{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.