Homemade Forest Feast

tumblr_mlvqzsqwx61r4p2epo1_1280.jpg
tumblr_mlvqzsqwx61r4p2epo2_r1_1280.jpg
tumblr_mlvqzsqwx61r4p2epo3_r1_1280.jpg
tumblr_mlvqzsqwx61r4p2epo5_1280.jpg
tumblr_mlvqzsqwx61r4p2epo6_1280.jpg
tumblr_mlvqzsqwx61r4p2epo4_r1_1280.jpg
tumblr_mlvqzsqwx61r4p2epo7_r1_1280.jpg
tumblr_mlvqzsqwx61r4p2epo8_1280.jpg
tumblr_mlvqzsqwx61r4p2epo9_1280.jpg
tumblr_mlvqzsqwx61r4p2epo10_1280.jpg

Last weekend I had the great pleasure of hosting one of my favorite cookbook authors, Yvette van Boven, for a little cocktail party to celebrate her newest book, Home Made Summer. Her books are works of art…amazing recipes paired with photography, illustration, story telling and humor in the most magical way- they’ve been such a source of inspiration for me.  This is the third book in her Home Made series and we got connected because we have the same publisher (Abrams/Stewart, Tabori & Chang.)

Yvette and her husband Oof Verschuren (who took all the gorgeous photos in the book) are creative collaborators who split their time between Amsterdam and Paris. They were in the U.S. for a few weeks on a book tour and I feel lucky that The Forest Feast was one of their West Coast stops! We hosted a group of local food bloggers, writers and friends on a warm Spring afternoon on the deck. Yvette made treats from her new book- Chaneterelle Pate, White Bean Hummus, Feta & Olive Cake, and Financiers. Plus her delicious Pimm’s Cup cocktail with strawberries, mint and cucumber, and a refreshing Mint Lemmo cocktail mixed with Prosecco. I made a couple appetizers from my blog as well, like my Eggplant “Tacos” and Guacamole Deviled Eggs. We tasted the goods and Yvette signed books as the sun went down behind the mountains.

Congrats, Yvette and Oof, on a gorgeous new book! Come back and visit the woods anytime! 

xxx Erin

Papercut lettering illustration at the top is by Yvette van Boven. Photo of the group of 5 of us, and the one of me in the chair are by Oof Verschuren.

Broiled Citrus Salad

This is a unique and delicious way to prepare citrus! The full recipe and more photos are in my Better Homes and Gardens post today. Enjoy!

This is a unique and delicious way to prepare citrus! The full recipe and more photos are in my Better Homes and Gardens post today. Enjoy!

Pear Pancakes

tumblr_mllalcC3qh1r4p2epo1_1280.jpg
tumblr_mllalcC3qh1r4p2epo8_r1_1280.jpg
tumblr_mllalcC3qh1r4p2epo2_1280.jpg
tumblr_mllalcC3qh1r4p2epo3_1280.jpg
tumblr_mllalcC3qh1r4p2epo4_1280.jpg
tumblr_mllalcC3qh1r4p2epo5_1280.jpg
tumblr_mllalcC3qh1r4p2epo6_1280.jpg
tumblr_mllalcC3qh1r4p2epo7_r1_1280.jpg

Even though it’s starting to become spring, it’s still cold in some parts!  We were recently in NYC and since Jonathan’s family has a house in Vermont, we took a group of friends there for the weekend. We cooked big meals together, played snow football and spent evenings by the fire. (It’s kind of like The Forest Feast in the snow!). Our friend Sam made his herb marinated BBQ chicken one night and for Sunday breakfast we made these pear pancakes topped with walnuts (and real Vermont maple syrup, of course!).

By Erin Gleeson for The Forest Feast

Saveur Best Food Blog Finalist

tumblr_mlc6jmEiDB1r4p2epo1_1280.png
tumblr_mlc6jmEiDB1r4p2epo4_1280.jpg
tumblr_mlc6jmEiDB1r4p2epo3_1280.jpg
tumblr_mlc6jmEiDB1r4p2epo2_1280.jpg

I just found out that The Forest Feast is a finalist for Saveur Magazine's Best Food Blog award in the “Best Original Recipes” category, and I am so excited! 

Voting determines the winner, so I’d love it if you could take a minute to check out the contest, by clicking here. I am flattered to be in the company of such great food blogs!

I posted 3 of my favorite past recipes above to celebrate: Orange Avocado SaladStrawberry Caprese and Watermelon Salad. Happy cooking!

xx Erin

UPDATE as of 4/23/13: Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to vote! I realllly appreciate it, but The Forest Feast unfortunately did not win. Click here to see who did, and congrats to the winners!

Maybe next year…

Tabouleh Boats

tumblr_ml3o4meMYI1r4p2epo1_1280.jpg
tumblr_ml3o4meMYI1r4p2epo2_r1_1280.jpg

Tabbouleh spooned into little endive boats is a fun appetizer or side (and healthy, too!). Find the simple recipe in my newest post for Better Homes and Gardens, here.

By Erin Gleeson of The Forest Feast