Adrienne and Harry Tassou from Olivia's Authentic Mediterranean Cuisine in Gettysburg are helping us get ready for the holidays.
For more information: http://www.olivias.biz/
Greek sausage and fig stuffing
12oz Greek sausage(lukaniko) - casing removed &
Finely chopped
1lb fresh ground breakfast sausage (not links)
1 onion chopped
2 cups celery chopped
1 cup real butter
1/2 cup E.V.O.O.
8 cups oven dried bread (French)
12 oz dried figs
2 cups Mavrodaphne (a sweet red Greek wine)
1 cup walnuts (may be omitted if allergic)
1 bunch fresh thyme
1 tbsp dried sage
1 tbsp dried Greek oregano
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 pint of heavy cream
5 eggs
Meat mix
In heavy bottom pan, cook fresh sausage. Remove meat from pan, leaving the rendered fat in the pan, add the E.V.O.O. & half the butter on low medium. When butter is melted, add onions & celery, sauté until translucent. Add dried oregano, sage, salt, & pepper, cooked breakfast sausage, & chopped lukaniko. Cook on low for approx 5 mins. Set aside
Dried fruit & nut mix
In a pot - put Mavrodaphne, figs, & walnuts. Boil on med/high until wine is reduced to 1/3
Combine meat mix, fruit & nut mix, dried bread and the remaining 1/2 butter (melted). Whisk together cream & eggs.
Mix all ingredients together. Bake @ 325* in a greased pan for approx 25-30 minutes or until center is dry & firm
Cranberry hibiscus compote
2 oranges juiced
2 oranges zested
2 limes juiced
2 limes zested
2 bottles of Johnny Appleseed hard cider
2 Tbsp dried hibiscus flower
10 cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
1/2 tsp ground allspice
2 cups cranberry juice
1/2 cup brown sugar
Pinch of salt
To make your Cranberry slurry:
Mix by hand 2tbsp of corn starch w 2 tbsp of cranberry juice
Put all ingredients in a pot, bring to a boil, & let mixture reduce by 1/3
Simmer the remainder in med - low heat for an additional 10 minutes
Tighten slowly by adding the cranberry slurry mix
Cocktails
Cranberry fizz
Cranberry vodka
Ginger ale or cranberry ginger ale
Cranberry hibiscus compote
Shake the vodka and compote w ice, add ginger ale, enjoy!
Note: this can also be strained and served as a martini, it will have a beautiful color & presentation!
Ginger hot toddy
Ginger liqueur
Jim beam honey
Hot water
Candied ginger
Add all ingredients together in your favorite mug, sip, enjoy, & keep your hands warm!