Skip to main content
Blog
Blog

Blog

ALMOND MERINGUE TORTE WITH STRAWBERRIES AND RICOTTA CREAM

Almond Meringue Torte

Like strawberry shortcake but more elegant, this layered dessert needs to rest for a few hours before slicing to soften the crunchy meringue. It keeps for about a day so you can serve half for dinner and enjoy the other half for a decadent breakfast the next morning. Pair with your favorite Temecula Valley Muscat/Moscato or Riesling.

Serves 8

Ingredients
Meringue:

  • 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
  • Pinch salt
  • ½ cup (100 g) sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon almond extract
  • 6 tablespoons (45 g) finely ground toasted almonds (see Note)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 3 tablespoons sifted all-purpose flour


Filling:

  • ¾ pound (350 g) whole-milk ricotta
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon brandy
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) heavy cream, whipped to firm peaks
  • ¾ pound (350 g) strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon brandy
  • 1 tablespoon finely ground raw (unroasted) pistachios, for garnish
  • Mint sprig and sliced strawberry, optional garnish


Directions

Make the meringue: Preheat two ovens to 350°F (180°C) or position two racks in the upper third and bottom third of one oven. Line two heavy rimmed baking sheets with parchment and trace three 7-1/2-inch (19-cm) circles on the paper in pencil, two circles on one sheet and one on the other. Flip the parchment over so the batter will not touch the pencil marks.

In a stand mixer fitted with a whisk, whip the egg whites and salt on medium-high speed until foamy. Add the sugar gradually, then the almond extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then raise the speed to high and whip until the sugar has completely dissolved and the meringue stands in firm peaks when the whisk is lifted.

Remove the bowl from the mixer. Gently fold in the almonds, then the butter, then the flour.

Divide the mixture evenly among the traced circles and spread into evenly thick 7-1/2-inch (19-cm) rounds. Bake until golden-brown and no longer sticky to the touch, 18 to 20 minutes. If you are using one oven, shift the position of the baking sheets halfway through to ensure even baking.

Remove the baking sheets from the oven and lift the parchment sheets onto a cooling rack. When the meringue tortes are completely cool, carefully peel away the parchment. Don’t worry if they stick a little bit.

Make the filling: In a food processor, blend the ricotta, sugar, brandy, and vanilla until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and gently fold in the whipped cream.

In a bowl, combine the strawberries, sugar, and brandy. Toss gently and let stand 5 minutes.

Place one meringue on a cake stand or platter that will fit in the refrigerator. Top with one-third of the ricotta filling, spreading it evenly to the edges. Arrange half of the berries in an even layer on top of the ricotta. Top with another and half of the remaining ricotta filling, spreading it to the edges. Top the ricotta with the remaining berries in an even layer, then place the third macaroon on top. Spread the remaining ricotta filling on top of the torte, then cover with a cake dome and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 1 day.

Just before serving, garnish the top with the ground pistachios and, if desired, with a mint sprig and sliced strawberry.

NOTE: Toast whole raw almonds in a 325°F (160°C) oven until golden inside, about 25 minutes. Let cool, then grind fine in a nut grinder or food processor.

Suggested Pairings:

Baily Winery ~ 2017 Riesling – This cool and crisp white wine is perfect on a summer day, enjoy it poolside with friends and family!

Europa Village ~ 2016 Muscat Canelli – Aromas and flavors of peach, apricot and orange blossom with a nicely balanced residual sugar.

Maurice Car’rie Winery ~ 2017 Moscato – 100% Muscat Canelli, shows delicious floral and fruity flavors of mango, peach and apricot.

Somerset Winery ~ 2019 Riesling – This beautifully light and aromatic wine is floral on the nose and offers notes of spicy cinnamon, baked apples, kiwi and pears.


Recipe and photo courtesy of the Wine Institute of California


Share

The Merry, Merry Month of May!

May 25 _Natl Wine DayMay has so many national “wine days”, we can eat, drink and be merry all month long!  Along with Chardonnay, a familiar favorite, it’s a great excuse for you to try a couple of the lesser-known varietals like Muscat Canelli and Sauvignon Blanc – all of which grow well here in the Temecula Valley.

First up on the calendar is #MoscatoDay, which falls on May 9th.  The day was introduced here in the US by Gallo Family Vineyards back in 2012 to celebrate the rising popularity and sky-rocketing sales of the varietal.  If you know nothing about Moscato (or Muscat/Muscat Canelli), it originated in the Piedmont region of Italy where it’s a favorite due to its sweetness, lightness and affordability – and is popular as a sparkling wine. You’ll find Moscato table wines in white, red or rosé styles, and they make an especially delicious dessert wine.  With it’s bouquet of peach, honey and citrus, a delicate sweetness and fresh acidity, it’s perfect served with a plate of fresh cheeses.

Try the Muscat Canelli from Leoness Cellars or Lorimar Winery; or the Moscato from Ponte Family Estate Winery.

May 15th is #InternationalSauvignonBlancDay.  Originating in the Bordeaux region of France, the grape is also widely planted throughout New Zealand – and grows with ease here in the Temecula Valley.  An acidic wine that displays a citrus-y, grapefruit-like quality, it’s a pleasing choice for a warm summer day. A very versatile vino, Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with shell fish, grilled vegetables (even asparagus!) and cheeses.  It’s the perfect picnic wine!

A few faves include those from:  Europa Village , Maurice Car’rie Winery or Monte de Oro Winery.

And then there’s the day to pay homage to the old standby, Chardonnay, on #ChardonnayDay, May 21st.  The world’s most planted white wine grape varietal is enjoyed by fans all over the world.  Generally dry to medium-dry with pear, apple, tropical or citrus fruit flavors, Chardonnay is grown in virtually every wine-producing region.  Crisp and fresh with little to no oak aging, or creamy and buttery with extensive oak aging, there’s a Chardonnay out there that will make just about anyone smile!

Can’t live without Chardonnay’s are available at: Callaway Vineyard & Winery, Oak Mountain Winery and Thornton Winery.

Finishing out the month is #NationalWineDay, which is celebrated on May 25.  Not to be confused with National Drink Wine Day which is held in February, National Wine Day is actually just another lame excuse for us wine lovers to drink wine.  Because for wine lovers, everyday is wine day, right?  Cheers!

Share

Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving1

Thanksgiving is the perfect time of year to reflect and give thanks to all who make our lives better by just being in them!  To all of our supportive member wineries and their staff, all of our growers, our affiliate members and our entire family of partners – and to You – our treasured guests (without whom we wouldn’t exist!), please accept our humble thanks.

If there are any out there who would give thanks to NOT have to cook, you can thank both South Coast Winery and Thornton Winery for doing it for you.  Both are accepting reservations for turkey day dinner now.  Trust me, they’re better at this than most of us!  And if you need a good nights rest after all the over-indulging, Wilson Creek Manor is offering some fantastic rates for which you’ll be truly thankful.

The day after Thanksgiving, aka, Black Friday, bring your family and friends out for a day in wine country.  All of our wineries will be open for the entire weekend – and many are offering once a year discounts on some fabulous wine for the holidays.  Special Black Friday sales events are going on at Cougar, Danza del Sol, Europa Village, Leoness, Lorimar, Oak Mountain, Ponte and Robert Renzoni wineries.  I mean, really!  Where else can you taste before you buy, but at a winery?

Share

November Winery Events

images

There’s a chill in the air and suddenly we’re planning holiday meals! Whether your holiday plans keep you close to home or off visiting relatives, plan to sneak in a trip to Temecula Valley Wine Country to stock up on your favorite wine, pick up holiday gifts at one of the wineries’ shopping nights or attend one of the great events going on in wine country!

Baily Vineyard & Winery

Sangiovese Saturdays at Carol’s
Saturdays in November; / 11:30a-3:00p / Live music, mulled wine, cheese fondue, 1/2 price Sangiovese

Dog Day Sundays
Every Sunday / 11:30a-2:30p / Bring your well-mannered pooch to lunch! Live acoustic entertainment.

Estate Club Private Wine Tasting
Thursday-Sunday / 11:00a-2:30p / Tours and vertical tasting of library Meritage. Sit down with bread and cheese plate; $30 (Reservations required 24 hours in advance) / Bar Tasting; $20. Call for reservations: 951-972-9768.

Briar Rose Winery

Sip Into Sunset
Friday, November 7 / 5:30p-9:00 / Experience amazing sunsets and live music by Buzz Campbell while enjoying fabulous food and wine. Food items available for purchase. Call 951-308-1098 to make reservations. Seating is limited.

Callaway Vineyard & Winery

Prime Rib Fridays at Meritage at Callaway
Every Friday / 5pm-8:00pm / Three-course Prime Rib dinner for $35 per person! Choose from soup and salad, a scrumptious Prime rib entree and finish with a house made Crème Brulee for two! Enjoy live music. No reservations required.

Happiest Hours
Friday and Sunday from 3:00p-6:00p in the lounge at Meritage at Callaway. 20% all tapas, $2 off wine by the glass, 20% off bottles of Callaway wines and available domestic, import and craft beers.

Sangria Sundays at Meritage at Callaway
Every Sunday / 4pm-8pm / Enjoy sipping on our very own Watermelon Sangria while soaking in the sunset vineyard views. Live music from local musicians begins at 6pm.

Cougar Vineyard & Winery

Sip & Shop Black Friday Event
“Black Friday”, November 28th / 6:00p-8:00p / Vendors selling crafts and live music. Discounts on wine.

Danza del Sol Winery

Live Music On the Patio
Saturdays in November – November 1 – Fandango / November 8 – JD Priest / November 15 -Nathan Rivera/ November 22 – Two Fish

Get Sauced – Wobble Till You Gobble
Sunday, November 8 / 3:00p-5:30p / Cooking demo, class & small plates. Wine pairings and recipes to take home. / $55 per person / $49.50 wine club. All tickets are subject to 8% tax. Reserve today by calling (951) 302-6363 ext. 26

Sip & Swirl – On Canvas Paint Class
Art + Vino with Jill Roberts / Sunday, November 16 / 1:00p-4:30p / $60 per class for non-members / $54 per class for members. All tickets are subject to 8% tax.

Black Friday Shopping
Friday, November 28 / 11:00a-8:00p

Europa Village

Live Music
Fridays from 5:30p-8:30p and Sundays from 1:00p-4:00p / November 2 – Jimmy Patton / November 7 – Niteriders / November 9 – Apryle Dalmacio / November 14 – Big Truth & Little Lies / November 16 – Jimmy Patton / November 21 – Missy Andersen / November 23 – Dustin Jake / November 30 – Bryan McManus

Comedy Night
Friday, November 14 / 7:30-8:30p / $15 per person / $13.50 Societe Members / Call for tickets 951-216-3880

Antidote to Black Friday – Vivi Bene
Friday, November 28 / 5:00p-8:00p / Free Admission / Escape the crowds and come to Europa Village for a relaxed shopping experience. Sip wine while you make your holiday purchases. Discounts on wine and specials on our retail items.

Falkner Winery

Veterans Day at Falkner Winery
Tuesday, November 11 / 11:00a-5:00p / All active duty and veterans get a FREE, Classic Tasting! (I.D. is required)

Wine Appreciation Class
Saturday, November 15 / 10:00a-12:30p / $45 per person

Lorimar Winery

Wine Blending Party
Wednesday, November 5 / 4:00p-6:00p / $25 (+tax) per person; $20 (+tax) per person, wine club. You get to be winemaker for a day with a full educational seminar and in depth analysis of key varietals to make the perfect blended wines. Tickets on sale here or by calling 951-694-6699.

Live Music
Fridays & Saturdays 6p-9p / Sundays 2p-5p / November 1 – Big Truth / November 2 – Master Splinter and the Shredders / November 7 – Missy Anderson / November 8 – Craig Broombaugh / November 9 – Brad Spencer Duo/ November 14 – Michael SG / November 15 – Cougarzz Rock / November 16 – Master Splinter and the Shredders / November 21 – Oceans of Sand / November 22 – Lifetime Rockers / November 23- Missy Anderson / November 28 – Kanan Road / November 29 – Mrs. Jones Revenge / November 30 – Michael LeClerc

Movie in the Vines
Monday, November 24 / 6:00p / Featuring: Amelie $1 Admission – Includes small bag of popcorn! Wine Bar and Concession stand will open at 6 pm. Bring your own beach chair or blanket!

Black Friday Sale
November 28-30

Tree Lighting Ceremony
Sunday, November 30 / Begin your holidays with Lorimar Winery at 6:00p.

Miramonte Winery

Live Music
7:00p-10:00p / Complimentary live music; no reservations needed / November 1 – JD Priest / November 7 – Mercedes Moore / November 8 – Billy Watson / November 14 – Blue Fish / November 15 / Missy Andersen / November 21 – Incendio / November 22 – Nathan James / November 28 – TBD / November 29 – Shoot 4 Tuezday

Oak Mountain Winery

Live Music in the Pavilion
Every Saturday and Sunday in November / 1:00p-5:00p

After Dark Open
Saturday, November 15 / 5:00p-9:00p / Live music, food truck, beer & wine. / $1.00 reservation per person.

Holiday Open House (Black Friday Sale)
Friday, November 28 / 5:00p-8:00p / live music by Buzz Campbell, wine and specials.

Oak Mountain Winery University
Bubbles 101 – Oak Mountain Winery’s Sparkling Wine Class will have you taste three of our handcrafted sparkling wines made and bottled here in Temecula.

Blending Reds – Create, bottle and label your very own blend

Wine Tasting for Dummies 101 – Our beginners class for Wine Tasters.

Rhone Wine Class 201 – Our second, more advanced class after taking Wine Tasting 101 is our Rhone Wine Tasting Class 201.

Bordeaux Wine Class 201 – You will learn how these grapes are grown and how they are harvested and processed, while tasting Oak Mountain wines from different areas in the Bordeaux region of France.

Robert Renzoni Vineyards

Black Friday Shopping Day
11:00a-8:00p / 20% off wine & gift shop items, some exclusions apply.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

Wine & Dine Chef’s Table at the Vineyard Rose Restaurant
The Vineyard Rose Chefs create a custom five-course menu just for you. Our expert Winemakers then pair each course with our award winning wines to heighten the dining experience to another level. Whether it’s a special celebration or an intimate affair, our Chef’s Table dinner for 2 to 8 guests will define the art of fine cuisine with a memorable evening of food and wine for only $135 per person. Call 951-491-8077 to reserve your table today.

Happy Hours at Vineyard Rose Restaurant
Monday-Friday 3:00p-5:30p / Join us in the Vineyard Rose Lounge for reduced priced selected appetizers, award winning select glasses of South Coast wines and local drafts. PLUS corkage fees are waived for any South Coast Winery wine bottles brought in to the Vineyard Rose Restaurant and consumed while dining on Wednesdays too! Click here to view menus and find out more.

Wine Wednesdays at Vineyard Rose Restaurant
6:00p-9:00p / Reserve today for an unforgettable Wednesday evening with fine wines, delicious food and live music between the hours of 6:30p to 9:00p. Call 951.587.9463

Touchdown Sundays
Sundays in November / Ladies receive half-priced tasting privileges in the Vintner Vault Sundays during football season and the Vineyard Rose Restaurant offers Sunday Funday from 12 noon to 3:30 pm during football season with specially priced appetizers and half-priced Sangria Mimosa’s and select South Coast Wines. Call 951.587.9463 or visit us online here to find out more.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s Divas in D’Vines
We’re making football Sundays a day for the ladies. Join us every Sunday during football season from 12 noon to 3pm in the Vineyard Rose Restaurant. Enjoy half priced mimosas, sangria and our signature Spumante Diamante. Reservations Recommended. Call 951-587-9463 x 2

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s Vintage Vantage Menu
Monday-Thursday 11:30a -3:00p / Specially priced $9.99 lunches at the Vineyard Rose Restaurant for those aged 55 and over. Call 951-587-9463 x 2 for more information or reservations.

Thanksgiving Dinner at Vineyard Rose Restaurant
Thursday, November 27 / 11:00a-9:00p / The Master Chefs and Winemakers of South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s Vineyard Rose Restaurant are ready to treat you and your entire family to a special four-course gourmet feast this Thanksgiving Day. By Reservation only and cost is based on entree selection. Call now to reserve your place 951.491.8077 or visit us online here to find out more. Les machines de jeux sont configurées à l’aide du RNG (générateur de nombres aléatoires). Par conséquent, toute fraude pour "torsion" des machines à la fois du casino et des joueurs est complètement exclue. Le jeu sûr est basé sur des combinaisons perdues au hasard sur les machines à sous. https://france-bonusesfinder.com/online-casinos/tropezia-palace-casino

Tree Lighting Ceremony
Sunday, November 30 / 6:00p / Join Santa as he arrives this evening bringing with him one of his best little elves and a lot of good ol’ fashioned fun for FREE. In addition to Santa, guests enjoy: the tree lighting ceremony, holiday movie ELF on big screen, tractor rides through the vineyards, Christmas caroling, and so much more. Call 951.587.9463 or visit us online at here to find out more.

Be sure to visit us Friday through Sunday evenings, beginning November 30th and enjoy strolling Christmas Carolers dressed up in Vintage attire. 5:30p-9:00p. Free to the public.

 

Share

Temecula Valley Wines on the Road

ToM-Logo-300x284

On Tuesday, August 19, 2014, you’ll find Temecula Valley wines at the 25th Annual Taste of Mainstreet in downtown Encinitas. Representing the Temecula Valley at various storefront “Sip Stops”, Baily, Callaway, Danza del Sol, Europa Village, Falkner, Hart, Leoness, Monte De Oro, Vindemia and Wiens wineries will be pouring their award winning wines. Advance tickets are just $35, including food, wine and beer (for those 21+). Same day tickets (if available), will be $45. Click here for ticket information.

uncorked

And on Saturday, August 23, 2014, from 4-7pm, you’ll find us at the Uncorked Wine Walk at Westfield UTC. Here you’ll savor wines from 12 Temecula Valley wineries including Bel Vino, Callaway, Falkner, Hart, Leoness, Lorimar, Maurice Car’rie, Oak Mountain, Palumbo, South Coast, Vindemia and Wilson Creek while tasting bites from UTC’s newest restaurants. Tickets are still available; purchase them here. One of the best ways to go viral on tiktok is to buy tiktok followers , it is fast and secure and will help you boost your tiktok

We hope to see you there!

Share
  • Categories

  • Archives

  • Banner Ads