>> Recipes of Spring 2009

Tea-riffic menu ideas

Prepare a platter of our favorite finger sandwiches— inspired by The Jefferson Hotel’s tea service menu— and serve with Virginia wine, paired by the hotel’s director restaurants and wine director, Ben Eubanks.

Chicken Salad

Bread: Spinach tortilla

Spread: Combine one cup diced, cooked chicken; one cup diced celery; one cup halved seedless white grapes; one can drained, sliced water chestnuts; squeeze of fresh lemon juice and enough mayonnaise to bind. Spread on tortilla and add Romaine lettuce leaves. Tightly roll and cut prepared wrap lengthwise into one inch wide pieces.

Barboursville Vineyards Pinot Grigio, $14.99

Cucumber and Dill

Bread: Cocktail-size rye bread

Spread: Combine a few sprigs of fresh dill finely chopped with stems removed; one half finely chopped cucumber with peel removed; a halfteaspoon dried Italian herb mix (or combine equal parts of dried oregano, basil, rosemary and thyme) and salt to taste with a large package of room temperature cream cheese. Spread on bread and slice in half diagonally.

Delfosse Vineyards and Winery Chardonnay Reserve, $24

Roast Beef and Brie

Bread: Cocktail-size pumpernickel bread

Spread: Combine three tablespoons of prepared horseradish; two tablespoons sour cream; and salt and pepper to taste with a large package of room temperature cream cheese. Spread on bread and add thin slice of roast beef topped with a thin slice of brie; cut in half diagonally.

Michael Shaps WinesPetit Verdot, $35

Tomato and Watercress Sandwich

Bread: White bread slices

Spread: Combine several bunches of finely chopped watercress with stems removed; one quarter finely chopped cucumber with peel removed; a half-teaspoon of lemon pepper seasoning and salt to taste with a large package of room temperature cream cheese. Spread on bread and add thin slices of ripe tomato. Trim crust; cut bread into diagonal quarters or thirds lengthwise.

Linden Vineyards Chardonnay, $20

Virginia Ham Biscuits

Bread: Silver dollar-sized biscuits or small Parker House rolls

Spread: Thinly sliced Virginia-style country ham; we like Edwards of Surry

Kluge Estate Winery and VineyardSP Blanc de Blancs, $28