Happy May Day! It’s another beauty outside and you always know it’s springtime in the Santa Ynez Valley when vintners are releasing their rose wine. In a few hours, I’m headed to a Rose’ Release Party at Zaca Mesa Winery. I enjoy a good rose in the warmer months of the year, especially out here, where the temperatures can be in the high 90’s or hotter during the peak of summer. Today, it’s only going to be a gorgeous 73 degrees and what’s not to love about that? The event is going to be catered by Valley Piggery, and today’s menu is Cuban food — I can’t wait. I hope they will be serving some Cubano sandwiches, hunks of shaved pork and sliced ham with tangy pickles and swiss cheese, or possibly some classic black beans and rice, a staple in Cuban cuisine. Either way, it’s going to be one lovely day for tasting some new wines.
This week is going to be filled with delicious food on the home front as well. I thought we’d kick off Monday with Caramelized Chicken and Green Garlic Pasta. Green garlic is something you can find at farmer’s markets during the spring months, so it’s time. On Tuesday, I thought a good Caesar Salad with Crispy Frico would be in order. There’s no croutons in this recipe, but instead chunks of crispy cheese that are easily baked on sheet pan and crumbled over top. It’s Creamy Whole-Grain Orzo and Asparagus on Wednesday. This easy one-skillet meal is made in minutes, and you can always add some rotisserie chicken or cooked diced ham, if desired. Thursday is Turkey Meatballs in a Creamy Arugula Pesto. Making your own pesto is a simple process, just whiz up all the ingredients in a food processor and that’s pretty much it. TGIF and we’re making Chicken and Bacon Nachos! It’s a fun and entertaining meal to share with family and friends. Saturday’s are for baking and my Blueberry Orange Cake is one delightful treat. It’s perfect after any meal or served for breakfast, or brunch on the weekends. Have another tasty week, and enjoy spring.
Monday – It’s green garlic season, so grab a bunch and create this tasty pasta dish. If you can’t find it, you can substitute a clove of garlic and maybe add some scallions for flavor.
Caramelized Chicken & Green Garlic Pasta – Recipe!
Tuesday – Classic Caesar salad made with crispy cheesy frico instead of croutons. It’s a meal in itself.
Caesar Salad with Crispy Frico – Recipe!
Wednesday – I love a good skillet meal and this one has asparagus. The entire meal in made within minutes and can be served right from the pan.
Creamy Whole-Grain Orzo with Asparagus – Recipe!
Thursday – It’s meatball night and tonight, and we’re enjoying turkey meatballs in a creamy arugula pesto. You can always substitute store-bought pesto, if that’s easier on time.
Turkey Meatballs with Creamy Arugula Pesto Sauce – Recipe!
Friday – I dig a good nacho and these are loaded with cheese, chicken and bacon. It’s a fun meal to share with friends, while binge watching your favorite show.
Roast Chicken & Bacon Nachos – Recipe!
Saturday – It’s baking day and today we’re making a simple one-layer cake that can be served as desserts or for brunch.
Blueberry Orange Cake – Recipe!
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