August 28, 2016

EASY GARLIC BREAD

Don’t settle for boring bread – add some zing to your next meal with this easy-peasy and mouth-watering garlic bread recipe.

From Industrial-Looking Bread to a French Favourite: My Journey with Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is a classic side dish. It is simple, easy to make and can be paired with a variety of ingredients. The first time I had garlic bread was during my first party in London at the stable I used to ride when I arrived in the British capital. I remember everyone rushing to try the bread, which looked quite industrial to me. But I decided to follow the crowd and take a bite : I was pleasantly surprised by how good it tasted.

The Pungent History of Garlic Bread: From Ancient Rome to Modern-Day America

Garlic bread has a rich history, dating back to ancient Rome, where it was known as “panis aglius.” Garlic was highly valued in ancient Rome for its medicinal properties, and it was often used to treat a variety of ailments. Garlic bread as we know it today is a typical Italian-American dish that originated in the United States. Since then, it has become a beloved snack that is enjoyed all over the world.

The Timeless Appeal of Garlic Bread

Despite its simplicity, garlic bread is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. There are many variations of garlic bread, from basic garlic butter spread on bread to more elaborate versions that include cheese, herbs, and other ingredients. One of my favourite garlic bread recipes is an easy-peasy dish that I discovered from a Swedish groom when I was riding in London. Nevertheless to say that it was a hit among my French friends… Do not hesitate to double or triple the recipe…

Discovering Vinsobres: An Appellation for Red Wines of the Rhone Valley

When it comes to pairing wine with garlic bread, I recommend a Red Vinsobres from the Rhone Valley.

Vinsobres is an appellation located in the southern half of France’s Rhone Valley wine region that produces exceptional red wines. The wines are made from a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, with the red wines required to have a minimum of 50% Grenache and 25% Syrah or Mourvèdre.

The Terroir of Vinsobres

The terroir of Vinsobres is characterized by its unique Syrah grape variety, which gives the wine its remarkable freshness and spiciness. The soils are rich in clay and limestone, and the vineyards are situated on hillsides that offer excellent sun exposure and drainage, resulting in wines that are rich, complex, and full of character.

Aromatic Profile of Vinsobres Red Wine

Vinsobres red has a beautiful colour of intense bright red and offers a very expressive nose full-bodied and not heavy on notes of black chocolate, cherry. The wine is robust and full of flavour, with a smooth finish that leaves a pleasant aftertaste.

A Rich History

The cultivation of vines in the region of Vinsobres was introduced by the Greeks, and the Romans perpetuated this culture. The Roman legions, stationed at Vaison, also played a crucial role in spreading the knowledge of winemaking throughout the region.

While the tradition of Rhône Valley winemaking can be traced back to the Romans in the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C., Vinsobres red wine was a Côtes-du-Rhône Villages AOC until 2006.

From Olive Plantations to Vineyards

Vinsobres was formerly a dense olive plantation that was turned into vineyards following a terrible frost in 1956. Today, Vinsobres is an Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) for red wine in the southern part of the Rhône wine region situated around Vinsobres.

So, don’t hesitate to transport yourself to the rolling hills of the Rhone Valley with a glass of Vinsobres in hand and a delicious and garlicky goodness!

Get Ready for Garlic Heaven

If you love garlic as much as we do in France, you may try these recipes :

Garlic scrambled egg croissants or spaghetti aglio e olio !

Bonne dégustation !

Sixtine ;)