November 26, 2009 | 
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Shining Light into our Lives – Showcasing the winter harvest
As the light dwindles down toward the shortest day of the year, the holiday season shines its luminosity around us as thoughts of goodwill toward others, shopping for gifts for friends and family, and welcoming those from afar to share our home and hearth take precedence in our lives.
It is a time of going inward with steam on the windows, a fire in the fireplace, and glasses raised to good health around a table laden with food. The community of Sonoma fits the pictures people have of an old-fashioned small town with its unique charm which showcases the symbiosis of past and present to locals and visitors alike.
A symbiotic relationship describes close and often long-term interactions where the relationship between differing organisms is beneficial for the survival of each, such as the balance of soil, plants, and insects in the fields.
The local economy is based on showcasing what is special about Sonoma with its year round agricultural heritage. There is a symbiotic relationship between locals and visitors who savor their visit, desirous of the lifestyle they find.
The winter season is amazingly beautiful in Northern California. When other parts of the country go dormant under clouds of white, here the rain brings welcome relief and the grasses of the foothills turn lush and green and olive season is upon us. The Mediterranean climate that is so special for grapes is also unique for olives. This is the other season we celebrate.
To every season there is a harvest and a celebration. Let us relish the winter sun and rain that fills our soils as we make plans for the holiday season ahead and celebrating the enduring traditions of the olive harvest.
On the Trails with Epi
Olive Season, Sonoma Valley
The cultivation of olives goes back to the dawn of recorded civilization. In both biblical and classical writings, the olive tree represented peace and happiness and olive oil is referenced as a symbol of goodness and purity. The oil was used in sacred lamps at temples; and, during the Olympic Games, the victor was crowned with an olive wreath.
In its ninth year, the Sonoma Olive Festival is sponsored by the Sonoma Visitors Bureau and encompasses the three months of the winter season. According to Wendy Peterson, the festival has “everything to do with the olive, both historical and fanciful.”
It started as a partnership with Ed Stohlman and Deborah Rogers of The Olive Press to share with visitors the Blessing of the Olives at the Sonoma Mission they had instituted in previous years.
Now olive season has expanded with activities around the valley which showcase olives in tastings, dinners and gala celebrations. Let us celebrate all things olive. During the three months of the olive season, there will be special celebrations. Watch for further events.
A sampling of December events:
Blessing of the Olives at the Mission – Dec. 5, 10 a.m.
Catch the traditional ceremony at the Mission San Francisco Solano de Sonoma with music, tradition, and refreshments. East Spain and First St. East, Sonoma Plaza
Open House and Olive Oil Tasting at The Olive Press – Dec.5, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
See how freshly harvested olives are made into oil. Taste olive oil, tapenades, cured olives and olive oil flatbreads. Free. The Olive Press, 24724 Arnold Drive, Sonoma 707.939.8900, theolivepress.com
Olive Curing Seminar with Don Landis – Dec. 13, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Learn how to cure olives at home. Free. Cline Cellars Barrel Room. Reservations required. 707.823.5097. 15 percent wine discount to all attendees. 24737 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, clinecellars.com.
Community Crush – Nov. 29 and Dec. 6
There was an error in last week’s column. The correct Web site address for The Olive Press is theolivepress.com. If you are a backyard orchardist, mark these two dates to take your olives for crushing. Check the Web site for details and look under “For the Grower.” The Olive Press, 24724 Arnold Drive – Highway 121, Sonoma, 707.939.8900
If you know of a business, nonprofit or event that should be considered for inclusion in this section of the column, please send your nomination to epi@pattiwilliams.com.
The Best of the
Sonoma Valley Experience
restaurants and wineries
Holiday Benefit at B.R. Cohn Winery: Toys for Tots Toy Drive – Dec. 1 – 6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Bring a new toy for the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots and receive a complementary tasting. B.R. Cohn Winery, 15000 Sonoma Highway 12 in Glen Ellen, 800.330.4064, brcohn.com
Gundlach Bundschu Open House and Holiday Toy Drive – Dec. 5, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Bring a new, unwrapped toy for GunBun’s annual holiday toy drive, and enjoy a complimentary tasting of their wines. Toys benefit “Children’s Race to the Holidays” at Infineon Raceway. Gundlach Bundschu, 2000 Denmark St., Sonoma, 707.939.3015, gunbun.com
Nonprofit Night at The Epicurean Connection – Dec. 3, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Complimentary appetizers will be provided. Bring canned, boxed and non perishable food items and a donation to Food For Thought. Throughout December the food drive will continue. The Epicurean Connection, 18812 Sonoma Highway, Suite C, Sonoma. Food for Thought: fftfoodbank.org, 707.887.1647
Holiday Food Drive – Julie Atwood Events and the Valley of the Moon Village Association are hosting a food drive through Jan. 10 for Food For Thought. Food and cash donations can be made at the following Valley of the Moon Villages locations: Glen Ellen Village Market, Raymond & Co. Cheesemonger, Glenelly Inn, Olive & Vine, B.R. Cohn Winery, Eric Ross Winery, Kenwood Vineyards, Atwood Ranch, Showcase Gallery, Chauvet Hotel, Beehive Sonoma, and Vintage House. Contact 707.935.0621 or 707.318.7526 for information or to place a barrel at your business.
Junipero & Co – a new shop for foodies, with artisanal local foods, culinary antiques and vintage wine country mementos opens on Friday, Nov. 27 in the space that was formerly Rock Hill Estate Lavender & Olives, next to Tiddle E. Winks. Owners Kristin Viguerie and her husband recently sold a restaurant in Carmel and moved to Sonoma. Welcome. 115B E. Napa St., Sonoma
Up & Down the Valley
organization events
Readers’ Books 18th Anniversary Celebration – Saturday, Nov. 28, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
For a chance for some holiday shopping, stop by to meet four local authors signing and chatting about their latest oeuvres: Jill Hunting, “Finding Pete;” Jonah Raskin, “Field Days;” Vivienne Sosnowski, “When the Rivers Ran Red;” and Carmina Salcido, “Not Lost Forever.” Stop by on Sunday, Nov. 29 at 4 p.m. for Maria Helm Sinskey and her book “Family Meals: Creating Traditions in the Kitchen” which is replete with delicious, easy-to-prepare, made-from-scratch recipes people of all ages can cook. Readers’ Books, 130 E. Napa St., Sonoma, 707.939.1779, readersbooks.com
Lighting of City Hall with Santa on the Plaza – Dec. 4, 6 p.m.
Catch Santa Claus as he rides to the Sonoma Plaza on a vintage fire truck to light the Christmas tree and City Hall and distribute candy canes to tots. Immediately following ceremony, Santa will arrive at the Sonoma Community Center to take photos with children.
Warm cider and cookies will be provided for all, as well as craft projects for children, and a brass music performance by The Bellaphones. Entrance and snacks are free. Photos are charged separately. Information: 707.938.4626, ext. 1.
Candle Light Concert in the Mission – Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m.
The Sonoma/Petaluma State Historic Park Association and California State Parks will offer a candle light concert of Spanish and Latin music in the chapel of Mission San Francisco Solano. Carlos Herrera will be the featured musician. East Spain St. and First St. E., Sonoma, Admission $20, 707.935.6832
Holiday Concert – Sonoma Classical Music Society – Sunday, Dec. 6, 3 p.m.
The Slavyanka Men’s Russian Chorus, based in San Francisco, will be performing a capella with Slavic liturgical and secular choral music of the season. Andrews Hall, Sonoma Community Center, 276 East Napa St., Sonoma Tickets: $25 adults, $20 Society members, $10 students. Available at Readers’ Books, Pharmaca, sonomaclassical.org or at the door.
Christmas at the Mission – Sunday, Dec. 12, Three programs at 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Start the 2009 holiday season at the Sonoma Mission with Christmas at the Mission. At the same time, the League will open all three of their historic properties – Hooker House, Toscano Hotel and Kitchen and the Maysonnave House from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. There will be music, refreshments and exhibits at all the properties and admission is free.
The Sonoma Chorale sings that night as well at 8 p.m. at the Veterans Building. Limited free tickets available from the Sonoma Mission on a first come first served basis. Limit of four tickets. Entrance to the League properties is free. Mission San Francisco Solano, East Spain Street and First Street East, Sonoma, Toscano Hotel and Kitchen, 20 E. Spain St., Gen. Joseph Hooker House, El Paseo de Sonoma, Maysonnave House, 291 First St. E., sonomaleague.org
Odds & Ends
previously reported reminders
Cornerstone Gardens Lighting of the Snowmen – Saturday, Nov. 28, 4 p.m.
Holiday treats, music, children’s activities, plus a dessert fundraiser highlight the Fifth Annual lighting ceremony which benefits the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation. $10 per person. 23588 Highway 121 Sonoma, 707.933.1300
Eating with the Seasons
In search of local, seasonal, and sustainable food
There is no Farmers Market report today as the market will not be held as usual. Stop by Depot Park from 9 a.m. to noon next Friday and take advantage of the abundance of produce for your table.
End Notes
Inspirational Quote
of the Week
“As we struggle with shopping lists and invitations, compounded by December’s bad weather, it is good to be reminded that there are people in our lives who are worth this aggravation, and people to whom we are worth the same.” – Donald E. Westlake, Author
Let us spread the spirit of the holidays to all those with whom we come in contact this month.
I remain, yours truly, Epi Curious, your entrée to the Spirit of Sonoma in the best of food, wine and events in the Valley of the Moon.
Epi Curious, aka Patti Williams, began her career teaching cooking and nutrition classes. Leaving the education field, she has been an entrepreneur and partner in a financial advisory firm, has written a column for a Southern California newspaper on making a home environmentally friendly, and has been host to a series on a community public television station. She brings her love of cooking and a desire to nourish body and soul through the best of food, wine and events in the Sonoma Valley.
Patti can be reached directly at epi@pattiwilliams.com.
From the Recipe Box – This week’s recipe comes from the November issue of “Bon Appétit” and makes use of all that leftover turkey from Thanksgiving.
Barbecue Pulled-Turkey Sandwiches
Makes 4
Slaw
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon celery seeds
3 cups thinly sliced green cabbage
Barbecue Sauce
2 slices applewood-smoked bacon, chopped
1 cup tomato puree
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
¼ cup water
3 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
2 1/3 cups shredded cooked turkey, both light and dark meat
4 soft rolls such as onion, egg, sesame, or whole wheat
Slaw: Whisk mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and celery seeds in small bowl to blend. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add cabbage; toss to blend. Cover bowl and chill.
Barbecue Sauce: Sauté bacon in heavy small saucepan over medium heat until crisp and brown, about 5 minutes. Add tomato puree, apple cider vinegar, ¼ cup water, dark brown sugar, chili powder, and ground cumin. Bring sauce to boil; reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Add shredded cooked turkey to barbecue sauce and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until turkey is heated through, stirring occasionally.
Split and toast rolls. Divide turkey and slaw among rolls. Press tops down lightly to compress, then serve.
