Haak News Straight from the Grapevine : July 2010

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Haak News Straight from the Grapevine : July www.haakwine.com Salute! Haak Winery News Straight from the Grapevine.

Kassutta!
Let our glasses meet! ~ Greenlandic toast Looking for a memorable location to hold your wedding or special event? Haak Winery is a beautiful, unique venue for wedding ceremonies, receptions, private parties, family get-togethers and more. We are honored to have been a part of so many people's special moments, and we are always pleased to hear about their experiences. Below are just a few of the great compliments we receive from the wonderful individuals and families who have held their wedding or special event with us. 'I wanted to let you both know how much I appreciated all your hard work assuring our children's wedding was spectacular! And it was. You guys did a great job. Thank you.''I just wanted to thank you for helping us out with our get together at the winery. We all had a great time. The food was wonderful and the cake was out of this world. Thank you for all of your help.'Just wanted to thank you for awesome food and service at my daughter's wedding. Everyone enjoyed the food so much. The cakes were beautiful and delicious. We all had a wonderful time and a memorable wedding. Thanks again.'No matter the occasion, the Haak family is here to make your celebration an unforgettable one. Want to learn more? Haak Winery rental information is available at haakwine.com [link: http://www.haakwine.com/facility_rental/rental_rates.html], or you can speak with our Event Coordinator, Kathleen Reiss, at 409.925.1401, x105.

Words from the Winery
Icing on the Cake We recently entered three wine competitions, where we are proud to say that our Madeira and Blanc du Bois varietals received high praise and honors. To make things a little sweeter, I'd also like to mention that we offer delicious homemade cakes for special occasions--baked right here at the winery. Just contact Chef David at 409.925.1401, x106, to place your order. Have a safe and happy Fourth of July, and we look forward to seeing all of you at the Harvest Festival! Lone Star International Wine Competition 2009 Semi-Sweet Blanc du Bois-Silver; 2006 Madeira Blanc du Bois-Silver; LA International Wine & Spirits Awards 2005 Jacquez Madeira, Silver (University of Houston Alumni Association 40th Anniversary Madeira) San Francisco International Wine Competition, 2009 Semi-Sweet Blanc du Bois,Silver; 2005 Jacquez Madeira,Silver Sincerely, Gladys Haak

Won't Ya Let Me Take You on a Sea Cruise? Haak Winery 6th Annual Caribbean Wine Cruise April 7 -- 11, 2011 Sails out of Galveston, Texas to Cozumel, Mexico, aboard Carnival Cruise's Ecstasy Cruise includes:* Welcome Cocktail Party * Two Haak Wine Tasting Events with Raymond & Gladys Haak * Music after each tasting with Robert Greaney * Welcome gift in each cabin Prices start at $499 per person (plus tax) with a $300 deposit per cabin. Price includes wine tasting events. Make reservations early--this event sells out. Limited to 50 cabins. Final payment due January 29, 2011. Contact Debbie Simons of Supertravel at 281.9908362 or debbies@supertravel.com to book your spot today!

Visit Haak at the Bridal Extravaganza This month, Haak Winery will be participating in the Houston Bridal Extravaganza Show [link: www.bridalextravaganzashow.com] at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Downtown Houston. Everyone is welcome--bring your bridal party and the groom! Saturday, July 10th, 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday, July 11th, 11 am to 5 pm For those planning a 2011 wedding, we're currently booking dates for spring. Please call 409.925.1401, x105 to learn more. Haak Happenings Sunday Summer Concert Series Great live bands, delicious food and tasty wine. Visit haakwine.com [link: http://www.haakwine.com/events/event_schedule.php] for all the details. See you on Sunday! Wine Down at the Winery Wine down on the patio during Dinner in the Cellar, where we now offer an a la carte tapas menu. Held between 6 pm and 9 pm. No reservations needed! Don't Forget About Our Wonderful Deli Visit our deli, where we offer several delicious cheeses, meats, crackers and breads. Pair with your favorite Haak wine and you've got the perfect combination for a perfect picnic. Enjoy anytime--no reservations required!

Chef David's Recipe of the Month Lemon Cakes with Fresh Raspberries and Vanilla Crème Fraiche Ingredients, 1 cup butter (softened), 2 cups sugar, 3 large eggs, 2 teaspoons lemon zest, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 3 1/2 cups AP flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2 cups of Crème Fraiche, unsweetened (recipe below), 1 pint of fresh raspberries (or substitute blueberries) for every 4 cakes, Buttermilk, Heavy cream, Lemon Cakes. Directions In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add lemon zest and vanilla, mix well. Combine dry ingredients and add to creamed mixture alternately with Crème Fraiche (batter will be thick). Fill paper-lined muffin cups with 1/4 cup of batter. Bake at 350˚ for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Once cakes have cooled, slice the rounded top so cakes will sit flat on a plate, top side down. Place a few berries on top and around the cakes. Spoon on as much of the vanilla Crème Fraiche as you like and enjoy! Recipe yields about 24 cakes. Note: Cakes that are tightly wrapped in plastic or foil can be frozen and kept for up to three months for later use. Crème Fraiche Directions In a clean glass jar, add 2 tablespoons of buttermilk to 1 cup of heavy cream for every cup or so of Crème Fraiche you would like to make. Put a lid on the jar and shake thoroughly. Leave jar sitting out on a counter for 8 to 14 hours or until thickened. Fraiche can be refrigerated for up to 10 days. To sweeten the Fraiche, place 1 cup in a mixing bowl and add two tablespoons of sugar and ½ a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and mixed. You may add more sugar if you wish.

Upcoming Events | July 2010 Haak Harvest Festival Saturday, July 17th 9 am to 4 pm We look forward to seeing you at this memorable event, where guests can: *Participate in the grape harvest *Enjoy a delicious lunch *Taste wines from Haak and *other local Texas wineries *Be entertained by DJ Frankie Tambrella *Enter for door prizes and more 2ndDinner in the Cellar 6 - 9 pm,4th Celebrate America Concert with Pee Wee Bowen 6 - 8:30 pm, 11thSunday Concert with Prime Time Band
6 - 8:30 pm, 16thDinner in the Cellar 6 - 9 pm, 17thHarvest Festival 9 - 4 pm, 23thDinner in the Cellar 6 - 9 pm, 24th Dinner in the Cellar, Entertainment TBD 6 -- 9 pm, 25thSunday Concert with Kelly McGuire 6 - 8:30 pm, 30thDinner in the Cellar 6 - 9 pm