Food in the News: Week of September 22

California adopts new olive oil standards to better compete with imported oils.  LA Times >

Bitterness may be an acquired taste, but doesn't make it any less addictive!  From coffee to turnips, folks are getting hooked on bitters flavors  NPR >

Ever been into a foreign market or grocery and noticed the eggs aren't chilled?  Why the US chills eggs and most of the world doesn't  NPR >

Where you'll want to dine this fall: New restaurant highlights in New York, courtesy of Florence Fabricant.  NY Times >

What do do with all sorts of seasonal squash The Daily Gazette >

With tailgate season in full-effect, go behind the scenes of the catering business and learn what it takes to feed a crowd. Arkansas Times >

Make the most of your garden harvest with tips on preserving fruits & veggies from P. Allen Smith.  AY Magazine >

Easy Entertaining: Apple & Cheese Board

Last weekend, we attended the Cheese Tour here in upstate New York and it got us to thinking about our favorite ways to enjoy cheese.  Putting together a cheese board is a no-fuss way to entertain guests.  So, why not celebrate cheese and Hudson Valley apple season at the same time?  We paired some of our favorite apple varieties with recommended cheeses and even a couple of fancy crackers from our pantry.  With a glass of wine on a fall day, this presentation is sure to satisfy.

Apple & Cheese Board

• A variety of apples
• Cheeses (Gruyère, Aged White Cheddar, Manchego)
• Crackers (Jan's Farmhouse Crisps, Water Crackers)

Slice apples and rub slices with a juicy lemon wedge to prevent browning.  Arrange cheeses, apples, and crackers on a cheese board and serve. 

Recipe: Apple Pecan Pie

One of the most popular items for fall in The Savory Pantry is  Pecan Pie In-A-Jar.   Having tried it on several occasions at the New York Fancy Food Show, I found it to be decadent and delicious, but needed to prove to myself how easy it is to make!  In honor of the Hudson Valley apple season,  I spruced up the Pecan Pie In-A-Jar and with some New York Apples for a twist on a beloved dessert classic.

Apple Pecan Pie

• 1 - 9 inch deep pie pan or 2- 9 inch shallow pie pans 
• 2 honey crisp apples
• 2 granny smith apples
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 2 teaspoon of ground ginger
• 4 eggs 
• 1 jar of Pecan Pie in a Jar
• 1 pre-made pie crust or homemade

Peel, core and cut apples into thin slices. Put apples in a large bowl, add cinnamon and ginger, and toss with hands until apples are coated.  Line pie tin with pie crust, and lay two to three layers of applies on the bottom.  In another bowl pour Pecan Pie In A Jar and mix with a fork until well combined.  Once combined, pour over the apples.  

Bake at 300 for 1 hour 50 minutes (Deep dish pie pan) or 60 minutes for 2-9 inch).

Allow to cool completely overnight, before slicing.

In Season: Hudson Valley Apples

Apple picking season is in full swing and we're celebrating this week with apple-based recipes and complimentary products.  Our illustrated guide to Hudson Valley apple varieties will ensure that you choose the right apple for the job.  From Waldorf salad to applesauce, there's an apple perfect for every purpose.  Stay tuned this week as we share our favorite ways to enjoy this fabulous fruit!

Download free printable PDF here >

Apple facts via hv.net

Recipe: The Hudson Standard Shrub Adult Soda

We're kicking off apple season in The Hudson Valley and what better way to celebrate than with a light, refreshing apple shrub soda.  The Hudson Standard shrubs are hand crafted in the Hudson Valley in very small batches and limited quantities.  One taste and you'll see why these shrubs are flying off our shelves!

If you want to kick this mocktail up a notch, the folks over at Hudson Standard suggest adding an ounce of dry vermouth and cutting the seltzer in half for a "Light Shrub Cocktail". Shop the shrubs here and stay tuned all week long for our favorite apple recipes!

Hudson Standard Shrub Adult Soda

• 1 oz. Apple Coriander Maple Shrub
• 6 oz. seltzer
• lemon twist or green apple slices

Pour ingredients over ice and mix gently with a cocktail spoon.