Sutter Home Napa Valley Cookbook: New and Classic Recipes from the Wine Country

The prolific McNair (James McNair's Favorites) has enjoyed a long association with the Sutter Home Winery in St. Helena, Calif., both as spokesperson and as head judge for its annual Build a Better Burger contest. Here he collects recipes from the winery's Trinchero family, Sutter Home Inn chefs and his own kitchen. The results, as expected, rely heavily on California's enviable agricultural bounty and a broad variety of wines. Traditional fare includes Old World Bagna Cauda, Evalyn's Pasta Primavera, Mulled Winter Wine and Summer Garden Gazpacho, while the unmistakable Californian accent is evident in Frisee Salad with Grilled Pears, Cheese and Walnuts and Grilled Raspberry Chicken Breasts. An appealingly unusual family recipe, Malfatti with Mushroom Marinara Sauce, introduces a type of meat dumpling described as ""ravioli without the pasta casing."" Among other savory entr es are Pork Tenderloin with Pinot Noir and Prunes and Prosciutto-Wrapped Tenderloin of Beef Cabernet. Recipes are within easy reach of most cooks, even the Duck and Pork Cassoulet, which encourages the use of store-bought duck or goose confit and canned white beans. Not to be neglected are two toothsome contest winners: Portobello Burger and Siciliano Burger with Fresh Ciliegine and Sweet Tomato Butter. Wine suggestions accompany most recipes, including such desserts as Lavender Gelato and Fresh Fig and Peach Galettes, a cholesterol extravaganza-- with three sticks of butter in the pastry--that serves six. This beautiful book will bring a piece of Napa into any kitchen. (May)