Thornborough Vineyards
Thornborough Vineyards is a family-owned and operated vineyard located in Henry County. They specialize in both wine and table grape growing, and are active supporters of both the native wine industry and Iowa Decanted.
Odessa Vineyards – ‘Autumn Mist’ – Dry White Table Wine
February 28, 2014 by
This wine, made from the Briana grape, is bursting with tropical fruit notes, including pineapple, peach, citrus, and grape. Although this is a dry wine, it gives the impression of sweetness simply from its fruit forward nature. If enthusiasts are interested in tasting a wine which exhibits the true characteristics of the varietal – this would be a perfect example.
5/5
Visit Odessa Vineyards’ website.
Irish Soda Bread
February 28, 2014 by
It wouldn’t be March if we couldn’t celebrate the Irish! Try this traditional recipe for Irish soda bread, you won’t be disappointed.
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4 cups all-purpose flour
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4 tablespoons white sugar
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup margarine, softened
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1 ¼ cup buttermilk
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1 egg
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1/4 cup butter, melted
Set your oven to 375 and lightly grease a baking sheet.
Mix the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt and margarine. Stir in 1 cup of the buttermilk and egg.
Place the dough on a floured surface and knead briefly. Form it into a round and place it on the baking sheet.
Combine the melted butter with the remaining ¼ of buttermilk and brush the dough with this mixture. Cut an X into the top of the round.
Bake until a toothpick comes out of the center of the loaf clean, about 45 to 50 minutes. Check after 30 minutes and keep a close eye on it. Continue to brush the loaf with the melted butter and buttermilk mixture while it bakes.
There are numerous variations and tweaks that can be done to add a bit of kick to this traditional recipe. We like adding just a hint of ginger and a pinch of cinnamon. Try this bread as an appetizer with a dry white or as part of a heavier meal with a medium to full bodied red. Enjoy!
News
February 28, 2014 by
The Iowa Wine Growers Association is holding its annual conference on March 7 & 8 at the West Des Moines Marriott. For additional information about the event, find the informational brochure here.
Iowa Decanted will be attending and we hope to see you as well!
Odessa Vineyards – ‘Frontenac on Oak’ Dry Table Wine
February 28, 2014 by
On the nose this wine is dominated by smoke and toast, with undertones of stewed fruit and cherry. The wine itself is medium bodied with a slight acidic edge. Flavors in the wine are similar to the nose. This wine is good for pairing. Try it with something with heavier, more complex flavors.
4/5
Tasting Notes: The Purchase
February 28, 2014 by
Ever walked into a wine shop and instantly feel overwhelmed? Sometimes choosing the right wine can be an intimidating process. Lauren Calupsky-Cannon of The Secret Cellar and Nick Thornburg of Iowa Decanted discuss this challenge and ways to approach choosing the right wine for you.
The Winery at Kirkwood
February 28, 2014 by
For this month’s Movers & Shakers feature, we visited Kirkwood Community College, where students are given a chance to learn the workings of the wine industry, and experience firsthand just what it takes to grow grapes and produce wine in Iowa.
Check out our Facebook page for photos of our visit.
Bacon-Wrapped Dates
February 1, 2014 by
This quick and easy recipe makes for a perfect appetizer or snack – and you won’t believe just how delicious they are!
Ingredients
16 oz package of bacon (we enjoy using thick-cut Hickory-smoked, but regular works just as well)
8 oz package of pitted dates
Toothpicks
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
Slice the bacon strips into thirds, then wrap each piece around a date. Secure the bacon in place with a toothpick and place in a baking dish.
Once all the dates are wrapped, place them in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until crispy.
Let cool for 5-7 minutes and enjoy!
Try these with a wine which will complement the sweetness of the date. Try to avoid bold red wines. Instead, try this with a semi-sweet white or maybe even a sparkling!