Primitivo, Puglia’s Native Grape, Has an Identity Crisis at Home and Abroad

Jan 072012
 
Primitivo, Puglia’s Native Grape, Has an Identity Crisis at Home and Abroad

  This is the first in a 3-part post about Primitivo at home and abroad, and its relationship with Zinfandel. To some, they are twins, to others, merely siblings. But regardless of which side of the divide on which a given proponent of Zinfandel or Primitivo stands, one thing is certain. The connection of Primitivo with its sibling (some might say favored-child of a chilly Croatian parent) grape Zinfandel, can only serve to burnish the reputations of both grapes.  The region (and its associated cuisine) from which Primitivo hails– Puglia, Italy—has a culinary tradition ripe for pairing with both of [...]

Rosé-Poached Plums in Parmesan Tuille

Jul 102011
 
Rosé-Poached Plums in Parmesan Tuille

This is another of the recipes I’ve submitted to Food 52 contests.  (The theme was picnic foods.) Salty, savory, sweet, herbaceous and tangy– all in one bite– a satisfying crunch gives way to juicy poached plums that echo the bottle of rosé you’ve hauled to the picnic site for just this moment. I came up with this nibble as a perfectly-transportable finger food, best enjoyed on a blanket in dappled sunlight. Rosé Poached Plums with Parmesan Tuille Ingredients1 1/2 cups shredded parmesan1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary3 large red plums1 cup dry rosé1/4 cup brown sugar1 sprig fresh rosemaryCooking DirectionsSlice plums [...]

Vinho Verde

Jun 122011
 
Vinho Verde

  One of my favorite things to do on a summer evening is to sit in the garden, listen to the wind rustle the leaves, contemplate ideas, and breathe in the aroma of an effervescent glass of wine.  Among wines with a slight fizz, my absolute favorite for summertime contemplative quaffing is Vinho Verde.  As luck would have it, my local grocer/wine shop, Taylor’s Market, had an exemplary and affordable Vinho Verde just waiting for me in the cooler last night. Vinho Verde translates in English to “green wine.”  This name is not meant to evoke the color of the [...]