Recipe: Asparagus Filo Basket with Tarragon Hollandaise

By Chef Tamara Frey
 

Enjoy lightly braised asparagus and wine-infused Portobello mushrooms in a basket of flaky filo, blanketed with a tarragon hollandaise.  The steps are simple and the medley of flavors will wow your guests.  We served it with a bottle of Frey Organic Pinot Noir.  So good!

Ingredients:
1 box filo dough
5 large Portobello mushrooms (can use other mushrooms)
2 pounds fresh asparagus
2 pounds unsalted butter
1 jar roasted red peppers
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1 large lemon
1 1/2 teaspoons tarragon
2 pinches cayenne
1/2 cup Frey Pinot Noir
salt and pepper for seasoning

Make the filo baskets
Filo dough comes frozen, so leave the box in the refrigerator for a day to thaw before gently unrolling the sheets.  The sheets I used came in rectangular size of 13 x 18 inches, so after applying the butter and stacking, I cut each in half to 13 x 9 inch rectagles.  While working with one sheet, cover the rest with a cloth to prevent from drying out.

Melt 1 and a half sticks of unsalted butter in a sauté pan.  Start by gently laying out one of the filo sheets and brush on the melted butter with a pastry brush.  Take another sheet and put it on top of the buttered sheet.  Continue layering the filo sheets this way, with the melted butter in between each sheet until you have 8 layers.  If a sheet tears, as it often does, just patch it up with a piece of filo using a dab of melted butter as glue.

With your 8 layers stacked, cut in half down the middle.  Grab one of the stacks and fold the sides in at about half-inch increments until you build up the sides a bit to create a simple basket about 4 x 5 inches.  Bake in oven at 375-degree for approximately 12 to 15 minutes, until top and bottom are nicely browned and the basket has puffed up.  Set cooked filo baskets aside.  (If making the baskets a day ahead, store in a cool place covered with plastic wrap, then flash heat in a 300 degree oven when ready to assemble.)

Prepare the mushrooms
Thinly slice the mushrooms.  Melt in a sauté pan 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter.  Sauté the sliced mushrooms a few minutes until done.  Add 1/2 cup of Frey Organic Pinot Noir and reduce the juices until a bit thickened.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Set aside.  (May need to reheat when it is time to assemble the baskets.)

Prepare the asparagus
Rinse the asparagus.  Holding one spear in both hands, gently crack it where it naturally breaks. Repeat with all the asparagus spears and discard the bottom parts.  Melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter in a sauté pan, add the juice of 1/2 a lemon, and sauté the asparagus on medium heat until al dente, which is still a bit crispy, or you can cook it to your liking.  Set aside.  (May need to reheat when it is time to assemble the baskets.)

Prepare the hollandaise
Hollandaise can be tricky as we all know.  People are afraid to attempt it.  The following is a simple hollandaise recipe using a Cuisinart that I’ve had immense success with.  Years ago when I had a little cafe and labored over the classic water-bath hollandaise method, one of the other cooks gave me this fabulous recipe.  I have never gone back to the classic French method I learned in culinary school.  I love that the consistency of this recipe holds its own every time.  It is the one-one-one method: 1 egg, 1 yolk, 1 lb. butter.  Here it is:

Melt a pound of unsalted butter in a saucepan on medium to low heat.  The melted butter cannot be too hot, nor too cold.  Lukewarm is perfect.  While the butter’s melting, put the large egg and the large egg yolk in the Cuisinart. Let it run for a minute or so until the mixture becomes light-yellow and creamy, and warmed by the Cuisinart.  Then, very slowly, in a thin stream, pour the warm melted butter into the mix while Cuisinart is running.  Turn off machine and test for thickness by carefully putting a spoon in the hollandaise.  If the spoon comes out coated, without the hollandaise running down the spoon, then consistency is good.  Turn on the Cuisinart again and add the juice of half a lemon, one and a half teaspoons of the tarragon, a pinch or two of cayenne and salt.  Pulse the Cuisinart and mix, then taste for seasoning.  Adjust as needed.  You might enjoy more lemon juice or more of a kick with the cayenne.

Prepare the Roasted Red Peppers
Slice in thin strips and set aside.

Assemble the asparagus baskets
Best to serve the filo basket, mushrooms and asparagus piping hot, as all three cool quickly.
Place a filo basket on a plate.
Place two or three spoonfuls of mushrooms in the filo basket.
Then 4 or 5 asparagus spears.
Partially blanket the mushrooms and asparagus with the warm hollandaise.
Lay 2 roasted red pepper strips in an X pattern across it all.

Serve and enjoy!

Copyrighted 2019, Tamara Frey

Mar 1, 2019 at 10:16 AM Permalink

Molly U.’s Cranberry Sauce

A wonderful recipe from an Organic Wine Club member.  Cover a 12 oz. bag of organic fresh cranberries with Frey organic red wine of your choice. Simmer a few minutes, until berries swell.  Off heat.  Add 1/2 cup chopped candied ginger, 1/2 cup (or less) raw sugar, zest and juice of one lemon.  Cover and let sit a few minutes, and enjoy!

Dec 19, 2018 at 4:45 PM Permalink

Summer Peach Sangria

Perfect for a summer’s evening is this refreshing twist to the classic beverage, white wine peach sangria!

Ingredients:
3 ripe peaches
1 handful fresh mint
1 bottle Frey Organic Viognier
2 table spoons simple syrup
¼ cup Elderflower liquor
Lots of ice

Slice 3 ripe peaches.  Put peaches, mint, a bottle of Frey organic Viognier and the syrup into a large mason jar or pitcher.  (Optional: a splash of St. Germain, ¼ cup or more, to taste.)  Refrigerate and marinate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.  As the sangria marinates, the peaches may turn a little brown after a few days.  This may look unappealing, but the flavor is much improved.  If serving to guests we recommend straining out the browned peaches and adding fresh sliced peaches as well as a handful of fresh mint.  Serve over ice and enjoy on a warm summer evening!

Aug 15, 2018 at 2:21 PM Permalink

Potato, Kale, and Sausage Soup

This delicious, hearty soup is full of flavorful Italian sausage, kale, and potatoes.  It’s sure to warm your soul and it is a quick and easy recipe to share with your family.  Pair with Frey Organic Sangiovese.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 package (14-ounces) Italian sausage sliced into 1/4-inch rounds (for a vegetarian option use a vegan Italian sausage such as Field Roast)
• 4 cups torn kale leaves
• salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 3 cups cubed potatoes
• 6 cups chicken stock
• 2 cups cream

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat
2. Add diced onions and garlic and sauté until translucent 
3. Add sliced sausage, cook until lightly browned
4. Add potatoes and chicken stock and reduce to a simmer and continue to cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until potatoes are fully cooked and tender
5. Add chopped kale, salt, pepper, thyme and cream; stir to combine and cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally
6. Remove from heat
7. Taste for seasonings and adjust accordingly
8. Ladle soup into bowls and serve with a glass of Frey Organic Sangiovese. Enjoy!

Apr 6, 2018 at 11:16 AM Permalink

Mushroom Herb Pinwheels

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 pound baby bella (or crimini) mushrooms, minced
1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons flour
1/4 cup Frey Biodynamic Sauvignon Blanc wine
1/2 cup full fat Greek yogurt
1/3 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
2 sheets thawed puff pastry

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. In a sauté pan over medium-high heat, melt the butter and add the chopped onion. Sauté the onions for about 5 minutes, until cooked through.
3. Add the minced garlic, finely chopped mushrooms, salt, pepper, and the chopped fresh herbs.
4. Cook until all of the moisture is out of the pan from the mushrooms, 7-10 minutes.
5. Sprinkle the mushrooms with the flour and stir to combine. Let it cook for about 2 minutes.
6. Add the white wine and Greek yogurt, mixing everything together.
7. Once everything is combined turn off the heat and add the shredded Gruyere cheese. Stir to combine and set aside.
8. On a floured surface roll out the puff pastry into a large rectangle.
9. Spoon the mushroom mixture to the middle of the puff pastry, top with cheese then roll into a log.
10. Cut log into 1 inch rounds.
11. Lay spirals on the parchment-lined baking sheet, sprinkle with thyme leaves, and put into the oven.
12. Bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes.
13. Serve them while they're warm with a glass of Frey Organic Totality Sparkling wine. Enjoy!

Dec 29, 2017 at 12:50 PM Permalink

Heirloom Tomato and Ricotta Tart

A homemade flaky pie crust with creamy ricotta cheese and ripe heirloom tomatoes. Perfect during tomato season, and with a glass of Frey Organic Sangiovese.

Ingredients
Crust:
1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup Unsalted Butter
1/4 cup ice water
 
Filling:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound heirloom tomatoes
1 pound whole milk ricotta cheese
1 clove garlic, sliced thin
Fresh chives and basil, garnish
Coarse salt and pepper
 
Directions:
Crust: Start the crust by stirring together the flour and salt and then cut in the cubed cold butter until pea-sized pieces.  Mix in the ice water by the tablespoon. The dough should be a bit shaggy. If you press it together it should stick, but just barely.

Scoop the dough out onto a clean surface and fold it over itself a few times to form a loose ball. Wrap it tightly in plastic and put it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. You know you did it right if you can see chunks of butter in the dough.

Filling: The most important part of this recipe is to salt and drain the tomatoes of any extra liquid. Slice the tomatoes and line a colander with them. Then sprinkle them with salt and let them rest for about 10-15 minutes.

When you’re ready to make the tart, roll your dough out into about a 14-inch round. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Then drizzle the dough with olive oil and spread the ricotta cheese. Leave about a 2-inch border around the edges so you can fold the dough over later. Add some slivered garlic to the cheese and top with tomatoes. Carefully fold the dough edges over the top and sprinkle it with a little salt and pepper and put it in the oven!

Bake the tart at 400 degrees F. for about 50 minutes. Rotate it once halfway through to make sure it’s cooking evenly.
After out of the oven let the tart rest for about 10 minutes to allow the filling to set up. Sprinkle chopped chives and basil on top and serve with a glass of Frey Organic Sangiovese.  

Use fresh heirloom tomatoes in season, if possible.

Fresh basil, garlic, and chives.

Tomatoes ready for topping.

Ready to roll!

Ricotta cheese spread on the dough, then the garlic...

...and tomatoes on top.  Ready for the oven.

The eyes get the first bite!

Sep 15, 2017 at 12:05 PM Permalink Comments (1)

Organic Fig Bars, Gluten and Dairy Free

These delicious, flaky, chewy, sweet fig bars are nothing like the store bought cookies. These are easy to make and a perfect treat when paired with Frey Organic Pinot Noir.

Ingredients
Biscuit Dough
3 cups organic almond flour
4 tbsp organic unrefined coconut oil, melted
4 tbsp raw honey
1 tbsp vanilla extract

Filling
1 cup fresh organic figs
2 tbsp organic apple or lemon juice
2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
Preheat oven to 350F.

Combine all biscuit dough ingredients in your food processor until it begins to stick together and forms into a ball. In a bowl, put the ball of dough in the fridge for 30 minutes to chill.

Place figs in your food processor and finely chop.  Add in other filling ingredients and blend to a paste. Set aside until ready to assemble fig rolls.

Divide dough in four and roll each between two pieces of parchment paper.

You want each bout 1/2 an inch thick, rectangular in shape, approx. 10 x 4 inches. Leave the dough lying on the parchment paper.

Divide the fig filling into four and place each along the inside edge of each rectangle of biscuit dough. Leave a little gap of the biscuit dough, ¼ inch, on the inner side.  Spread the filling evenly length-wise and thickness-wise as much as possible.  See photo.

Fold over topside of the roll by lifting up the parchment paper. Seal the edge tight. Remove parchment, slice each roll into 6-10 fig rolls.

Place on a non-stick baking tray lightly greased with coconut oil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, until golden brown.

Allow cooling for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool fully.  Serve with a glass of Frey Organic Pinot Noir.

Aug 7, 2017 at 12:26 PM Permalink

Organic Vegetable Spring Rolls

Fresh spring rolls should offer a pleasing contrast in texture (soft wrapper, chewy noodles, and crunchy vegetables) and flavors (fresh mint, basil, and cilantro; peanuts, spicy chilies, and salty sauce) which will pair perfectly with a cold glass of our Organic Pinot Grigio. Try to source organic ingredients for the health of farmworkers, your own health, and for future generations.

Ingredients
1 large carrot, peeled and shredded
1 large cucumber, peeled, halved lengthwise, and cut into matchsticks
½ cup chopped green onion
½ cup fresh basil and/or mint leaves torn into ½ inch pieces
½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
1 cup lettuce leaves chopped
2 cups cooked rice noodles
8 (8-inch) round brown rice paper wrappers

Peanut Sauce Ingredients and Recipe
¼ cup creamy organic peanut butter
1 tsp Asian chili-garlic sauce
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
1 tbsp brown sugar
Cream together peanut butter and brown sugar, then add vinegar, chili-garlic sauce and soy sauce.  Blend together to make a rich & creamy peanut sauce perfect for dipping in your Spring Rolls.

Wrap Recipe
1.  Prepare all ingredients in individual bowls.
2.  Spread clean, damp dishtowel on counter. Fill 9 inch pie plate with 1 inch of room-temperature water.  Submerge each wrapper in water until just pliable, about 2 minutes.  Lay softened wrapper on towel.  Scatter about 4 basil leaves, 4 mint leaves and 6 cilantro leaves over wrapper.  Arrange 5 cumber sticks horizontally on wrapper, leaving 2 inch boarder at bottom.  Top with carrots, lettuce leaves, green onion, and about 2 tbsp noodles.  Fold bottom of wrapper up over filling. Fold sides of wrapper over filling and then roll wrapper up into tight spring roll.
3.  Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.  Serve immediately with peanut dipping sauce and a glass of Frey Organic Pinot Grigio.

Jul 18, 2017 at 10:45 AM Permalink

Grilled Soy-Ginger Glazed Tofu

 
This tofu has a wonderfully soft, silky texture that contrasts nicely with the crisp, sweet and spicy Asian style grilled glaze. Enjoy this tasty meal with friends, family, and a bottle or two of Frey red wine. Cheers! 
 
Marinade:
5 cups water
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons Asian Chili-garlic sauce
 
Glaze:
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup water
1/3 cup sugar
¼ cup mirin
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon Asian chili-garlic sauce
 
Tofu:
28 ounces firm tofu, sliced lengthwise into 1 inch think planks
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and pepper
¼ cup minced fresh cilantro
 
1. For the Marinade: bring water to a boil, add soy sauce and chili garlic sauce, turn off heat and add tofu. Allow tofu to marinate for 20 minutes.
2. For the Glaze: simmer the soy sauce, water, sugar, mirin, ginger, garlic, cornstarch, and chili-garlic sauce in small saucepan over medium-high heat until thickened and reduced to ¾ cups, for 5-7 minutes.
3. For the tofu: Drain tofu from marinade and spread over paper towel-lined baking sheet, let drain for 20 minutes, then gently press dry with paper towels. Brush tofu with oil and season with salt and paper
4. For the Grill: Turn all burners to high, cover, and heat grill until hot, about 15 minutes. Leave all burners on high.
Clean and oil cooking grate. Gently place tofu on grill, perpendicular to grate bars. Cook until lightly browned on both sides, 6-10 minutes. Gently flip tofu halfway through cooking using 2 spatulas. Next, turn all burners to medium and brush tofu with glaze and cook until well browned, 1-2 minutes. Flip tofu, brush with glaze and cook until well browned. Transfer tofu to platter, brush with remaining ¼ cup glaze, and sprinkle with cilantro. Serve with Asian coleslaw and a glass of Frey organic Sangiovese or Zinfandel.  Enjoy!

Jun 8, 2017 at 11:16 AM Permalink

Bali Chili

During a visit to Bali I got inspired by the local dishes.  I loved their use of gingers – aromatic ginger, turmeric root, galangal and the fresh ginger root that we are more familiar with.  Balinese also use a nut called a candlenut which adds texture and flavor.  It’s similar to a macadamia nut.  They use the leafy part of celery, which most people don’t, and which I’ve always liked because it’s so flavorful.  Their chilies are red and quite hot and are served on the side in thin rounds.  I used green serrano chilies for this recipe.  Habaneros would be great also, if you like it hot.  The Balinese also use an incredibly aromatic Indonesian lemon basil, called kemangi, and the pungent kaffir lime.  Use them if you can get some.  Also use lemon grass (cut it into one inch chunks and simmer it in the chili) if you can get it fresh.  If you make this dish, please let us know your thoughts!

It pairs well with Frey Organic Pinot Grigio.

Ingredients
2 cups dried cannellini beans (any white bean can be used)
Cover with water a few inches above the beans, to allow for expansion, and let sit overnight. Drain and add water to cover the beans. Bring to a boil and simmer until beans are soft and creamy.

3 deboned skinned chicken thighs. Cut into ½ inch cubes. (Can instead use tofu, or any meat or fish)
2 heaping cups green beans – cut into ½ inch chunks.
2 heaping cups ½ inch chunks of peeled, seeded fresh pumpkin (or winter squash or sweet potatoes)
1 thinly sliced large fresh serrano pepper (or jalapeno or habanero chili)
5 large shallots – peeled and minced
1 heaping tablespoon minced fresh ginger root
5 cloves minced garlic
4 tablespoons chopped celery leaves (some stalk can be with it as well)
6 tablespoons finely chopped macadamia nuts
2 cans coconut milk
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 ½ cups thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
Fresh lime wedges for – garnish
Thinly sliced fresh chili slices – for garnish.

Step one
Do this step a day in advance.  In a pot cover the dried cannellini beans with water a few inches above the beans (to allow for expansion) and let sit overnight.  Then drain and add water to cover the beans.  Bring to a boil and simmer until beans are soft and creamy.  (You can just cook the beans on the same day, but it is better to soak them overnight first.)

Step two
Meanwhile, prep all other ingredients and place in bowls ready to cook.

Step three
When the beans are done, add the coconut milk, pumpkin pieces, cut green beans and celery leaves and simmer.

Step Four
Meanwhile, heat the coconut oil in a sauté pan and cook the chicken pieces, shallots, garlic and chile slices for a few minutes over medium heat until done.

Then add to the simmering soup and season with salt and pepper to taste.  Add the slivered basil right before serving.

Serve in bowls with fresh lime wedges and chili slices on the side and each guest can squeeze in fresh lime juice to taste, along with the chilies for desired flavor.

Enjoy with a glass of Frey Organic Pinot Grigio.

Enak sekali!

Ingredients ready for cooking!

Sautéing in the pan!

Adding chopped basil to chili.

Jan 30, 2017 at 2:11 PM Permalink