Thoughts on Thanks (and our Thanksgiving Hors D'oeuvre)

This time every year, and throughout the holiday season, we are called to be thankful. The truth is, we can never be reminded enough. 

Hogs in a Blanket with Mustard Chutney, Photo: NK 

Now I know as well as anyone how easy it is, amid life's many obligations, to feel sorry for ourselves. When I'm exhausted after a long day at work and facing several hours of household chores, even the littlest annoyance (most recently it's been never being able to find the matching lids to my tupperware, and if you ask my husband, he'll accurately report that it is "ruining my life!") can send me into a pity spiral. 

Though I have momentary lapses, I like to think I've always been a grateful and generous person, someone very tuned in to the world around me, and more keenly, someone aware of the suffering of others. The world has been on my mind more than ever this past year, the year I became a mom. Not a day goes by that my heart doesn't break for families and children that are suffering in our all too troubled world. And whether it is because food is my passion and cooking is my favorite way to pass time, World Hunger is a scourge that I also lament often. 

As I cook today's appetizers for our family Thanksgiving feast, it doesn't escape me that for far too many, ample food is a luxury they will never be afforded. Whether we look across town, across the country, or to the other side of the world, children and adults suffer the pain of hunger. I can think of no greater psychic pain than not being able to nourish my child. And so my heart breaks,

for those enduring hunger, 
malnutrition, and wars and terror in their homeland. 
And for anyone who has lost a loved one because of these horrors. 

And it is in these moments that, almost daily, I am overcome by gratitude, even shame for my trivial complaints. As I think more on human suffering, I inevitably reaffirm a very basic truth I have always held in my heart, that there, but for the grace of God (or if you prefer, the fates), go I.

If you can lend your time, talents, or money to help others, then you too are very lucky and your soul will be full. Whether it be making a meal for an elderly person on your block, volunteering, or making a donation to a worthy charity, let the Thanksgiving gratitude you feel for the good things in your life inspire you to pay it forward. Not just now, but all year long. In this giving spirit, I've included links to three food-related charities that I continually support as they realize their mission of fighting hunger one belly at a time. 

The Community Food Bank of New Jersey - feeding hungry communities locally 

Heifer International - Provides animals and farming supplies and training to needy families across the globe, allowing them a sustainable and renewable means to feed themselves and their communities 

City Harvest - Rescuing huge amounts of food from all over NYC that would otherwise be wasted, and supplying it to shelters and other outreach centers 

And to the brave people who run towards and not away from danger and war to help those in need (I am thinking especially of two other worthy charities, Doctors Without Borders and The International Rescue Committee), you are gift to humanity doing work that few among us, myself included, would be selfless enough to do.  

In closing, I am thankful for my beautiful family, the food on my table, the safety and warmth of my home, a job that I enjoy by day and one that helps me to provide for my loved ones, and finally, that I am fortunate enough to share my passion for cooking with others. Thank you for reading and please enjoy today's creative take on Pigs in a Blanket.


Cook's note: We followed Food & Wine's recipe exactly except that we used Applegate Farm Turkey and Chicken Andouille Sausage. The key to perfectly cooking these little bites is a mini muffin tin (which is a great investment because she has so many great uses, especially for hors d'oeuvres). Trust me, you will not be able to keep these on the plate!!  

Hogs in a Blanket
From Food & Wine, Grace Parisi
Makes 36 Hors D'oeuvres

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!! 

Good Deeds Grow In Brooklyn - Community Inspired Vegetarian Menu

Photo: NK

Today, you don't have to look too far to find legions of foodies on the web and on the streets waxing poetic about what they are eating, ate, plan to eat, or cook.



Clearly, I am a major offender.  


In the national conversation, the subject of food and food enjoyment has certainly hit critical mass. I can understand why. Food is amazing.



But with the airwaves and internet so saturated with food chat, it's easy to forget -
we are the lucky ones.

For so many, far too many, food means survival, not entertainment. It is basic sustenance. Hunger is a problem that I have always been passionate about, and in these especially trying economic times, it's even more pervasive. There is no better time to answer the call for help.

Pre-Dinner Snacks - Beet Hummus & Homemade Pickles, NK

Last week, I had the privilege of attending a fundraiser for an incredible community outreach group - the Soup Kitchen at the Greenpoint Reformed Church in North Brooklyn.

The dedicated folks there, with the help of monetary donations and partnerships with local farms and CSAs, provide homemade community dinners for the hungry in the neighborhood as well as groceries and bagged lunches on select days each week.


The volunteers at the Greenpoint Reformed Church do their best to serve tasty meals that are organic when possible, and most importantly, filling and nutritious.

The festive night featured a delicious all-vegetarian menu, live music, and great people - all of which made for an especially spirited fundraiser. To donate your time or money to this wonderful charity, please follow this link: Get Involved!

Church volunteers set up a beautiful dining area, Photo: NK

On the way home, my brain still abuzz with the excitement of the evening, I decided I'd try my hand at a company-worthy all-veggie feast. Check it out below.

Most importantly, the event served as a personal reminder to be grateful and give back, and of how everyday people offering their talents and dedication in unison can make a world of difference in the lives of others.

Vegetarian Menu

Cauliflower Steak with Olive and Sun-Dried Tomato Relish

Grey Zucchini Stuffed with Red Quinoa and Graffiti Eggplant

Cocktail: Rye Lemon Ginger Fizz 

Cauliflower Steak with Olive and Sun-Dried Tomato Relish

Lightly Adapted From Bon Appetit  

Serves 4 

Ingredients: 

1 large head of Cauliflower

1/2 cup pitted Oil-Cured Black Olives, finely chopped

5 Sun-Dried Tomatoes, thinly sliced

3 1/2 Tablespoons Olive Oil, divided, plus more

2 Tablespoons Chopped Flat-Leaf Italian Parsley

1 teaspoon fresh Lemon Juice

Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper

3 whole Garlic Cloves

2 Roma or 3 Plum Tomatoes, cored and cut into quarters

Method: 
Remove leaves and trim stem end of Cauliflower, leaving the core intact. Stand cauliflower core side down on a cutting board. Using a long, sturdy knife, slice Cauliflower into four 1/2 inch "steaks" from center of Cauliflower working outwards (some florets will break loose - reserve them). 

Finely chop enough loose florets to measure about a 1/2 cup. Transfer chopped florets to a small bowl and mix with the Olives, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, 1 Tablespoon of oil, the Parsley and Lemon Juice. Season relish Pepper and add a bit of Salt if needed. 

Olive and Sun-Dried Tomato Relish, Photo: NK

Preheat oven to 400. 

Heat 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil in a large heavy ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. 

Working in 2 batches, cook Cauliflower steaks until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side, adding a tablespoon of oil to pan between batches if needed.

Transfer steaks to a large rimmed baking sheet. Reserve skillet. 

In the oven, Roast cauliflower until tender, about 15-17 minutes. 

Meanwhile, return skillet to medium-high heat and add Garlic Cloves and Tomato wedges, cut side down. 

For the Simple Tomato Sauce Base, Photo: NK

Cook until Tomatoes are browned - just a few minutes. Turn Tomatoes over so they are cut side up and transfer the entire skillet to the oven either alongside the Cauliflower pan or on a different rack if need be. Roast the Garlic and Tomato skillet in the oven until both are tender, about 12 minutes. 

Transfer Garlic, Tomatoes, and 1/2 Tablespoon Oil to a blender and purée until smooth. Season the sauce with Salt and Pepper to taste. 

To Serve: Divide Tomato Sauce among plates. Place 1 Cauliflower steak on each plate and spoon the relish over. Serve warm. Enjoy!

Cauliflower Steak with Olive and Sun-Dried Tomato Relish, Photo: NK

NK's Grey Zucchini Stuffed with Red Quinoa and Graffiti Eggplant

Serves 4

Ingredients:

Local Graffiti Eggplant (Latham Farms) or other long, thinner Eggplant

Local Grey Zucchini, Photo: NK

1 Cup Prepared Red Quinoa

1 Tablespoon Oil

2 local Grey Zucchini (Pederson Farm), or the shortest, chubbiest Zucchini you can find

Salt and Pepper

1/4 Cup grated Parmigiana Cheese

3/4 Cup prepared Tomato Sauce of your choice or homemade

Chopped Italian Parsley, Optional

Method:

30 minutes ahead, slice the Eggplant into centimeter thick rounds. Salt both sides of the Eggplant generously and lay the slices on paper towel for 20-30 minutes. The moisture and any bitterness from the Eggplant will be drawn out by the Salt. 

Preheat your oven to 375. 

If you haven't already, prepare your Quinoa on the stovetop according to basic package directions and season with a bit of Salt to taste. Set aside when done.

Zucchini Stuffed with Red Quinoa & Eggplant, NK

After the Eggplant has sat for enough time, rinse off the salt and thoroughly pat dry. Cut Eggplant rounds into 1/2 inch cubes. Add 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil to a skillet over medium heat. Cook eggplant on both sides until tender but not mushy, about 5 minutes per side. Don't worry if it browns or chars just a bit. Stir Eggplant cubes into the cooked Quinoa. 

Cut the Zucchini in half lengthwise. Run your knife carefully around the inside edges and gently scoop out the middles with a melon baller or small spoon until the Zucchini is hollow.

To assemble, place Zucchini scooped side up on a baking sheet. Pour in about an 1/8 of cup of Tomato Sauce into the bottom of each Zucchini. Top with Eggplant and Quinoa mixture all the way up to the top and a little bit over if you like. Dot with a Tablespoon of Tomato Sauce and sprinkle with shredded Parmigiana over each Zucchini.

Place baking sheet in the oven and cook Zucchini for about 25 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy!

Next up, we have an adult beverage that I created as a nod the delicious "Gold Rush" Cocktail, a concoction of Lemon and Ginger-spiked with Rye, that was served at the event by our gracious hosts.  A quick and easy simple syrup of fresh Ginger and Lemon makes this slightly sweet and refreshing drink the perfect addition to a late summer evening.

NK's Rye Lemon Ginger Fizz

Yield - 1 drink

Ingredients:

1 Ounce Rye - we prefer Bulleit Rye

2 Ounces Lemon Ginger Simple Syrup - recipe follows * 

Ice

Plain or Lemon/Lime Seltzer

Lemon Wedges and Slices

Method:

Place Lemon Ginger Simple Syrup and in the bottom a short glass tumbler.Top with Rye and stir well. Add Ice and finish with a generous splash of Seltzer. Garnish with a Lemon Wedge and float a Lemon Slice in the glass.

Rye Lemon Ginger Fizz, Photo: NK

*Lemon Ginger Simple Syrup

Recipe from Epicurious

Yield: Makes 1.5 cups

Ingredients:

1 Cup Sugar 

3/4 Cup Water 

1/2 cup finely chopped Peeled Ginger 

3/4 cup fresh Lemon Juice

Method:

Place Water, Sugar and Ginger in a small saucepan. Bring mixture to a boil over medium low heat stirring occasionally until it is reduced to about 1 cup. This will take about 7 minutes. Remove from heat and add the Lemon Juice. Stir. Next, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve. Discard the solids and then chill the mixture, covered, until ready to use.

Cheers!

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