Green Beans and Zucchini With Sauce Verte  Looking to use some of your fresh herbs you are growing in the garden this summer?  I just came across a great recipe in June 2010 issue of Bon Appétit; actually if you grow vegetables as well you can practically grow this whole side dish.  The recipe is Green Beans and Zucchini with sauce Verte (French meaning green sauce).  The recipe also provides a tip saying any extra sauce can be stirred into rice, couscous, or used as a fish or meat sauce if desired. Sauce- 1/3 cup of packed fresh basil leaves, 1 green onion; coarsely chopped, 2 tablespoons of packed fresh parsley, 2 tablespoons of drained capers, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice,  2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 1 garlic clove; peeled, 3 tablespoons... »View More

Added Tuesday, July 6, 2010 in Wine and Food Add a Comment

Not sure exactly where this recipe originated as I recently acquired it from a friend who acquired it from another, so I hope I am not stealing anyone’s top secret recipe, but it was so good I felt the need to share. It is a great summertime appetizer, or you could potentially make enough portions to consider it a meal along with a salad and maybe some brown rice to soak up the juices left from the salsa mixture. Shrimp with Spicy Fruit Salsa ½ cup diced mango ½ cup diced papaya ½ cup diced pineapple 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice 2 teaspoons chopped fresh cilantro ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil ¼ Thai chile, seeded and minced or substitute jalapenos instead 8 large shrimp, peeled and... »View More

Added Monday, June 22, 2009 in Wine and Food Add a Comment

Summer is great time of year for enjoying the fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season with your favorite wines. It is also a time of year that many people like to eat light. The hot weather sometimes suppresses our appetite as well as the fact that we want to look good in our swimsuits, can also help to curb what we eat. Either way, it is a great time to indulge in the local fresh vegetation available. How about slicing up a nice ripe tomato, layer it with fresh mozzarella cheese, sprinkle with salt, pepper, some fresh basil and drizzled with your favorite dressing or even balsamic vinegar? Makes a nice refreshing snack you can pair with your choice of wine. Another easy vegetable snack would be steaming asparagus until just tender,... »View More

Added Friday, June 5, 2009 in Wine and Food Add a Comment

Here is a great easy St Patricks Day recipe, Irish Cheddar and Stout Fondue. I know when you think St Patricks Day you think Irish stout and this is made with stout, but it pairs nicely with wine too! This recipe found in Bon Appetit recommends serving the fondue with steamed vegetables, such as potatoes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts and apples, but can be served with just about anything. We served it with bread chunks and honey wheat pretzel sticks. 1 pound Irish Cheddar cheese, grated (or Sharp white cheddar) 2 1/2 tablespoons all purpose flour 3/4 cup (or more if desired) Irish Stout 6 tablespoons frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Toss cheese with flour in large bowl. Bring 3/4 cup stout, juice concentrate,... »View More

Added Sunday, March 15, 2009 in Wine and Food Add a Comment

Looking for an interesting recipe for company? We just prepared this Mediterranean Pot Roast that was outstanding, a recipe from Betty Crocker. We paired it with Italian style green beans, potatoes, gravy, salad and some biscuits. The best part of this dish is that the pot roast is done in the slow cooker for 5-6 hours so the meat is extremely tender. Also a good portion of your prep is done long before your guests arrive, so you can concentrate on your side dishes and enjoy your company. We used the below recipe but added our twist with a bit of red wine added to the broth. We also saved the drippings from searing the meat and mixed them with some broth, store bought gravy mix (McCormick to be exact), again adding a little red wine to... »View More

Added Tuesday, February 17, 2009 in Wine and Food Add a Comment

In the winter we know most parts of the country are lacking in fresh fruits and vegetables that are at their peak. Well, Kale, a hardy, healthy winter green is grown in cold weather, so it is prime time for a neat Kale recipe. Kale is a member of the cabbage family and also rates high in the dark green leafy vegetable category that we always hear is so good for us. Kale is a source of several vitamins including, A, C, and K, it is high in antioxidants, calcium and fiber. We know all of these are helpful in keeping our immune system in balance and fighting off disease. Kale comes in several varieties including Curly Kale, Tuscan Kale and Red Kale. Keeping in mind that Kale has a strong, rich, flavor with an almost peppery kick, why not... »View More

Added Tuesday, January 20, 2009 in Wine and Food Add a Comment