A great theme for a wine group event is: Bring A Bottle Of Your Favorite Wine. Then ask the participants to talk a little about the wine and why it is their favorite. I also like to ask gusts to bring an appetizer that links to why the wine is a favorite.
Joseph Phelps wines has always been some of our favorites. Our history with Joseph Phelps goes back to the 1980’s when we lived in California. In one of our first trips to the Napa Valley we visited the Phelps vineyard in Helena. The vineyard is situated in a little sub-valley off of the mainstream of the Napa Valley. The winery is situated up on a hill overlooking an idyllic setting. In that first visit we tasted some very nice wines on a tour and then enjoyed a bottle of cabernet with a picnic lunch. From that moment on, we have been fans for life.
In connection with that first visit and picnic lunch I like to serve some mini sandwiches on a crusty baguette. For me, the bread is the key to great sandwiches. I grew up in Westchester County just north of New York City. In a Westchester deli you don’t order a hero, a sub or a hoagie. You order a wedge. It is called a wedge because it is served on wedge of crusty Italian bread.
With the pandemic, I have used some of our time at home to start making my own baguettes. While working with yeast and baking in general can be daunting, I have found that with some precision and a little science, we can make some pretty tasty breads. And even if your bread is failure, there is the wonderful aroma of bread baking that makes it all worthwhile. With 4 simple ingredients and using a scale you can get a pretty good start.
Ingredients
- 684 grams Bread Flour
- 502 grams water
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
The sandwiches don’t have to be complicated. A simple:
- Ham, Cheese and Tomato with Mustard
- Ham, Salami and Tomato with Pesto
When I am making sandwiches for appetizers I like to slip in a little trick from France. Use a little butter on your sandwich. In Paris if you order a sandwich de jambon avec fromage, you will get a little butter without asking for it. Somehow the sandwich will be memorable and you probably wouldn’t know why. A little butter really works. A favorite wine a favorite sandwich, if it takes a little butter, that a good thing
If you enjoyed this blog and similar other stories/wine group/supper club lessons follow me on Facebook and Twitter and subscribe to get future blogs at www.impromptufridaynights.com/blog and check out my book Impromptu Friday Nights a Guide to Supper Clubs. Published by Morgan James Publishing and available through most channels where books are sold.
Great article and right to the point. I am not sure if this is in fact the best place to ask but do you folks have any thoughts on where to employ some professional writers? Thanks 🙂