WATERMELON, BASIL & MORE
July 2,2010
RECIPE TO CELEBRATE SUMMER
Still Waters Vineyards shares a secret marinade and refreshing salad just in time for July 4th!
The Hoover Family developed a vineyard and winery concept based on these statements: " Be small. Have Fun. Focus on Quality." They've done that and more. In the process they've given great memories to people from all over, who've enjoyed their wines at special occasions or special moments at the end of the day.
THE BEGINNING
At first, Paul and Patty Hoover thought they'd like a small vineyard - maybe one acre. Well, it's not huge, but they have about 60 acres and produce some 14 varieties on their slice of wine country heaven just outside of Paso Robles. They sell grapes to well-thought-of wineries throughout California and they make some wine themseleves. The wines - as you'll see when you visit the website- are not in big case amounts. So, buy what you like (love) because you never know when some other wine lover will beat you to them. www.stillwatersvineyards.com
And when you get a chance (make time this season) visit them just off Creston Road east of Templeton. The map is on their website.
ABOUT THE RECIPES
It's rare to find a good wine without a good cook right beside it. These grape growers and winemakers are into flavors and aroma. No matter how big or small the meal is, it's often flavorful and marked by quality. Count yourself lucky to enjoy a private family fete with any wine family. Accept any invitation to do so. With that said, the next best thing is to get ahold of their recipes and buy the wine they're drinking. It's a concept that works when you travel to foreign countries and it's just as true here in the USA. *Paul & Ben have been using this secret marinade recipe for years! Sssshhh. It's still technically a secret - just between you and me.
FRONT PORCH WINES
Where I grew up it was hot and humid in the summer. At the end of the day, everyone gathered on the wide front porch. It had a big swing and comfortable chairs and as the sun set, it was a pleasant place to just enjoy the evening. I don't have a porch and I live at the beach in California, but I still like to sit outside in the evening. We serve wines to our neighbors, friends and family that are refreshing and match with our food and lifestyle. We like flavorful bites of food that may come from producers just down the road. You get the idea - it's all about the journey and we select the wines to make the journey as lovely as possible. The Hoovers have selected a couple of wines to match their recipes and we pass them along to you with a big toast for good fun,food and wine!
Watermelon Basil Salad
Chunk up a whole seedless watermelon
Chop 1 cup fresh basil
2 cloves minced garlic
1 red onion sliced or chopped
1 cup feta cheese
Mix together with balsamic vinaigrette (use your favorite) So refreshing and easy!
BQ Chicken Marinade
1/2 can beer
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon peanut oil
1/2 cup soy or teriyaki sauce
Marinade chicken for no less than 4 hours before grilling and continue to braise the chicken with the marinade while on the grill.
Both recipes are light and easy - perfect for summer entertaining! Try the wines below with these recipes and you'll be the hit of the patio party.
2009 Sauvignon Blanc
The crisp,fresh style is just what the party doctor ordered for summer. Whether you have a backyard bbq or just want a glass of refreshment at the end of a long-hot work week, this lively and fragrant wine will be just right. Flavors of grapefruit, pear, and green apple make it fun to match with foods.
2009 Viognier
We're big Viognier fans - and the first sip almost always transports us to back to wonderful villages in France. This SW Vineyards wine is fragrant with apricot, peach and floral flavors. It has clean and crisp flavors and again it's a lovely wine for summer - but that won't stop us from matching it with food in Fall.
www.stillwatersvineyards.com
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