2004 David Noyes Dutton Ranch Pinot Noir
This wine came in third out of 277 Pinot Noirs entered into the 2007 Pinot Shootout. It is from the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County. This Pinot has generous aromas of ripe fruit and toast. Over...
View Article2004 Venge Oakville Merlot
I really like this wine! It is big and bold in flavor. I love it now and I know that it will get even better with aging. It comes to us from Nils Venge, who was the first American winemaker to score...
View ArticleMarshall’s Farm Honey
Did you know that there is a fantastic artisan honey producer in Napa Valley? I recently met Spencer and Helene Marshall of Marshall’s Farm. I had seen their display of honey at the San Francisco...
View ArticleSilverado Vineyards 2005 Vineburg Chardonnay and 2003 Napa Valley Cabernet
I am often asked my favorite wines for pairing with food. Certainly among my favorites are the 2005 Silverado Vineyards Vineburg Chardonnay and the 2003 Silverado Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet...
View ArticleOven-Roasted Shrimp with Bacon
Ingredients 4 slices of bacon, cut into 4 strips each 16 large uncooked shrimp, peeled and de-veined 1/2 cup barbeque sauce, plus more for dipping You will also need: Toothpicks Baking dish Brush...
View ArticleChicken Liver Spread
Ingredients 1/3 cup currants or chopped raisins 4 T port wine 6 T (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, softened 1 lb. chicken livers, cleaned 1 clove garlic, minced 1 t. sea salt (fine), or to taste Pepper...
View ArticleFresh Creamed Corn
Ingredients 12 ears sweet white corn, shucked and de-silked 1/3 cup water ¼ stick (2 T) butter Sea salt to taste You will also need: Large pot, such as a Dutch oven, with lid Serrated knife...
View ArticleRoasted Figs with Goat Cheese and Serrano Ham
Ingredients Olive oil 16 small cubes of goat cheese 8 ripe black mission figs, halved 16 strips of Serrano or prosciutto ham Honey You will also need: Baking pan Brush Toothpicks Instructions Preheat...
View ArticleKahlua-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients 3 large or 4 medium sweet potatoes or yams Fleur de sel (coarse sea salt) 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed ½ cup chopped pecans 4 Tablespoons (2 oz.) butter, melted 1/2 cup Kahlua You will also...
View ArticleCrostini of Fava Beans with Meyer Lemon
Ingredients A loaf of sourdough bread, sliced 1 ½ T olive oil 2 lbs fava beans, shelled Water 2-3 T Round Pond Meyer Lemon olive oil 1 T. minced sweet onions 1 T lemon zest, plus more for garnish Sea...
View ArticleNat Decants FREE Wine e-Newsletter
Here is a wine e-newsletter that I really enjoy! Nat Decants FREE wine e-newsletter is full of wine picks, articles and humor from Natalie MacLean, named the World’s Best Drink Writer at the World Food...
View ArticleThe Cheeseboard Collective – A Great Place for Cheeses
If you are planning to put together a beautiful cheese plate, check out The Cheese Board Collective in Berkeley. Their selection of local and international cheeses cannot be beat, and their prices are...
View ArticleLemon Verbena Ice Cream
I decided to grow lemon verbena in my garden this year. I am thrilled with the beauty of the herb and the richness of the lemony taste. It is now producing like crazy and I am experimenting with...
View ArticleTruffles
The truffle was referred to by French gastronome, Brillat-Savarin, as “the diamond of the kitchen”. It is hard to find, coveted, very expensive and totally unique in flavor. A truffle is an edible...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Seasonal Mini Frittatas
These mini frittatas use the season’s last corn, along with roasted peppers and onions. Of course, you can use your own combination of ingredients. Sauteed mushrooms, herbs, potatoes, roasted...
View ArticlePersimmon Upside-Down Cake with Pistachios
This cake is wonderfully moist, fruity and spicy with a little bit of caramelized crunch around the rim. It is one of my favorite ways to use the Hachiya persimmons that grow in our yard. Ingredients...
View ArticleGluten-Free Persimmon Whiskey Bread
This bread is super moist and rich – and full of fruits and nuts. These loaves make great holiday gifts. This recipe was adapted from David Leibovitz’s Persimmon Bread recipe. 3 1/2 cupzs gluten-free...
View ArticleEggplant and Zucchini Parmigiana
This recipe makes delicious use of those gorgeous eggplants and squashes that are in abundance in the summer markets. The dish also freezes well so you can have a great taste of summer during other...
View ArticleRoasted Lamb Chops with Mint Pesto
This dish features the classic combination of lamb and mint, but with a twist. Instead of using mint jelly, make this fresh mint pesto to use as a condiment. It works perfectly and will quickly become...
View ArticleDark Chocolate Tarts
These individually-sized tarts are dense and rich. They really showcase the chocolate so use the best chocolate you can find. My chocolate of choice is Askinosie’s 70% chocolate from beans sourced in...
View Article
