Recipes

Serves 8

INGREDIENTS

For Dip

2 (15-ounce) cans of artichoke hearts, drained
2 cloves garlic, chopped
½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 tablespoons walnuts, toasted
¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt

For Tortilla Chips

4 whole wheat tortillas, each cut into 8 triangles
Extra-virgin olive oil
Maldon sea salt
¼ cup parmesan cheese

PREPARATION

Preheat oven to 450°F.

Place the artichokes, garlic, basil, walnuts, cheese, lemon juice, and zest in food processor. Puree, and slowly pour in oil until blended. Season with salt, and set aside.

Place tortilla triangles on a baking sheet and coat lightly with olive oil and season with salt and a sprinkling of cheese. Bake for 5 to 8 minutes or until toasted. Serve immediately with dip.

Makes one drink

INGREDIENTS

1 lime wedge
4-5 cranberries, fresh or frozen
1 teaspoon sugar
2 ounces gin
Tonic water

PREPARATION

Lightly crush the lime wedge, sugar and cranberries in a 10 to 12-ounce glass with a muddler or the end of a wooden spoon. Next, add gin. Fill the glass with ice and top off with tonic water. Stir and serve.

Serves 8

INGREDIENTS

1 baguette
1 clove garlic
Extra virgin olive oil
Salt
¼ cup honey
2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped fine
2 Asian pears, cut in quarters, cored, and sliced thin
4 ounces blue cheese, sliced

PREPARATION

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Slice baguette thinly, and place on baking sheet. Rub each slice with garlic clove, drizzle with olive oil, and lightly season with salt. Bake until golden, 10 to 15 minutes, making sure to flip toast halfway through.

In a small saucepan over medium low heat, add honey and rosemary, and warm through. Set aside.

To serve, place 2 slices of pear on crostini, top with a slice of blue cheese, and drizzle with rosemary honey.

Makes 1½ liters of mulled wine

INGREDIENTS

2 bottles dark red wine (Syrah, Zinfandel or Cabernet Franc)
1 cup pear brandy
1 medium Valencia orange, sliced
1 inch piece of ginger, peeled and sliced thin
2 whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick
¼ cup brown sugar

PREPARATION

Place all ingredients in a large pot and simmer for about 20-30 minutes. Serve warm.

Serves 8

INGREDIENTS

For Pita

4 pita rounds, each cut into 8 triangles
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon cumin
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped fine
1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped fine
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped fine
Salt

For Dip

1 large cucumber, peeled, cut in half, seeded, grated, and strained
2 cups Greek yogurt
2 cloves garlic, grated on microplane
1 teaspoon ground coriander
3 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
Salt

PREPARATION

Preheat oven to 400°F. On a baking sheet, place pita triangles, drizzle with olive oil, cumin, and herbs. Season with salt, and mix well to coat pita. Place in oven, and back until crispy, 8 to 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a medium-sized mixing bowl, add strained cucumber, yogurt, garlic, coriander, and mint. Season with salt, and mix well. Serve with warm pita chips.

Serves 8

INGREDIENTS

½ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon red chili flakes
1 teaspoon salt
Black pepper
2 tablespoons of each of the following fresh herbs: parsley, chives, dill, mint, tarragon, thyme, chopped fine
1 long goat cheese log, chilled
Baguette, sliced and toasted

PREPARATION

In a small bowl, mix all ingredients except goat cheese. Place chilled goat cheese log on plate, and drizzle olive oil and herb mixture on top. Serve with bread.

Serves 8

INGREDIENTS

1½ teaspoons almond oil
2 teaspoons canola oil
1½ cups blanched almonds
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon Maldon sea salt
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

PREPARATION

In a sauté pan, add oil and almonds over medium heat, and almonds and toast until golden. Remove from pan with a slotted spoon, and season with spices and salt.
Serve immediately.

Makes one gallon

INGREDIENTS

1 gallon fresh apple cider
1 tart apple, sliced horizontally
1 cinnamon stick
1 star anise
1 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
2 whole cloves
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1-2 cups dark rum (can be omitted for non-alcoholic version)

PREPARATION

Place all ingredients in a large pot and simmer for about 15 minutes. Serve warm.