"Wine and cheese are ageless companions, like aspirin and aches, or June and moon, or good people and noble ventures . . ."
~ Black Star Farms(Old Mission Peninsula)
Black Star Farms Old Mission, sit just of scenic M-37 amongst the rolling hills and gorgeous view of East Grand Traverse Bay. The former home of locally re-known Underwood Farm Market now houses a beautifully renovated tasting room and state of the art wine making facility. The tasting room boasts a round bar constructed from wine barrel, a cozy fireplace, and wine proudly on display."
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RACLETTE FONDUE
~ This delightful shared recipe comes from Anne Hoyt of national award-winning
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1 clove garlic, peeled and halved
1/2 cup Arcturos Dry Riesling
1 teaspoon lemon juice
8 ounces chopped Swiss Emmentaler cheese
14 ounces chopped Leelanau Cheese Raclette
4 tablespoons Black Star Farms Spirit of Cherry fruit brandy
(or kirsh)
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
pinch of freshly ground black pepper
pinch of nutmeg
2-pound cubed baguette or other crusty white bread
( tart apple slices or roasted potatoes)
- Rub the interior of the fondue pot with the garlic halves, then discard. Place the fondue pot over medium heat, add the wine and gently heat, about 5 minutes. Add the lemon juice and Emmentaler and Raclette cheeses. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
When the cheese is melted, stir in the Spirit of Cherry and cornstarch. Season with black pepper and nutmeg. Stir to blend thoroughly. - To serve, place the fondue pot over the flame. Each person should give the fondue pot a stir when dunking the bread cube, this keeps the fondue creamy.
Comments
My husband, daughter, and I spent an extended weekend in southwestern Michigan a few years ago (around Benton Harbor) and spent a day touring the wineries around there. We had such a good time! And even though we're not big wine drinkers, we helped the state's economy, bringing home quite a few bottles:)
Welcome aboard, Rose! There are still many stops on the tour. As often as I have visited the area, still amazed at how much left to see. Next time you visit our beautiful state, continue following the Lake Michigan coastline north then continue down the Lake Huron side where you will find many hidden treasures ;)
I see we share another interest in common, Nancy! Ah ... to be young and wealthy ... although I do believe a vineyard venture is almost on par with the risky stock market (plus I can barely wrap my arms around my own garden). But it's fun to dream ;)
Tuck this recipe away for a cold winter evening, Cindy. It's perfect!
Hi dear Ann ... I too love Black Star and have stayed many times, flip-flopping between there and Chateau Chantal. This post is their new tasting room on Old Mission Peninsula, another fun find. Perhaps someday we'll meet there ... how delightful!
Vineyards and their grand estates are so classy. I like to say we have a red neck version of them in NC. Our old tobacco farms have been turned to grape and wine producing ventures. It sure makes the landscape a lot prettier.
Lovely Anna ... you have a love for your piece of earth and surroundings as I do. Do I sound like an ambassador touting this God made piece of glacier wonder?