Last Sunday, after visiting the LYS (see below), Salmaan and I stopped at Rockbridge Wineryfor an avant garde picnic before heading back home. It was really pretty awesome. We've been to this winery on numerous occasions, and really enjoy the covered pavilion with picnic tables and porch swings. You can look out over the rolling hills of Raphine, covered on one side by the vines, and the tasting room is situated in a picturesque red barn. It fits right in with the rest of the country landscape. We enjoyed the St. Mary's Blanc with some crackers and crab dip that my Dad had sent us home with. The tea was good too--it was rooibus (my absolute favorite tea--it's red) with a hint of pomegranate.
The dip was so flavorful--it had crab, artichokes and spinach, and went really well with the slightly acidic wine.
Here's the recipe for the dip. You really MUST make it, it was that good. Feel free to used reduced or low fat dairy products--just don't use fat-free. Makes it taste plasticky if you know what I mean.
8 oz cream cheese (room temp)
4 oz sour cream
1/4 cu mayonnaise
blend the above ingredients well
1 can artichoke hearts in water (squeeze out most of the liquid) and chop coarsely.
1 pkg frozen chopped spinach, cooked according to pkg directions and then squeezed very dry.
8 oz crab meat. You could use the imitation crab for this.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
add all the ingredients and mix well. Add freshly ground black pepper and some Tabasco or other hot sauce to taste. This can be served cold as a spread, or put in a small casserole dish and baked until bubbly, 350 degrees for about 15-20 minutes.
YUM. We had it cold as you can see. We had a great time, and River did too, seeing as how she got some extra treats and ice water to keep her company. Look at my beautiful family!
I'm really lucky.
I'm lucky too. :o*
I must agree about the dip (yum-o), which is hard for me because I my disain for anything artichoke.
Usually, a food with the word "choke" in its name usually sends me running for the hills. Not this time though. I think River liked it too.
Posted by: Salmaan | July 28, 2008 at 10:03 AM