T H E M E R C H A N T N E W S
FRIDAY
FRIDAY IN-STORE FREE TASTING
3.30pm to 6.00pm
This Friday Brett from Esk Valley wines will be in-store tasting Esk Valley Black Label Rose’. Come along and join us and learn a thing or two about this stunning Rose’
ROSE PETAL JELLY...
We’ve seen it all now, the latest to hit the Merchant’s shelves, “Rose Petal Jelly”.
It is intriguing to look at and the taste is just as intriguing. It has a delicate taste, try with toast or scones.
Produced by The Wooden Spoon Company from Hawkes Bay who are renowned for their pickled walnuts.
ROSE WATER…
As early as the third century essences were made from rose petals using fairly crude methods. It wasn’t until the 10th century that Avicenna, an Arab physician of some clout, discovered how to extract the essential oil from the flowers, and invented rosewater proper. Its popularity with food quickly spread throughout Europe and made its way into sweet and savoury dishes, many of which are still popular today.
A few drops streaked through cream, crème fraîche, custards, creamed rice puddings, baked semolina sweetmeats, fruit fools, sugar syrups and fruit salads, add an element of surprise.
ROSE MILK PUDDING…
Ingredients
3 cups milk / 1/3 cup caster sugar / 1 vanilla bean* (not split) / ½ tsp rosewater* / 2 strips of orange peel, removed using a vegetable peeler / extra ¼ cup milk / 2½ tsp gelatine*
Method
Place milk, sugar, vanilla bean and orange peel in a saucepan. Gently heat, stirring until all sugar has dissolved. Meanwhile put the extra milk in a teacup or small heatproof bowl, and sit it in a small saucepan with 3-4cm of simmering water, so that the milk in the cup can be heated. Evenly sprinkle the gelatine over the surface of the milk, and let it melt. Stir to dissolve any lumps. Remove cup from saucepan. Now increase heat under the milk and sugar mixture. As soon as it starts to simmer, remove vanilla bean then pour mixture into a large mixing bowl. Quickly whisk in the warm gelatine mixture and the rosewater. Strain into a clean jug, and then pour gently into a 4 cup-capacity deep bowl. Cool, then cover and refrigerate overnight to set. Served with poached rhubarb and fresh raspberries
*Products available at the Merchant
MORE FM WINERY TOUR…
Dave Dobbyn… Bic Runga… Tim Finn… all together on Saturday night at the Riverside Park.
You will find Rex and Shona behind the bar supplying the fans with local wine and nice cold beer. Remember you are unable to take alcohol into the event, but don’t worry the Merchant have your back!! Brett from Esk Valley and Peter from Omori Estate will also be there with their sensational wine.
A wide range of gourmet food is available so if you really want to spoil yourselves just turn up with your blanket, let everyone else do the work, relax and enjoy the concert.
WINE OF THE WEEK…
Esk Valley Black Label Rose’ 08
Normally $22.50 – THIS WEEK ONLY $20.00
This is a very versatile food wine which can also be enjoyed as an aperitif. Aromas of strawberry and red fruits predominate with a hint of spice. In the mouth the wine is full bodied with excellent acidity and freshness. Serve chilled. You will be available to purchase this lovely Rose’ at the Winery concert!!
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