We were thrilled to team up with industry veteran, Nic Vascocu, chef of LA-based popup, Smokin Hot Grandma, to offer up a Valentine's Day recipe that pairs perfectly with our Sparkling Rosé.

Okay, I’m gonna say it. Valentine’s Day is NOT the night to take your loved one out for a meal. The meal is often overpriced, it’s difficult to get a reservation, and you’re forced into some preset Valentine’s menu? No thanks.

You know what really says “I love you”? Staying in together, not fighting a crowd, and making your special person a delicious and impressive meal at home. But impressive doesn’t have mean difficult.

This simple bowl of clams is super sexy and will warm you both up in the middle of February.

Clams, fennel, white wine + serrano butter

Seafood, especially shellfish, can feel intimidating. However, clams are absolutely No fuss to make. At it's heart - we’re talking about clams in a pot of wine and butter. Super simple, damn delicious.

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs littleneck clams scrubbed and purged
• glug of olive oil
• 1 fennel bulb trimmed and sliced into ribs (reserve fronds for garnish)
• 1 shallot sliced
• 4-6 cloves of garlic crushed and sliced
• 2 cans of Nomadica white (or a cup of whatever white wine)
• 2/3 cup water
• 2 serrano peppers sliced thinly
• 4 tbsp butter (chill, it’s just butter)
• handful of finely chopped parsley
• sliced toasted baguette

To make:

1. first thing’s first.
2. gotta clean those clams - give the shells a little scrub to clean them of any grit or or other sea bits. discard any that are cracked or open.
3. submerge clams in a bowl of cool water for about 20 minutes. they’ll spit out any sand or whatever else they may be smuggling in their shells.
4. in a heavy bottom pot or dutch oven heat a glug of olive oil over medium heat.
5. sear the fennel until it becomes slightly translucent and picks up a little color.
6. add the sliced shallot and garlic making sure that the garlic doesn’t burn, but becomes aromatic.
7. add one of the sliced Serranos.
8. crack both cans of Nomadica white wine and add 1.5 to the pot.
9. chug the remaining half can, feel good about yourself.
10. add the water and bring the mixture to a simmer for about 5 minutes.
11. add the butter and allow to melt.
12. add the clams to the pot and cover for about 8-10 minutes or until the clams have all fully opened.
13. serve in a large bowl with loads of broth.
14. garnish with the remaining sliced serrano pepper, fennel fronds, and chopped parsley.
15. slather a long slice of baguette in olive oil and grill either directly under the broiler in the oven or right on the gas burner of your stove.