Picnic Fixings

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Let our fall picnic feast with a twist…
(we’re staying in!) begin!
This fall menu, spices up, the old soup & sandwiches combo.
Love these little pumpkin soup shots! Love the rich fall color and

they’re delish too! This recipe was handed down to me, years ago, by
Leslie Ann , a dear friend…and I made it my own. During pumpkin season,
I roast & puree the sweet flesh but you can use canned pumpkin too!
24 ounces will do.
I add:

3 shallots chopped & a handful of fresh curry from our kitchen garden
1 teaspoon curry powder, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric,

1 teaspoon each, fresh thyme,
tarragon and a bay leaf (whole)

7 cup chicken broth
and a 1/2 cup each, of buttermilk and whole milk.

Saute the shallots & herbs in olive oil until soft,
add the milk & remaining ingredients.
Whisk until smooth.
Simmer for 45 minutes. Serve warm with

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a sprinkling of toasted/salted pepitas & a dollop
of creme fraiche...if you like :)
And now, for the pork tenderloin sandwiches. Here’s the trick…

toasted spices!
Yep. I toast a few tablespoons each, of coriander and cumin, in
a hot dry pan..keep an eye on it! The spices will
darken up as the warm scent fills the air….so lovely.
Slather the pork tenderloin with the toatsted spices along with a little salt and pepper.
I drizzle on olive oil and a little soy sauce and roast the loin in a
350 degree oven for 30 minutes or so, until the meat is barely pink.
Slice the pork thinly, get some good rolls

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and Moutarde en Grains , maybe a little fig & raisin chutney , for
that combo of sweet & savory and you have
my version on soup & sandwiches…picnic style!

Happy Autumn,
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Inspired by a love of beautiful, yet simple design, food and entertaining. Monica’s distinct approach led this former television news gal to create La Famiglia Design. 

Your backstage pass to Girls' Night In with Monica Hart is
Sounds and looks delicious Mons! Your fall recipes are the best. Sometimes I dream of your beef bourgogne…
Your kitchen must smell incredible! It’s almost dinner time as I leave this message…..starving here!! Monica, I can’t read your blog anymore: I am always hungry after my visits :) Just kidding….where else can I learn about French lettuce, lavender martinis, baked sole in parchment paper, etc. And also white lavender plants!
xoxo,
Loi
Aaah, the taste of Fall! I can’t wait to make these! Your “twists” always turn the ordinary into the extraordinary!!
xoxox Janice