Some big, bittersweet news: we moved! We left the cabin.
Since we arrived at the cabin nearly 10 years ago we got married, started new careers and had 3 kids! Leaving New York I thought my life as a food photographer might be over. But these majestic redwoods and golden light breathed new life into me creatively and set me up for what I didn’t know I dreamed of doing. Upon arrival in California I was hoping to pivot my career and shoot other people’s cookbooks and never imagined I’d end up creating a cookbook series of my own.
Pandemic + working from home + a third baby in a small cabin all led to our decision to move. When a bigger place down the street became available recently, we decided to take the leap (these pics above and below). We are still in the Santa Cruz Mountains and surrounded by the same beautiful trees. Instead of west we now face east with a view of the San Francisco Bay through the redwoods. Though it’s been updated, part of the house is a cabin with an interesting history built over 100 years ago. Plus there’s a hiking trail out the back door and an epic rope swing.
As sad as I am about moving on from the little cabin where it all began (it was so hard to leave), I’m excited to have new trees watching over us. Change is so hard but you never know what new inspiration it might bring, and I’m open to that! It was sweet to celebrate the holidays in our new home and I’m looking forward to sharing more photos of the space as we get settled.
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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Erin
Hot Chai-Nog
Hot Chai Cider
Holiday Hot Cider
Holiday Gift Guide 2020
This has been a year unlike any other. I hesitated to even include a Gift Guide this year but on second thought I figured many small businesses (like mine.. hint hint!) could use the extra love and support this year. And for those who prefer to skip the tangible gifts, I’ve included a couple of ideas for supporting organizations that are serving the people who need it most during 2020 - a food bank helping to fight food insecurity during the pandemic and a local organization supporting fire victims during California’s most destructive wildfire year on record. The new year can’t come soon enough!
*The book links below are from Indie Bound, a website here you can enter your zipcode and find titles for sale at indy bookstores near you.
Kids
The Forest Feast for Kids: Simple and easy recipe ideas that incorporate creative ways to add more vegetables and fruits into your children’s meals.
Ambitious Girl by Meena Harris—an empowering picture book.
The Adventures of Lily Huckleberry in Mexico: The third book in the series of children’s bed time stories with beautiful illustrations by my friend Audrey — another female small business owner and mama. We have all her books and the kids love them.
Cooks
Olive Oil Subscription: This is a great shop in SF’s Noe Valley and they offer several seasonal subscriptions for olive oils and vinegars.
These adorable mugs made in Japan from Umami Mart, my favorite shop in Oakland, run by my friends Kayoko and Yoko.
The Forest Feast Mediterranean: My latest book is a great way to bring a taste of the Mediterranean home (especially during the colder winter months!) when in need of a taste of summer or tapas from Spain!
Pasta Cooking Class with Lucca & Lorenzo (online): I love to give gifts that are experiences and this pasta cooking class looks entertaining and educational at the same time — a virtual trip to Italy from the comforts of you own home.
Edible gifts like baked goods and cheeseballs are always fun to drop off on doorsteps. Watch my recipe video for a cheeseball here...I show how to wrap it, too!
Hygge Life
Beeswax Candles: I can never get enough of toxin-free beeswax candles. They are perfect for dinner parties and/or everyday—these lovely ones are from a local shop in my town.
My favorite watercolor set.
An Online Art Class: This looks like a fun online course package for kids. This one on Skillshare looks fun for adults (the instructor paints from her farm in the Appalachian mountains.) You can gift an annual membership to Skillshare or to Masterclass, which both have virtual cooking and art classes.
The Forest Feast Gatherings: I know many of us miss hosting dinner parties and gatherings with larger groups this year. Make moments at home feel a bit more special with entertaining ideas, pretty spreads, and plan-ahead ideas for intimate gatherings at home.
Giving Back
For those who would prefer a donation to a charitable cause (hint: you have until the end of the year for tax purposes)
Puente: Serving as the only south coast community center, Puente advocates for diverse farming communities in Southern San Mateo County near where I live. They have been a huge supporter for families who were displaced during the wildfires in this part of California. My brother lost his house this year in the fires so this feels especially important to me.
Second Harvest: Many families in Silicon Valley near where I live have been struggling to provide consistent meals to their families this year. Founded in 1974, Second Harvest of Silicon Valley is one of the largest food banks in the nation and a trusted nonprofit leader in ending local hunger. The organization distributes nutritious groceries through a network of more than 300 partners at drive-thru and walk-up sites across Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. I have been baking challah monthly as a fundraiser for them and plan to donate by the end of the year as well.
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Happy Holiday shopping! Please remember to support your local bookstores and shops whenever you can. Also check out Book Passage’s virtual author series! You could gift a book and then email a link to a (free) upcoming talk with that author. I recently had an author conversation hosted by them with cookbook author Andrea Bemis who has a beautiful new book out about eating locally. Sign up and watch past author talks as well, for free.
Holiday Hot Cider
With so much outdoor entertaining happening this holiday season thanks to Covid, we are going to need something to keep our hands (and spirits) extra warm. So break out that fire pit, get an extension cord for the slow cooker, grab a wool blanket and join me in the backyard.
HOLIDAY HOT CIDER
serves 6-8
64 oz unfiltered apple juice (the cloudy-looking kind)
juice from 3 clementines
5 cinnamon sticks
a pinch of ground cloves (about 1/8 t)
Stir then simmer the above ingredients in a slow cooker on low for at least 3 hours. (If doing this in a pot on the stovetop, simmer on low for at least 30 minutes).
When you are ready to serve it, float these on top of the pot:
3 additional clementines, sliced in rounds with peel on
1 c fresh cranberries
6 star anise (optional)
Serve hot, ladled into (copper) mugs. Leave a bottle of rum out and let those who’d like it spiked (like me) to stir in a shot before enjoying. Happy (and safe) holidays!
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This post contains Amazon affiliate links and The Forest Feast may receive a small percentage of the sale if items are purchased via these links.
Vegan Chia Pudding
With so much time at home with the kids lately, we are in need of new snacks constantly. This week I tried a simple Chia Pudding and it went over well! You can top it with any fruit or nuts you’d like to spice it up, just like you might with a cup of yogurt.
VEGAN CHIA PUDDING
1/2 c chia seeds
2 c almond milk
1 T agave (or maple syrup)
a couple pinches of cinnamon
You can put all ingredients in a blender on med/low until combined, or if you want to do it by hand in, add the chia seeds last and stir as you pour them into a bowl or jar. (If not it clumps easily.) Stir if in a bowl or shake if in a jar.
Once everything is combined, chill for at least 4 hours until it thickens and has the consistency of pudding. Top with fruit and/or nuts. Enjoy cold!
Makes 4 small servings