Amalfi Basil Smash Cocktail
The Amalfi Basil Smash is a bright, herbaceous limoncello cocktail made with fresh basil, lemon, and a splash of something sparkling. It is the kind of drink that tastes like summer — even when there is still snow on the ground.
Homemade Limoncello
Homemade limoncello is simple to make and worth the wait. Made with fresh lemon peels, vodka, simple syrup, and a little time, it’s perfect to keep in the freezer for summer cocktails, dinner parties, or a slow evening at home.
Affogato
Affogato is a simple dessert made with hot espresso poured over vanilla ice cream. Easy, elegant, and perfect after a dinner with friends.
Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
A classic homemade vanilla ice cream made with real vanilla, cream, sugar, and egg yolks. Rich, smooth, and perfect for affogato or serving on its own.
Inspired By: Bottega in Napa
This braised short rib dinner was inspired by a meal at Bottega in Napa Valley — red wine and espresso braised short ribs served over creamy polenta with peperonata and finished with an affogato for dessert. It’s the kind of slow dinner that turns an ordinary evening at home into something special.
Simple Peperonata (Italian Peppers)
A simple Italian peperonata made with sweet peppers, olive oil, garlic, and a splash of red wine vinegar, cooked slowly until soft and glossy. Served over polenta or alongside almost anything.
Creamy Polenta with Parmigiano Reggiano
This creamy polenta with Parmigiano Reggiano is the perfect base for slow braised meats, stews, and rich sauces. I made this version with beef broth to serve under braised short ribs for a snowy spring dinner in Montana.
Red Wine Tomato Cream Pasta (Chad’s Favorite Pasta)
A simple red wine tomato cream pasta with cherry tomatoes, parmesan, and cream. This is the pasta we make for date nights, snowy nights, and nights when a jar of sauce just won’t do.
Date Night at Home— Wood Fired Pizza Night
Wood-fired pizza night has become one of our favorite date nights at home. Simple dough, good ingredients, a hot oven, and a slow evening in the mountains — this is how we do pizza night At Whiskey Ridge.
Inspired By: Davis Estates Winery
Last September we took a trip to Napa Valley and visited Davis Estates, one of the most beautiful wineries we experienced on our trip. This Strawberry and Beet Gazpacho recipe comes from that visit, and I have been making it ever since back home here at Whiskey Ridge in Montana. If you are planning a trip to Napa Valley or looking for a unique gazpacho recipe, this is one worth saving.