Grapefruit & Thyme Aperol Spritz
The days are getting warmer and with travel plans on hold for the foreseeable future, I am imagining myself in Italy again like we were last summer. Bring on the spritz!
This spritz recipe comes from The Forest Feast Mediterranean (page 50).
Grapefruit & Thyme Aperol Spritz
Grapefruit & Thyme Aperol Spritz
(serves 1)
2 oz. Aperol
2 oz. Prosecco
2 oz. Seltzer
Mix spirits in a cocktail shaker until cold.
Serve in chilled glass with ice.
Garnish with a slice of grapefruit and a fresh thyme sprig.
Cheers!
xx
Erin
Tortilla Española with Rainbow Chard
This recipe was inspired by our travels in Spain while I was seeking inspiration for The Forest Feast Mediterranean (see p.156 in the book). The Spanish tortilla is a signature dish found in bars and homes throughout the country. It is often served room temperature as a tapa, which makes it a great menu item for brunch or lunch. Enjoy!
TORTILLA ESPAñOLA with RAINBOW CHARD
(serves 4-6)
3 small red potatoes
1 small red onion
3 T olive oil
2 large rainbow chard leaves (thinly sliced)
6 eggs
salt & pepper
sprinkle of finishing salt (like Maldon salt or similar)
Fry the potatoes & onions with salt & pepper & olive oil on low heat for about 15 min in a 9-in skillet (season skillet well or use non-stick). When the potatoes are fork tender, add the rainbow chard leaves, stir in & cover until wilted (about 2 min). Turn the burner off.
Then beat 6 eggs with a bit if salt & pepper in a mixing bowl and transfer the hot potato mixture to the bowl. Stir. Scrape the skillet to remove any remaining browned bits, then return pan to a low heat. Add 2 T olive oil to coat the pan.
When the pan is hot — add back the egg & potato mixture, cover tightly with a lid & let cook on low for 5-8 min. Using a spatula, check to see if the bottom has browned. When it seems mostly intact, use pot holders & place a large plate on the pan & carefully flip the pan over, transferring the tortilla to the plate, then slide it back into the pan to cook the other side (uncovered) for about 3 min.
Cut into wedges, sprinkle with finishing salt & enjoy hot or at room temp.
xx
Erin
Palm Springs!
I am so excited to be in Palm Springs for Alt Summit! For all the attendees of my watercolor + Photoshop workshop, please click here for the handouts.
More photos to come!
Napa Girls Trip
Kayoko walking to our room at Indian Springs
A few weeks ago I did a quick overnight girls trip with 2 of my best friends from college. We drove up to Napa County, which is about 2 hours away from where I live in the woods. I had always heard about Indian Springs the cool, old resort in Calistoga, and despite my parents living only 10 minutes from there, I'd never been! Kayoko (my good friend and co-founder of Umami Mart) suggested it, and it was perfect for our little getaway. I love its vintage white-washed look with palms, cactus gardens and striped pool awnings. And a real geyser that constantly bubbling! It was a 24-hour splurge, complete with delicious food and wine, hot springs and the best massage at their spa.
The pool at Indian Springs is actually filled with water from the natural hot spring! The water is quite warm, which really makes me want to go back in the winter.
Pool-side selfie! (in my new palm swimsuit)
Palms and cactus surrounding the pool area.
We had dinner at the restaurant at Indian Springs, Sam's Social Club. I thought the food was great. Aperol spritzes alongside deep-fried Brussels sprouts, grilled artichoke and burrata with fried bread. Yum!
Back at Sam's for Breakfast.
avocado toast!
We did a little shopping before heading home. Lincoln Street, the downtown drag of Calistoga, has some great antique stores.
The drive home through Napa is so pretty, passing all the wineries and vineyards. It was a quick trip but I felt totally refreshed afterwards! I'll be back.
* * *
Other Napa reccs:
The Calistoga Inn & Brewery: this is where I always go with my parents when I'm visiting them. We love to sit outside there and have a drink.
Cafe Sarafornia: great for a comfort food brunch!
Cook Tavern & Pizzeria: a tasty stop for lunch in St. Helena while wine tasting