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Walnut Pi π Day
As math aficionados ponder the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter or Pi (3.14…), ChezHelvetica chose to concentrate on a fabulous new Pie to devour on March 14. The winning stroke, a Walnut Pie crust! Thanks to Winters Fruit (at the VA Farmers Market) and their wonderful produce (surviving floods), Walnuts toasted then […]
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Chrismukkah!
Christmas on the last night of Chanukah ~ Behold Chrismukkah! At ChezHelvetica the eighth candle glowed as a tiny beacon of peace and happiness, surrounded by symbols of both Chanukah and Christmas. Delicious Lox, Artichoke Hearts and Olives framed Latkes. Luscious Applesauce and Sour Cream accompanied. A Jelly Donut for dessert sweetened our celebration! Happy […]
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Sweeter Than (Local) Honey
Rosh Hashanah, the New Year! ChezHelvetica celebrated 5783 (commemorating the creation of the world) with traditions symbolic to this occasion and new recipe adventures. For a sweet new year we first dipped Fuji Apple slices into luscious Honey from the Bay Area Bee Co., sweetening further with large “fancy” Medjool Dates and wonderful Poppy Seed […]
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The Progeny
Like beautiful new blooms on a Rose bush, ChezHelvetica welcomed the daughter and three grandchildren of a dear friend (now smiling down from heaven). After researching kid-friendly dishes, a Frittata seemed like a good choice for our meal, made even more fun by using a paella pan in the preparation. With Shallot, Garlic, Cremini Mushrooms, Mozzarella, Ricotta, […]
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Savoring the Mediterranean 👄
Greek inspiration|Israeli ingenuity|Italian saporoso ChezHelvetica delighted this weekend in serving Baked Feta With Tomatoes and Roasted Asparagus. The Israeli Feta in brine (discovered at Trader Joe‘s) is an outstanding, luxuriant rendition of sheep’s milk cheese. Freshly cut Oregano from the garden and rich Olive Oil doused the Feta, Cherry Tomatoes and Kalamata Olives. Safeway‘s Multigrain Harvest Bread soaked up the delicious […]
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“The Perfect 36” Twice
OSUs Scarlet & Gray, emblazoned with an “O Stealie”, brought magical vibes to the celebration at ChezHelvetica – from Grateful Dead to Grateful Alive. A luscious Ina Garten Roasted Vegetable Lasagna layered with roasted Eggplant, Zucchini, four different Cheeses, Rao’s Marinara Sauce, O Organics Lasagna Noodles, Garlic, fresh Oregano and Basil absolutely delighted the party. A Spinach and […]
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FULL!
Thankful, Grateful, Artful, Graceful and FULL! Those heartfelt words depict the feelings at ChezHelvetica this Thanksgiving in reconnecting with family, setting the table with treasured heirlooms and preparing traditional dishes with new twists. Our feast began with a small salad of Spinach, Arugula and pureed Pumpkin with a dollop of Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing and Martinelli’s Sparkling […]
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CAVA 5 ((Coven))
A Coven of very special Cava 5 friends (best described on this occasion as WitchCrafty, Spellbinding, Spooktacular & Ghostly) encircled ChezHelvetica’s Halloween lunch Crucible Hell-Vetica. To start, a gripping Cauldron Dip of Edamame, Ricotta, Pesto and spices in an Acorn Squash, served with Crudité and Signature Parmesan Grissini Breadsticks. Sparkling Canals & Nubiolo Brut Cava (our signature drink) accompanied the dip […]
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Inscribed & Inspired
Enthralled by stories of Sephardic Jeweled Rice from Syria and Lebanon and Russian Apple Cake (first prepared to honor the wife of Tsar Alexander I), ChezHelvetica traveled the virtual globe for unparalleled sweetness and fragrance for the High Holidays. These days of introspection cascaded into Harvest Moonlight and the Equinox, with glorious Fall bounty and colors […]
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Saturday Night Live @ Lands End
Comedy and Variety enlivened ChezHelvetica this Saturday Night! Visiting Cugino Primo (First Cousin) brought laughs to the table with great stories from San Luis Obispo and Ohio to Puglia, Italy. “Fish and Chips” with giant Zucchini from a friend’s Tam Valley garden seemed the perfect meal for this occasion. The New All-Purpose Vinaigrette, deliciously spiced with Shallot, Dijon […]