A Toast to Ontario Wineries!

If you're looking to start celebrating the holidays or start your gift giving season then look to the Niagara Region to share some delicious libations! Whether you enjoy sparkling, white or red wines you will find something you enjoy or perhaps a perfect gift for family and friends. Come on out for a tasting or pop in to check out what they recommend for your holiday dinner-you will not be disappointed. 

Here is a delicious Mussel Soup with Baguette to enjoy over the holiday season or anytime you want a casual dinner or easy out of the pot appetizer! Also known as Zuppa di Cozze this Italian inspired dish pairs beautifully with an Ontario Sparkling wine or Chardonnay. 

Mussels and Baguette (Zuppa di Cozze)

A trip to the east coast is not complete without enjoying fresh seafood and mussels are on that list! The great news is you can enjoy them no matter where you are. 

Whether you use a local wine or beer in your mussels, having the baguette handy to sop up all the juices and broth are so important. Buy 2 baguettes just in case, trust me. 

2 tbsp (30 mL) extra-virgin olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped 

3 garlic cloves, minced 

1/4 cup (60 mL) chopped fresh Italian parsley

1/4 tsp (1 mL) red pepper flakes

4 lb (2 kg) mussels, rinsed

1 cup (250 mL) dry white wine or beer 

1/2 cup (125 mL) ready-to-use chicken or fish broth

2 tbsp (30 mL) butter, softened 

2 tbsp (30 mL) all-purpose flour

1 baguette 

In a Dutch oven or large soup pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, parsley and red pepper flakes; cook for about 5 minutes or until softened. Add wine and broth; bring to a simmer. Add mussels, cover and simmer for about 10 minutes or until mussels open.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together butter and flour until smooth. 

Divide mussels among large deep bowls. Whisk butter mixture into mussel liquid in saucepan and bring to boil. Ladle over top of mussels to serve. Break up baguette and serve with mussels to sop up all the broth. 

Serves 4.

Come join my at Tawse Winery December 3rd to taste this dish and many others during their holiday sale. Find out about wine and food pairing and pick up some great deals on wine while you're there!