Great Thanksgiving Additions

Chef Daniel Orr’s take on Thanksgiving dishes will have you longing for the meals your grandmother used to make. He can also dazzle you with the modern addition of quinoa, with his own twist.

GRAMMA’S BUTTERMILK BISCUITS

2 cups flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon sugar

1/2 cup butter, cut into pea sized pieces and chilled well

3/4 to 1 cup buttermilk (she used sour milk, or fresh milk with a little vinegar in it when she didn’t have buttermilk)

Sift dry ingredients into a stainless steel bowl and chill in the freezer. With a dough cuter, large fork or in the bowl of a food processor cut the butter into the dry ingredient being careful not to overwork the dough. The butter should remain visible in the dough. Pour out the mixture and form a well in the center. Put ¾’s of the buttermilk in the well and quickly incorporate it. Add more liquid if needed until the dough holds its shape. Press out to an even ½ inch thickness and cut into desired shape. Brush with a little buttermilk and chill until ready to bake. Bake in a pre-heated 400 F oven for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 F and bake until golden brown and light to the touch.

QUINOA WITH CARAMELIZED ONIONS

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

11/2 pounds thinly sliced onions

1 tablespoon minced garlic

salt and pepper to taste

1/2 pound (11/2 cups) quinoa, rinsed and drained

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme

Cook onions and garlic in 2 tablespoons of the oil until tender and lightly caramelized, 20 minutes. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon of oil with quinoa and sauté until lightly golden and fragrant. Add 21/2 cups water and 3/4 teaspoon salt and cook covered for 12 to 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Fluff quinoa and add onions, lemon zest, and thyme. Season to taste and serve with roasts and grilled meats and fish.

Looking for the perfect spot to celebrate Thanksgiving with your family or enjoy a memorable holiday meal in Bloomington? FARM Restaurant has you covered! Reserve your Thanksgiving table today by visiting our website far farm-bloomington.com, calling us directly at (812) 323-0002, or booking through your OpenTable App. Don’t wait, seating fills up fast for this holiday season!