Tuscan Ragu Recipe Made Light

I’ve been making spaghetti sauce for years but on this past trip to Italy, I learned how to make Ragu. As the instructor said, there is no such thing as “spaghetti sauce” in Italy, (nor is there any such thing called “Alfredo Sauce.” (Well, how could I argue?)

I’ve always known travel to be something that is necessary not just to expand my understanding of different places but to learn new ideas, new techniques, and ways of how others do things differently.

I used to hold back and be mindful of what I ate when traveling, but I’ve learned to relish in the food just as anyone watching their health who lives overseas would do. Europeans are particularly mindful of health, but most importantly, they often focus on fresh ingredients.

For example, we were taught on this past trip to Tuscany in a cooking class that very large garlic bulbs are better at digesting your food. A shot of a liqueur after dinner is also something taken for digestion. 

“After dinner in Rome, we were offered a drink with similar qualities of a Jägermeister-type drink with fruits, licorice, anise, and similar spices. It was not something offered to keep the party going or a dessert choice but rather for digestion. In Rome, we were offered this free drink after dinner as a hospitable gesture to help with the digestion of our rich red sauces over our plates of pasta. Made sense and it was appreciated. When in Rome…

When in Santorini or in Southern Italy, it’s typically limoncello. ”

We were tourists and were pampered by the locals as they shared their cooking secrets, tips, and warm hospitality. 

A Tuscan Ragu over Tagliatelle noodles was prepared with different bruschettas for appetizers, and homemade cookies were prepared using Mauro’s grandmother’s handed-down recipe. We had this lunch as we sipped various wines and were taught how to pair them in Tuscany. 

It was amazing.

Our Instructor Mauro

Here is the recipe. 

Ingredients:

• 2 medium-sized carrots diced

• 1 celery stick cut into small pieces

• ½ medium size onion diced 

• Half of firm tofu diced or chopped 

• 2 sausages taken out of the casings and cut into small pieces

• Fresh herbs - 2 twigs of rosemary; plucked off the stem and finely chopped

• 5 twigs of thyme with leaves shaved off the stem,

• One half a bush of basil; leaves on top of each other, rolled, sliced, and then chopped

• 2 fresh bay leaves (dry ok)

• 1/2 Tbsp of fennel seeds 

• 1-2 garlic cloves minced

• ½ Tblsp of red chili flakes

• Big 28 oz can of whole peeled tomatoes (preferably from Italy, like Cento or Mutti)

• ⅓ bottle of good red wine, preferably one that is dry (unless you're trying to make a sweeter ragu, then I imagine you’d choose a more fruity wine.)

• ½ cup of olive oil 

• 1 Tsp of Salt

• 1 Tsp of Pepper

Instructions:

Left chopped veggies, the right are chopped more.

After chopping the onion, celery, and carrots, chop them again, preferably with a half-moon “mezzaluna” chopper. I just used a big knife to chop the vegetables into tiny size chunks.

Heat a Dutch oven or very large saucepan to medium-high. Once it gets very hot, put vegetables in the pot with about ⅓ cup of olive oil, salt, and pepper and brown for about 3 to 4 minutes until they get a little fragrant. 

After the vegetables have cooked for 3-4 minutes, add the garlic and stir a bit to soften the garlic. Add the sausages, tofu, fresh herbs, chili flakes, and fennel seeds. Saute until the sausage looks cooked and begins to brown at the bottom of the pan. Add a little more olive oil if needed, add the bay leaves, stir a little more, and then add the wine. Change it to low heat. The bottom of the pan will deglaze and begin to simmer. Keep simmering until it no longer smells of alcohol; about another 4-5 minutes like below.

Once cooked, add the whole peeled tomatoes and chop in the pot using a wooden spoon with the rest of the meat sauce. Once mixed well, simmer on low for about 20 minutes. (Here is when you may be tempted to add tomato paste or sauce, but don’t unless it’s from Italy. If you do, add very little. This is not spaghetti sauce, remember?)

When the sauce is boiling at a simmer, turn off the oven and let it rest for at least a good hour if possible. Taste it, and if it’s still a little bland, just add a little salt to bring out the flavors more. 

The Italian can of whole peeled tomatoes were so red, I’ll omit the tomato sauce next time.

When you’re ready to make the pasta, remember the water only needs a good portion of salt, not oil. However, sprinkling oil over them after draining is a good way to help them not become sticky and separate nicely using a pasta ladle. Mauro confirmed that.

Once the noodles are done, pour the sauce over your noodles in a big Tuscan bowl. Ragu goes great with not only spaghetti but fettucini, spaghettoni, tagliatelle, etc. Blend your choice of pasta using 2 spoons and serve right at the table. 

“Serving right at the table, whether its a table for two or more, is a way for your dish to shine and be the star of the show, but most importantly, it’s practicing great hospitality.  ”

Serve on plates with fresh parmesan and remember always to use fresh ingredients when possible. 

Enjoy! 

7 Sonoma County Restaurants Among Wine Spectator's 2023 Award Winners

The restaurants have earned awards from Wine Spectator magazine for their excellence in wine lists.

Maggie Fusek,Patch Staff

Posted Tue, Jun 27, 2023 at 5:32 pm PT|Updated Tue, Jun 27, 2023 at 7:46 pm PT

If wine pairings are as important to you as cuisine, this list will help you select new restaurants to try. (Shutterstock)

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — When it comes to fine wine and dining, residents of Sonoma County don't have to travel far to enjoy some of the best the country has to offer. In fact, seven Sonoma County Wine Country restaurants were ranked among the best places to enjoy good wine and good food.

Wine Spectator recently unveiled the 2023 Restaurant Awards winners, which honor the world's best restaurants for wines. This year's awards program recognized 3,500 dining destinations from all 50 states and in more than 70 countries worldwide.

Since 1981, the Restaurant Awards have had three distinct levels: The "Award of Excellence," the "Best of Award of Excellence" and the "Grand Award."

Here is the complete list for Sonoma County Wine Country for 2023.

• SingleThread Farms, Healdsburg, Grand Award Winner

• Dry Creek Kitchen, Healdsburg, Best Of Award Of Excellence

• Little Saint, Healdsburg, Best Of Award Of Excellence

• The Matheson, Healdsburg, Best Of Award Of Excellence

• Valette, Healdsburg, Award Of Excellence

• Wit & Wisdom, The Lodge At Sonoma, Sonoma, Best Of Award Of Excellence

• Salt & Stone, Kenwood, Award Of Excellence

Source

Oh How Fun Is The Russian River?

I have to admit, it took us a while to explore the Russian River Valley and I think it was because we were so star-struck with the drives. We would just drive through without much stopping but oh man! There’s a lot to discover here folks!

One of our favorite drives that first appealed to us in our exploration of Sonoma County was the West Side Road. (See more below.) This is not just a road but an association. It’s that worth taking a drive on.

Go North on the 101, exit Central Healdsburg, go straight and around the roundabout and away you go! Mill Street turns into the Westside Road.

The Russian River Valley has such an abundance of activity and places to visit that it would take several trips just to scratch the surface. It’s not just the locals who delight in this area but visitors too. This is where all the fun is!

Here are 7 fun things to do in the Russian River Valley

1.     Pinot Noir Tastings, (ok Chardonnay too…)

Pinot Noir is our go-to wine. It’s what we like during the week, for the holidays, with friends, to celebrate, and for whatever other reason we are drinking wine. The Russian River AVA is known for its pinot noir too. This area has just the right amount of sea breeze and warmth for this fickle grape.

It’s where you’ll find some of the top producers of Pinot Noir so if you like this style of wine or want to explore it more, the Russian River Valley is the place to go and Stephen & Walker Winery in Healdsburg won’t disappoint. Sure, you’ll find some great pinot along the coast and maybe in the central coast outside of the county but the pinot grapes grow best here. Check out the latest review I did on a winery that has some delicious pinot noir that will lay down for a few years.

More on this AVA and wines to come.

2.     The Beer

I’m not really a beer drinker other than I acquired a taste in college, but I’m typically tempted to try in the Russian River breweries. They have this following for the “Pliny the Younger as this was the first-ever triple IPA, with three times the hops and higher alcohol than its single IPA and double IPA siblings” according to the Press Democrat. It is served only twice a year and you better get in line early! Yes, the Russian River is crazy for beer! So if you like beer, this is the region to settle in. To learn more about the big brewery check out Windsor’s Russian River Brewery.

3. The hikes and Parks

Sonoma County has some of the best parks in the Russian River area including Armstrong Woods. You’ll also find some of the best parks for picnicking, hikes, and incredible views like the Riverfront Regional Park along Eastside Road where they have benches with picnic tables set up like coffee tables where you’ll feel more like you’re in a living room surrounded by Sequoias. There’s also Eagle Ranch Park and Laguna de Santa Rosa Trail which has no areas to picnic but is beautiful for nice walks accessible for wheelchairs.

 4.  Water Sports

Think Sonoma County only has beaches along the coast? Did you forget the river? I’m surprised how often I hear of Angelinos who have stayed here – I figure it’s that well-known. From kayaking, tubing, to swimming, this river is nothing like I ever thought California would have with trestles and old-fashioned one-way bridges. Along the river you’ll often find cars parked along the road in the middle of nowhere to then realize, the attraction is the river below where people take relief from the heat. There are areas like Johnson’s Beach and Healdsburg Veteran’s Memorial Beach where you can rent kayaks and grab an ice cream and burger. A lot of people come here during the summer to swim right around the bridge. And don’t forget to have a wicked slush at Amy’s Wicked Slush https://www.amyswickedslush.com/ which is basically a slush on top of an ice cream. Oh yes!

Johnsons Beach

5. The Drives

Some of the best drives in all of Sonoma County are in the Russian River. I’m not talking about the roads just outside the Charles Schultz airport (STS) but the majestic roads from West Side Road, the Eastside Road, to crossing the Wohler Bridge. These roads connect you from town to town and to River Road which connects you to Guerneville. We just love driving through here but we’ve also driven through these roads after landing at the CS STS (Santa Rosa) airport where we are immediately transported into wine country the moment, we step off the plane. You’ll get a feeling of relief within a half hour of landing that you’re finally here.

Westside Road Drive

 6. Outdoor Recreation

With such beauty this place has to offer, if you’re an outdoor sports fan, this is a great place for it. Fly-fishing is popular here where there are memberships to clubs and man-made pools where members can practice for all ages. There are seasonal marathon races and some of the best trails for biking. My favorite outdoor recreation is kayaking. There’s nothing like gliding down the river in the late afternoon when the wind rustles through the trees and the sun shimmers over the water. The weather is perfect, and you’ll find rest just gliding down the river. If you need the time, however, make sure you have a watch with you as no one keeps track of time on the river.

Anglers at sunset near the Wohler Bridge

7.     The Towns

Some of the most charming towns are in the Russian River Valley. One of the most popular towns in all of Sonoma County is Sebastapol with award-winning restaurants, breweries, whisky tastings as well as wine tastings in the Barlow but that doesn’t mean the town itself is not worth the visit. Head west to Occidental which is an old western town. Have a drink at the Union Hotel, breakfast at Howard Station Cafe where they serve up the most impressive menu, or grab a loaf or scone at Wild Flour Bread in Freestone.

In the Town of Occidental

Want to really have fun? Visit the vintage stores all along the 116 towards Cotati. Stop for fish-n-chips at Handline or a cup of tea at Sonoma Wine Shop/La Bodega Kitchen where you can have tea in a real tea cup! They also have wine there too of course!

It’s just endless and for everyone. Whether you have kids, your parents, your special sweetheart, or are on a fun girl’s getaway weekend, the Russian River Valley region is for all.

Did I leave anything out? I bet I did!

Roasted Parsnips

Latest Recipe Discovery:

I usually just make these on their own but I would imagine if you included carrots, this would be a delightful dish. It's definitely husband-approved! 

• 2 lbs of parsnips

• Half a bunch of parsley

• 2 cloves of garlic

• Half a stick of butter

• Salt and pepper

• Chili pepper flakes 

1. Preheat oven to 400

2. Take out a baking sheet and cover it with aluminum foil making sure it has a lip on all sides to catch any butter drippings. 

3. Cut parsnips by trimming the ends and cutting right down the middle in fours to form french fries. Just clean them thoroughly too, don’t peel them.

4. Finely mince the garlic

5. Add to a small bowl with the butter and microwave for about 10 seconds

6. Brush the parsnips with garlic butter

7. Sprinkle with salt and pepper

8. Put in the oven for about 35-40 minutes turning them halfway through.

9. Remove all leaves from the parsley and finely chop.

10. Take out the parsnips and sprinkle them with chili flakes and minced parsley.

    Serve cold or warm.

    Chef’s suggestion: If you steam them first in salt water beforehand, they will carmelize and not get too shriveled up during roasting.

Sure, you can roast potatoes but parsnips are rich in potassium, fiber, and vitamin C.

And let’s not forget! These would pair well with a glass of white wine.

Cheers!

Five Public Golf Courses To Play in Nor CA Wine Country

If you have the time to travel with your clubs, playing golf in Northern California Wine Country makes for a quintessential golf and wine getaway. The dream of having a golf and wine lifestyle is why we decided on investing in Sonoma and since then, we’ve played several public courses.

“The first time we played here I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Seriously.”

— Says anyone who's played here.

Eagle Vines, Napa

Eagle Vines, Napa

Playing these public golf courses will not disappoint on your next Northern Ca visit.

There are many great regions around the country that have amazing golf but for the best golf AND wine experience, you have to play golf in Northern California. You haven’t yet? You should definitely put this on your bucket list.

Sure, Pebble Beach will always be a favorite but if you also want to include world-class wine tasting to boot, don’t settle; just come here.

The FIVE public golf courses to play in Northern CA

1. The Links at Bodega Harbor is a nice course with beautiful sea views but I’d save this for the summertime as it can get very windy. It's a bit of a drive from the Sonoma Wine Nest vacation rental in the heart of Sonoma County but having clam chowder or fish and chips in Bodega Bay right after playing 18 holes would make for a nice day.

2. Eagles Vines Golf Club (at the top of the blog) I find to be the most beautiful in Napa. It was the first course we played in the area so it just holds that special place for me. You play in the vines and I hardly remember seeing any trees so it feels like heaven. It can also get windy like in Bodega but it's really beautiful. It was like playing in someone’s living room with comfy furniture.

3. The Chardonnay Golf Club (above) just south of Napa is really pretty too with hills and vineyards that surround many of the holes. Richard mentioned the great shot I did on the 10th hole which I had no recollection of until I pulled up the photo above. Yes - 6 inches from the hole. With that kind of backdrop, you can skip dreaming of playing on the PGA tour.

4. Windsor Golf Club not too far from the vacation rental is a good course too. We've gone several times and I really like it. My husband played in college and he even said it's not a bad course for a public one. It’s like grabbing a quick nonchalant bite somewhere in Sonoma County and you find that your grub is just fabulous.

Windsor Golf Club

5. And least not I forget! For the most exquisite 9-par course you'll ever play, there's the Northwood Golf Club in Guerneville. You'll play a quick 9-round in the sequoias - just beautiful! So if you have someone in your party that just wants to play 9-holes, you’re in luck!

Let me know if you want any more details but these are the ones we've played and can absolutely attest to.

Oh! And another one I’d like to make a special mention of is the course in Livermore at Wente Vineyards. We saw a wedding couple taking their photos on the course as we played and why shouldn’t they? The golf here during sunset is spectacular. I still can’t believe we drove here from Los Angeles, played 18 holes, had a burger right after (with the best wine of course), stopped to buy a rug for the house in Emeryville (for our guests to enjoy), and drove in late that night. (I guess that’s how we roll sometimes.)

Having one of my favorite pairings after paying 18-holes at Wente Vineyards.

Which ones did I miss?

Do tell.

Cheers!