Food & Wine — Appetizers

A refreshing salad to kick off Spring and into Summer. Austrian Rose is an excellent pairing due to it's acidity that will balance the oiliness of the dressing.  With notable fruitiness (berries) and some floral notes that wont over power, this wine complements this recipe to a "T".  Serves 3-4 but can easily be doubled Ingredients for salad: 1 - 5 ounce container cleaned baby spinach 1 - 6 ounce container blackberries , rinsed 1 - 6 ounce container raspberries, rinsed 1 pint strawberries, rinsed and sliced 1/2 cup toasted pecans 1/4 cup toasted sunflower seeds 3 ounces blue cheese, crumbled. (...

How to Create your own Charcuterie Board  Charcuterie boards are like a blank canvas. You start out with your surface of choice and just start adding all your favorite things. I always like a wooden cutting board to start. Purchase your items ahead of time and set them all out so you don’t forget anything. Everything from the wine, cheese, meats, olives, nuts, crackers, jams, and fruit. Below you’ll find a list of suggestions on how to build your own Charcuterie board. Serve it alongside your Prosecco or Sparkling wine and celebrate the day in your own special way.   ...

  Our Culinary Specialist Nanette Berning-Pate strikes again with a touch of Spring and a classic brunch dish. Nothing can beat freshly made crepes, let alone healthy ones made with buckwheat. A savory dish combining cheese and asparagus calls for a medium bodied white wine such as Chardonnay. We suggest  La Colline Aux Fossiles or Truchard Estate Chardonnay.Serves 4IngredientsFor the crepe batter: 3/4 cup buckwheat flour 2 large eggs 1 cup whole milk 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1/2 teaspoon salt Unsalted butter for the pan For the cheese and asparagus filling: 1 cup full fat ricotta cheese 8 ounces...

This vegan & plant-based, Hearts of Palm Ceviche is fresh, light and perfect as an appetizer or meal. This easy recipe can be made in minutes. Serve over mini tostadas, with tortilla chips, in lettuce cups, or in a halved and salted avocado. Serve alongside your favorite Riesling for a perfect pairing Ingredients:               1/4 cup red onion, sliced thin              juice from 1 lime               1/2 teaspoon kosher salt              1/4 teaspoon ground pepper              1/4 teaspoon of...

    Take advantage of dates produced right here in Southern California. This is a perfect appetizer for any occasion with its sweet and salty flavors. Pair it with your favorite Zinfandel or white wine. You’ll be invited back to any party.  To Make Ahead: the dates can be assembled and refrigerated for up to a day before baking. Drizzle with honey just before baking, then bake as directed.    Ingredients: 6 ounces creamy goat cheese 24 plump Medjool dates  12 slices thinly sliced bacon, cut in half 1/3 cup honey  1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or fresh chopped green onions ...