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A Feast Fit for a Friend

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Chimichurri Sauce

(Family Features) Emily Dickinson wrote, "My friends are my estate," which follows the age-old wisdom that true prosperity lies in the quality of your relationships. If you're looking for ways to celebrate the rich friendships you have, you can find delicious inspiration from Argentina.

El Día del Amigo - or Friend's Day - was the brainchild of Enrique Febbraro, an Argentine teacher and musician overcome by the global camaraderie he felt the day Neil Armstrong landed on the moon in 1969. Febbraro lobbied Argentine authorities to commemorate the historic occasion with a new holiday celebrating friendship, and thus a day of reflection and celebration was born.

Today, Friend's Day is celebrated in Brazil, Uruguay, Spain and - of course - Argentina, where the holiday has become an important way for pals to connect over food, fun and a delicious glass of wine. You can do the same any day of the year.

Tips for Toasting your Amigos

The Bodega Elena de Mendoza team of winemakers has developed the following tips for celebrating the friendships in your life like a true Argentine.

  • Devour a steak. To properly celebrate, it's best to bite into a juicy steak. But remember to be friendly and share your bife de chorizo (sirloin strip steak) with your amigo or amiga. Add some chimichurri sauce for the perfect complement.

  • Eat late. In Argentina, entire families pack into restaurants well into the wee hours of the night on weekends. In fact, it's unusual to have dinner before 10 p.m. in Buenos Aires any day of the week. So don't rush to get an early dinner on the table. Set out some appetizers and good wine so you can savor the company over a long, casual evening.

  • Give someone a token of your friendship. A friend celebration is the perfect occasion to give someone close to you a small gift that shows you appreciate them. One popular item - a bottle of wine.

  • Raise a glass and give a toast to your friends. What better way to celebrate with friends than to salute them with a glass of Bodega Elena Malbec? Here's a simple, elegant toast: "Brindo por la amistad y el buen vino," which means, "Here's to good friends and good wine."

For more information on Argentine wine and food, visit www.BodegaElenaDeMendoza.com.

Chimichurri Sauce

Ingredients
  • 10 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro (approximately 15 g)
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil (approximately 120 ml)
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar (approximately 60 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes

Preparation
    1. Pulse the garlic in the food processor until finely chopped.
    2. Add cilantro and rosemary and pulse briefly, until finely chopped.
    3. Transfer the mixture to a separate bowl. Add the olive oil, lime juice and vinegar, and stir. Season with salt and red pepper flakes to taste.
    4. To store, pour into glass jar, cover and refrigerate for up to one week.

Notes, Tips & Suggestions
Suggested serving idea: Spoon chimichurri sauce over sliced skirt steak, grilled chicken or seafood.

SOURCE: Bodega Elena de Mendoza

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