Cozy Drink RoundUp

Today marks the Winter solstice — the shortest day of the year. It gives me hope to think that each day that follows will be lighter and brighter and soon it will be Spring again. I know 2020 has been a tough year for so many people around the world and as we are in lock down again, I thought it would be nice to do a COZY DRINK ROUNDUP for these cold & wintery nights.

Tonight’s solstice is special because it coincides with the Great Conjunction. Shortly after sunset, look southwest, toward the horizon — you should see Saturn and Jupiter pass in the night sky. They will appear the closest they've been since 1226!

As for the cozy drinks, I plan to enjoy one in front of the fire once the kids are asleep. Spiking optional!

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Hot Chai-Nog

Hot Chai Cider

Holiday Hot Cider

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Erin

Hot Chai-Nog

Hot Chai Cider

Holiday Hot Cider

Holiday Recipe Ideas

Happy Holidays, everyone! Wishing you a fun-filled holiday break with good food and warm drinks! Here are a few ideas:

Easy Party Appetizers:
Cucumber Caprese Bites
Mozzarella Stuffed Pesto Puffs
Lemon Ricotta Crostini

Holiday Drinks:
Hot Chai-Nog
Spiced Pomegranate-Apple Cider
Cranberry Old Fashioned

XO,

Erin

Champagne Cocktails!

In 2013, I am so excited to be devoting myself to the creation of my first cookbook, which seemed like a pipe dream last year at this time. I am so grateful to everyone who has inspired and supported me creatively up to this point! In this new year, I encourage you to take a creative leap, start a new project (even if it seems crazy) and make time for something you’ve been wanting to do- you never know where it may lead.

Happy New Year!

xo,

Erin

PS- I found this video by Tina Roth Eisenberg on “the importance of side projects” especially inspiring. You might, too!

Red Roasted Carrots

Combine a couple pinches (or a quarter teaspoon each) of cinnamon, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder and sea salt. Mix spices well in a bowl with about 6 diagonally (oval) cut carrots plus 1T olive oil and 1t sesame oil. Roast at 400 for 20 minutes on a baking sheet until the edges are crispy brown. Enjoy warm!

Passover Seder in the Woods

Spring has sprung in the woods! Passover is this week and to kick it off, we hosted a first-night Seder.  We spent 2 days cooking all the traditional Jewish dishes: Matzah ball soup, Haroset (a paste of dried fruit and nuts), Farfel (quiche-like squares), Tzimmes (a sweet potato carrot dish), plus a roasted chicken with rosemary and lemon. The seder plate has items that represent different parts of the meal and the Passover story of slavery and freedom, including a hard boiled egg, horseradish, parsley, matzah, a shank bone and the modern addition of an orange. In this story of Exodus, when the Jews fled Egypt, they didn’t have time for their bread to rise, so this week we eat matzah instead of bread as a reminder that there are still people today who seek freedom. Chag Sameach and Happy Passover!

Photos and illustration by Erin Gleeson