Cor’onion’a Soup

Surreal times call for inspiration and imagination. At ChezHelvetica, this meant diving deep into cupboards and sacks of produce and staples to create a heartwarming dinner. Behold mouthwatering French Onion Soup accompanied by Brown Rice/ Romaine Salad. Three remaining cubes of Maggi Bouillon de Pot-Au-Feu (best used dates long since gone) became the Beef Broth in which Onions sautéed in Butter and California Olive Ranch Olive Oil simmered with Holland Cooking Sherry, Dried Thyme, Salt and Pepper. Grated Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese, broiled atop pieces of Safeway‘s Signature Oat Nut Bread, crowned the soup. A piquant Caper Vinaigrette dressed the fresh Romaine, a socially-distanced gift from the garden of friend ‘Pataphysician Dr. Jardin. Likewise, the array of Citrus on the table from the Florin Gardens. Bowls of Ben and Jerry’s Cookie Dough Ice Cream concluded the meal; fun fact – it is even more delicious in self-isolation!

 

A Mediterranean Medley

With inspiration from Armenia, Lebanon and Israel, ChezHelvetica brought the beautiful culture and tradition of Mezza to the table. To begin we delighted in Sabra Hummus and Marin Gourmet’s fire-roasted Aubergine with Lemon Crackers made of Whole Wheat Pita Bread. Then Lemony Marinated Chicken Skewers fragrant with Cumin, Tumeric, Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes and Fingerling Potatoes braised with Wine, Butter and Fresh Thyme transported us to the spice tables of the Middle East. Velvety Acacia Chardonnay from Carneros paired perfectly with this meal, yet was a heartbreaking reminder of our majestic Wine Country now devastated by wildfires. Finally, a sweet dessert to reaffirm the gift of the moment – World’s Finest Chocolates Mint Meltaways and Caramel Whirls, and house favorite Ben and Jerry’s Chocolate Fudge Brownie FroYo.