DRINK OF THE MONTH: PROSECCO

Prosecco is the Italian version of refreshing, well-made, sparkling wine. Created from predominately Prosecco grapes in the northern Veneto region of Italy in the foothills of the Alps, Prosecco is light, affordable, yet sophisticated. Today's Proseccos are dry and very bubbly. Most Prosecco is at its best when consumed within three years of its vintage, but the highest-quality Prosecco can be aged for up to seven years. Prosecco is an ideal sip on a crisp evening at sunset. For a great Bellini always use Prosecco.

Try this Strawberry Bellini recipe from the Food Network for a nice treat:



1 bottle prosecco
2 cups pureed and strained fresh strawberries
Special equipment: Blender, strainer, iced champagne flutes, pitcher and tall "swizzle stirrer" (for the pitcher)
Place 8 Champagne flutes in the freezer for 20 minutes. Open the prosecco and let it stand in an ice bucket for 5 minutes.
Into a pitcher, pour the 2 cups pureed strawberries. Gently pour in the bottle of prosecco and stir gently to combine. Divide among Champagne flutes and serve.
*For Kid Bellinis, substitute sparkling water for the prosecco.