California Wine Country holds a very strong appeal for many. And for many, that typically means going to Napa Valley and taking in the traditional tourist atmosphere. Every California wine aficionado should do this at least once. But once you’ve done that, your best bet is to take your tourist experience and then delve deeper into the culture, the wine, and the region.
After numerous trips to California wine country, we honed in on Sonoma County and, specifically, the Dry Creek area near Healdsburg. This is the first of a four part series recounting our recent trip to this area.
Farro is not one of those ingredients that most people have laying around in their kitchens. That’s a pity. It has become a staple in my house due to its versitility, texture, flavor and health benefits.
Spring brings asparagus season, and asparagus just screams for two of my favorite ways to prepare food… grilled, and with an egg on top.
I may have mentioned a time or two how much I like ramps. As it is now high ramp season, much of what I am cooking has a ramp component to it in one way or another.
Ramps were one of the finds that made our first CSA Produce season worthwhile. I had never heard of a ramp before I first started getting our produce box from Harmony Valley Farm. Now they have become a passion. They came in the very first box, and I looked at them with intrigue.
On the surface, [...]
The first CSA produce box of the season brings the challenge of ramps, sunchokes, asparagus, spinach, burdock, rhubarb, sorrel, parsnips, chives and black radishes!
by irene on April 27, 2009
Farmers’ Market season has hit, and Cuisine Capers has your guide to the Madison and Dane County area Markets! There’s a market for everyone – find yours here!
by irene on February 22, 2009
Yes. Spinach and Egg Pizza on Whole Wheat Crust might sound a bit off-putting, but it is one of the more tasty, healthy recipes that I’ve played around with lately.
by greg on February 1, 2009
If you are going to be in Northern California or in the San Francisco area, a trip to the wine country is certainly something to consider. Napa and Sonoma counties are, traffic permitting, only a several hour drive north from San Francisco. While this can be done as a day trip, it’s better done as a two to four day excursion.
by greg on January 8, 2009
The appreciation of wine is in it’s essence is a subjective response. While with exposure and experience one can make learned comments about the “nose” or the color or expound on the presence or absence of any one of those various wine speak attributes one hears at wine tastings, at the core, you have a very personal reaction to wine that may have very little to do with the inate qualities of the wine itself.
A Grilled Caesar Salad with Steak and Blue Cheese is filling, flavorful, and healthy! It is also a great way to use produce in your CSA box!