Red Wine

Steak and Goat Cheese Crostini with Pesto

Last weekend I hosted a wine tasting party, which is so much fun by the way! Each person brought an appetizer and a bottle of wine so it was minimal preparation required on my part and didn’t break the bank. Thanks to all my amazing friends that came if you are reading this! It was such a blast! We had a total of 13 bottles of wine and an amazing spread of food.

Since I was holding the party around dinner time I knew I needed an appetizer that was hearty and filling. Steak came to mind since it would pair so nicely with a good hearty red blend. These appetizers may look very simple but the flavors were so amazing. The goat cheese is whipped together with cream cheese, olive oil, and red pepper so it is creamy and smooth with a mild kick. I was able to prepare everything earlier in the day and then assemble right before anyone arrived. And let me tell you, they were pretty darn popular among the ladies.

Steak and Goat Cheese Crostini with Pesto

Note: These can be served hot or cold. I served them cold for the sake of convenience. I was able to do all the prep in the morning, stored the cooked steak and goat cheese spread in the fridge, and put the toasted crostini in an unsealed Ziploc bag. I then assembled them right before the party.

INGREDIENTS
1 baguette, cut into 1/4 slices
10–12 ounce New York strip steak
4 oz goat cheese, softened
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
olive oil
salt & pepper
chili powder
garlic powder
1/2 c pesto

STEPS

Preheat the oven to 425º.
Place the baguette slices on a parchment paper lined baking sheets.
Brush each slice with olive oil and season with a light sprinkle of salt. Flip each slice over and repeat.
Toast the baguette slices for 12–15 minutes or until they are a nice golden brown.
While the baguette slices are toasting, season both sides of the steak with salt, pepper, a sprinkle of chili powder, and garlic powder.
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat and add the steak.
Cook the steak for 4–6 minutes, flip, and continue to cook for an additional 4–6 minutes.
Remove the steak from the pan and allow it to sit for 10 minutes.
While the steak is resting, use a hand mixer to whip together the goat cheese, cream cheese, red pepper flakes, and two tablespoons of olive oil.
Thinly slice the steak and set aside.
To assemble, spread about one teaspoon of the whipped goat cheese on a slice of toasted bread, top with a slice of steak, and a dollop of pesto.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Domesticate Me.

Beverages

Recipe—Red Wine Sangria

February 5, 2018February 1, 2018 Diva di Cucina

The big question is, when you take a two-year break from blogging, what do you post? It has to be something amazing, right? Something you are known for by your family and friends.

Is it bad that my mind went right to sangria? LOL What can I say, I have a busy life and this girl loves her wine. One of my favorite things to do on the weekend is have friends over for a relaxing dinner where we can all just sit around and laugh over our crazy lives and yes, wine is almost always involved. Many of my friends have come to know me for my sangria. I make a bomb sangria and it is so easy! So here you have it folks, the Diva’s go to sangria recipe. And guess what, I have one for each season. Here is my summer one if you want to take a peek at that.

Note: I like to let my sangria sit in the fridge for a couple of hours with the fruit. It really allows the sangria to take on some nice flavors from the fruit and allows the fruit to soak up some of the boozy goodness.

INGREDIENTS
750 ml bottle of your favorite red wine
1/2 c brandy
1/2 c orange juice
1/2 c sugar
fresh fruit, sliced (I like oranges, limes, and blackberries)
12 oz can of gingerale or sprite

STEPS

In a large pitcher mix together the wine, brandy, orange juice, and sugar until the sugar is dissolved.
Add in the majority of your prepared fruit. (Set some aside for a nice garnish).
Place in the fridge and allow it to set for a couple of hours. (Or drink it now if you don’t have time. It will still be delicious either way.)
Add in the 12 oz can of soda right before serving.
Pour over ice and garnish.
Drink up!

Dinners

Recipe—Stewed Italian Sausages with Peppers

May 20, 2014January 26, 2018 Diva di Cucina

Perhaps it’s the Italian in me but I absolutely LOVE a good Italian sausage with peppers and onions. Ta-sty! This is a recipe I tried awhile back when I was trying to trim down on my carb consumption. You can use any Italian sausages but I really like Aidells Italian Style Chicken Sausages. They are flavor packed and the chicken helps cut down on some of the calories from the traditional pork or beef. The whole family loved this recipe! For those not watching their carbs, I served it with some crusty French bread and it was a perfect meal! Quick, easy, and delicious. That’s my style!

Note: The sausage and veggies are absolutely awesome in a sandwich too. Just grab a pack of sandwich rolls, load ’em up, and chow down!

INGREDIENTS
2 pounds Italian sausage (I love Aidells Italian Style Smoked Chicken Sausage with Mozzarella)
4 tbsp olive oil, divided
2 red bell peppers, chopped
2 yellow bell peppers, chopped
1 red onion, chopped
1 fennel bulb, chopped
salt
1 c dry red wine
1 c fresh parmesan, grated

STEPS

Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
Add the sausage and cook turning frequently until they turn a nice golden color and are cooked through, about 15 minutes.
Transfer to the sausages to a large plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of oil to the skillet along with all the veggies.
Cook stirring occasionally until the vegetables are softened, about 12–14 minutes.
Season the veggies with salt and add the sausages back into the skillet.
Add the wine to the skillet and bring to a simmer.
Continue to cook for about 4 minutes or until the wine has reduced by about half.
Sprinkle with the grated parmesan and serve.

Recipe adapted from Food and Wine.