Tag: brunch

Gourmet Brunch at Casa Culinaria in Santa Fe

~ Spence's Girl ~ Leave a comment

As our trip to Santa Fe grew nearer, I was looking for unique experiences and stumbled upon this gourmet brunch. I checked with my travel companion who agreed it looked like fun; I signed us up.

After days of warm sunny weather, the temperature dropped and it was windy that morning. The brunch is typically served in their garden on the patio but they also have a charming, cozy kitchen where we shared a beautifully set, long table with six other fun guests celebrating a 50th birthday.

The chef, Carolina Olea Cosignani has earned the Grande Diplome from Le Cordon Bleu in Haute Cuisine and Patisserie. Her partner Manuel Lescano de Orleans is a Sommelier and served us the brunch. Much of the produce and herbs are grown in their garden at this Inn with the remainder being sourced locally.

We started with beverages, I opted for tea from this special silver box, also in that photo – little jars of homemade butter, fig/apple jam and coconut dulce de leche. Next was a selection of four breads, madeleines and chocolate filled shortbread cookies. Manuel served us tutti-frutti juice as well as water flavored with lavender, mint and basil.

Moving on, we next had a bowl brimming with fresh fruit – mango, strawberries, blackberry,  home made yogurt and granola, local honey with saffron, lavender seeds and fresh mint. I was so hungry I forgot to take a photo – it happens….

Next up, a Galette Ratatouille – the gallette made with buckwheat in a crepe-style with fresh basil, veggies and feta. The crepe was delicate and the galette was full of flavor. Dessert was a fresh raspberry, mascarpone and almond confection topped with meringue, the perfect finish to our meal.

The Inn itself is elegantly decorated with so much ambiance. After leaving, we agreed it would be a perfect place to stay in the future!

I’m attaching a link to the Inn, if you’re planning a trip to Santa Fe, this is a truly special place:

https://casa-culinaria-don-gaspar-santa-fe.booked.net/#w

Savory Spinach Quiche

~ Spence's Girl ~ 2 Comments

Ever have a day when you wake up with a craving for something savory? In a quick perusal of my fridge I realized I had all the makings of a quiche. Here’s what I created!

Savory Spinach Quiche

  • 1 pie crust
  • 5 eggs
  • 1 c half and half
  • 5 slices cooked bacon, chopped
  • 12 cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 2 c fresh baby spinach
  • 1 T chopped Vidalia onion
  • 1 1/2 c shredded sharp cheddar
  • 1/2 t thyme
  • 1 t seasoned salt
  • 1 t cracked black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes to taste (optional)

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Using a 9 inch pie plate unroll the pie crust and press into place. Layer the spinach, covering the bottom of the crust, scatter the onion, bacon and tomatoes over the top, followed by the cheese. In a large bowl add the eggs, half and half, thyme, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes, mix together thoroughly (I used my immersion blender). Pour the egg mixture over the filling. Bake on the lowest rack of your oven for 30-35 minutes until set. Rest for 10 minutes and serve.