La Marca Prosecco

 

La Marca describes prosecco as such: "Grown in Italy, the Prosecco grape is cherished for its expressiveness. La Marca Prosecco is a fresh sparkling wine with a vibrant bouquet of apple, white peach and honeysuckle. The soft, harmonious fruity notes highlighted by pleasant acidity make this wine ideal for any occasion."

Learn more about it at: http://www.lamarcaprosecco.com/

I picked this bottle up at Costco :)

Pear Crostini with Brie, Prosciutto and Truffle Honey

 

These crostini were so delicious and couldn't be simpler to make!  They are truly an effortless appetizer.  Fall fruits, I used pears here, contrast perfectly with a rich cheese like the Saint Andre Triple Cream Brie. 

Inspiration for this came from a late summer crostini I had for my birthday that featured ripe peaches, with burrata cheese and a balsamic reduction.  As we got further into fall, I swapped out peaches for pears and brie for burrata.  These adaptations could be made throughout the year for countless pairings :)

Begin by toasting the bread in the oven, about 5-10 minutes or until the tops just begin to get golden.  Before a second round in the oven, take them out and top each one with a slice of brie.  Back in the heat, leave them just until the cheese softens.  This cheese is so creamy it can end up looking like melted butter if you leave it in there too long!

When the oven in working, finish the prep of the pears and prosciutto.  Slice the pears very thinly and roll torn pieces of prosciutto to top each crostini.  Go to work immediately when you bring them out of the oven.  Top them and bring them to the table.  For an AMAZING finishing touch, drizzle each bite with truffle honey.  It is heaven on earth.  

This deceivingly easy appetizer goes perfectly with a bubbly prosecco :)

Wild Mushroom Egg Puff

 

This egg puff came from a coworker of mine who delighted us at a staff breakfast one morning this fall with it.  He brought a cheesy, delicious version and upon my first taste I immediately requested he reveal the recipe.  Light and fluffy, it reminded me of a quiche without the crust.  And it is much faster to prepare than my favorite Spanish tortilla. 

As soon as the weekend came I went out and purchased the ingredients: essentially eggs and cheese.  To compliment the sparkling wine my husband and I would be sharing, I selected wild mushrooms to top it with. 

On Sunday morning, I sauteed the mushrooms with a bit of butter.  While they became even more delicious, I mixed together the short list of ingredients:
10 eggs (beat these until light and lemon colored first), 
4 ounces of pepper jack (or more if you'd like)
1 pint of cottage cheese
1/2 cup of flour
1 teaspoon of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 cup of butter, melted

The mixture went into a baking dish, the sauteed mushrooms were sprinkled across the top and that was it. It baked at 350 degrees for 35 minutes, or until the top is slightly browned and the center is firm.

The best thing about this dish is that it can be enjoyed piping hot - right when it comes out of the oven, or later on even when it has cooled.  It made for the perfect all-day meal along with a little prosecco on a Sunday spent at home together.

Zonin Prosecco & Wild Mushroom Egg Puff

  

Zonin describes its prosecco as such: "Prosecco is a lively, sparkling wine that is essential to having fun Italian-style. It is dry and food friendly and adds an element of festivity to any gathering or meal. Prosecco’s fresh and fruity flavor profile make it easy to pair with any kind of food and also makes it a delightful aperitif."  

Learn more about it at: Zonin Prosecco

I picked this bottle up at Trader Joe's :)