Cauliflower, Onion and Potato Latkes

Latkes (potato pancakes) are traditionally eaten during Hanukkah which is this week. My recipe is made just a little lighter with the addition of cauliflower. I used the grater blade on my cuisinart and threw the potatoes, onions and cauliflower in (but you can finely chop/mince the cauliflower if you don’t have one). The recipe makes about 10-12 latkes- I just do a heaping spoonful of the mixture for each patty. Be sure to use Russett potatoes- they are less moist. Using a non stick pan makes things go more smoothly, and about 2-3 minutes on med-hi heat per side should do it! Happy Hanukkah, enjoy!

By Erin Gleeson for The Forest Feast

Edamame Hummus

Edamame Hummus! Fun holiday party appetizer! You can see more photos and instructions on my BHG post. 

Recipe by Better Homes and Gardens. Photos by Erin Gleeson for The Forest Feast.

Stuffed Sweet Peppers with Avocado and Pesto

These avocado/pesto stuffed peppers are a great appetizer for entertaining (or to bring to a holiday party, you could just use red peppers with the green filling!) You can often find these mini sweet peppers in bags at the super market. To make the filling a little richer, you can also add 2T cream cheese. Try to get the avocado mixture as creamy as possible with a fork, and I have found that the heavier freezer type ziplocks work the best for piping. Enjoy, and happy weekend!

By Erin Gleeson for The Forest Feast

Persimmon and Brie Mini Sandwiches

I know it’s been persimmon-palooza around here for a while, but this will likely be the last persimmon recipe until next Fall. I had some left over persimmon after making this salad for Thanksgiving, so I sliced them into wedges and made these little appetizer sandwiches, which people seemed to really like! You could use any kind of cheese, really…but do make sure you choose Fuyu persimmons (the squat tomato looking ones that are eaten when crunchy and don’t leave a pasty taste in your mouth like those soft oblong ones). If you can’t find persimmons, you could also use pears or apples. This is an easy cocktail hour snack to serve before dinner, and can easily be made ahead. Enjoy!

Caper Crostini

Crostini are great for entertaining, and this caper/shallot mixture can be made ahead of time. Burrata just makes everything better, so the combo of these ingredients is absolutely delish! Burrata is like a super soft fresh mozzarella that comes in water in a tub (you can get it at Trader Joe’s). If you can’t find it, use any soft cheese. You could simply use onion instead of shallots as well. I sliced the baguette and drizzled with a bit of olive oil (optional) on a cookie sheet before broiling in the oven. Yum!

By Erin Gleeson for The Forest Feast