Sweet Potato Hash Browns

Sweet Potato Hash Browns

Serves 2-4

2 T. coconut oil

1 medium sweet potato, peeled and coarsely shredded

Heat coconut oil on high in non-stick skillet.  Sprinkle shredded sweet potato in pan, distributing evenly for one large patty (if you prefer 4 smaller patties rather than one large one, that works too!)

Salt

Pepper

Sprinkle with salt and pepper to suit your taste (I go heavy on the pepper!) Fry on high for a minute or two, then reduce heat to medium and continue frying until patty is crisp on bottom and holds together.  Evenly space 2-4 pats of butter across the patty, then flip.  Fry on med-high heat until crisp.  

Remove from pan and serve warm.  

**If you're so inclined, after flipping, sprinkle the patty lightly with brown sugar.  As it cooks, the sugar melts and sort of caramelizes.  This offers a SPLENDID contrast to the pepper!

Lemongrass Carrot Soup

Lemongrass Carrot Soup

serves 2

4-5 carrots, diced
1 T. butter
2 T. coconut oil

Saute in a small soup pot until carrots are tender and browned (pan fried carrots...YUM!).  Add the following ingredients and simmer for 10 minutes:

1 t. coriander
1 t. lemongrass
1 t. galangal
2 t. turmeric
1 T. key lime juice
1 T. chicken soup base
1 c. water

Liquefy in food processor.  Return to soup pan and add:

1 T. key lime juice
1/2-1 c. water (to desired consistency)
1/4 c. heavy cream

This is a good opportunity to remind you that I cook by the dump-n-pour method, so my measurements are almost always estimations.  I do multiple tastings throughout and adjust until I find the balance of flavors I was looking for.  So...I encourage you to start with what's here, but don't be shy about increasing or decreasing an ingredient to suit your taste buds!

This soup a great accompaniment to grilled Saratoga, roasted brussel sprouts, and sweet potato hash browns!

Underground Soup

Underground Soup

serves 8

1 medium beet

1 medium turnip

1 medium onion

3 cloves garlic

2 parsnips

1 small sweet potato

1 medium russet potato

Dice all the vegetables, coat with coconut oil, salt, and pepper.  Roast at 350 degrees about 25-30 minutes, until tender and slightly browned.

Let roasted veggies cool slightly, place in a soup pot and turn to medium high heat.  Add water and soup base, boiling until all vegetables are soft enough to mash.

2 T. chicken or vegetable soup base

~2 c. water

Transfer to a blender or food processor and puree.  Return to soup pot and add:

3 T. raw honey (or to taste)

3 chicken bouillon cubes

Water to preferred taste and consistency (2-4 c.)

Warm homemade bread, fresh arugula, and a mesquite margarita are perfect pairings for a lovely fall evening.  

Bosnian Food Capital of USA: The Lou

The most popular stops for Bosnian food include The Balkan Treat Box: 

And Grbic:  

Learn more about the rise of Bosnian food culture in flyover country here.  

Eric's Mesquite Margarita

  

Eric's Mesquite Margarita

2 shots (3 oz) Sunora Bacanora Blanco

1 shot (1.5 oz) Cointreau 

1/2 medium lime, fresh squeezed

Shake and pour over ice in a Himalayan salt-rimmed glass.

Bacanora is a new-to-me, sippable, agave-based, distilled liquor with a smoky character. If you're curious, you can learn more about the agave plant and Bacanora distillation process here.