Niner Wine Estates Cooking Classes and the New Year

by Tina Swithin

Typically, I’m not a fan of New Year’s resolutions.  There is something about the whole thing that makes me a bit uneasy.  You see, I don’t like making promises if I’m not 100% sure that I can fulfill them.  Therefore, I would prefer to call them "Tina’s New Year’s Aspirations".  I aspire to continue in my newly found passion for cooking and I aspire to learn more about deglazing, emulsifying and all of those other great foodie terms.  Did you know that “nap” doesn’t have to do with that quick, lifesaving period of time where you shut the world out for 20 minutes?  Nap actually means “to completely coat food with a light, thin, even layer of sauce”.  I’ve got a lot to learn!   

With that said, I was excited to learn that Niner Wine Estates has a series of cooking classes that are right up my alley.  There are a total of three upcoming events scheduled which really piqued my curiosity:  

Pairings in Paso: Le Cuvier Chardonnay and Curry Spiced Hummus

by Tina Swithin

I wear several hats for the Travel Paso Robles Alliance but one of my favorite jobs is scouting around for new and exciting recipes.  With over 200 local wineries and the best restaurants this side of the Mississippi, I have an endless supply of artisan delights right at my fingertips.  I am one lucky lady!   

Being that the holidays are behind us, I have been on the hunt for recipes that are a little bit lighter and more nutritious.  I have had my fill (and then some) of turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing and everything else that graces a holiday table.  Throughout the year, I tend to lean towards foods that are on the  healthy side.  I am a huge fan of hummus so you can imagine my delight when I stumbled upon this Curry Spiced Hummus recipe from Le Cuvier Winery in Paso Robles.  I couldn't wait to get home and try it! 

Scrumptious Fondue from Vivant Fine Cheese

by Danika Reed, Vivant Fine Cheese

Hello Cheese Lovers!

The holidays are all about getting together with family and friends to reflect on the past year and spend some quality time celebrating all that we are so fortunate to have. Of course, getting together usually involves food, and in our case, definitely involves cheese! One of the most enjoyable eating experiences is gathering a group of friends around a big pot of fondue. It feels so festive and cozy, especially this time of year!

In our holiday shipment of our Vivant Fine Cheese Club, we included a classic fondue cheese: Comtè. We also included Danika's "famous" fondue recipe.

Danika's Famous Classic Swiss Fondue

Ingredients:
1/2 pound Comte, grated
1/2 pound Central Coast Creamery Holey Cow Baby Swiss
1 1/2 cups dry white wine
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons Kirsch (optional)
1 clove garlic, halved lengthwise
Crusty French bread, cubed, for dipping

Method:
1. Use the clove of garlic to rub the inside of a fondue pot (if ceramic) or other large pot.
2. Pour dry white wine into the saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. In a small bowl, blend the cornstarch and Kirsch (can substitute chicken broth).
4. Gradually add the Comtè and Holey Cow to the saucepan and stir constantly. Do not allow the mixture to boil.
5. When the cheese has just melted, gradually stir in the cornstarch and Kirsch mixture.
6. Allow fondue to simmer, still constantly stirring, for 5 minutes or until thickened.
7. If necessary, transfer fondue to fondue pot. Set the flame beneath the fondue pot to medium and use fondue forks to dip bread into cheese.

Enjoy!

Danika Reed is the Cheese Monger at Vivant Fine Cheese, located in historic downtown Paso Robles. The Central Coast's premier cheese tasting room features premium, local and imported handcrafted artisan cheeses paired with the finest Central Coast wine and beer.  Danika is our monthly guest blogger for Cheese'n it Up!

Authentic Paso Robles Gifts- Gourmet Delights

by Tina Swithin, Travel Paso Robles Alliance

We've dedicated this blog series to some truly authentic Paso Robles gifts that will delight those on your Christmas list.  How authentic, you ask?  They are grown right here in Paso Robles!  

Paso Robles is quickly becoming known as a producer of fabulous olive oils.  Just when I think that I know everything about Paso, I discover something new.  For instance, Niner Wine Estates produces more than just great wines.  They also produce  olive oil!  The  Niner Wine Estates Olive Oil is estate grown from their eastside Bootjack Ranch Vineyard property, carefully made and bottled in limited quantities each year. This vintage is a blend of Arbequina, a Spanish variety and Frantoio, an Italian variety. The Arbequina brings a buttery mouthfeel and a peppery finish, while the Frantoio offers fruity aromas and a sweet sensation which makes them excellent blending partners. The 2010 Extra Virgin is medium-bodied, mildly pungent and tastes overall very clean. It finishes with a light spicy almond note.  This would make a splendid stocking stuffer for the gourmet goddess in your life.  

While olives and wine seem to take the spotlight in Paso Robles, there is an amazing little farm in Paso Robles which deserves a place on the stage.  Bring in the holidays with the joy of gourmet treats from  Limerock Orchards, Paso Robles' wine country walnut farm.  I had the pleasure of speaking to Olivia Wenger of Limerock Orchards who was happy to share her scrumptious Walnut Holiday Taster with Inside Paso Robles.  This delicious gift includes 4 lbs of organic, in-shell walnuts, 250ml roasted walnut oil and 8 ounces of creamy, raw walnut butter and a walnut oil recipe card. Yum!

Each product from Limerock Orchards is produced from their delicious, dryland farmed walnuts which are known for their sweet, buttery flavor. While you are doing your holiday shopping at Limerock Orchards, I highly recommend picking up some extra walnut butter for your own kitchen.  It's amazing on everything from crepes to hot cereal. 

Niner Wine Estates is located at 2400 Highway 46 West in Paso Robles                                 www.ninerwine.com or call 805-239-2233.

Limerock Orchards is located at 7210 Vineyard Drive in Paso Robles                          www.limerockorchards.com or call 805-238-6887

Tina Swithin is the PR Coordinator and Blog Manager for TravelPaso.com where she writes Pairings in Paso and other blog-a-licious Paso Robles articles.  Follow the Paso Robles Insider to get the inside scoop on all the haps in Paso Robles Wine Country.

 

 

 

Pairings in Paso: Stuffed Sole and Summerwood Viognier

by Tina Swithin

The holiday season seems to go hand in hand with rich, heavy recipes.  I am always on the hunt for light, simple and healthy to counterbalance the normal trend in December.  I know that I will get my fill of turkeys, hams and everything that goes along with the holidays so a break from those staple items is always welcomed in my home.  This recipe of sole stuffed with lemon rice is nothing short of refreshing which also describes the wine that I recommend pairing it with.

Paso Inspired Gifts - Wine and Gifts Under $25

by Tina Swithin, Travel Paso Robles Alliance

I love shopping.  That is a fact, my friends.  Every part of it makes me happy.  I stumbled upon a quote yesterday from Bo Derek who said, "Whoever said money can't buy happiness simply didn't know where to go shopping".  I know exactly where to go shopping so I have no issues with the happiness part of that equation.  You want in on my little secret, don't you?  The place to shop is Paso Robles-- our own local mecca for wine, artisan delights, gourmet goodies and much more.  

Recipes from Paso: Pasolivo's Oven Roasted Cauliflower

by Tina Swithin, Travel Paso Robles Alliance

By now you know that I'm always on the hunt for recipes.  Luckily, I live in an area that keeps me incredibly inspired to cook and experiment with new dishes year-round.  Fresh, local produce through the North County Farmer's Markets are a cook's dream come true.  Our local businesses such as Jack Creek Farms, Pasolivo, Fat Cat Farm, We Olive and Limerock Orchards help to keep my gourmet interest alive, well and thriving.  

I was visiting my friend's at Pasolivo yesterday and walked away with a fabulous new recipe for cauliflower.  Cauliflower is one of those vegetables that I don't use nearly enough.  After finding this easy and de-li-cious dish, you can rest assured that it will be on my dinner table much more often!  Easy, healthy and scrumptious is my favorite combination.  

Oven-Roasted Cauliflower

• One head of cauliflower
• One head of garlic
• Pasolivo lemon olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Parmesan cheese

Pre-heat oven to 450 degrees.  Cut cauliflower into bite-size pieces.  Peel and chop garlic.  Combine  cauliflower and garlic in a 9 x 13 pan.  Drizzle with lemon oil and season with salt and pepper.  Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring to caramelize.  Remove from oven and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. 

Enjoy! 

Tina Swithin is the Blog Manager for TravelPaso.com where she writes Pairings in Paso and other blog-a-licious Paso Robles articles.  Follow the Paso Robles Insider to get the inside scoop on all the haps in Paso Robles Wine Country.  

 

 

Cheese’n it Up and Giving Thanks at Vivant Fine Cheese

by Danika Reed, Vivant Fine Cheese

Hello Cheese Lovers!

When I sit down to collect my thoughts and begin to prepare for the upcoming Holiday season, I get an overwhelming feeling of comfort, which makes me appreciate the rich life we enjoy because we live on the Central Coast of California.  Many of my friends are sharing their daily feelings of thanks online.  I find it uplifting and inspiring to read the simple everyday things people are thankful for and that I most often take for granted.  As we settle into a season of family and friends, my first thoughts focus on food and of course CHEESE!! 

Pairings in Paso: We Olive Olio Nuovo Turkey and Windward Pinot

by Tina Swithin, Travel Paso Robles Alliance

Paso Robles comes to life in October during wine harvest and olive harvest follows closely behind in November.  This is truly a magical season to be in Paso Robles!  I recently had the pleasure of speaking to Frank Mercurio, founder of We Olive.  Frank filled me in on a time-honored tradition in the olive world which is known as Olio Nuovo—it goes back hundreds of years.  Olio Nuovo means “new oil” in Italian—it is fresh extra virgin olive oil made from the first press of the season.  This fresh oil is a delight for the senses and typically has a pungent and peppery flavor.  It’s truly delicious. 

 

It's the Great Pumpkin, Paso Robles!

by Tina Swithin

It’s the great pumpkin, Paso Robles! 

You can choose to sit and wait patiently for the Great Pumpkin as Linus did in the classic 1966 television special or you can head out to Jack Creek Farms and enjoy the festivities, fresh fudge and pumpkins.  Jack Creek Farms also offers cider tasting, honey tasting and if you’re really, really nice then they may even let you sample the fresh pumpkin fudge.  I must admit that I am a fudge connoisseur and Joy  Barlogio makes the best fudge this side of the Mississippi.     

If you’ve been procrastinating on getting that perfect pumpkin- there is still time and plenty of pumpkins awaiting you!  Adopting a pumpkin is much less work than a new puppy- trust me!  While you’re out there be sure to take a stroll through the hay bale maze or hop on the wooden train.  There are photo ops galore and you will be able to check “family photo” off your annual to-do list.  What are you waiting for?  Grab the children and the camera and head to Jack Creek Farms to get in on the holiday spirit.  If you want to become a pumpkin expert (as I am now), take a peek at the Jack Creek Farms "All About Pumpkins"  for facts, history and fab recipes which I will be trying this week.

If you are looking for something to do before heading out for trick-or-treating than I have another Paso Robles Insider tip.  Stop by Jack Creek Farms on Halloween Day from 10am to 5pm for “Halloween on the Farm”.  Everyone in costume who poses for a photo will receive a FREE Jack-o-lantern!!!  Please note that quantities are limited and the offer is valid while supplies last.  What a great way to kick off Halloween!  You can bet that I’ll be there with my little ones in tow. 
 

Here is a sneak peek at another event just around the corner: 

Looking for tips on how to prepare that special Thanksgiving dish?  Come on out for the Heirloom Winter Squash Tasting event on November 5th from 1-3pm.  Discover how to transform your winter squash into fabulous fall dishes sure to delight family and friends.  

You will have the chance to sample at least six different varieties of winter squash and walk away with an assortment of festive recipes to add to your collection.  I think I forgot to mention the best part- it’s free!  Impress your friends with your new cooking talents, sample delicious food and meet the fabulous people who make Jack Creek Farms such a special place.

Jack Creek Farms
5000 Highway 46 West
Templeton, CA 93465
(805) 239-1915

Farm Hours:
Open Daily 10am - 6pm (Closed Wednesdays and rainy days- check website for Nov. hours)

Tina Swithin is the Blog Manager for TravelPaso.com where she writes Pairings in Paso and other blog-a-licious Paso Robles articles.  Follow the Paso Robles Insider to get the inside scoop on all the haps in Paso Robles Wine Country.