By Chef Heidi Whitney-Schile
One of our favorite pairings of the season, this spring toast featuring sheep cheese, fresh peas, and herbs was recently served alongside the 2023 Ambar Estate Chardonnay at our Spring Release Party for Ambar Circle members. Bright, layered, and deeply seasonal, the pairing beautifully reflects the energy and freshness of both the wine and the spring harvest.
Spring Pea Toast – Pair with the 2023 Ambar Estate Chardonnay
Sheep Cheese Spread
Ingredients
- 8 oz fresh sheep cheese
- 1 tsp pink peppercorns, cracked
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp chopped chives
- 1 tbsp chopped mint
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or in a mixing bowl by hand), combine all ingredients and mix until smooth and evenly incorporated. Set aside.
Lemon Herb Dressing
Ingredients
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ tsp ground fennel seed
- ¼ tsp ground coriander seed
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl until combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
Spring Pea Salad
Ingredients
- ½ cup pea shoots
- ¼ cup snap peas, sliced on the bias
- 1 tbsp mint leaves
- 1 tbsp fennel fronds
- 1 tbsp preserved lemon peel, finely chopped
- Lemon herb dressing, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
In a bowl, gently toss together the pea shoots, snap peas, mint, fennel fronds, and preserved lemon. Dress lightly with the lemon herb dressing and season with salt and pepper to taste.
To Assemble
Toast slices of sourdough bread until golden. Spread generously with the sheep cheese mixture, then top with the dressed spring pea salad.
Serve alongside a glass of the 2023 Ambar Estate Chardonnay and enjoy.
