The last figs are still on the tree. They won’t be for long. One way to enjoy this wonderful fruit is in a glorified French toast originating in Normandy (Brioche aux amandes). INGREDIENTS: 1 cup blanched almonds, toasted and finely ground 4 tablespoons butter, room temperature ¼ cup honey 1 egg ½ cup all-purpose flour […]
The sun is still shining brightly and the temperature is hovering in the mid 80’s. It must be November in wine country. The harvest is over – for us, and only because we ran our room to hold any more grapes. A bumper crop of high quality fruit has made vintners happy across the state,
A Late Grate Harvest Read More »
As we get into fall we need heartier dishes – and red wine. Here’s the dish – and the wine to go with it. INGREDIENTS: Olive oil 1 onion, hopped 2 celery ribs, chopped Salt and pepper 3 garlic cloves, minced ¼ cup chopped herbs (thyme, parsley, basil) ¾ cup white wine (Taft Street Sauvignon
With rain forecast for the next several days growers are stepping up the pace on picking. Tomorrow we will bring in Pinot Noir for rose and a good portion of chardonnay. The storm is not expected to be a major threat to the vintage, but betting on the weather is never a sure thing. There
Rush to the Finish Read More »
After a very warm June and early July the weather turned decidedly cooler, with daytime temperatures in the 70’s and 80’s instead of the more usual mid 90’s. This has delayed harvest anywhere from 1 -2 weeks. This is the first Labor Day in five years we have not harvested our own grapes. We have
Harvest No. 37. Here we come. Read More »
In July I had the great pleasure of taking my son and grandson on a fishing trip to Alaska. We had a great time, and brought home a load of salmon, halibut and sea bass. I’m currently working of this recipe with salmon fillets. INGREDIENTS: Cure 1 pound salmon fillet, pin bones removed ½ cup
Summer is officially in high gear, and indications thus far show a larger that average harvest. When growers describe things as “not too bad,” they usually are just the opposite. The tragic (and all too common) fires in Mendocino and Lake Counties will undoubtedly affect North Coast grapes this year, but fortunately for us the
Good Ole Summertime Read More »
August starts serious tomato season in Sonoma County. Early Girls and a variety of heirlooms are now available for BLT’s and endless other treats. Here’s a versatile salad; try it with a chilled glass of Taft Street Russian River Sauvignon Blanc. INGREDIENTS: 1 shallot, thinly sliced 2 cloves garlic, minced Salt and pepper 2 tablespoons
We have already had our second hundred degree heat spell and our second major fire, and it’s not even the 4th of July yet! Spooky. However, early reports from the vineyards indicate a healthy and hearty crop. Melissa and crew are in full bottling mode, working with numerous clients and their packaging needs. It is
Extreme Conditions Read More »
There are many reasons to feel blessed by living in Sonoma County. Mushrooms are one. We are especially fortunate to be neighbors of Mycopia, mushroom cultivators who have a drop-in sale every Friday where they offer various exotic varieties at below market prices. Here’s a classic. Try this with a baguette and salad. INGREDIENTS: 1/4
Pasta with Mushrooms & Prosciutto Read More »
