Broccoli Pesto Recipe

Inspired by Delarosa's orrechiete with broccoli pesto, I was determined to re-create this dish as part of our New Year's Eve dinner (with our own spin of course). Tossed with pasta, a bit of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh parmesan, it pairs great with Champagne.

Broccoli Pesto recipe (as featured in Fireworks in the Kitchen on New Year’s Eve)

·      1 bunch of organic broccoli (about 1 pound)

·      A handful of pine nuts (1/4 cup if you want to bother measuring)

·      2 whole garlic cloves, peeled

·      Knob or 1 inch of parmigiano-reggiano or mitica or pecorino - hard cheese grated about 2 oz

·      2 t. sea salt

·      Pepper to taste

·      1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Steam broccoli until tender when pierced with a fork, about 15 minutes. Place all ingredients in a food processor until comes together. It's good to leave it a little chunky. Stream olive oil.

Serving suggestions:

· Toss with favorite pasta and some olive oil - we used homemade fusilli pasta.
· As a spread on Spelt multigrain from Grindstone Bakery, although any brown or rustic bread will do and cut up castelvetrano olives on top.
· Pairing: champagne Chartogne - Taillet blanc de blancs

Yummy and good for you too!

-Reporting from 18 Rabbits, Alison (Founder & CEO)

Fireworks in the Kitchen on New Year's Eve

Our founder Alison shares an eventful experience this past New Year’s Eve…

“While we all sipped champagne, my family was helping me in the kitchen make our New Year's Eve dinner.  My husband was putting together the pasta dough. My six-year old nephew (he was drinking water) was making the pasta - fusilli for this round.  I was cooking the Buffalo Bolognese and mixing the Broccoli Pesto. While three others were also in the kitchen lending a helping hand.

I had the bright idea to bring the pasta resting on paper towels over to the gas stove next to the boiling water when WHOOSH!!! The paper towels went up into flames.  I waved them about in the air. The flames spread until my French brother-in-law walked in and said calmly, "Just drop them".  I did just that and the fire extinguished on the tile floor without incident.  Who says you have to travel to see good fireworks?”

Reporting From 18 Rabbits, Alison (Founder & CEO)

Gazzaniga's Movie Review

This remake of the 1969 classic exceeded all expectations and dare I say, outshined its predecessor.  No small feat considering that the original starred the quintessential cowboy of all time, John Wayne AND the rising Robert Duvall.  The Cohen brothers casted their actors and actresses perfectly and launched what is bound to be the promising career of 18 year old Hailee Steinfeld.  Playing character Mattie Ross, a young girl whose father was murdered by the degenerate Tom Chaney, Steinfeld commands a presence on screen among acting juggernauts Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, and Josh Brolin.

I was pleasantly surprised by Jeff Bridges performance as US Marshal Rooster Cogburn.  Whenever I think of Jeff Bridges, a few things come to mind.  Bowling, White Russians, a rug that tied the room together, and nihilists.  That's right.  The Big Lebowski, AKA the Dude, Duder, or El Duderino if you aren't into the whole brevity thing.  So when I saw the preview for True Grit with Jeff Bridges as a badass cowboy I wondered if I would be able to shed all the images that naturally pop into ones head of him in flip flops and wayfarers.  As it turns out, he didn't need to because the character Rooster Cogburn had enough comedy and wit to compliment his intimidating ruthless nature, his true grit.  In one particular scene Cogburn found his way into a stash of whiskey before a long ride on a horse and swayed and mumbled in a very dudesque way.  But then again there were times when he became a frightening dark cowboy in a way i didn't know Jeff bridges capable.  All in all I give Jeff Bridges and A+ performance.

Matt Damon was equally as good in his role as a nerdy Texas Ranger.  His character Mr. LaBeef was cross between Linus from the Ocean's series, mark Whitacre from The Informant, and Jason Bourne from the Bourne series.  About 95% Linus and Whitacre, and just a 5% dash of Bourne to make him a fairly functioning cowboy.  Damon character is the perfect juxtaposition to the harsh environment in which he operates, the criminals he hunts, and the company he keeps.

Josh Brolin made a fine short appearance.  He didn't mess anything up.

All in all True Grit was a character piece where 3 extraordinary actors gave 3 flawless performances to make True Grit on of the most exciting movies to see in this last minute push for Oscar Nominations.

Predictions: Nominated for Best Film, Best Supporting Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, Best Costume Design, Best Original Score.  Wins in Best Film

Zack Reporting from 18 Rabbits 

How We Celebrate the Holidays at 18 Rabbits!

Get to know some of our team members at 18 Rabbits and how they celebrated their holiday vacations. It might inspire you to try out some new traditions next holiday season. 


Alison-Founder: "We had family over for Christmas Eve dinner at our house. Two of my siblings came with their children for a total of 13. We enjoyed scallops over sunflower sprouts with lemon zest, grass fed fillet mignon, herbed sweet potatoes, and my stepmom's famous Texas cornbread. Because we celebrate a birthday on Christmas Eve, Keri brought HoHo cakes and Tia my little niece blew out the candles. At almost 3, she wasn't the youngest though, that honor goes to Isabella who was just 2 weeks old.

We exchanged gifts and of course, all got 18 Rabbits bars and granola.

What a lovely celebration."

Zack-Marketing Manager: "I was happy to go home for Christmas this year and play with my nephew Dante! He is just over a year old, a huge Minnesota Vikings fan, loves orange pants and is a total lady killer!"

Patrick-Operations Manager: "Over Christmas break I had the great pleasure of spending time in Hawaii. I was able to climb koko head, a very steep 1200 step climb up the side of a mountain on old railroad tracks. The view was certainly worth the sweat, especially knowing we were headed to the beach later in the day.

Also I went stand up paddling and spent some great time catching up with family and celebrating my niece's first birthday!"

Christian-Intern: "At Christmas, my family has a tradition of playing a fast-paced, overly-competitive game of Charades. Even my eighty-eight year old grandmother still played this year! I have always been a huge fan of this event. I would throw a major tantrum if we did not fit the game of Charades in before my bedtime. Enthusiasm has waned a little amongst other members of my family in recent years, but for me it remains the highlight of every Christmas season."

Erin-Intern: "I was very excited to spend the holidays with family down in Southern California and participate in the 3rd annual gingerbread man decorating contest. The theme this year was "Hats off to Entertainment". Don't be fooled by the sprinkles and frosting, it can be an intense competition that is fun and something you might want to try next year!"

Gracious Granola with Yogurt and Cranberry Sauce

Whole Cranberry Sauce – Fresh Cranberries (15oz) + 1 Bottle of Purity Apple Juice (16oz)

Cranberry Sauce – the luscious berry color ushers in the holidays for me. Forget about the cookies and the pie, for me it’s about having a perpetual stock of cranberry sauce in my fridge. Whole berries immersed in red glossy liquid, there is nothing better this time of year to top my granola in the morning.

I like mine not too sweet, in fact a bit on the tart side to honor the true flavor of the fruit. A cinch to make, my version just combines Purity Apple Juice (100% apple juice, not from concentrate) and whole cranberries leaving out refined sugar.


Interesting Fact: Cranberries are one of the only prevalent fruits native to North America. The others are blueberries and concord grapes.

Reporting from 18 Rabbits, Alison

Rinse 2 container or 15 ounces of whole cranberries

Ad cranberries and apple juice to a pot

Bring cranberries and apple juice to a boil

Pour steaming cranberry sauce into airtight glass jar

Enjoy!!

A Touch of Salsa in Little Italy

When you live in San Francisco where almost every other building is a restaurant you never want to eat at the same place; there is so much to explore and too many different food styles to try. So when my sister and I went to a restaurant both Friday and Saturday night you know there is something special. Amidst the pasta and pizza of North Beach, tucked away is an amazing Mexican restaurant.  Don Pistos serves Mexican street food that tastes authentic and delicious without the expensive price tag. The ambiance is cozy (nice for a date night) and the service is just as great as the food. Check out my favorite, the tostadas, it’s like a taste of heaven with a kick to it, and don’t forget the pitcher of Sangria. Not only is it great for dinner but they also have Sunday Brunch, which sounds amazing. Not too many restaurants can claim diners coming in back to back evenings, but Don Pistos is definitely one to take on this title. So check it out and you will be happy you did!!

http://www.donpistos.com/


Erin reporting from 18 Rabbits.

Easy Eco Oatmeal

Pour all into a pan

Bring to a boil then simmer for 3-5 minutes

Stir until desired consistency

Serve in a bowl with fresh berries or dried fruit

Alison (the founder) reporting from 18 Rabbits