Новости за 22.02.2014

Happily, there is an extensive list of spring-bloomers that offer a fabulous array of colors, putting them near the top of water-wise garden additions. Start with the ever popular California poppies that, beyond the classic orange, offer apricot, red, burgundy and rose colors. Speaking of which, Asclepias species are host plants for the Monarch butterfly, very drought tolerant and feature bold, star-shaped flowers. Plant bulbs beneath the soil, then cover them with low-growing annuals or groundcovers and taller plants as an extra layer. Читать дальше...

There's a Rhone-minded leaning in this grab bag of California reds, but that's more a question of the best strategy for finding a hearty wine for the table in this, the tail end of our bizarro winter. 2012 La Clarine Farm Sumu Kaw Sierra Foothills Syrah ($25, 14.2%): Hank Beckmeyer's latest from this high-elevation volcanic site is a bit heftier this year, more leaning to mellow blackberry flavors and a bigger frame that's just right for winter. Cracked black pepper meshes with the bright mineral bite indicative of the coast... Читать дальше...

Researching Berggenuss, a cow's milk cheese made in the tiny Swiss village of Entlebuch, I learned about Entlebucher mountain dogs, which are similar to Bernese mountain dogs but smaller. The rind is thin and healthy, the aroma a mouthwatering merger of aged beef, toasted walnuts and garlic. The flavor is spicy yet mellow, perhaps not as concentrated as some alpine cheeses but that just makes it easier to keep eating. Look for Berggenuss at Rainbow Grocery in San Francisco; Cheese Board in Berkeley;... Читать дальше...

The accompanying technique calls for salting the tenderloins just before tying them together, which also helps bind them. Since the double tenderloin is thicker, allow about 25 minutes for it to finish roasting after searing it in an ovenproof skillet. To finish it, deglaze the skillet with water or broth to scrape up the flavorful brown bits of meat, called the fond, and add to the sauce just before serving. The combination of rich cream sauce and pork calls for a balanced wine with medium to medium-full body... Читать дальше...