Easy Entertaining
Whether you’re hosting a small weekend get-together, a large gathering, or anything in between, entertaining friends and family always provides an opportunity to create memories that last a lifetime. No host wants to miss the highlights because of an endless to-do list in the kitchen, but with the right recipes and refreshments, it’s easy to throw a successful, enjoyable dinner party for you and your guests. Courtesy www.EdnaValleyVineyard.com.
Orzo with Lemon, Brie
and Toasted Pine Nuts
Serves: 8
1 lb. orzo pasta
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus 1 tbsp., divided
1 tbsp. lemon zest
3 tbsp. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. minced garlic
1 wheel (10 oz.) Brie cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
3/4 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup toasted pine nuts
1/4 cup fresh basil, chiffonade
salt, to taste
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Prepare pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Toss with 1 tbsp. olive oil to prevent sticking and allow to cool. In large bowl, toss pasta with remaining olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, Brie cubes, raisins, pine nuts, and basil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Garnish with additional basil, if desired.
Grilled Panzanella Salad
Serves: 4-6
Salad
8 oz. day-old sourdough bread
2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
kosher salt
1 clove garlic
1 cup roasted red bell peppers, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
1 1/2 cups yellow grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup Nicoise or Kalamata olives, halved if large
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup grated Asiago cheese
Balsamic Vinaigrette
1 1/2 tbsp. golden balsamic vinegar
1/4 tsp. minced garlic
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
Heat grill or grill pan to medium heat.
For salad: Cut bread into 1-inch thick slices. Brush both sides with olive oil and season with salt. Grill bread on both sides until toasted and grill marks are present. When bread is cool enough to handle, rub garlic clove on both sides. Cut into 1-inch cubes. In large bowl, combine bread, peppers, tomatoes, olives, basil and cheese.
For balsamic vinaigrette: In small bowl, combine balsamic vinegar and garlic. Whisk in olive oil in slow stream until combined. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Toss vinaigrette with salad and serve immediately. Garnish with additional fresh basil and grated cheese, if desired.
Chicken Thighs and Tomatoes
Serves: 4
1 pint cherry tomatoes
pepper
kosher salt
olive oil
4 chicken thighs (skin-on, bone-in)
1 cup white wine
1 clove garlic
1 lemon, juice only
Heat oven to 400 F°.
In cast iron skillet, toss tomatoes with pinch of pepper, kosher salt, and light drizzle of olive oil and place in oven. Roast tomatoes for 20 minutes. Set aside.
Heat skillet on stovetop. Once hot, sear chicken thighs. Flip chicken and sear bottom side for about 1 minute. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
With pan still hot, pour in white wine. Once wine has settled, add minced garlic. Add juice of one lemon. Return chicken thighs and tomatoes to skillet. Bake for 35-40 minutes.