Wow! Summer is finally here, and I couldn’t be happier! I was starting to wonder what happened to the good ol’ dog days of summer from when I was a kid? I guess as I age so do the weather trends. It may not be the kind of summer that I remember, but hey, I’ll take it.
One of my favorite things to do on a hot summer day? Chill on the deck, sip on a cold summer cocktail and nibble on some yummy apps that are made from fresh, local ingredients. I am a true wine lover, but I have to admit that my drink of choice when it’s super hot out, is an ice cold (and I mean put in the freezer for an extra 15 min cold) beer! In saying that, I certainly am not opposed to a chilled glass of Rosé.
Rosé wine: Not just for amateurs any more. A light & refreshing summer wine for any occasion.
Most Rosé’s are not the sweet, fizzy stuff you drank when you were young and looking for a cheap, easy wine. It’s classy and wonderfully versatile, whether your mood requires a lighter, fruity wine or a heavier one with some structure.
Tip: To chill your summer bottles in just 20 minutes, fill bucket two-thirds full with equal parts cold water and ice. Submerge bottle up to neck; speed it up a bit more by tossing in a handful of rock salt.
Here’s a quick and easy summer app recipe to go along with the Rosé.
Blueberry Brie on the Barbie
- One large round of Brie
- 2 Cups of local fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup of orange juice
- 1 small shallot, chopped
- 1 clove of garlic crushed
- 2 tsp of brown sugar
- Lemon rind grated
- Freshly ground black pepper
Place last 7 ingredients in a tin foil plate and place on BBQ on Medium heat, till bubbly and berries are reduced. Approximately 15 min – 20 min. Keep warm on upper rack and grill the Brie round. Once Brie is warmed through, place on platter and drizzle with blueberry sauce. Serve with artisan breads and crackers. Voila!
Thanks Kerry,
I look forward to trying your Blackberry Brie at your next paty.
Jim