Taste of Italy April 29, 2010

Last night Carol and I attended this and had a wonderful time. We were able to get a table on the upstairs patio and it was a beautiful evening (first rule of wine tastings at HEB.. get a table first and then guard it with your life!)

Savoring the World Series

This "walk around" style allows you to taste foods and wine from one of our favorite countries - Italy! Both the Head Wino and Chef have outdone themselves with this one. Martin has new wines in from Italy and Chef Curtis has come up with a phenomenal menu.

The menu is:

• Antipaso – Mortadella, Salami, Prosciutto with Tomato Confit; Marinated Olives, & Grilled Bread
• Tomato Salad with Fresh Mozzarella, Basil Seeds & Basil
• Heirloom Tomato Soup with Parmesan Crackers, Basil Oil, & Lemon Yogurt
• Seared Salmon with a Leek Risotto & Grilled Lemon Butter
• Beef Short Rib Canelloni with Bolognese & Basil
• Cheeses from Italy with Nuts, Dried Fruits, Honey & Ciabatta
• Traditional Italian Rice Pudding
• Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Syrup & Malted Whipped Cream
• Biscotti & Amaretti
• Pana Cotta

The wines are (may vary depending on availability):

• Riondo Prosecco
• Tiamo Pinot Grigio Veneto
• Farnese Trebbianno d'Abbruzo
• Bastianich Rosato Venezia
• Palma Arc Salici Salentine
• Primaterra Primitivo Sicilia
• Tenuta di Montecucco Canaiolo Maremma
• Il Santo Baroncini Tuscany

April 2010

This month's gathering was at Tonya's. I was not there (so sad!) but I wanted to post what the group cooked ! We are all getting older and our memories sometimes fail us....


Main Dish: North African Meatballs

Side Dish:

Couscous with Dried Dates

1 cup water
1 cup chicken stock or broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup finely chopped dried dates
1 cup quick-cooking couscous
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Bring the water, stock, and oil to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the dates followed by the couscous. Cover the pan tightly with a lid, remove from the heat, and allow to sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Transfer to a serving bowl and serve.

Yield: 4 servings

Mary = appetizer

Carol = salad

Teresa = bread and wine