Sprint 2 the Table

Appetites and Adventures

The Christmas Spirit

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I worked until 11:30p last night.  

And I went to the dentist for a filling.  And I didn’t get the prep done that I had planned for the catering gig this weekend.

This was well-deserved:

What had happened was…

I was wrapping up my work when I saw Rufus’ blog post titled “Christmas in a Glass.”  My curiosity was piqued and 5 minutes later I was making myself a reward-in-a-glass.  The only change I made was to use unsweetened almond milk rather than heavy cream.

Next time you need a little something to take the edge off of the holidays, I do recommend this deliciousness commonly known as a Brandy Alexander.  Don’t skip the nutmeg.

An additional recommendation is making a midnight snack of cereal in the same glass.  Without rinsing it.  

Raise your hand if you think I’m even more weird now!

One thing I did get done was a MASSIVE trip to the Dekalb Farmer’s Market.  Cooking will begin in earnest tomorrow.  In the meantime, check out my weaponry groceries:

This isn’t everything I need for a party of 40, but it is a big portion.

On the menu:

  • White Bean Rosemary Dip
  • Baked Brie with a Pecan-Bourbon Glaze
  • Grape and Blue Cheese Truffles
  • Rosemary Bread
  • Endive Boats with Pomegranate, Pumpkin, and Champagne Vinaigrette
  • Apple Sausage Chestnut Stuffing in Phyllo
  • Pesto Chicken Wraps
  • Pumpkin Fudge
  • These Champagne and these Red Wine Balls

Can I pull it off?  You’ll have to keep reading to see.  Don’t you love a cliff-hanger?

***

I fell victim to the craziness and missed a workout for the first time in I don’t know how long.  It was a good steak.

Are you staying on track this holiday season?

What is your favorite holiday drink?  (Other than eggnog ’cause I don’t like it 🙂 )

Gobbling Up 13.1

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If I don’t like turkey, what exactly am I earning?

Wine is more like it!

By the time you are reading this, I will (hopefully) be done with Atlanta’s Thanksgiving Half Marathon.  I am starting in the first group at 7:30am and – if I manage to stay with my pace team – I will be done by 9:15am.

Forget turkey; I’m earning Waffle House!

Rather than wax poetic about the millions of things I’m thankful for (really, I am), I thought I’d offer you something a bit different.

3 Tips for Thanksgiving:

1. Don’t sit in you great aunt’s chair.  Trust your instincts (and your nose).  That can’t be clean.

Source: happyplace.com

2. Watch out for the beans.  You don’t want to be mistaken for that chair, do you?

3. Don’t make yourself miserable.

Bite #367 of that pie will not taste any different than bite #1.  You’ll be trying to get rid of those leftovers for days anyway.

Click here for a few tips on keeping the gluttony under control… and an idea for using some of that leftover pumpkin puree. 😉

In conclusion…

***

Happy Thanksgiving!!

How did all the runners do?

What is/was the BEST dish of the day?

Fig and Feta Shortbread Cookies

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I’ve begun holiday baking experimentation in earnest this week.  

My Whole Foods bill was borderline embarrassing.

This is particularly good:

If you can guess what it is, I’ll save you some. 😉

Today I’m sharing a shortbread recipe adapted from my Rosemary Shortbread Cookies.  I reduced it a bit for self-control experimentation purposes, but you can easily double it.

Sweet and salty is my favorite combination.  I wanted to create a cookie that would satiate that craving in a unique way.

It was my first time working with dried Black Mission Figs and it won’t be my last!  Dried figs are a great option when you need to control the moisture in a recipe, or when figs are no longer in season.

Their sweetness paired with a salty feta cheese was a wonderful combo.  Be sure to use a high quality feta from the cheese counter – none of that pre-crumbled stuff sold next to the plastic-wrapped slices.

The cookie itself is made more savory with the use of whole wheat flour, almost reminiscent of a biscuit.  However, you can use all white flour for a sweeter, more smooth “cookie” feel.

One of my favorite parts about this cookie is that you can make the batter, roll it up, and keep it in the freezer until you are ready to bake the cookies off.  Perfect for a holiday party take-along!

Last week I had some awesome workouts.  Too bad I had some not-so-awesome over-indulgence this weekend.  This week I will be better!  Focusing on the positive, I’m back in the saddle with running.  PT has helped a lot and I managed to run pain-free again!!!

Workout Recap (11/8-11/13)

  • Monday – 5 mile run, Shoulders/Glutes, 6 min plank sequence
  • Tuesday – P90X Biceps/Back, Ab Ripper X, 100 push-ups 
  • Wednesday – 5 mile run, 100 push-ups
  • Thursday – 30 min core class, Body Pump, 100 Workout
  • Friday – 45 min full-body workout with trainer, 20 mins Stairmaster, 100 push-ups
  • Saturday – 13 mile run, 100 push-ups
  • Sunday – 15 min stationary bike, Triceps/Chest, 30 mins elliptical intervals, 6 min plank sequence

Fig & Feta Shortbread Cookies

by Laura Hall

Prep Time: 15 mins

Keywords: bake dessert fig feta cheese cookie spring

Ingredients (16 cookies)

  • 3/4 C all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 C whole wheat flour
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • shake of salt
  • 1/4 C salted butter, softened
  • 2 T extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tsp light agave nectar
  • 1/4 C confectioners (powdered) sugar
  • 1/3 C dried black mission figs, diced
  • 3-4 T feta, crumbled

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together flours, salt, and baking powder.

In a large bowl using an electric mixer (I used a hand-held), mix together butter, olive oil, agave, and confectioners sugar at a low speed. Gradually add flour mixture and mix until dough produces small butter lumps.

Fold in figs and feta.

Using your hands, make a ball with the dough and transfer to a lightly floured surface. (Lightly flour your hand to make this easier!) Knead dough until it just comes together (3-4 times). Roll into a log (like the cut and bake cookie dough) and cover in parchment paper. Refrigerate 1-2 hours or freeze 30 mins, until hardened.*

Preheat oven to 325° F.

Remove from fridge and cut into small (~1/3 in thick) disks, arranging on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake shortbread until golden, ~17-18 mins.

*Note: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store them in the freezer post-rollup to have on-hand for a quick, fresh cookie treat.

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***

My office holiday party is this week.  I’m excited to share the latest creations with co-workers!

Does your place of business have a potluck party or a formal affair?  Or both?

What is your favorite thing to take to a holiday party?

Strawberry Smoky Almond Tart

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Dessert Noir

Funny how all you guys seemed more interested in hearing about the dessert than the carrot salad. 🙂

Maybe because you were invested in it since I asked for help selecting the dish for Feast Noir???

In the end, I couldn’t choose between the tart and the brownies.  The smoky almond crust spoke to me… but how can you NOT have chocolate for dessert? *insert look of horror*

The tart was awesome!  My crust didn’t hold together as well as I’d have liked (I used 6 T of butter – I adjusted the recipe below to read 8T), but the flavor and creamy filling were right on.

Don’t let the smoked almonds scare you – they weren’t at all overpowering.  I could only find salted, which worked well as long as you use unsalted butter.  The crust perfectly complemented the sweet flavor of the graham crackers and strawberries, as well as the slight tang from the Greek-style yogurt.

For chocolate, I baked Lavender Brownies from The Sweet Life.

They were ok... I loved the lavender flavor, but the texture of the brownie wasn’t my favorite.  I’m more of cakey brownie person and these were closer to the chewy variety.

I’d love to try these again with a few adjustments for texture.

Strawberry Smoky Almond Tart

by Laura Hall

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 15 mins

Keywords: bake dessert low-sugar vegetarian low-sodium greek yogurt strawberries almonds cream cheese July 4th tart spring summer

Ingredients (8-10 slices)

  • 1.5 C graham crackers (1 package)
  • 1/2 C smoked almonds
  • 2 T palm sugar (you can use regular)
  • 8 T unsalted butter, melted
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened (1/3 less fat works)
  • 1/4 C Greek yogurt + 2T (I used Atlanta Farm Fresh 2% Greek-style yogurt)
  • 1 T agave syrup
  • 1 egg
  • ~1.5 C strawberries (enough to cover top of tart), cut into thin slices

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°.

In a food processor, combine graham crackers with the almonds and sugar. Mix until finely ground.

Add the melted butter and pulse until the crumbs are evenly moistened.

Press the crumbs into the bottom and 1/2 in up the side of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 mins, until the crust is set.

Meanwhile, wipe out the food processor bowl. Add the cream cheese, sour cream, egg and agave. Process until smooth.

Pour the custard into the crust and bake for 15 mins, until set. Let the tart cool slightly and transfer to the freezer to chill. (Note: you can make ahead and store in the freezer for at least a couple of days.)

Spread the remaining 2 T of yogurt across the top of the tart. This will help to anchor the strawberry slices. Arrange the strawberries in a circular fashion over the custard.

Remove the ring, cut the tart into wedges, and serve.

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***

 Ah, how I love dessert.

What is the best dessert you have made lately?

Do you try to “healthify” all desserts, or do you let treats remain full-fledged treats?

 

Moroccan Raw Carrot Salad

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Feast Noir.

You have heard of a flash mob, right?  Feast Noir is similar, except instead of breaking out into song and dance the mob of people break out into dinner.

Literally.  We all dressed in black and lined up in the parking area of a mixed-use development in town.

At 7 pm, we all filed to the center of the area, set up dinner in pre-assigned groups of 8, and dined.

My friend and I were concerned that it wouldn’t go off as smoothly as one would hope.  It was surprisingly well-organized.

People got really into it – so going so far as to bring black foods, candles, and even sparklers! Overachievers.

Our table of 8 had been good about coordinating but our table head didn’t show up, which meant we didn’t have plates or a TABLE.  The 5 of us who did show made the best of it and set up on an outdoor stage area.

There was certainly no shortage of food!

As long as we have a cheese plate, we will survive.

Hummus courtesy of a “table”-mate

My appetizer plate, complete with homemade bread from another diner.

I volunteered to bring a veggie side and dessert.  (Desserts – yes, plural – coming tomorrow!)  

A vegan Moroccan raw carrot salad had caught my eye on Epicurious months ago.  Feast Noir seemed to be the perfect time to try out my own interpretation of the recipe.  Naturally, I added a little more garlic, heat, and Mexican-influence.

One of the changes I made was to use orange in the recipe.  It was an excellent decision because I think that bit of sweet citrus brought out all of the other flavors and made this dish something special.

I love when something I make turns out better than expected!  Corinne even admitted she was surprised… I’m not sure how to take that.

Moroccan Carrot Salad

  • 10 oz carrots, coarsely grated (I cheated with store-bought)
  • 3 T grapeseed oil
  • Juice + zest from 1/2 fresh lime
  • Juice + zest from 1/2 small orange
  • 1/4 C cilantro
  • 1 clove garlic, mashed
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp cardamom
  • 1 tsp garlic sriracha
  • S+P, to taste

Mix all ingredients (except carrots) in small bowl.  Adjust flavors as needed.  Add carrots to a large bowl, adding mixture in part to coating completely (you may have some vinaigrette leftover, depending on your taste).

Refrigerate for at least two hours or up to 2 days, allowing flavors to meld.

Serves 4 as a side.

***

We were successful in getting the skeleton of the Italia trip planned!  I’m beyond excited. 🙂

How was your weekend?  

Did you try/do anything interesting?

 

Dessert Dilemma

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Feast Noir.

 

It’s being held at an undisclosed location in Atlanta on August 14th.  They’ve held similar events in Paris so it must be cool.

Video of ‘Dinner en Blanc’ in Paris: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v​=CtZtVxho1Zk&feature=fvst

 

The premise is that 1,000 people come together to dine.  One person volunteers as the “head” of their table and organizes the others.  This means figuring out every aspect of who brings what – from the table to the silverware to the dishes.

 

Of couse I volunteered dessert. 🙂

I know I want to pair it with a Spanish sherry, and that almond pairs exceptionally well with sherry.  I also know I want to try a “next time I need something impressive to share” recipe I’ve saved (please tell me other people do this too… I have 132 saved on Delicious – and that’s just desserts).  That’s as far as I’ve gotten.

 

Now I need your help.  I’ve narrowed it down to 4 recipes.  Which one would you bring?   Or would you bring something entirely different?

 

In the running so far are my (TBD) versions of the following:

 

Sweet Cherry-Brown Butter Bars

Source: The Baker Chick


Raspberry Lemon Amaretti Cake

Source: What's For Lunch, Honey?


Creamy Peach Tart with Smokey Almond Crust

(note: this would become probably a cherry tart)

Source: Food & Wine


Chocolate Lavender Brownies with Lavender Ganache

(I realize this has nothing to do with almonds but don’t they sound fantastic?!)

Source: Sweet Life

***

Maybe I should test all 4… this is my kind of dilemma! 🙂

Have you ever heard of an event like this before?

What would you bring to share at Feast Noir?

 

Souper Underground Supper Club

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Atlanta is BIG on Supper Clubs and special “Chef Series.”

Maybe it’s due to the economy?  

Make the ~$100 meal exclusive (i.e. limited seating) and people believe they are paying for something truly special.  Although it isn’t always perfectly executed (i.e. worth the price tag), my food adventures this week certainly were worth it!

Wednesday night’s dinner with Hugh Acheson was incredible.  Tonight’s dinner was equally good (if not better… shhhh!).

Given I’ve become a professional this week recently, I thought I’d share the ingredients for a exclusive fantastic dinner.

The Pre-Run:

  • Distance – 6.2 miles
  • Time: 52:38
  • Pace: 8:44

The Fabulous Friend:

Me with the lovely Kathleen

The Graceful Host:

The legendary Jennifer Levison of Souper Jenny

The Perfect Setting:

Secret Garden

The Talented Chef:

Jenny with Chef David Sweeny, formerly of Dynamic Dish

The Epic Entertainment:

That’s a belly dancer. With a wine glass on her head.

Do NOT try this at home (at least on a light colored rug)

The belly dancer was too cool.  She was dancing, shaking what her mamma gave her, and doing splits without spilling a drop of that wine on her head.  She’s my new idol.

Good food is also key.  This secret supper club succeeded.

The chef, David Sweeny, owned the now-defunct Dynamic Dish.  Dynamic Dish was a vegetarian restaurant in town.  In my opinion, it was one of the best overall restaurants.  Local, fresh ingredients were carefully prepared for the daily menu.  Why can’t places like this stay in business?!

Anyway, tonight we were lucky enough to enjoy David’s creations once again.  These dishes did include meat – I asked David if he was a vegetarian and found it funny that he is not.  Whatever, boy can cook!

90% of everything served was organic and locally sourced.  As in picked from a Georgia farm the day before this dinner. The meat was also local, sourced from a farm in North Georgia (who knew GA had lamb?!).

Hors d’oeuvres consisted of Borekas and pickled radishes (which I couldn’t stop eating).

Then we made our way to the garden for the cold course:

Cold Course

Clockwise, the plate consisted of:

  • M’Tabbal – puree of grilled eggplant, sesame, yogurt, cucumber, parsley, mint, and olives
  • Sesame Tandoori
  • Warak Ei Nab Zait – Wine leaves filled with Egyptian rice, lamb, beef, fennel, and Lebanese spice (my FAVORITE)
  • Tajan – spicy puree of sweet peppers, preserved lemon, pine nuts, and sesame
  • Heirloom tomatoes

While I could have eaten the cold course all night long, next up was the Hot Course:

Hot Course

  • Kefta Halabieh – grilled skewers of minced local lamb and beef
  • Grilled Summer Squash
  • Kofteuk Tabouleh – fine grain Syrian bulgar, mint, parsley, and turmeric
  • Crem Tum – creamy basil and garlic sauce (I wish I knew more because it was fantastic)
  • Tajan

What would any meal be without dessert?

Dessert

Homemade Baklava with Orange Cardamom Ice Cream and a Chocolate Caramel with Sea Salt.

One VERY important tip:

Look before you sip if you’re dining outside. 🙂

Thank you to Jenny, David, and the Souper Jenny team for an amazing, gourmet food-filled evening.  Not to mention some incredible dining companions.  I am so lucky to live in a town among such passionate, creative people.

If you’re ever in Atlanta don’t miss lunch at Jenny’s restaurant, Souper Jenny.

***

I think I’m developing a supper club addiction.

Would you have finished that glass of wine? (After fishing out the bug, of course.)

Did anyone else nearly melt in the heat this weekend? Not that I’m complaining…

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