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Archives for August 2019

Pack a Picnic Recipes (FB LIVE August 20)

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Hello Foodie Friends! AnnMarie and I had a great time today on “location” . If you watched live, you saw our antics sideways because neither of us realized it would post in the opposite orientation. If you sat through the entire clip we applaud and clink our glasses to you!

Today we paired two canned wines (YES, I said CANNED) with a simple light lunch/easy appetizer of Roasted Turkey and Cheddar wraps (or pinwheels, depending on how you slice them) Our platter had both, and we added fresh fruit, figs, olives and mini-pickles to round out the spread. Here’s the recipe , along with the wine pairings. We shopped at Wegmans, Trader Joe’s and our local farm market for everything! Let us know if you try this, or most importantly, if we have sold you on wine in a can!

Picture perfect picnic with super simple wraps, fruit and wine in a CAN! Don’t judge…it is really good!


Turkey Cheddar Wraps

4 ounces cream cheese spread (from 8 oz container)

*Homemade spice mixture (see below) OR – try the Trader Joe’s “Everything but the Bagel ” seasoning . Both are delicious!

4 (8 inch) flour tortillas ( I used a combo of white and whole wheat)

1 pound roasted turkey (I used Boar’s Head from the deli)

8 slices mild or sharp cheddar cheese

*Spice mixture : in small mason jar , combine 2 tablespoons each of dill, parsley, onion powder, and garlic salt. Shake until thoroughly combined. Sprinkle roughly 1 tsp. on each tortilla, after you spread the cream cheese. You’ll have enough left over to store for another batch later. Try it in sour cream as a spread or dip!

To assemble:

Spread thin layer of cream cheese on each tortilla, sprinkle with your choice of seasoning (see above).

Top with the two slices of cheddar cheese and 4-5 slices of roasted turkey

Roll tortillas and wrap in plastic wrap. Store in fridge 2-3 hours or overnight.

When ready to serve, remove plastic wrap and slice off ends, cut in half (for a wrap served sandwich style) or, slice off ends and cut on the diagonal into 4 pieces for appetizer style pinwheels.

AnnMarie’s wine picks:

Day Owl California Rose

Crafters Union Rose

(both found at our local Wegmans)

Cheers to Tuesday, picnics, and fine wine in a can !

Gina

Extra Credit Sangria

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We used an assortment of locally grown stone fruits and berries in our version, as well as a few orange slices for garnish .

It’s “Thirsty Thursday” in the kitchen and I’m sharing that DELICIOUS white sangria that AnnMarie made last week on our FB Live. Missed it?

Watch here: “AnnMarie and Gina talk Sangria“

What makes this “extra credit”? The addition of your favorite fruit and a little light rum! And with school about to start (or maybe it already started for you/your kids!) it’s a nice way to toast the start of the fall fun!

AnnMarie’s “Extra Credit” Sangria

1 chilled bottle of dry white wine

1/4 cup light rum

3 cups seltzer (or sprite/7 UP)

sliced fruit (we used fruit in season- peaches, cherries and nectarines)

Simple syrup or your favorite sweetener (to taste).

In a pitcher, combine all ingredients except seltzer or Sprite/7 UP. Cover and chill four hours or overnight. Pour in seltzer or Sprite/7 Up right before serving.

For more food and custom dessert ideas, contact the Kitchen !

Cheers!

Gina

Julia’s Birthday Quiche (Bacon and Onion)

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If you caught our Facebook live this morning, you saw AnnMarie and I in full on “Julia Child” mode as we celebrated her birthday a few days early . The following recipe is my spin on the classic quiche that the Julia herself loved to eat! At the bottom you’ll see the wine pairing suggestions, as well as AnnMarie’s additions to the tasting notes.

Remember, make it your own! Bon Appetit!

Ingredients:

  • 2 Premade pie crusts (par-baked) OR get your inner Julia on and make your own crust from a favorite recipe.
  • 1 pound thickly sliced bacon, cut into 1/2-inch dice
  • One onion finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves (I added Herbes de Provence, too)
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 8 ounces Gruyere cheese, shredded
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 1/2 cups heavy cream

How to make it:

  1. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over moderately high heat, stirring, until browned and crisp, about 7 minutes. Drain the bacon, leaving 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan. Add the onions and thyme to the skillet, season with salt and white pepper and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened but not browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and let cool. Stir in the bacon and cheese.
  2. Divide the bacon-and-onion filling between the pie shells. In a bowl, whisk the eggs and heavy cream. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Pour the custard into the pie shells and bake for 30 minutes, rotating the sheet halfway through for even baking until puffed and lightly browned. Transfer the quiches to a rack and let cool for 15 minutes. Cut the quiches into wedges and serve.

The quiches can be covered and refrigerated overnight, then reheated before serving. They pair well with Bordeaux style wines like Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. AnnMarie paired our quiche with a red Bordeaux, and it was fabulous! Cheers!

This Bacon -Onion quiche recipe is easily adaptable. Use your favorite meats, cheeses and veggies.

Original recipe found on www.foodandwine.com “Bacon and Leek Quiche”

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Follow AnnMarie on FB www.facebook.com/AnnMarie’s VIP Wine Cellar