Monday, January 4, 2010

looking forward

2010

This new year came in with an icy wind and surprise seed catalogs in the mail. Undeniable that winter is in its full and bitter-cold swing, yet a little glimpse - a reminder, really - that things do grow here and that sun and warmth will be shuffling in later this year. With a mug of hot tea and these inspirational catalogs, it's a bit warmer in here already.


I hope the new year brings us all great things.


And tasty things too - like this dish I made not too long ago:


Crispy Potatoes and Spicy Shitakes

(adapted from a similar recipe in the January 2010 issue of Martha Stewart Living Magazine)


1 to 1 1/2 Lbs fingerling potatoes, cut into 1/4-inch thick slices

about 8 oz. fresh shitake mushrooms, stems discarded and caps cut into strips

2 cloves garlic, minced

olive oil

salt and freshly ground pepper

1/2 tsp. dried lemon thyme (or regular thyme)

red pepper flakes (to taste)


Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

On a rimmed baking sheet, toss the potato slices with a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Arrange slices in one layer.

In a small baking dish, toss the sliced mushrooms, garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes in a bit of olive oil.

Roast the potatoes on the bottom rack in the oven for 20-30 minutes, or so - until they are crispy and golden. Roast the mushrooms at the same time on the upper rack of the oven, for approximately 15-20 minutes - until they have softened and the flavors have mingled.

Remove the vegetables from the oven and toss together on a serving platter. Serve hot, with a grating of cheese, if you like - or some greens on the side, lightly dressed.

4 comments:

Sylvie said...

Happy New Year to you and have fun earmarking all the things you want to grow.

Callipygia said...

Chelsea, I'll bet your garden dreams help with the winter cold! Your roasted veggies sound like the ticket, esp with the added cheese... Happy New Year to you too.

smoo said...

Yeon always gets the best seed catalogs, and we often get together and create a big order. So much fun- and it reminds us that spring is just around the corner! Well maybe a long corner.

Chelsea said...

Hi ladies - Happy New Year to you all! I hope you're all staying toasty this winter too.