Mother’s Day is just around the corner and what better way to honor your mother than by cooking dinner for her. Over the next couple of days, I’ll add a couple of more recipes with wine that you may find to be just what your mother would enjoy.

The recipe below was suggested by Merrill Bonarrigo. Merrill and Paul Bonarrigo own Messina Hof Winery & Resort in Bryan, Texas. Paul is also the winemaker. They have written Vineyard Cuisine; Meals & Memories from Messina Hof. Many thanks to Merrill and Paul for allowing us to share this recipe with you just in time for Mother’s Day.

Tonno alla Messinese (Tuna from the Straits of Messina)

Ingredients:

2 onions, sliced

2 ribs celery, diced

1 clove garlic, minced

1 ¼ cups olive oil

1 pound ripe tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped

½ cup Messina Hof Pinot Grigio

1 pound potatoes, peeled and cubed

8 to 10 large pitted green olives

4 tablespoons golden seedless raisins

2 ½ tablespoons capers

2 ½ tablespoons pinenuts

2 teaspoons minced fresh basil

1 teaspoon minced fresh oregano

Salt to taste

6 tuna steaks

Directions:

In a large skillet, sauté the onions, celery and garlic in oil. As soon as the onions are translucent, add tomatoes and wine. Bring to a gentle boil. Add the potatoes, olives, raisins, capers, pine nuts, basil and oregano. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a little water if sauce is too thick. Season with salt. Grill the tuna steaks; serve hot with sauce.

Serves 6

Cheers! Kathy