I found the recipe on NPR and it worked out perfectly, although I did make a couple of small changes to it. Mainly, I boiled the canned chickpeas for 30 minutes before adding them to the recipe and I added green beans and basil to the finished product. Needless to say, my stew was a big hit. I would definitely recommend it for anyone looking to make a nice impression (and presentation!) for their next dinner party.
I tried some excellent wines that night, including a 2007 Jermann Chardonnay from Venezia Giulia (tasted remarkably of bananas with some mineral notes), 2006 Lucia Chardonnay from Santa Lucia Highlands (a full bodied Chardonnay with an excellent bouquet of tropical fruit with a hint of butter), 2007 Wrath Syrah from Santa Lucia Highlands (a heavy but smooth Syrah, went great with the turkey and stuffing) and finally, the big guns, 2001 Zenato Amarone from Della Valpolicella. This wine, which clocked in at a whopping 16% alcohol, tasted like the harmonious middle between a Cab and a Port. It was smooth and sweet, which Julien's dad said was very characteristic of this wine. It tasted fantastic with the hazelnut and chocolate cake that Julien's sister brought.
I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. What wines did you all try? Let me know!
I have been trying to figure this one out, maybe you can help... Which types of wines do you think are best from the Sana Lucia Highlands? I noticed that you tried this Syrah and was wondering which grapes do best in this area.
ReplyDeleteCheers!
wow, your stew looks so delicious! what a beautiful dish!
ReplyDeletei hope you had a nice time. i don't celebrate thanksgiving (though i do give thanks for things. all the time).
i thought of you because i had a lovely white wine last night at an impromptu dinner party with two friends. unfortunately i forget what it was called. the three of us went through two bottles (whoops. hence the name-forgetting?), and it was really wonderful. i'll ask my friend what it was and write back to you if i find out the identity of this elusive wine.
I love a good Chardonnay from Santa Lucia, because the climate works great to turn out a nice mineral and tropical Chard. Syrah is also an excellent choice. I imagine that Cab would be good as well, but I haven't tried a SLH Cab .... yet :).
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ReplyDeleteThanks Faux Naif! I don't imagine you'd celebrate Thanksgiving *smile*; and to be honest, given all the travesty involved with the time period surrounding the "holiday," sometimes I don't really want to celebrate it either. I mainly consider it an excuse to get family and friends together over some delicious food, wine and games!
ReplyDeleteLet me know what wine you tried, I'd love to look it up!
Omg that pumpkin thing is amazing! Wow!
ReplyDelete(hi from 20SB!)
Thanks, Curious Illusion! Love the name :).
ReplyDeleteWhat a brilliant idea, to use a pumpkin as a serving dish. May have to steal that one ;) Hope you had an awesome Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteI did! Hope you did too :).
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