Taste of the Valley: Party Perfect

Daunted by the thought of entertaining during the upcoming holiday?

Kimberly Kennedy, winner of the CBS television competition “Wickedly Perfect” will be at Copia Saturday to share her tips for easygoing entertaining.

“Party Perfect with Kimberly Kennedy” takes place from 2 to 3:30 p.m. The $15 fee includes admission to Copia.

Kennedy is also the author of “The Art and Craft of Entertaining,” which covers the gamut of planning an event from getting an idea for a party to graciously getting the guests out the door when the party is over.

The super-organized Kennedy takes guests through the stages of planning a “little black dress” dinner party, chapter by chapter. In addition to recipes she provides directions  for making invitations that stand out, gifts for guests to take home and even beaded napkin rings for the table.

Her book is packed with ideas for other parties as well, including a baby shower and a tapas party.

Also at Copia this weekend is Chef Michael Mina, who has recently published, “Michael Mina, the Cookbook.”  He’ll be on hand for a book signing from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday. This event is included with admission to Copia.

If chilly fall weather puts you in the mood for comfort foods, you might want to check out the Taste of Copia lunch held each Friday at 1 p.m. On the menu for November: Macaroni and Cheese, Meatloaf, Tomato Soup and a Brownie Sundae.

It’s an informal lunch — Jacquelyn Buchanan, Copia’s director of culinary programs, demonstrates the dishes, assisted by Geoff Palla, Copia’s head gardener, who also fields gardening questions, while Director of Wine, Peter Marks, introduces compatible wines. Friday he’d chosen a 2005 Mason Sauvignon Blanc, 2005 Castle Rock Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley and a 2004 Jouillian Zinfandel, “Sias Cuvée” from Carmel Valley.

Although Buchanan pointed out that the rich tomato bisque “was not exactly heart-healthy,” it was delicious and wonderful with the sauvignon blanc.

Buchanan shared the recipe, which she’d adapted from Margaret Fox’s “Café Beaujolais” for Register readers.

These events usually sell out. To reserve a spot for a Taste of Copia lunch ($45; $35 for Copia members), call 259-1600.

Tomato Bisque

Adapted from “Café Beaujolais” by Margaret S. Fox

“This is the epitome of a comforting soup,” writes Margaret Fox, original chef and owner of Mendocino restaurant Cafe Beaujolais. “I would serve it three times a week if I could get away with it, especially during our long winters, with their gray, overcast days. It’s creamy and rich and nourishing. Even though I am such a fan of fresh tomatoes, this is the one dish that I think may even work better with canned tomatoes.”

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, divided

1/2 cup chopped onions

1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano

5 cups tomatoes (preferably canned crushed whole tomatoes)

4 cups chicken stock

2 tablespoons flour

2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon white pepper

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

1 1/2 teaspoons fresh chopped dill

4 teaspoons honey

1 1/4 cups heavy cream

2/3 cup half and half

Directions

In a large pot over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons of the butter. Add the onions and oregano and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes, or until the onions are translucent. Add the tomatoes and chicken stock and heat.

Meanwhile, in a small pot over medium heat, make a roux by blending the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter with the flour, whisking constantly for 3 minutes, without browning. Add the roux to the stock mixture and whisk to blend. Add the salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes. Stir in the chopped parsley, dill, honey, cream and half and half. Remove from the heat and puree. Strain before serving, if desired. Makes 9 cups.

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