Mushroom foraging for ChezHelvetica commenced at the foot of Mt. Hamilton last year and migrated to SOMA this year. Treasure was found at Trader Joe’s in large, meaty Cremini Mushrooms, the perfect ingredient for Leek, Mushroom and Lemon Risotto or for a rustic Mushroom Tart – two Saturday night dinners. For the Risotto, Leeks from the VAMC Farmers Market and the Mushrooms were sauteed in Truffle Oil (my addition) and added to Arborio Rice along with Lemon Juice and Zest, Herbs, Butter and Parmesan Cheese for a symphony of flavors. An Asparagus and Arugula salad completed the meal, with Unruly Red Zinfandel in the role of conductor. Layering the phyllo crust for the Tart was a new adventure, oiling and sprinkling bread crumbs on each of the ten delicate layers. Ricotta, Goat Cheese and Thyme from our garden filled the crust, with Mushrooms and Chicken-Apple Aidell’s Sausage crowning the rich, flaky Tart. An Artichoke Heart and Arugula salad joined the stage with a Bogle Zinfandel in the commanding role. Encore, Encore!
Tag: Bogle
Simple. Really!
In a world filled with complications, it’s nice when something is simple like one recipe for an entire dinner and one store for all ingredients. Thanks to Real Simple magazine, Steak with Mozzarella and Tomatoes was the featured entree at ChezHelvetica this evening, and thanks to Trader Joe’s all ingredients beckoned from their shelves. After cooking seasoned New York Strip Steak in olive oil, the steak rested and then Cherry Tomatoes were added to the pan along with petite “Ciliegenie” Mozzarella Balls and Basil leaves just plucked from our beautiful plant. Warm Ciabatta completed the course as we quaffed house favorite Bogle Zinfandel. TJ’s Crispy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies, plopped container and all on the table, provided the effortless, sweet conclusion to this fun meal. As my Mother-in-Law oft stated, K.I.S.S. – Keep It Simple Stupid. Grace would have enjoyed this dinner too!