Palm Sunday Passover

A virtual mini-Seder with family began this holiday with discussion of the Seder Plate and symbolism of its foods. Palm fronds, commemorating the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, shared ChezHelvetica’s tabletop with symbols of the Jewish exodus from Egypt on the journey to freedom. Matzah, or unleavened bread, first appeared in the savory, steaming Matzah Ball soup. Then in the main course with Charoset  (symbolizing mortar) and horseradish or Bitter Herbs, reminding us of slavery. The delicious course also included wonderfully seasoned Rainbow Trout, Baked Potato with Sour Cream and delectable Root Vegetables. Our cups of fragrant Pinot Noir were blessed by St. Francis!

   

As we told stories of freedom and action needed to resist inequality – now more than ever – Decadent Flourless Chocolate Cake and Macaroons concluded this very special occasion. Chag Sameach, Happy Holiday!

   

 

Chrismukkah! 🎄🕎

Inspired by the Greens Restaurant menu for Christmas and the first night of Chanukah, ChezHelvetica and dear friends created a feast for this merged holiday. Taking the challenge, a New York Times four-page recipe for Mushroom Wellington starred as our main course. Seared Portobello Mushrooms were layered with Apple Cider caramelized Onions, Shallots and sautéed Shiitake Mushrooms (seasoned with Soy Sauce and bolstered with Walnuts) and wrapped in Puff Pastry. A Port reduction sauce, flavored with Shallots, Garlic, Peppercorns and fresh Thyme from our garden, drizzled over the Wellington. NB| The Sous Chef also created the toilet paper seed menorah.

Potato Kugel and multi-colored organic Carrots in Balsamic Vinegar with Cherries were our delicious side dishes. Martinelli’s Sparkling Apple Cider and Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir heightened the celebration.

Chocolate Babka and Jelly Donuts (Chanukah’s official dessert, called Sufganiyot) concluded this amazing, heartwarming gathering of family and friends. Now for the miracles of 2025! Peace?!

Rachel aka spacegirl1, Dr. LeCover PhD

Celebration time ~ Niece Rachel turns 33! Between rainstorms and flash flooding, the sun shined on this remarkable day at ChezHelvetica. Sunday brunch called for the proverbial Lox, Cream Cheese and Everything Bagels with Dill Pickles and an assortment of sweet Organic Berries. Crustless Quiche , oozing with Unexpected Cheddar Cheese, Carmelized Onions, Sautéed Broccoli and Italian Sausage, added a savory touch.

          

Then, a walk  through the natural beauty of the GGNRA to the Legion of Honor to see the exquisite Mary Cassatt exhibition and amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge, downtown San Francisco and Ocean Beach. Now it was time for Birthday Cake and Champagne!

       

Meet beautiful birthday girl Rachel and boyfriend Jordan! Black Magic Cake,  Haagen Dazs Vanilla Ice Cream and sparkling Korbel Champagne filled the room with Happiest of Birthday Wishes!!!

Honoring Indigenous Peoples

Indigenous Peoples Table SettingChezHelvetica hosted the incredible “Cava 5 Tribe” for a luncheon of Indigenous foods and PowWow on the influence of Native Indians on each of our lives. The gathering commenced with Debon Brut Cava and a savory mixture of roasted Peanuts, Walnuts, Pecans and Sesame Seeds.

Heartwarming “Three Sisters” (Corn, Squash and Beans) Soup and Pumpkin Cream Biscuits with Sage Butter followed. The main course featured Smoked and Sweetened Trout in Cornmeal Tortilla wraps and Wild Rice With Root Vegetables Salad. Blended Cranberries, Maple Syrup and Apple Cider Vinegar dressed this delightful salad.  Artisa Chardonnay and Seghesio Zinfandel paired wonderfully with this Indigenous food. The Crescendo: Delectable Indian Pudding Sundaes and Chocolate Obsession Cake, with The Blue Angels soaring in the sky!!!

Bastille Day Niçoise Salad

While this day commemorates the storming of the Bastille, the Trump assassination attempt captured the headlines this year. Still, ChezHelvetica prepared a Classic French Niçoise Salad. Trader Joe’s Buttermilk Ranch Dressing doused Wild Planet Albacore Tuna, VA Farmers Market Green Beans, Tomatoes, Yukon Gold Potatoes, Hard-Boiled Eggs and Olives. Delicious TJ’s Unexpected Cheddar, baked on Pita Bread, accompanied the delectable salad.

Earlier in the week, a healthy Zucchini Potato Frittata made a great dinner, then lunch the following day. Red Potato, Green Onions and sweet Cherry Tomatoes baked with Eggs, Chili Sauce and Goat Cheese. Fresh Dill and Italian Parsley (and, of course, more Olive Oil) topped the savory Frittata.

         

Let us see if the temperature really “cools down” prior to the election!

Rising

ChezHelvetica honored resurrection and family this Easter Sunday with Eggs (of course) and the finest produce from organic vegetable and fruit kingdoms. Crustless Quiche created with Unexpected Cheddar Cheese, carmelized Onion, Mushrooms, Chives and sautéed Broccoli and Italian Sausage, filled a cherished Passiflora Caerilea Portmeirion dish.
Wonderful produce from the VA Farmers Market shared the spotlight on our table showcasing the juiciest Berries, Artichoke Hummus, Italian Caponata and Lemon Pita Chips. Even our dessert, Banana Pie, hailed from this market. Let the World Rise Now in Freedom and Peace!

 

Gratitude

The truce between Israel and Hamas is so profound that “thanks giving” takes on much deeper significance. At ChezHelvetica, we embraced the comfort of lifelong friends and delicious food.

Our gathering commenced with a toast for peace and happiness, glasses of iconic Veuve Clicquot Champagne in hand. The first course of this holiday meal featured Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Soup, with hints of Cinnamon and Nutmeg, and savory Corn Muffins. Brined Organic Turkey Breast, Simple-Is-Best Dressing (made with Ciabatta, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme), Cranberry Sauce with Dried Cherries and Cloves, Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Glazed and Crispy Brussels Sprouts created a stunning, delectable main course.

Brilliant crimson Raeburn Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley gracefully added even more happiness to our feast. Hours later, behold the amazing Pear Cobbler á la mode dessert. Thankful Indeed!

   

   

   

High “Hole-y” Day

According to legend, Rosh Hashanah is the birthday of the universe ~ the day of Adam and Eve’s creation. Its actual translation is Head of the Year. At ChezHelvetica, this High Holy Day celebration was more “Hole-y” since Covid infected our friend Joan who then could not join us.

Lunch showcasing Blackberry Pie for dinner

Persevering, our dinner started with the sweet tradition of Apples and Honey followed by Matzo Ball Soup. Our main course featured Everything Bagel Roasted Salmon, Green Beans and a simply delicious Basically Noodle Kugel. Brushing Honey and Dijon Mustard on the Salmon adds sweet and tangy flavors, while Everything Bagel Seasoning adds extra crunch and spice. Notes of Vanilla and Cinnamon heighten the luscious mixture of Sour Cream and Cottage Cheese, swirling the buttered Egg Noodles of the Kugel.

High Holiday Main Course

The incredible wine pairing was a 1996 Jordan Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, a gift from our neighbor.

Rare bottle of 1996 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon

As we finished the wonderful home made Blackberry Pie in a beautiful whole wheat crust (using berries picked from a friend’s garden), optimism for a Happy and Healthy New Year encircled us. May there be Renewal for All!!!

P.S. Wearing masks, we brought this dinner to Joan’s house the next day where she gave us the best Challah from Noe Valley Bakery.

Sweet Apples and Honey missing Challah

Summer Solstice Tea Party 🌻

Tilting toward the sun, ChezHelvetica celebrated the Summer Solstice with Scandinavian-inspired revelry and best possible friends – the Cava4 (as #5 was in Scotland)! Our tea party started with Crab Toast, a luxurious combination of French Baguette toast slathered with brown butter mayonnaise and sweet Dungeness Crab. Sparkling Breathless Blanc de Noirs paired perfectly with this course. Glazed Fresh Orange Scones with hints of Vanilla and Cardamom, doused with luscious Lemon Curd, and Pineapple cubes followed.

Chives adorn crab toasts on antique platter

Kalamata olives in dish from Tuscany

Antique linens and Patrician China

Rustic wire and floral tape for crowns                     

A traditional symbol in European celebrations are flower crowns so we played musical chairs, moving to the other end of the table with our overflowing blossoms and greens to create our crowns.  Sweet Lemon Iced Tea  energized this very focused multi-step creation.

The sweet send-off were Strawberry Tartlets. Ground Almonds, Walnuts and Pecans cradled a Strawberry, Lemon Verbena and Honey filling (topped with rich Whipped Cream) for a distinctive new taste. SUMMER HAPPINESS!!!

Resurrection

ChezHelvetica celebrated Easter (on the fourth day of Passover) with a trinity of family and multi-nationality of dishes. A Zaalook Salad from La Maison Arabe in Marrakech, Morocco (with Eggplant, Tomato, Paprika and Cumin) rested on Arugula and Spinach, framed by Deviled Eggs. (NB: The boiled egg’s origin can be seen in recipes as far back as ancient Rome.) Also of Italian inspiration, Lemon Asparagus Risotto and Garlic-Lemon Scallops. The delicious Arborio Rice Risotto was flavored with Garlic, White Wine, Lemon Zest/ Juice, and Parmesan Reggiano Cheese in a five-step preparation, handled by the very talented Sous Chef. The Chef’s attention next focused on Sea Scallops sautéed in Butter and Garlic, then drenched in a Lemon-Butter sauce which accompanied the Risotto. Tangy Reed’s Ginger Beer, whose Ginger is sourced from the Peruvian Amazon, paired perfectly with this course. Finally to America for a Hot Fudge Sundae made with Häagan-Dazs Ice Cream, Berries from Medina Farms at the VA Farmers Market and Smuckers decadent Hot Fudge. We have Risen and hope You did as well!