It Pays to Ask!

Today I visited one of my local organic foods markets Mrs. Greens and, on a whim, asked how long it would take to order an organic turkey.

We had been thinking about roasting a turkey over the holidays, but everyone got so busy no one remembered to order it. I figure, hey, it never hurts to ask! Right?

Well, how right I was! Here's the scoop. (Take notes, all you procrastinators out there. . . )

First of all, there are not many turkeys available after Thanksgiving. The growers target their birds to be ready for Thanksgiving, and very few during the rest of the year. So that's an important thing to know; the abundance you find in November isn't there in the other months.

Secondly, of the few turkeys that ARE available, one must place special orders for organic ones. (I figured that. . . )

Thirdly, sometimes you can find a "windfall" -- if you're lucky. And if you ask. That's what happened to me.

It seems that their delivery of special-order organic turkeys were late this week. The people who had ordered them came to pick them up (on the agreed date) and. . . the turkeys weren't there. Some of those people then went to another source (perhaps

Whole Foods Markets)
and obtained their turkey elsewhere. Which means. . . the turkey they ordered is now available for sale to anyone who wants it :-) Like ME!!

I placed my name and phone number on a waiting list to be called if the person who originally ordered it did not pick up -- and several hours later, the store manager called me with the news that I can pick up my fresh (not frozen) organic 8-pound turkey any time -- in fact, just in time for Christmas.

I wondered what we'd be preparing this year, since we hadn't even started discussing the menu. Guess we're roasting turkey after all. And most likely some delicious veggies, grains, and greens -- whatever looks best when we get to the store.

It pays to ask :-)

Of COURSE there will be dessert! I'll tell you all about that later. . . it's a Bouche de Noel from a French bakery.

May your holidays be filled with wonderful surprises, peace and plenty, love, health, and. . . oh yeah -- delicious food, delightfully prepared!

Happy holidays from my house to yours!

Nancy
Find Great Organic Gourmet Foods

Fresh Take on Candied Yams Tradition

How many of you are tired of the "same-old" candied yams at holiday time?

You know the dish, right? Either sweet potatoes or yams, baked with some combination of butter, brown sugar or maple syrup, and often topped with marshmallows, that make a sweet gooey mess?

It's a holiday "staple" at many homes. And deadly for folks struggling with either calories or sugar issues.

A friend of mine reminded me at a holiday potluck gathering last week how easy -- and delicious -- it is to prepare (and dazzle guests with) a new version of this dish.

I will sit down with her and get the exact recipe worked out soon and update this post with it, but for now, get your shopping list out and take some notes.

This is an awesome dish, full of flavor and very hearty. The flavors melt in your mouth and make it very special.

First, of course, buy organic. (You already knew that, right?) Start with the yams. Get whichever version you prefer -- sweet potato or yam -- in the quantity that's right for your meal. Then, choose an organic sweetener. For this dish, organic maple syrup works great, but you could use whatever you like.

Remember to go easy on the sweeteners here -- both yams and sweet potatoes are naturally sweet and do not require much added to them.

Bake the yams (we'll use that word for either kind here) at 400 degrees for 45 minute to an hour, depending on the size and quantity you have; fatter yams take longer. Test doneness with a fork.

When cooked, remove the skins (or, leave them on for better fiber) and cool slightly. Pop them into a blender or food processor and pulse until creamy, with a teaspoon of organic or artisanal butter; a pinch of sea salt and ground white peppercorns; several passes of fresh ginger on the grater; a dash of cinnamon and/or nutmeg; and 1/4 cup of orange juice or Cointreau. Blend thoroughly, and serve hot to the table.

You could also place the mixture in a pastry cone, and pipe it onto the plates in ribbons, for added eye appeal.

For vegetarians who may want protein with that, blend in some tofu -- and add spices to taste (the tofu will make it too bland otherwise.)

Try it this holiday, and watch your guests beg you for the recipe. (Make this easy on yourself -- just tell them to visit this blog. . . and sign up for our newsletter, to get the latest tips and resources for great organic gourmet foods -- and extraordinary dining!)

Happy holiday shopping!

Yours for extraordinary dining -- for everyone,
Nancy

What to get for the organic gourmet?

For holiday giving, the options are practically unlimited if you are buying for the organic gourmet.

You can select from amazing gift baskets, chock full of all their favorite goodies.

A gift certificate to a local organic gourmet restaurant will always be welcome.

If they like to cook, look for a new handy gadget that will make their time in the kitchen more pleasurable. Or one of the great new organic gourmet cookbooks? They probably don't have the latest one yet. . .

If they garden, then how about a few packets of organic heirloom seeds, a new pair of garden gloves, and some organic hand cream to soothe tired hands (or feet)?

How about a basket of organic bath salts and oils to help restore fresh vitality during the long winter months? (Hey, you don't have to be a gourmet to want to take great care of your body and spirit!)

If you still can't find just the right thing, hop on over to our website and have a look around -- you are sure to pick up more ideas -- and resources -- for the organic gourmands and epicures on your list!

Have fun shopping this holiday -- and don't forget to eat well while you are on the run! Take some organic snacks with you to tide you over until you can get to a healthy meal.

Yours for extraordinary dining -- for everyone,

Nancy

Find Great Organic Gourmet Gift Ideas Here!