{No. 3: Live} Those Places

San Clemente, CA- THIS is one of those places.  You know, those places deep in your heart that you don't even realize you love so much until you've been away and returned.  The pier, in particular, seems to possess that beckoning quality that motions to me time and time again.  And without awareness, or intention, I will find myself self there, sitting atop a picnic table with a slice of pizza and root beer in hand watching waves who seem happy to see me.  And that's just it.  I'm happy to see them, too!  The misty sea air, the grainy texture of the sand on my feet and the sight of twelve-year-old towhead surfers dashing into the waves as if they've gotten away with some unwarranted freedom for the afternoon is all so unexpectedly familiar that I laugh with joy.   It's a homecoming.

I returned to the pier, once again, the other night.  While at times, the ocean has brought me back to think, to reflect, to rediscover my true self...this time it was just to enjoy.  Instead of pizza, I indulged in one of my other favorites; fresh seafood at The Fisherman's.  There is something about eating clams and mussels and crab while the waves come roaring in and crash right below you. It's extraordinary and exhilarating.

And while on this night, I was just soaking it all in and enjoying dinner with the boys, I couldn't walk away without taking one lingering moment.  Stealing a minute to myself, as the boys went in search of salty fisherman with their catch of the day, I gazed into the water as the sun began to descend.  There it was; a pull into the vortex of nostalgia.  It renewed my soul.  Truly. Deeply.

With a deep exhale, I felt weightless.  Actually, more descriptively, I felt unburdened.  And that is precisely what makes this place one of those places.  It eases you and comforts you before returning you to the world,  slightly better than before you arrived.

If you haven't visited one of those places in a while, I urge you to go.  Run. Fly.  Your self is waiting there to greet you.  You'll be so happy you did.

 

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{No. 2: Be Merry} Jazz Concert @ Wilson Creek Winery

Jenifer, Tiffiny, Cherise, Shannon, Kim and Jodi at Wilson Creek Winery

It isn't summer in Temecula Wine Country until you are dancing in the dark to jazz in the vines.  If you've never been to Temecula, this is a great way to come and discover the fun.  Wilson Creek Winery, Thorton Winery and South Coast Winery are some of the wineries that host jazz concerts.  Many others host other bands and concerts all year long but, there is just something about jazz and summer that go together.  Not to mention, it is just a good excuse to get some friends together to eat great food and drink great wine.

Sherry Berry and friends

My mother-in-law, Sherry Berry (Yep!  That's her real name.) organized a group of her friends to get together for the Warren Hill concert last Saturday night. And....she was nice enough to invite my husband and I to tag along.  We, of course, said yes!  We also ended up hosting a pre-concert gathering at our house since we live within a mile of the winery.

  

{The Party Plan}

16-20 guests

late afternoon/pre-dinner

light, bright food

various hors d'oeuvres using similar ingredients

{The Menu} 
Bruschetta Bar & Sangria

Click on each item for the recipe

Pea Pesto Bruschetta

Tarragon Shrimp & Tomato Bruschetta

Balsamic Strawberry Bruschetta

Fresh Melon with Prosciutto & Manchego

{The Wine}
Sangria

I don't have an exact recipe for this.  I just do it to taste.

•  Red Wine (syrah, temparnillo, cabernet sauvignon- something good but not too expensive)
• Ginger Ale (I suggest Canada Dry)
• a Good splash of fresh orange juice or orange simple syrup
• Slices of oranges and limes (squeeze 'em a little as you throw them in) 

Mix it all in a pitcher and chill slightly in the fridge before serving. 

                   {Cook's Notes}

I wanted to have fun too! So, by setting up the Bruschetta Bar, I prepped almost everything ahead of time.  First, I made a ton of crostini (those little toasted bread slices you pile everything on).  The easiest way to make them is to slice a baguette into 1/4 inch slices, toss on a sheet pan, sprinkle a little olive oil and salt and bake at 400 degrees for about 7 min--NOTE: Don't get sidetracked!
These little guys will burn on you...trust me :-) !

Then, I made the Pea Pesto Bruschetta and the Balsamic Strawberry Bruschetta.  I plated those and then wrapped the melon in prosciutto and sliced the manchego (a DELICIOUS Spanish cheese).  Lastly, I made the shrimp as the guests arrived.  Everyone loves the smell of food cooking and the sight of the someone in the kitchen drinking wine, sauteeing something and having a good time...it starts the party.

{Photos}

Lots of Crostini

Pea Pesto

Pea Pesto Bruschetta

Tarragon Shrimp

My cousin Gina and I

Our friend, Chris and my husband, Duayne

{Concert Time}

Check out this video clip of Warren Hill.  This was his first song of the night and it didn't disappoint!

 

Duayne and I

Kim and I

 

Dinner & Jazz

Gina and Jeff

Gina, Duayne, Jeff and I

 We had a great time.  I hope you'll give some of the recipes a try and host your own bruschetta bar.  If you have any bruschetta recipes or bruschetta ideas to share, please post them  here by clicking on the comments button below or post them on the Temecula Wine & Style Facebook page.
When you are ready to experience the fun yourself, contact Wilson Creek Winery.

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{No. 1: Live} The Privilege of Being a Mom

I just had my second baby and today I felt like a mom. What I thought was going to be a leisurely and luxurious two hours at the Shoppes at Mission Viejo with my two-month old son, Carter, while my husband took our older son, Dylan, to see "Cars 2," just didn't quite come to fruition.  In my mind, I was certain that my newborn baby would simply, and smoothly, fall fast alseep on the long-distance jaunt from Macy's to Nordstrom.  Where upon I would continue on my agenda to the Nordstrom Cafe for a Mixed Berry Salad and glass of champagne to celebrate my solace and acute mothering skills.  (As you will soon come to realize, I almost always plan every moment of free time I get around where I can find the best food for where I'm going to be.)  My son, however, had other plans.  What should have been a seamless stroll as I gazed upon the innocent face of my dreaming child quickly turned into a rushed track race of lap after lap as those those big blue eyes stared me down and those lungs sounded off firmly in this stand-off.  So, as my "stroll" was ramping up to a "workout," I stopped.  I cut loose the fantasy of a quiet, intimate lunch with myself and embraced the truth.  I parked my stroller--just short of the promise land-- and picked up my son. Thus, began the pacing.  Back and forth, back and forth, comforting my son...he instantly stopped crying. I was at peace.

Soon thereafter, I experienced the real assurance.  The nod, from those who had come before me, condoling me with glances of pride and wishfulness, approval and longing.  Mom after mom, generations of all kind, exited the escalator and saw me with me son and smiled...not one didn't.  Each saw memories of themselves and of the moments that seem to slip by so quickly.  Each seemed to breathe into my present moment and preserve it.  Time moved slower, as it does when your heart is beating in appreciation.  Some stopped to talk and tell me their memories and one even shared that she was expecting after 13 years.  I felt connected, belonging to an unspoken sorority of moms who know what a privilege it is to be just that: a mom.  And today, that's ultimately what I felt.  Salad forgone, champagne forgone, solace forgone...I felt privileged and I'm honored that I get to love my kids :)

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