03/13/08 Parsnips

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran. Right now it's cold out and I am very excited about making soup. And this is the season for parsnips and pears and believe it or not together they make a lovely soup. Today I will tell you about this wonderful soup and the wine that goes with it. I know most people don't seek out parsnips but you have no idea what you are missing and although you may not think of pears as an ingredient for soup you have to try this. Peel and steam or simmer the parsnips until they are just soft. Take them off of the stove and let them cool. When you can handle them take out the core and discard it. Now mash the parsnips together with perfectly ripe pears and set aside. Sautee the white portion of some leeks in a little olive oil, when they are soft remove them from the heat and combine them with the parsnip and pears and mash or put them through a food mill. Season with salt and white pepper and combine with a touch of chicken stock or water and half and half. Place in a pan and reheat to simmer for a bout 15 minutes and it's ready to serve. Now this is a lovely soup and should be served with a very fruity semi dry Riesling like a German Kabinett or one of the many lovely Rieslings from Washington and Oregon. The combination always turns heads at my dinner parties and makes everyone gain a new appreciation for parsnips and the versatility of the pear and the gorgeous accent contributed by the Riesling. So give it a try, it's easy, and it's memorable. Remember to send your wine questions to Linda at Vine to Wine dot net and thank you for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.