Tag: Richmond Produce Market

Palm Sunday Passover

A virtual mini-Seder with family began this holiday with discussion of the Seder Plate and symbolism of its foods. Palm fronds, commemorating the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, shared ChezHelvetica’s tabletop with symbols of the Jewish exodus from Egypt on the journey to freedom. Matzah, or unleavened bread, first appeared in the savory, steaming Matzah Ball soup. Then in the main course with Charoset  (symbolizing mortar) and horseradish or Bitter Herbs, reminding us of slavery. The delicious course also included wonderfully seasoned Rainbow Trout, Baked Potato with Sour Cream and delectable Root Vegetables. Our cups of fragrant Pinot Noir were blessed by St. Francis!

   

As we told stories of freedom and action needed to resist inequality – now more than ever – Decadent Flourless Chocolate Cake and Macaroons concluded this very special occasion. Chag Sameach, Happy Holiday!

   

 

Parmigiano-Reggiano

For over seven centuries, Parmigiano-Reggiano has been delighting the world; celebrating the individual with its own unique inconsistencies. At the Fancy Food Show, ChezHelvetica acquired The Seasons of Parmigiano-Reggiano and selected two recipes from “Summer” for this weekend’s sumptuous repast. Like the painstaking, hand made process of the cheese (made in the controlled district of the Conzorzio del Formaggio), these dishes required a similar effort. Melanzane in tortiera (Baked Layered Eggplant) consists of three layers of sliced, broiled Eggplant, Tomato Sauce (made from Italian Plum Tomatoes that have been seeded and grated to pulp with Garlic, Red Onion and Marjoram), Bechamel Sauce, and Fontina and Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheeses. Panino ai funghi (Portabello Mushroom Sandwich), smeared with a Savory Parmigiano-Reggiano Spread made with Artichoke Hearts, accompanied the Baked Eggplant. Trader Joes’s wonderful Tomato-Olive Focaccia sandwiched the Grilled Portabellos from the Richmond Produce Market. A Hess Select Chardonnay paired perfectly with the rich, velvety dishes and Tory Farm Peaches (offered naked or with Butter Pecan Ice Cream) made the ideal dessert. A surprise, anniversary visit by “Just Joey” sealed the occasion!