Posts filed in Gather / Recipes

Gather / Recipes

Fall Salad Delights to Brighten Your Palate

As the temperature drops and the days get shorter, it’s easy to find comfort in hearty, warm meals during the winter months. However, that doesn’t mean you have to bid farewell to salads until spring. Fall and Winter salads can be just as satisfying and flavorful, incorporating seasonal ingredients that add a burst of freshness to your plate. Here are some delightful salad recipe ideas that will keep your taste buds happy and your body nourished during the cold season.

Roasted Beet Salad with Walnuts and Goat Cheese by From a Chef’s Kitchen
  1. Roasted Root Vegetable Salad:

Roasting root vegetables not only intensifies their flavors but also adds a delightful warmth to your salad. Start with a mix of carrots, beets, and sweet potatoes. Toss them in olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and fresh rosemary, then roast until tender. Combine the roasted veggies with baby spinach, goat cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette for a satisfying and nutritious salad.

Fall Harvest Salad with Tahini Maple Dressing by Running on Real Food

2. Winter Harvest Salad (vegan):

Celebrate the bounty of winter with a harvest-inspired salad. Start with a base of mixed greens, such as kale and arugula. Add roasted butternut squash, brussels sprouts, and red onion for a hearty foundation. Top it off with pomegranate seeds, toasted pecans, and a drizzle of maple tahini dressing. The combination of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors will leave your taste buds dancing.

Quinoa Salad with Pomegranate, Feta and Mint by The Sunny Side Up Recipes
  1. Quinoa and Pomegranate Salad:

This quinoa and pomegranate salad is not only visually stunning but also packed with nutrients. Cook quinoa according to the package instructions and let it cool. Add pomegranate seeds, chopped fresh mint, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle with a dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, and a hint of honey. The tartness of the pomegranate seeds and the freshness of mint will make this salad a winter favorite.

Kale and Brussel Sprouts Salad by Well Plated
  1. Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad:

Kale and Brussels sprouts are cold-weather champions, and when combined, they create a hearty winter salad. Shred both vegetables finely, and then massage them with a lemony vinaigrette to soften and enhance their flavors. Add sliced apples, toasted walnuts, and grated Parmesan cheese for extra depth and crunch. It’s a nutrient-packed salad that’s perfect for the season.

Mushroom Salad with Lentils and Caramelized Onions by Viktoria’s Table
  1. Warm Lentil and Mushroom Salad:

Lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, making them a great choice for a satisfying winter salad. Cook green or brown lentils until tender, then sauté them with sliced mushrooms, garlic, and thyme until the mushrooms are golden and tender. Toss the lentils and mushrooms with baby arugula, crumbled goat cheese, and a simple mustard vinaigrette. The warm lentils and earthy mushrooms make this salad comforting and nourishing.

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Gather / Recipes

November: A Time to Gather, Give Thanks, and Feast!

November is here, and that means Thanksgiving is just around the corner. It’s that wonderful time of the year when we gather with our loved ones, express gratitude, and enjoy a hearty meal together. As the holiday season approaches, we find ourselves pouring over recipes and having marathon cooking sessions to create a feast that shows our loved ones just how much they mean to us. We’ve gathered some of our favorite Thanksgiving recipes to help you prepare a delectable meal. Plus, we’ll explore how to set the table in a way that creates a magical ambiance, ensuring this Thanksgiving won’t be forgotten for years.

Photo by Amaris Sachs Photo

The Thanksgiving Feast:

  1. Roast Turkey with All the Trimmings: Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without the star of the show, the turkey. Roasting a turkey can be a labor of love, but the result is worth every bit of effort. Season the bird with your favorite herbs and spices, and don’t forget to baste it for that golden, crispy skin. Serve it with classic stuffing, cranberry sauce, and rich gravy.
  2. Classic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are a must on any Thanksgiving table. Boil or steam your potatoes until they’re tender, then mash them with butter, cream or dairy-free alternative, salt, and pepper. These fluffy spuds pair perfectly with turkey and gravy.
  3. Homemade Cranberry Sauce: Say goodbye to canned cranberry sauce and say hello to this sweet and tangy homemade version. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor.
  4. Pumpkin Pie: No Thanksgiving meal is complete without a slice of pumpkin pie. Discover this recipe for the ultimate dessert that will leave your guests craving more.
Photo by Amaris Sachs Photo

Setting the Thanksgiving Table:

While the food undoubtedly takes center stage, setting the table plays a crucial role in creating a warm and inviting ambiance for your Thanksgiving gathering. With a few simple touches, you can transform your dining area into a place that will be remembered for years to come.

  • Table Linens: Start with a clean and well-ironed tablecloth, placemats, or table runners in neutral or warm autumnal colors. Consider using seasonal patterns or textiles that add a touch of coziness.
  • Dinnerware: Opt for elegant or rustic dinnerware, depending on the style you wish to achieve. Mix and match patterns or use vintage dishes for a charming, eclectic look.
  • Centerpieces: Create a beautiful centerpiece with seasonal flowers, gourds, and candles. For a personal touch, craft your own centerpiece using natural elements like pinecones, leaves, nuts and fresh or dried fruit.
  • Place Cards: Design place cards with the names of your guests to make them feel extra special. Handwritten notes or small tokens of appreciation can be a lovely addition.
  • Candles and Lighting: Add warmth to the table with candles or fairy lights. The soft, flickering glow creates an enchanting atmosphere as the sun sets.
  • Final Touches: Don’t forget the small details like polished silverware and fresh, folded napkins. Consider incorporating rustic elements like wooden or woven chargers or place mats for an extra dash of charm.
Photo by Amaris Sachs Photo

As we enter November, we are reminded of the joy of Thanksgiving, a time to celebrate love, gratitude, and delicious food. The act of preparing a heartfelt meal for your loved ones is a true labor of love, and the art of setting the table can turn your gathering into a magical experience that will be cherished for years to come.

We hope that our Thanksgiving recipes and table-setting tips inspire you to create a memorable and meaningful holiday celebration. So, gather your loved ones, pull out all the stops in the kitchen, and let the ambiance you create remind everyone just how much they mean to you.

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Gather / Recipes

An Ode to Fall: Embracing the Season’s Bounty with Pumpkin Delights

As the days grow shorter and the leaves transform into vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, there’s a palpable magic in the air. Fall has arrived, and with it comes a cornucopia of seasonal delights that warm the heart and nourish the soul. Among these autumn treasures, the pumpkin takes center stage, offering its earthy sweetness and versatility in a myriad of delectable recipes. In this ode to fall, we celebrate the beauty of the season and pay homage to the humble pumpkin with some mouthwatering recipes that will have you savoring every moment.

The Rustic Charm of Fall

Fall, with its crisp air and cozy sweaters, brings an enchanting blend of rustic charm and vibrant energy. It’s a season that encourages us to slow down, embrace the changing landscape, and find comfort in the simple pleasures of life. As we gather around crackling fires and take leisurely strolls through pumpkin patches, we can’t help but be entranced by the magic of this season.

The Pumpkin: Nature’s Emblem of Fall

One of the defining symbols of fall, the pumpkin embodies the spirit of the season. With its rich, earthy hues and warm, comforting flavor, the pumpkin has a way of connecting us to the very essence of autumn. From adorning our doorsteps with Jack-o’-lanterns to filling our kitchens with the aroma of freshly baked pumpkin treats, this versatile gourd adds a touch of enchantment to our lives.

Savoring the Bounty: Pumpkin Recipes

To fully embrace the fall season, what better way than to indulge in some pumpkin-inspired culinary creations? Let’s explore a few pumpkin recipes that celebrate the diverse and delectable aspects of this autumn icon:

1. Pumpkin Spice Latte

  • Start your day with a warm hug from a homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte. This delightful concoction of espresso, pumpkin puree, and a dash of spices will awaken your senses and fill your morning with the essence of fall.
Pumpkin Spice Latte by Ambitious Kitchen

2. Roasted Pumpkin Soup

  • There’s nothing quite like a bowl of Roasted Pumpkin Soup to comfort your soul on a chilly autumn evening. The roasted pumpkin brings a depth of flavor, while a hint of cream adds a touch of indulgence. In this recipe the added touch of pesto makes it perfect.
Roasted Pumpkin Soup with Pesto by Lindsey Eats

3. Pumpkin Risotto

  • Elevate your dinner with a creamy Pumpkin Risotto. The subtle sweetness of the pumpkin melds beautifully with Arborio rice, creating a dish that’s both comforting and elegant.
Pumpkin and Mushroom Risotto by The Healthful Ideas

4. Pumpkin Bread

  • For a timeless treat, bake a loaf of moist and aromatic Pumpkin Bread. The scent of cinnamon and nutmeg wafting through your kitchen is the quintessential aroma of fall.
Healthy Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze by Ambitious Kitchen

5. Pumpkin Pie

  • No ode to fall would be complete without Pumpkin Pie. This classic dessert, with its flaky crust and velvety pumpkin filling, embodies the very essence of autumn. Top it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a truly indulgent experience.
The Great Pumpkin Pie Recipe by Sally’s Baking Recipes

The Essence of Fall

Fall is a season that embraces us with its beauty and warmth, urging us to take a moment to savor the little things in life. It reminds us of the simple pleasures of nature’s bounty and the comfort of home-cooked meals. As we revel in the pumpkin’s earthly sweetness, let’s remember that autumn is more than a season; it’s a feeling, a sensation, and a state of mind. It’s a reminder to slow down, cherish the present moment, and find joy in the everyday.

Wishing you a cozy and pumpkin-filled autumn.

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Gather / Recipes

How To: Easy Crowd Pleaser Meals That are Ready in a Snap

Nothing is better than gathering together with the people who make our lives rich and meaningful. 

In the end, we’ll find that the friends and family who’ve made up the fabric of our lives were more precious than money or any worldly success.

As Clarence the Angel says to George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life, “Remember-No man is a failure who has friends.”

Yes, friends are wonderful. But what do you feed them all?

When I need to fill up a lot of people fast, I find pasta is always a popular choice or my rustic chicken recipe.

My go-to is to put out a platter loaded with mounds of grapes and any other fresh fruit I can find that looks particularly delectable, an array of interesting cheeses, and then I serve a large pasta bake that can be assembled ahead of time. 

The bake I used to rely on was inspired by Saveur magazine. It called for ground veal, but I substituted ground chicken because, well, baby cows. 

Photo by Tina Rupp

However, this recipe based on  Food and Wine Magazine is made for the host in a hurry. It uses pre-made flatbread instead of noodles, so you can assemble the meal quickly and get it into the oven.

Flatbread Lasagna

Ingredients

  • 1 pound hot spicy chicken sausage, casings removed 
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 1/2 cups ricotta
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 3 cups jarred marinara sauce (Ina Garten uses Rao’s in her home)
  • 4 pocketless pita or naan (why not pick them up from your favorite Indian restaurant to make the dish truly divine?)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella (12 ounces)

Directions

  • Step 1
    Preheat the oven to 350°. In a skillet, cook the sausages in the oil over moderately high heat, breaking up the meat, until browned. Season the ricotta with salt and pepper. Spread 1/2 cup of the marinara sauce in a deep-dish pie plate. Top with 1 flatbread, one-third of the sausage and 1/2 cup each of the ricotta and mozzarella. Repeat the layering twice more. Add 1/2 cup of sauce and the last flatbread. Top with the remaining 1 cup of sauce and 1/2 cup of mozzarella.
  • Step 2
    Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 30 minutes longer. Let cool for 20 minutes and serve. Serves 6-8. Make two when you have a huge crowd. More is always better.

Suggested Pairing

Chianti.

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