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It's Sunday. This is my usual day to walk down the hill to the Hollywood Farmers Market to do a Market Matters post. I love the market and rarely miss it.
But today is an exception because we are having a fundraiser for the people of Haiti at my house this afternoon. It's part of StirIt28 a nationwide, multi-city effort by members of the food bloggering community to help bring some relief to Haiti. One hundred percent of the money we raise today will go to Yéle & Share Our Strength.
Well when I get to thinking about food and community, I get a little misty. I can't help it. That's because food sustains life. The people of Haiti desperately need this sustenence. The stories of what is going on there will tear you apart. Getting food, water, medicine and shelter are the first needs that need to be met. The charities we are benefiting today are ready and able to provide these needs. They just need financial resources. That is where the help you and I can provide is essential. That is the reason I opened my home to this event.
But I also know that food is much more than nourishment, and it does not take tragedy to realize that food has cultural value too. This is where we food bloggers as a community come in.
I am of the belief that food makes people happy. And I believe that there is a connection between food and our human spirit. And that the comfort food brings to people reminds me that what we put into our mouths three times a day, seven days a week says something about us individually and as a culture.
So I think it's appropriate that food bloggers and others in the foodie community will gather at my house today. Yes, we will be raising money, and that's a very good thing. But we will be doing something for ourselves and our communinty too. Because the food we eat today will bring us comfort. It will sustain us and remind us how lucky we are. Because let's face it, we live in Southern California where an earthquake can and probably will impact our lives in some way.
So as we gather today to share food with one another; we are happy to be providing a small amount of hope and help to the people of Haiti. But we are also bringing support and sustenence to our own community. Because food can do all that.
One of the foods I am providing for the event today is Spicy Nuts with Fried Garlic, Shallots & Rosemary
Makes 5 cups CLICK here for a printable recipe.
- 5 c mixed nuts, such as walnuts, cashews, almonds, pecans, and hazelnuts
- 1 T extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 small shallots, thinly sliced crosswise into rings to yield about 1/4 cup
- 5 clv garlic, peeled and thinly sliced lengthwise
- 2 T unsalted butter
- 1â„4 c coarsely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1â„2 t crushed red-pepper flakes, or to more taste
- 1 T firmly packed dark brown sugar
- 1 T kosher salt
Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place the nuts in a single layer on 2 rimmed baking sheets. Toast until the nuts are golden and fragrant, 8 to 12 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through cooking. Transfer the nuts to a large bowl and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and garlic; fry until golden, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer the shallots and garlic to paper towels. Set aside.
Melt the butter and pour it over the nuts. Add the rosemary, red pepper flakes, brown sugar, and salt and stir well to combine. Toss in the crispy garlic and shallots. Serve warm. The nuts may be reheated in a 300 degree F. oven for 10 minutes.
SERIOUS FUN FOOD
Greg Henry
SippitySup
Comments
Thank you!
Thanks for hosting the fabulous fundraiser...these nuts were addicting!!
Can't wait to hear more
I'm sure it was great. I feel like you in these things. I just saw you cast iron comment. I laughed out loud.When my husband brought his bearded brother and friend to move me out of Long Beach, my guy pal looks up and says "this is like the Beverly Hillbillies Reversed." hahahaha
And look at me, eating corn bread and grits.
I thought about you all day of your event hoping it would be great, wishing I could be there.
You were missed
But I understand it was a little far to travel. GREG
Congrats on Success of Event
I bet it was a wonderful event. How generous of you to offer your home, and all the attendees for their participation.
Liking that nut recipe.
LL
I heard the event was a
I heard the event was a success, that's wonderful! Your spicy nuts look excellent!
I have got to get NJ Blogs on the bandwagon
for this stuff! I am not even sure how many of them really cook too, mostly restaurant reviews...oh enough complaining here...
I was excited to hear the west coast/east coast gangs were throwing food at people and not dangerous weapons!
How nice that you opened your home
Greg, how nice of you to open your home to this event. I only wish I lived near you, because I would have loved to attend.
When we lived in the Bahamas, we had many Haitian friends and they are such kind and gentle people. This is a horrible tragedy for them. I totally agree with you that food can make people happy. Food is a common thread that binds us all, no matter what race or religion.
I wish you could email me a handful of those nuts, but I'm sure there aren't any left after your fundraiser.
Sam
A gracious and grace-filled host
I'm just proud of you- what a thoughtful and beautiful gesture. I can't imagine a better way to spend the day. And well, a weekend, in your case.
Thank you
so much, Greg, for opening your lovely home for this event. It was a great time, and I so enjoyed getting to know you at least a bit!
Best,
Gisele
Preaching to the choir
Couldn't say that stuff about what food is really about any better myself. I like the recipe since I've been on a nut kick--no thanks to pork fried almonds w/ rosemary at The Purple Pig. Try some of those next time you're here.
Haiti relief
I hope the event went perfectly for you and the monies raised help many!
Our Stirit28 event went off
Our Stirit28 event went off without a hitch today - we had a pretty good turnout considering we only planned it this week - Asian flavors abounded and everyone was able to eat themselves into a comfort zone of their very own.
lucky you
how I miss the Hwood market. lucky you. have a fun tonight. I demand pics, ok? got it? :-)
Good luck and good on you
You are so right in all that you say about the power of food. I would love to be there today to show support in person.
Wish I could be there...
I'm sure it will be a wonderful and warm event for all attendees and beneficiaries in Haiti. I look forward to posts about it.
Indeed...
That is why I'm so excited to be a part of this very special event which you are so graciously hosting. So, see you in a bit! Oh, and don't forget to save room for dessert! =)
I'm sure you're busy
running around with last minute preparations. You amaze me with the things you take on, like this. I'd lose it and hide in a box somewhere, events stress me out.
I hope it's a huge success!
This is all so true. Comfort,
This is all so true. Comfort, sustenance, fellowship, friendship, love...all the things associated with food. Thank you for offering your home for today's event. Let's stir it up!
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