Sugar Free Chocolate Mousse
**This recipe was featured as part of our 2018 New Release Wine & Food Pairings.** Suggested Wines Meritage (Dry Red) Cabernet Sauvignon (Dry Red) Lakeshore Ruby Red (Semi-Dry Red) This sugar-free low carb chocolate mousse is rich and creamy with less than for net carbs per serving. The slight bit of gelatin helps stabilize the mousse so you can make it in advance. Fast and easy to prepare! Ingredients 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin 1 tablespoon cold water 2 tablespoons boiling water 1 cup Splenda 1/2 cup unsweetened powdered cocoa (Ghirardelli preferred) 1/8 teaspoon salt 1 cup heavy whipping cream 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Optional Topping: whipped cream lightly sweetened with Splenda Optional Topping: Light dusting of unsweetened
Cherry and Blueberry Harvest
Balaton cherries waiting to be processed While many Michigan wineries are busy getting ready for harvest, Fenn Valley is already well underway! You see, we process local cherries and blueberries much the same way we work with grapes. This allows us to get more use out of the crush and press equipment as well as create great products out of Michigan-grown fruit! Cherries The cherry we work with is the Balaton, developed in Hungary and brought to the United States by Michigan State University. It differs from the extremely popular Montmorency cherry by having a firmer skin and red flesh. We believe it is ideal for winemaking as a result of both the flavor
Jam-Topped Mini Cheesecakes
**This recipe was featured as part of our 2017 New Release Wine & Food Pairings.** Suggested Wines Ice Wine (Dessert Wine) Late Harvest Vignoles (Dessert Wine) Dessert wine pairings can be tricky. The key is to choose a food item that seems less sweet compared to the wine (even if in reality the food has more sugar). The savory elements of cheesecake help ensure the wine seems more sweet. The jam ties in the fruit flavors in this delicious pairing to end a great meal. Ingredients 1 cup graham cracker crumbs 3 tablespoons butter, melted 1 – 8oz. cream cheese, softened 1/3 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 egg, lightly beaten Assorted jams, warmed Directions Preheat
Italian Quesadillas
**This recipe was featured as part of our 2017 New Release Wine & Food Pairings.** Suggested Wines Meritage (Dry Red) Cabernet Sauvignon (Dry Red) Lakeshore Ruby Red (Semi-Dry Red) An Italian take on this classic Mexican dish! The strong fennel flavor of the sausage is a classic Bordeaux style red wine pairing. The apples deliver an acidic component that highlights the crispness of cool climate red wines. And anytime cheese is involved wine seems to fit in nicely. Ingredients 10 fresh flour tortillas 1-1/2 pounds strong Italian sausage,** cooked 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese 3 Granny Smith apples, cored and sliced paper thin Directions Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lay out
Fig and Prosciutto Flatbread
**This recipe was featured as part of our 2017 New Release Wine & Food Pairings.** Suggested Wines Merlot (Dry Red) Capriccio (Dry Red) Lakeshore Ruby Red (Semi-Dry Red) This flatbread is the food version of red wine! The fig jam brings out fruitiness while the Gorgonzola cheese and fresh herbs add a dimension of earthiness and an herbaceous quality. And lastly the thinly sliced prosciutto delivers a salty, savory dimension. The complexity of this dish really draws out and highlights the complexity of a well made red wine. Ingredients 2 x 12oz. balls of pizza dough, thawed and at room temperature. All-purpose flour Extra virgin olive oil 4 garlic cloves, minced 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, minced
Cheesy Bacon Spread
**This recipe was featured as part of our 2017 New Release Wine & Food Pairings.** Suggested Wines Traminette (Semi-Dry White) Edelzwicker (Off-Dry White) Not many white wines would go well with this flavorful cheese spread. However Traminette has a wonderful floral aromatic, fruity flavor and slightly spicy finish, making it an interesting and successful pairing. Ingredients 1-12oz. pkg. bacon strips, cooked, drained and chopped ½ cup roasted pecans, chopped 4 cups (1 pound) finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese 2 cups mayonnaise 1 small onion, finely chopped 3 tablespoons finely chopped sweet red bell pepper 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper Directions Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and stir together well. Let set at least 2-3 hours for
Super Orange Chicken
**This recipe was featured as part of our 2017 New Release Wine & Food Pairings.** Suggested Wines Muscat Ottonel (Dry White) Moscato (Semi-Dry White) Lakeshore Demi-Sec (Semi-Dry White) The classic orange blossom characteristics of Muscat Ottonel pair perfectly with the orange marinade on the chicken. Also, Muscat Ottonel is one of the few wines that pairs nicely with asparagus, which adds a nice dimension to this dish. Ingredients 10 – 12 boneless, skinless chicken thighs 1 can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed 1 lb. fresh asparagus, ends trimmed, roasted 1 sweet red bell pepper, roasted 1 bunch green onions, sliced including the greens 8 – 12 cloves garlic, minced 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
**This recipe was featured as part of our 2017 New Release Wine & Food Pairings.** Suggested Wines Sauvignon Blanc (Dry White) Sauvignon Blanc can be a tricky food pairing. Those from cool climates (such as Michigan) tend to exhibit more citrus fruit character. The lemon dressing helps to bridge the flavors between the wine and food. Ingredients 28 ounces chickpeas, rinsed and drained 1 sweet red bell pepper, roasted ½ medium red onion ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped Juice and zest of 1 fresh lemon 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 4 cloves garlic, minced Salt and pepper to taste Directions Mix all ingredients (except salt and pepper) together in a large
Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs
**This recipe was featured as part of our 2016 New Release Wine & Food Pairings.** Suggested Wines Edelzwicker (Dry White) Traminette (Semi-Dry White) Asian and Indian foods can often be difficult to pair with wine due to their strong flavors. More full flavored wines, such as Edelzwicker, can stand up to the food and create a delightful pairing. Ingredients 1/2 cup rice vinegar 1/2 cup honey 1/3 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup sesame oil 3 tablespoons Asian garlic chili sauce 3 tablespoons fresh minced garlic Salt, if desired 8-10 skinless, boneless chicken thighs Chopped green onions (optional) Directions Preheat over to 425F In a bowl whisk together until smooth the vinegar, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil
Brats with Bacon and Apple Sauerkraut
**This recipe was featured as part of our 2016 New Release Wine & Food Pairings.** Suggested Wines Dry Riesling (Dry White) Edelzwicker (Dry White) Riesling (Semi-Dry White) A classic sauerkraut and brat recipe. The sourness of the food helps soften the tartness in the wine. Ingredients 8 oz thick-cut bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces 1 very large onion, coarsely chopped 1/4 cup semi-dry white wine (e.g. Fenn Valley Riesling) 1 large Granny Smith and 1 large Fuji apple peeled, cored and cut into 1/2 inch pieces 12 juniper berries 4 bay leaves 1 teaspoon sugar Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste 1 cup water 3 lbs sauerkraut, drained, rinsed and squeezed dry 12
Citrus Almond Israeli Couscous
**This recipe was featured as part of our 2016 New Release Wine & Food Pairings.** Suggested Wines Vino Verde (Dry White) Pinot Grigio (Dry White) Israeli couscous has the consistency of pasta, making this light and fresh side dish the perfect compliment to grilled foods and chilled white wine. This can be made ahead of time for easy entertaining. Ingredients 1 cup water 1 teaspoon dried summer savory 1 teaspoon dried parsley 2 pinches crushed red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon Minor's Chicken base 1/2 cup Israeli (pearl) couscous Zest from 1 lemon 1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted 1/2 cup celery 1/3 cup finely chopped sweet onion 1/2 tomato, seeded and chopped 1 tablespoon olive oil Salt
Gouda and Sun Dried Tomato Cheese Balls
**This recipe was featured as part of our 2016 New Release Wine & Food Pairings.** Suggested Wines Cabernet Sauvignon (Dry Red) Meritage (Dry Red) Merlot (Dry Red) A delicious and easy to prepare appetizer perfect with a dry red wine. This recipe is also easy to make ahead of time! Ingredients 1x8 oz package of cream cheese 2 cups shredded Gouda 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives or green onion tops 1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1 cup chopped parsley Directions Mix cream cheese and Gouda until well blended. Stir in chives, tomatoes and garlic powder. Roll into small balls and roll in chopped parsley. Cover and