A TASTE of NORTHERN MICHIGAN ~ BLACK BEAN MUSSELS & AWARD-WINNING WINE

~ Left Foot Charley Winery

(http://www.leftfootcharley.com/)

____________________

BLACK BEAN MUSSELS

~ This delicious recipe is compliments of AMICAL, the delightful Mediterranean bistro-style restaurant in downtown Traverse City.

( http://www.amical.com/about_us.php.)

*

1 dozen New Zealand cleaned Mussels

1 Tbsp. olive oil

1 Tbsp. garlic confit*

1 Tbsp. Black Bean-Garlic Sauce **

1/2 cup white wine

1 Tbsp. Diced shallot/scallion mix

1/2 diced fresh Roma tomatoes

1 Tbsp. thinly sliced basil

1 Tbsp. unsalted butter

1/4 tsp. Kosher salt & freshly ground cracked pepper

• Prep ingredients and heat a large wok over a high flame.
• Add oil and swirl to coat pan. Add shallot/scallion mix and saute. Add wine & mussels. Steam until they have opened slightly. Add more wine if needed (chicken stock works, too).
• Add black bean garlic sauce & garlic confit. Cook until liquid has been reduced by half. Stir in tomatoes & butter.
• Correct seasoning and serve immediately.

(Wine suggestion: pair with Left Foot Charley's Award-winning Pinot Grigio)

Note:

* Garlic confit is prepared by roasting garlic cloves covered completely in olive oil in a 350-degree oven. Remove from oil, allow to cool and puree. Reserve garlic-infused oil for dressing, cooking and other uses.

** Black Bean Garlic Sauce can be found at most local super markets in the Asian food section. We use Dynasty brand 7-0z jar.

~ The Village at Grand Traverse Commons

(http://www.thevillagetc.com/)

~ Grand Traverse Bay

(Traverse City)