RECIPE: Farro with White Beans & Kale, from author Courtney Wade

The Catskills is in the process of becoming one of New York State’s premier destinations for local food enthusiasts. From specialty farms to farmers markets and top restaurants, this unique foodshed is featured in an exciting new book from author Courtney Wade, The Catskills Farm to Table Cookbook.

The Catskills Farm to Table Cookbook highlights the region, offering glimpses of delicious recipes and breathtaking photography which will take you on a journey of upstate New York and bring these flavors to your very own kitchen.

Courtney shares with us her Catskills-influenced recipe for Farro with White Beans & Kale, from The Catskills Farm to Table Cookbook.

Farro with White Beans & Kale

Serves 4

Ingredients

1 cup dry farro
3 cups chicken or vegetable stock (store-bought or see note below*)
1 (15-ounce) can white beans, rinsed
1 bay leaf
½ cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
4 teaspoons olive oil
8 ounces baby Bella mushrooms, sliced
¼ cup shallots, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chopped kale
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions

In a medium saucepan, bring farro, stock*, and bay leaf to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer until grains are tender but still chewy, about 30 minutes.

Stir beans into hot grains. Add cheeses and stir until melted. Cover and keep warm. Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, heat 2 teaspoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and cook until browned on both sides, about 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.

Add the remaining olive oil to skillet and cook shallots and garlic, stirring, about 30 seconds. Add the kale and cook, stirring frequently, until wilted, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Stir the kale, mushrooms, and parsley into the farro and serve.

*Note: Store-bought chicken or vegetable stock will work just fine, but definitely taste as you use for saltiness. If you would like to create your own stock, check out my recipe below (which will create more than you need for the recipe above).

 

Chicken Stock

Makes 4 quarts

Ingredients

Carcass of 1 roasted chicken
1 onion, chopped
4 celery stalks, chopped
3 carrots, chopped
1 cup asparagus ends
1 tablespoon peppercorns
3 sprigs thyme
8 sprigs parsley
3 sage leaves
2 bay leaves
6 quarts cold water

Directions

Combine the carcass with all the ingredients in a large stockpot. Cover the chicken with water; note that more may be needed to fully cover it. Bring to a boil, cover, then reduce heat and allow to simmer. Cook stock for 12 to 14 hours, adding more water if needed, to keep chicken submerged. Remove the foam that forms at the top of the stock. Strain the stock, discarding the solids, then pour into jars that can be stored, refrigerated, or kept in the freezer for up to 6 months.

About Courtney Wade

Courtney Wade is a chef, photographer, influencer and graphic designer who lives on a farm in upstate New York. Her unique perspective and dazzling photography bring this must-have collection of recipes and stories to life.

THE CATSKILLS FARM TO TABLE COOKBOOK
Written by Courtney Wade
978-1-57826-842-9, $20.00 paperback
978-1-57826-843-6, $12.99 ebook

Published by Hatherleigh Press.
Distributed through Penguin Random House.
Available wherever books are sold.
www.hatherleighpress.com

RECIPE: Pumpkin Spice Cookies with a Creamy Brown Butter Icing

Everyone has proclaimed their love for pumpkin spice, so much so that some companies have extended Pumpkin Spice season from “just the Holiday Season” all the way into “also part of the summer. We’re assuming they’re already planning for year-round pumpkin spice, but you won’t find us complaining. It is a unique combination of tasty ingredients that you have to work hard to mess up.

Fortunately we have a great American recipe for pumpkin spick cookies from food blogger Laurel Evans, as featured by Fine Dining Lovers.

Pumpkin Spice Cookies with a Creamy Brown Butter Icing

Dietary: Vegetarian
Serves: 4
Time Taken: 1 hour

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Spice Cookies
320 g all-purpose flour
4g baking powder
4.5g baking soda
5g cinnamon
1g ground nutmeg
1g ground cloves
2.5g ground salt
110g softened butter
300 g sugar
350g pumpkin puree
1 egg

For the Brown Butter icing
115g unsalted butter
240g sifted icing sugar
Vanilla extract
10ml pure vanilla extract
30 to 60 ml of milk

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 175°C.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt; set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
4. Add pumpkin, egg, and vanilla, and beat until creamy.
5. Mix in dry ingredients.
6. Drop on cookie sheet and flatten slightly.
7. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven.
8. Cool cookies, then frost.
9. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat until golden brown in color, about 10 minutes.
10. Pour butter into a bowl, and add sugar, vanilla, and 15 ml milk; stir until smooth.
Tip: If the icing is too thick, add another tablespoon milk, a little at a time, until consistency is spreadable.

Let cool for 5 minutes and use immediately.

WINE PICK: Union Wine Company is Leading the Way for Premium Canned Wines

Canned wines continue to grow as a hot product category that people more and more want to discover, and to drink. Union Wine Company is the group behind the Underwood line of canned wines, which was one of the earliest successful pioneers in bringing canned wines to stores across the world. Union was able to beat several of the challenges involving canned wine, such as creating the right packaging, eliminating various elements that can affect the taste of the wine in cans, and of course, changing consumer perspectives on canned wine’s quality.

It is very likely that you have already seen Underwood’s Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris in the wine section of your local grocery. If you haven’t tried their new line of flavored wines, such as the Mei Wine and the Strawberry Cooler, then definitely add those to your list. Our tasters were quite pleased with them, especially when you are looking for something light and unique.

Today we speak with Ryan Harms, founder and owner of the Union Wine Company, and Joan Olbrantz, marketing operations manager, on what they did right, and why you will love their vintages.

 

Interview with Union Wine Company and Underwood Wines

 

Winery Name: Union Wine Company

Owner: Ryan Harms

Winemaker(s): JP Caldcleugh

Established: 2005

Canned wine has a very high growth rate. Why is it becoming so popular?

Ryan Harms: From a business standpoint, canned wine is a popular choice because it costs approximately 40% less to package compared to the equivalent 9 liter case of wine in glass bottles. Putting wine in a can opens up the wine drinking experience to places where it had previously been difficult, such as outdoor events or when portability is needed. People are certainly seeing the lifestyle applications for the cans in their lives. The outdoor and active sport community has certainly embraced the cans, and we are also seeing folks in big cities purchase them for the portion size for home or outings around town.

From a consumer standpoint, we think this is a timing thing, culturally. There was a “winification” of beer trend going on with the craft beer craze, and we’re at the forefront of a new trend: the “beerification” of wine. Consumers are signaling an acceptance and we believe they are demanding brands to be innovative to connect to their needs. The eco-elements of the can are appealing and culturally relevant as well.

You have your own proprietary tech for canning wine. What makes it different?

Ryan Harms: Union Wine Company has the fastest and most automated bottling and canning facility in Oregon. California has faster more sophisticated production facilities, but there’s nothing like this in Oregon, especially for wine. From a canning perspective, this facility is unprecedented in the canned wine industry.

 

What is the inspiration for your newest wine releases, esp. the fruit flavors?

Ryan Harms: We look at our wine coolers as alternatives to both wine or beer. We don’t see this as an either/or proposition, rather, a traditional beer drinker might like an alternative on a warm sunny day, and same with a wine drinker – looking for something a bit more crisp and refreshing (with less alcohol content).

The Riesling Radler is our own spin on the traditional beer beverage that includes a refreshing blend of Oregon Riesling, hops and grapefruit.

The Strawberry Cooler is a fresh take on a retro classic wine cooler. We make it with the same great Underwood Pinot Noir we put in our bottles, a splash of fresh strawberries and a hint of lime.

Mei Wine is a product collaboration with Chef Mei Lin. Mei is the Season 12 winner of Bravo TV’s Top Chef, and we worked with her to blend her signature culinary flavors into our wine to create a tropical, bold-yet-reassuring wine cooler.

What the most exciting attributes about these wines?

Ryan Harms: Union Wine Company (and the Underwood brand) was created to bring great, affordable Oregon wines to everyone, not just one audience in particular. Whether they’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a beer drinker just now entering the world of wine – Underwood cans make it approachable, accessible and fun. For instance, Underwood wine in a can is ideal for the adventurer, as a way to bring wine outdoors without the weight. However, the single-serving option the can provides is also convenient for a night in as the perfect solution for consumers who don’t want to commit to opening an entire bottle. Each can is equivalent to half a bottle of wine which makes it easy to enjoy on your own or share.

Are there any elements of terroir that the drinker of your Pinot Noir and Gris should notice?

Joan Olbrantz: Underwood Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris are Oregon wines, made with Oregon grapes. That all by itself is noteworthy as Oregon produces some of the best Pinot grapes in the world.

What’s next for Union Wine Company?

Joan Olbrantz: Union Wine Company will release the 2020 Underwood Nouveau this November in both bottles and cans. Last year we put the wine in a beautifully designed can inspired by Art Nouveau and it turned out so well we decided to extend this year’s offering by creating a bottle label that is similarly designed. In November 2020 consumers will have the option of enjoying Underwood Nouveau in either a 357 milliliter can or a 750 milliliter bottle.

How is business being affected by COVID?

Joan Olbrantz: Our online business is doing well during this time as could be expected. We also aren’t as heavy into on premise sales as we are at regular retail, so that has been an advantage for us during this time as well.

 

Find them at https://unionwinecompany.com/

 

 

Favorite Holiday Food & Fashion Video: Burberry with Kristin Scott Thomas, Matt Smith, M.I.A and Naomi Campbell

In this time when it’s not clear what Holiday food and fashion events are going to be like, especially family gatherings and dinners, it’s nice to look back on a era (2018/2019) when Burberry was able to do an incredible Holiday photo-shoot and 90-second film featuring Kristin Scott Thomas, Matt Smith, M.I.A and Naomi Campbell (and her mother).

The video was directed by British artist Juno Calypso.

WINE PICK: Anaba Wines 2017 Sonoma Pinot Noir & Chardonnay

Today’s pick is Anaba Wines. Although initially unfamiliar with them, the TasteTV wine reviewers recommend each one that we have tasted, and believe you will want to have them around for yourself, your friends, and for special occasions.

In addition to the new wine vintages, Anaba recently opened their new Anaba Vintners House in October, 2019. It is a reflection of the Sweazey family’s belief in gracious and uncomplicated hospitality. Broad windows look out over the estate vineyards, drawing the eye to the distant hills, while private seating areas allow for leisurely personalized wine exploration. The color palette takes inspiration from nature – evoking fog, water, earth and even the Anabatic winds that give the winery its name. Beyond the landscaped courtyard, paddle tennis and bocce ball offer an unexpected chance to engage in a bit of competition.

We talk with General Manager John Michael Sweazey to find out a bit more about this winery, and why they admire their 2017 Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs.

Winery Name: Anaba Wines

Owner: John T. Sweazey and John Michael Sweazey

Winemaker(s): Katy Wilson

Established: 2009

Interview with John Michael Sweazey

Anaba Wines

 

Why did you decide to make your Pinots in this style?

It’s hard to describe our wine as any one particular style. Originally, we were inspired by the red wines of Burgundy in the early 70s. But, we are not in Burgundy, and we can’t make Burgundian Pinot. Instead, we make a number of different Sonoma Pinots, and the aim is always to let the fruit speak for itself. For the Sonoma Coast Pinot in particular, the goal was universal appeal. From first-time wine tasters to certified sommeliers, we wanted to make a well-integrated wine that was indicative of what the Sonoma Coast should be.

Are there any elements of terroir that the drinker of your Pinot Noir should notice?

Yes, showcasing the terroir is a priority, and so there are many different elements. For the Sonoma Coast Pinot, you will notice a lot of red, bright fruit notes that are common to the AVA. The wine has the energy and vibrancy one would expect from a classic Pinot made in Sonoma.

What are the most noticeable elements in your Chardonnay?

For our Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, the wet stone/flint and minerality, accompanied by citrus and stone fruit notes show through and are an expression of the land from which the fruit is sourced.

What is the inspiration for your newest wine releases?

Our WestLands Chardonnay comes mostly from a higher elevation vineyard, located in northwest Sonoma and very close to the coast. The cooler climate shares some commonalities with northern Burgundy, and if we had to choose one place as the inspiration, it would be Chablis. The wine is nuanced, with depth from a touch new oak and the grape itself, but the high acid levels keep it crisp. Also, it is distinct from the wines of Chablis, but it is our representation of the possibilities of the fruit grown in the western-most parts of Sonoma Coast.

What are the most exciting attributes about these wines?

In short, you might notice the subtle oak expression. Or that one can enjoy upon release, but can also let the wines age for several years. This is a hard balance to obtain. They can also pair with many foods, or can be enjoyed alone.

With which foods do you recommend this pairs?

Pork or duck with the Pinot. Halibut, oysters, chicken with the Chardonnay.

Is this wine better outdoors on a picnic or indoors for a dinner?

Anytime is a good time for Anaba (as long as the wine stays below 65 degrees). It really depends on your situation, but we know the wines are dynamic and can meet criteria for any number of occasions.

What’s next for Anaba Wines?

We are planning to plant Picpoul Blanc at our property, and we are working with three new vineyards throughout Sonoma to produce a number of Rhone varieties.

 

 

TasteTV WINE RATINGS

  • 4.00 out of 5 Stars: 2017 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
  • 4.25 out of 5 Stars: 2017 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Find them at www.anabawines.com

 

Photos courtesy of TasteTV, Rocco Ceselin, and Los Heffernans Photography

 

WINE PICKS: 3 Chardonnays that are Perfect to Drink Right Now

On a hot sunny day or in cool stormy weather, if you’ve closed a big deal or just sitting down to relax, these 3 Chardonnays are perfect for any situation or climate.

Tolosa 2018 1772 Chardonnay, Eden Ranch Edna Valley

Fermentation: French oak barrels

Aging: 9 months in French oak barrels, with 20% of them being new

Vineyard: Edna Ranch

Alcohol: 13.4%

Tolosa has a wine series they call “1772”. The series is named for the founding year of the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, and honors the local terroir and winemaking history of the cooler and Pacific Ocean-influenced climate and limestone sediment of the Edna Valley. The 1772 Chardonnay from 2018 is priced around $58 a bottle. Tolosa calls this their classic Chardonnay, and says that it truly captures the essence of the estate. The 2018 Tolosa Chardonnay has an appealing hint of bright acidity, with notes of the minerality of the Edna Valley, as well aromas of fresh fruits and herbs. This Chardonnay was aged for 9 months in French oak barrels.

Find here.

Anaba 2017 Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast

Vineyards: Tolay Vista, Dutton (Shop Block and Mill Station), J McK Estate

Alcohol: 13.2%

Fermentation: Hand-sorted and whole cluster pressed. Barrel fermented (75% malolactic fermentation, 25% retained natural malic acid). Aged 17 months sur lie in French oak barrels, 25% of which were new.

Cooperage: Damy, Cavin, Taransaud, François Frères Cases Produced: 738

This Sonoma Coast Chardonnay comes from distinct areas within the Sonoma Coast AV. Some of these areas were impacted by the 2017 North Bay fires, however the fruit was picked before those events took place so they were not affected. In general, the regions from which they come are cooler or foggier than some other Chardonnays, giving this 2017 vintage a great year.

The Anaba Chardonnay’s fruit tends towards the citrus and vanilla bouquet, with a bit of minerality and a very subtle palate. The alcohol content is in the European-style of 13.2%. Only 738 cases were produced, and it was aged 17 months in French oak barrels.

Find here.

Sangiacomo 2018 Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast

Alcohol: 14.3%

Production: 280 cases

The Sangiacomo family has been farming in Sonoma County for three generations and almost 100 years. The Vineyard is 100% certified sustainable, and it produces California Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Sangiacomo Sonoma Coast Chardonnay has aromas that bring in tea-like flavors, including nutmeg and chai, as well as the French oak in which it rested. You might also enjoy some aromas that remind us a bit of a delicious pear cobbler. It’s very rich, and was aged in the aforementioned French oak for about 10 months. The alcohol content is medium-level 14.3%, and the retail price is a reasonable $55. Only 280 cases however were produced by James MacPhail the winemaker.

Find here