All posts tagged: Thanksgiving

Roasted Spiced Cauliflower with Pine Nuts and Plump Raisins

Roasted Cauliflower with Plump Raisins and Toasted Pine Nuts

Cauliflower is a vegetable that is easy to overlook. It may conjure up memories of piles of steamed, formerly frozen vegetables that you were forced to eat as a kid in order to “earn” your dessert.  Well, this roasted cauliflower side will change all that!  Roasting at a high temperature saves cauliflower from a potentially dull and lifeless fate and transforms it into a crispy, savory, nutty treat. Paired here with plump, sweet raisins and earthy pine nuts, it’s a dish that will leave you craving more. No one has ever called a cauliflower dish sexy… but if they did, they’d be talking about this one. Enjoy! Roasted Cauliflower with Plump Raisins and Toasted Pine Nuts Ingredients: 4 Servings 1/4 cup Raisins 3 Tbsp Olive Oil 4 cloves Garlic, roughly chopped 1/2 tsp curry powder 1/4 tsp Sea Salt 1/8 tsp Black Pepper 1 Tbsp Fresh Cilantro, plus more for garnish, chopped 1 large head Cauliflower (about 2 lbs), cut into florets 1 1/2 Tbsp Pine Nuts   Directions: Preheat Oven to 450* Bring an inch …

The Big Sur Spritz- Perfect for the Holidays!

Ease your way into a long fall evening with this festive cocktail that is just right for the season. It’s an evolved version typical mimosa made with fresh persimmon juice instead of the traditional orange. It was inspired by a trip to Big Sur, California where I first tried persimmon (right off the tree) and where the hillsides are covered with lavender leaving a trace of its’ distinct herbal/floral scent hanging in the air. It’s lovely before a meal as an aperitif. Since it’s only lightly alcoholic it will whet rather than dampen your appetite. Cheers! xJacq Directions: Make fresh fuyu persimmon juice using a juicer. Add a splash to a glass of Champagne or sparkling wine. Float pomegranate seeds on top and garnish with a sprig of fresh lavender or thyme. Add each ingredient slowly to avoid bubbling over.