READER'S ROCK LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE VOL 2 ISSUE 4 NOVEMBER 2014 Vol 1 Issue 11 May 2014 | Page 60

(BPT) - Whether you're celebrating a birthday,
bridal shower, graduation or simply inviting
friends over to revel in the good weather, the
change in seasons offers a great excuse to
enjoy a meal outdoors and spend time with
family and friends. Here are a few tips to help
you simplify, so you can make the most of your
good weather soiree.

Easy tips and menu for
springtime entertaining

* Keep it simple. Plan a streamlined, makeahead menu: a salad of fresh greens or inseason fruit; grilled burgers, like Mirassou
Winery's recipe for Sunset Sliders; and
dessert, such as fresh fruit with a scoop of ice
cream.
* Make the most of the season. Source your
ingredients locally - the food will be fresher,
and you'll have an instant conversation starter.
Your fruit might be from the orchard down the
street, your greens from a local farm and your
beef from a regional ranch.
* Cater to all tastes by offering a white wine like
chardonnay, a red wine like Mirassou's Sunset
Red, as well as non-alcoholic beverages, such
as lemonade or iced tea.
* Take your decorating cues from nature by
featuring whatever is blooming in your
backyard. Snip flowers, herbs or short leafy
branches and place in mason jars or small
vases, alongside tea lights.

Mirassou Sunset Sliders

* Relax. The best get-togethers are when you
are relaxed and visiting with your guests, rather
than harried and trying to get food on the table.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 6 to 8 minutes

David Mirassou, wine expert and sixth
generation of America's oldest winemaking
family, believes the key to hosting a truly
enjoyable gathering takes equal parts planning
and relaxing.

Ingredients:
1 pound lean ground beef (preferably grass fed)
1/2 cup finely chopped baby bella mushrooms
1/4 cup minced shallots or red onion
1/4 cup Mirassou Sunset Red
1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup shredded aged Gouda cheese
Freshly ground pepper to taste
8 brioche, ciabatta or other small slider rolls
8 thin Roma tomato slices
4 strips cooked cherry wood or apple wood smoked bacon, broken
into quarters
Baby arugula leaves

“I've been to events where the hosts are so
busy creating the perfect meal that they don't
get to fully enjoy their guests," says Mirassou.
"The most memorable times are when
everyone is relaxed, enjoying a glass of wine,
good food, a beautiful sunset and each other."

Makes 8 servings

By simplifying, your get-together will be stressfree, delicious and enjoyable - after all, a
relaxed host makes for happy guests.

Using your hands, mix beef, mushrooms, shallots, wine, rosemary,
Dijon and salt in a medium bowl. Shape into 8 very flat patties. Grill,
broil or pan fry for 3 minutes. Turn and top with cheese; cook for 2
minutes more. Serve on lightly toasted rolls with tomato, bacon and
arugula.

For more recipes, visit
www.mirassou.com/recipes.

Recipe tip: Dress arugula with a bit of olive oil and balsamic for extra
flavor.
Pairing Suggestion: Pairs with Mirassou Sunset Red.