Caviar is steeped in tradition and mystique, but the oceanic delicacy is really much more accessible than you think. We plan to get adventurous this holiday season and wow guests with a decadent (but simple) caviar recipe. California Caviar Company offers up a lush, perfect-for-the-dinner-party treat.

Carrot Soup with Tarragon Cream & Caviar

Ingredients:
2 shallots, minced
2 tablespoons butter
1 pound carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
2 cups chicken stock
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup sour cream
2 tablespoons fresh tarragon
2 ounces caviar (we recommend the California White Sturgeon or the Hackleback)

Instructions:
1. Melt butter over low heat, add shallots and carrots and cook for 15 minutes.
2. Add chicken stock and simmer 10 minutes until carrots are tender.
3. Puree the mixture in a blender until smooth, adding more chicken stock for desired texture. Soup should be thick enough to coat a spoon.
4. Return soup to saucepan and keep warm over low heat.
5. Whisk cream until soft peaks form.
6. Fold sour cream and tarragon into the whipped cream.
7. Divide soup into four bowls, top with a large dollop of whipped cream mixture, and a spoonful of caviar.
8. Garnish with a sprig of tarragon, serve, and enjoy.

[ download this recipe ]

Our California Caviar Company Boutique opens December 18th at 11AM.

We at Rue La La believe it’s the personal touches that make the holidays so special. So we asked how you’re “Letting It Rue” this season. Here, some of your special holiday traditions.

Heather Z – Christmas Eve: Chinese takeout for dinner, watching old home movies and reading T’was the Night Before Christmas.

Pamela S – Starting a new one this year – instead of exchanging gifts we will be collecting donations and giving to families that would otherwise not have a Christmas.

Stephanie H – Watching Christmas movies with my cousins in matching PJs, drinking hot cocoa & only lights are fire & tree.

Lindsey N – Pierogi!

Nicole R – Stuffed Baked French Toast for breakfast on Christmas. Make it the day before and leave it in the fridge so there is more time for fun Christmas morning.

Jenna D – Every year we get the ugliest Christmas tree we can find, it’s awesome!

Don N – Going for a three-hour hike right after the turkey goes into the oven so when we get back tired and cold, the house is warm and filled with the delightful smell of roasted turkey! Yum!

Colette M – We cook a big Scottish breakfast!

Eftihia S – Roasted chestnuts, fresh bread out of the oven, hot soup, and a crackling fire.

Kirby W – Each year since before my parents were married (37 years ago) he made an ornament for her, and then one each for my brother and I every year since we were born, signifying something significant that happened in our lives that year. Each is remarkably detailed, made with scraps of wood or random household items, and so incredibly perfect for that person, that year. He died in May, and it will be both heartbreaking and a gift from the past to open up those ornaments this year.

Armanda C – To drink eggnog and kiss under the mistletoe.

Kristina J – Shopping in NY!

Derrick B – Gingerbread house making with my grandparents!

Alina D – One is definitely not enough to write about Christmas tradition in my country but personally my favorite one is that you have to prepare one plate more, during Christmas dinner, in case someone will come to your house (means for me that your house and heart is open and you’ll help if something will happen).

We’ve added more of your holiday traditions to our Facebook page – read the Note and be sure to “Like” us! ]]> http://www.ruelala.com/blog/2010/12/10/let-it-rue-members-dish-on-their-holiday-traditions/feed/ 1 http://www.ruelala.com/blog/2010/12/08/let-it-rue-favorite-holiday-treats-from-inside-stonewall-kitchen/ http://www.ruelala.com/blog/2010/12/08/let-it-rue-favorite-holiday-treats-from-inside-stonewall-kitchen/#comments Wed, 08 Dec 2010 18:28:44 +0000 ruelalablog http://www.ruelala.com/blog/?p=3076

THE FINE FOOD PURVEYOR SHARES WHAT SAYS “HOLIDAY” TO THEM

Cinnamon and nutmeg’s spicy intrigue, melted butter and citrus sparkles, pomegranates that pop with a crimson sweetness – the great thing about the holidays is that there are nearly limitless opportunities to indulge in its gastronomical offerings. Our appreciation of certain holiday tastes and smells comes from the comfort of tradition and crystal-platter-served memories.

This is truly what the holidays are all about for each of us at Stonewall Kitchen. It’s a tradition that lends itself to sharing – we instinctively pass along these treasures to someone else. And, as we grow in our taste for food, new dishes may come into play. Perhaps, (and we’re lucky), it’s where we work, or a spouse’s family, or a friend that lifts the lid on a new dish of intrigue.

Here are some of the offerings we associate with the season.

Melissa, graphic designer and painter of our holiday confections, always adds roasted garlic potatoes and vegetables to her repertoire.

Laurie, e-Commerce Administrator, can’t get enough of our Thai Marinade and loves making the Thai Marinade Shrimp as an appetizer.

Andy, in Production, insists on spicy Corn Relish in his homemade corn chowder - perfect after an afternoon of heavy shopping bag lifting.

Leslie likes Fig & Walnut Butter Bruschetta (crusty bread topped with gorgonzola and Fig & Walnut Butter) - the perfect appetizer for brunch, a holiday lunch, or cocktail party.

Deb, our Benefits Specialist, loves to serve an Old Farmhouse Chutney and cream cheese appetizer.

Jeanne, our Retail Operations Assistant, loves baby back ribs with Maple Chipotle Grille Sauce.

Deb, in Production, prefers anything on the sweeter side, such as our chocolate sauces over strawberries or ice cream or caramel sauce with apples - perfect to keep the kids energized for helping with the decorations.

Cheers to you and baking, cooking, and serving a platter full of memories this holiday season!

— Stonewall Kitchen

Whether it’s the secret ingredient in the eggnog, the way you wrap a gift, or how you put yourself together for that not-to-be-missed party - when it comes to the holidays, it’s all about your personal spin. And this season, we’re celebrating that personal style. In a big way.

We’re Letting it Rue in the way we dress, the gifts we give, the way we decorate. And we’re dedicating Behind the Keyhole to showing you different ways to Let it Rue in every aspect of your life this holiday season.

Over the next six weeks, look right here for holiday decorating tips, tasty recipes, and must-have fashion advice from style experts. This will be the year you give a gift so amazingly wrapped, they almost won’t want to unwrap it. When your turkey is talked about long after the leftovers are gone. Think of this as your guide to kicking everything “normal” about the holiday season up a notch.

This year, Let it Rue.