It’s my Vineyard

We have been in London for a short while to have a special family dinner.

The theme was Italian food. The best way to please alot of different tastes, is a first course of antipasti, delicious combinations of fish, salads, fruit and vegetables arranged decoratively on a large platter. 

Melon dressed in balsamic vinegar, lemon and a twist of ginger, wrapped with parma ham, prawns napped with a light mayonnaise, baby broad beans with crispy pancetta, tomatoes and home made basil pesto [so easy to make, and works with any herbs blended with parmesan cheese, olive oil and pine nuts or almonds] Herring and warm potato salad, wild rocket leaves…

I am growing some from seed in Beaujolais, slow to start but will be be there all summer for me to pick.

Roasted red peppers,that are divine with an oil and vinegar dressing. Black, succulent olives and powerful little capers bursting with flavour set the whole dish off and a piece of parma ham twisted into a ‘rose’ becomes the centre piece.

Our fine Regnie Beaujolais complimented the dish so well. No fighting of flavours or competition, just total harmony!

Little home made rolls in the shape of knots, so easy to make… I can tell you how if you would like me to.

Note the colour of the wine, deep red with violet tints, it has body and loads of character, you have to try it!