FOOD FUN: Guacamole Verrine, A Layered Appetizer

We discovered this photo on the Frontier Foods blog, where it was called a torta, a word that refers to different foods in different Spanish-language countries. But we’d call it a verrine (vair-REEN). Verre is the French word for glass; verrine, which means “protective glass,” is an assortment of ingredients layered “artfully” in a small…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Gazpacho & Beer

This gazpacho has a surprise ingredient: beer! Photo courtesy Frontera Foods.   Here’s a fun idea that can be a soup course, a main course or pass-around party fare, served in small glasses. This idea was developed at Frontera Foods, a Chicago-based Mexican foods company headed by Chef Rick Bayless, in partnership with Bohemia Beer.…
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RECIPE: Prosciutto and Fig Appetizer Wraps

Our earlier tip for prosciutto and peaches reminded us of this recipe, an appetizer for prosciutto, figs and Brie. Per La Tortilla Factory, which provided the recipe, it’s a classic Sonoma County combination, enjoyed as an hors d’oeuvre or a snack. We like them with a beer or a glass of wine. La Tortilla Factory…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Prosciutto & Peaches

[1] Peaches with prosciutto and a drizzle of balsamic, from Briscola by Charlie Palmer in Reno’s Grand Sierra Resort. American-made prosciutto from LaQuercia in Iowa (photo © Murray’s Cheese). [3] Prosciutto di San Daniele hams are salted for less time than the Parma hams (prosciutto di Parma). They thus have a sweeter and more delicate…
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RECIPE: Bacon Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms

[1] Another way to enjoy bacon: stuffed into baby bella mushrooms (photo © Dietz & Watson). [2] Portabella mushrooms are large enough that one can serve as a first course (photo © Mushroom Council | Facebook)   When we saw this recipe for Gourmet Bacon Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms from Dietz & Watson, it seemed like…
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