Earth Day Entertaining: Cactus Pear & Ginger Fizz

If you've been living in a cold weather region for the past six months, then you know what I mean when I say, "OMG, thank GOODNESS winter is finally over!" As a New Yorker, complaining about the weather is one of our favorite pastimes, but we also love to celebrate when the sun is shining, the days are longer and we can start dining outdoors and on rooftops again. So every year I like to kickoff the season with a spring soirée to celebrate surviving the cold and welcoming the warmth. We usually focus on the healthy bites we're serving, but this time it's all about the cocktails!

DIY, Entertaining, Lifestyle, Recipes, FoodGina Jessica SmithApril 22, 2016Cocktails, Riedel, Drinks, Lifestyle, EntertainingComment

VIDEO: How To Seed A Pomegranate

I absolutely love pomegranates, but have you tried scooping out seeds with a spoon only to make a mess, release a few seeds at a time, and get a mouthful of the bitter pith? Frustrating, right? This video will show you a simple method to removing the seeds and making a refreshing sparkling pear cocktail.

DIY, Entertaining, Food, How-To, Lifestyle, RecipesGina Jessica SmithDecember 26, 2014Pomegranate, Healthy, Mocktail, DIY, How-To, Recipes, FoodComment

Poached Pears With Muesli, Lavender & Almond Milk

Right now everyone is in pumpkin, squash and gourd mode, but let's not forget about one of fall's most amazing offerings: aromatic, sweet and juicy pears. Bosc, Bartlett, Comice, Seckel, Anjou–take your pick! In addition to pies, sauces and salads, pears are also a great way to avoid what I call Green Juice Boredom aka GJB, which is a syndrome caused by using the same ingredients for the ubiquitous morning elixir typically made with green apples.

Nutrition, Recipes, Food, EntertainingGina Jessica SmithOctober 30, 2014Pears, Autumn, Recipe, Vegetarian, FruitComment

Fragrant Vegan Garlic Scapes Pesto

What is that tangle of green curlicued shoots? Before the bulbs mature, garlic plants produce flower stems know as garlic scapes. Farmers usually remove the scapes to direct the plants energy toward bigger bulbs, but rather than compost these cuttings, smart growers harvest the scapes while they are still young and tender so they can imbue chosen dishes with their sweet, mild garlic flavor.

Guacamole Royale

Warning: Guacamole purists, look away! Avert your eyes! I know for many of you, daring to innovate the classic Mexican recipe is essentially a culinary crime. In the past, I've also wrinkled my nose and looked on disapprovingly as friends attempted to serve me variations of this beloved avocado side dish, so I understand if you're concerned. I assure you this recipe is worth trying once for the sheer surprise of how beautifully the subtly sweet and crunchy pomegranate and nutty pistachio partner with the chunky, yet smooth avocado. Besides, it's a visually fun and festive addition to your entertaining table that's certain to start an interesting foodie conversation.

Food, Health, Entertaining, RecipesGina KamburowskiJanuary 22, 2014Avocado, Pomegranate, GuacamoleComment

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