Summer Entertaining with Kings Food Market

A few weeks back, I had the chance to attend a Summer Tasting Event at my local Kings Food Market in Ridgewood, New Jersey. For those of you who may not be familiar with Kings, it’s a culinary epicenter of food, wine & spirits that prides itself on fresh and premium offerings. It’s our go-to local gourmet market especially when entertaining. And what’s fantastic about the Ridgewood store is that they now have a newly inspired international wine department (complete with in-store tastings!)

I was highly impressed with the assortment of items we sampled – particularly the Black Bean Goat Cheese Tacos, Serrano-Wrapped Asparagus and BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders – all available for purchase in the Chef-Prepared case. One exception: the Asparagus….you’ll have to make those yourself. But it’s super easy – here’s the recipe, straight from the folks at Kings Food Market:

Kings Grilled Serrano Ham Wrapped Asparagus

Ingredients:

16 stalks of standard to jumbo size fresh Asparagus (trimmed & peeled of any woody skin)

4-5 thin but wide slices of Serrano Ham, cut into 16 evenly trimmed pieces

1 oz. Canola oil for brushing grill

Freshly Cracked Black Pepper

Preparation:

1. Preheat grill to Medium heat
2. Blanch the asparagus in a pot of boiling & salted water for 1 min. Shock chill in ice water bath, remove from water, dry in paper towel and reserve.
3. Lay the sliced ham on a clean cutting board and wrap each piece of blanched asparagus by rolling the asparagus up and across the sliced ham at a 45-degree angle. Reserve all on a clean plate.
4. Brush the preheated grill with oil and immediately place the spears of Serrano-wrapped asparagus onto the hot grill, allowing each to sear in place for 20-30 seconds and then roll to evenly cook the ham. (Note: Do not over grill – the objective is to see the ham lightly char and slightly tighten around the asparagus.)
5. Remove to a serving platter and serve.

Added bonus: Brush with Truffle Butter or drizzle with Truffle Oil for a depth of flavor.

Looking for a great summer wine with which to pair the Serrano Wrapped Asparagus? The Ridgewood Kings Market Fine Wine & Spirits Manager, Paul Guarino, recommends the Avanthia Godello 2011 – a bright and focused Spanish white that is dry and mineral-y with notes of exotic spice like curry powder.

And DO NOT miss out on Paul’s homemade margarita that complements the Black Bean Taco oh so well. I happen to love margaritas on the rocks and this was one of the best I’ve EVER had….here is that recipe:

Kings Homemade Margarita

Makes 4-6 servings.

Ingredients:

5-6 large limes, Juiced

· 16 oz. Tropicana OJ

· 1/2 cup of agave nectar or honey

· One 12 oz. Mexican lager beer (Pacifico, Sol, Corona)

· 1/2 tsp. kosher salt

· Premium silver, plata, or blanco tequila to taste

Preparation:

Stir the mix until agave syrup and salt is dissolved. Pour over crushed ice (no exceptions) into a margarita glass and let sit for a minute or two keeping in mind this mixture is concentrated and the ice will melt and offer the proper dilution.

No salt rim, no straw, and no fruit garnish necessary. Mix will keep for a week in the fridge.

 

With 4^th of July Weekend fast approaching, you are now set to entertain and enjoy with friends and family – Salute!

 

Have a safe and happy 4^th!

 

oxox

-mom a la mode

 

 

{Upon attending the Summer Tasting Event at Kings Food Market, Ridgewood, I was provided a $25 gift card for store review purposes only. All opinions expressed here are solely mine. And I REALLY loved that margarita.}