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Simple Salad Dressing
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FEEDS: 2 WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
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LET'S COOK To make a very nice salad for 2, begin by vigorously rubbing the inside of your salad bowl with the open cut of fresh garlic. Save the garlic for another use. Using your salad spoon as a measure, fill it once with the olive oil and pour it into the bowl. Now fill the spoon half way with the red wine vinegar. Add some salt and pepper to the bowl as well as the mustard and the honey. Use your salad fork to whip the ingredients together and emulsify the dressing. Now add the tomatoes, cucumbers and scallions. Be sure to cut them all into edible size pieces, it makes it easier to eat. No one wants to carve a salad. Mix the items well to coat them with the dressing. Add the greens, toss gently to coat them and finally, sprinkle it all with about a tablespoon of the grated cheese. You’ll forget about bottled dressing now. MORE IDEAS: Once you’ve created the dressing, consider any combination of fresh vegetables you might enjoy in your salad. |
Posted by Floyd at 06:02 PM
Kosher Wine
As Passover approaches, kosher wines become the focus of some wine buyers. But, what is kosher wine and how does it differ from non-kosher, everyday wine? First off, kosher simply means fit and proper. Simply put, it refers to strict laws that govern the cleanliness, supervision and processing of food products destined for kosher households.
There was a time when a kosher wine was a sweet liquid, made from the Concord grape almost exclusively in New York State. But, that has changed drastically, with modern kosher wines practically indistinguishable from wine made using conventional methods.
With kosher wine making, the grapes can be grown by anyone, kosher or not. But, once the grapes begin the winemaking process, only rabbinical supervisors are allowed to handle the liquids from the moment the grapes are crushed all the way to the actual sealing of the bottle and cork.
The equipment the grapes are crushed in, all equipment for that matter, must be steam cleaned three times and with the open flame of a blow torch if requested. Even the barrels used for aging the wine must be new and used only for kosher wines. Furthermore, no animal products are allowed in the winemaking process, which eliminates the use of egg whites to help filter the sediment from the wine. Instead, bentonite, a clay material, is employed to drag any sediment to the bottom of the barrel.
Religious purity is of utmost importance to observant Jews. For a wine to retain its kosherness, regardless of who pours it, the most correct and fit kosher wines follow Mevushal, which translates as "cooked." The term is clearly marked on bottles and signifies a process wherein the wine passes through a flash heat pasteurizing process raising the liquid to at least 185 degrees, then rapidly cooling it. When the wine label lists Mevushal, it’s the ultimate kosher application.
Finally, it’s written that kosher wine making laws are the oldest in existence, predating guidelines for appellation control set up centuries later by European countries.
One of the finer kosher wines to choose from is a bottle of Baron Herzog 2002 Central Coast Merlot from California. Once poured into a big glass, the garnet red liquid might show a bit of sediment, normal for wine, which is lightly filtered. The nose surrenders strawberries accentuated with a touch of wood, plum and distant soy sauce.
Crisp acidity is evident on the palate with layers of oak, leather and dark, ripe cherries. A crisp, dry finish completes the tasting experience.
This California kosher red wine is great with lamb and even grilled chicken.
"Wine nourishes, refreshes, and cheers…Wherever wine is lacking, medicines become necessary." From "The Talmud"
Posted by Floyd at 10:52 AM
Wine Party - Sauvignon Blanc
The next time you decide to gather with friends and pull corks, consider this theme for the evening, make it a varietal tasting, with one specific wine represented. When inviting your guests, explain to them that they should bring a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc, but give each couple a point of origin for their wine. You might also choose a vintage to adhere to. That way, you’ll all be able to explore the wine of that grape, but also be able to decipher the nuances of each aspect of the wine that’s all related, but diverse. Since each bottle is from a different part of the world, the wine will take on specific characteristics representing that area of the globe and it’s climate that vintage. By doing this, you invite conversation and discussion, which is what makes gathering with friends and tasting wines so much fun.
One choice might be a California Simi 2003 Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc. Its faint wheat color is almost clear, surrendering an apparent nose that mixes the essence of dried mushrooms with clean citrus notes. Guests who sip this wine will notice it’s zesty and refreshing taste that has a balanced acidity and a long, sprightly finish. Pair it with goat cheese, feta and even some ricotta.
South Africa can offer up a bottle of Kanu Limited Release Sauvignon Blanc from 2003.
The Kanu is a mythological bird, and it’s said that if one is under its shadow as it flies over; you’ll be blessed with a bountiful harvest. In the case of the wine itself, it’s bounty is a faint gold color that blossoms with a distinctive nose reminiscent of melon, mango and distant honey. Even some green pepper can be detected in this piercingly aromatic beverage. It’s crisp and clean on the palate with hints of lemon and grapefruit popping forth. Its finish is tart and fresh. Present this wine with Brie and Camembert or even Prosciutto slices.
New Zealand offers up my favorite wine for this kind of function, a House of Noblio Icon 2003 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. The enjoyment of this wine is a treat both chilled and tepid. Cold, the faint gold liquid surrenders a piercing nose with elusive aromas of herbs and gooseberries. But, let it come to room temperature and the nose graduates to scents of tropical fruits like mangos and papaya layered with honey notes. Sipped chilled, the taste buds will pick up grapefruit and more honey. As the wine warms up, the grapefruit gains personality while the mouth feel or viscosity thickens in a pleasant way, allowing the flavors to blossom. Try this with some mild cheddar cheese or small chunks of Locatelli and crackers.
Of course, you can create this tasting party around any white or red varietal wine. Just be sure to do so responsibly.
“Let us drink to have wit, not to destroy it.” - Panard, 18th-century French poet
Posted by Floyd at 03:04 PM
Squares
Posted by Floyd at 09:44 AM
GOOD FOOD - IT’S THREE TIMES A DAY AND IT’S LEGAL