So little of living really feels cozy right now. There are prickles everywhere I turn–messy politicians and election-season tension, distance learning, the pandemic, choking wildfire smoke, and even my cute new puppy (puppy teeth are very sharp!)–and I am yearning for a little coziness. Autumn seems like the right time for it anyway. The breeze is crisp and the sky is changeful. While it is lovely to be out under that arching deep blue sky during the day, the cool evening makes being inside for a relaxed dinner with my family seem just right. We even have time for it, since the pandemic has dramatically curtailed our evening obligations.
So, in case you are feeling a little world-worn as well and just need a cozy evening in, here is a dinner that will fit the bill. Although it is a little gimmicky in its use of toothpicks for utensils, the dinner is lots of fun to enjoy with your family. It is a good reminder that, regardless of what chaos is swirling outside the doors of your home, you can create your own calm in your nest when you intentionally bring your people together and share the ritual of dinner.
Toothpick Dinner
- 4 medium gold potatoes
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
Preheat the oven to 425-degrees. Cut the potatoes into ½ -inch chunks. Place on a sheet pan, drizzle with oil, and sprinkle with salt. Make sure the potatoes are not touching too much. Place in the oven as soon as it has preheated. Roast about 15 minutes, turn the potatoes over in the pan with a spatula, and cook an additional 15 minutes until the potatoes are soft on the inside and crispy outside.
- 12 oz-1 lb Polish sausage
- 1 medium onion
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
Cut sausage into ½-inch slices and the onion into 1-inch slices. Place on a second sheet pan. Toss with oil and sprinkle with salt. Add to the oven after the potatoes have cooked for 15 minutes. Cook for the final 15 minutes.
- 1 block feta cheese, preferably brined
- 8 oz grape or cherry tomatoes
- 2 Tbsp pesto
- 1 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 pinch sea salt
Cut the feta into pieces a little smaller than the tomatoes. Arrange the tomatoes and feta on a plate. This is the place for a fun contrasting design! Whisk together pesto, mayonnaise and lemon juice. Serve in a small bowl as a dip for the tomatoes and feta.
- 2 medium sweet-tart apples, such as Pink Lady
- 1/3 cup caramel sauce
- 1 generous pinch coarse sea salt
Slice the apples ¼-inch thick and place on serving plate. Drizzle the caramel over the apples. Sprinkle with sea salt.
- Toothpicks
Serve the dinner with toothpicks for spearing the food.
Gluten Awareness: Check that the sausage and caramel sauce are gluten free.
Ponderosa pines against a blue and white sky.
