Sip into Spring
Sydney Winstead • December 29, 2025
Celebrate the fresh flavors of spring with a bright and simple dish paired with a classic sparkling cocktail. This lemon ricotta pasta is creamy, light, and full of citrus flavor, making it a perfect seasonal meal when paired with a refreshing French 75. As the weather warms and spring gatherings begin, this easy pasta recipe and elegant cocktail bring together comforting ingredients with vibrant, fresh notes. Whether you're planning a casual dinner, a weekend lunch, or a seasonal recipe feature, this pairing is a delicious way to welcome the new season.

Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or rigatoni)
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup pasta water (reserved)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve about ¼ cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, lemon zest, lemon juice, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- In a large pan, warm olive oil and sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the drained pasta and the ricotta mixture to the pan.
- Slowly add a little reserved pasta water and toss until the sauce becomes creamy and coats the pasta.
- Top with extra parmesan, fresh herbs, and additional lemon zest if desired.
Classic French 75
Ingredients
- 1 oz gin
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 3 oz champagne or sparkling wine
- Lemon twist (for garnish)
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake well.
- Strain into a champagne flute.
- Top with sparkling wine.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.

Image Sotheby's Realty A vineyard property in Napa Valley with ties to the origins of “Two Buck Chuck” is heading to auction after being listed for nearly two years. The estate was previously offered at $28 million and is now expected to open bidding between $8 million and $12 million. Located in St. Helena, the property spans more than 40 acres and includes a functioning winery, tasting room, and residential spaces. The site also carries a long history in the region. It was once associated with the original Charles Shaw winery , which later became widely known through the “Two Buck Chuck” label. Charles Shaw, a former banker, began producing wine in Napa Valley in the late 1970s after spending time in France and developing an interest in winemaking. While his original venture faced financial challenges and was eventually sold, the name later became widely known through the “Two Buck Chuck” label that was a household staple with Trader Joe's shoppers. In the 1990s, the property was acquired by the current ownership, who restored the winery, replanted vineyards, and established a new label focused on Italian varietals. Since then, it has operated as a family-owned vineyard and winery, with a mix of production, hospitality, and residential use. The transition to auction follows a period of price adjustments after the property was first brought to market. Auction platforms have become a more common option for certain types of real estate, particularly for large or specialized properties such as vineyard estates. In this case, the auction is being conducted through a platform focused on wine and vineyard properties, with bidding scheduled to take place later this month. Properties like this tend to attract a specific type of buyer, often looking for a combination of land use, business potential, and location within established wine regions like Napa Valley. As the listing moves into the auction process, it reflects one of several approaches currently being used to market high-value real estate assets. Read more about the Vineyards auction here

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