Upstate escape to Andes, NY

 

I spent my first weekend away from NYC since winter. It was a glorious weekend getaway with friends that was much needed for everyone. We used to spend weekends away often, and there would be plenty of activities and partying, but this time was different. We're drained, we're in the middle of a pandemic. So we cooked, we relaxed, we played card games, we sat around a bonfire. It was all such a breath of relief. 

The air was early fall fresh and the evenings chilly. We mixed bourbon hot chocolate and hiked along an old rail trail. We shopped local and had very dry tart cider. I discovered the joy of completing puzzles. There was morning yoga with hot jasmine tea and sunsets with hookah and barbecue. 

Absolutely idyllic. Grateful to get away, just as grateful to be home reminiscing about the beautiful views. Enjoy some of my favorite recipes from the weekend!  

It's all about the roasted garlic tater tots

It was cold out, so chicken soup was the necessary, healing, and comforting conclusion

A house on a hilltop with a view

Apple challah for Rosh Hashanah served with my beauty tea

*If you're on Tiktok, you've seen this trend. I'm all about the Cheetos, so had to forgo the Takis.
It's actually delicious and as crunchy and refreshing and hitting as advertised.

Meet Mr. Buchi

Grilled pineapple (serves 4-6)

1 pineapple, thick sliced

marinade: 

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp bourbon 

2 tsp olive oil

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp black pepper   

1. Mix marinade, marinate pineapple

2. Prepare grill or preheat oven to 425F

3. Cook pineapple for ~3 minute per side or until there are visible grill marks / soft

Beauty tea (serves 6) - all ingredients are dry 

1 scoop jasmine tea leaves (~2 tbsp)

6 chrysanthemum flowers 

4 rose buds

 1 tsp goji berries 

1. Boil 2-4 cups of water 

2. Rinse all ingredients with boiling water

3. Seep for 4-6 minutes to serve 

Maple date oatmeal (serves 4-6)

1 cups steel cut oats 

6 dates, slivered

2 tbsp butter 

1 tbsp maple syrup 

1 tsp cinnamon 

1/4 tsp salt 

water

to serve: dates, pumpkin seeds, maple syrup, hemp seeds, milk of choice  

1. Boil oats in 2 cups in water and bring to a simmer for 12-16 minutes or until thick. Add more water to desired consistency 

2. Mix in butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt

3. Serve immediately 

Chicken beet tofu soup (serves 6-8)

1 whole chicken 

1 beet, peeled

1 carrot, chopped

1 tomato

1 box medium firm tofu

1. Bring 4 quarts of water to boil. Add whole chicken

2. Bring down to a simmer for 15 - 20 min, skim off top layer of discharge 

3. Add beet, carrot, and tomato. Simmer for 2-4 hours. 

4. In the last 15 minutes, boil tofu in water for 5 minutes in a separate pot to release excess liquid. Cut tofu into cubes and add to chicken broth 

5. Skim fat, serve hot  

Buttered squash and mushrooms (serves 6-8)

2 medium yellow squash, sliced 

16 oz white mushrooms, chopped 

1 medium yellow onion, sliced 

3 garlic cloves, smashed 

2 tbsp butter 

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper 

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp thyme 

1. Heat 1 tbsp butter and thyme in a large pan

2. Add garlic and onion, sautee until browned

3. Mix in sliced squash and white mushrooms, cook until soft

4. Add remaining spices and butter  

Tiktok crunchy jalapeño (serves 8)

8 jalapeño peppers

1/3 cup cream cheese

Hot Cheetos 

1. Remove core and seeds from all jalapeño

2. Fill jalapeños with cream cheese, stuff with Hot Cheetos

3. Add Hot Cheetos as needed while consuming