Food & Wine — Appetizers

    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 ...

This old world fruit has become all the rage over the last couple of years. Now that products made from this fruit are being imported, this exotic fruit is becoming more readily available. One reason we love quince so much is that its season picks up where figs leave off. It can be difficult to find figs to add to our cheese plate after late summer. Luckily, autumn is when the quince is at its peak and its jellies, jams and pastes pop up in all sorts of markets around town. Our cheese plates can go on without feeling incomplete....

Sometimes we forget about antipasto except when we throw parties. However, during the summer it is a common lunch routine in Italy and other European countries. With summer heating up and the desire for hot foods is on vacation, why not integrate more antipasto into your meals? Pack a picnic or set the patio table, it's time to dine outdoors with some of your forgotten favorites. Most people associate hors d'oeuvres with white wine, but lightness alone does not make a wine interestingly versatile. A nice crisp Chardonnay has just enough acidity to cut through creamy goat cheese. Try creating an artichoke and...

There's more than one way to cut a watermelon and more than one way to enjoy it too. This sweet, tangy and savory soup is simple to make and refreshing on a warm day. The light, crisp and berry flavors of Rosé are a perfect match for this colorful gazpacho. Makes 2 large servings Ingredients: 1 large ripe tomato, quartered and seeded 3 cups fresh seedless watermelon, cubed in ½ inch pieces 1 small Serrano chili seeded 2 teaspoons sherry vinegar ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil ¼ cup finely diced red onion 1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced 2 tablespoons fresh basil...

Simple and elegant, this crispy and savory galette is loaded with fresh asparagus, prosciutto and goat cheese.  This is a classic recipe that comes in  handy in the springtime when asparagus is in season. It is also a great entree to serve at brunch when you are looking for something that is light and flavorful. This recipe can be easily doubled for a group.  All ingredients can be prepared the day ahead and assembled and baked on the day of your event. A bright crisp Rosé will bring plenty of flavor and acidity and enhance the savory notes.  Makes 4 galettes servings Galette...