For instance, professional golfers on tour with the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), Laura Diaz, Jill McGill and Kristy McPherson have a passion for the game of golf – and also for pairing delicious food and wine. These LPGA players make perfect pairings of their own, by matching their favorite simple recipes with food-friendly wines, like varietals from California’s Mirassou Winery(r).

Kristy McPherson, LPGA Tour member since 2007, suggests that on a hurried evening, a warm and toasty Vegetable, Pesto and Smoked Mozzarella Panini and Pinot Noir make a perfect pairing for a light supper.

For more LPGA players’ recipe pairings and wine pairing ideas, visit www.mirassou.com.

Did you know that Mirassou is the official wine of the LPGA? To celebrate this pairing, Mirassou has announced the Perfect Pairings online cookbook, available free at www.mirassou.com. The cookbook features delicious recipes and wine pairings from LPGA Tour members, along with video golf tips from the pros.

Vegetable, Pesto and Smoked Mozzarella Panini
Pair with Mirassou California Pinot Noir

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes total

8 large, thin slices portabella mushroom
8 very thin slices red onion
4 very thin lengthwise slices zucchini, halved
4 large, very thin slices peeled eggplant
Olive oil and garlic salt
4 large strips roasted red pepper (about the size of the sandwich)
8 slices grainy bread, sliced 3/4-inch thick
2 tablespoons pesto
6 ounces smoked mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced

Brush mushrooms, onions, zucchini and eggplant lightly with olive oil. Cook in a large skillet (in batches) over medium-high heat for a few minutes on each side to lightly brown. Remove from skillet and sprinkle with garlic salt; set aside. Spread one side of 4 bread slices with pesto. Top with half the cheese, equal amounts of vegetables and the remaining cheese. Brush bread lightly with olive oil and cook in a panini press for about 5 minutes or until bread is golden and cheese is melted.

Makes 4 servings

Recipe tip: No panini press? Place sandwiches in a large skillet over medium heat. Press down with a large plate to compress sandwich and cook for 5 minutes. Turn and repeat.

Courtesy of Family Features

The post Food and Wine – Perfect Pairings first appeared on River View Observer.

River View Observer’s May Best Bet for Singles

Date: 1 May 2009 06:30 to 09:00
Liberty Humane Society is thrilled to announce that they will be hosting their first singles event – “Single, Mingle, Bark!” It will be held on Friday, May 1 from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m at the Liberty Science Center! All singles and dogs welcome!

Cost for pre-registration will be $25 and $30 at the door. There will be wine tasting and light fare (nibbles), music and a silent auction. All proceeds from the event and the silent auction will benefit LHS and the Liberty Science Center.

This will be a great way to meet other single, dog lovers – though you don’t need to be single. Dress code is casual and will be held rain or shine. For more information please contact Janet at Janet@libertyhumane.org. To register online, click on “Donate” and in the memo field please be sure to mention that you are registering for the Single, Mingle, Bark event!

Register online at http://libertyhumane.org.
For additional information, call 201.547.4147 or e-mail
janet@libertyhumane.org.
Rain Date: June 4th.
Liberty Humane

The post Single, Mingle and Bark Night, Liberty Science Center, and Liberty Humane Society first appeared on River View Observer.

The fourth edition of the guide, which is part of the popular “For Dummies” series, provides updates on wineries both new and old and where they stand in quality today. The book also contains up-to-date pricing information on the authors’ favorite wines.

“Wine For Dummies” helps readers conquer the numerous grape varieties and wine regions of the world and shows them how to select the best wines for the best price. The book also exposes 10 “wine myths” (for example, just because a wine is expensive or old doesn’t mean that it is good) and shares the secrets to understanding lists and labels; wine tasting and storing; and pairing wine with food.

“Wine For Dummies” is available in bookstores nationwide and through www.dummies.com.

The post Book Helps Navigate the World of Wine- Wine for Dummies first appeared on River View Observer.