Monthly Archives: July 2012

Summer Sides- Potato Zucchini Bake & Raw Corn Salad

30 Monday Jul 2012

Posted by in salad, seasonal, Side dish

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Food:

Potato Zucchini Bake 6-9 servings

2 c. cubed red potatoes (farmers market)

2 c. cubed zucchini (farmers market)

4 small shallots, chopped (Big Papa’s garden)

1/4- 1/2 c. chopped parsley (my garden)

1/4-1/2 c. chopped mint (farmers market)

6 oz Aggiano Beehive Cheese, cubed (farmers market)

salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 365 degrees. In a large bowl mix the potatoes, zucchini, shallots, cheese, mint and parsley. Season liberally with salt and pepper. Toss again.

2. Pour the mixture into your favorite medium size baking dish. Press the mixture into the dish to even it out and compact it just a bit.

3. Bake for 45 minutes or until the top is slightly brown and the cheese is super melty. Cool just a minute and serve warm.

Raw Corn Salad serves 6

6 ears of raw corn, cut the kernels from the cob (farmers market)

1- 1 1/2 c. cherry tomatoes, halved (my garden)

1 cucumber, peeled, seeds removed and diced (farmers market)

1-2 garlic cloves, minced (farmers market)

1/4 c. chopped basil (my garden)

2 T. Slide Ridge Honey Vinegar

1 T. olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

1. Place the raw corn kernels, tomatoes, cucumber, garlic and chopped basil in a bowl. Toss lightly.

2. In a separate bowl mix together the vinegar and olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

3. Drizzle the vinegar/olive oil mixture over the corn mixture and toss lightly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour and serve chilled.

Love:

Pictured above is the two summer sides and McDowell Family Farm grilled chicken. Does summer get any better than this? I don’t think so. We also had a High West Vodka Lemonade- yum! Summer is all about fresh local ingredients and these side dishes are full of just that. The Raw Corn Salad is fresh and sweet, the Potato Zucchini Bake is full flavored and comforting, perfect with grilled chicken. I hope one of these dishes shows up at your next get together.

Cocktails and Popcorn Balls

22 Sunday Jul 2012

Posted by in dessert, DIY, Drinks

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Let me start by saying I can’t believe how fast this summer is going, and how much fun we have been having! Phew- I’m tired!

Last week I got to be apart of the Ebay Green Team at this years EVO 2012 Blog Conference (elevating woman in social media) at the Canyon’s Resort in Park City, Utah. Different companies sponsor the event and showcase their missions anyway they want, hopefully in way that will speak to the attendees and inspire them in their own lives. Ebay’s Green Team’s mission was to show case what it means to live green, from buying vintage furniture instead of new, buying organic cotton blankets and throws and decor made from recycled materials, to eating locally sourced food.

The food part is where I come in, I linked up my buddy from eBay (JD Norton) with my friend (Chantelle Bourdeaux and Lisa McCune of Juniper Co.) from Salt Lake to source the food, I was asked to represent the food! What a gig, you mean you are going to PAY me to talk to people about local organic food and why it is important? Guess how long it took me to accept this gig? 1.7 seconds!

During those three days we served food from all over Utah, cocktails made with local ingredients from Park City and Northern Utah, popcorn balls made with only TWO ingredients one from Park City and the other from Logan, local meat and cheeses from Heber Valley, Salt Lake City, and Eden, and local eggs from Provo were used in mini cheesecakes and quiches. The goal was that the attendees would feel inspired to make versions of the treats they had in our suite when they got home using local ingredients. It must have worked because my friend and fellow blogger Heidi Larsen did just that on her blog, foodiecrush, the great part is she used the original recipe and added her own twist. Mission accomplished!

Food:

High West Whiskey and Vodka Lemonade w/ Slide Ridge Honey– serves 1

1 1/2 shot glasses of High West Vodka or Whiskey

3 shot glasses SanPellegrino Orange soda (whiskey) or SanPellegrino Lemon Soda (vodka)

2 tsp. Slide Ridge Honey simple syrup (simple syrup-equal parts honey and water warmed together until combined)

ice, drinking glass, paper straws, slices of peaches (whiskey) slices of lemon and cucumber (vodka)

Directions:

1. Get out your drinking glass, add ice. Pour in the whiskey or vodka (I made both, during the conference I enjoyed the whiskey at home I enjoyed the vodka, you be the judge), next the orange soda (whiskey) or lemon soda (vodka) and then the simple syrup. Use your straw to mix well, garnish accordingly. Take a sip- Enjoy!

Popcorn Balls– makes 20-22 balls (These were the hit of our progressive dessert party the first night in the Ebay Green Suite @EVO)

14 oz. bees brothers caramel

16 c. plain pop-art popped popcorn

real salt to garnish

Directions:

1. Melt the caramel over a double boiler (glass bowl placed over a pan of simmering water) until the caramel is melted. When you lift the spatula out of the caramel it should drizzle back in the bowl in a steady stream.

2. Measure out 16 c. of popcorn into one large bowl or two small bowls. Pour the caramel over the popcorn. Use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to mix the two together.

3. When well mixed, use a 1/3c. measuring cup to portion out the caramel popcorn mixture. Form into a ball. Make sure not to squeeze the balls to tight! Continue with the rest of the caramel popcorn mixture until it is gone. Sprinkle with a pinch of real salt. Store the balls in an airtight container for a week or so.

Fresh, Local, Creekside- Update!

09 Monday Jul 2012

Posted by in appetizer, Fish, seasonal

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Welcome to the FIRST in a series of Wasatch Mountain Table Dinners presented by Solitude Mountain Resort. I’m a Salt Lake City native and I never take it for granted that 10 minutes on the freeway and we are in one of the most beautiful places on earth, Big Cottonwood Canyon. When asked to attend this event and share my experience I didn’t hesitate. To be able to share a suburb meal created by one of Salt Lake City best local chefs using local, fresh ingredients served creek side is a no brainer, not to mention leaving the hot city for fresh mountain air is a must.

Upon arrival we are greeted with a fresh minty champagne apple juice cocktail served with a splash of soda water. Just what we needed to wet the whistle and enjoy with our appetizers.

We are also greeted by our friend Miss Lisa McCune, she help the owner of Solitude and host of this event Mr. Scott DeSeelhorst promote this fabulous dinner. Miss Lisa is one the power houses behind the Taste of the Wasatch.

One of the first apps was this Bruschetta of Romesco with grilled green onions and black garlic– yum. I loved the bbq flavor of the green onions it paired well with our fresh minty cocktail.These little morsels of goodness are a M&M Farm Yukon gold potato pillow with wild American Sturgeon Cavier (just a fancy name for tobiko- if you have had sushi most likely you’ve had American Sturgeon Cavier). Light, crispy- delicious! I can’t belive I only got one! (Don’t be late like us!)

I loved deviled eggs and I am happy they are en vogue again. These are Clifford Farm deviled eggs with Icicle radish, Italian summer black truffles, and chives. Creamy, and a little spicy.

There are 40 seats available for these communal dinners, the next event will be July 28, August 4, August 18 and September 15. Appetizer reception @5, dinner @6! $95 person, $125 w/wine pairings.  To make a reservation contact Deena Stevenson @801-536-5722

 

Meet the dream team for this event, (from left to right) Chef Mike Richey, (in the back) Kelli Bess from Slide Ridge Honey, Scott DeSeelhorst (owner of Solitude and our host), and (in front) Miss Lisa.

The perfect date, my sweetie. Bill, Billy, Master William

Here we go… Our first course, Arugula salad with cherries, roasted beets, and house made ricotta cheese. Light beets, fresh cherries, spicy arugula, creamy ricotta dressed with my new favorite ingredient Slide Ridge Honey Vinegar.

 

Next: My favorite of the night, Rustic maple torta with braising greens, chevre (goat cheese) caramelized onion, and balsamic, dressed with fresh mint, parsley, cilantro, olive oil and salt. I love greens and this torta was perfection, the greens were not bitter the crust was light and flavorful and the fresh herbs kept this dish light.

This was the only red served that evening and it came from Scott DeSeelhorst (the host for the evening) winery, Snake River Winery just outside Boise. I usually don’t drink red wine in the summer but this Sangiovese went perfect with the torta.

The Main Event: Wild King Salmon with snap peas, roasted eggplant, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, basil nage and corn pone. Let me say this, I have no idea how you make a corn pone BUT I will be finding out because I couldn’t get enough! I even dipped into Bill’s portion, pure fresh corn flavor! This dish was exquisite, the flavors of the season on one plate- perfection! 

Dessert: Stone fruit tart with apricot, ice cream and Bourbon caramel. I am not a dessert fan nor do I crave sweets but the tart of the apricots cut through the sweet of the caramel, so much so that it took everything I could not to lick the plate. This tart served with a nice cup of hot coffee while the sun set over the Wasatch Mountains was a great end to this unique experience.

Thanks to our local growers, manufactures, and ranchers: M&M Farm, Slide Ridge Honey, Sandhill Farm, Clifford Farm, and Mystic Salmon

Fresh, Local, Creekside

05 Thursday Jul 2012

Posted by in seasonal

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Billy and I will be attending this event Saturday night, I can’t wait! There is nothing better than escaping to the Utah mountain resorts during the summer to beat the heat. The bonus- great friends and wonderful fresh, local food.

Wasatch Mountain Table

Fresh, local food exquisitely prepared and served al fresco under the majestic Wasatch Mountains

Featuring Chef Michael Richey. Local Farmers & Ranchers join us throughout the summmer for an appetizer reception, followed by a four course dinner (with optional wine pairings) at our communal “Mountain Table” alongside Big Cottonwood Creek. Because the temperature can drop quickly as the sun sets, we ask that guests bring a jacket. **Reservations required.

Wasatch Mountain Table Dates

July 7th

July 28th

August 18th

September 15th

$95 per person $125 per person with wine pairings.

Phone: 801-536-5722 Email: dstevenson@skisolitude.com

About The Chef

Chef Michael Richey was recently a finalist for the The People’s “Best New Chef” Award, sponsored by Food & Wine magazine, the Chef de Cuisine at BIX and Sous Chef at Foreign Cinema in San Francisco. Michaels experience in Utah includes the position of Executive Chef at Pago – SLC, Sous Chef at the Treeroom at Sundance, Sous Chef at The Aerie at Snowbird and the Sous Chef at the Globe restaurant in Salt Lake City.

Raw Hummus & Goji Berry Lemonade

02 Monday Jul 2012

Posted by in appetizer, Drinks, vegan

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Food:

Raw Hummus- serves 8, 1/2 c. portions

2 c. raw sunflower seeds, soaked overnight, drain

2/3 c. raw tahini

2/3 c. olive oil

4 garlic cloves, minced

3-4 lemons, zest and juiced (you want to taste the lemon)

1 tsp. salt, more if needed to taste

fresh ground pepper, to taste

-Toppings-

fresh chopped tomatoes

chopped fresh onion, white or purple

oil cured olives, chopped (I buy mine at Tony Caputo’s)

-Serve with-

Fresh collard green leaves, kale leaves, cabbage leaves or romaine leaves

Directions:

1. Place the soaked, drained sunflower seeds in the food processor along with the raw tahini, garlic, zest and juice of lemons. Turn on and begin to process, drizzle in the olive oil while the motor is running.

2. Stop, scrape down sides add salt and pepper and process again. Taste for seasoning. Add more salt and pepper if needed and or more fresh lemon juice.

3. Store in an airtight container until ready to serve. Top with fresh tomatoes, chopped onion and oil cured olives. Serve with fresh collard greens, kale leaves, cabbage leaves or romaine leaves.

Love:

There is a place here in town called Omar’s Rawtopia, it is the only raw restaurant in Salt Lake. When you eat at Omar’s you know the food is of the highest quality and the preparation is nothing short of a labor of love. His hummus plate is one of my favorite dishes, and even though I love going to Omar’s it is much more cost-effective for me to recreate this dish at home. This raw hummus wrapped in collards is what Master William and I have had for lunch for the last two weeks, the temperature outside has been in the high 90’s! To hot to eat anything but raw food! The contrast of the sweet tomatoes with the salty olives and raw onions mixed with the creamy raw humus all wrapped up in a collard green is like heaven in your mouth. This dish is light and you don’t feel bogged down after eating it, it is perfect for this hot weather and even though Omar does it better, my version is a compliment to him and his wonderful place. ENJOY!

Goji Berry Lemonade- serves 2

4 T. dried goji berries (I buy mine in the bulk section of Whole Foods)

3 c. water, divided

1 inch fresh ginger, peeled

1/4-1/2 c. fresh mint leaves

juice of one lemon

stevia and honey to taste

2 mason or kerr jars with lids (I use the pint size)

1. Place 2 T. goji berries in each jar, pour 1 1/2 c. water into each jar. Place the lid on the jars and put in the fridge for 1 hour or overnight.

2. Pour the contents of each jar (goji berries and water) into a blender, throw in fresh peeled ginger, fresh mint leaves, 20 drops of stevia and tsp. raw honey and the juice of one lemon. Turn the blender on high and process for 1 minute.

3. I like the strain mine through fine mesh strainer but you don’t have to. Press all the liquid through the strainer. Pour the mixture between the two jars and serve immediately with a fresh slice of lemon.

Love:

I found this recipe month’s ago on one of my favorite blog’s, My New Roots, and have been waiting for the right time to make it. Well, considering that everyday for the last two weeks the temp outside nearly got to 100 degrees NOW was the perfect time to try out the Goji berry lemonade. This drink is so refreshing, the fresh mint cools you off, the ginger is the perfect amount of spice, the tang of the lemon and the sweetness of the goji berries and honey make this the perfect summer mocktail. I think we have had one everyday for the last two weeks! I even made it to take to one of our out-door concerts last Monday night at Red Butte Gardens. This yummy drink goes perfect with anything but has been perfect with my Raw Hummus. ENJOY!

Nutrition:

In an effort to spend more time out doors this summer and spend precious time with family and friends (which is important for our health) I might lay off this part on a few post . What I will say is that summer time is the perfect time to add more raw food to your diet, they are lighter, your body needs those enzymes and everything is at its peak- why not enjoy food in its natural state. Trust me you body will thank me and your skin will glow. Happy Summer Y’All!