Having people over for the big game? Don’t be stuck in the kitchen all night! Let us bring the food so you can enjoy your party. Custom orders also available for vegetarian, vegan, or gluten free diets. Call us today for more information 792-5839!

That’s true but, it is also the name of a new salad coming soon to Samantha’s Cafe! We think you are really going to enjoy this one. Expect a little sweet and a little savory in every delicious bite! Look for it on the new menu this month.

-mixed greens
(green leaf lettuce, arugula, watercress)
-green apple slices
-perfectly aged bleu cheese crumble
-dried cranberries
-sugar roasted walnuts and pecans
-raspberry poppyseed dressing

Now that the holiday is over, we are focused on many exciting plans for 2012. The first big announcement is the new restaurant menu which will take effect in mid-January. You spoke up and we listened. Squash Apple Bisque, Mac ‘n Cheese, Crowing Chicken Salad and many other favorites will remain on the menu. Baked Tofu Wrap, Breakfast Sandwiches, vegan desserts, and many other items will be added! Other plans for the year include an expanded catering menu,  regularly scheduled evening events at the cafe, and an improved outdoor dining area on the porch later this spring. We will be posting our progress on all of these new projects here on the blog and on Facebook. If you have suggestions that would help us improve your dining experience, we would love to hear from you anytime. Write to us at samanthascafeandcatering@gmail.com.

Wishing you and yours a very happy New Year!

We had a great time competing in the first ever Latke Fest at Temple Beth El this past weekend! Our recipe was a twist on the tradition with beets (in place of potato), mango salsa (in place of applesauce), & chive crème fraîche (in place of sour cream). The salsa and cream were both pretty delicious, if we do say so ourselves. You might just see one or both on the cafe menu at some point in the future! Check out some of the event photos on the Post Star website.

(Image ©  Shawn LaChapelle/ The Post Star)

RECIPE: Beet Latkes with Mango Salsa & Chive Crème Fraiche

Latke Ingredients:
-2 Large Beets
-3 Scallions
-1 Egg
-1 ½ Tbsp. Flour
-2 Tbsp. Matzo Meal
-1/2 tsp. salt

Latke Recipe:
-wash beets to remove dirt
-roast beets at 350 degrees for 45 min to 1 hr
-let cool and rub skins off
-grate using food processor
-roll grated beets in towel to remove excess water
(we just go ahead and use our dish towels because we have a laundry service but you probably want to use paper towels at
home =)
-slice scallions (use both the green and white part)
-combine all ingredients and form into disc shapes
-pour 1 inch of peanut oil into a skillet and set on medium/high heat
-fry 2-3 minutes then flip and fry the other side for another 2 minutes

Salsa Ingredients:
-2 Ripe Mangos
-1/4 Red Pepper
-2 Tbsp. Orange Marmalade
-1 Tbsp. Fresh Mint
-1 ¾ Tbsp. Lime Juice
-1 Scallion
-Cider Vinegar

Salsa Recipe:
-Chop Mango into small cubes
-Slice Scallion (use just the green part)
-Confetti Chop Red Pepper
-Chiffonade Mint
-Dressing: combine lime juice, cider vinegar, & marmalade
-Combine all ingredients
-Spoon over the latke and serve

Crème Fraiche Ingredients:
-1 Cup Heavy Cream
-2 Tbsp. Buttermilk
-1/2 Bunch of Chives

Crème Fraiche Recipe:
-combine first 2 ingredients and place in covered jar for 8-24 hours at room temperature
-add chives to thickened cream

-Spoon over the latke and serve. Yum!

(December 15th is a great night to shop in downtown Glens Falls. Don’t forget to also check out Ladies Night at Sterling & Company, LARAC, and Minky Mink from 4-8pm. )

Participating Authors & Artists:

-Maury Thompson, “The Biggest Kid at the Balloon Festival: The Walter Grishkot Story” (biography/local history)

-Larry Dudley, founder of The Hudson Press and author of “Forty-Eight Land (novel)

-Joe Cutshall-King, author of historical novel, “The Burning of the Piping Rock.”

-Mike Mender, “Dark Tempest Rolling” (thriller novel)

-Amanda Shaffer “Dog Gone Confused” (children’s book)

-Pat Leonard “Transfiguration” (novel)

-Mason Smith “Towards Polaris” (Adirondack novel)

-Joan A’Hearn “That’s All She Wrote: A Biography of Life At GE”  (memoir)

-Fire Oak Studio, the Pyrography Art of Christina Kester

-Just for Ewe by Drumlen Designs  - artist demo! handspun wool hats. each is a uniquely knit masterpiece

-Fused & Blown Glass Ornaments & Serving Wear by Cheryl Gutmaker

-DebraAnn Salat  - hand stitched ornaments & knit scarves

-Locally produced honey & gifts (Candles, lotion, lip balm, & gift baskets) by Saratoga Apiary

-Mamie’s & Edith’s  - handpainted mailboxes, tile magnets, trivets, cards

-Professional Gift Wrapping by Crystal Paul from Meadow Crafts