Tag: Marqués de Cáceres

When Winter Is Summer

Spanish TortillaThe duplicity of the season for ChezHelvetica inspires dishes made with relative ease and some warmth, a nod to lazier days and the ever-present chilling fog. Crunchy Celery and Chickpea Salad and creamy Corn Chowder (both recipes from The New York Times) fulfilled these needs. With fresh produce from the VA Farmers’ Market and Trader Joe’s, jewel-like Yellow and White Corn Kernels, Red Pearl Tomatoes, Green Celery and Italian Parsley decorated the kitchen like confetti. Yukon Gold Potatoes and Green Onions sautéed in Extra Virgin Olive Oil, combined with Organic Eggs, created a delicious, sizzling Spanish Tortilla. Then, Marqués de Cáceres, a velvety smooth Rosé from Spain’s famed Rioja region, delivered that extra excitement! 

 

Corn chowder   ChickpeaCelerySalad

 

 

 

Monet Meets Cava V

CaveCupcakesChezHelvetica shared stories, pictures and the amazing flavors experienced Down Under with a group of very creative, special friends (the exclusive members of Cava V). With inspiration from meals at Middle Eastern Maha Halloumi SaladRestaurant in Melbourne and the Amora Jamison Hotel in Sydney, a Grilled Halloumi and Eggplant Arugula Salad opened the celebration. Halloumi is a traditional cheese from Cyprus, and when grilled, has a sensational savory taste. Yotam Ottlenghi’s Burnt Eggplant, Wild Rocket Arugula and Pomegranate Lemon Dressing completed the dish, accompanied by Pita, Flatbread and Kalamata Olives. Velvety Marqués de Cáceres Rosé from Rioja accompanied this course, soon followed by delicious Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut to pair with Dungeness Crab Cakes and Sweet Chili Sauce, a recipe learned at The Culinary Arts Center aboard the Noordam. Washington state Crab Meat mixed with Celery, Onion, Chives, Lemon, Egg, Worcestershire and Tobasco Sauces, Garlic, Thyme and Panko Bread CrumbsCavaCrabcakes bathed in a luscious Sauce comprised of Butter, Cream, Sherry (instead of Sake), Lime Juice, Ginger and Sweet Chili Sauce. Then the art project sparked by Mini-Monet Cupcakes seen at The Flats in Sydney . . . ChezHelvetica’s Chocolate Ganache and Vanilla Bean Mini Cupcakes decorated like colorful fireworks by the Cava V with assorted frostings, sprinkles and toppings. Simply Spectacular!

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