Wine Blog

Joanne Weir’s More Cooking in the Wine Country: 100 New Recipes for Living and Entertaining
“In this sun-drenched valley, everything grows, something is always in season, and the habits of living are relaxed and celebratory.” That’s why Joanne Weir–the celebrated food writer, cooking teacher, chef, and popular television cooking show host–names California’s wine country as the place where the things that matter most to her about cooking happen. “It’s easy to live the rich life here: eating fresh foods right out of the garden and orchard, savoring artisanal cheeses and breads, drinking vintage wines. When I’m here, I feel as though I’m living in a state of grace,” she writes. Joanne Weir’s More Cooking in the Wine Country gives readers all the recipes, advice, and inspiration to bring that state of grace into their own kitchens–no matter where they live.

Just as she did in her celebrated first book on this topic, Weir Cooking: Recipes from the Wine Country, Weir relies heavily on the lusty and vivid flavors and simple cooking methods of the countries of the Mediterranean. The more than 150 recipes in this volume celebrate the bounty of the wine country. From Crostini with Smoked Trout and Lemon Zest to Caramelized Coconut Budino, Weir provides recipes for every course that are at once interesting in their inventiveness and comforting in their familiarity.

In keeping with the “California cuisine” mantra of using fresh, seasonal, and locally grown ingredients, Weir celebrates the seasons with ever-changing offerings. Autumn inspires a salad of Endive with Gorgonzola, Caramelized Onions, and Fig Jam that expertly balances bitter, salty, sour, and sweet. A sprightly Spring Soup of Favas, Sugar Snap Peas, and Asparagus is bright with the crisp, new flavors of spring. Stone Fruit Summer Salad highlights the most succulent produce of the season. And Beef Braised with Zinfandel and Winter Vegetables makes the most of the root vegetables and hearty herbs available this time of year.

The wine-pairing suggestions that accompany each recipe are extremely helpful, tips for how to handle such challenges as peeling fava beans or making perfect risotto are welcome, and the luscious photographs of many of the dishes are inspiring. –Robin Donovan

Customer Review: Outstanding chef
I thoroughly enjoy all of Joanne Weir’s books. She is very knowledgeable about Meditterrean cooking. Her recipes are original, come together very well and many of instructions for making in advance. I place her right up there with Patricia WElls.

Customer Review: Sounds good, but who knows.
I enjoyed watching the cooking show with Joanne Weir, and was very glad to find a used copy of her book. But…. if you live in an area of the country where gourmet items or fresh herbs and other ingredients are scarce you may never be able to duplicate many of the recipes without substitutions. This is a disappointment, and of course not the fault of the book.

A Gourmet Getaway in the Playground of Palm Beach – MarketWatch (press release)

A Gourmet Getaway in the Playground of Palm Beach MarketWatch (press release) To book a Garden-View room at the special Festival rate of $250 per night, plus tax, please call 1-800-432-2335. For access to this rate from December 6-14, just mention the Festival. With enthusiasm, attendees of the Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival … and more »

Michelin Guide 2009 San Francisco (Michelin Guide San Francisco, Bay Area & Wine Country)

SUPERMARKET SOMMELIER: A look at some new releases in the wine world
I had the privilege to taste a pre-release bottle this past August and have to rate it A+! Crimson and Clover upholds Concannon describes the wine, “as having the aroma of currants, cloves and vanilla, the fruit flavors of black berry

Eating Italian: Artichoke Hearts and Pancetta cooked with white wine
With joblessness and homelessness at such high rates hunger is up as well Cook as directed and a buttery wine flavor appetizer to serve on crackers is made. In a skillet warm olive oil on low heat, add wine and cook off alcohol for about 3 minutes

The Food Lover’s Companion to the Napa Valley: Where to Eat, Cook, and Shop in the Wine Country Plus 50 Irresistible Recipes
This is the first of its kind: an insider’s food guide to that gourmand’s paradise, the Napa Valley. Author and longtime resident Lori Lyn Narlock goes behind the scenes to discover where chefs shop, the best places to take a cooking class, or where to get a grapeseed oil massage. With complete details on the where, when, how, and how much, plus dozens of artful black-and-white photographs, this indispensible guide for food lovers even includes 50 recipes honoring the region’s local specialties. It’s a mouthwatering roster of the best that Napa has to offer.

Customer Review: Don’t go to Napa without this book!
Have been to Napa many times – but was unaware of the many gems this book uncovers – an incredible and fun resource for the food and wine lover! I will be seeking out these finds in the future! Highly recommended.

Customer Review: Great overview of Napa
This book covers all the areas I was interested in learning about before our trip to Napa Valley. The reviews seem unbiased and thoughtful. We had visited Napa 18 years ago and while we already had a few ideas, reservations, etc., this guide gave us even more places to consider. I’ve “earmarked” so many pages and even took this guide with us. It also includes maps, addresses and phone numbers and/or websites. Some good recipes are in the back. A good companion guide.