March 2013 - The Mediterranean Diet
WINES
2012 Fiano
The first release of our newest variety. Now sold out, but of course we kept a bottle for each of our Italian Cousins. Fiano is a Southern Italian variety that is Fresh and vibrant with a nutty palate and touches of honey.
2011Opera Block Cabernet Merlot
We have recently changed the name of our reserve range from Family Reserve to Opera Block. We are excited by this young but smooth blend. Smooth tannins and bold fruit with a lingering & delicious palate.
2010 Messing About Malbec/Jacquez
This European style red is made from a blend of two of our oldest grape varieties. Both the Malbec and the Jaquez have been growing in our vineyard for over 40 years and this is the first time we have put the two together. Our ’Messing About’ range has enabled Dylan to create new favourites for our customers. Juicy is a great way to describe this blend.
Summertime
Always perfect with pizza and pasta, put this bottle of Summertime in the fridge or on ice. Serve with great friends.
FOOD
La Molisana Whole Wheat Fusilli
One of the greatest benefits of the Mediterranean cuisine is the fibre rich foods. Changing to whole wheat pasta is a change that we have been reluctant to make, but look forward to hearing some feedback!
Raw Materials Black Lentils
Low in calories and high in protein, lentils make a great soup, side dish for chicken and pork or a nutritious vegetarian main. In Italy if you want to ensure prosperity in the New Year, you must eat lentils on New Years Eve.
Raw Materials Chickpeas
These Australian grown chickpeas are perfect in soups, stews, salads, curries and much more. A simple Chickpea soup made with carrots, onion, celery, a spoonful of tomato paste and macaroni is a Puglisi family favourite. Make your own hommus or falafel for high protein, high fibre, low GI snacks.
Borlotti Beans
You will have no excuse to not make hearty Minestrone Soup this winter. In our opinion Borlotti Beans are the heart and soul of minestrone.
Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil
First cold pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil in a reuseable crock.
Barrel Room Homemade Passata
Home made by our BarrelRoom Café chefs just for our Italian Cousins. Use this passata as the base for your next pasta sauce. We hope you can taste the difference. There are plenty of seconds tomatoes available on the Granite Belt during summer. Have your bottles ready so that you can take advantage of your next visit to the region with a boot full of ripe tomatoes (and a few wines).
Rizzoli Anchovies in Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Rizzoli have been producing Anchovies for over 100 years. They are matured in wooden barrels, fleshy in texture and delicate in flavour. Perfect for our Bagna Cauda recipe.
Recipe Cards(to add to your recipe card-holder)
Pasta e Fagioli. There are numerous names for this simple, inexpensive, homestyle meal including ‘Pasta fazool’ and ‘Pastafasulu’.
You might remember its reference in the Dean Martin song ‘That’s Amore’. Simple and hearty, the epitomy of satisfying vegetarian cuisine, full of legumes and served with a dash of olive oil.
Bagna Cauda. This is a rich and intense fondue style dip. Try as an entrée at your next dinner party.
Your Special Gifts
Italian Parsley. Access to fresh parsley is imperative in an Italian kitchen. We wish you success in growing these seeds and enjoying the flavours and fragrance year after year. Chop fresh parsley and blend with finely diced lemon to make a gremolata as the final addition to a rich osso bucco just prior to serving.
The Mediterranean Diet. Read with a glass of red wine! Learn to live like the people in the many countries surrounding the Mediterranean. Enjoy life, eat the best quality food you can afford and reap the benefits for you and your family.