I know your reaction: why am I writing this when February is around the corner?
Happy Holidays…are you serious?
Blame it on some psychological need. I want to round out 2010 with an end-of-the-year post, like what I did for 2009. Plus, at least in the Chinese lunar calendar, we are still in the old year (Year of the Tiger).
I will focus on the holidays.
Our office threw a holiday party just before Christmas. The highlight was paella cooked from scratch on the spot. The chef prepared two versions: traditional seafood and vegetarian. The vegetarian version contained chickpeas, spinach, tomato paste, etc. with a hint of heat from pimentón (Spanish paprika). When the chef was done, he brought the two huge, steaming pans of paella to the center of the office. It was a spectacular sight, and the aroma was irresistible. Everyone gravitated to it.
Vegetarian paella at office’s holiday party
Those who tasted both versions said the vegetarian version was better. I only had the vegetarian one and was very happy with it. The texture of the rice was just right: it still had some form and wasn’t mushy. The ingredients complemented each other nicely.
At home I tried Seattle’s Field Roast’s vegan stuffed hazelnut cranberry roast – vegan sausage stuffed with hazelnuts, cranberries, apples, and crystallized ginger and enclosed in a layer of puff pastry. A very fall-like recipe. The roast was available over the holidays only and ideal as a centerpiece.
Field Roast’s Hazelnut Cranberry Roast
Vegan sausage roast with sautéed spinach and roasted vegetables
I heated the roast along with some diced squash and carrots in the oven, then served it with sautéed spinach. It was incredibly flavorful and substantial. I loved sausages before turning vegetarian. Field Roast’s vegan sausages are excellent and even better than the real thing.
On New Year’s Eve I visited the Ferry Building in San Francisco and had lunch at Il Cane Rosso, a quick-service Italian joint run by famed San Francisco chef Daniel Patterson. I got an avocado sandwich layered with crescenza cheese, sunchokes, and walnut-mint pesto. Staying true to the Bay Area’s food culture, the ingredients were locally produced.
Il Cane Rosso at the Ferry Building
Good but expensive avocado sandwich
While the sandwich was delicious with sophisticated flavors, it was pricey ($9) for a small portion size.
The holidays provided an excuse for indulgence and I certainly had my share of sweets. Of all the cakes, cookies, and treats I had, the best was something simple and cheap: my old favorite Trader Joe's Fruit and Nut Brittle ($3.99).
Addictive Trader Joe’s Fruit and Nut Brittle
It was a killer combination of sweet and salty: cranberries, peanuts, almonds, and cashews. I couldn’t help finishing the whole package once I started.
This year, I am serious about eating less sugar. While I set out to do the same last year and failed, things have been going quite well this time. Wish me luck!
Have a prosperous Year of the Rabbit!
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