Merry Edwards 2021 Sauvignon Blanc from the Russian River Valley in Sonoma County is our wine of the week, worth every penny of the $50 price tag. This beautiful wine is a unique combination of blends that include stone fruit, tropical fruits and zesty citrus flavors. It’s a captivating blend that captures its appellation and varietal truly. Heaven in a glass, don’t miss out! Have you ever had a white peach, nectarine, or apricot? The delicate flavors provided by these fruit are often overlooked, and their subtle complexity should not be underestimated! As the early arrivals of summer’s bounty, these white stone fruits are mainstays in many summer dishes and cocktails.

The initial flavor profile of white peaches, nectarines, and apricots is defined by refreshing notes of crisp acidity, followed by a surprisingly rich mid-palate flavor. Some drinkers may even mistake its flavor for that of a crisp-style white wine, such as a chardonnay.

These white fruits also benefit from the addition of other citrus notes, such as pomelos, white pineapple, and white grapefruit. The combined flavors work together to create a unique zesty sweetness, with citrus notes of lime zest that linger on the finish.

Whether providing balance or adding complexity to a dish or drink, white fruits deserve more attention. With the summer heat in full swing, now is the time to make use of their distinctive flavor profiles. The wine at the table has broad appeal. Roasted chicken is a great match, as is salad of Dungeness crab, fennel and mango (when the crab is in season). Other dishes that go very well with this quaffer include grilled salmon with Italian salsa verde, spaghettini with fresh favas, feta, green olives, cherry tomatoes and scallions, wedge salad with Green Goddess Dressing, lapin a la Dijonaisse, steamed clams, Caprese salad, Vietnamese spring rolls and shrimp salad with lemon and chives. Enjoy! Cool off during this summer’s heatwave with this delicious, white wine-marinated chicken salad. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a whiz with a whisk, this dish will tantalize your taste buds!

To get started, marinate the chicken in a mixture of your favorite white wine, olive oil, garlic, and fresh, minced herbs. Allow the chicken to rest in the marinade for at least 30 minutes, or up to 3 hours, before cooking. Grill the chicken in batches or cook it in a skillet on the stove.

For the salad, use hearty greens like kale, romaine, or butter lettuce. Then top with sweet tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, and a sprinkle of feta cheese.

Finish the dish with a light white wine vinaigrette. Whisk together white wine, olive oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic, and herbs of your choice.

Savor the flavorful combination of grilled chicken, sweet tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, and tart white wine vinaigrette. Serve this salad on a hot summer night and it will be sure to be a hit! Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dinner dish? This quick and easy one pot meal is sure to please the taste buds of all who try it.

Ingredients:
– 2 teaspoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and diced
– 3 stalks celery, diced
– 1 pound ground beef
– 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
– 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
– 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 2 bay leaves
– 2 cups small pasta shells
– 2 cups frozen peas
– salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes more.

3. Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, bay leaves, and pasta shells.

4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes or until pasta is tender.

5. Add the frozen peas and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 5 minutes.

6. Serve warm. Enjoy! There’s a common misunderstanding that the phrase “four chicken thighs” includes both the leg and the thigh. That’s simply not the case. When the label reads “4 chicken thighs”, it generally means 4 pieces of the top half of the bird, containing only the thigh meat. A package labeled “4 chicken legs-thighs” contains two whole legs of the bird, including both leg and thigh meat.

So which should you choose: 4 chicken legs-thighs or 6 chicken thighs? Which will give you more bang for your buck? The answer will depend on your needs.

If you want a generous amount of thigh meat, go with the 4 chicken legs-thighs. If you prefer drumsticks, the 6 chicken thighs are your best bet. So, depending on what your meal requires, you’ll have to decide which option best suits you.

**Note:** When looking at packages in the store, be sure to pay close attention to how the packaging is labeled. If you’re unsure whether the label reads “4 chicken thighs” or “4 chicken legs-thighs”, always check the label carefully before proceeding. What is Kosher salt? It is an edible, unrefined salt free of additives and made by evaporating salt water under precise conditions. The process by which it is produced leaves it with a distinct taste that makes it a popular choice for seasoning food.

Kosher salt is often used in cooking, as it dissolves quickly and seasonings can be easily blended into a savory blend. It is also an ingredient in many seasoning mixes and spice rubs, such as pickling spices and garlic salt.

Kosher salt is popular for its use in baking and as an ingredient in marinades and brines, as it draws out moisture and helps foods retain their moisture while cooking. It is also a popular choice for seasoning fish and other delicate proteins. Its large grain size makes it ideal for keeping the ingredients of a spice blend evenly dispersed.

Kosher salt is also a great choice for a healthy diet! It contains little to no sodium content and is lower in chloride content than most other salts. This makes it a great way to keep your sodium intake in check without sacrificing flavor.

Whether used for baking, seasoning or in a savory blend, Kosher salt is a great choice for a healthier, flavorful cooking experience. Who doesn’t love the smell of freshly ground black pepper? The smell and flavor of freshly cracked pepper is something that I think many people appreciate when making dinner.

For a long time, I’ve been a fan of black pepper and have used it in cooking, but recently I decided to invest in a pepper mill. Instead of buying pre ground pepper, I now can control how coarse or fine my pepper is when I cook. I love the flavor I get from freshly ground pepper, and the ease of use from a pepper mill. The process is incredibly easy. I just fill the hopper with the pepper corns, adjust the size setting, then crank the grinder handle and voila!

A pepper mill is a worthy investment if you want to level up your cooking. The immediate flavor of freshly ground pepper is a welcome companion to my dishes. The pepper mill has also become a conversation piece when hosting dinner parties!

Do yourself a favor and invest in a pepper mill. I promise it will be worth it! Mincing a shallot is a great way to add flavor to any dish. A small shallot provides a unique flavor with just a subtle hint of sweetness and adds an extra layer of flavor that’s sure to make your recipes something special. To mince a small shallot, first cut off both ends and discard. Peel off any of the tough outer layers and discard. Then slice the shallot very thinly. Finally, chop the slices into tiny pieces. Sprinkle the minced shallot over your dish and enjoy! The zest of one lemon can add a bright, potent flavor to sweet and savory dishes alike. It’s the perfect way to incorporate zing and zest to a wide variety of recipes. Whether it’s zucchini muffins or a soup, the delicious and fragrant citrus scent lemon zest provides can take the dish from great to extraordinary. With simple techniques for zesting or processing the lemon, you can achieve the perfect flavor combination for your recipe. A little can go a long way, so don’t be afraid to experiment! If you’re looking for a quick and delicious way to add a hint of tartness or boost of citrus flavor to your favorite dishes, then look no further than lemon juice. Adding the juice of just one lemon can turn a simple vinaigrette, marinade, cocktail, or lot of different dishes into something special.

Lemon juice is a powerhouse when it comes to flavor. With bright acidity, bitter undertones, and a delicious tartness, its intense flavor comes from a combination of citric acid, Vitamin C, and essential oils. Aside from its taste, it also have a ton of health benefits. Lemons have been known to help reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and strengthen immunity.

When using lemon juice in a recipe, start with one lemon’s worth and add more to taste. One lemon can generally yield two to three tablespoons of juice. But the amount can vary depending on the size and juiciness of the lemon. After juicing, be sure to remove any seeds or pulp before adding the juice to whatever you’re making.

If a recipe calls for lemon juice and you don’t have a lemon handy, a good substitute can be lime juice or a blend of vinegar and water. Depending on your dish, you can even substitute other juices like orange juice or grapefruit juice. Whatever you choose, just be sure to adjust the seasoning in your recipe to accommodate for the differences in flavor.

Lemon juice can liven up any number of dishes. From making a bright and flavorful vinaigrette to spicing up a dessert, it’s a delicious way to add a little zing. Give it a try next time you’re in the kitchen and taste the difference! Freshly-snipped chives are a delicious and simple way to add flavor to all sorts of dishes. Often used in French cuisine, chives are a member of the onion family and give dishes a mild, sweet flavor. Not only do they add a pleasant taste to your food, but they have numerous potential health benefits as well.

##Benefits of Chives##

• They’re incredibly low in calories – barely 1 calorie per teaspoon.

• Chives contain lots of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, including vitamin K, vitamin C, folate, potassium, and manganese.

• Chives are a good source of dietary fiber, which helps keep the bowels regular and can aid in weight loss.

• Chives are one of the richest sources of the cancer-fighting compounds known as organosulfur compounds, which can help lower the risk of oral, skin, and colon cancers.

##Ways to Use 2 Tablespoons of Fresh Chives##

• Sprinkle chives over some cooked eggs for added flavor.

• Mix chives into mashed potatoes or sprinkle them over the top.

• Add chives to salads to give them a nice finish.

• Sprinkle chives over steamed vegetables for a bit more flavor.

• Add chives to soups and stews for extra flavor.

• For something a bit different, try adding a pinch of chives into smoothies for a healthy and tasty treat.

No matter how you choose to use them, adding two tablespoons of freshly-snipped chives to your recipes adds a burst of flavor and plenty of potential benefits. Try it today! Do you know the benefits of using extra-virgin olive oil? Here, I’m going to tell you why adding 5 tablespoons of this healthy oil to your daily diet can really help you.

1. Heart health: Extra-virgin olive oil is known to contain high amounts of monounsaturated fatty acids, which are beneficial for cardiac health.

2. Weight management: Studies have shown that people who consumed olive oil had lower body fat than those who didn’t.

3. Antioxidants: It has a great number of antioxidants which can help reduce the risk of diseases like Alzheimer’s and cancer.

4. Healthy skin: The presence of vitamin E in extra-virgin olive oil can help you maintain soft and healthy skin.

5. Protects against inflammation: It contains anti-inflammatory properties which can be beneficial for relief from muscle and joint pain.

So, make sure to add 5 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil to your meals every day to reap maximum benefits. This quick and easy side dish is sure to add a tang of freshness to any plate. All you need is a few celery stalks, trimmed and cut into very thin diagonal slices.

1. Start by selecting two celery stalks of similar size and trimming away the leaves.

2. Slice the stalks lengthwise into very thin half moons.

3. Place the slices in a medium bowl and sprinkle lightly with fresh parsley, if desired.

4. For extra flavor, add a pinch of salt and pepper, or a drizzle of olive oil, to taste.

5. Toss the slices lightly to combine, and serve.

This dish can be enjoyed cold or heated in a pan over the stove for a few minutes. Enjoy! Radishes are a delicious addition to any dish. Whether you’re slicing them into salads or adding them to stir-fries, they provide a spicy-sweet flavor that pairs well with a variety of other ingredients. Today, we’re sharing a quick and easy way to prepare 5 – 6 radishes – trimmed and cut into very thin half-moons.

####Directions####

1. Begin by rinsing off the radishes and trimming off the roots and the stem.

2. Slice the radishes in half along the length of the root.

3. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the radishes into thin half-moon slices.

4. Place the slices into a bowl and enjoy!

These radishes can be added to salads, served as a snack with hummus or dip, or added to roasts or stir-fries for a pop of texture and flavor. The thin slices make them perfect for adding to sandwiches or wraps, too. The possibilities are truly endless! Give this quick and easy way to prepare radishes a try the next time you’re looking for a flavorful addition to your meal. These crunchy and juicy cucumbers are the perfect addition to your lunch or dinner. Their flavor is light and refreshing, and they add texture and interest to salads, sandwiches, and soups.

Using a sharp knife, slice the cucumbers into thin half moons. They should be about a quarter of an inch thick. Use them as a salad topping, sliced and added to a wrap or sandwich, or diced and mixed into couscous or quinoa for a light and flavorful side dish.

The combinations are endless with these crispy cucumbers! Enjoy their brightness and crunch in a rice bowl, as a snack, or in your favorite summertime salads. Adding a dash of flavor to any meal, green onions are a kitchen essential. Let’s take a closer look at how to properly prepare this savory herb.

Green onions, also known as scallions, are remarkably simple to prepare. Simply trim the root ends of the green onions and discard them. Once trimmed, thinly slice the green onions in rounds, then you’re ready to use them for cooking.

These pungent greens go wonderfully atop salads, omelets, slaws, and sandwiches. Green onions even add a depth of flavor to a variety of Asian dishes like stir-fries, dumplings, and rice dishes.

Whether a colorful garnish for your favorite dish or a lively flavor enhancer, a few rounds of green onions is sure to add freshness to any meal.

## 2 Green Onions, Trimmed and Cut Into Thin Rounds ##

Infusing a sharp yet subtle flavor to any dish, green onions often provide the perfect finishing touch. Fortunately, much like other herbs, they’re a cinch to prep.

To get started, chop the root end off the scallions then discard. Next, slice them into thin rounds. Now you’re ready to add a zing of flavor to your meal of choice.

Bringing a distinct flavor to dishes like tacos, soups, and chili, green onions can be added to just about any meal. Those rounds of green onion not only top off salads, but they’re also a nice accent to traditional stir-fry and rice dishes.

For a splash of sharpness or a flavor balance, you can’t go wrong with a sprinkle of green onions. With their full yet subtle flavor, they are an indispensable herb any home cook should have in their repertoire. It’s no secret that arugula is a nutritional powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. But did you know that three generous handfuls can provide a whopping dose of health benefits? Eating arugula is a simple and delicious way to add cancer-fighting, disease-fighting nutrition to your daily diet.

Arugula is rich in vitamin K, which helps with wound healing and healthy blood clotting. It’s also packed with vitamins A and C, beta carotene, calcium, folate, manganese, and zinc, all of which are essential for healthy cells. Eating arugula regularly can boost your immune system and may even protect against heart disease, cancer, and other diseases.

Arugula is also loaded with antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and ward off cell-damaging free radicals. Plus, it’s low in calories and fat, so three generous handfuls each day not only provide a healthy dose of nutrition but also won’t add a lot of calories to your daily total.

With such an array of health benefits, there’s no reason not to add arugula to your diet. Try enjoying it in salads, sandwiches, wraps, or sautéed with other vegetables. The possibilities are endless! Freshen up your dishes with Italian parsley leaves! Adding this fragrant herb to any dish can complement your ingredients perfectly, while adding a splash of color.

Tear ½ cup of loose Italian parsley into pieces and get to cooking! Parsley adds a flavorful punch to any savory dish, and is especially delicious in pasta, rice, and vegetable dishes.

Throw torn parsley into a salad, or sprinkle it over tacos, and instantly add that beautiful flavor.

Not sure how to incorporate parsley into your dish? Here are some tips:

-Sauté the parsley with a tablespoon of olive oil and some garlic.

-Minced it and mix with mayonnaise for an herby twist on a classic sandwich spread.

– Try it with a splash of fresh lemon juice in hummus for a burst of flavor.

-Sprinkle over grilled protein, like chicken, salmon, and shrimp.

Add a little pick-me-up of flavor to almost anything with this go-to herb – or keep it simple and enjoy the sweet smell and flavor of Italian parsley in its simplest form. Need a simple yet striking garnish to brighten up a meal? Spearmint leaves cut into thin ribbons will do the trick!

The delicate flavor of spearmint is a bright and easy addition to any plate. A simple ¼ cup of fresh leaves will bring delicate flavor to salads, fish, cooked vegetables, fruit dishes, and more. The thin ribbons will make a beautiful finish to any presentation.

Plus, using fresh herbs is an easy way to increase your daily intake of vitamins and minerals. Spearmint is an excellent source of dietary fiber, vitamins A, C, B1, B2, and B6, and magnesium. All of these nutrients help boost your immune system and keep your body running smooth.

To prepare, simply start by giving the spearmint leaves a good wash with cold water. Gently dry with paper towels or a salad spinner. Then simply pull the leaves off the stem and cut into thin ribbons.

Spearmint leaves cut into thin ribbons make for a simple and creative garnish for a wide variety of dishes. Whether its added to the top of a salad or used to adorn your favorite fruit, this garnish is sure to brighten any plate!

Twitter Post:
A delicious & nutritious garnish for just about any dish: Spearmint leaves cut into thin ribbons! Not only does it look beautiful but it’s packed with vitamins & minerals too. #Garnish #Spearmint #HealthyEating If you have access to fresh chervil leaves, they are a great addition to many recipes. They have a light anise flavor, and provide an attractive, delicate presentation.

Chervil leaves are translucent and light green in color. They have a delicate anise flavor, with a hint of parsley and tarragon.

One tablespoon of fresh chervil leaves can be added to a variety of recipes, including omelettes, cheese sauces, risotto, and salads. They can also be used as a garnish for baked goods. Adding freshly chopped chervil leaves to cooked vegetables or soups adds an elegant flavor.

Using chervil leaves in place of parsley or tarragon in a recipe can create a more sophisticated presentation. For instance, try substituting chervil for parsley when making a sauce for fish—the light green color and mild flavor of the chervil leaves lend an attractive appearance to the dish.

Fresh chervil leaves are the best way to experience the flavor of the plant, but if you can’t find them in your grocery store, you can also use the dried version. When substituting dried chervil for fresh, reduce the amount you use. A teaspoon of dried chervil leaves is equivalent to a tablespoon of the fresh herb.

Chervil is a versatile and attractive herb that can add a light anise flavor to any dish. Just one tablespoon of the fresh leaves is all you need to make your recipes shine. Roasting a flavorful chicken is a quick and easy way to enjoy a mouth-watering meal. Here’s how it’s done:

– Season chicken with salt and pepper
– Place chicken on a rack in a roasting pan
– Place pan in preheated 350 degree oven
– Pour about ½ inch of boiling water in the pan
– Roast for 25-35 minutes, until juices run clear when pierced near a bone.

That’s all there is to it! Enjoy your succulent roasted chicken. Breaking down a roasted chicken doesn’t have to be a difficult project! In a few easy steps, you can have succulent, juicy morsels of chicken ready to eat.

1. **Remove from the oven**: Take the chicken from the oven and let it cool until it’s comfortable to handle.

2. **Cool to remove temperature**: Once cool, handle the bird carefully and use a sharp knife to separate the meat from the bones. This is a great recipe for getting all the good bits of meat off the bones.

3. **Pull the meat off the bones**: Now that you’ve separated the meat from the bones, enjoy the crispy skin and save the bones for making stock. Pull the cooked pieces of chicken into bite-size chunks and set aside.

4. **Enjoy the crisp skin**: Savour the delicious, juicy morsels of chicken. Enjoy!

Once you’ve followed these simple steps, your roasted chicken will be ready to be eaten. Try it with any of your favourite sauces or sides—it’s guaranteed to be delicious! RECIPE: Lemon Shallot Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

– 1 small shallot, minced
– Zest and juice of 1 lemon
– Salt to taste
– 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
– 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions:

1. Combine minced shallot, lemon zest and juice, and several pinches of salt in a small bowl.

2. Allow mixture to sit for 15 minutes for flavors to develop.

3. Whisk in freshly ground black pepper, chopped chives, and olive oil.

4. Taste and adjust seasonings to preferred balance of salt and acidity as desired.

Enjoy this light, bright vinaigrette to brighten up any salad, veggie dish, or grilled meat. A Tasty Chicken Salad

Do you need an exciting new dish to serve up at your next get-together? Try this delicious chicken salad! All it takes is a few simple ingredients and some time to prepare.

To start, get a medium bowl and put a cooked chicken breast in it. Then, add some celery, radishes, cucumbers and green onion. Toss everything together until all of the ingredients are distributed evenly.

Now it’s time for the dressing. A light vinaigrette or creamy mayonnaise based dressing works well. Once it’s all mixed in, give it one final toss.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in the fridge for an hour to let the flavors blend. When it’s ready, grab some crunchy lettuce and line the bottom of your serving dish. Pile the chicken salad in the center and enjoy! How to Serve a Delicious Summer Chicken Salad

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy something light and refreshing, such as a chicken salad. A salad made with arugula, parsley, mint, chervil, and chives is surprisingly simple to make, and the flavor combinations are absolutely delicious. Here’s how to serve a delightful summer chicken salad that you and your family will love.

First, gather together the ingredients you’ll need: arugula, parsley, mint, chervil (optional), chives, and cooked chicken. Chop the parsley, mint, chervil, and chives and set aside.

To serve, put the arugula into a large bowl and sprinkle with salt. Add the parsley, mint, chervil (if using) and remaining chives. Toss and divide among individual plates or wide shallow bowls. Top with the chicken salad, season each portion with a bit of salt and a turn or two of black pepper, and enjoy right away.

This simple but delicious summer chicken salad is a delectable yet simple addition to your summer dinner. Serve it as an appetizer, or as a light meal with some crusty bread. Enjoy! Michele Anna Jordan is a respected food writer and author of 24 books. Her latest book, “A New Cook’s Tour of Sonoma,” focuses on the diverse cultures and cuisines found in Sonoma County and its surrounding areas. Through her writing, Michele Anna Jordan has become an authority in the food industry. She has crafted a unique approach to food, focusing on the traditional cultures and local ingredients that are so fundamental to the area’s cuisine.

Jordan’s books are recommended as excellent guides for those looking for an informative and entertaining journey of discovery through Sonoma. In addition, her blog covers a wide variety of recipes and other food-related topics to provide readers with up-to-date culinary news.

If you wish to learn more about Michele Anna Jordan and her books, you can reach her at michele@micheleannajordan.com.