Spring in Jersey - Citrus and Asparagus Salad

Well, I must tell you. I have never microwaved asparagus before! Until now! One day about a week ago, when I found out the asparagus was out, I wanted to run down and get some, and wanted to try it in a salad. Which also I have never done. I was running short on time, and also did not want the asparagus over-cooked for a salad. So I thought, maybe I could microwave it to save time. So I looked up online about how to microwave it, because I was just not sure how much time to cook it. Well, the results are in, and the results are, that I may never go back to cooking it another way again! It came out absolutely perfect. Not to crisp, not to tender. And oh so flavorful! And the process is so simple. You simply trim up your fresh asparagus, rinse it, and pile it onto a damp paper towel, and roll it up in the paper towel, then pop it in the microwave, and cook on high for 4 minutes. (That time is for 1 pound). You can eat it after cooking this way, or any way that you like, but I used it as a salad. To make this salad, you are going to want to make up the salad dressing a bit in advance, at least 2 hours, to  give the flavors a chance to blend. I must say, this salad is oh so delicious!!! Perfect for a light lunch, or as a starter for dinner. 

For the dressing you will need: 1 orange - 2 Tbsps. of white balsamic vinegar - 1 Tbsp. of honey - 1/3 cup of oil, (I used vegetable oil) 

To make the dressing: grate 1 and 1/2 tsps. of orange zest (save some for garnish) - squeeze out 2 Tbsps. of juice from the orange - Then in a cruet or ball jar, whatever you have, whisk together vinegar, honey, orange juice, 1 tsp. zest, and salt and pepper. Last add 1/3 cup of oil. Shake or whisk well. 

To serve: I thought it was pretty to slice up my orange in thin slices and spread them out on the plate. Then top with the asparagus. Pour dressing over all, then garnish the top with fresh raspberries and the remaining orange zest.  

Spring in Jersey - Blueberry Lemonade Sangria - Bellview Winery 

 The weather in the spring here in Jersey is so beautiful, that you just want to be outside. It is the perfect time and season to visit all of the beautiful wineries that our state has to offer. One such winery is the Bellview Winery. This winery is located in Atlantic County in south Jersey. While not as scenic as some others, it is still a nice place to visit. It is surrounded by farm fields, which makes it a relaxing place, and there is usually always a nice breeze blowing in the openness. And if it is a breeze you are looking for, I do not advise that you sit on the veranda. Although charming, the wall of the building puts a stop to your feeling the breeze that you feel when you are sitting at one of their tables out on the lawn. 

They do hold weddings and private events, regularly have live music, and they are pet and family friendly. 

The inside of the building where you make your purchase is more store like than relaxing. There is no fireplace to sit next to, and not many tables to sit at either. Their wines are good though, and very reasonably priced. They also make fruit wines (apple, blueberry and cranberry) which are good. Also, Bellview is distinctive in that they make dandelion wine, which only a handful of wineries in New Jersey make. Of course they have a range of wines from sweet to dry, and also middle of the road between sweet and dry. One of their middle of the road wines that I found to be totally delightful is their Sunrise, which is a white wine blend. It is not sweet, nor totally dry, and it is delicious. This is the wine that I chose to take home and  make up a new Sangria. I love the flavors of blueberry and lemonade together, so wanted to try this flavor combo as a Sangria. 

What you will need for the sangria: Fresh blueberries - 1 lemon, sliced - 1 bottle of Bellview Sunrise (or any other semi-dry to dry white wine) - 1/4 cup of Knudsen's Just Blueberry juice (or any blueberry juice of your choice, but I prefer this one) - 2/3 cup blueberry flavored vodka (I used Stoli) - 2 cups of lemonade (homemade is best, but if you don't have, Simply Lemonade is a good choice)

To make: Muddle a handful of fresh blueberries with 1/4 cup of the blueberry juice in a pitcher. Add all other ingredients and stir well. Let sit about 3 hours for flavors to blend. Pour in individual wine glasses and top with a few blueberries and a slice of lemon. If you like your sangria on the bubbly side, feel free to top with some Prosecco. I prefer my sangria smooth, so I usually don't add the fizz. But either way, it is delicious. As always, Salute' my friends.