Month: February 2025

Gather / Recipes

The Featured Table: Lemon Ricotta Toast with Roasted Grapes

There’s something magical about the combination of warm, roasted fruit and creamy ricotta on crisp, golden bread. This week’s recipe is simple yet elevated—Lemon Ricotta Toast with Roasted Grapes. It’s a dish that feels special without being fussy, perfect for a weekend brunch or an effortlessly elegant appetizer.

We paired these delicate bites with our Seraphim napkins in the Persephone print—a stunning mix of teal and purple that beautifully complements the deep jewel tones of the roasted black grapes.

Lemon Ricotta Toasts with Roasted Grapes
Ingredients

  • 12 ounces seedless red or black grapes
  • 4 sprigs fresh tarragon or thyme, divided
  • Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
  • Salt and freshly cracked pepper
  • 1 cup fresh ricotta
  • 1/2 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 4 slices sourdough bread
  • 3 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
  • Syrupy balsamic glaze or vinegar, for drizzling

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spread the grapes on a baking sheet and top with 2 tarragon (or thyme) sprigs. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper. Roast for 15 to 20 minutes, until the grapes begin to burst. Let cool slightly, discard the tarragon, and squeeze lemon juice over the grapes.
  2. While the grapes roast, whisk together the ricotta and lemon zest until smooth and airy.
  3. Just before serving, toast the sourdough bread in a toaster until golden and crisp.
  4. Spread the lemon ricotta onto each toast, then top with roasted grapes and toasted pine nuts. Finish with fresh tarragon leaves and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

This recipe is a balance of textures and flavors—creamy, crisp, sweet, and tangy. It’s a perfect way to celebrate winter’s slower, more intentional gatherings. Pair it with a chilled glass of white wine or a cup of fragrant herbal tea, and you have a moment worth savoring.

For a beautifully set table, layer the toast on a rustic wooden board and serve alongside our Seraphim napkins in the Persephone print. The teal and purple hues of the napkins echo the colors of the dish, creating a visually stunning tablescape that invites warmth and conversation.

Enjoy the season’s simple pleasures, one bite at a time.

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Gather / Recipes

The Featured Table: Juicy Turkey Burgers with Caramelized Onions, Garlic Aioli, and Swiss Cheese

Sometimes, nothing satisfies quite like a burger. There’s something about the perfect balance of flavors and textures—a crisp toasted bun, juicy patty, and indulgent toppings—that makes for an irresistible meal. This week’s Featured Table recipe takes the classic burger to the next level with turkey patties that are packed with flavor and remain incredibly juicy, thanks to the addition of finely chopped mushrooms. Paired with deeply caramelized onions, creamy garlic aioli, and melted Swiss cheese, these turkey burgers are simply over-the-top delicious.

The Secret to a Juicy Turkey Burger Turkey burgers have a reputation for being dry, but not these. The key? Chopped mushrooms mixed into the turkey patty. Not only do they add depth of flavor, but they also help retain moisture, keeping the patties tender and succulent. A touch of Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, and onion powder further enhance the savory profile.

Caramelized Onions: Pure Magic There’s something transformative about caramelized onions. Their deep, sweet flavor pairs beautifully with the mild nuttiness of Swiss cheese, creating a melt-in-your-mouth combination that makes these turkey burgers truly special. The trick to perfect caramelized onions is patience—slowly cooking them over low heat allows their natural sugars to develop into a rich, golden brown flavor.

A Final Touch: Creamy Garlic Aioli To elevate this burger even further, we’re adding a luscious garlic aioli. Made with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and a hint of Worcestershire sauce, it adds just the right amount of tangy richness. Spread generously on a toasted bun, it ties everything together beautifully.

The Perfect Pairing We’ve plated these indulgent turkey burgers alongside crisp French frites, capturing the essence of a bistro-style meal. And because a great meal deserves a beautiful setting, we’ve styled our table with August Table’s Here Comes the Sun napkin in red—whimsical, vibrant, and the perfect complement to this cozy yet sophisticated dish.

Recipe: Juicy Turkey Burgers with Caramelized Onions, Garlic Aioli & Swiss Cheese

Ingredients:

For the burgers:

  • 16 oz ground turkey (85% lean)
  • 6-8 oz mushrooms, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 beaten egg
  • ½ tsp garlic salt
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 3 tbsp chopped parsley
  • 4 slices Swiss cheese
  • 4 hamburger buns, toasted

For the caramelized onions:

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
  • Fresh ground black pepper

For the garlic aioli:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • Fresh ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

For the sautéed mushrooms:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 6 oz mushrooms, stemmed and sliced
  • ½ tsp unsalted butter

Instructions:

  1. Caramelize the Onions:
    • In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and season with salt and pepper.
    • Cook slowly, stirring every few minutes, for about 30 minutes or until onions are deeply golden brown. Set aside.
  2. Make the Garlic Aioli:
    • In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, minced garlic, salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Set aside.
  3. Sauté the Mushrooms:
    • Heat olive oil and butter in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms and sauté until they release their liquid and become golden, about 3 minutes. Set aside.
  4. Prepare the Turkey Patties:
    • In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, chopped mushrooms, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, garlic salt, onion powder, and parsley. Mix until just combined.
    • Form into four equal patties and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes.
  5. Cook the Burgers:
    • In the same cast-iron skillet used for the mushrooms, cook the turkey patties over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
    • Top each patty with a slice of Swiss cheese and cover until melted.
  6. Assemble the Burgers:
    • Spread a generous layer of garlic aioli on the toasted buns.
    • Place the turkey patty on the bottom bun and top with caramelized onions and sautéed mushrooms.
    • Add any additional toppings of your choice and serve immediately with crispy French frites.

Whether you’re gathering friends around the table or treating yourself to a decadent dinner, these turkey burgers offer a perfect balance of gourmet flavors and comfort food appeal. Enjoy!

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Gather / Recipes

The Featured Table: Elevated Brown Sugar Bundt Cake (From a Box!)

I always keep a few King Arthur Gluten-Free Classic Yellow Cake Mixes in my pantry for those days when time is short, but the occasion calls for something sweet. A well-stocked pantry can be a lifesaver when guests are coming over or when a weeknight dinner needs a special finishing touch. While there’s nothing wrong with a simple cake mix as-is, I love dressing it up to make it feel a little more magical—something unexpected yet effortlessly elegant.

This Elevated Brown Sugar Bundt Cake is a beautiful example of how a simple base can transform into a showstopping dessert with just a few thoughtful additions. The rich depth of brown sugar enhances the yellow cake, giving it a warmth and caramel-like complexity. Topped with a silky caramel glaze, this cake is equally suited for a celebratory birthday, a refined dessert for dinner guests, or an afternoon indulgence with a cup of tea. It even makes the perfect coffee cake alongside a steaming mug in the morning.

And with the big game on Sunday, this is an ideal dessert for anyone hosting a gathering. Super Bowl parties may be filled with savory bites and indulgent snacks, but a slice of this cake will elevate the occasion, offering a touch of sophistication to the spread. It’s easy to make, yet feels special—exactly what I love in a great dessert.

Elevated Brown Sugar Bundt Cake (From a Box!) with Caramel Glaze

Ingredients

For the cake:

  • 1 box King Arthur Gluten-Free Classic Yellow Cake Mix
  • Ingredients listed on the box (typically eggs, oil, and water)
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the caramel glaze:

  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 to 2/3 cup confectioner’s sugar (adjust for desired consistency)
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • extra confectioner’s sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prepare:
    Preheat oven to the temperature listed on the cake mix box. Generously grease a Bundt pan with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. Make the Cake Batter:
    Prepare the cake batter according to the box instructions. Stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
  3. Bake:
    Pour the batter evenly into the greased Bundt pan and bake according to the box directions, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  4. Cool:
    Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes, then carefully invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  5. Make the Caramel Glaze:
    In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then stir in the brown sugar. Cook for about 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sugar is fully dissolved.
    Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Whisk in confectioner’s sugar and milk, adjusting the amount of sugar to reach your desired glaze consistency.
  6. Glaze the Cake:
    Drizzle the warm caramel glaze over the cooled Bundt cake. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing and serving. You can add a little extra confectioners sugar sprinkled on top for a nice extra touch but not needed.

A Cake for Every Occasion

Whether served as a refined dessert, a cozy afternoon treat, or a delightful morning indulgence, this Brown Sugar Bundt Cake is a versatile favorite. I hope it finds its way to your table this weekend—perhaps as a thoughtful addition to a Super Bowl gathering or simply as a way to slow down and savor the moment. However you enjoy it, this is one of those effortless recipes that proves a little creativity can turn the simplest ingredients into something truly special.

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Gather / Recipes

The Featured Table: Chia Pudding Parfait with Cherry Blueberry Compote

February has arrived—how did that happen so quickly? As we step into a new month, it’s the perfect time to refocus on nourishing, feel-good foods that bring both comfort and energy.

As we embrace the new year and lean into lighter, nourishing meals, this week’s recipe is a true celebration of health and beauty. Say hello to our Chia Pudding Parfait with Cherry Blueberry Compote – a stunningly layered, nutrient-packed treat that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert.

Why Chia Pudding?

Chia seeds are a powerhouse of nutrition. Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, and essential minerals, they provide sustained energy and support overall well-being. When combined with creamy homemade cashew milk and paired with the natural sweetness of our cherry blueberry compote, the result is a dish that’s both delicious and nourishing.

Let’s walk through the simple steps to create this gorgeous parfait:

Ingredients

For the Cashew Milk

  • 1 cup raw cashews, soaked for 1-3 hours
  • 3 cups water
  • 3 dates, pitted
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch of sea salt

For the Chia Pudding

  • 1/2 cup chia seeds

For the Cherry Blueberry Compote

  • 1/4 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cherries
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 teaspoons maple syrup
  • A few drops of vanilla extract

Additional Layers

  • 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt of choice (dairy or dairy-free)
  • Fresh cherries and blueberries for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cashew Milk

In a high-speed blender (such as a Vitamix), combine the soaked cashews, water, dates, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Pour the cashew milk into a bowl and stir in the chia seeds until well blended. Cover and refrigerate overnight, allowing the seeds to expand and create a pudding-like texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Cherry Blueberry Compote

In a small saucepan, combine the blueberries, cherries, water, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the berries soften and release their juices, creating a vibrant, fruity compote. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 3: Assemble the Parfaits

In your favorite jars, glasses or bowls, layer the chia pudding, vanilla yogurt, and cherry blueberry compote. Repeat the layers to create a beautiful visual effect. Finish with a topping of fresh cherries and blueberries for added color and texture.

A Feast for the Senses

This chia pudding parfait isn’t just a treat for your taste buds – it’s a feast for the eyes as well. The vibrant layers of creamy pudding, luscious compote, and fresh fruit come together in a way that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Best of all, it’s a dish that supports your health and invites you to slow down and savor the moment.

We hope this recipe inspires you to start your day with a little more joy and nourishment. Let us know how your parfaits turn out – and don’t forget to share your creations with us!

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