End of Winter feast

Since the end of winter is finally in sight, Hubby and I decided to have friends over to celebrate the changing seasons. Hubby planned an exquisite "End of Winter" five course dinner this past Sunday.

We were thrilled to have our favorite wine guru as one of our guests. He so generously and thoughtfully provided a bottle of wine to pair with each course. We drank an R. Dumont & Fils Brut Rosé Champagne to open the evening.

First course: Arugula salad with balsamic grapes & blue cheese
Wine pairing: Margan Verdelho 2006 from Australia
My comments: Hubby's decision to sprinkle the arugula with just a pinch of salt made all the difference in the world on this dish. The aged balsamic drizzle was 20 years old. It was the perfect salad and an ideal way to start a large meal.

Second course: Butternut Squash soup with pumpkin seed oil
Wine pairing: Anton Bauer Riesling 2008 from Austria
My comments: A buttery, heavenly thick soup. The pairing of this course with the Riesling was my favorite pairing of the night.

Third course: Pan Roasted Quail on Ragout of Bacon, Leek, and mushrooms, Topped by Foie Gras & a parsley salad
Wine pairing: Elio Perrone Barbera d'Asti "Tasmorcan," 2008 from Italy
My comments: How rare it is to get so many of my favorite items on one plate – mushrooms, leeks, bacon and foie gras. The skin on the quail was crisped to perfection.

Fourth course: Smoked Venison Tenderloin, Roasted Parsnips tossed with spinach and a red wine reduction
Wine pairing: Paloma Merlot 2001 from Napa Valley
My comments: A very special meat paired with a very special wine. I've never experienced venison so tender and juicy.

Fifth course: Apple Tarte Tatin
Wine pairing: Mas de Lavail, Maury Blanc 2006 from France
My comments: This was Hubby's and my mutual creation, the base recipe from the Joy of Cooking. The smell of melting butter and sugar has always been one of my favorites. The apples were caramelized in that beautiful combination, with a crispy puff pastry shell and a dollop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

Oh, a lucky girl I am!