Archives for 2011

15 September 2011 Swine and Wine – Pigging Out in Northern New Jersey

Swine and Wine – Pigging Out in Northern New Jersey

September 15, 2011 By

A popular local MeetUp group I belong to is the Northern New Jersey Wine MeetUp Group where both singles and couples gather to learn about, and enjoy wines from around the world.  How fun is that!?

If you’re not familiar with MeetUp, it is the world’s largest network of local groups.

Last weekend, our group held its annual pig roast, fittingly dubbed Swine and Wine.  The event was held at the beautiful Tree Tavern, a private event destination in Wanaque, NJ.

The delicious food was catered by Frank Hewitt and Augie Viviani, the owners of Party Chefs of Haskell, NJ (973-492-8182), whose specialties are pig roasts, clam bakes and lobster bakes.  Frank and Augie showed a real passion for their business and fixed a super meal for us.  Served along the perfectly-seasoned and roasted pork with dreamy lacquered skin, was a buffet of tangy bean salad, fresh Jersey corn with drawn butter, two salads, roasted vegetables and flavorful yellow rice.  There were also hamburgers and hot dogs.  Super, and affordable, party concept that I highly recommend.

Wino Bob, one of the group organizers, poured a 2006 Oriel Femme Fatale Bordeaux Rose ($20), a luscious wine with bright strawberry flavors and nice acidity, the 2010 Hogwash ($15), a light rosé, perfect for summer fun and the 2008 Tamas Double Decker Red ($10), a Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Barbera blend which pairs nicely with grilled meats.

In New Jersey?  Come join us for the next celebration, and if you do, come say hello!

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Other Neat Things, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,
6 September 2011 Hearty Beef Mushroom Barley Soup

Hearty Beef Mushroom Barley Soup

September 6, 2011 By

Today’s a rainy, gloomy day where I live and weather like this always causes me to crave a warm, hearty soup.  While at the grocery store, I found beautiful center cut beef shanks that screamed to be used to make beef mushroom barley soup.  Here’s the simple recipe for this comforting dish.

Ingredients:

  • 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 3/4 pound beef round/chuck, cubed
  • 1 pound beef bones (ideally with marrow)
  • 1 medium Spanish onion, chopped into small dice
  • 5 celery ribs, chopped into small dice
  • 1 pound Cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 tsp. dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp. each salt and pepper
  • 2 32-ounce cartons of beef broth
  • 1/4 cup dry Marsala wine or white wine (optional)
  • 3/4 cup barley, rinsed in cold water
  • 4-inch long piece of Parmesan rind

Beef Barley Soup FixingsDirections:

  1. Pour the oil in a large, heavy pot over high heat, and heat up for 30 seconds.  Add the beef and the bones and cook for 2 minutes, or until browned.
  2. Add the onion and celery to the beef in the pot, reduce heat to medium-high heat and cook the vegetables for 4 minutes.  Add the mushrooms and cook and additional 3 minutes.
  3. Add the spices, the broth and the wine, if using.  Bring the heat to low and simmer partially covered for 20 minutes.
  4. Add the barley and the Parmesan rind, if using, to the pot and simmer partially covered for another 30 minutes over low heat.
  5. Remove and discard the bones and serve.

Makes 6 servings.

Filed Under: American, Beef, Mushrooms, Soups, Vegetables Tagged With: , , , , ,
5 September 2011 2003 Clos du Marquis Saint Julien

2003 Clos du Marquis Saint Julien

September 5, 2011 By

My dad uncorked this little gem during my last trip home to Quebec and what a treat it was.

The color in the glass is deep and purple.  Just really pretty.  The nose offers stone fruit and black licorice with some spiced notes.  In the mouth, this Bordeaux is rich and luscious with black berries, dark chocolate, a little coffee and some nutmeg notes.  The finish is long, sweet and velvety with the right amount of acidity.

This is a second label wine for Chateau Léoville Las Cases yet a very solid, first-rate wine.

Around $60.

Filed Under: Red Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,
29 August 2011 Slow Cooker Chicken Portobello

Slow Cooker Chicken Portobello

August 29, 2011 By

Although I’m originally from Quebec, I grew up in South Florida where the weather can be interesting at times.  I’ve gone through hurricane preparedness more times than I care to remember, so when Hurricane Irene made its way to the northeast where I now live, it was business as usual at my home.

While chips, dips, nuts and candy can be great when you’re boarded up, ‘real’ food can be a nice treat.  The night before the hurricane was to visit us, I made a simple and fast-to-prepare chicken dish in my slow cooker that was easily reheated on my grill in a pot after we lost power the next day.

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
  • 2 tsp. fresh sage, chopped
  • 1/2 of a 750 ml bottle dry Riesling
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 4 large Portobello mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 Tbs. Dijon mustard
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 tsp. each salt & pepper

Directions:

  1. Place all the ingredients in an 8-quart slow cooker (Crockpot).  Cook on high for 5 hours or on low for 8 hours.
  2. Serve over white rice.

4 Servings.

Notes: If you like a thicker sauce, simple combine a teaspoon of cornstarch and 3 tablespoons of water in a dish and add to the sauce.  Turn slow cooker to high and cook for 5-10 minutes until the sauce has thickened.

Filed Under: American, Chicken, Entrees, Mushrooms Tagged With: , , ,
28 August 2011 2008 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Barossa Shiraz

2008 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Barossa Shiraz

August 28, 2011 By

I had the pleasure of sampling several Jacob’s Creek Reserve wines at a recent tasting and the 2008 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Barossa Shiraz was among them.

In the glass, the wine is deep ruby and viscous.

On the nose, it features powerful plummy, spiced notes.

On the palate, the plummy nose carries over on this Australian Shiraz.  It’s a chewy big mouthful with tons of freshly ground pumpkin pie spices with a rich, slightly sweet long finish.

Perfect with braised meats.

Around $13.

Filed Under: Red Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: ,
28 August 2011 2009 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

2009 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

August 28, 2011 By

I had the pleasure of sampling several Jacob’s Creek Reserve wines at a recent tasting and the 2009 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon was among them.

For fans of big, beefy Cabs like me, this is a very affordable option.

In the glass, the wine is dark purple.

On the nose, it’s black berries, vanilla with woodsy anise notes.

On the palate, this Australian Cabernet Sauvignon is full-bodied with crushed ripe berries and plums.  The finish is rich, slightly oaky and long.

Might benefit from some cellaring, but a nice option to pair with a grilled steak on a Tuesday night.

Around $10.

Filed Under: Red Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: ,
27 August 2011 2009 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir

2009 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir

August 27, 2011 By

I had the pleasure of sampling several Jacob’s Creek Reserve wines at a recent tasting and the 2009 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir was among them.

I’m a huge fan of Pinot Noirs and enjoy Australian Pinots so was looking forward to trying this one.

In the glass, the wine is ruby and appears to be of medium weight.

On the nose, it’s typical Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir – bright cherry, ripe strawberry with notes of oak.  A bouquet that’s right up my alley.

On the palate, this Australian Pinot Noir is lively with ripe berries, touches of clove and nutmeg with oaky notes.  Light tannins are displayed on the long finish.

An affordable addition to one’s cellar.

Around $13.

Filed Under: Australia, Pinot Noir, Red Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , ,
26 August 2011 2009 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Adelaide Hills Chardonnay

2009 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Adelaide Hills Chardonnay

August 26, 2011 By

I had the pleasure of sampling several Jacob’s Creek Reserve wines at a recent tasting and the 2009 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Adelaide Hills Chardonnay was among them.

As those of you who know me already know, I’m not a passionate fan of Chardonnays, especially oaky ones, so I had my reservations about sampling try this Australian oaked Chardonnay.

In the glass, the wine is a little greener in color than I’m used to seeing in Chardonnays of other regions.

On the nose, this wine is bold with lemons and yeasty notes.

On the palate, this Adelaide Hills wine is rich, sourdoughy with plums and Meyer lemons.  The finish is both nutty and crisp with oaky notes.

Around $11.

Filed Under: White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , ,
25 August 2011 2010 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Barossa Dry Riesling

2010 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Barossa Dry Riesling

August 25, 2011 By

I had the pleasure of sampling several Jacob’s Creek Reserve wines at a recent tasting and the 2010 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Barossa Dry Riesling was among them.

I’m a huge fan of Rieslings, especially dry ones, so was excited to try this Australian Riesling.  In the glass, the wine is pale with a hint of green.  On the nose, it’s light and fresh with green apple and lime  On the palate, this Barossa Valley wine it’s a bit more Sauvignon Blanc than I’m used to for a Riesling, but really enjoyable.  The lime from the bouquet carries over and is paired with Meyer lemons and crisp acidity on the long finish.

Around $17.

Filed Under: White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , ,
23 August 2011 2009 Jagdschloss Spatburgunder Brut Rose

2009 Jagdschloss Spatburgunder Brut Rose

August 23, 2011 By

I sampled this sparkling German Pinot Noir from Rheingau last week and fell in love with it.

It’s beautiful light pink in the glass with tons of tiny bubbles.

On the nose, there are aromas of ripe strawberries with a little Fiji apple.

On the palate, I get a mouthful of creamy bubbles.  What a super mouthfeel.  Light strawberry flavors with enough richness to be great as an aperitif but also as a contrast to rich food or even cheeses.

This rosé is perfect for summer, but I know I’ll enjoy it as an every day celebration wine well past fall foliage.

Around $15.

Filed Under: Rose, Blush Wine, Sparkling Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »