Friday nights are special for us. They mark the end of a busy work week and the beginning of a relaxing weekend — a time to unwind, open a wonderful bottle of wine, and enjoy a delicious spread of small bites. This has been our cherished tradition for more than 13 years, and it’s one we plan to continue for many more. Whether it’s just the two of us or shared with friends, it’s always a highlight of the week.
A few weeks ago, a dear friend joined us for one of these evenings, and we decided to create an appetizer feast worthy of the occasion. The table was filled with tried-and-true favorites that have become crowd-pleasers over the years. To complement our spread, we opened a special bottle — the 2019 Louis Martini Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon.
This mountain-grown Cabernet is unmistakably rustic. The 2019 vintage opens with aromas of red currant and cherry, layered with hints of forest floor, thyme, and fresh cedar. The full-bodied palate reveals notes of chocolate-covered cherries and blueberries, supported by ripe, dusty tannins. It’s a wine that will continue to evolve beautifully over the next decade or two — a true reward for those who cellar it. As longtime wine club members, we can say Louis Martini is a legacy Napa winery well worth visiting.
Our appetizer spread included caprese bites with balsamic glaze, 3-year aged gouda with my homemade balsamic fig jam and pita crackers, hummus with colorful veggies, Moroccan meatballs, and petite parmesan-pepper gougères.
If you’re looking for a way to kick off the weekend, I highly recommend hosting your own Friday Night Bites evening. Mix homemade dishes with store-bought favorites — it’s about enjoyment, not effort! One of my go-to stops for easy and delicious appetizers is Trader Joe’s, which always has a great cheese selection and an array of irresistible frozen bites. Some of my favorites include spanakopita, vegetable spring rolls, fried mac and cheese balls, parmesan pastry pups, mini chicken tacos, vegetable birds’ nests, mini quiches, and fried olive bites.
Of all the things I love to make, the gougères are hands-down my favorite. They’re always a hit and surprisingly simple to prepare. People assume they’re complicated, but they’re actually quite easy — and you can get creative by mixing up the flavors for fun, savory variations. Here’s the recipe — enjoy, and maybe start your own Friday night tradition!
Petite Parmesan-Pepper Gougères
Makes 35 to 40 gougères
Ingredients
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/4 pound (1 stick) unsalted butter
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 extra-large eggs
• 1 cup freshly grated Italian Parmesan cheese, plus extra for sprinkling
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a saucepan, heat the milk, butter, a large pinch salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper over medium heat, just until scalded. Add the flour all at once and beat it vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture comes together. Lower the heat and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Dump the mixture into the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Immediately add the eggs, Parmesan and whip until the eggs are incorporated and the dough is smooth and thick.
3. Using a small cookie scoop (equivalent to 1 tablespoon) scoop the mixture placing 1 inch apart onto the prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle a pinch of parmesan cheese onto each one. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown outside but still soft inside. Serve hot.
By Lisa Crossett, Resident since 2001