Spring Hill Presents: A 'Slice of Sonoma' Holiday

Please R.S.V.P. as space is limited, or call Rachel Peter at (858) 243-9154

Introduction

Growing up in the simple yet sophisticated town of Sonoma
I developed an appreciation for, and commitment to, the
cultivation and sharing of what we call Sonoma ‘culture’.
Some of my fondest memories are of being at Farmers
Markets with my grandparents selling potatoes, vegetables,
and cheese. The environment at those markets created a
sense of community involvement, dedication, respect of
farming, delight in organic foods and responsibility to share
and educate others on the importance that natural food plays
in living a happy and healthy lifestyle.



It comes as no surprise to me that years later I’m bringing
Spring Hill to San Diego and living my dream of providing
you with a "Slice of Sonoma". I’m thrilled to spend my time
offering amazing organic cheese and butter to local farmers
markets, hosting cheese tastings, and bringing my uncle’s
cheese paired with local Sonoma wines to special private
events. My passion is to help my clients feel a connection
with a simpler way of life, where food and drink are relished
and savored once again. I do this by bringing you our
celebrated food and wine pairings, special home deliveries
and in all cases delivering an exclusive, artisan product
embodying the spirit of Sonoma.

For those of you receiving this newsletter, thank you for
beginning this journey with Anthony and I as our cheese
and wine loving friends, we look forward to sharing some
of life's simplest pleasures with you here in San Diego.

- Rachel Peter

Flavors of Fall

Foods help connect us with changes in seasons and Fall in
Sonoma brings to San Diego a bounty of rich, savory flavors
(even if it is still 75+ degrees out here). I use this time to get
creative in the kitchen and taste the cornucopia of Autumn.
From classic to smoky to a hint of spice we have great ideas
to share with your family and friends. Our enticing cheese,
wine, and food pairings are a classic treat this holiday season.

Butternut Squash Soup & Dry Jack Cheese.
Wine pairing - Sauvignon Blanc.

Rack of Lamb & Garlic Quark.
Wine pairing - Syrah.

Fondue & Smoked Mike’s Firehouse Cheddar.
Wine pairing - Cabernet.

Roasted root vegetables & Sage Goat Cheddar.
Wine pairing: Chardonnay

(P.S. Cheese of the Month Awarded to Smoked Cheddar,
perfect for any occasion.)

Recent Event Menus

Torrey Pines Celebrate the Craft hosted by Chef Jeff Jackson:

The Nov. 2nd, 2008 weekend celebration featured the finest food artisans from across California's broad culinary spectrum, featuring area growers, vintners and suppliers to sample products and meet those who created them.

We spent Sunday pairing our cheeses with creations by Amiko Gubbins, chef extraordinaire formerly of Parallel 33 restaurant, Bread & Cie Bakery, Jack Fisher confections and renowned reds from Robert Craig Winery.

Celebrate the Craft Menu:

Slice of Dry Jack

Favorite Wine Pairing: Robert Craig’s Affinity


Slice of Old World Portuguese on Walnut Raisin Sourdough Bread topped with Amiko's Pomegranate & Fig Jam

Favorite Wine Pairing: Robert Craig’s Mt. Veeder Cabernet


Grated Goat Peppercorn Dry Jack on Toasted Crostini topped with Seasonal Dried Fruit Ginger Infused Chutney

Favorite Wine Pairing: Robert Craig’s Howell Mountain Cabernet


Fresh Strawberries dipped in Vanilla Bean and Lemon Quark

Paired with handcrafted by Jack Fisher truffles


San Diego Fine Arts Society Fall Event:

On November 7, 2008 we showcased Spring Hill Cheese at the San Diego Fine Arts Society Fall Event, spectacularly held at a private home in San Diego to celebrate art, sustainable foods and fine wine by Leonesse Cellars.

An organic, local, sustainable menu created by Annie Lorie featured produce from the Garden of Eden Growers Collective, La Milpa Organic and Spring Hill Cheese.

SDFAS Menu:

Garlic Cheddar

Creamy textured, full-bodied cheddar enhanced by garlic for a lively taste.
Perfectly aged and considered one of the finest cheddars in the country.

Paired with a perfectly ripened delicate sweet persimmon.

Complimentary wines - Red wines: Meritage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir.


Smoked Yellow Cheddar

Cheddar meets the smokehouse and a unique taste and texture emerges.
Its bold, mouthwatering taste creates a distinctive cheddar for the Autumn Season.

Paired with Roasted Almonds.

Complimentary wines – Red wines preferred; especially a Syrah or Cabernet Franc.


Dry Jack

A traditional Northern California cheese similar to a parmesan, aged for 9-12 months.
Hand rubbed rind of bittersweet dark coco powder, black pepper and olive oil.
An astonishing award winning cheese to remember.

Paired with a crisp, slightly tart, semi sweet apple, white honey, lavender flower.

Complimentary wines – Light refreshing wines full of fruit: Riesling, White Merlot.


Goat Peppercorn Dry Jack

A flavorful goat’s milk dry cheese with a distinct peppery flavor.
Uniquely aged (9months) and a favorite amongst goat cheese aficionados.

Paired with a selection of seasonal chutneys.

Complimentary wines – A balanced Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

Upcoming Events

Tuesday November 18th:
Vin Village at Anthology

VinVillage is social organization where wine and food lovers connect. It's focus is on all things related to food and wine. Look for our complimentary cheeses at this wine tasting event.
Location: Anthology Restaurant.


Wednesday December 4th:
The American Institute of Wine and Food Holiday Party

AIWF is a non-profit organization committed to advance the understanding, appreciation and quality of what we eat and drink. We look forward to providing a exceptional cheese pairing presentation!
Location: Member Only Event


Thursday, December 11th 5:30pm-7:30pm:
'Slice of Sonoma' Holiday Happy Hour Cheese & Wine Tasting Party
Join like-minded cheese enthusiasts for a spectacular event where you will have the opportunity to enjoy the best of Spring Hill paired with notable Sonoma wines.
Please R.S.V.P. location will be announced via email.


Wednesday, December 17th 10am-3pm: Annual Winter Market

We'll be participating in an Annual Holiday Boutique Market, put on by Qualcomm. A delicious way to start your holiday shopping!
Location: 5775 Morehouse Dr. San Diego CA 92121

Where to find us: Farmers Markets in San Diego

Local Weekly Farmers Markets

Coronado Island
Tuesdays - 2:30pm to 6pm

Come visit a true organic ‘farmers’ market located in the Ferry Landing (1st & B) of Coronado Island. As you enjoy the spectacular view of the city you will find a light hearted, fun filled market environment.

Del Mar
Saturdays – 1pm to 4pm

In the heart of Del Mar a market emerges between 10th and 11th streets (1050 Camino Del Mar). A quaint afternoon market experience in a lovely seaside town.

Little Italy
Saturdays – 9am to 1:30pm

The Little Italy Mercato market is nestled on picturesque Date Street (Date street from Columbus to India). Old world meets new world as neighbors stroll, church bells ding and the morning runners take a detour to buy their weekly food.

Hillcrest
Sundays – 9am to 1pm

The DMV parking lot (3960 Normal Street at Lincoln) transforms into a busy marketplace on Sunday mornings. Hillcrest Market is the highlight of this spicy neighborhood, rain or shine.

Encinitas
Sundays – 10am-2pm

Paul Ecke Elementary on 185 Union Street is our new favorite market. Packed on Sundays (even during a Chargers game!) it provides a true 'community' feel and is filled with wonderfully eccentric personalities.

The Cheese Collection

The Cheddars:

Our perfectly aged cheddar cheeses will satisfy even the most discriminating pallets.

White Cheddar
Solid and exceptional.

Colby Cheddar
This blend of colby and cheddar cheeses has a distinctive medium-sharp flavor. Its creamy texture makes it a favorite with kids.

Yellow Jersey Cheddar
The annotta bean gives this cheese its rich color to go along with it’s robust flavor.

Garlic Cheddar
Garlic lovers delight! An exciting, full bodied cheddar, perfectly aged and considered to be one of the best in the country.

Sage Cheddar
A "wise" choice for cheese lovers. A mild, sage infused cheddar cheese.

Mike's Firehouse Cheddar
A wonderful combination of peppers, parsley, and cilatro.

Smoked Mike's Firehouse Cheddar
Same great heat as our Mike's Firehouse Cheddar, plus a rich mesquite and hickory smokiness to meld it all together.

Raw Cheddars: White, Sage and Yellow
This young Cheddar is made from unpasteurized Jersey milk. It has a distinctive character and smooth semi-mild Cheddar flavor. "Raw" lovers say the natural enzymes give it a more natural taste.




The Jacks:

Our award-winning Jacks are handmade to produce a soft, white, delicate cheese. Similar to a Monterey Jack, but much creamer since it is made with 100% Jersey milk. This cheese is soft with a creamy texture and a tangy aftertaste.

Jersey Jack
A soft, white, delicate cheese. Voted 3rd best Monterey Jack in the U.S.A.

Garlic Jack
Enhanced with Garlic for that old world charm. This Garlic Jack puts all other garlic cheeses out to pasture with its incredible flavor.

Mike's Firehouse Jack
A mouth watering combination of peppers and other flavors for a robust taste.

Horseradish Jack
A unique blend of Jack cheese and Horseradish. Dynamic yet not over powering.

Mike's Five Alarm Jack
Habeanero pepper and Cilantro. Not for the faint of heart.

Pesto Jack
A touch of pesto will make you say “Mama Mia!”

Colby Jack
Mild and creamy, it’s a kids favorite.

Smoked Jersey Jack
An award winning cheese enhanced by our renowned smokehouse.




The Specialty Cheeses:

Spring Hill prides itself in the creation of Artisan Specialty Cheeses.

Dry Jack
A traditional Northern California reminscent of parmesean. Aged 9-12 months, and rubbed with coco powder, black pepper and olive oil on the outside, the rind is edible, the cheese, sublime.

Giana
A sophisticated Italian style cheese named after an Italian girl we know.

Old World Portuguese
Made after the "Saint George" recipe and aged 9-12 months, it has a creamy, nutty, buttery flavor and semi-hard texture.

Teleme
Teleme is a soft, smooth Italian cheese with a creamy texture and tangy after taste.
A California original.

Feta
A traditional Mediterranean style cheese. Feta is firm and crumbles easily.

Cheese Curds
Cheddar before it's been pressed and aged, it is what cheese looks like before we put it in the moulds. Available in 3 flavors: Plain, Garlic or Mike's Firehouse.

Quark
A German style cream cheese that falls somewhere in between mascarpone andricotta textures. Available in: Plain, Garlic, Lemon, and Vanilla Bean.




The Goat Cheeses:

Petaluma Goat Cheeses are made from the milk of pasture fed, naturally raised goats that live next door to the Spring Hill Farm.


Goat White Cheddar
Aged 9 months, this cheddar has a nice mild goat's milk flavor, and the perfect cheddar texture.

Goat Sage Cheddar
A sage infused cheddar. Delicious!

Goat Garlic Cheddar
A mild cheddar with a hint of garlic.

Goat Feta
Crumbles perfectly and has a wonderful texture.

Goat Dry Peppercorn
Aged for 9 months, this dry cheese tastes almost like a parmesan with a nice peppery flavor

Goat Dry Jack
A versatile dry cheese.




The Butter:

100% pure cream separated from our Jersey milk, Spring Hill butter adds enhancing flavors to any meal and is especially suited for baking and cooking. So good you’ll want to eat it by the spoonful, it’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

In 4 different varieties...

Salted
Very lightly salted, with French "Guerande" sea salt.

Jersey/Unsalted
A favorite among Northern California’s finest chef’s.

Zesty Garlic
In high demand, this butter delivers - when we
can get our hands on it.

Lemon Shallot
Meyer lemon zest and fresh shallots. It has no equal.

Join 'Slice of Sonoma' Events & Home Deliveries

Slice of Sonoma Deliveries

Since moving away from the comforts of Sonoma 10 years ago I've been re-creating its magic and charm here in San Diego. The joke amongst my circle of friends is that no evening is complete at my home without a cheese plate, a standard I'm proud to live up to.

It seems natural to me then that I'll be bringing you a 'Slice of Sonoma' comfort starting January '09. Our special events and home deliveries will be reminiscent of the mid-century delivery services once popular in American culture.

I want to return to simplicity and deliver distinguished artisan products full of presentation, enjoyment, flavor, community values and meaning to your doorsteps. Every month my clients will receive a hand-crafted Sonoma 'care pack' filled with seasonal cheeses, complimentary wines, special Sonoma food pairings and exclusive recipes.

Details will be announced at our Slice of Sonoma wine and cheese tasting event on December 11th. Contact me for reservations, as space will be limited.

In Conclusion: The Last Bite

Quark is a fresh cheese with a light, tangy flavor. This month I conclude my musings with a recipe featuring this German-influenced delicacy:

Quark Pumpkin Mousse

Ingredients:
1 lb of quark
2 Tbsp milk
1/3 cup sugar
½ cup whipping cream, whipped
½ cup pumpkin
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
*Create ginger snap crust or serve with ginger snaps
Top with chopped pecans and dates
Preparation:
Stir quark, milk and sugar together until smooth. Add pumpkin, cinnamon and spice. Fold in the whipped cream. Pour into crust*. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Right before serving add pecans and dates.

This is your wine and cheese crowd, and nothing ever goes wrong at such events.
 - Richard Messener