Cooking @ home :: Harvest Hash 🍂

 I went to Craft Roots a couple weeks ago [[ if you haven't visited them in Morgan Hill- this is your sign to go]] and got to enjoy dinner there. The menu rotates and for the autumn season they had something called a harvest hash. This is my knock off recipe that feeds 2 as a meal or 4 as a side dish.

Ingredients 

• 8 small/medium potatoes
• 1/4 medium red onion 
• 15 brussels sprouts 
• 2 large carrots
• 2 small heads of broccoli 
• 1 tbsp Trader Joes 21 Seasoning Salute
• 1 tsp black pepper 
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 

Preheat your oven to 420 degrees. Chop everything into 1/2 inch to full inch pieces depending on the ingredient. See below for brussels, potato and onion examples. 

Bake for 20 - 30 minutes depending on your desired crispiness. ;) 

Devon's Dish: [[THE BUCHER'S SON.]] restaurant review

As soon as I turned the corner, I saw the line. It was good sized, but I wasn't about to turn back. I watched a few videos and then checked out the menu. After finding "The Butcher's {vegan} Son" on Instagram, I decided to check them out a couple Saturdays ago. 

They had so many dishes to offer, some of my favorites were; the fried mozzarella meatball and the Chili garlic chicken B.L.A.T. I decided on one savory and one sweet. I wanted to get a better opinion and more importantly.. I was starving. It was definitely filled with foodies, and hipsters, but also families and large groups of friends and couples, everyone seemed stoked to be there. 

I knew it was going to be good. 

What can I say about the decor. I felt like I was in a place that was originally a flower shop, then 1950's diner and now had a mid century modern twist. The staff was super friendly, let me carry Maddie as I waited in line. The space behind the counter was microscopic but the staff moved around like a perfectly choreographed dance routine. 

The donuts were out of this world. I didn't eat one since I knew I'd already be in trouble with what I was planning to order.. They were perfect little pillow of friend dough, eclectically decorated using various toppings. 

Since I had Maddie with me, I had to sit outside.. which was fine. Like I said earlier, the day was perfect. Luckily, right after I put in my order of pancakes and Level 8 vegan sandwich and left the restaurant, I spotted a sunny table open up. 

My food was really delicious. On a scale of 1-10 I would say the sandwich was an 8 and the pancakes were a 9.5. I enjoyed the sandwich, but would skip the bacon and the cream cheese next time. The flavors were good, but combined they were too strong for my taste. The "chicken" was great, texture and flavor were on point. The bacon on it's own was good, but I was prefer it more crispy. The pancakes were perfect, The only thing that could have made them a 10, would be a side of blackberry jam. Of course I offered samples and Maddie liked the bacon most. 

Devon's Dish: [[ FORTHRIGHT OYSTER BAR ]] restaurant review

 wow wOw WOW... not enough time in the day for all the good things I have to say about this place!!!

Forthright Oyster Bar in Campbell Ca is simply smashing!!

I dined here this past weekend, a new spot in town and had to try it. I ate at A.P. Stumps growing up, and always enjoyed that "high class//modern" atmosphere  that it held.. 

I have always been drawn to that sort of vibe.

Good news, Jim Stump decided to open up shop in Campbell with his newest gem, and continues to own The Table in Willow Glen. read more about that here. 

We were able to try a few different appetizers,  including; the bone marrow, the heirloom tomato & burrata salad, the white watermelon & prosciutto salad, and the The Coromandel oysters. Thankfully we shared all of this, so everyone got a bite. The marrow bones were HUGE and very rich. The seasoning and caramelized crisp along with the crunchy bread was a served along side, was a perfect combination. My favorite as the oyster. They had a clean and fresh ocean taste, I added a splash of citrus for a little extra zest. The watermelon was given to us as a thank you, because we had to wait a little longer for our table. How Sweet!

For dinner, I enjoyed "The only Burger that belongs on the table"- yes that is truly the name. Apparently it is a rotating recipe noted by the name of the creator. I had Chris' Version- nice work Chris! The Swiss cheese crisp was a nice contrast of texture with every bite. The pastrami and the beef paired well with the "secret sauce"... over all I would order it again- but only if I can time it right..

Others in my party enjoyed the: Johnny Cakes, Pork Chop, Shrimp & Grits and the Seafood Linguine pasta. I tried a taste of each and would 100% recommend them to the next guest who walks through their door. I honestly don't think there is a bad dish on the menu??

I will return to Forthright, but it's the amazing service and hospitality that truly made the experience memorable. Our server was a doll, so attentive and delightful to talk to. Every other employee was courteous and inviting as well.  

stuffed chicken

This is the most rewarding recipe you'll make in the kitchen, all year. Hence the reason why you're reading this and it's only the fifth. You might make this numerous times throughout the year. 

Guarantee it in fact. ;) 

You're going to need: 

•3-4 chicken breasts (depending on servings desired)

•provolone cheese 

•salami, cappicola or prosciutto (whichever you like)

•Panko bread crumbs 

• salt & pepper 

•basil & oregano 

•garlic 

•olive oil 

DIRECTIONS: 

1) So take your chicken breasts and pound them a little so they're flat. If they're thin to begin with, you're good. Then salt and pepper them.

2) Mix your basil/oregano/pepper to your liking along with the Panko bread crumbs. Drizzle in some olive oil and create a paste. This paste goes on one side of your chicken breasts. Lay these paste side down. 

3) Layer your cheese and meat on the reverse side. And slowly roll the chicken breast up. Panko facing outward. 

4) In a pan. Smash your garlic cloves with a tablespoon of olive oil. Get it hot and lay your breasts in the pan to sear. About 4 minutes on each side for medium browned crisp. 

The cheese gets so gooey on the inside and the part that spilled out and pooled around the outer edge is now a crisp. The meat is salty and a chewy texture against the chicken. And the Panko crust keeps everything hot and delicious. Serve with whatever the heck you like. French fries or French bread or Brussels sprouts. :) 

Thanksgiving Tablescapes

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I’m sure there is all kinds of 

Holiday prep happening at your place.

Did you make up the menu and decide on your desserts? Have you chosen who’s eating at your house and whether you’re going to attempt Black Friday shopping?

There are a lot of decisions that go into making this Holiday a memorable one.

Since I’m sure you’ve being stressing and planning your menu, have you given any thought to your décor?

You can’t have your turkey dressed and not your table…

I’ve pulled a few designs that I hope will give you inspiration to create your own table décor, or give you guidance you were looking for.

Happy Thanksgiving

 Beauty all around You

I love the idea of using seasonal pumpkins for your centerpieces. The small or the medium size, or a mixture of both to add height and contrast. In the photos below the white pumpkins really pop against the colorful table runner. How pretty would they be if you painted them silver or gold. 

Keep it Simple

 For the more modern and minamilist household I suggest a less cluttered table and pick one item as a focal point. The tablecloth or table runner, the centerpieces, candals or the place settings. Go for bold colors on the big items, and classic white dining peices. 

Creativity is King

You can learn how to make these charming paper flowers, here. 

What a way to impress your guests, by giving them a beautiful hand crafted table centerpiece. A DIY tablescape cuts on cost and is a great conversation starter. I live the mix of colors; blush, periwinkle and the rosy orange. You can pick whatever colors match your home. Or mix it up a bit with patterened scrapbook paper. 

Moms birthday Dinner

Some people hate birthdays. Some people like to shout it from the mountain tops.

When I was younger, I used to love birthdays. But now as I get older and my friends get less and less.. I hate them. I don't even want to celebrate next year.

But that's not cool... so, I would like to share a piece of advice so you don't act like a Debbie Downer. You should try celebrating your happiest birthday each year. And for those of us who wish for eternal youth.. just celebrate your 21st or 25th each year and you're bound to feel young every time. 

My Mom's birthday was this week and we celebrated at home on Sunday. 

She likes to celebrate her 27th birthday, every year.

She asked for spaghetti and chocolate cake, and my father, sister and I obliged. Above, are the delicious appetizers my sister put together.  I never know how she can turn something so basic into something so extraordinary. Its a gift, I tell ya!

We tried a new pasta dish, bucatini, and really let the pasta sauce carry the plate, fresh fresh fresh

The sauce filled the center hole, which caused a flavor explosion in your mouth with every bite. 

Look at that garden grown basil and robust Roma tomatoes :)

I was on dessert duty, and I try not to disappoint.

I went for my mothers favorite.. a classic chocolate fudge cake. 

[[ bake tip ]] If you're running late, don't feel bad for using a box cake mix. These companies are in business for a reason. Out of all the brands out there; Duff Goldman (gourmet) Betty Crocker, Duncan Hines and good old Pillsbury.. Dunkin Hines is always receives the most compliments- so start there.

I never make a chocolate cake with chocolate cake mix, I always choose Devils Food cake mix and add my own Vanilla Extract (this is my FAVORITE brand and flavor!!).

I find that it's not too sweet, and it balances well with the chocolate fudge frosting. 

spin the cake and throw on your sprinkles, it adds just the right amount of flair, 
without looking  perfect.
and I don't like when food looks too pretty to eat..  

ciao xo

donuts + coffee

man.. talk about will power..

I needed some of that the night I made these donuts. 

My sister and I could not eat them fast enough. 

And that was when they tasted the best; hot out of the oven with a sprinkle of Cinnamon sugar.

"wait, did she just type, 'oven'?"

Yes, I did. I found that if the deep fried them for 40 seconds and then baked them at 380 for 10 minutes, it gave the perfect texture, both inside and out. 

The original recipe came from here, all I did different was add a 1 teaspoon of cardamom and I used heavy cream instead of buttermilk, since I was making bite sized donuts. I also change the cooking method, as mentioned above.

They are perfect for Sunday morning breakfast, sharing with the kids or even just for you.

ciao xo

what's up guac

I have a sick obsession with guacamole..

actually, it might just be avocados in general.

So today, I'm sharing three of my favorite holy guacamole recipes, enjoii

For all recipes: add as little or as much of each ingredient/spice as you like.

 <3 ole!!

 

Sweet Mango Guacamole

 

3 large avocados, peeled and pitted

1 small red onion, chopped

1 mango - peeled, pitted, and chopped

1 lime, juiced

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 tablespoon salt

3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

 

Garlic Guacamole

 

2 ripe small Hass avocados

1 lemon, juiced

1 large clove garlic, minced

1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped

1 small plum tomato, seeded and finely chopped

1/2 small yellow skinned onion, finely chopped

1 teaspoon coarse salt

 

Not your average Guacamole recipe (but seriously, too good!!)

 

2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted and mashed

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon honey

1/2 apple diced

1/4 cup cranberries

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro

1/2 teaspoon Sea salt