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Grilled Peach and Asparagus Salad with Goat Cheese

Here to sweeten your barbecue this grilling season is a delicious peach recipe packed with seasonal flavor. Best enjoyed outside among friends and family, this recipe combines elements of sweetness, tanginess, and smokiness to delight your palate. Pair with a chilled Temecula Valley Chardonnay to complete the meal.

Ingredients

Yield: 4-6 Servings

  • 4 ripe peaches, peeled and cut into wedges
  • 1 bunch of asparagus, cut with the bottoms trimmed
  • 1 red pepper, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 yellow pepper, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 red onion, peeled and quartered
  • ½ cup (106g) extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup (60g) balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon (5.69g) salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper (1.18g)

Garnish:

  • ¼ cup (5g) shredded basil
  • ½ cup soft (113 grams) goat cheese

Instructions

  • Pre-heat barbecue to medium-high.
  • In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except for basil and cheese. Toss together to evenly coat with oil and balsamic vinegar.
  • Place all ingredients into a vegetable holder (or use a pan with holes or a screen) to prevent vegetables from falling between grill. Reduce heat to medium and place mixture onto heat.
  • Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until everything is softened and has a little char.
  • Remove from heat and place back into the mixing bowl if chilling to serve cold or place an even amount onto each plate and top with a spoon of goat cheese. Sprinkle fresh shredded basil overtop and serve.
  • Note: This dish can be served warm or cold.

Wine Suggestions

Wilson Creek Winery ~ 2022 Yes Dear Chardonnay This wine has aromas of green apple and sweet French oak.

Falkner Winery ~ 2021 Chardonnay This wine has aromas of green apple, cinnamon, and Meyer Lemon flavors

Bella Vista Winery ~ 2021 Chardonnay – This wine has aromas of various fruits

Recipe and photo courtesy of the Wine Institute of California

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Summer Squash and Potato Herb Salad

Get ready to elevate your summer dining experience with this vibrant and refreshing Summer Harvest Herb Salad. Bursting with the flavors of the season, this colorful medley of yellow and green zucchini, creamy red potatoes, succulent red peppers, and zesty red onion will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of summer. This dish calls for a wine that complements its herbaceous and zesty notes while balancing the array of vegetables, and we recommend pairing it with your favorite Temecula Valley Sauvignon Blanc.

Yield: 4 Servings

Ingredients

  • 1 yellow zucchini cut into 1 inch half moons
  • 1 green zucchini cut into 1 inch half moons
  • 1 red onion peeled and cut into quarters
  • 1 red pepper cut into 1-inch squares
  • 1 lbs of min red potatoes, cut in half and boiled for 6 minutes
  • ½ cup (120g) extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 hard boiled eggs, sliced (for garnish)
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped (for garnish)
  • ½ cup (50g) shredded asiago or parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Dressing

  • ½ cup (120g) olive oil
  • ¼ cup (60g) cider vinegar
  • ½ cup (20g) basil
  • ¼ cup (10g) chopped curly parsley
  • 1 tablespoon (2g) chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 tablespoon (2g) chopped fresh sage
  • 1 clove of garlic chopped
  • 2 teaspoons (10g) sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon (2g) black pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat grill to medium heat. Combine the zucchini, onion, potatoes, red and red pepper into a bowl and toss together to evenly coat with oil. Place in a grilling basket or pan with holes and grill for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring while cooking to avoid burning. Remove from heat.
  • Combine dressing ingredients into a food processer or a blender and blend until pureed and pesto-like. Pour over grilled potatoes and vegetables and toss together until evenly coated. Place into bowls.
  • Evenly distribute the sliced eggs over each salad and sprinkle green onions over the sliced eggs.
  • Sprinkle the cheese evenly over each salad and serve.

Wiens Cellars~ 2023 Sauvignon Blanc – This wine has a burst of tropical fruit that cascades into subtle notes of lemongrass, creating a harmonious blend of aromas.

Thornton Winery~ 2022 Sauvignon Blanc This wine combines the fruit and herbaceous characters of Sauvignon Blanc with the additional floral and exotic aromatic characteristics.

Falkner Winery ~ 2021 Sauvignon Blanc – This wine has aromas of passion fruit, grapefruit, and key lime.

Recipe and photo courtesy of the Wine Institute of California

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California Apple, Brie, and Pomegranate Flatbread

As spring unfolds in Temecula, embrace the vibrant flavors of the season with this delightful California Apple, Brie and Pomegranate Flatbread. Quick to prepare and bursting with fresh ingredients, this dish captures the essence of springtime. Pair with your favorite Temecula Valley Sparkling Wine.

Prep: 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces baby arugula
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • Half of a Cara Cara or Navel orange
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 10 store-bought mini naan or flatbreads
  • 2 small Fuji apples, thinly sliced on a mandoline or with a very sharp knife
  • 4 ounces Brie cheese, sliced into 10 thin slices
  • 3 tablespoons California pomegranate arils

Instructions

  • Place the arugula in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle the olive oil over the top, squeeze the orange half over the greens and season lightly with salt and pepper. Toss with fingertips to coat all of the arugula.
  • On a serving board, arrange the flatbreads. Divide the dressed arugula amongst the flatbreads; you may have a bit leftover.
  • Lay 2-3 thin slices of apple over the arugula on each naan/flatbread and top each one with a thin slice of Brie.
  • Sprinkle pomegranate arils over the tops of all of the flatbreads right before serving.

Suggested Pairings:

South Coast Winery~ ~ Sparkling Brut

Carter Estate Winery – Sparkling Brut

Raul Ramirez Winery ~ Vintage Gran Reserva Sparkling Cava

Recipe and photo courtesy of the Wine Institute of California

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Golden State Sliders

These sliders bring together a tantalizing medley of meats and toppings, resulting in a bite-sized masterpiece that embodies the true essence of the Golden State. Pair with your favorite Temecula Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

Ingredients

Patty Ingredients:

  • 1-pound (454g) medium ground beef
  • ½ pound (225g) lean ground beef
  • 1-pound (454g) ground turkey
  • A bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • ½ – 1 cups (60-120g) breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Coarse salt
  • Ground pepper
  • 3 tablespoons (45g) Worcestershire sauce

Toppings:

  • Arugula
  • Heirloom tomatoes, sliced
  • Pickled red onions
  • 12 buns (recommend brioche)
  • Slices of aged sharp cheddar
  • 2 ripe avocados, sliced

Sauces, as desired:

  • Dijon
  • Ketchup
  • Aioli or mayonnaise

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine the ground meats with the chopped parsley, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and ½ cup of breadcrumbs. If the texture feels too wet, add in more breadcrumbs until the patties feel like they’ll hold their shape.
  • Using hands, roll out into 10-12 even balls, using your mini buns as reference. Reminder! They will shrink a bit as they cook. Press lightly to form patties.
  • Place patties in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. In the meantime, prepare your toppings.
  • Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill the patties to your liking, adding the slices of cheese on top of the patties once they’ve been flipped. Toast your buns on the grill in the last minute or two before the burgers are done.
  • Remove from heat and place back into the mixing bowl if chilling to serve cold or place an even amount onto each plate and top with a spoon of goat cheese. Sprinkle fresh shredded basil overtop and serve.
  • Build with desired toppings and sauces and serve warm.

Suggested Wines:

Falkner Winery~ 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon – The wine has smooth flavors of blueberry and plum.

Chapin Winery ~ 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon This wine has aromas of blueberry, mocha, plum and vanilla.

Wiens Family Cellars~ 2019 Kriel Cabernet Sauvignon – This wine has aromas of black plum, nutmeg & baked vanilla bean

Recipe and photo courtesy of the Wine Institute of California

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Trio of Stuffed Peppers

If you’re looking for a party favorite that will appeal to all palates, look no further than this trio of peppers recipe. This recipe comes complete with a trio of different stuffing options: meat, vegetarian, and vegan. We suggest you pair it with your favorite Temecula Valley Zinfandel!

Ingredients

Pepper Preparation

  • 8 jalapeno or poblano peppers halved and seeded
  • 8 sweet red banana pepper or 4 sweet red bell peppers halved and seeded
  • 8 yellow chile peppers or banana pepper peppers halved and seeded

Jalapeno or poblano pepper filling (Meat)

  • ½ lb (226.8g) ground spicy Italian or chorizo sausage
  • ¼ cup (25g) chopped green onions
  • ¼ cup (6g) cilantro chopped
  • ½ cup (60g) smoked Gouda shredded
  • 8 slices of bacon cut in half to make 16 smaller strips

Red banana or sweet red pepper filling (Vegetarian)

  • ¼ cup (30g) chopped asparagus
  • ¼ cup (60g) diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons (20g) chopped red onion
  • ½ cup (75g) feta cheese crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons (5g) shredded basil
  • 2 eggs with 2 tablespoons (28g) extra virgin oil whisked together
  • 1 teaspoon (5.7g) sea salt
  • ½ cup (30g) breadcrumbs

Stuffed yellow chile or banana peppers filling (Vegan)

  • 1 cup (195g) cooked rice
  • ½ cup (85g) cooked black beans
  • ¼ cup (30g) corn kernels
  • ¼ cup (40g) diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons (15g) chopped green onions
  • 1 tablespoon (3g) chopped parsley
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) Tabasco
  • 1 teaspoon (2g) cumin
  • 1 tablespoon (15g) lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon (5.7g) sea salt
  • ½ cup (30g) breadcrumbs

Instructions

  • Jalapeno or poblano pepper filling (Meat)
  • Mix the cheese, onions, cilantro and ground sausage together.
  • Stuff each halved jalapeño with an equal amount of filling and wrap each one tightly with a slice of bacon.
  • Place on a lined baking sheet and bake in a preheat oven at 350°F degrees for 15 to 20 min or until filling and bacon are cooked.
  • Red banana or sweet red pepper filling (Vegetarian)
  • Combine all ingredients, except the feta cheese, into a bowl and mix thoroughly together.
  • Stuff the peppers with an equal amount of stuffing and top with crumbled feta cheese.
  • Bake in 350°F degrees oven for 7 to 10 min or until mixture is firm and cheese is melted and slighted browned.
  • Stuffed yellow chile or banana peppers filling (Vegan)
  • Combine all ingredients into a bowl and mix thoroughly together.
  • Stuff each half pepper with an equal amount of filling and bake at 350°F for 7 to 10 min or until pepper is cooked.
  • An additional option is to top them with a vegan cheese of your choice before baking.

Suggested Wines:

Wilson Creek Winery~ 2020 Zinfandel – The wine is full of flavors of boysenberry and blackberry. 

Akash Winery ~ 2020 Zinfandel – This wine has aromas of blueberry crumble with notes of caramel, campfire smoke, and wild blackberry.

Danza del Sol ~ 2020 Zinfandel – This wine has aromas of blackberry, cinnamon spice, and dried date.

Recipe and photo courtesy of the Wine Institute of California

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Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread

This tangy, round-shaped loaf we know as San Francisco sourdough bread, brushed with garlic butter, stuffed with cheese, then baked until toasty is the golden melty goodness you didn’t know you needed. Sourdough bread certainly wasn’t invented in San Francisco—that’s a credit to ancient cultures of Egypt—but it became closely associated with the city during the California Gold Rush era when it was a staple of miners’ diets. Today, loaves are often hollowed out, filled with creamy clam chowder, and served to visitors. Some say the foggy climate gives San Francisco’s sourdough bread a special bounce, and others say it’s a specific local strain of yeast that gives the characteristic flavor. That bounce and flavor are notes that pair perfectly with a Temecula Valley Chardonnay.

Yield: 6 Servings
Prep: 5 minutes | Cook: 30 minutesTotal Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 round or oval loaf of sourdough bread
  • 1 stick (8 tablespoons/125 g) butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • ½ teaspoon (3 mL) salt, omit if using salted butter
  • 3 cups (700 g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 2 tablespoons (30 mL) chopped fresh parsley

Special equipment: serrated bread knife, pastry brush is helpful but not required, aluminum foil

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter with garlic and salt if using. Remove from heat. Alternatively, you can melt the butter and garlic in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave oven.
  • Using a serrated bread knife, cut the bread into 1-inch (2 cm) slices, without cutting all the way through the bottom. Turn the bread a ¼-turn and cut the bread at 1-inch (2 cm) intervals to create small diamonds or squares, again, without cutting all the way through the bottom of the loaf of bread.
  • Brush the inside cut surfaces of the bread with the melted garlic butter. If you don’t have a pastry brush, you can simply drizzle the melted garlic butter with a small spoon. Reserve about 2 tablespoons (30 mL) for the top.
  • Using your fingers, stuff shredded cheese into the cut surfaces of the bread. The cheese does not have to fit inside perfectly.
  • Brush the top of the stuffed bread loaf with the remaining garlic butter. Place the loaf on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil. Bake until the cheese has melted, about 20 minutes. Remove the aluminum foil and bake until the top of the bread gets toasted, about 5 minutes.
  • Sprinkled top of bread with chopped parsley. Serve immediately, with a lot of napkins.
  • Leftover Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread will keep tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or a zip-top bag in the refrigerator for three days.
  • Notes and Substitutions
  • Monterey Jack is our cheese of choice because—what else?—it originates from California! However, any meltable cheese like mozzarella or mild cheddar will work.
  • Make-ahead: You can make this Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread ahead by following the recipe through stuffing the cheese into the bread. Very tightly wrap the prepped Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread loaf and keep it in the refrigerator. When ready to make, remove from the refrigerator, unwrap, and let come to room temperature while you preheat the oven, about 15 minutes. Proceed baking as directed in the recipe.

Suggested Wines:

Maurice Car’rie/Ultimate Vineyards~ 2020 Chardonnay – The wine opens warmly on the nose with baked apple pie, with notes of honeyed toast and orange blossoms.

Ponte Winery ~ 2021 Chardonnay – This wine opens with aromas of luscious ripe peach mid-palate, citrus entry, and a beautiful pineapple finish.

Baily Winery ~ 2021 Chardonnay – This wine is smooth and crisp with a pleasing finish.

Recipe and photo courtesy of the Wine Institute of California

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Farmers Fried Rice

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked white or brown rice – allow to cool to room temperature
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tbsp cooking oil (vegetable or canola)
  • 1/2 cup shredded red cabbage
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onion
  • 1 tbsp minced ginger
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1/2 cup sliced shitake mushrooms
  • 1/4 cup chopped celery
  • 1/2 cup chopped kale
  • 1/2 cup sliced orange or red peppers
  • 1/2 cup cooked green Fava beans or edamame beans
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp orange juice
  • 1 tsp chili flakes
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1 tbsp white sesame seeds

Instructions

  • In a large frying pan heat, 1 tbsp cooking oil and then add the whisked eggs. Cook the eggs, scrambling them. Once cooked remove from the pan and place off to the side on a plate or bowl.
  • Add the sesame oil to the pan and heat on medium-high.
  • Once hot add the celery, fava or edamame beans, ginger, garlic, mushrooms, and half of the green onions (another half to be sprinkled on top once all is cooked). Sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Increase heat to high.
  • Add the rice, scrambled eggs, and remaining ingredients, except the remaining green onions and sesame seeds. Cook for about 5 to 7 min.
  • Portion into bowls and finish by sprinkling remaining green onions and white sesame seeds over the top.

Suggested Wines:

Wilson Creek Winery ~ 2022 Yes Dear Chardonnay – This wine has a warm golden color with green apple and sweet French Oak aromas on the nose. 

Callaway Winery ~ 2019 Reserve Chardonnay – This wine opens with aromas of leafy pineapple and citrus fruits

Falkner Winery ~ 2021 Chardonnay – This wine has notes of pear, lemon-peel and crisp apple

Recipe and photo courtesy of the Wine Institute of California

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Sheet-Pan Chicken with Chickpeas, Carrots and Lemon

seasoned chicken with vegetables on a sheet-pan

A Moroccan spice rub seasons these chicken thighs, while the chicken flavors the chickpeas and carrots that cook underneath. The cooked lemon slices will be soft and delicious. but you can set them aside if you prefer. Pair with Temecula Valley Zinfandel.

Ingredients

Spice rub: 

  • 1 teaspoon sea salt 
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika 
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 4 bone-in chicken thighs, about 2 pounds (900 g) 
  • 1 can (15 oz/425 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed 
  • ½ pound (225 g) carrots, thinly sliced on the diagonal 
  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced from stem to root 
  • 1 small lemon, halved lengthwise (quartered lengthwise if large), then sliced 
  • 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin 
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt 
  • Extra virgin olive oil 
  • 1/3 cup (10 g) coarsely chopped cilantro, plus a few whole leaves for garnish 

Serves 4

Directions

In a small bowl, combine the spice rub ingredients. Sprinkle all over the chicken and set aside. 

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a 9 x 12-inch (23 x 30 cm) rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. 

In a bowl, combine the chickpeas, carrots, red onion, lemon, garlic, cumin, salt and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Toss to mix, then arrange in the baking sheet in an even layer. Arrange the chicken thighs on top, not touching, and drizzle 1 teaspoon olive oil on top of each one. 

Bake on a center rack for 40 minutes. With tongs, set the chicken aside on a plate. Add the chopped cilantro to the vegetables and stir to mix and moisten everything with the chicken juices. Remake the bed of vegetables and replace the chicken on top. Bake for 5 minutes longer. Remove from the oven and let rest 5 minutes to allow the chicken juices to settle. Tilt the sheet pan and spoon some of the juices over the chicken. 

Transfer to a serving platter or to individual dinner plates and garnish with cilantro leaves.  

Suggested pairings:

Doffo Winery ~ 2019 Zinfandel This popular Zinfandel is sure to delight the senses with aromas of plum, raspberry, figs, and cherries.

Leoness Cellars ~ 2019 Zinfandel – This wine offers beautiful aromas and flavors of sweet blackberry and boysenberry fruit with hints of vanilla, allspice and black licorice framed by soft tannins and a long, silky finish.

Monte de Oro Winery ~ 2016 Zinfandel – This wine initially offers aromas of raspberries and dried cranberries with a transition to spices – pronounced cinnamon and nutmeg with slight smoky oak.

Peltzer Winery ~ 2017 Zinfandel– This wine offers aromas of pomegranate, red cherry, tart raspberry, black pepper.

Recipe and photo courtesy of The Wine Institute of California

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Sheet-Pan Chicken with Chickpeas, Carrots and Lemon

Sheet-Pan Chicken with Chickpeas, Carrots and Lemon

A Moroccan spice rub seasons these chicken thighs, while the chicken flavors the chickpeas and carrots that cook underneath. The cooked lemon slices will be soft and delicious. but you can set them aside if you prefer. Pair with your favorite Temecula Valley Zinfandel.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

Spice rub: 

  • 1 teaspoon sea salt 
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika 
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin (see note above)
  • 4 bone-in chicken thighs, about 2 pounds (900 g) 
  • 1 can (15 oz/425 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed 
  • ½ pound (225 g) carrots, thinly sliced on the diagonal 
  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced from stem to root 
  • 1 small lemon, halved lengthwise (quartered lengthwise if large), then sliced 
  • 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin (see Note above) 
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt 
  • Extra virgin olive oil 
  • 1/3 cup (10 g) coarsely chopped cilantro, plus a few whole leaves for garnish 

Directions:

In a small bowl, combine the spice rub ingredients. Sprinkle all over the chicken and set aside. 

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a 9 x 12-inch (23 x 30 cm) rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. 

In a bowl, combine the chickpeas, carrots, red onion, lemon, garlic, cumin, salt and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Toss to mix, then arrange in the baking sheet in an even layer. Arrange the chicken thighs on top, not touching, and drizzle 1 teaspoon olive oil on top of each one. 

Bake on a center rack for 40 minutes. With tongs, set the chicken aside on a plate. Add the chopped cilantro to the vegetables and stir to mix and moisten everything with the chicken juices. Remake the bed of vegetables and replace the chicken on top. Bake for 5 minutes longer. Remove from the oven and let rest 5 minutes to allow the chicken juices to settle. Tilt the sheet pan and spoon some of the juices over the chicken. 

Transfer to a serving platter or to individual dinner plates and garnish with cilantro leaves.  

Suggested Pairings:

Chapin Family Vineyards ~ 2019 Zinfandel – Fruit forward, well balanced with flavors of jammy black cherry and rose petals. 

Doffo Winery ~ 2018 Zinfandel –  Aromas of plum, raspberry, figs, and cherries.

Hart Winery ~ 2018 Zinfandel – Aged 12 months in premium American oak and blend with a kiss of Petite Sirah.

Wilson Creek Winery ~ 2019 Bourbon Barrel Zinfandel – This wine displays flavors for plum and dark cherry with a bit of smokiness.

Recipe and photo courtesy of the Wine Institute of California

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Wine Country Recipe ~ Popcorn Trio

Popcorn Trio with Paired Wine

When it’s movie night – or the big game on TV night, make sure the snacks belong on the highlight reel. With this trio of wine-friendly flavored popcorns, the treats may steal the show. Make one, two or all three if you’re feeling ambitious. Pair with your favorite Temecula Valley Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon.

Ingredients:

Pimentón Popcorn 

  •  Stovetop Popcorn from ¼ cup popcorn kernels 
  • 1-1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 
  • 1 teaspoon pimentón (Spanish smoked paprika), hot or mild, or paprika 
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt 

Put the hot popcorn in a serving bowl. Add the butter, pimentón and salt and toss well.

Porcini Butter Popcorn 

  • Stovetop Popcorn from ¼ cup (55 g) popcorn kernels 
  • 1-1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons porcini powder or mushroom powder (see Note) 
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt 

Put the hot popcorn in a serving bowl. Add the butter, porcini powder and salt and toss well.  NOTE: You can find porcini powder at spice shops and well-stocked supermarkets, or you can make your own by grinding dried porcini to a powder in a spice mill. 

Brown Butter and Parmesan Popcorn 

  • 4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted butter 
  • Stovetop Popcorn from ½ cup (110 g) popcorn kernels 
  • 1/2 cup (30 g) finely grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese 
  • ¾ teaspoon sea salt 

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Continue cooking, swirling the pan often, until the butter stops foaming and hissing, a sign that most of the moisture has evaporated. At that point, the melted butter will begin to turn golden-brown and smell nutty. Remove from the heat. Put the hot popcorn in a serving bowl and pour the warm brown butter over the popcorn, leaving any dark solids at the bottom of the pan. Add the cheese and salt and toss well.  

Directions:

General stovetop popcorn preparation: Put 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and 3 to 4 popcorn kernels in a heavy saucepan. Cover, leaving the lid slightly ajar, and place over medium heat. When the kernels pop, add ¼ cup (55 g) popcorn kernels and recover, leaving the lid slightly ajar so steam can escape. Cook over medium heat, shaking the saucepan occasionally, until you no longer hear kernels popping. Makes about 7-1/2 cups (1.75 liters). 

Suggested Pairings:

Altisima Winery ~ 2019 Chardonnay – Aged in half stainless steel and half new French oak barrels, this full-bodied Chardonnay is the perfect white wine for the red wine drinker, boasting strong oak aromatics, a creamy texture, and a butter finish.

Baily Winery ~ 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon –  Offers warm, rich tones with subtle, herbaceous qualities and a hint of mint. 

Oak Mountain Winery ~ 2021 Chardonnay – This chardonnay is more creamy, buttery, and oaked with French oak imparting rich flavors of vanilla, butterscotch, crème brulee and caramel.

Thornton Winery ~ Limited Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon -Very classic berry and pepper aromas came forth while subtle herbaceous notes meld with the warm toasty aromas from the oak.

Recipe and photo courtesy of The Wine Institute of California

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