This month’s meal was a purple haze… As with “June's Jungle Green”, “Amethyst August” offered an endless range of culinary possibilities. There
are lots of lavender foods, from everyday fruits like grapes and plums to seasonal
vegetables like purple asparagus or cauliflower. Instead of exploring the
options with another potluck, I decided to give this month a theme beyond its “Amethyst August” label. With hearty
red cabbage and red wine on the mind, a German meal quickly became the obvious
choice.
1st Course: German potato
pancakes (Kartoffelpuffer) made from purple potatoes and served with a chipotle
mayo. Our dinner party devoured these crispy cakes like a hoard of purple people eaters. I served them alongside a
red (purple) leaf salad with apples, oranges, walnuts, and a citrus vinaigrette.
2nd
Course: Venison sauerbraten with braised red cabbage. This hearty roast was
soaked in a wine-vinegar marinade for 3 whole days, transforming the
“already-plum-tinged” roast to a vibrant violet! In keeping with both the
“german” and “amethyst” themes, the sauerbraten was served alongside red
cabbage braised with bacon and apples.
Dessert: Homemade blueberry pie with
vanilla ice cream. Need I say more…
Lastly - since my "German" theme didn't allow me to highlight the full potential of purple produce, I couldn't resist arranging the following centerpiece.
In September, I promise a sinful array of scarlet foods. Until then, enjoy the end of your summer!!!
