Sharing the YUM from Niagara on the Lake

While travel ignites my passion, I crave the delish between my trotting around the world. Thankfully, I've visited more than few restaurants, resorts and wineries that were happy to share secrets from their kitchens. If I could only find someone willing to cook for me at home, I'd have it made...

Reif Estate's Empress ChardonnayA recent trip to Niagara's wine country resulted in a well-stocked wine shelf and some patio app ideas. Reif Estate Winery in Niagara on the Lake generously shared a yummy pesto salad recipe with us. The salad was created by a local bakery, The Pie Plate, which also happens to offer accommodations above the bakery.  We didn't have time to visit the bakery but I can only imagine how glorious it would be to wake up with the smells of cinnamon wafting up through the house. I might never want to leave.

During our wine tasting, the salad was served with a 2011 Empress Chardonnay, a perfect combination for whiling away a summer evening on the patio. It never ceases to amaze me how the flavor of a wine can blossom when paired with the right herbs and spices. If you're looking for something to delight your lover with this weekend, pick up a bottle of Chardonnay (Reif's Empress 2011 if available), mix up this dish and relax - the evening is yours to enjoy.

Parsley ‘Grimo' Walnut Pesto Salad

Place the following a food processor:

• delicious pesto pasta salad2 cups flat leaf parsley, large stems removed, coarsely chopped and packed firmly
• 1 cup walnuts, toasted and cooled
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup fresh grated pecorino cheese
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Blend well until combined (approx... 2 minutes)

Place in a 2-cup measuring cup

• 1 ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

With processor running, pour olive oil mixture into feed tube in a slow, steady stream. Toss 1 cup of pesto for 500 grams of cooked pasta. The pesto should be a bright green sensation when mixed with the pasta.

Hungry for more? Check out these foodie posts on GoGirlfriend:

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