Monday, December 31, 2018

WHAT A YEAR IT HAS BEEN

It’s hard to believe but another year has run its course.

But before we leave 2018 behind, we’re taking a moment – as we like to do here at Maria Luisa – to reflect on the year.

And what a year it was, thanks in large part to you, our loyal customers.
First, we want to thank you for your ongoing support – not only for your dedication to shopping local but also your joining us at special events, helping to raise funds and awareness and quite simply, for your loyalty and friendship. It’s the most rewarding part of life here at Maria Luisa.

Our year got off to a healthy start with the #ML Faves For Good participating in Nyack’s annual Resolution Run, a through-the-streets walk/run designed to raise funds to combat hunger in our own community. We’ll be doing it again in the new year – with the 2019 event set for Jan. 5; please join us! --->SIGN UP-DONATE HERE---> NYACK RESOLUTION RUN/WALK

That on-the-road spirit continued throughout the year, with #ML Faves again gathering to participate in the 31st annual Women’s Distance Festival in July at Rockland Lake State Park in Congers. Our team had another strong showing – helping raise funds for the Center for Safety and Change, an organization that we have long supported. (We’ll be there again in 2019; save the date of July 13 and plan to join us). Registration begins on Janyuary 11, 2019.

WHAT A YEAR IT HAS BEEN  at MARIA LUISA

We also took to the streets… of South Broadway, participating in each and every Nyack street fair held throughout the year, from the SpringFest through the last event in October. Village events are a mainstay of the Maria Luisa calendar, as we often tie in special store activities and promotions to events going on in the community such as the annual Halloween Parade.

This year also saw us, for the first time, presenting two awards through our ML by Maria Luisa Scholarship Fund. The program has been expanded – and thanks to your ongoing and generous support – we were able to recognize both Ruth Uriarte and Katherine Bacolas. As you know, the scholarship program is something we are especially proud of, this year expanding to recognize both a Nyack High School senior and a senior from anywhere in the county. We also now invite applications from any female graduating senior as well as those who identify as female – and look forward to our next presentation toward the end of the academic year. (Stay tuned for an announcement about the 2019 program and application details). DONATE --->HERE

Throughout the year, we have continued our commitment to artist- and artisan-made goods, sustainable production and Fair Trade principles, adding new merchandise that reflects our new discoveries. In addition, we’re continually impressed – and inspired – by how many customers support our “Say NO! to the Bag” initiative, bringing their own bags or purchasing the reusable Maria Luisa shopper. Village events are a mainstay of the Maria Luisa calendar, as we often tie in special store activities and promotions to events going on in the community such as the annual Halloween Parade. We celebrated the whole day of the parade in store, while also taking part in the main event itself. ML team members and friends once again wore eco-minded costumes to raise awareness of the power of recycling as we walked the village streets in this most-popular Nyack event.
We saw that often during the holiday season, which was especially rewarding – as was this year’s holiday party. Sure, it was a chance to kick back and have some fun while helping you with your own holiday shopping, but this year’s event was something really special.

The early December evening served as the official introduction of one of our most exciting efforts to date, the collaboration with Nyack-based artist and illustrator Johanna Goodman. The teaming up with this amazingly talented woman has been quite a creative endeavor, as we developed an exclusive collection of totes, pillows and shower curtains based on her signature “The Catalogue of Imaginary Beings” series. The designs have been a hit, as we knew they would be – and we look forward to expanding the line in the new year.

As you can see, 2018 was a great year at Maria Luisa, one filled with milestones and memories.

In that spirit of moving ever forward, we’re excited for 2019, and hope you are, as well.

Stay tuned to next week’s blog for details on some more of what’s planned for 2019 at Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa.

And until we see you in the shops to say it in person, HAPPY NEW YEAR from all of us at Maria Luisa.

Maria Luisa

Monday, December 24, 2018

WITH MARIA LUISA’S VERY BEST WISHES

We hope your holiday season is turning out to be a happy one.

We will be closed Dec. 25, Christmas Day, to celebrate with our families and friends, re-opening Dec. 26 for “business as usual.”



Speaking of families, we wanted to take a moment to wish our own Lindsay the very best. If you’ve been in recently, you may have noticed that she’s expecting – she and her husband are soon to welcome their first child. We’ll certainly miss her during her impending maternity leave, but as I’m sure you do, wish her every happiness – and can’t wait to meet the little one.


As the end of the year is always a time for reflection, stay tuned for next week’s blog when we offer up our annual Maria Luisa “Year in Review” edition.



Until then, we thank you, as always, for your loyalty and friendship, especially your supporting us by shopping local this holiday season. We hope to see you soon – and wish you and your families the very best.

Monday, December 17, 2018

LAST-MINUTE FINDS at MARIA LUISA

Is it us or is this month zipping by way too quickly?
Seems we go through each day – focused on the tasks at hand – and suddenly, weeks have passed.
Sure, we all have to get by… but when it comes to holiday shopping, sometimes that can get away from us.

That’s why we want to remind you that we are here FOR YOU – every single day through Dec. 24 at both Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa, not to mention online 24-7 at both MariaLuisaBoutique.com and Shoptiques.com – for all your holiday-shopping needs.
No one wants to look like they picked up a gift at the last minute, right?

Stop by and we’ll help you pick out gifts that would never appear to be afterthoughts.
SHOP

SHOP
We have luxurious candles, rich body lotions and special ornaments, specialty cookbooks and distinctive home goods, bags and totes, scarves and sweaters, boots, jewelry (lots of jewelry) – and of course, items from our exclusive partnership with Nyack-based artist Johanna Goodman. Introduced at our Holiday Party earlier this month, these have been simply flying off the shelves. You’ll feel good giving something made by an artist or an artisan, often local, or a product created by a small business just like ours or one that follows Fair Trade practices.
It really adds another layer to your gift-gifting, no matter the season.
And if you’re still in need of that finishing touch or entire outfit, don’t forget our shops are filled with fashions or accessories for you, too!
SHOP
Whether it’s for your own holiday entertaining at home or any parties or special events (New Year’s Eve, anyone?) you’ll be attending, we’re jam-packed with stylish options, some with a bit of that holiday spirit – from lush velvets to a touch of sparkle – that we’d love to show you.
And remember, even if you don’t know what to get for someone on your list, the Maria Luisa gift certificate always fits – and thanks to you, also gives your recipients the fun of shopping for themselves.
SHOP

SHOP
SHOP
Hope to see you soon.


Monday, December 10, 2018

WHY SHOPPING LOCAL MATTERS…Especially during the holiday season

We here at Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa appreciate your business throughout the year. We hope you were able to join us this past Friday for our annual Holiday Party, a great event that included the unveiling of our exciting collaboration with Nyack-based artist Johanna Goodman – with her captivating collages translated to tote bags, pillows, shower curtains and, of course, beautiful prints. It was an evening that also showcased the work of jewelry designer Lisa Medoff, whose work we have long supported.

The spirits were high – and the sense of community strong. It was lovely for us to see so many loyal – and a few new – customers stop by and support what we do day in and day out.
And that is strive to bring you quality, comfortable, stylish – and thoughtful – fashions, accessories and more. We pride ourselves on seeking out goods created by artists, artisans, Fair Trade and small businesses, whether they’re around the corner or around the world.
And we thank you for “returning the favor” – deciding to spend your hard-earned dollars in our shops, supporting what we do as a woman-owned small business.

It’s not just happening here – but something consumers around the country are also supporting, especially during these challenging economic times.
WCIA, a TV station in Champaign, Illinois, for example, has a great piece on why shopping local matters, which mentions, in part, that local businesses often have better service overall since they are used to “taking time to know their customers and having passion for their products or services.”

That’s definitely true of us here at Maria Luisa.
You may recall that we put our philosophy out there in an op-ed piece a few years back on LoHud.com that said, in part, “Season after season, we all work hard to offer distinctive goods, confirming our unique identities. Most of us sell goods personally selected for our customers, not generic goods mandated by a faraway corporate office. We, because of our size, can quickly respond to customer requests and see what best connects with them. Our products are often a reflection of ourselves and our beliefs.”


It’s always been true – and will remain true.
So we look forward to seeing you often this holiday season, helping you buy something special for those you love – or even a treat for yourself – and sharing the good will of the season.








Monday, December 3, 2018

A MOST ARTFUL HOLIDAY


So, December is here.
We wish all of you who celebrate a very Happy Hanukkah – and remind you that we are now in our annual OPEN-EVERY-DAY mode. Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa are now open daily through Dec. 24 for all your shopping needs – and yes, that includes Mondays.
This is also a very big week for us for another reason – IT’S TIME TO PARTY!!!
We’ve been mentioning it for awhile – but it’s finally happening this week.
FB EVENT INVITE
Here are the details:
A MOST ARTFUL HOLIDAY EVENT
4 to 8 p.m. FRIDAY, Dec. 7

Maria Luisa invites you to stop by for a very special edition of our annual Holiday ‘Wish List’ Event.
The party – in addition to offering us the chance to raise a glass and have a few light bites in recognition of all of this season’s holidays – is designed to offer the chance to not only dive into your holiday shopping but also allow you to create a holiday wish list, which gently offers suggestions to those who will be coming in this month to shop for you! We’ll have special promotions, raffles and more throughout the evening, one of our favorite events of the year.
The evening’s centerpiece will be the unveiling of the collaboration between Maria Luisa Boutique and Nyack-based artist Johanna Goodman – and we couldn’t be more excited to formally announce this news.
Goodman, an award-winning illustrator whose work has graced the pages of The New York Times to Rolling Stone, from work for the MTA to decorative goods carried by West Elm, is noted for her striking “The Catalogue of Imaginary Beings” series. Her work is amazing – and we think you’ll love what is hitting the Maria Luisa shelves (think totes, pillows and shower curtains) … another way we’re proud to support local talent, creativity and initiative.
The evening will also showcase a number of other local artists and artisans whose work we support throughout the year including one of our newest brands, MacKenzie83, which recently hosted a trunk show of sustainable leather accessories; and jewelry from a perennial favorite, Lisa Medoff Designs.
As always, stay tuned to our social media for event updates throughout the week – but we hope we’ve given you enough of a glimpse that you’re already planning to join us. We can’t wait to show you all we have in store – and thank you in person for your continued support throughout the year.
•••
And, of course, we have another recipe from the Maria Luisa team to share – this week, something special from Cameron, our accountant. (See, everyone gets in on this sharing!).

GERMAN OVEN PANCAKE

Ingredients:
1/2 cup sifted flour
3 slightly beaten eggs
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
GERMAN OVEN PANCAKES

Directions:
• Gradually add flour to eggs, beating on medium speed.
• Stir in milk, butter, and salt.
• Thoroughly grease 9 to 10-inch oven-safe skillet (I use a Dutch oven).
• Pour batter into cold skillet.
• Bake at 450 degrees for 20 minutes.
• Loosen pancake from skillet with a wide spatula. Cut into wedges with a sharp knife.
• Serve with powdered sugar, butter and maple syrup, or even some warmed cinnamon applesauce!

What I Like About This Recipe: This recipe is so easy to put together, and it’s fun to watch fluff up in the oven. My daughter and I love to make it on chilly weekends with the oven on to warm the house.


Sounds delicious – and don’t forget, please join us Friday for our PARTY when we’ll share a bit of wine, a lot of creativity and the warmth of the Maria Luisa community.






 Support the ML by Maria Luisa Scholarship Fund
VISIT NYACK

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

THE SPIRIT OF GIVING AT MARIA LUISA


We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving – and thank you for supporting us this past weekend, especially during Small Business Saturday.
Every day, really, offers the chance to shop small and shop local – but we’ll certainly take this nationwide recognition!

Today, is Giving Tuesday – an “official” chance to donate during the holiday season. Our food drive for People to People and our clothing and cold-weather accessories collection for the Nyack Homeless Project continue. We also ask you to consider making a donation to the ML by Maria Luisa Scholarship Fund, which supports young students in our county. It’s a most important effort for us – and one we’re grateful that you continue to support.
ML by Maria Luisa Scholarship Fund
Of course, we’re also sharing another recipe (actually two) from members of the Maria Luisa team in this edition of our blog, which we’ll do throughout the holiday season – we hope it inspires you to try out some new recipes or just pull out some of you own favorites that perhaps you haven’t made in awhile. We’d love to share some of yours, too, so get in touch if you have one you’re willing to divulge.
Join us!
Keep in mind, too, that our annual Holiday Wish List Party is set for Dec. 7, and we’ll soon be kicking off our expanded holiday-season hours. Full details on all in next week’s blog – and as always, through continuous updates to our social media.
And now, for those recipes, this week from Mary, our newsletter editor.

STUFFED CELERY

Ingredients
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
1 4-ounce package of blue cheese crumbles
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon milk
Garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste
Celery stalks, rinsed and cut into sticks

Directions
• Put cream cheese and milk into bowl and mix well.
• Add garlic powder, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce and mix until all combined well.
• Crumble in blue cheese and mix until smooth.
• Fill stuffing into celery sticks. Refrigerate until serving.



CHEESE BALL

Ingredients
• Blue cheese mixture, as above
• 2 cups chopped walnuts
• 2 tablespoons parsley (fresh or dried)

Directions
• Spread the blue-cheese mixture onto a sheet of wax paper, on a baking sheet (which keeps it contained).
• Form the cheese into a ball and slowly roll it onto a mixture you have made of the nuts and parsley until cheese is completely covered.
• Place on a plate and refrigerate at least three hours (or overnight).
• Serve with crackers.

What I like about these recipes – My mother made these for years – only around the holidays. Though simple, we never had them the rest of the year, so they have come to be associated with Thanksgiving (stuffed celery) and New Year’s  (the cheese ball), a tradition my sisters and I continue.

Remember, as always, stop by to say hello. We’re always happy to offer suggestions on all of your holiday-shopping needs.



Nyack Events

Friday, November 23, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Maria Luisa Whittingham
845-664-8492
845-353-4122

LONGTIME NYACK MERCHANT ANNOUNCES ARTISTIC COLLABORATION
Maria Luisa Boutique teams with award-winning illustrator Johanna Goodman

Maria Luisa Whittingham, who has owned and operated Maria Luisa Boutique in Nyack for more than 30 years, announces a new venture – an artistic collaboration with award-winning, Nyack-based artist and illustrator Johanna Goodman.
The effort, another example of Whittingham’s ongoing commitment to supporting local arts and artisans, has yielded an exclusive collection of accessories and home goods designed in close collaboration with Goodman,
The collection will be formally unveiled during the South Broadway boutique’s annual Holiday Party, an open-to-the-public event set for 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 7.
The initial offerings will feature designs from Goodman’s distinctive “The Catalogue of Imaginary Beings,” an ongoing series that Goodman launched in 2015 and is based on more than 20 years of portraiture and collage work. Products in the debut collection for Maria Luisa Boutique will include pillows, shower curtains and tote bags.
Of the collaboration, Whittingham says it “brings ‘Imaginary Beings’ into a lifestyle setting, which is really what Maria Luisa is all about, bringing creativity into our homes.”
Whittingham particularly sees the tote bags, featuring strong women characters, as ideal holiday gifts for all ages, offering “great, positive imagery for young people.”

BIOS/BACKGROUND
• Johanna Goodman studied at Boston University’s School of Fine Art and Parsons School of Design in Manhattan, where she graduated with a bachelor’s of fine arts in illustration in 1992. Since then, she has worked as a freelance illustrator for clients ranging from The Metropolitan Transit Authority of New York to The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, West Elm to Habitat Skateboards and for publications including Time Magazine, Rolling Stone, The New York Times and The Washington Post. Her work has been honored by organizations including The Society of Publication Design, American Illustration and Communication Arts. In 2017, Goodman was awarded a NYSCA/NYFA Artist Fellowship grant for Printingmaking/Drawing/Book Arts for her work on “The Catalogue of Imaginary Beings.”
Maria Luisa Whittingham, who opened her eponymous Nyack boutique in 1987 and today is also the owner of sister store ML by Maria Luisa, is noted for her small-business success as she helms two brick-and-mortar boutiques while maintaining a thriving web-based business on both her own site, marialuisaboutique.com and through Shoptiques.com.
Having also lived in Rockland County for more than 30 years, Whittingham is both rooted in the local community and its issues – and willing to lend a hand to causes she believes in. Past and continuing efforts support causes ranging from the arts to racial equality, women’s issues to economic development, education to gender issues. Whittingham has been recognized over the years, having being named the “Woman of the Year” by the Rockland Business Women’s Network and the “Latina Entrepreneur of the Year” by the Business Development Center and RCC College Foundation and has also been honored by Friends of the Nyacks with its “Distinguished Citizen Award.”


--
Maria Luisa Whittingham
75-77 SOUTH BROADWAY, NYACK NY


Monday, November 19, 2018

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM MARIA LUISA
Another Recipe… and SALE DETAILS

We want to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving – and simply say that we are grateful for each one of you – for your friendship, loyalty and support since we first opened in 1987.
With the wintery weather having arrived a bit early, we’d like to remind you that we are again collecting winter coats and accessories to be donated to the Nyack Homeless Project. In addition to our food drive for People to People, this coat drive will also help those less fortunate in our community – so we hope you’ll drop by and add a gently used (or new) item to our collection bin.
And of course, we wish you all a relaxing holiday – one that you’ll share with family and friends. As we’ve been doing, the blog will end with another recipe from a member of the Maria Luisa team – and this time, it’s from Maria herself.
But… of course, Thanksgiving naturally leads to Black Friday – and a weekend full of holiday shopping. If you’re like us, you love shopping for distinct gifts with meaning, supporting artists, artisans and small businesses (like ours!), so read on for a few details that we think you’ll really love.                                                                  


                                                 
HOLIDAY WEEKEND SAVINGS
                                                                                 
Join us after Thanksgiving – we’ll be closed Thursday, so our team members can celebrate – but after that – let the shopping begin on Friday morning and continue til…

Throughout the weekend, we will be offering a few deals you won’t want to miss.
In both Maria Luisa Boutique and ML by Maria Luisa, shop Friday through Sunday and – no coupons required! – enjoy:
•  25% off outerwear (coats and jackets) as well as our perennial favorite, footwear.
• Stock up on gifts and save more: save 20% when you purchase 10 or more candles; and save 20% when you purchase four or more scarves.

And if you can’t make it in, our CYBERSALE will be running throughout the weekend at MariaLuisaBoutique.com – Use code blackfriday to receive $50 off a $175 purchase.

We hope to see you in store – or online – and are happy to get your holiday shopping (or a splurge for yourself) under way. Remember, we’re always here to offer suggestions, as well.
                                                                                   
And that recipe, one of Maria Luisa’s own favorites, ideal for any day of the holiday season –

Meringues

Ingredients
4 egg whites
1 pinch salt
¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
1 and 1/3 cups sugar
½ teaspoon grated lemon zest


Directions
• Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
• In a large clean glass or metal bowl, whip the egg whites with salt and cream of tartar until they can hold a soft peak. Gradually sprinkle in the sugar while continuing to whip to stiff peaks. Fold in the lemon zest. Drop by heaping spoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets.
• Bake for 35 minutes in the preheated oven or until they peel off of the sheet without resistance. • Cool on wire racks, then store in an airtight container at room temperature.

What I love about this recipe – Meringues take me back to baking with my mom in my childhood home of Puerto Rico. 

Once again, Happy Thanksgiving to you!


Just in case that you missed these recipes, here you go.

Susan's Smashed Potatoes  

Lindsay's Pumpkin Bread


Monday, November 12, 2018

SHARING THE ABUNDANCE




SHARING THE ABUNDANCE

MACKENZIE83 for C4SC
As we inch closer toward Thanksgiving, thoughts naturally turn to … were you going to say long lines at the grocery store? No – ha! – we mean gratitude.
Here at Maria Luisa, we continue to welcome the holiday season and embrace that spirit of gratitude, so first up, thanks to all who joined us Nov. 8 for our special evening dedicated to sustainable shopping. We not only hosted a trunk show featuring MacKenzie83 – a brand founded by a charming local accessories designer with a real commitment to sustainability – but also raised funds for the Center for Safety and Change.
And in that spirit of giving, as started here last week, we’re going to continue to share some of the Maria Luisa team members’ favorite recipes. (And if you’d like to share one of your favorites with the Maria Luisa “community,” let us know – we’d love to help you do just that, in a future blog or via our social media platforms).
This week, we continue with a dish from Susan that sounds just fantastic.
Perhaps you’ll try it out, as we plan to, and add it to your holiday or year-round repertoire, something delicious you can make when sharing a meal with friends and family.
And during this holiday season, we know you’ll again join us in sharing our abundance with those less fortunate. Won’t you consider stopping by and dropping off some non-perishable food items that we will, in turn, donate to People to People, which works year-round to feed Rockland’s hungry? Suggested items that we’ll continue to collect into December include cereal or oatmeal; canned juice and 100-percent juice boxes; canned vegetables; fruit snacks (applesauce, peaches, fruit cocktail in juice); soup, dry and canned; beans, dry and canned; pasta and pasta sauce; macaroni and cheese; peanut butter and jelly; and tuna fish in water.
We thank you for considering this simple-but-important donation – and know that People to People will be grateful, as well.
We can always count on the Maria Luisa community to come through, as it does year after year…
Now – for that recipe:

SUSAN
MARIA'S RECIPE IS UP NEXT

VISIT NYACK


Monday, November 5, 2018

GOOD FRIENDS, GOOD FOOD…OUR RECIPES

Here at Maria Luisa, we look forward to the holidays – and now that it’s November, are really just around the corner.
From Diwali to Thanksgiving, Hanukkah to Christmas, Kwanzaa to New Year’s Eve, there is plenty to celebrate this month and next.

A big part of celebrating is gathering together with family and friends, sharing stories and making memories – and yes, very often memorable food and drink are shared to mark the special occasions.
While not all of us are gourmet cooks here, we do love to join in the holiday spirit by making special dishes, entertaining – or just going to a lot of parties!

This month in our blog, we’ll be sharing some of the Maria Luisa team members’ favorite recipes – no, Maria’s not yet ready to share her famed Coquito recipe (yet) – but we hope these recipes will inspire you to try them out or head back to the kitchen to whip up your own favorites that you may have neglected in recent years.

And if you’d like to share one of your favorites with the Maria Luisa “community,” let us know – we’d love to help you do just that, in a future blog or via our social media platforms.
First up, our Lindsay offers two of her favorite seasonal recipes, Autumnally Addictive Pumpkin Bread and Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta & Raisins.

We’re already drooling – and bet you will be, too.
Thanks for reading – and hope you’re inspired to add these delicious dishes to your seasonal menus. (And tell us, or Lindsay, if you do next time you’re in; don’t forget our Nov. 8 special sustainable shopping night with MacKenzie83, benefitting the Center for Safety and Change.)


Directions
•Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9-inch loaf pan whatever way you please (I use Pam olive oil baking spray).
•Whisk together the sugar and oil until blended, then add the eggs and pumpkin. Lay out two paper towels, stacked on top of one another. Lay the grated apples over the paper towels. Roll up the paper towels into a log and squeeze gently to remove excess juices from the apples. Add the grated apples to the pumpkin mixture and mix to combine.
•In another bowl, stir together the flours, spices, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Add the pumpkin mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until combined. Let batter rest for 15 to 20 minutes.
•When ready to bake, pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake until the loaf is very dark and a tester inserted deep into the middle comes out clean, about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack and cool in pan for ten minutes, then turn onto rack to cool completely.

What I Love About This Recipe
Nothing says autumn like pumpkin and apple! I always make a few loaves from my seasonal apple-picking bounty. The apples keep the loaves deliciously moist. Serve at room temperature with your morning coffee or warm a slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an after-dinner treat (!).



Directions
•Heat oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook, turning occasionally, until crisp, about 5 minutes. Using tongs, transfer pancetta to paper towels to drain. Let cool.
*While pancetta cools, add Brussels sprouts to drippings in skillet; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until well browned in spots and beginning to soften, 5–7 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add raisins, shallot and butter; cook, stirring often, until shallot is soft, about 3 minutes. Add stock to skillet; increase heat and bring to a boil, scraping up browned bits from bottom of pan. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until broth has evaporated, 1–2 minutes. Stir in vinegar and pancetta. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

What I Love About This Recipe
You'll find this as a side dish on my Thanksgiving table every year! I also love to turn this into a homemade pizza topping or toss with fresh pasta/hearty grains as a “sauce.” To mix it up, you can add other seasonal vegetables in with the Brussels sprouts - butternut squash complements the flavors perfectly.
Lindsay Owen

JOIN US THIS THURSDAY FOR A SPECIAL EVENT

C4SC