Monday, January 7, 2008

Lost River Syrah & Pumpkin Soup

WINE
Lost River Syrah 2005 – Washington
This is another nicely made wine from our closest local winery. It exhibits good Syrah character, in a style that the winemaker describes as between California and France. It’s nice to see a winemaker not just imitating California or Australia. Black cherries and spice on the nose, tastes of spice, chocolate, and very dark berry fruit. Yes. $22

DINNER
Pumpkin Soup Recipe

Ingredients

  • Fresh pumpkin (about 1/3 of a medium pumpkin)
  • Desired spices
  • Butter
  • Carrot – 1 large sliced
  • Onion – half medium thick chopped
  • Chicken or Veggie stock – about 4 cups
  • Olive oil

Method
  • Cut pumpkin into manageable size pieces
  • Sprinkle with spices and drizzle with melted butter
  • Bake in 350 degree oven until tender
  • Scoop out flesh and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • Sauté onion and carrot in olive oil until start to soften
  • Add stock and cook another 15-20 minutes
  • Add pumpkin and cook another 5 minutes
  • Remove about half of soup, and blend until smooth
  • Return blended soup to pot
Serve with crusty bread or a side salad.