January here in Pulkau Valley calls for fire and the elemental comfort of home cooking. My simple, no frills kitchen is a true place of solace now. I adore spontaneous food creation with a just few things, whatever I find in the garden, pantry and fridge. Sometimes I have a particular wine, or wines, in mind – like yesterday – to which the food flavors bring depth, contrast and harmony. Last night it was Mother Earth pure: a soothing meal of „Quetscherdäpfel„, smashed potatoes, Schwarzwurzel (Scorzonera hispanica) and wild salmon caviar (a touch of zingy umami). Scorzonera is not as difficult to prepare as its reputation! If you get into its…