Recipes provided by Marcia Josephs

 

 

March 30, 2007

  • Elk Cove Vineyards 2005 Pinot Noir

Veal Chops Saute

Serves 4

1 cup of milk

4 Veal rip chops, about 1" thick

Flour for dredging

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

3 Tablespoons butter

6 Tablespoons dry white wine

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1/4 cup firm butter

Minced parsley

 

1.  Put the chops in a large plastic bag with the milk.  Soak the chops overnight, turning a few times.  Remove from the milk.

2.  Dredge the chops with flour seasoned with salt and pepper.  Heat the butter in a heavy skillet, add the meat and brown on both sides.

3.  Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan and cook about twenty minutes.  Turn the chops two or three times.  Transfer to a hot platter and keep warm.

4.  To the juices in the pan add the white wine.  Reduce by cooking uncovered over fairly high heat two or three minutes.  Add the lemon juice.

4.  Add the firm butter to the sauce in little curls, swirling the pan to incorporate the butter without its melting rapidly.

5.  When the butter has barely melted, pour the sauce over the chops and sprinkle with minced parsley.

 

 

March 23, 2007

  • Dolcetta

Angel Hair All' Amatriciana

Serves 4

3 cups of partially drained coarsely chopped tomatoes

1 Tablespoon olive oil

1 pound pancetta, cut into pieces 1/4 inch thick, 1 inch long

1 cup diced onion

1 cup white wine

2 Tablespoons minced fresh chili pepper, remove seeds

1 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes

1 cup sliced fresh basil leaves

1 cup finely grated Pecorino Romano

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 t black pepper

1 pound Angel Hair pasta

 

1.  Heat olive oil over medium heat, add pancetta, stirring until pancetta is crisp, about 15 minutes.  Remove pancetta with a slotted spoon and set aside.

2.  Pour off all but about 2 tablespoons of fat from the pan.  Add the onions and cook over medium heat until golden, about 5 mintues, Pour in the white wine, and reduce by 3/4.  Add the tomatoes, chili pepper, and red pepper flakes.  Simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon.

3.  Add the reserved pancetta, basil and 3/4 of the Pecorino Romano.  Season with salt and pepper.  Simmer for an additional 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the cheese from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

4.  Bring 1 gallon of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of salt.  Cook the pasta al dente.  Toss with the sauce.  Transfer to a warmed bowl, and serve, sprinkled with the remaining cheese.

 

March 16, 2007

  • Pinot Noir

Succulent Lamb Chops with Honey Mustard and Rosemary

Serves 4

8  Loin lamp chops cut 1" thick

3  Tablespoons of honey mustard

1  teaspoon curmbled rosemary

1  clove garlic, crushed

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

 

1.  Preheat broiler or barbeque grill to high. 

2.  In a small bowl, blend together honey mustard, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper.  Spread over both sides of the lamb chops.  Let stand at room temperature for at least 15 minutes before cooking.

3.  Place chops 4 - 6 inches from the heat and grill or broil, turning once, until browned ourside but still pink and juicy inside--no more than a total of 10 minutes. 

 

March 9, 2007

  • Earthquake Petite Sirah

Seared Filet Mignon with Blue cheese and Sweet & Spicy Walnuts

Serves 4

4 8-oz. filet mignons

1 cup Blue Cheese crumbles

1 cup Sweet & Spicy walnuts (recipe below)

Juice of 1 lemon

1 cup demi-glaze*

1/2 cup butter

salt and pepper to taste

 

*  Demi-glaze is a combination of beef or veal stock and Madeira or sherry, which is reduced by half.  The common alternative is a stock quickly thickened with cornstarch.  You can also buy it pre-made in grocery stores.

 

1.  Season the filets with salt and pepper.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2.  Heat a cast irom skillet to very hot.  Add a tiny bit of olive oil to the pan, swirl to coat the bottom of the pan, and add the filets.  Sear until well carmelized on both sides, and then finish cooking the the oven to the desired temperature.  Use a meat thermometer.  For medium rare, remove meat from oven when thermomether reaches 130 degrees because it will continue to cook. 

3.  Gently mix the sweet and spicy walnuts and blue cheese together and divide evenly on top of the filets.  Return the filets to the oven just until the cheese is melted.

4.  Arrange the filets on a serving platter.  Deglaze the cooking pan with the lemon juice, scraping all the brown bits up from the bottom of the pan.  Add 1 cup of demiglaze.  Whisk in the butter quickly and remove from the heat.  Season if necessary with salt and pepper.

 

Sweet and Spicy Walnuts

4 servings

1 lb. walnuts, halves and pieces

2 egg whites, lightly beaten

1/2 cup granulated sugar

3 Tablespoons cayenne pepper

 

1.  Toss walnuts with egg whites.  Mix sugar with cayenne pepper and toss wit the walnuts and egg whites.

2.  Spread walnuts on a baking sheet that has been sprayed with cooking oil.  Bake at 350 degrees for 10 - 12 minutes.

 

March 2, 2007

  • Provenance Sauvignon Blanc

Pepper Crusted Monk Fish with Red Pepper Relish Sauce

Serves 4

2 pounds of Monk Fish cut into 4 pieces

1-1/2 rounded tablespoons of mixed whole peppercorns

4 Tablespoons olive oil

2 rounded Tablespoons flour

1 t salt

 

Relish Sauce

2 medium red peppers, deseeded and cut into strips

2 medium tomatoes, peeled

1 large clove garlic, peeled

3 anchovy fillets, chopped

1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1 Tablespoon olive oil

salt and pepper

parsley sprigs for garnish

 

1.  Make the relish first by heating the oil in a medium saucepan until very hot.

2.  Add red pepper strips and saute until browned at the edges.  Add tomatoes, whole garlic clove, and choppped anchovies.  Stir. lower heat to lowest setting and gentrly cook for 25 minutes.  Stir it a couple of times.

3.  Put mixture in a food processor and blend to a coarse puree.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.  Empty mixture into a serving bowl and stir in the balsamic vinegar.  Set aside.

4.  Crush the peppercorns with a mortar and pestle (or between two pieces of plastic wrap with a rolling pin).  Place in a small bowl.  Add flour and salt.

5.  Heat oil very hot in a frying pan.  Dip each piece of fish in the flour and peppercorn mixture, pressing them gently on all sides to get an even coating. 

6.  Fry the fish in two batches, 2-3 minutes on a side until they're nicely browned.

7.  Top with 2 tablespoons of relish sauce and a sprig of parsley.  Pass the rest of the relish sauce separately.

 

 

February 23, 2007

  • Mer Soliel Silver, Chardonnay 

Insanely Easy Scallops

Serves 4 

15 or so Rosemary and Olive Oil flavored Triscuits

1-1/2 pounds scallops

1 stick of butter, melted

3T Chardonnay, or dry white wine

1T Lemon juice

1t dried red pepper flakes

Chopped parsley for garnish

 

Heat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease an 8X8 baking pan.  Place crackers in a medium bowl and finely crush with your hands.  Add scallops to the crumbs and gently toss until lightly coated.  Place scallops in baking pan.  In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, wine, lemon juice, red pepper flakes; pour over scallops.  Bake until scallops are light golden brown, about 20 minues.  Garnish with chopped parsley.  Serves 4.

 

 

 

February 16, 2007

  • The Burning Bird Pale Ale - Sonoran Brewing Co.

Beef Kebabs with Honey Chile Glaze

Serves 4 - 6

1-1/2 pounds of top sirloin cut into 1" cubes

1 bell pepper (any color) cut into 1" squares

1 onion cut into 1" pieces

24-30 cherry tomatoes

 

Marinade

1/2 cup of red wine

1/4 cup olive oil

1 onion, thinly sliced

1 teaspoon pepper

4 cloves of garlic, crushed

2 serrano chiles, seeded and coarsely chopped

1 bay leaf

 

Honey Chile Glaze

2 Tablespoons honey

1 Tablespoon orange juice

1/2 teaspoon ancho chile power

 

1.  Mix the marinade ingredients together in a heavy plastic bag and add the beef.  Make sure the beef is coated with the marinade, then refrigerate overnight.

2.  Mix together in a small bowl all ingredients for the glaze, stir well, and set aside.

3.  Remove marinated meat from refrigerator and thread on skewers alternating the meat, onions, tomatoes and peppers.  Brush skewers with Honey Chile Glaze.

4.  Heat barbeque to medium heat and cook about 4 minutes per side then another 3-4 minutes until vegetables are slightly charred.

                          OR

Broil in preheated broiler for 3-4 minutes per side.  Be careful not to overcook.

 

February 9, 2007

  • Vertex, a Bordeaux style red blend from the Gabrielle Collection, Napa Valley  OR
  • Barbera  OR
  • Beer

Western Award-Winning Meaty Chili

Serves 8

1/2 pound dried pinto beans, washed

6 large onion, chopped

4 large green or red peppers, chopped

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1/4 cup corn oil

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

1 28-oz. can tomatoes, drained

2-1/2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut in 1/2 inch pieces

1-1/2 pounds lean pork butt, cut in 1/2 inch pieces

1/3 cup chili powder

2 Tablespoons chopped, seeded green chilies

1 Tablespoon salt

1-1/2 teaspoons freshly ground pepper

2 Tablespoons cumin powder

 

In a 1-quart saucepan cover beans with water.  Cover saucepan and cook for 1 hour or until beans are tender, adding water if needed.  In a heavy kettle saute onions, green peppers, and garlic in oil until onions are transparent.  Add remaining ingredients.  Simmer, covered, for 1 hour; uncover and cook for at least 1/2 hour longer or until thick.  May be frozen and reheated.

 

February 2, 2007

  • Vouvray
  • Beer (this is Super Bowl Sunday, after all)

King Ranch Casserole

Serves 6

1  3 to 4 lb. chicken

1  onion, finely chopped

2  cups shredded cheddar cheese (extra sharp)

1 package of 12 corn tortillas, torn into  bite sized pieces

Sauce:

1  10-3/4 oz. can cream of mushroom soup

1  10-3/4 oz. can cream of chicken soup

1  10 oz. can Ro-Tel tomatoes (tomatoes with green chilies)

1/2 cup of chicken broth

 

Boil or roast whole chicken.  Remove skin and debone.  Or buy a roasted chicken if you're into convenience.

 

Prepare sauce:  Combine cans of soup, Ro-Tel tomatoes and chicken broth.  Mix well, set aside.

 

Grease a 9"x13" casserole dish.  Line bottom with bite size pieces of chicken.  Tear tortillas into bite size pieces, and layer 1/2 of them on top of the chicken.  Then layer 1/2 of the chopped onion and 1/2 of the shreded cheese and 1/2 of the sauce.  Repeat all layers, finishing with the remaining cheese on top.

 

Bake covered at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.  Remove cover and bake an additional 25 minutes.

 

January 26, 2007

  • Pinot Noir

Garlic-Sage Port Wellington   

Serves 6

3 lb. boneless pork roast

1 clove grarlic, minced

salt, pepper, sage

1 package Pepperidge Farms Frozen puff pastry

   (2 pre-rolled sheets)

2 t. Dijon mustard

1 t. caraway seeds

1 egg, beaten

1 cup chicken broth

1T flour (use more if you like a thicker gravy)

 

1.  The night before, or early in the day, rub minced garlic over pork and season with salt, pepper, and sage in amounts according to your taste.  Insert meat thermometer and roast in 350 degree overn until thermometer indicates meat is done.  Remove from oven and chill

2.  Add 3/4 cup broth to roasting pan.  Mix well and strain.  Place in container in refrigerator to let grease rise and skim it off.

3.  Several hours before serving time, remove the pork roast from refrigerator and cut strings--roast will stay in shape. 

4.  Defrost puff pastry (1 sheet) and roll dough out large enough to encompass roast. Spread pastry with mustard and sprinkle with caraway seeds.  Lay chilled roast on pastry, wrapping the pastry tightly around the meat, and seal well.  Prick in several places to allow steam to escape.  Brush entire pastry with beaten egg.  Place pastry covered roast in refrigerator until 35 minutes before serving time.

5.  Bake pastry-wrapped roast in 375 degree oven for 30 minutes. 

6.  Dissolve flour in remaining stock.  Stir into strained broth and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.

7.  Slice roast at the table, passing the sauce.

 

January 19, 2007

  • Chardonnay

French Onion Soup    

Serves 6

4-5 onions, thinly sliced (about 1-1/2 lb)

2 T olive oil

4 T butter

2 cloves of garlic, crushed

1/2 t sugar

8 cups beef stock

1-1/4 cups dry white wine

2 T Cognac

salt and pepper

Croutons

French baguette cut into six 1" diagonal slices

1 T olive oil

1 - 2 cloves of crushed garlic

8 oz. Gruyere cheese, grated

 

1.  Make croutons first.  Brush bread slices with olive oil and top with crushed garlic.  Place under broiler for a few minutes until browned, turn and brown other side.  Put aside.

2.  Melt oil and butter in a large saucepan over high heat.  Add onions, garlic and sugar.  Cook for 6 minutes until the edges of the onions have turned dark.

3.  Lower heat to the lowest setting and cook onions for about 30 minutes until they are a rich, nut brown and have carmelized on the bottom of the pan.

4.  Add beef stock, white wine, seasonings, then stir with a wooded spoon to loosen the onions on the bottom of the pan and bring to a simmer.  Turn down the heat to its lowest setting and gently cook for 1 hour.

5.  Ladle into heat resistant soup bowls.  Top with crouton.  Sprinkle crouton with Gruyere and place under broiler for about a minute until cheese melts.  Serve very hot!

 

January 12, 2007

  • Reisling or a Gerwurtztraminer

Stuffed Cabbage in Tomato Sauce

Serves 4

10 large cabbage leaves

3/4 pound lean ground beef

3/4 cup cooked rice

2T finely chopped green bell pepper

2Tminced onion

1 minced clove garlic

1/2 t caraway seeds

1 t salt

1/4 t pepper

1 T vegetable oil

1 medium onion, thinly sliced

1 16 oz. can tomatoes

2 T cider vinegar

1 T sugar

1/3 cup apple juice

1.  Shred 2 cabbage leaves and set aside.  In a large pot of boiling water, cook remaining 8 leaves until slightly wilted, about 3 minutes; drain.  As soon as they are cool enough to handle, trim off thick part of ridge on back of each leaf.

2.  In a medium bowl, combine beef, rice, green pepper, minced onion, garlic, caraway seeds, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.  Mix well.  Mound about 1/4 cup of the filling at the broad end of each cabbage leaf.  Fold the sides in and roll up to close.

3.  In a large flameproof casserole, heat oil over medium-high heat.  Add sliced onion and cook, stirring frequently, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.  Add shredded cabbage and cook, stirring 2 minutes longer.

4.  Add tomatoes with their liquid.  Crush the tomatoes with a large spoon to break them up.  Add vinegar, sugar and apple juice.  Bring to a boil.  Place cabbage rolls, seam side down, in sauce.  Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until cabbage is tender and meat is cooked through.  40 to 50 minutes

 

January 5, 2007

  • Acacia Chardonnay

Orange Honey-Glazed Game Hens

Serves 4

2 1-1/4 lb. Cornish game hens, halved

1/4 cup orange juice

2 Tablespoons soy sauce

1 Tablespoon white wine vinegar

1 teaspoon honey

dash of powdered ginger

 

1.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Place hens, skin side up, in a roasting pan.  Roast for 30 minutes.

2.  Meanwhile, in a small bowl,combine orange juice, soy sauce, vinegar, honey, and ginger.  Blend well

3.  Brush orange juice mixture over hens and roast 10 minutes longer, or until skin is browned and meat is cooked through with no trace of pink near the bone

 

December 29, 2006

  • Davis Family Pinot Noir

Easy Rosemary and Pepper Crusted Pork Tenderloin 

4 - 5 servings

1T cracked black pepper

1-1/2 teaspoons of dried rosemary

3/4 teaspoon of kosher salt

3/4 teaspoon of fennel seeds

1-1/2 pound pork tenderloin

Cooking spray

 

1.  Preheat oven to 425 degrees

2.  Combine the first 5 ingredients in a plastic baggy and crush with a rolling pin.  Rub over pork.

3.  Bake at 425 degrees for 30 minutes, or until a thermometer registers 160 degrees.  It will be slightly pink.

 

 

December 22, 2006

Recipes

Smoking Bishop                       15 servings

       1 day 1 hour prep

5 unpeeled sweet oranges

1 large unpeeled grapefruit

1/4 lb sugar (YIKES)

30 cloves

2 bottles of strong red wine (1500 ml or 51 oz)

1 bottle of port wine (about 750 ml or 25.6 oz)

 

Wash the fruit and bake it on a foil lined baking sheet until they are pale brown, turning once.

Heat alarge earthenware bowl and add the fruit. Stud each fruit with five cloves.

Add the sugar and the red wine, and store covered in a warm place for about a day.

Squeeze the fruit to extract the juice, and strain into a saucepan.

Add the port and warm thoroughly, but don't boil.

Serve in heated glasses.

Note: There are many suggestions for variations in this recipe, including the addition of star anise and cinnamon sticks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tom and Jerry      Serves 10   Compliments of COPIA

3 eggs, separated, 4 tbsp. powdered sugar, 10 1/2 oz brandy, 10 oz bourbon or dark rum,

8 cups milk, freshly grated nutmeg

Whisk egg whites in a large bowl until foamy, while whisking, gradually add 2 tbsp sugar until stiff peaks form. Separately, whisk egg yolks with remaining sugar and 1 tbsp. brandy until thick and pale yellow. Fold whites into yolks, and refrigerate until ready to use. Heat milk in a large saucepan over medium heat until small bubbles appear. Reduce heat and keep milk hot. Heat mugs or coffee cups. To each mug add 1 oz brandy, 1 oz bourbon, and a dollop of batter, then stir well. Fill with hot milk, then float a dollop of batter with a dusting of nutmeg on top.

 

December 15, 2006

  • Chardonnay

Recipe                                   Barbara Fenzl's Fabulous Recipe!!

Cream of Chayote Soup

Chayote squash has a very delicate flavor and tends to showcase the ingredients with which it is combined.  So this soup has a hint of heat, the tangy, fresh flavor of cilantro and the richness of the cream.  It's also the perfect first course for your vegetarian guests.

 

Makes 6 servings

 

Ingredients

 

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1/2 cup diced onion

1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic

1 serrrano chile, seeded and finely chopped

2 chayote squash (1-1/2 pounds), peeled, cored and cut into 1/2-inch dice

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

2 cups vegetable stock

1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves

1/2 cup heavy cream

   Garnish: 

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup chopped chives

 

Procedure

Heat butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat; add onion, garlic, and chile and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.  Add chopped chayote squash, salt and pepper, and continue cooking, stirring, another 2-3 minutes.  Add vegetable stock, bring to a boil. Lower heat, cover, and cook until squash is tender, about 20 minutes.  Cool slightly and put mixture into a blender.  Puree, add cilantro, and puree again.  Return mixture to the saucepan and add the cream.  Season with salt and pepper and heat to the desired temperature.  Ladle the soup into bowls.  Put the cream in a squeeze bottle; drizzle a little cream and some of the chives over each serving.  Serve immediately.

 

December 8, 2006

  • White Banyuls

Recipe  

Poached Pears                          Serves 4

4 perfect Bosc pears (not completely ripe)

1/2 cup of raspberry pancake syrup

 

1.  Peel pears leaving stems in tact

2.  Place pears in a 2 qt. microwave save casserole dish and cover with lid.

3.  Microwave on high for 4 minutes (or until tender)

4.  Remove from casserole and drizzle with raspberry pancake syrup. 

 

 

December 1, 2006

  • Syrah

Recipe  

Beef Stew                          Serves 5 - 6

1-1/2 t olive oil

1-1/2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1" cubes

3-1/2 c halved mushrooms

2 c carrots cut 1/2" thick

2 garlic cloves, minced

1-1/2 c beef broth

1 c dry red wine

1-1/4 t kosher salt

1/2 t dried thyme

1/4 t coarsely ground black pepper

2 cans stewed tomatoes

2 bay leaves

1/2 cup of cured black olives, pitted and sliced

1 T balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup chopped parsley

 

1.  Heat oil in large heavy pan over medium high heat.  Add beef, cook 5 minutes browning on all sides.  Remove from pan.

2.  To the pan add mushrooms, carrots, and garlic, cook 5 minutes, stir occasionally.  Return beef to pan.

3.  Stir in broth and next six ingredients, bring to a boil  Cover, reduce heat and simmer 1 hour.

4.  Stir in olives and cook 30 minutes longer.  Discard bay leaves.

5.  Stir in vinegar.

6.  Serve sprinkled with parsley

 

November 24, 2006

  • Any Cru Beaujolais (not Beaujolais Nouveau) 

Recipe 

Apricot Glazed Pork Chops     Serves 6

6  1" thick pork chops

2  T flour

1  T Canola Oil

1/2 cup of dry white wine

1/2 cup Apricot Jam

1 t salt

1 t Worcestershire Sauce

1T lemon juice

t celery seed

Dash of Tabasco Sauce

1 t dried parsley

 

1.  Lightly dredge pork chops in flour and quickly brown them in canola oil.  Place the browned chops in a 9" baking pan.

 

2.  In a small bowl, combine white wine, apricot jam, salt, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, celery seed, Tabasco and dried parsley.

 

3.  Pour mixture over chops and cover tightly with foil.  Bake at 375 degrees for 1 hour.

 

November 17, 2006

  • Lusso Red 2004

Recipe 

Linguine with Shrimp Sauce          Serves 6

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 small onion chopped

2 cloves of garlic, chopped

1 t. red pepper flakes

3 pounds raw extra large shrimp, peeled

1 10-oz can plum tomatoes peeled, chopped, drained well

2 T dry white wine

salt

1 lb. linguine

 

1.  In a medium saucepan over low heat, warm the olive oil.  Add the onion and fry gently, stirring frequently, until translucent, about 4 minutes, then add garlic and red pepper flakes for another minute.

2.  Add shrimp and cook for 5 minutes.  Add the drained tomatoes, wine and a little salt.  Cook over moderate heat until the liquid evaporates, about 3 minutes.  Keep warm over low heat.

3.  Meanwhile, in a large pot, bring at least 6 quarts of salted water to a boil  Add the linguine and cook until al dente, about 6 minutes.  Drain and tip onto a warm serving platter.

4.  Pour the hot sauce directly over the linguine, toss, and serve.

 

November 10, 2006

  • Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noirs Sparkling Wine

Recipe             (Compliments of Gloria Ferrer Winery)

Grilled Prawns Wrapped in Pancetta               Yield: 24 pieces

with Spicy Sundried Tomato Sauce 

Ingredients:

24  Medium or large raw prawns frozen is fine, but dont buy pre-cooked prawns

24  Strips thinly-sliced pancetta or bacon  applewood, maple, or other premium preparations are best

Sauce

1/2 c Onion, chopped

1 T    Garlic, minced

2 T    Olive oil

3/4 c Sundried tomatoes look for the soft kind packed in olive oil

1/4t   Tabasco more if you like red hot, less if you want a mild sauce

2 T    Vinegar

1 T    Fresh basil you can substitute parsley if basil is out of season

Salt   To taste

Advance Preparation:

1.      Peel & devein prawns making sure not to pull off their tails.  Keep refrigerated.

2.      Separate pancetta or bacon into separate strips about 5" in length.  Large or thick pieces can be trimmed smaller or pounded thinner.

3.      Starting with the head, wind the pancetta strip around the prawn.  Press the end of the strip into the last turn of the bacon and it will stick to itself.  Refrigerate until ready for cooking.

4.      Prepare the sauce ingredients by finely chopping the onion & garlic.  Coarsely chop the sundried tomatoes and pull the basil leaves from their stems.

5.      Begin cooking the sauce by sauting garlic & onion in olive oil until just translucent. 

6.      Then add the tomatoes, Tabasco, & vinegar.  Cook for one minute, add basil leaves, and remove from heat.  Cool briefly.  Mix ingredients in a blender or food processor.  Taste for salt and adjust.  (Some sundried tomatoes are very salty, some are not.)

7.      Refrigerate if using later, bring to room temperature when ready to use.

Final Preparation:

Prawns can be arranged individually on a broiler pan or baking sheet for the oven, or strung on skewers or in a hinged barbecue cage for the outdoor grill.

1.      Preheat broiler or adjust outdoor grill to proper heat.

2.      Broil/grill wrapped prawns on both sides until bacon is brown and crisped and prawns just cooked through.  Do not overcook or prawns will be tough and dry!

3.      Arrange on platter for service.  Either drizzle the prawns with sauce or serve the sauce in a cup for dipping.  Leave the tails on the shrimp and there's no need for toothpicks to pick them up.

 

November 3, 2006

  • 2004 Holdredge Pinot Noir

Recipe   

Crispy Roast Duck with Sour Cherry Sauce                    Serves 4

1 large 6 lb. duck

1 12 oz. jar of cherry jam (w/ high fruit content)

1/2 cup of dried sour cherries

2 cups red wine

Salt and pepper

2T dried sweet marjoram

 

1.  Preheat oven to 425 degrees

2.  Dry duck extremely well with paper towels.  Set in refrigerator uncovered for up to a day to further dry off the skin of the duck.  Prick all the fleshy parts of the duck with a fork so fat can escape.  Rub sweet marjoram, salt and pepper inside the duck.  Sprinkle salt and pepper on outside of duck.  Place on rack in a roasting pan .  Place pan on oven rack in the middle of the oven 425 degrees for 30 minutes

3.  Turn oven down to 350 degrees and bake uncovered for 2 hours.  Every 45 minutes remove excess fat from roasting pan.

4.  Fifteen minutes before the duck is done, put dried cherries into the wine to soak.

5.  Spoon 1 Tablespoon of the cherry jam into a sieve and strain it into a small bowl.  Brush the glaze over the duck and return it to the oven.

6.  Remove duck from the oven and place on a carving board to rest for 10 minutes.

7.  Remove excess fat left in the roasting pan, then place the pan over medium high heat stirring in the wine and soaked cherries.  Scrape all the base and sides of the pan to incorporate all the crusty bits.  Turn the heat up, let it boil, and reduce it to about 2/3 of its original volume.

8.  Whisk in 4 tablespoons of cherry jam, and allow to boil for a couple of minutes so that it reduces slightly.

9.  Carve duck into 4 sections and spoon the sauce over each portion.

 

HOW TO CARVE A DUCK

Cut the duck vertically down the breast bone, then cut it horizontally across each half.  Two pieces should have a breast and leg, two pieces should have breast and wing.

 

October 27, 2006

  • Hook and Ladder Tillerman Red

Recipe 

Steak Romantique                                   Serves 2

1/2 cup dry red wine

2T finely chopped shallots

2 crushed sprigs tarragon

1T parsley

1t lemon pepper

2 filet mignons

1/4 c melted butter

3 egg yolks

1/4 c cream

1 bouillon cube dissolved in 1/2 c hot water

1t wine vinegar

1t Kitchen Bouquet

 

1.  Heat first 6 ingredients in a saucepan until mixture is reduced by half.  Remove from heat and cool.

2.  Saute filets in 2 T butter over medium-low heat, turning frequently, until cooked.  Salt and pepper to taste.  Remove from heat when done.

3.  Add 1/4 cup melted butter and 3 egg yolks to cooled mixture, and place in double boiler.  Use a wire whisk to blend in cream, bouillon, wine vinegar, and Kitchen Bouquet.

4.  Add mixture to pan with meat and juices, mixing well.  Warm and serve.

 

 

October 20, 2006

  • Cameron Hughes Chardonnay Lot 20

Recipe 

Pear and Gouda Strata             Serves 8

Cooking spray

10 slices of sturdy white bread

2 cups late harvest sweet Riesling or other sweet white wine

1/4 t salt

1/4 t black pepper

1 cup of shredded young Gouda (NOT SMOKED)

3 Bartlett pears, cored, peeled, sliced into 1/4" slices  (apx. 4 cups)

3 cups milk

4 large eggs

 

1.  Spray a 9X13" baking dish with cooking spray.  Arrange 5 bread slices in bottom of dish in a single layer.  Pour 1 cup of wine over the bread.  Sprinkle with half of the salt and pepper.  Top with 3/4 cup of the grated cheese.  Arrange all of the pear slices over cheese.  Repeat layers of bread, wine, salt, pepper, and cheese.

2.  Combine milk and eggs in a bowl.  Whisk well.  Pour milk and egg mixture over the bread mixture.  Let stand 25 minutes.

3.  Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

4.  Cover strata with foil, and bake at 425 degrees for 30 minutes.  Uncover and bake an additional 25 minutes until golden brown.  Let stand 10 minutes.  Serve

 

October 13, 2006

  • Davis Family Vineyard 2004 Pinot Noir

Recipe

Herbed Pork Chops with Onions                      Serves 4

4 pork loin chops, 1 inch thick

Salt and pepper to taste

1T dried sage, crumbled

2 T olive oil

4 large onions, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup dry white wine

2 T chopped fresh sage

 

1.  Season pork chops with salt and pepper, then rub with the dried sage.

2.  Heat the olive oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat, then brown the pork chops on both sides3 to 4 minutes each side. 

3.  Reduce the heat to low and cook the chops uncovered, turning once, until cooked through, 20 minutes.  Remove the chops from the pan and set aside.

4.  Add the onions to the skillet, increase heat to medium high and cook stirring for 10 minutes.

5.  Add wine and cook 5 minutes more, scraping up the browned bits on the bottom of the skillet.  Season with salt and pepper and stir in the fresh sage.

6.  Return the chops to the skillet and cover them with the onions.  Cook until warmed through, about 5 minutes. 

 

 

October 6, 2006         

  • Paradigm Cabernet Sauvignon

Recipe

Filet of Beef in Phyllo Pastry with Madeira Sauce     

3 lb. trimmed filet mignon

salt

2T sweet butter

1/2 lb. mushrooms, minced

2 shallots, minced

1 package phyllo pastry

 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Rub salt on filet.  In a skillet, sear the meat over high heat in sweet butter until browned and juices are sealed in.  Set aside.  In same pan, saute the mushrooms and shallots for 2-3 minutes.  Set aside.  Layer 12 pieces of phyllo pastry together, brushing each layer with melted butter.  Spread half of the mushroom/shallot mixture on the pastry, then put the seared beef on top.  Place the remaining mushroom/shallot mixture on top of the filet and fold the phyllo dough around the filet.  Brush an additional 5-6 layers of phyllo with butter.  Seal all edges by wrapping this additional pastry around the meat.  Brush exterior with butter.  Place in a buttered baking pan and bake for 40-45 minutes, until pastry is browned and flaky.  Remove beef to a serving dish and serve with Madeira sauce.

 

Madeira Sauce

2 c beef stock                              1 bay leaf

1/2 cup red wine                          1/2 c Madeira wine

3 sprigs fresh parsley                   2T flour

1 medium onion, chopped             3T soft butter 

1 large carrot, sliced                     Salt and pepper to taste

 

Place the beef stock, red wine, parsley, onion, carrot and bay leaf in a 2-quart saucepan.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer rapidly for 20-25 minute or until the liquid is reduced to 1-1/2 cups.  Strain the reduced stock into a 1-quart saucepan and add the Madeira.  In a separate bowl, mix together the flour and butter.  Over low heat, stir this mixture into the Madeira stock, add salt and pepper, and continue stirring until thickened.  Serve with the filet. 

 

September 29, 2006

  • Davis Family Vineyard Russian River Chardonnay

Recipe

Chicken Paprikash

2 T. butter

1/2 c. onion, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

2 T Hungarian paprika

1 t. salt

1 tomato, peeled and chopped

3/4 c. chicken stock

1 3-lb. chicken, cut into pieces

1/4 c. flour

1/4 c. light cream

1/2 c. sour cream

*In a heavy pan, heat the butter, add the onion and garlic and saute' until lightly browned.  Add the paprika, salt, tomato and chicken stock.

*Add the chicken, cover and cook until tender, about 45 minutes.  Add water or additional chicken stock, if necessary, to make 1 1/4 cups of broth.

*Add together and blend the flour, the light cream, and a little of the hot sauce from the pan.  Slowly pour into the pan stirring until thickened.

*Add the sour cream and cook until heated through.  Do not let boil!  Serve over egg noddles, rice or spaetzle.

 

 

Recipes provided by Debbie J. Elder

 

December 30, 2005

Wines Reviewed

  • Veuve Clicquot Champagne
  • Iron Horse 2002 Wedding Curvee Sparkling Wine
  • Louis Roederer NV Brut Premier Champagne

Recipe:

Gorgonzola-Stuffed Dates with Pancetta (provided by Chef James Porter)

12 oz. Gorgonzola, or other favorite Blue Cheese

24 thinly sliced pieces of Pancetta (or bacon)

24 Dates (or Prunes)

*Remove the pit from the dates and discard.

*Make a thin slice in each date, open the date and insert about 2 tablespoons of cheese.  Spread the cheese inside the date.  Close the date together and roll a slice of pancetta around the date.

*Heat in a 350 degree oven for approximately 5 to 10 minutes.

*Serves 24 pieces.

 

December 23, 2005

Wines Reviewed

  • 2002 Chateau de Cruzeau Pessac-Leognan Grand Vin Bordeaux
  • Mulled Spice Wine made with 2003 Erath Pinot Noir

Recipe:

Amaretto Flavored Biscotti Cookies

1 cup sugar

1 cup butter, softened

3 large eggs

1 tablespoon amaretto

3 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup almonds, coarsely chopped

*Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Place parchment paper on two baking sheets.

*Place sugar and butter in a larage bowl and mix until light and fluffy.  Stir in eggs and amaretto.

*Combine dry ingredients, add to creamed mixture and mix well.  Stir in almonds.

*With floured hands, divide dough into fourths.  Shape each fourth into a log about one inch in diamater.  Place two long logs on each pan.

*Bake in center and top rack of oven for 20 minutes.  Switch pans after 10 minutes for even baking.  Remove from oven, carefully place on cutting board, and slice diagonally into 3/4 inch slices.  Rearrange slices, cut side down on pan and bake for 10 minutes.  Switch pans after 5 minutes.  Remove from oven, turn cookies and bake an additional 10 minutes, switching pans after 5 minutes.  Watch carefully to avoid excessive browning.

*Cool on a wire rack and store in an airtight container.

*Makes 48.

 

Mulled Spice Wine

1 7.5ml bottle of Pinot Noir (or other red wine)

1/3 cup sugar

3 cinnamon sticks

6 cloves

2 oranges, sliced

1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1/2 cup Brandy

*Place all ingredients (except Brandy) in a saucepan. Stir to mix well.  Simmer gently until warm.  Do not allow wine to boil.

*Add brandy and simmer for a few moments.  Strain and serve warm.

*Serves 6.

 

December 16, 2005

Wines Reviewed:

  • 2002 Pirramimma Petit Verdot
  • 2003 Twenty Bench Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Recipe:

Holiday Beef Tenderloin with a Red Wine-Peppercorn Sauce

1 3-pound beef tenderloin

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 cup, plus 2 tablespoons butter

4 shallots, peeled and finely chopped

2 teaspoons flour

1/3 cup Sherry

1 1/2 cups dry red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot

1 1/2 cups beef broth

3 tablespoons beef demi-glace (available at a specialty food store)

3 tablespoons coarsely cracked pink peppercorns

1 tablespoon green peppercorns in brine, drained and coarsely chopped

*Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.  Season beef with salt and black pepper.  In a large oven-safe skillet, heat oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat.  Add tenderloin and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes.  Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 40-50 minutes or until an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest portion of the roast registers 130 degrees for medium rare.

Sauce:

Heat a medium skillet over medium heat.  Melt 1/4 cup butter in the skillet.  Add shallots, stir occasionally, and cook until shallots are golden brown (about 3-4 minutes.)

*Add the flour to the shallots and cook for 1 minute.  Add the Sherry and beef broth.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until liquid is reduced by half (about 15 minutes.)

*Whisk the demi-glace into the sauce and heat until combined.  Stir in the pink and green peppercorns.  Transfer sauce to a double boiler and keep warm until ready to serve.

*When roast has cooked to desired temperature, brush with remaining butter and cover lightly with foil.  Let stand for 15 minutes before carving.  Cut roast into 1/2" thick slices and serve warm with the sauce.

*Serves 8-10

 

December 9, 2005

Wines Reviewed:

  • 2003 Louis Latour Chassagne-Montrachet
  • 2002 Round Pond Rutherford Nebbiolo

Recipe:

Porcini Mushroom and Fontina Cheese Tart

Pastry: 

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

pinch of salt

6 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter

1 egg, lightly beaten

About 2 tablespoons ice water

Filling:

6 tablespoons, plus 1/4 cup unsalted butter

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

3 cups milk, heated

1/2 pound fresh porcini mushrooms, sliced

2 whole eggs, separated, plus 2 egg whites

1 3/4 cups Fontina cheese, grated

salt and freshly ground black pepper

freshly grated nutmeg

*To make the pastry, stir together the flour and salt in a bowl.  Cut in the butter with a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse meal.  Add the egg and enough ice water for the dough to come together into a rough ball.  Form into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 1 hour.

*On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the pastry into a 12" round about 1/8" thick.  Carefully transfer the dough round to the pan and ease it into the bottom and sides.  Fold the edges under and crimp the crust.  Set aside in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to fill and bake.

*Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

*To make the filling, first make a rich cream sauce by melting 6 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat.  Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring until it is well incorporated, about 3 minutes.  Slowly stir in the hot milk and cook, stirring often, until quite thick and the flour has lost all of its raw taste, about 8 minutes.  Remove from heat and set aside.

*Melt the 1/4 cup butter in a saute pan over medium-high heat.  Add the mushrooms and saute until tender and the liquid evaporates, 8 to 10 minutes.  Remove from the heat, transfer to a cutting board, and chop coarsely.  Set aside.

*In a small bowl, beat the egg yolks until blended, then fold into the cream sauce along with the cheese and the mushrooms.  Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg.  In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.  Fold the egg whites into the cheese mixture.  Pour into the prepared pastry shell.

*Bake the tart until golden, 25 to 30 minutes.  Transfer to a rack to cool for 10 to 15 minutes.  Remove the pan sides and slide the tart onto a serving plate, or leave in the pie pan.  Serve warm or at room temperature.

*Serves 6-8

 

December 2, 2005

Wines Reviewed:

  • 2004 Santa Rita Hills Casa Barranca Pinot Noir
  • 2000 Zenato Amarone Classico Della Valpolicella

Recipe:

Blue Cheese Shortbread (provided by Chef Andy Broder)

1 1/4 cups butter, room temperature

1/3 cup sugar

1 egg yolk

1 pound blue cheese, room temperature

4 cups all purpose flour

1/2 cup finely ground pecans

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

*In a large bowl, cream the butter, sugar and egg yolk.  Add the blue cheese and cream thoroughly.  Add the flour, ground pecans, salt and pepper.  Blend to make a smooth dough.

*Divide the dough into quarters, and shape each quarter into a log about 1 1/4 inch in diameter.  Wrap each log in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 2 hours, or overnight.

*Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Cut each log into slices 1/4 inch thick, and place on an ungreased cookie sheet.

*Bake 12-15 minutes (until dry and lightly colored).  Transfer to wire rack to cool.

*Option: Top each shortbread round with a pecan half (press down to secure) before baking.

 

Parmesan Palmiers (provided by Chef Andy Broder)

1 puff pastry sheet (1/2 of one package  1.1 pounds), thawed according to package directions

olive oil spray

2/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

4 tablespoons fresh chopped basil (or other herbs may be substituted)

fresh ground pepper, to taste.

*Unford one sheet puff pastry.  With a rolling pin, gently stretch it by about one inch in both length and width.  Cut it in half, so that you have two equal pieces, about six inches wide and nine inches long

*Set one piece on the counter in front of you, with a six inch side closest to you.  Spray lightly with olive oil spray.  Sprinkle evenly with 1/3 cup Parmesan.  Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil.  Sprinkle with a few grinds of fresh black pepper.

*Fold the right side of the puff pastry toward the center, about a one-inch fold.  Do the same with the left.  Now fold the two together, like closing a book.  Set it aside.

*Repeat this procedure with the other half of the puff pastry sheet.  Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.

*Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Cut the chilled pastry into slices one-fourth to one-third inch thick.  Place the slices on a baking sheet one and one-half inches apart. 
*Bake at 400 degrees for 12 minutes, or until golden.  Cool on rack.

*Serve warm or at room temperature.  After completely cooled, may be frozen for several weeks.

 

November 25, 2005

Wines Reviewed:

  • 2005 George Dueobuf Beaujolais Nouveau
  • Vinho de Mesa Mateus Rose'

Recipe:

Southern Deep Fried Turkey

10 lb. whole turkey (not self-basting)

2/3 c. vinaigrette

1/3 c. dry sherry

2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning salt

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Peanut oil

*Remove the giblets and neck from inside the turkey, rinse well with cold water and pat dry.  Carefully dry both the inside and outside cavities of the turkey.  Remove the wing tips and tail as they could get caught in the fyer basket. 

*In a bowl, mix together the vinaigrette, dry sherry and seasonsings.  Strain the marinade into another bowl.

*Place the marinade in an injection syringe.  Inject the marinade in the turkey breast, thighs and legs.  Place the turkey in a large plastic bag, refrigerate and marinade overnight.  Turn the bag every few hours.

*Drain the turkey from the marinade and discard the marinade.  Place the turkey in the fryer basket, neck down.

*Place the outdoor gas burner on a level area.  Do not fry indoors, in a garage, wood deck or other structure.  Keep a fire extinguisher nearby for added safety.

*Add oil to a 7-10 gallon pot with a basket or rack.  At the medium-high setting, heat the oil to 375 degrees.  This may take up to 40 minutes.

*When the temperature reaches 375 degrees, slowly lower the turkey into the hot oil.  The level of the oil will rise due to the frothing caused by the moisture from the turkey, but will stablize after about a minute. 

*Immediately check the oil temperature and increase the flame so the temperature is maintained at 350 degrees.  If the temperature drops below 340 degrees, oil will begin to seep into the turkey.

*Fry about 3-4 minutes per pound, or about 35-42 minutes for a 10 pound turkey.  Stay with the cooker at all times as the heat