DIY Al Fresco Entertaining Video

I recently partnered with nousDECOR to demo some easy summer recipes from The Forest Feast cookbook that would be great for outdoor entertaining: a Cucumber Spritzer Cocktail, Asparagus Straws and Guacamole Deviled Eggs. We shot it at the most beautiful stable-turned-home in Woodside, CA. Hope you enjoy the 2 minute video!

Video by Yiqian Peng and nousDECOR, www.nousdecor.com

Recipes by Erin Gleeson, www.theforestfeast.com

Photo above of Erin is by Yiqian Peng from nousDECOR. All others are by Erin Gleeson.

Wine and Cheese Party Menu

Yesterday evening Jonathan and I hosted a little wine and cheese tasting garden party for the Jewish holiday of Shavuot (the one where you are supposed to eat dairy- basically, my favorite holiday ever!). A friend brought plums from her tree and it was fun to see the early fruits of the garden, including blackberries that will arrive in a month or two.

I am no wine connoisseur, but I did some research online to find wine/cheese combinations that went well together, and then came up with simple, no-cook appetizer ideas using each cheese to pair with 5 different wines (ranging from bubbly to after-dinner port). I learned that when pairing cheese and wine, it’s best to match similarities in flavor (like a light fruity wine with a light cheese/fruit appetizer) or go for complete contrast, (like a sweet robust port paired with a pungent blue cheese like gorgonzola). It’s fun to take your time and pay attention to how the flavors dance in your mouth! I think they are best enjoyed in this order:

1. Prosecco: spread camembert (a brie-like) cheese on a toasted piece of baguette, top with a peach slice, and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.

2. Pinot Grigio: spread fresh whole milk ricotta cheese on a toasted piece of baguette and top with lemon zest and honey. See more details on that recipe in this post.

3. Pinot Noir: stack a cube of watermelon, a cube of feta and a leaf of mint on a toothpick.

4. Cabernet Sauvignon: top a slice of sharp white cheddar with a slice of crisp green apple, then sprinkle with honey and black pepper.

5. Port: put a smear of creamy gorgonzola on a leaf of purple endive and top with a red grape or 2.

Happy summer entertaining!

xx Erin

Curly Kale and Curly Pasta (Salad)

Pasta, Beans & Greens! Also easily made with gluten-free pasta, and can be vegan if you use a dairy-free pesto. This is a good one for entertaining because it’s easy to make ahead and great warm or at room temperature.

This post was done in collaboration with on Better Homes and Gardens.

Apricot Bites

I have just returned from a trip to the New York area for my first book events, to which I have been bringing snacks from the book, like these Apricot Bites! They are simple to make ahead, easy to travel with and great at room temperature- plus, you don’t even really need a napkin or plate!

I had a lot of fun doing a watercolor workshop and signing at Terrain in Westport, CT (see photos above…I made a skirt from my watercolors to wear to the event, and I made Jonathan a shirt with The Forest Feast logo!). Then I did a Q&A/signing at the Food Book Fair in Brooklyn at the gorgeous Wythe Hotel. (The fair continues this weekend with an awesome foodie line-up, if you’re in NYC).

My west coast book events kick off this weekend, with a signing at Omnivore Books in San Francisco on Saturday, plus several more in the Bay Area. Hope to see you there!

x Erin

Workshop photos of me are by Andrea Davidson.

Grilled Cheese Party

A couple weeks ago we threw our 2nd annual Grilled Cheese Party. It was so good last year that we just had to do it again! We were celebrating my friend Nicole’s and my birthday. In the house, we had a table made up with all the fixin’s: several different types of breads and cheeses (all labeled with washi tape), plus lots of spreads and toppings. We had garlic aioli, mayo, fig jam, several mustards, caramelized onions, and arugula, to name a few. Each person made up their sandwich then brought it outside to Jonathan, who was manning the grill, with our biggest skillet and a tub of butter. This way, we could all be outside together and no one was stuck in the kitchen! Coming hot off the grill they are absolutely delicious…I think food cooked outside always tastes better :) Plus, when entertaining outdoors in the winter (even in California) it helps to have a hot grill to stand around to keep warm.

For dessert we had a brownie cake and a pear pie, topped with the cutest bees wax birthday candles from Mohawk Valley Trading Company. I also decorated the deck outside with some of their other candles that they gifted me- I just love them. I have been trying to keep things more “all-natural” around the house, so I like that these candles don’t give off any toxic fumes when burned. Plus, they have a lovely subtle scent of honey.

As the sun went down, we put a big screen outside on the deck, bundled up with blankets and watched a movie around the fire pit. 

Make a wish!

xx, Erin