SoGood.TV: Cooking With HJ

Video: Spanish Wine Tasting in Madrid

Here is what we enjoyed on this last post from Madrid: The wines were Protos Verdejo, 2008 a white from the Rueda Region made with Verdejo, Casa de la Ermita, 2008, a rose from Jumilla made with Grenache and Mouvedre and Bodegas Porsellanes' Entrepins, 2008, a red from Valencia made with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The cheese plate included Manchego, Tetilla, and Membrillo, and the cured meats were Jamon Serrano, Salchichon and Lomo Curado. Soooo good!

Video: Cocktails in Madrid

Video Recipe: Cocktails in Madrid

As my friend Jerry said, one of the three most important things in making a good cocktail is a recipe, so here is what he made.  The other two things are fresh juices and plenty of ice.  Thanks, Jerry.  That was great fun.

Spanish Sidecar

1 1/2 oz Spanish brandy such as Carlos Primero
1/2 oz orange liqueur such as Cointreau
1/2 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice

Chill glasses and cocktail shaker.  Place ingredients in shaker with lots of ice. Cover and shake well. Moisten rim with cut lemon, coat with sugar. Turbinado or raw sugar makes a nice choice. Strain cocktail into class, garnish with lemon. 

Floridita

1 1/2 oz white rum such as
1/2 oz fresh squeezed lime juice
3/4 oz Rosso Vermouth (sweet)
1 dash Grenadine syrup
1-2 dashes white Creme de Cacao

Chill glasses and cocktail shaker. Measure and place ingredients in shaker with lots of ice. Cover and shake well. Strain cocktail into glass, garnish with lime.

Video: Tapas in Spain at Fenavin 09

Video Recipe: Fenavin, Tapas and Wine

You don't really need a recipe to make these tapas, but I want to mention the wines, so I thought I write them up anyway. The white wine I poured is called Pazo da Boucina, a wonderful Albarino from the Rias Biaxas region, right near Portugal, it is a cousin wine to Vinho Verde. This one has a surprising lushness that was very good, but I don't think it sells outside of Spain. Another reason to return.

The two reds from Gi, however, are definitely coming stateside. They offer an affordable, crowd pleasing Tempranillo and a lush, easy Monastrell, with a white soon to follow.  And finally the Moscatel, Bodegas Porsellanes' La Sort from Valencia was sweet with a balancing acidity, delicious and organic.  I misspoke in the video when I said it would not match with any of the food. Good sweet wine makes a wonderful match with salty blue cheese. 

Endive, Watercress, Blue Cheese and Pimiento

1 large head of Endive
1 bunch of watercress
2 ounces Spanish blue cheese such as Cabrales
1 large pimiento, diced
red wine vinegar
Spanish olive oil

Separate endive carefully, and set aside the largest leaves, about 8. In a large bowl, toss watercress, large stems removed, with vinegar and oil, add crumbled blue cheese and pimiento, place in endive leaves and serve immediately.

Spanish Grilled Manchego and Jamon (Ham) Sandwich with Tomato Salad

Any kind of sliced bread works here. I used a basic Pullman loaf because it was easiest, but a nice Italian or French Boule would be yummy too. Jamon is a little like Proscuitto, but its flavor is quite distinctive.  Absolutely essential to Spanish cuisine.

2 ripe tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 small onion, diced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
red wine vinegar
Spanish olive oil
salt and pepper

2 slices bread
Spanish olive oil
Manchego cheese, sliced or grated
2 slices Jamon Serrano (Jamon Iberico is more expensive and harder to find)

In a small bowl combine tomatoes, onions and parsley. Toss with olive oil and red wine vinegar, season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside. Meanwhile heat grill. Brush bread slices with olive oil. Place one slice on grill (oiled side down) add Manchego and Jamon, top with a second slice (oil side up) and close grill. Cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Slice and top with tomato salad.  This can easily be done in a regular frying pan unless you are in an exhibition hall with no access to a stove.  Enjoy with wine and friends.

Fenavin 2009 - SoGood.tv to Present at Spanish Wine Festival!

Hi all, I'm getting ready to fly off to Spain to talk about wine, food and blogging.  Bringing the whole family so we can do some posts about it.  I thought I'd take this opportunity to link to some of my older posts that include Spanish wines.  The wines of Spain have both long standing tradition and modern innovation.  Interesting, accessible, established, it's all there.  Plus, TAPAS!  I'll come back with lots of great food and wine info.  In the meantime, take a peek and what I've already covered.

Sunny Spain - A primer of Spain with a link to a Spanish Tortilla Recipe.

Sparkling Wine - Includes a yummy Cava.

Macaroni and Cheese - An American classic I serve with a Rioja.

Mushroom Crostini and Red Wine - A favorite, Puerta Vieja, is included in the line up.

Mini Burgers - An easy $10 Spanish Red finishes this off quite nicely.

How To Taste Wine - I feature a lovely white from Rueda in this lesson.