life happens.  Life throws a big ol' curve in your otherwise lovely life plan to stir up you.  Yep..you.

We all become complacent at times on our everyday routine.  Are we giving ourselves the inner encouragement to be positive with a can do attitude towards any obstacle?  Are we embracing our inner self to quietly say "just breathe.. you got this".  Life happens with illnesses, deaths, births, career choices, family issues and then....your own playground of life. Yet no matter what the obstacle might be for the moment or the day; you should choose the stronger positive mentality to endure all that has been placed before you.  

When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us.”Helen Keller

We can choose to make the day a better day.  We can choose to be grateful.  We can choose to look for peace and joy in the smaller things of life instead of always seeking the peace and joy to come from larger events.

Choose today to be the powerful loving person you deserve to be on this journey.

Choose today to be present in the moment.  

Choose to "just breathe"

Choose to be the woman warrior that you are in all areas of your life.

Choose to be brave, thoughtful, kind, compassionate.

Choose to think of others before yourself.


Choose to say hello to a stranger

Choose to be the glorious loving being you are

Choose "it's okay to say no"


Choose to give yourself a "me" day to rejuvenate

Be Here. Be Present.

Wherever you are, be there

Willie Nelson

We are capable of truly being peaceful on our journey.  

October is Calling My Name

Fall...Fall..Fall....

Whirling leaves,cooler days, chilly nights, smell of firewood
Hayrides, fall festive parties
Warm farm to table dinners
Red wine
Peace
Roadtrips
Pumpkins
Gourds
Ravens
Haystacks
Cornstacks


Can you close your eyes for a moment?  Walk out onto your porch.  Embrace the joy in the beauty of the painted fall sunset sky.  Embrace the heady aromatics of fall.  Isn't life wonderfully delicious?

Fall Festive Drink

Sauvignon Blanc
Pomegranate or Cranberry Sparkling Italian Soda
Sparkling Pear Juice
Rum
Triple Sec


2 bottle of wine
1 bottle of sparkling Italian Cranberry or Pomegranate soda
1/2 cup of triple sec
1/2 cup of rum
1/2 cup of pear liquid

Mix, chill..enjoy

Hatch Me Some Loving Savoriness

Hatch Chile season has arrived!  The anticipation of this wonderful green chile grown in the Hatch Valley of New Mexico either has old friends waiting eagerly or met with "what is a Hatch Chile?".  Either response lends for us true afficiandos of this lovely pepper that holds it own with celebrations of a parade, recognized as New Mexico state vegetable, a Hatch Chile Queen festival and more is just one of the many reasons we stand with grills fired up, pans in hand with recipes waiting as we say "Arriba! "  And....just to be correct..this delicious little morsel known as pungent smoky with sweetness is just waiting for all of us foodies to create a new little culinary delight.  

http://www.hatchchilefest.com/

https://youtu.be/AaObd8hJARw

At work I am a cook..I write recipes to invoke the simplest of cooks to seasoned cooks to "hatch" palatable eatables that beckons their guests to scream..MORE please!

Below is a few pictures that I took over the weekend as we celebrated the Annual Hatch Chile Fest at my work.  

Avocado Cream Sauce

2 large avocados

¼ cup cilantro

2 t cumin

1 T  sea salt

1 T EEO olive oil

½ c sour cream

1 T lime juice

Cut, peel and pit avocados.  Add all ingredients in food processor or blender to smooth.

Spicy Coleslaw

2 c shredded red cabbage or ½ head of small red cabbage

4 c shredded cabbage or ½ head of small cabbage

¼ cup chopped cilantro , stems removed

½ c chopped red onion

1 t chili powder

1 t paprika

¼ t red pepper flakes

Vinaigrette

1/3 c Canola oil

1 T lime juice

1 T brown sugar

½ c apple cider vinegar

1 T Mexican seasonings

Whisk ingredients together.  Add the vinaigrette to slaw and toss together to marry the flavors for 30 minutes. 

Pulled Pork

½ carton large 365 chicken broth

4 to 5 pound pork butt roast * trim excess fat

3 cloves garlic

5 T of Mexican seasoning

7 hatch chiles - chopped fresh or 3 cups of roasted chopped chiles

3 c of peaches* peeled

Place all ingredients into crock pot.  Cook for 4 hours (3 on high, 1 on low).  Turn off slow cooker, save some of the juices.  Remove the pork roast to shred then add the peaches, chiles and roast back to cooker with juice to keep on low to serve on your favorite buns!

. 

Celebrating Independence Day

The day as arrived when all of us come together to celebrate our freedom, our independence, our liberty, our love of the red, white and blue.  Celebrations are moments we embrace so that we can reach out to friends, family, acquaintances, neighbors or co-workers to gather for food, fun and frolic.

Yet just for a moment think of the words independence, liberty and freedom.  These three powerful words have marched through our history to bring people together for more than just food, fun and frolic.  Oh, I am not going to go off some soapbox tangent to drum loudly my beliefs..no not a soapbox yet a reflection on those three words.

Independence: not influenced by the actions or thoughts of others.  synonyms are self-government, autonomy, liberty, freedom,separation, self-determination

Liberty: the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by  authority on one's way of life, behavior and political views.  synonyms include autonomy and freedom

Freedom;  the power or right to act, or speak, or think without one's hindrance or restraint.  synonyms self- government, self- determination, autonomy, democracy

I find the power of these words are all linked together through definitions and synonyms.

We, as a nation of people, live on a domestic soil to hopefully find common ground, common beliefs, respect, love, tolerance, acceptance, and love.  Love....love of freedom, love of the country, love of liberty and independence.  Love of men, women and children to come together to build a better community and world.

Celebrate whichever power word is in your heart.  Remember....believe in yourself that you can enjoy the gifts given to us...

The Art of Gourmandizing

I am a gourmandizer...yes I admit that I am a gourmandizer.  I love to create, to explore different cuisine to expand my palate, to nosh with friends, to nosh while researching, to nosh with family...yes I love to gourmandize!

Do you find yourself seeking a new way to prepare a favorite dish?  Do you seek to improve the dish for a healthier option?  Maybe partake more of a plant based lifestyle?  Enjoy fruits and vegetables?  I am forever seeking new ideals or simply to look at fruit, vegetables, grains, bread, tofu, greens as a wide open canvas of deliciousness.

Summer is here....grilling food will be more readily adapted to our lifestyle of preparing meals.  Let's explore grilling.


Appetizer

Rosemary Bruschetta
Yield 20 servings (possibly more depending on how large you cut the slices)

1 Boule of Rosemary Sourdough  * cut on bread slicer if available to 14
Grill to the side of hot coals.  Brush with light olive oil. Turn till grill marks show
Remove slices of Rosemary
Cut into 4ths
Place on a treated driftwood platter or a favorite platter

Surround the platter with fresh herbed goat's cheese, heirloom tomatoes marinated in sea salt with olive oil and cut in half , caramalized red onions, bowls of lemon hummus, fresh arugula, olive medley,  small slices of sweet red marinated peppers .


Lemon and Cilantro Grilled Chicken
Yield 6 servings

6 free range chicken breasts
You may place your breasts in a plastic bag to roll to 3/4 thickness if you like a thinner chicken breasts.
1 cup  of lemon juice
2 cloves of garlic (mashed)
1 cup of olive oil
sea salt and tri colored peppercorns to taste
Fresh sage to taste.  Be bold with your herbs!  Choose more like thyme, lemon grass..

Let marinate in a glass dish for at least 1 1/2  hours to marry the flavors together. NO METAL to be used when marinating with acidic marinades.

Have your coals ready or gas grill to medium heat.  Cook at 350 degrees to 375 degrees is the key  Oil the grates to prevent sticking of meat always!   Cook your chicken breasts on each side for a few minutes.  Be sure to use a meat thermometer!


Grill until done internally 165 degrees.  Some cooks pull at 150 degrees to keep the moisture and full flavor.

Enjoy!


Zesty Arugula Salad
Yield: 6 servings

1 container arugula salad
6 sliced radishes
2 to 3 roma tomatoes
Grilled Asparagus
Grilled Red Peppers
Grilled onions

Crumbled Black Pepper Feta cheese

 Make a bed of arugula on a salad plate, lay the grilled asparagus, red peppers and onions over the salad greens, lay slices of  spicy radishes or radish sprouts then top of with juicy slices of romas with cracked black pepper feta cheese.

Dressing:  Delicious lemon vinaigrette

June is Here! June is Here!!! Summer is around the corner

Summer is the time when one sheds one's tensions with one's clothes, and the right kind of day is jeweled balm for the battered spirit.  A few of those days and you can become drunk with the belief that all's right with with world. ~Ada Louise Huxtable

Oh, the days when the temperatures rise, the days are beautiful with bright blue skies, and the smell of summer is just around the corner.  You know the smells of summer....snowcones, fresh churned ice cream, heady scents of flowers, deep dark nights with bright twinkling stars with faint aromas of outdoor grills...the sounds of summer...laughter,dancing, outdoor movies, outdoor concerts, outdoor activites abuzz with your friends..the smell of the lake, swimming holes,boating,  the beach, the sand, the rocks..Ahhhh..the crisp clean summer will arrive with the Summer Soltice.  Are you ready????

When I embrace the season upon us I find that I want to make each day filled with adventure.  The Gypsy's Table is always ready to be creative!

Over the few months of summer we will explore simple ideals to decorate your outdoor living area, lake home, beach house, your home with just a few simple touches of summer so you can enjoy all the season has to give to you, your friends, family and loved ones.

Concerts in the parks have recently begun here in my hometown.  A great early evening to gather your friends to have a picnic, a great chilled glass of wine and enjoy the local music.  I always enjoy taking quite a few little morsels to enjoy while listening to those great tunes.

Picnic 

Roasted Red Pepper Grilled Chicken Sandwiches

2 Multigrain baguettes
6 Red Leaf Lettuce leafs
1 small pinch of Arugula
Red onion sliced
6 Small Grilled chicken breasts * these can easily be picked up in your Prepared Food section of your market if you do not have time to grill.  1 Large breast can be cut into 2
2 Sliced Roma Tomatoes
Pesto Aoili Sauce
6 slices of Roasted Red Peppers
2 Slices of Mozzarella Cheese

Grill your chicken breasts season with lemon mixed with a little olive oil, garlic salt, sea salt and pepper or pick up grilled chicken breasts from your market prepared food section.

Cut the baguettes into thirds then split to open.  Take a heaping tablespoon of the pesto aoili sauce to spread evenly on both sides of baguette,1 slice of roasted red pepper then  chicken on one side , 2 slices of mozzarella cheese, 1 leaf of red lettuce, a pinch of arugula, roma tomatoes with 1 to 2 slices of red onion, season lightly with sea salt and pepper.

Pesto Aoili Sauce

3 T Pesto
2 T lemon
1 C Mayo

Mix well.

Serve with fresh fruit salad, sea salt pita chips or your favorite salad.

I hope you will take the time to stop by to visit me at The Gypsy's Table on your travels during the summer.  My table always has an extra chair or two...let's create together the perfect summer season!

Hemp - A Natural Source of Goodness

Hemp Seeds

Hemp - misunderstood and under rated.  Farmers, since 1937, have been prohibited growing hemp seeds in the U.S..  This  is just another way for a natural resource to not be able to reach us at local markets.  We can import, as most farmers do, from Canada and other sources.  This crop can be grown without the use of pesticides or commercial agriculture!!!  What in the world are we waiting for?????  We could all do without the use of chemicals in our food, right?  We could all do with a natural seed to be worked into clothing....right?

Maybe it is the myth that needs to be debunked of "you can get high if you eat hemp seed"!  The farmers are working hard to educate, bring awareness of this versatile seed and definitely enlighten the masses that this hemp is the not the same as marijuana with little to no THC residual in the seed and absolutely no drug value.

Hemp seeds have been eaten for thousands of years.  They are full of nutrition with fiber, high quality protein, all omega essential fatty acids, amino acid essentials , iron, zinc and magnesium.  A versatile seed that can be eaten raw, ground into hummus or pestos, milk, baked and clothing.

You can begin by making your own recipes or look for several awesome products at your local markets.  I am, for one, a huge fan of this little bundle of awesomeness.  How about you?

Hemp Seed and Avocado Goodness Sandwich
Yield:  2 sandwiches
Prep:  10 minutes

Hemp Seed Bread
Lemon Hummus
3 large avocados
sea salt
black pepper
cilantro* use only if you like or use your favorite mexican seasoning
1 large seeded jalapeno - chopped fine
Radish sprouts, bean sprouts, or sprouts of your choice
Fresh tomatoes * take advantage of your beautiful orange or yellow to add a pop of color
2 large roasted pepper slices
Arugula


 Avocados mashed with lemon juice, sea salt and black pepper.  Add one seeded jalapeno, cilantro* or mexican seasoning.
Toast hemp seed bread.  Spread lemon hummus on both sides of toasted hemp bread.  Spread the avocado goodness on one side, lay roasted red pepper, then tomatoes, arugula.  Lay second slice on top.

Enjoy your healthy yummy sandwich.  Serve with a whole wheat flax seed and onion pita chip or a cup of cold gazpacho soup!

Rain Falls

Ahh.... the deep aromatic scents of rain..earthy, seedy, rich, heady, sweet...just a few descriptives.  However, there really is a scientific term or two that actually describe the scents we smell and react to when we experience the good rain that creates those downpours actually brings to our Mother Earth.

I love rain.  I love the clap of the rolling thunder, the dance of lightening, the amazing changing colorful palette of the sky, the happiness of the birds singing, and the great rewards we receive from Mother Earth.  The way the raindrops pelt against my windowpanes reminding me that this is liquid sunshine.  Yes, I love rain.

We, in Texas, have been in a drought for so long.  We have experienced the loss of beautiful lakes, farmers crops,cattle ranchers livestock loss, loss of livestock and water reservoirs have suffered extreme loss.  I know that the torrent rains can bring serious damage with sheets of rain causing flooding, animal and people needing to be rescued, hail, tornadoes, high winds..oh yes the wrath of the storm.  Yet when the storm faces us we quickly gather as we heighten our natural direction to survive, to protect, to assist others in need and we see that through the storm we are refreshed, rejuvenated, stronger, and grateful.  Grateful...I am grateful.

This picture is taken by an awesome photographer (credits in lower right corner of pic) of my hometown, Austin.

I hope that you find the path to gratefulness of the beauty of the rainstorm.  The rainbow is always at the end of the storm.  Just look for your rainbow.

Rainy Day Recipes


French Bread Pizzas
Yield: 16 slices
Prep time:  45 minutes
Bake time: 10 -15 minutes
Oven: 350 degrees

2 Large loaves of french bread
Cut veggies to include red onion, heirloom tomatoes, spinach, basil, rosemary, eggplant, yellow squash
Saute or oven roast veggies with
1 C of cooked chicken or other meat
2 T olive oil * you may need to add 2 T of olive oil to saute
Sea Salt to taste
1 T of Italian Seasoning
Grated Parmesan, Cotija Cheese
Pesto or your choice of spread



Marinate veggies in olive oil with sea salt for around 30 minutes. Pan saute veggies to bring to a "tender state" but do not overcook.  Brush sides of bread with pesto or you choice of spread.  Spread veggies evenly over 4 split french loaves.  Add your cooked meat, let bake for 10 minutes then add cheese for the last five minutes to baking time.

You may grill these on your personal grill as well.  Just place over medium coals to grill bread first then add toppings to finish grill time of around 10 minute to 15 minutes

Cut into slices horizontally.

Grilled Dessert Delights
Prep Time:  30 minutes
Grill Time:  3 minutes
Yield:  6 or 12

2 packages  Angel Food Dessert Shells * 6 per package usually
Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, mangoes, strawberries - toss with honey or agave.  Let rest for 30 minutes
Heavy Whipping Cream - 1 pint  equals 2 C.  I am not listing whip cream amounts as you may wish to make more for personal use.
Powder Sugar

Whip heavy whipping cream with powder sugar.  Whip till peaks form.

Grill dessert shells on stove top griddle, grill, or George Foreman Grill.  Use a high heat non-gmo spray for your griddle or lightly brush personal grill with an oil over medium coals.

Remove dessert shells.  You may serve 1 dessert shell for each guest topped with fruit and whipped cream or you may stack dessert shells.

Enjoy!!

Happy Hour Is Really More Than An Hour

Happy Hour an event where we gather with friends, family, co-workers, acquaintances or possibly striking up a conversation with a new person enjoying their "Happy Hour".

I am drawn to definitions of words or terms that we apply to possibly justify celebrating any event or to possibly just use for us to wind down, amp up or collect our mess of a self to rally on throughout the week.

Happy:  feeling or showing pleasure or contentment.  synonyms:  cheerful, cheery, merry, joyful, good spirits, in a good mood, lighthearted, buoyant.  Also fortunate, lucky, favorable, advantageous, opportune, timely, well timed convenient

Hour:  a period of time equal to a twenty-fourth part of a day and night and divided into 60 minutes.  a less definite period of time.

Wow, I can see the benefits of the Happy Hour!  I am encouraged to show pleasure with a cheery, merry good spirit to celebrate a well timed convenient period of time or a less definite period of time. Who wouldn't be in a good mood as the opportune less definite period of time is most definitely fortunate  in a timely advantageous period of time dedicated to a joyful outing!   Whew, did I use my adjectives with my noun to paint the vision?????

I choose happy hours any time of the day.  You can turn any 60 minutes to a celebration at the table with coffee, morsels of sweet ooey goodness, rich savory noshes, warm or sweet wines or create your own cheery joyful less definite period of time to shake off the ol' arm of stress, celebrate a milestone or goal, special occasions or how about celebrating you?  Yes, you read that correctly, buttercup..celebrate you!

I love "Happy Hours"!!  After all...being happy, by definition, seems to be a perfectly awesome way to approach your journey.  Don't you agree????

Bruschetta is an Italian dish with crusty bread, olive oil, tomatoes and basil.  I love to step out into the creative culinary delight by creating toppings that can be included with the Tuscan Tomato Bruschetta recipe listed below.

Bruschetta Bar

French Baguettes, sourdough mini boules -
Proscuitto
Sopressta
Salami
Rare sliced steak
Salmon
Shrimp
Hummus
Artichokes
Olives - visit your
Cheese - goats, bleu cheese, gorgonzola, aged cheddar
Brie
Nuts
Roasted vegetables
Roasted peppers
garlic buttons
sweety peppers
tapenades

Slice your french baguettes into rounds - toast  with parmesan, garlic/olive oil, or leave natural.  For larger bruschettas you can slice a mini sourdough boule or a flavored sourdough like rosemary into a larger slices.  For the larger slices considering toasting to turn into a mini pizza or larger bruschetta.

Arrange breads on a large platter.  Surround the platter with small ramekins filled with any of the suggested toppings or select your own.

Tuscan Tomato 
Yield:  12- 20 servings
Prep Time:  15 minutes

6 Organic large roma tomatoes
Sweet peppers * I love the sweety peppers from Whole Foods located on our olive bar
1 jar of organic artichoke hearts
Lemon Pepper
Sea Salt
Fresh Spinach Leaves
Fresh Basil
Pinch of garlic salt
Cracked pepper feta cheese

Slice firm roma tomatoes into chunks- think small not large.  Combine with artichokes, sweet peppers, sea salt and lemon pepper.  Remove stems from spinach and fresh basil.  Chiffonade the spinach and basil.  Mix all together to let flavors marry.

Be sure to add the Cracked Pepper feta cheese to the bar mix as it is delightful with the Tuscan Tomato topping.  This topping is also fun when creating grilled pizzas!

Lemon and Blood Orange  Zinger Wine
Yield:  12 servings
Prep Time:  10 minutes

2 bottles of Savignon Blanc
1 bottle of lemon sparkling water
1/2 to 1  bottle of Blood Orange  Italian Soda
2 large lemons
2 small oranges

Mix all the wine, sparkling water and italian soda  together.  Slice the lemons and oranges into rings add to the pitcher of wine mixture.  Save some lemons and oranges for drink garnishes or freeze in ice cube trays! Be creative with italian sodas for the flavor can change your zinger wine.  I love blood orange, pomegranate, cherry, strawberry, orange, lime, chili infused!!!


So..what are you waiting for?????  Let's gather at the Gypsy's Table to celebrate a cheerful, good time, joyful less definite period of time..aka Happy Hour

Yummy goodness

Morsels of sweet peppers, basil and vegetables

Brunch to Celebrate the Women in Your Life

May 8

Not all the women in your life may have children.   However along the way of their journey I am sure they have nurtured a friend during times babbling "mother inspired" sayings, baby sat, had a sibling or even a pet or two.  Yes, motherhood takes on many forms and hats... If you are like me your Mom is now your angel ever present in your journey.

As I listen to one of  my favorite bluegrass artist, Sarah Jaroz, I thought I would be berry inspired for a fun celebration brunch

Celebrate !  Just Celebrate the Life of Your Women Friends, Daughters, Sisters, Cousins, Aunts, Co-workers, Neighbors...just Celebrate!!

Gift Ideals

Small nosegays of picked or purchased flowers
A coupon for a picnic lunch
A coupon for a "Mom's Day" out
Lotions, creams, bath bombs, cleansers made by you with natural products * more on recipes on another blog soon
Movie or movie tickets
Dinner preparations for two or four
Bottle of wine with chocolate
Crafted gifts made by the grandchildren
Live Music Outing
Museum or Wildflower Center visit

The thought in the gift is what truly is measured.  Be as simple as your want or extravagant but make sure that the gift is a reflection of the recipient .

Now about those recipes

Berrylicious Sangria
Yield 8 to 10 6 oz glasses

1  to 2 bottles of Sparkling Fruit Flavored Water or Fruit based bottled Italian Soda*** you may use a ginger infused italian soda or lemon infused to bring more flavor to the sparkling water
1 to 2  Bottles of Savignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
1/2 cup of simple syrup* be sure to taste first then add as needed for sweetness
Berries of your choice * 10 to 12
Fresh Lemon wedges
Ice Cubes with berries and lemons

Serve in an 6 oz wine glass

Decadent French Toast
Yield:  6 to 8 servings

2  loaves of orange/white chocolate bread, orange bread, cherry bread, lemon bread or challah.  Ask if your bakery can slice on 16 or cut into thick slices
Variety of berries, mango  slices or chunks * I use frozen which are very delicious, grilled peaches
 1 - 1 1/2 cups of Chocolate ganache or rich chocolate topping sauce
Powder sugar
Whip Cream or Creme Fraiche
Toasted Almonds

Now let's build!

Brush lightly with butter to pan toast bread.  Mix berries and fruit with sugar to sweeten or agave,  Place a tablespoon on toast to spread to ends, then add fruit mixture on slice of bread, sprinkle with a little powdered sugar,  put 2nd  slice of toasted bread on top.  Add whip cream or creme fraiche with a spoon drizzle of chocolate topped with more powder sugar.  Top with a sprinkle of toasted almonds.

For heartier appetites you can include turkey bacon, apple cured bacon or links to serve along side
Mini quiches

Coffee Bar

Fresh brewed Coffee
Whip Cream
Flavored Cream
Cinnamon
Mocha or chocolate powder
Nutmeg
Caramel

Fresh Juice Bar
Mango
Pineapple
Guava


Now I do not have pictures as I write without cooking the dish at the time.  So..here is the closest picture..

Celebrate!  Celebrate!  Celebrate!

Cinco De Mayo

The merriment of Cinco De Mayo celebrated on May 5th, is  filled with festivals, traditions, music and great food!  I am posting  a few recipes for you to join in the merriment.

 We do not really celebrate Cinco De Mayo at work however there are is plenty a buzz to bring the merriment to the people who live and visit the local places peppered throughout downtown Austin. Our store is located near buildings housing businesses, condos, and of course our  everyday shoppers come to visit us reguarly.  

My job is a fun job at work.   I am a Sales Driver which is to create with our local, sustainable, own brands and exclusive products simple meals, special events, wine tastings, craft beer parties and just about any other event you would love to create.  I love to create simple offerings from our vast resources to show our guests that they can keep within their budget by choosing our offerings and to create the event with a minimal time of prep to the time to serve.

Today my merriment will include a pop up event.  A pop up event is where I create a simple meal, appetizer, or dessert for our guests to purchase.  I showcase our  local, sustainable, healthy food selections for my creations to bring knowledge to our guests about our products with simple recipes to recreate the menu at home!  I love that the products we use provide local in house prep from our departments, local or exclusive, our Health Starts Here program, own brand, and sustainable to guide our guests to a  awesome experience while in our store.

Yes, I love my job!  I am a baker, cake decorator, wet scratch baker, and pastry 1 baker with the mix of a cook.   An awesome experience each day that brings a never ending opportunity to learn and share my knowledge with our guests and my team members.


Black Bean Corn Salad
Yield: 12 servings
Prep time:  15 minutes

1 20 oz can of black beans (organic or you can make your own)
2 c of frozen corn (organic, non gmo or shuck from husks of corn * need to cook first if from fresh)
1/4 c of fresh chopped cilantro * you can chop or find chopped prepackaged in produce
1/4 c Lime vinaigrette
 2 T Gourmet Chili Lime Seasoning (or your own brand or your own recipe)
1 T cumin
1 T smoked paprika
3 T chopped red onion ( you can use more to taste)

Combine all the ingredients together to marry the flavors a day before or the morning of the day you are going to serve.  All the seasonings above can be adjusted to your own personal tastes.

Spicy Coleslaw

Yield: 12
prep time: 15 minutes

1 1/2  large packages of coleslaw * prepackaged or cut your own vegetables
Lime Vinaigrette to taste
1 to 2 T cumin
3 T cilantro
Gourmet Chili Lime Seasoning

Combine all the ingredients the night before or 5 hours before event to marry the flavors

Green Sauce Pulled Chicken 

Yield:  20 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 6 hours
Warm time:  30 minutes

5 frozen chicken breasts
1/4 c chicken broth low sodium
2 T cumin
2 T Gourmet Chili Lime Seasoning
1 can green enchilada sauce * make your own if you do not want to use canned

Place chicken  in crock pot with ingredients on low for 6 hours.  Remove chicken from crockpot to shred using two forks.  Remove broth from crockpot.
Place chicken back in crockpot, pour the green enchilada with 2 T of stock, and 1 T cumin to mix and warm until serving.

Serve with soft flour tortillas, corn tortillas, flavored tortillas, or a mix of half flour/half corn tortillas.  Be sure to warm your tortillas for around 5 to 10 minutes.  Wrap your tortillas in foil to warm in your oven set at 350 degrees.

Serve soft tortillas with pulled chicken, spicy coleslaw and avocado crema sauce

Avocado Crema Sauce
Yield: 12 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes

2 large avocados or prepared avocado dip/cream sauce located in produce section
2 T cumin
1/2 C Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
Lime Vinaigrette dressing to taste * I used around 1 T to 2 T
1 t cilantro * used to your taste

Be sure to serve with my Raspberry Lemonade Sangria posted earlier.


Feliz Cinco De Mayo!

May Day Celebration

As I sit to reflect the long week there is joy in warmly remembering all my adventures with a smile on my face and a cup of joe in my hand.  Perfect morning, right?  Birds are singing, crisp morning air embracing the anticipation of a great 1st weekend for May.

I am taken back to a time where there were celebrations of brightly colored wrapped poles with the bright streamers flowing as we reached out to wrap our hands around dancing and laughing.  Ahh,  the simple joys of youth enjoying an old tradition.  May Day traditions.....

I wanted to learn more about this tradition of May Day.  Where do I go?  Google of course to learn more about this ancient celebration.  There are several sites to give a simple explanation to a long historical summary.  I simply like to think of May Day as the holiday as the time between the equinox and solstice celebrating the waxing of the sun with an age old art of tradition of a brightly wrapped pole to dance gleefully. In olden days a tree was wrapped with ribbon as trees are a symbol for vitality and abundance for Spring.

 I am not sure of this tradition is practiced very much but I think to revive this lovely ideal would be wonderful.  In the 20th century the tradition of small paper cones of beautiful flowers or sweets were anonymously taken to hang on the neighbors doors, left on porches or doorsteps.  I think this lovely gift would be perfect to give to anyone on your journey.  A co-worker, a new neighbor, a life long friend or a new friend would be surprised and pleased with this small token of a fragrant gift, don't you think?

I hope that today on your May Day celebration that you take the time to create a fun tradition with your friends and family.  The table is a place for you to reach deep inside to find the creative slumbering soul.  Just reflect on what the holiday could mean to you, friends, neighbors and family to bring a beloved old tradition refined into a new tradition to celebrate May Day.

May Day Celebrations

Paper cones made of brightly wrapped paper embellished with bright ribbon streamers. Fill the cones with sweets (homemade or bought) or bright colored flowers.  Place on your neighbors doorsteps, take one to work, give to a friend.

Create a Maypole with streamers to have a May Day dance and potluck with neighbors.  Create a crown with a wreath of flowers with bright ribbons to wear for the girls and a crown of leaves with sticks for the boys.  You might want to include music with everyone who plays a musical instrument to sing songs around the firepit as you gaze upon the magnificent stars.

Create a farm to table decor with the table decorated with fresh cut flowers, garlands of ivy, lights in mason jars to give a fairy effect and place cards written with small tokens of what spring brings to us.


May Day  Merriment

Spring Salad

Yield:  8 - 10 servings

1 package of Herbed Spring Mix Salad
Feta Cheese or crumbled goats cheese
Edible Flowers * usually found in your packaged herb section at local  market
Red, orange and yellow bell peppers
Strawberries
Blueberries
Roasted pecans
Dried Cranberries
Unsalted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
Whole Foods Lemon Tahini Dressing

Use one container or package of herbed spring mix salad.  Garnish with red, orange, and yellow bell peppers cut in thin julienne strips.  Add strawberries cut in half with blueberries and dried cranberries.  Toss roasted pecans, crumbled goats or feta cheese with lemon dressing.

Mozzarella Basil Tomato Sandwiches
Yield:  8 sandwiches

2 loaves of Sea Salted Ciabatta bread
Basil Pesto * 1/2 c or more to your taste
Spinach leaves * fresh from bin or packaged
Mozzarella sliced thick
Thick cut slices of Heirloom or local grown tomatoes
Basil leaves or Sprigs of Rosemary
Olive oil to drizzle lightly

Split the loaves of ciabatta.  Spread the basil pesto on both sides of the loaves ( I love basil pesto so I said to start with a 1/2 cup for each loaf).  Place the thick slices of mozzarella, leaves of spinach to cover the mozzarella, slices of tomatoes, drizzle lightly with olive oil.

Place the top layer of bread on top of the bottom layer filled with mozzrella, basil pesto, spinach leaf and tomato goodness.  Cut your bread half  then in quarters.  Each loaf should yield  4 sandwiches.
Wrap in parchment paper or tissue wrap with a string then place a sprig of rosemary or basil leaf tucked into the bow of the string.

For the Kids

Make My Day Pizza

Pizza dough homemade, Burrito sized tortillas wheat or white or gluten free, packaged pizza dough from Traders Joe or go by your local bakery inhouse of your favorite grocery store.  If they have a scratch bakery or make french bread ask to purchase a unbaked loaf of the dough

Roll out your pizza dough then cut into rounds.  Make the size of rounds to your liking

Toppings for kids to select from to place on pizza
Precooked chicken strips
pepperoni, hamburger meat * all precooked
grilled onions, peppers, mushrooms * all precooked
Mozzarella cheese, goats cheese or Parmesan * all grated

Be sure to use the medium heat side on your grill.  Take a thick towel to dip in olive oil to rub on grates.  Be sure to have a mitt on for safety to your hands. 
Grill the dough for 2 - 3 minutes on each side
Add toppings and cheese.  Keep on grill just to melt cheese.  You may close the lid but watch
carefully


Dessert Pizzas

Grill as above
Add fresh strawberries, blueberries, pineapple
Drizzle with chocolate over pizzas


Happy May Day!


* I hope to start taking my pictures soon as I cook.  Balance..balance and Just Breathe.  I used pictures from just generic pics found so you can see for reference

Bee Conscious

My job raises issues consistently that encourages me to be conscious of our environment.  My work encourages me to be involved, be responsible for a better planet, a sustainable backyard that broadens its arms into a sustainable world to improve our overall conditions of living a healthier more productive life.  Yes..my job enriches me through the key teachings of the steps we must take as individuals to become involved in a global effort to save an ecosystem to sustain life.

Bee conscious is about our friend the bee and his friends.  Pollinators...interesting word...humans are pollinators, that is us sista girl, in our ecosystem through our gardening.  

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollinator 

Fascinating that we have depleted in our years our one precious valuable resource  of our pollinators that create a sustainable ecosystem.

 I am a cook, gardener, a creative soul and a person who loves the beauty of the bees, butterflies, moths and hummingbirds.  I created a sanctuary for my peaceful joy of  the most beautiful butterfly/hummingbird garden when I owned my home. I created a indigenous garden that included plants that would sustain a food source for them to thrive.  The sheer delight during the day of  when I saw the beauty of the colors of the butterflies dancing with dragonflies, moths and hummingbirds brought such joy and peace to my day.  A loving gift..

A tribute to our friends that help us to enjoy the simple rewards of their loving fruit of labor.

Honeylicious Lemonade

Serves 6 to 8
Prep time 5 min
cook time 1-2 min
Total time 7 min

1 to 1/2  cups of  lemon juice * 6 large lemons  this is based on taste of the lemon flavor you enjoy 

1 liters of filtered water

1 cup of local honey

Heat the water to mix the honey well.  Do not overheat!
Mix together  the lemon juice, water and honey
Serve in your favorite to serve over ice with a sprig of mint with two berries of your choice and a lemon slice.

Essence of Earth Cheese Platter

Rich Double Creme Brie

Veined Blue Cheese

Herbed Goats Cheese

Manchengo
Gouda

Serve with a rustic baguette, walnuts, roasted pecans, fresh figs, blackberries with local honey drizzled over the cheeses.
Embellish with edible flowers found in the packaged herb sections of your market.

Serves  10 - 12 people
Prep time 15 minutes

Shall We Gather At The Table

Have you ever looked up the definition of a table?   The definition is quite diverse as we find  the list to include noun, architecture, tables, music, jewelry, adjective, verb, parliamentary tables and idioms. I like the definition of "an article of furniture consisting of a flatlike, slablike top supported on one or more legs or other supports".

A thick slab of wood in a deep rich color or a shabby white , a little nicked with love,  that is sturdy giving  support to the center energy of a home.  A table can be  filled with food, flowers, a  worn crevice where bread was kneaded, a gathering spot for family or friends, loving craft table..oh yes a table is teeming with endless possibilities for a rewarding energetic creative palette..your palette

The next time you gather at the table take a long gaze at your table. With an fresh approach take the step to be  innovative with what you can create with love and passion.

"The table is a meeting place, a gathering ground, the source of sustenance, and nourishment, safety and satisfaction.  A person cooking is a person giving:  Even the simplest food is a gift." - Laurie
Colwin

Sustenance:  something (such as food) that keeps someone or something alive
: something that gives support, help or strength -merriam-webster definition

The quintessential Gypsy's Table is my perfect haven!  I hope you find yourself to be in your perfect haven!

Happy Gathering

April is Grilled Cheese Month! I am immediately transported to a more simple time taken back to the kitchen table where a rich thick bowl of tomato soup paired with my grilled cheese sandwich made the day a whole lot better. I enjoyed the melty goodness between two slices of bread grilled to perfection in an iron skillet. But now we have taken this classic to another level to appeal to kids and adults with the goodness a wide selection of cheeses, toppings and breads.


The History of Grilled Cheese

The availability of processed cheese with inexpensive loaves of bread became  the staple in a persons diet in the 1920's and during the depression era. In World War II countless "melted cheese" sandwiches were served. The earliest forms of the grilled cheese or known as "melted cheese or toasted cheese" was typically served open face with grated American cheese throughout the years until about 1965 when a second piece of bread was added mainly to make the meal more filling.

The Comforts of Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

We all love to prepare grilled cheese sandwiches even in the simplest forms of just a great bread and cheddar cheese. Yet now we can embark on a culinary delight as our journey takes on to find great grainy breads, ciabattas with rosemary or sea salt, or sourdoughs. With an endless selection of breads  to choose  we step into our gooey goodness to make our grilled cheeses either prepared open faced paninis, outdoor grills or on a griddle. Take a stroll down the cheese aisles as rich Gruyeres, smoked goudas, aged white cheddars, spicy cheeses laced with peppers such as jalapenos, hatch chilies or habaneros, goat cheese, veined beautiful bleu cheeses just beckon to be made into your signature grilled cheese. Add some pizazz with pestos, aioli, roasted red peppers, bacon, avocados, pears, figs, or artichokes!

Heck, don't just stop with National Grilled Cheese Month make every month a way to explore the fun ways as you create your own favorite version of your grilled cheese.

Bacon, Aged White Cheddar and Guacamole Grilled Cheese

Loaf of Sourdough bread sliced on number 14
12 slices Bacon cooked to crispy perfection
1/2 cup of Aged English White cheddar per sandwich
2 Tablespoons of guacamole * make 1/2 cup to 1 cup of guacamole

Place 1/4 cup of Aged English White Cheddar on bread slice, 2 T of guacamole, 2 slices of bacon, top with the remaining 1/4 cup of cheese.  Lightly brush sourdough with high heat sunflower oil or spray griddle with high heat sunflower oil.  * note it is important to use high heat oils when using panini presses or griddles to prevent smoking.  The buttery richness of the sunflower oil is great!

Yields 6 sandwiches