The Forest Feast

September 24, 2012

Forest Feast: Zatar Flatbread

by Kayoko Akabori

Zatar (sometimes za’atar) is a Middle Eastern spice made up (usually) of a blend of salt, sumac (a tart red dried fruit powder), sesame seeds and thyme. I roll out some store bought pizza dough (from Trader Joe’s) and drizzle it with lots of olive oil. Then sprinkle with a good amount of zatar and a […]

September 17, 2012

Forest Feast: Happy New Year! Rosh Hashana Apple + Honey Galette

by Erin Gleeson

The Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashana starts today which marks the beginning of the New Year on the Jewish calendar. To sweeten the New Year it is traditional to eat apples and honey and round foods which signify the annual cycle. To kick off the High Holidays, we have a couple of big meals with friends […]

September 10, 2012

Forest Feast: Scallion Pesto

by Erin Gleeson

This pesto uses scallions (aka green onions) instead of basil. Cooking them just a bit before you process them takes the onion-y edge off and adds flavor. I spread the pesto on toasted bread to make little crostini, but you can also toss it in pasta with roasted vegetables. Bon Appetit! All photos and illustration […]

September 3, 2012

Forest Feast: Heirloom Tomato + Parmesan Quiche

by Erin Gleeson

The heirlooms that are coming in our CSA box right now are so flavorful! Green, orange, red! I sliced them up and laid them in a cheesy parmesan quiche for a light dinner with salad. It is so easy to make, with minimal prep. I bought a roll of pre-made pie crust, but you could […]

August 27, 2012

Forest Feast: Oaxaca

by Erin Gleeson

The Forest Feast is on vacation this week! The Mr. and I are in Oaxaca for a few days for our friends’ wedding. This place is so colorful and incredible! Today we went to the outdoor market and sampled some local fare, like chilacayota, a drink made of blended squash with corn kernels floating on […]

August 20, 2012

Forest Feast: Umami Mart Fiesta

by Kayoko Akabori

Last weekend on a warm Sunday evening in the woods we hosted A Forest Fiesta in honor of the recent opening of the Umami Mart shop in Oakland.  Guests who came were contributors and supporters of Umami Mart and all brought amazing things to share. Mike made some amazing pao de queijo aka brazilian cheese bread (I need to try this recipe!);Kishi brought his delicious […]

August 13, 2012

The Forest Feast: Peach Ricotta Tart

by Erin Gleeson

I was so happy to have this recipe featured on a website I love, A Cup of Jo, as “The Best Peach Tart You’ll Ever Have”!. This peach tart (technically a galette) is simple, pretty and delicious! You’ll need: 1 (pre-made) crust, 2 to 3 peaches (no need to peel), 1 small tub ricotta, cinnamon, […]

August 6, 2012

The Forest Feast: Watermelon Salad

by Erin Gleeson

Nothing says summer like watermelon! Slice watermelon into approx 1 inch rings, then remove the rind from each slice with a small knife. Place one watermelon “round” onto each salad plate, then top with a layer of thinly sliced fresh mozzarella (about five pieces, or however many you fancy!), followed by a layer of finely […]

July 30, 2012

Forest Feast: Rosemary Mushroom Skewers

by Erin Gleeson

Rosemary mushroom kebabs are great on the BBQ or you can roast them in the oven. Using rosemary sprigs (instead of wooden or metal skewers) will herb-infuse your vegetables as they cook. I stacked mushrooms, marinated tofu and bell peppers on mine — but you can literally put anything on them, even meat. If you […]

July 23, 2012

Forest Feast: Broiled Stone Fruit

by Erin Gleeson

I was so happy to get nectarines, plums and apricots in the CSA box this week. This is a quick and easy summer dessert- it also works great on the grill if you’re BBQing. I was so happy to get nectarines, plums and apricots in the CSA box this week. This is a quick and easy […]