Into the Soup

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Haas Family’s Carrot, Leek and Potato Soup

July 29, 2011 / / 0 Comments

This Haas family favorite is a good match for the both the Espirit de Beaucastel Blanc 2009 (see the Weekly Whet!!) or Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc 2007. The richness of the Roussanne in the Esprit Blanc nicely compliments the combination of earthiness and creaminess of the root vegetables.  Serve it with a simple green salad and crusty bread for a perfectly comforting meal. 

Carrot, Leek and Potato Soup

Serves 4

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 3 large carrots, chopped
  • 2 large leeks, finely sliced
  • 3 tbsp. butter
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • Salt to taste
  • Cream (for garnish)
  • 3 tbsp finely chopped parsley (for garnish)
  1. Melt the butter in a stockpot; add the leeks and carrots over medium-low heat.  Stir to thoroughly coat vegetables with butter, and sauté for about 5 minutes.  Do not let leeks brown.
  2. Add the potatoes, the chicken stock, the water, and salt. 
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until vegetables are soft.
  4. Remove from heat, and use an immersion blender to puree.  Correct seasonings.
  5. Ladle into bowls, and serve with a swirl of cream and a sprinkling of parsley.

Soup of the Week is brought to you by Sunset and Savor the Central Coast


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The Weekly Whet: Tablas Creek Winery Espirit de Beaucastel Blanc 2009

July 28, 2011 / / 0 Comments

The Tablas Creek Vineyard’s Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc 2009 is a wine that will keep you wondering… and wanting more. The Esprit is a blend of three estate-grown varietals that touch all the senses. Roussanne provides the core richness, minerality, and flavors of honey and spice, while Grenache Blanc adds green apple and anise flavors, a lush mouthfeel and bright acids. Picpoul Blanc completes the blend, adding a saline minerality and tropical notes. The Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc 2009 is a finalist at Sunset Magazine’s Western Wine Awards (held at Sunset’s Savor the Central Coast).

 

Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc 2009

1975 Cases Produced

62% Roussanne, 26% Grenache Blanc, 12% Picpoul Blanc

 

FOOD PAIRINGS

Haas Familys’ Carrot, Leek and Potato Soup
Cooked shellfish (lobster, softshell crab, shrimp)
Roasted or grilled vegetables (eggplant, asparagus, peppers)
Foods cooked with garlic and olive oil
Rich fish dishes (i.e., salmon, swordfish)
Asian stir fry

Popcorn Cake

July 27, 2011 / / 0 Comments

Popcorn Cake??!? My mom used to make this ‘cake’ a lot when I was growing up—I even took it to school one year as my ‘birthday cake’ to share with classmates! Right now I’m thinking it’s a great, no-bake cake recipe for summer! BYOC (Be Your Own Chef) with your favorite nuts and M&M’s: the possibilities are endless. Popcorn Cake and a movie anyone?!?

Popcorn Cake

Yield: 16-18 servings

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine
  • 8 oz mini marshmallows
  • 20 caramels, unwrapped
  • 10 cups popcorn, popped without salt or butter
  • 1-1/2 cups salted peanuts (or use your favorite nuts—almonds, pecans, etc.)
  • 1 cup M&M’s (your favorite—plain, peanut, peanut butter, almond, pretzel, etc.)
  1. Spray a 10 cup bundt or 10” tube pan with cooking spray (make sure you do a good job—you don’t want the cake to stick!).
  2. In a microwave safe bowl, combine butter, marshmallows, and caramels. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 3 minutes or until melted, stirring occasionally. Place popcorn, nuts, and M&M’s in a large bowl; pour caramel mixture over popcorn mixture. Mix well.
  3. Press mixture into prepared pan. Cool until firm. Remove from pan and cut with a serrated knife.

 

Grandma Holcomb’s Shrimp Salad

July 24, 2011 / / 0 Comments

An easy, down-home recipe direct from Heidi… “My maternal grandmother made this favorite salad of mine–she’s still one of my heroes. My mother makes it for me when I come home in the summer.  Great for a simple salad for my boat guests.”  

Grandma Holcomb’s Shrimp Salad

Serves 4

Ingredients:

  • 1 Large Head Lettuce
  • 2  carrots, shredded
  • 1 C. Miracle Whip
  • 10 oz can Medium, Deveined Shrimp
  1. Clean and chop the lettuce, making sure it is well drained.
  2. Add carrot and miracle whip and mix well. Add the shrimp and toss gently. Cover and put in the frig for awhile – this goes great with fried chicken and corn on the cob! Ah, home….

 

The Weekly Whet: Bay Breeze

July 22, 2011 / / 0 Comments

Confession: I kind of like country music.

Don’t get me wrong–I’m not one of those CountryThunderNASCARandPBR-loving lunatics, however, I do enjoy a sappy love song once in awhile, and nobody does those better than Country artists. Take the classic ‘Strawberry Wine’ by Deanna Carter for example, It’s a lovely little ballad about getting drunk on strawberry wine at 17 and getting hot and heavy with an older dude who works for your Grandpa. It just doesn’t get much more romantic than that!

So while I hope all of us have evolved beyond picking up strawberry-flavored wine from the gas station, there’s no reason why you can’t make a similar, and I’ll venture–classier concoction. You can find Cranberry Wine and Vino Verde at liquor superstores like BevMo and Total Wine.

NOTE: into the Soup does not condone or encourage underage drinking. Just because Deanna Carter got away with it doesn’t mean you will.

Ingredients

  •  3 parts Cranberry wine (real wine with about 11% alcohol)
  •  1 part Vino Verde (Portuguese white wine with a bit of effervesence)
  •  0.5 part Cocchi Americano

 Shake with ice, serve on ice with a rim lime.

Macro Photography Gets Up Close & Personal

July 21, 2011 / / 0 Comments

Photos and Article By Ray Pearson

In camera-speak, “macro” designates a setting for close-up photography. Some cameras have an additional setting that allows you to take super close-up (within a few inches) photographs of your subject. One of summer’s most popular subjects is flowers. Whether touring exotic locations, formal gardens, or your own backyard, macro flower photography lends itself beautifully to images that can later be turned into framed wall art.

Photographs of antiques, collectibles, jewelry, and even pets are made more special by getting in close. For insurance purposes, having a clear photo of the hallmarks on silver and pewter pieces can also be invaluable.

There are very few suggestions to follow for capturing great macro photographs:

  • Use a tripod, or other steadying device, if possible.
  • Use a slow, deliberate “squeeze” on the shutter release – not a quick “jab”
  • Have fun! Macro photography will heighten your sense of noticing details and colors

 

Candlestick–3.75 Inches

Hallmarks on Silver

Ernie the Cat

Even a flash bulb looks neat

 

A Collection of Beautiful Hawaiian Flowers

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