TWO GREAT HOLIDAY RECIPES

The holidays offer many opportunities for fun and social gatherings. And what is one common ingredient of every social gathering? Yes, FOOD! Who of us can even imagine a party or even a casual get together where there is no food? I certainly can’t.

Below are two recipes from two different regional cookbooks that I think you will enjoy. One is a festive salad that works well for a more formal dinner occasion and the other is a delicious dessert great for a brunch or any setting where finger foods are prevalent. In either case each is a bit unique and will be a hit at your party or with your family. One reason the Holidays are so much fun is that it gives you an excuse to try some new recipes from your favorite regional cookbooks. Happy Holidays!

Festive Pear Salad
Seasoned to Taste (Page 148)

by Junior League of Chattanooga

Fresh fruit is so much fun during the holidays and this salad includes apples, pears, and cranberries—it serves 8 and is simple to make. Your guests will love the Poppy Seed Dressing

Poppy Seed Dressing:

In a bowl combine:

 ½ cup sugar

1/3 cup apple cider vinegar

2 Tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
½ teaspoon salt
2/3 Cup olive oil
2 teaspoons poppy seeds

Mix well.

Salad:

In a salad bowl, toss:

10 cups romaine

1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

1 sliced apple
1 sliced pear
¼ cup dried cranberries
½ cup chopped cashews

Add the dressing to coat.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Roll

A Thyme to Celebrate (Page 126)
by Junior League of Tallahassee

3 Eggs
2/3 Cup canned pumpkin
1 cup granulated sugar
1 Teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¾ cup all-purpose flour
2 Tablespoons salted butter, softened
8 Ounces cream cheese, softened
¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 Cup confectioners’ sugar

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Grease a rimmed baking sheet. Line with waxed paper and grease the waxed paper.

Beat the eggs, pumpkin, granulated sugar, baking soda, cinnamon and flour at medium speed in a mixing bowl until smooth. Pour into the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until no batter remains on your fingertips when you touch the top lightly. Do not over bake. Invert onto a clean linen towel sprinkled with confectioners’ sugar and remove the waxed paper. Roll up in the towel and let cool completely.

Beat the butter, cream cheese and vanilla at low speed in a mixing bowl until creamy. Add 1 cup confectioners’ sugar and beat until smooth. Unroll the cake from the towel. Spread the cake with the cream cheese mixture and roll up to enclose the filing. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for up to two weeks or freeze for up to six months.

FRP Cookbook University Recap

Last week approximately 50 existing or "thinking about" cookbook publishers attended FRP's annual Cookbook University. The energy was high and many great ideas where discussed and shared. The group was treated to presentations by the experienced FRP staff as well as outside guest presenters who were fantastic.

On Thursday, Billie Rose from The Junior League of Chattanooga shared ideas about the launch of Seasoned to Taste. She was truly a dynamic speaker and shared an idea I'd never heard before. Early on Friday morning we were entertained with a visit by renowned country music song writer George Teren. While George's songs had nothing to do with cookbooks his participation was a nice touch that could only be had in Nashville.

The last outside presenter was the talented cookbook author Pam Lyles. Pam spent most of an hour detailing marketing ideas that have made Da Cajn Critter such a success. One common trait that Billie and Pam exhibited was perserverence. Both shared numerous stories of meeting obstacles along the way until finally overcoming the hurdle.

If you or your organization has a cookbook for sale when is the last time you joined a forum such as the one I just described to learn from others and garner new knowledge?

I'm Back

After a 2 1/2 month absence I am back in the saddle. When one has experienced a health crisis, as I did, the perspective of life changes a bit. I have been blessed with prayers, good wishes and lots of support from family, friends and clients--thanks to all for the support. Since I last posted the new cookbook for Junior League of Chattanooga came out. Their website is a great example of taking advantage of social media to promote a community cookbook.

http://www.seasonedtotastecookbook.com/

Seasoned to Taste is a beautiful book and has recipes in each section that are superb. I sent an e-mail to one of the members with a list of recipes I want to try--no doubt this book will be popular for some time to come.

Amaretto Fruit Salad

Serves 6 to 8

1/2 cup amaretto

1/2 cup white wine

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

3 tablespoons sugar

1 bunch grapes, sliced

1 small honeydew melon, finely chopped

1 small pineapple, finely chopped

1 pint strawberries, sliced

1 large banana, sliced

1 sprig of fresh mint for garnish

Whisk the amaretto, wine, lemon juice and sugar together in a bowl until the sugar dissolves. Combine the grapes, melon, pineapple and strawberries in a large bowl. Pour the amaretto mixture over the top. Chill, covered, for 8 to 10 hours. Just before serving, stir in the banana. Garnish with the mint.

NOTE: Substitutions can be made with the fruit according to season and availability.