First up is Maria Speck with her new book Ancient Grains for Modern Meals: Mediterranean Whole Grain Recipes for Barley, Farro, Kamut, Polenta, Wheat Berries & More
Food writer Maria Speck’s passion for propelling Old World staples such as farro, barley, polenta, and wheat berries to the forefront of new American cooking is beautifully presented in Ancient Grains for Modern Meals. In this inspired and highly personal book, Maria Speck draws on food traditions from across the Mediterranean and northern Europe to reveal how versatile, satisfying, flavorful, and sophisticated whole grains can be.
Rustic but elegant dishes–Creamy Farro with Honey-Roasted Grapes, Barley Salad with Figs and Tarragon-Lemon Dressing, Lamb Stew with Wheat Berries in Red Wine Sauce, and Purple Rice Pudding with Rose Water Dates–are sure to please discerning palates and become favorites in any whole grain repertoire.
Food lovers and health-conscious home chefs alike learn how to integrate whole grains into their busy lives, from quick-cooking quinoa and buckwheat to the slower varieties such as spelt and Kamut. The stunning flavors and lively textures of whole grains are enhanced with natural ingredients such as butter, cream, and prosciutto–in moderation–to create lush Mediterranean-inspired recipes. Maria’s approachable style and generous spirit make this collection of time-honored, updated classics a treasury for today’s cooks.
In the second half I’ll be talking to winemaker Jennifer Wall from Barefoot & Barefoot Bubbly about some of the fun sparkling wine she is putting in to great value bottles perfect for entertaining this holiday season.
During the harvest of 1995, Jennifer started her career as the winemaker for Barefoot Cellars Winery, which at the time was producing Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and White Zinfandel. She continued to lead the winemaking and production operation there for nearly ten years, focusing on producing wines that were varietally correct, fruit forward, and food friendly and expanding the varietals offered to include Zinfandel and Merlot as well as sparkling wines. The Barefoot & Bubbly brand was acquired by E&J Gallo Winery in 2005, and Jennifer continues as the winemaker for the Barefoot brand. Since then, Barefoot Pinot Grigio, Moscato, Riesling, and Pinot Noir have also been introduced, along with five Barefoot Bubbly sparkling wines.
Jennifer has received numerous awards and accolades for her wines since becoming a winemaker in 1995, including many Gold and Double Golds (Barefoot is the most awarded wine brand in California under $15.) When she is not working or spending time with her family and friends, she loves to travel and garden and volunteers her time to numerous not-for-profit organizations, including many that benefit Sonoma County charities
Good Life Guy’s Wines of The Week:
Sparkling Wine from Barefoot! 🙂
