Mother deserves to be celebrated and toasted, for all she does, has done and continues to do. So fill and raise the glass. But wait, which libations to use for that toast? I know what this Missouri mom is going to choose – Missouri wine.
Missouri wineries are now reopening, just in time to catch the vineyards greening out. That makes it a perfect time to take your mom out for a day at a Missouri winery – six feet apart, of course. Although, you may choose to enjoy Mother’s Day at home with a bottle of Missouri wine. Check out the local wines sections at the grocers or wine shop, where you’ll find a number of unique grape varietals and wine style.
Chardonel is one of my favorite wines for spring. It’s a hybrid grape, a cross between chardonnay and seyval blanc. It’s been called the perfect white wine for spring, thanks to its versatility, which allows it be made into a variety of styles. For example, it can be aged in oak barrels, which can create creamy, buttery rich flavor notes. Unoaked creates a wine that can have more citrus and apples flavor notes, yielding a crisp finish. Chardonel and seyval blanc are favorites with winemakers throughout Missouri wine country.
While I love to fill my glass with Missouri wines, I also enjoy cooking with them. Thanks to the Missouri Wine and Grape Board and the Hermann Wine Trail, Gazelle readers have been gifted Mother’s Day treats – recipes perfect to make for Mom on Mother’s Day, or any day of the year.
Orecchiette with Bacon, Rosemary, Garlic and Parmesan Cheese
2 cups orecchiette noodles
1/2 stick Butter
1 teaspoon lemon sea salt
1 pound bacon
1 1/2 cup seyval (white wine)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh rosemary
1 cup Parmesan cheese
Boil noodles for 7 minutes. Cook bacon and chop into bits. In a pot, melt butter with black pepper, 1 tablespoon of rosemary. Simmer; add olive oil and wine; continue to simmer 3 minutes. Add bacon, let simmer and stir for 10 minutes to infuse flavors. Add lemon sea salt and noodles to pot with a cup of water from water boiled in. Let simmer until noodles are soft. Toss in Parmesan cheese before serving.
Recipe served at the 2019 Wild Bacon Wine Trail, courtesy of Röbller Vineyard
Butterscotch Blondies with Chardonel Photo courtesy of the Missouri Wine and Grape Board
Butterscotch Blondies with Chardonel
1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup chardonel
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup butterscotch chips
1 cup roasted salted cashews, chopped
1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
Servings: 12
Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a 9- x 13-inch baking pan with aluminum foil so that it extends up the sides. Spray with nonstick spray. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, vanilla and chardonel (don’t be concerned about the consistency change). Next, beat in the flour, baking powder and kosher salt. With a large spoon, stir in the butterscotch chips and chopped cashews. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan, and lightly sprinkle the flaky sea salt on top. Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes. The edges should be golden brown, and the center should have set. Cool before cutting. Store in covered container at room temperature.
Recipe courtesy of the Missouri Wine and Grape Board
Photo courtesy of the Missouri Wine and Grape Board
Stargazer Wine Cocktail Recipe
2 ounces Missouri chardonel (dry, white wine)
1 ounce dark rum
1 ounce pineapple juice
1/2 ounce vanilla simple syrup
Lime wedge for garnish
Combine all ingredients, except lime, over ice in a glass or cocktail shaker. Shake or stir and strain into a glass.
Vanilla Simple Syrup
In a saucepan combine 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until mixture slightly thickens, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and cool. Store in refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Recipe courtesy of Les Bourgeois Vineyards and Rocheport Distilling Co.
