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by Carrie Cox April 23, 2020

The idea of ‘Throw Back Thursday’ for us is to highlight the wine tastings we have had (and will have again). We’re Throwing back to August 23, 2013 with Mark Pape of Left Coast Cellars.  This was one of our first, sit down, wine and food course pairing ‘dinners’ we had ever done. 
 
The wine: 2009 Left Coast Cellars 'Truffle Hill' Chardonnay- They called it Truffle Hill, because they inoculated the hazelnut trees, rose bushes and holly oaks with European Black Truffles.  They finally got Truffles in 2013!

The pairing: Apple, Chicken Sausage, Roasted Potato, Gruyere Hash- The apples provided just enough sweetness to compliment the wine, while the fennel, garlic and other spices brought out the earthy, herbaceous notes of the wine. 

The wine was a great start to the dinner.  It was like having breakfast as your first course with a crisp, lightly oaked, barrel fermented Chardonnay and getting nestled in for a wonderful, comforting meal.  This tasting made strangers become friends and that has been a mission of ours since our beginning.  
  
Mark made one more visit to our store before he passed away April 2017.  He was genuinely excited to see us, shared words of encouragement and wished us continued success.  Only having met him twice, I had no idea the affect it would have on the future of our relationships in the wine world and the many friends we would soon have in common.  Ask any one in Willamette Valley or the Alabama Pinot Camp about Mark.  I’m sure they will have a great story to tell you!

If you were at that tasting, I hope you enjoyed it! If not, I hope you enjoy this comforting recipe and join us for a wine tasting soon!

Cheers,
Carrie
 
Here's the recipe for those who want to give it a go! 

Chicken Apple Sausage, Roasted Potato and Gruyere Hash

4 links smoked chicken sausage, casings removed. I use Aidell's Chicken and Apple Sausage. They are all-natural and readily available in many supermarkets.

3/4 lb baby red potatoes, halved or quartered (depending on size)

2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1-inch pieces

4 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1 medium shallot, thinly sliced 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

1 tablespoon honey 1/4 cup chicken stock

Salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons butter

8 oz Gruyere cheese, grated

Preheat the oven to 400°F


Combine the potatoes with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, 
season with salt and pepper and arrange them on a large baking pan. Roast 20-25 minutes, until potatoes are fork tender and slightly crispy.

While the potatoes roast, Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and shallot to a large skillet. Cook over medium heat until shallot is soft. Add sausage. As the sausage cooks, break it up into bite-size pieces. Add apples to sausage mixture and season with a bit of salt and black pepper, fresh thyme and honey.

Stir to coat. Add chicken stock, cover and simmer 10 minutes to soften the apples.

Once apples are soft, strain mixture (retain the stock for another use) and place in a large mixing bowl. Remove the potatoes from the oven, add to the sausage and apples and toss gently to combine.

Pour mixture into a buttered a 9x13 baking dish. Top with grated gruyere cheese, return to oven 10-12 minutes more or just until cheese is melted.

This can be served as a side dish or a main course. You could also top with a poached egg and serve with toast as a great breakfast!




Carrie Cox
Carrie Cox

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