Grapefruit Mint Salad

Sounds like summer doesn't it? Not bone-cold December. I guess you don't have to wait for the holiday to have a few surprises. One of my favorite local farms is experimenting with high tunnels, which means I am experimenting with FRESH LOCAL salad greens in December.

Winter is also peak season for grapefruit and citrus. All the more reason to celebrate.

Grapefruit-Mint Salad

2 Ruby Grapefruits, sectioned

1 tbs. mint, chiffonade or chopped

3 cups greens, spring mix or mache

Dressing:

Juice of 1 lemon, plus zest

2 tbs. champagne vinegar

4 tbs. olive oil

2 tbs. honey

salt and pepper to taste

Divide salad ingredients among four plates. Drizzle with dressing. You have room for some cookies now!

New Year, New Resolve

Note, I did not say resolutions. I tried to sit down and write a list of specific things I will do in 2010, but so much of it is just an extension of the topics I write about already. So, here are some of what you can look forward to in the New Year here in the kitchen:

• More recipes, of course.
• Thinking Globally. Worldwide issues of climate change and hunger and what that means for all of us, and how we are all connected in these issues.
• Acting Locally. Ways to be active in my (and your) own community for Food Justice, and helping grow the local food movement for all.
• Issues, laws and your food. Just not going to get away from this one. Hot buttons ahead; school lunches, food policy as health policy.
• A little bit of humor now and again. I used to post these things, but we can all use some levity these days.
• More free books. Well, as long as I have them to share!

As far as the other stuff; lose weight! learn a new language! exercise! Hey, we all do what we can. I don't need to wait for the calendar to tick over years before I do something worthwhile. I just need to not let the time pass by before I do.

January Book Giveaway

December's winner for The Berghoff Cafe Cookbook is Suburban Prep. Be sure you email your mailing address to farmerfare AT gmail DOT com to get your free book!

January's giveaway is, appropriately, Victoria Moore's book How to Drink. Leave a comment with your favorite cocktail or adult beverage you celebrate with and you will be entered into a random drawing to win the book.

The book covers not just alcoholic beverages, but the perfect seasonal drink for nearly every occasion. Recipes for the perfect drinks and cocktails are accompanied by advice and historical insights into beverage options.

Remember, kids, as the author says, it's not how MUCH you drink, it's how WELL you drink. And drive responsibly. Cheers for a happy 2010 for all!

Holiday Recipes

I took down quite a few of the recipes on the site for the upcoming book. Still, there are many of the holiday favorites to be found.

Here's to a warm kitchen, full of family and friends and a safe, happy holiday to all this season.

Salads

Red Wine Poached Pear Salad

Orange, Fennel and Pomegranate Salad
Poached Pear Salad with Pumpkin Seed Brittle

Sides

Best Ever Real Green Bean Casserole

Brunch

Pumpkin Gingerbread Waffles

Herbed Waffle with Smoked Salmon and Greens

Eggnog French Toast

Desserts

Pumpkin Molasses Cookies