Friday, October 10, 2008

MICHIGAN WINE TOUR ~ BLACK STAR FARMS (OLD MISSION PENINSULA) / RACLETTE FONDUE

"Wine and cheese are ageless companions, like aspirin and aches, or June and moon, or good people and noble ventures . . ."
~ Black Star Farms
(Old Mission Peninsula)
Black Star Farms Old Mission, sit just of scenic M-37 amongst the rolling hills and gorgeous view of East Grand Traverse Bay. The former home of locally re-known Underwood Farm Market now houses a beautifully renovated tasting room and state of the art wine making facility. The tasting room boasts a round bar constructed from wine barrel, a cozy fireplace, and wine proudly on display."

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RACLETTE FONDUE
~ This delightful shared recipe comes from Anne Hoyt of national award-winning
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1 clove garlic, peeled and halved

1/2 cup Arcturos Dry Riesling

1 teaspoon lemon juice

8 ounces chopped Swiss Emmentaler cheese

14 ounces chopped Leelanau Cheese Raclette

4 tablespoons Black Star Farms Spirit of Cherry fruit brandy

(or kirsh)

1/2 teaspoon cornstarch

pinch of freshly ground black pepper

pinch of nutmeg

2-pound cubed baguette or other crusty white bread

( tart apple slices or roasted potatoes)

  • Rub the interior of the fondue pot with the garlic halves, then discard. Place the fondue pot over medium heat, add the wine and gently heat, about 5 minutes. Add the lemon juice and Emmentaler and Raclette cheeses. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
    When the cheese is melted, stir in the Spirit of Cherry and cornstarch. Season with black pepper and nutmeg. Stir to blend thoroughly.
  • To serve, place the fondue pot over the flame. Each person should give the fondue pot a stir when dunking the bread cube, this keeps the fondue creamy.
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11 comments:

  1. Jane O'Friday, October 10, 2008

    Don't you wish everyone could know how wonderful Old Mission Point is and our Leelanau Penisula? But then maybe it would get too crowded and we wouldn't like it ourselves.

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  2. RoseFriday, October 10, 2008

    I just jumped on the tour bus a little late, but I have caught up on all the sights you've shown us, Joey:) I've been to Michigan several times, and it is such a beautiful state. Thanks for giving me some more ideas for places to see, like Cross Village and St. Ignatius.
    My husband, daughter, and I spent an extended weekend in southwestern Michigan a few years ago (around Benton Harbor) and spent a day touring the wineries around there. We had such a good time! And even though we're not big wine drinkers, we helped the state's economy, bringing home quite a few bottles:)

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  3. AnonymousFriday, October 10, 2008

    Another great tour. Believe it or not, I've always thought it would be the most wonderful thing to own a vineyard and winery. There are several award winning wineries within an hour's drive from here -- it just looks like a great crop and a lovely way of life. :)

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  4. CindyFriday, October 10, 2008

    I love the sound of that fondue. That and some good wine, crusty bread, yum.

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  5. AnonymousFriday, October 10, 2008

    Oh Joey, I love Black Star Farms. We were there last fall and bought several bottles of their lovely wines; including Pear and it's Spirit, a brandy with a pear in the bottle (very nice sippin' on a chilly fall nite). We spent the day exploring the peninsula and enjoyed all the firey fall colors.

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  6. joeyFriday, October 10, 2008

    I believe many have already found our state treasure, Jane Marie. Streets and inns, packed, enjoying this beautiful autumn harvest season. Hopefully a timely boost for this horrid economy, especially with winter fast approaching.

    Welcome aboard, Rose! There are still many stops on the tour. As often as I have visited the area, still amazed at how much left to see. Next time you visit our beautiful state, continue following the Lake Michigan coastline north then continue down the Lake Huron side where you will find many hidden treasures ;)

    I see we share another interest in common, Nancy! Ah ... to be young and wealthy ... although I do believe a vineyard venture is almost on par with the risky stock market (plus I can barely wrap my arms around my own garden). But it's fun to dream ;)

    Tuck this recipe away for a cold winter evening, Cindy. It's perfect!

    Hi dear Ann ... I too love Black Star and have stayed many times, flip-flopping between there and Chateau Chantal. This post is their new tasting room on Old Mission Peninsula, another fun find. Perhaps someday we'll meet there ... how delightful!

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  7. AnonymousFriday, October 10, 2008

    What a lovely day way to spend the day. Wine tasting & yummy cheese fondue. Another wonderful recipe Joey. :)

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  8. AnonymousSaturday, October 11, 2008

    I see you are doing a wine tour and am enjoying looking at your pictures and recipes.

    Vineyards and their grand estates are so classy. I like to say we have a red neck version of them in NC. Our old tobacco farms have been turned to grape and wine producing ventures. It sure makes the landscape a lot prettier.

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  9. joeySaturday, October 11, 2008

    Indeed each day was lovely, dear P.G. (But you and I know, no matter what we are doing, how precious each day is ;)

    Lovely Anna ... you have a love for your piece of earth and surroundings as I do. Do I sound like an ambassador touting this God made piece of glacier wonder?

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  10. spookydragonflySaturday, October 11, 2008

    Ho-Hum housewife you are not!! More like Betty Crocker(I'm aging myself, here,...Rachel Ray?), a fantastic wife and tour guide! Always interesting posts! Love the story that you left as my comment, by the way!

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  11. joeySaturday, October 11, 2008

    Thanks Spooky. You must ask my husband about the fantastic wife part! (Touched by your post also.)

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