November 2009
E-Recipes
Recipes Contributed by:
Jacksonville Mercantile

If you haven’t been in to the shop for a while, we have just received some wonderful goodies for the upcoming holiday season. Speaking of holidays if you would like us to help you make holiday gift giving a little easier and tastier, just call us at 541-899-1047 between 10 am and 6pm every day, including Sundays or order online at www.jacksonvillemercantile.com . Call early to have us ship your gift anywhere in the USA or Canada.

Here is a tip for a perfectly moist turkey, the key is to brine your turkey. We have Gobbler Kits available to help you make the perfect turkey this holiday season. The Gourmet Gobbler Kit comes with a large brining bag, brine and herbs. The Jacksonville Mercantile also has fun games like “Wine Wars” , “Foodie Fight” and wine tasting kits for fun evenings during the holidays and into the winter months when many of us entertain at home. Lots of items under $10 and $20, perfect for all your family and friends who have everything. German, Italian, French and Local baked goods are available. And we have a large selection of our wonderful local wines available. Let the Jacksonville Mercantile help you go beyond the ordinary with custom gift baskets this holiday season.

Sometimes the side dishes are more of a star than the entrée at Thanksgiving. My brother never liked sweet potatoes and the following recipe is one that he actually enjoyed at our family table. After he found out it had sweet potatoes in it he had to rethink the fact that he never ate them.

1 large Granny Smith Apple – peeled, seeded and cubed
1 large Bosc Pear – seeded and cubed
2 large Sweet Potatoes – peeled, seeded and cubed
1 sweet onion – cut into large dice
1 large turnip – peeled and cubed
3 Large Carrots, peeled and cut into large slices
2 Tablespoons Butter
Sea Salt and Pepper
Nutmeg
Panko (Japanese Breadcrumbs)

Place the sweet potatoes with the carrot in a steamer and cook until al dente. Heat the butter in a large pan. Add the onion and cook until soft but not brown. Add all the rest of the vegetables (including the steamed potato and carrot) and cook until just lightly brown. Mix this with the apple and pear, salt, pepper and nutmeg and place in a large casserole dish. Sprinkle with Panko and bake in a 350F oven for approximately 30 minutes covered. Remove cover and continue to cook for another 15-20 minutes until the breadcrumbs are brown and the mixture is soft and bubbly. Serve Hot.

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More new goodies we have in the store are Olive Oil Tortas from Matiz of Spain. These happily addictive wafers are so perfect with cheese or just a nice cup of tea or coffee it is scary. Want to try your hand at making them? Try this recipe. If this seems too much, just come in and buy a package or two.

1 1/2 cups and 2 T flour
1/4 cup sesame seeds
3 T sugar
1 T fennel seeds
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup plus 2 T ice water
2 egg whites, beaten until foamy

Extra sugar or finely ground rosemary and additional sesame seeds for savory

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Mix first 6 ingredients in blender. Combine olive oil and ice water; add to blender until just combined. Shape into golf-ball size rounds, placing two at a time on a rolling board, 6 inches apart. Place wax paper over top (or use silpats on top and bottom). Roll out into thick (approximately 1/4 inch thick) 8×4 inch ovals. Transfer to cookie sheet with a silpat on it, brush with egg white and sprinkle with some sugar or if making savory ones, use finely ground fresh rosemary and more sesame seeds. Bake 6-8 minutes. Cool completely; store up to 4 days wrapped in wax paper.

Click here for printable version

Jacksonville Mercantile
Store location: Jacksonville
online ordering available

Be sure you look us up on Facebook and become a fan of the Mercantile. We will soon be posting cooking demonstration schedules that will be happening in the store and other Foodie news. Also, we want you to share some of your favorite recipes with us.

Hope to see you in person or on-line soon. All of us at The Jacksonville Mercantile wish you a safe and delicious Thanksgiving!

Happy Cooking and Baking Everyone!
Constance Jesser
Jacksonville Mercantile “A Delicious Discovery”
120 E. California Street
Jacksonville, OR 97530
541-899-1047