Holiday Antipasto Wreath

Serving Size: 6
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Measurements: Imperial (US)

Add some cheer to your holiday gatherings with this festive take on an antipasto platter!

Ingredients:

  • Fresh rosemary sprigs
  • Marinated green olives
  • Kalamata olives
  • Cornichon pickles
  • Fresh mozzarella balls
  • Peppadew peppers

Directions:

Arrange the fresh rosemary sprigs into a circle, overlapping as you go.

Once the wreath shape is complete, begin placing each of the ingredients around the wreath. Try to spread out the different colors to create a symmetric look! Happy Holidays from Brys Estate

Italian Pasta Salad

Serving Size: 4
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Measurements: Imperial (US)

Prepare yourself for the perfect (and most addictive) accompaniment to your late summer cookouts! This recipe includes fresh and easy to find ingredients that were selected to enhance the delicious flavors of Eileen Brys’ famous Italian dressing – a staple in our family! Serve the salad chilled as a side dish, or it could be a meal all its own. Pair with a glass of crisp, citrusy Brys Estate Pinot Grigio and enjoy. Make this once and I promise you’ll be making it again and again! The dressing is my absolute favorite and perfect with many other recipes!

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb Pasta Fusilli
  • 2 cups Cherry tomatoes
  • 8 ozs Pearl size mozzarella
  • 1 cup Sliced pepperoni
  • 1 cup Diced ham
  • 1/2 cup Green olives
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
  • 1/4 cup Pepperoncini
  • 1/2 cup Feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup Fresh basil (optional)
  • 1 cup Eileen Brys’ Famous Italian Dressing (recipe below)

Directions:

Cook pasta fusilli until al dente. Rinse under cold water and add to a large bowl.

Add cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, pepperoni, ham, green and kalamata olives, pepperoncini, feta, and Italian dressing.  Toss well. Note: fresh basil is optional and will wilt quickly.  Add this right before serving – or simply use as a garnish for individual servings.

Eileen Brys’ Famous Italian Dressing Recipe
This dressing has been a staple in the Brys Family since before I was born!  Once you start making this you will always have a jar of this in your fridge!  It only gets better the longer it sits and it will keep in your refrigerator for months.  Use on Italian Pasta Salad, Spinach Salad with Bacon, Egg & Croutons, Mexican Taco Salad, Greek Salad, Chopped Salad, or as a marinade for Grilled Chicken Breasts.

1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup light olive oil
1 tbs dried oregano
1 tbs dried basil
1 tbs garlic powder
1/2 tbs dijon mustard
1/2 tbs salt
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

NOTE: The recipe calls for 1/2 cup light olive oil (extra virgin olive oil is too strongly flavored).  The light olive oil thickens when refigerated, and this adds a nice body to the dressing.  If you don’t have light olive oil, you can substitute with more canola oil.

Texas Chicken - Grilled Chicken with Sun Dried Tomatoes, Goat Cheese & Basil Butter Sauce

Serving Size: 4
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Measurements: Imperial (US)

Inspired by one of my favorite restaurants in Houston, this dish takes a boring chicken breast to another level! The grill flavors of the chicken combined with the creamy goat cheese, fresh basil and bright sun dried tomato flavors all combine to create the perfect summer dinner! Enjoy this dish paired with our award winning Naked Chardonnay and raise a glass to summertime!

Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • goat cheese – broken into large crumbles
  • sun dried tomatoes (packed in oil) – purchase them pre-cut or cut into 1/4 inch strips
  • 1/4 cup diced shallots
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine such as Brys Estate Naked Chardonnay
  • 1 tsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • 8 medium basil leaves – rough chop
  • 4 tbsps butter – cut into cubes
  • olive oil
  • kosher salt
  • fresh ground black pepper

Directions:

  1. Preheat grill over medium high heat. Preheat oven to 200 degrees.
  2. Prepare ingredients for the sauce.  In one small bowl add the chopped shallot and garlic. In a second small bowl add the white wine, lemon juice, 1/2 tsp. kosher salt and 1/4 tsp. fresh ground black pepper. In a third bowl add the diced butter and basil. Set aside.
  3. Pat chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper.
  4. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, until the breasts are golden brown and cooked through. Grill times will vary depending on your grill settings.
  5. When the chicken is done, remove chicken from the grill and transfer to a platter. Top each chicken breast with the crumbled goat cheese and sun dried tomato slices. Cover platter with foil and place in the oven to keep warm.
  6. To make the basil butter sauce, add 1 tbsp. of olive oil to a small sauce pan over medium heat. Add the shallots and garlic to the pan and saute for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the white wine, lemon juice, salt and pepper and simmer uncovered until the liquid has reduced by half – about 2-3 minutes. Add the basil and butter and stir just until the butter has melted. Remove sauce from heat.
  7. To serve, plate the chicken then top with the basil butter sauce.  Serve with pasta marinara or smashed redskin potatoes and your favorite green vegetable.

Roasted Tomato Soup with Baked Grilled Cheese

Serving Size: 6
Cook Time: 2 hours, 15 minutes
Measurements: Imperial (US)

Cozy up with this classic combo – grilled cheese and tomato soup! In the cold months here in northern Michigan we rely on fireplaces, wool socks, and soup to keep us warm. I was inspired to create this recipe when we visited friends Jim & Jonathan recently in Maine. They showed me how they slow roast tomatoes in the oven to create amazing depth of flavor. These slow roasted tomatoes became the base for this incredibly rich yet simple soup! Grilled cheese is always difficult to make for more than two people. A preheated baking sheet allows you to make several grilled cheese all at the same time – with the added bonus of being extra crispy crunchy. Soggy grilled cheese no more! The smoky flavors of the tomatoes, sharp taste of the cheddar, crunchy bread and spice on the Cabernet Franc is absolutely delicious. Once you try this, you won’t make grilled cheese and tomato soup any other way!

Ingredients:

  • 4 lbs Roma tomatoes – halved
  • 2 Yellow onions
  • 8 Garlic cloves – peeled
  • 4 Thyme sprigs – tied together
  • 1/4 cup Olive oil
  • 4 cups Chicken broth
  • 4 tbsps Salted butter
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place halved roma tomatoes into a roasting pan. Add roughly chopped yellow onions, whole garlic cloves, and thyme bundle. Drizzle olive oil, and salt and pepper (to taste) on top. Roast in oven for 1.5 hours – stirring every 30 minutes to evenly roast tomatoes and prevent charring.  Remove from oven and take out the thyme bundle. Scoop mixture into a large soup pot and add chicken broth. Let simmer 30 minutes. Puree the mixture with an immersion blender or blend in batches in a traditional blender. Add butter, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper (to taste) and mix well. If making grilled cheese also, cover the soup and set aside. If not, you can serve the soup immediately!

Baked Grilled Cheese
Sourdough bread
Salted butter
Cheese of your choice! (I used sharp white and sharp yellow cheddar)

Place a large sheet tray in a preheated 450 degree oven for 5 minutes. Butter the bread and place your cheese! Remove the hot tray from the oven and place the sandwiches onto the tray. Bake the sandwiches for 10-15 minutes until the bread is golden and the cheese is bubbling. Remove, serve, and dunk into that delicious tomato soup!

Mediterranean Chicken In Parchment

Serving Size: 2
Cook Time: 1 hour
Measurements: Imperial (US)

Light, flavorful, and naturally gluten-free, this Mediterranean-inspired dish is one you’ll return to all summer long. Bright notes of lemon, olives, and capers come together with chicken, tomatoes, zucchini, and squash to create a fresh and satisfying meal.

Perfect for entertaining, this easy make-ahead recipe allows you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your guests. Simply combine the ingredients, add a splash of Pinot Grigio, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Pair with a glass of the same wine and savor an easy summer evening.

Ingredients:

  • cauliflower florets
  • zucchini and yellow squash
  • grape tomatoes
  • Kalamata olives
  • capers
  • chicken breasts
  • lemon slices
  • butter
  • sprigs of fresh rosemary
  • Brys Estate Pinot Grigio

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Place cauliflower florets in food processor and pulse until it resembles rice.
  3. Slice tomatoes in half and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Slice zucchini and squash in half lengthwise, then slice crosswise in 1/2 inch slices – toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on each side.
  4. Lay a rectangular piece of parchment paper (twice as long as it is wide) and fold in half. Open the paper like you’re reading a book and add a scoop of cauliflower rice in the center, to the right of the fold. Add as much zucchini, tomatoes, olives, and capers as you wish!
  5. Lay the chicken breast on top, followed by a slice of lemon, a pad of butter, and a rosemary sprig. Drizzle with a splash of Pinot Grigio.
  6. Fold the parchment paper on top of the chicken like you are closing a book.  Starting on one side, fold the paper over in a triangle shape and crease.  Then keep folding the paper, over and over itself and around the chicken.  When you get to the end, tuck the corner under the packet to lock everything in place.
  7. Place on a baking sheet and bake in preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until done.
  8. Place a packet on a plate and allow your guests to open it – like a gift! Pour glasses of Pinot Grigio and enjoy!

Wine Country Cheeseburgers

Serving Size: 2-3
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Measurements: Imperial (US)

Looking for a new twist for your next cookout? Try out our Wine Country Cheeseburgers which pair perfectly with our estate grown Pinot Noir! These incredibly delicious double cheeseburgers start with a buttery brioche bun and are topped with sautéed Pinot Noir onions, a tangy burger sauce and melted velveeta cheese. Don’t judge! Velveeta melts amazingly well and offers a creaminess that is simply luxurious – we promise you won’t regret it. Enjoy with a glass of our Pinot Noir Reserve and raise a toast to fine summer living!

Ingredients:

  • ground beef chuck (about 1/3 – 1/2 lb per person)
  • 1/2 cup mayonaise
  • 2 tbsps yellow onion, diced
  • 2 tbsps ketchup
  • 2 tbsps sweet relish
  • sliced yellow onion
  • olive oil
  • splash of Pinot Noir wine
  • Velveeta cheese
  • lettuce
  • sliced tomato
  • brioche buns
  • kosher salt
  • ground black pepper

Directions:

Burgers
Form ground beef into a ball 1/3lb to 1/2lb ball. Split the ball in half and create 2 thin patties. Season with salt and pepper on both sides.

Over medium heat, grill burgers for 2-3 minutes then flip.

Add a slice of Velveeta cheese to each patty, then grill for an additional 1-2 minutes – or to your desired temperature.

Burger Sauce
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbs yellow onion, minced
2 tbs ketchup
2 tbs sweet pickle relish
1/4 tsp kosher salt

Combine ingredients and mix well.

Pinot Noir Onions
sliced yellow onion
olive oil
kosher salt
pepper
splash of Pinot Noir

Sauté onions with olive oil, salt, and pepper over medium-high heat until brown and blackening in some spots.

Add a generous splash of Pinot Noir and cook until the wine has fully evaporated.

Assembly
Toast brioche buns, then add burger sauce to the top and bottom bun.  To assemble, start with the bottom bun, then add lettuce and tomato.  Next, stack 2 burger patties and top with the Pinot Noir onions.  Finish with the top bun.

Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Serving Size: 6
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Measurements: Imperial (US)

Perfectly creamy and brimming with spinach and artichokes, this Spinach & Artichoke dip made with a splash of Sauvignon Blanc is the ultimate party appetizer! Just mix, bake, and top with lots of yummy cheese.

Ingredients:

  • 10 oz package frozen chopped spinach
  • 15 oz marinated artichoke hearts, drained
  • 3 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus more for topping
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
  • 8 oz cream cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsps Brys Estate Sauvignon Blanc
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • Blue corn tortilla chips and/or pita chips

Directions:

Thaw spinach in the refrigerator overnight, or in the microwave in 1-minute bursts until defrosted. Drain well using a strainer or squeeze with your hands.

In a large bowl, mix all ingredients well. Transfer the mixture to a small oven-safe baking dish. (At this point the dip can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours until ready to bake and serve.)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake the dip uncovered for 30 minutes.

Remove the dip from the oven and add a thin layer of mozzarella cheese on top. Put dip back in the oven and broil until the cheese has melted and is starting to brown.

Serve immediately with blue corn tortilla chips and/or pita chips.

Spiked Hot Apple Cider

Warm up with our Spiked Hot Apple Cider! A delicious blend of Riesling wine, apple cider, and mulling spice!

  • 1 bottle Brys Estate Riesling, Dry Riesling or Riesling/Gris
  • 1 gallon apple cider
  • 1/4 cup – 1/2 cup brown sugar (omit if using Riesling or Riesling/Gris)
  • 1 mulling spice packet (2 for extra flavor)

Add apple cider, brown sugar (if using Dry Riesling or another dry white wine), and mulling spices to a medium pot. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low for 1 hour. Add wine. Serve warm.

 

Rosé Fizz

Celebrate the Holiday season with this delicious Rosé Fizz wine cocktail! Refreshing, festive and aesthetically pleasing, while also being super simple to create! Uncork your bottle of Brys Estate Signature Rosé and cheers to the season!

  • Lemon
  • Sugar
  • Signature Rosé
  • Sprite
  • Raspberry Sherbert
  • Fresh raspberries
  • Mint leaves

Create a sugar rim by moistening the rim of the glass with a slice of lemon, then turning the glass upside down onto a small plate of sugar. From there, add equal parts Signature Rosé and Sprite, filling the glass 2/3 full. Add a few scoops of raspberry sherbert to fill the remaining 1/3. Garnish with fresh raspberries and mint leaves. Enjoy!

Bacon Basil Pasta

Serving Size: 4
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Measurements: Imperial (US)

With a short list of ingredients and just one pan to bring it all together, this impressive dish is easy enough for any kitchen newbie to master. The rich, sturdy Brys Estate Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with the creamy tomato sauce and bold basil flavors. Bon appétit!

Ingredients:

  • 1/3 lb thick cut smoked bacon – cut into 1 inch squares
  • 1 large yellow onion
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 28oz can chopped tomotoes in juice
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves – torn (divided use)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 lb pasta such linguine or cavatappi

Directions:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

In a large saute pan over medium heat, add diced bacon and cook until the bacon is crisp and brown. Remove cooked bacon and set aside reserving the rendered bacon fat in the pan.

Add diced onion to the pan with the bacon fat.  Saute until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic to the pan and continue to cook 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant. Add 28oz can of chopped tomatos and their juices to the pan.  Add 1/2 cup of the fresh basil leaves to the pan – tearing them into bite sized pieces.  Bring the sauce to a heavy simmer and continue to cook uncovered for 15 minutes allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken.

While the sauce simmers, add pasta to boiling water and cook 1 minute less than the package directions.

After the sauce has reduced, add 1/2 cup heavy cream, reserved cooked bacon, remaning 1/2 cup torn basil leaves, 3/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Stir to combine.

Stir in cooked pasta and continue to cook for 1-2 minutes until the pasta has finished cooking.

Serve topped with more fresh basil and grated parmesan cheese.