As I mentioned a few weeks back, Meg, AJ and I have been diligently preparing for our 3rd Queens Swap, which took place this past Sunday afternoon at Sweetleaf LIC. I'm proud to say the event was a hit, and we always manage to learn something new each time. Also loving the mix of attendees, from loyalists to newbies, each event features something unique and keeps things interesting.
The Venue
Our friends at Sweetleaf LIC were generous to lend us their laptop room for the swap, which included a sectioned off space with a large, communal table with chairs and additional stools. It was a cozy, intimate space that was conducive to networking and also displaying all our wares. I liked the intimacy of it all because it enabled you to see everything easily and made you talk to virtually everyone - and let's face it, that's one of the core benefits of the swap.
The Swappers
While we had some newbies, which we always appreciate (new talent and hunger is what drives these events) but we also had loyalists that have become a part of our foodie family. We appreciate your loyalty Laura, Jean, Lisa and Lydia.
Our newbies included Mira, Kim, Amy, Tim and Julie.
Here's what everyone contributed - needless to say, there wasn't a shortage of intriguing items to swap:
Laura - Cranberry bread (jumbo sized) with fresh cranberries; garlic infused extra virgin olive oil
Mira - Beet relish
AJ - Rosemary, bacon focaccia; pear chutney; corn salsa
Kim - Home-brewed beer and curried cashews
Meg - Variety of canned goods including tomatillo sauce, canned tomatoes, avjar, blueberry jam, dilly beans, and more
Jean - Fresh apple sauce with cinnamon
Lisa - Apple cinnamon rum, sweet & hot pepper and red onion jam
Amy - Homemade sourdough bread and homemade chocolate flavored soy milk
Vivian - Peanut butter and chocolate buckeyes
Tim - Spicy beef chili
Julie - Almond tofu fruit cocktail
me - Coconut mate chocolate truffles
The Swap
The actual swapping process is two-fold, first you scope out your goods and place bids on the items you want acquire, and second you negotiate with the owner of the item to make the actual swap. This process altogether took about 45 minutes, as there was a lot of back and forth going around. I was happy to see that a lot of people bid on my truffles, and because my boxes were closed, I even included an iPad display that showcased them in full glory (more on that in a future post).
I like that Meg laid out the ground rules in the very beginning of the swap, making it clear that the mission behind a successful swap was to walk out with items that you really wanted. And that it was OK to say no sometimes, which I ended up doing (albeit still feeling a tiny bit bad).
My Goodies
To say that I was thrilled with my goods would be an understatement, as I really did get everything I wanted and walked out as happy as can be. Here's what I acquired:
Tim's chili
Kim's beer
Jean's apple sauce
Amy's bread (no pun intended)
Meg's tomatillo sauce
AJ's focaccia bread
So far it's been a fantastic way to stock up my pantry, however I have to admit that some of the items have already gone (focaccia, beer, chili). In terms of the other attendees, I can safely say that everyone seemed content, and overall I think we had another success on our hands.
I'd sincerely love to thank Sweetleaf for being gracious hosts - you guys rock and we thank you!
For more information about our next food swap, visit www.queensswap.com
Sweetleaf - 10-93 Jackson Avenue, LIC NY 11101
917.832.6726
7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Avenue
www.sweetleaflic.com
Spending the last couple of weeks in Europe, as you know, eating really really rich foods, I had to give my tummy (and waistline) a break. Trying to get back on my schedule this week, I've been trying to keep a healthier diet, which of course entails preparing my own food.
Yesterday's dinner was a big healthy success in the literal sense, as I made a hearty turkey chili made with all-fresh ingredients such as red and yellow bell peppers, tomatoes, cilantro, ground turkey breast, lots of spices and cheese on top. I varied up the recipe from Cookstr that was my inspiration, by using paprika instead of chili powder and by also substituting crumbly feta cheese on top instead of cheddar. You can also use queso fresco, which would be nice. I stuck a couple of whole wheat pita chips into it too, and they melted beautifully in the piping hot mixture.
Since I made a full batch of this (enough for about 8 people), we have tons for left overs, and not to mention that this stuff keeps well in the freezer. Hope it inspires you as well!
Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe
The Setting:
Before we entered the festival area, we checked in and received our very own chili mug with a really awesome wide spoon, perfectly suitable for eating chili.
Not really sure what to expect, I first thought the event was going to take place in a large room, where they sometimes hold seasonal events such as sample sales. But that wasn't the case, as the meaty festivities took place right in the middle of all the action, in the main concourse of Chelsea Market. Each one of the 23 competitors was situated at a small table in front of the main retail outlets in the market. Some of the competitors like The Green Table, Friedman's Lunch and The Food Network stood in front of their respective establishments, which was a nice way to put a face to the name.
The Competitors:
As I mentioned, there were 23 awesome establishments that took part in the fun, most of them from Manhattan and Brooklyn. For their ingredients (so they'd all be on a level playing field), they received 100% dry-aged, locally raised beef from Wrighteous Organics as the basis for their chili. The competitors were:
Bark Hot Dogs
Beer Table
Blue Ribbon Bakery
BrookVin
Carino
Char No. 4
The Commodore
Co.
Dressler
Fette Sau
Friedman's Lunch
The Green Table
Jimmy's No. 43
La Palapa
Mile End
Northern Spy Food Co.
No. 7
Roberta's
Suenos
Telepan
Toloache
Txikito
Vinegar Hill House
My Favorites:
While I have to praise the valiant efforts of each and every one of the worthy competitors listed above, there are four that stood out to me most. And for these, I'll surely be coming back for and visiting their locations to recreate that wonderful, comforting taste of hearty, meaty chili.
Bark Hot Dogs - Even though I wouldn't expect one of my favorites to come from a hot dog restaurant, it was wonderful. Made with poblano peppers and braised beef that just melted in your mouth, it certainly warmed your palate and as a result, the rest of your body. It had a hint of smokiness and some sweetness that lingered on your tastebuds like a good wine.
Blue Ribbon Bakery - As soon as we got to this table, we noticed the long line. "There must be a good reason," I thought, as Blue Ribbon has an impeccable reputation for excellent comfort food. Meg and I got on line too and indulged in their brisket chili, which was topped with a creamy avocado mousse. Just amazing! The mousse did wonders on the already decadent meat, cooling it down but also elevating its flavor from very good to downright fantastic.
Food Network Test Kitchens - Simply nicknamed "Dr. Chili," I had to know what this was all about. We spied the secret ingredient while grabbing some napkins - Dr. Pepper of course! The chili was reduced in this nostalgic liquid, giving it a sweet and somewhat syrupy consistency, resulting in what I'll call the dessert chili. The least spiciest chili of the day, I really enjoyed its mild flavors and tender, juicy meat.
Roberta's - One of the last chilis we tried, I loved its simplicity and focus on the main ingredient - beef. It was wonderful to bite into large chunks of meat, which were cooked beautifully in a smoky reduction, that included one of my all-time favorite ingredients - bacon! If I could go back for seconds of this, I so would - and not only because of the chili but because the staff was fun, jovial and downright excited to be there.
The Winner:
While we left before the winner was announced (it got too crowded), the official winner was Northern Spy Food Co. We unfortunately didn't get to try their chili, but if consensus rules, I'm sure it was fantastic. Winner got $2,000 and a 2011 Golden Chili Mug :) Proceeds from the event went to Food Systems NYC to support healthy, regional food growth and to fight hunger.
