Month: August 2012

What to drink at the airport … in Kelowna

No, we didn't take this photograph in the cute little Kelowna airport, located in the heart of the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia. Once principally an orchard area (the peaches and cherries are incredible), the valley now boasts more than 150 wineries and an untold number of vineyards. It is emerging as one of the hottest new table wine region in the North American west as well as continuing its excellent production of Canada's best-known ice wines. We spent a few days touring and tasting and have to admit that it's hard to beat the striking vistas from the hillside vineyard tasting rooms that overlook the chain of lakes in the Okanagan Valley. Looking down the long green rows to the blue water--and then across...Read More

Bowties with tomato trimmings

We're in the midst of the tomato and basil harvest--lots of Costoluto Genovese tomatoes and lots of Genovese basil. Most nights that means slicing up some fresh mozzarella cheese and enjoying giant plates of insalata caprese. But what do you do with the tomato shoulders and irregular bits left over when you make a pretty plate of caprese? We took a little inspiration from Sicily and added lemon and ground pistachio nuts for a solid pasta plate that takes full advantage of the harvest. FARFALLE WITH TOMATOES, LEMON, AND PISTACHIOS Serves 2 as main dish, 4 as pasta course Ingredients 2 cups farfalle (bowties) 1 1/2 cups peeled, chopped tomatoes 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cloves garlic, grated grated zest of...Read More