(Family Features) When it comes to pairing wine with food, even experts agree that desserts can pose a challenge. A wide variety of flavor combinations can make it hard to find the perfect selection to serve with your sweet treat. While there’s no exact science to wine pairing, these simple tips can help you make your selection.

Sweet Cheesecake
A good rule: the lighter the dessert, the lighter the wine. Avoid heavy reds for a sweeter dessert and instead pair with a crisp white like Chardonnay, such as Joseph Carr from Sonoma, California.

Citrusy Lemon Meringue Pie
Lemon flavors can sometimes be polarizing, but complementing this dessert with an equally citrusy wine can work wonders. Try pairing with a food-friendly pinot grigio or a sauvignon blanc.

Rich Chocolate Cake
Red wine with chocolate seems like a no-brainer, but not all red wines are created equal. For a richer delicacy like this devil’s food cake, try something like Villa Pozzi Nero D’avola, a more fruit-forward, easy-drinking red varietal.

For more tips and wine selections, visit winefix.com

New York-Style Honey Cheesecake

Recipe courtesy of the National Honey Board

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
• 4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese
• 3/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup flour
• 5 eggs
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest, grated
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• fresh berries, for garnish
• fresh mint, for garnish

1. To make crust: In small bowl, stir together graham cracker crumbs and butter until well blended. Press mixture evenly onto bottom and sides of greased 9-inch springform pan; set aside.
2. Heat oven to 350° F.
3. To make filling: In electric mixer bowl, combine cream cheese, honey and flour. Beat until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Beat in cream, lemon zest and vanilla.
4. Pour cream cheese mixture over crust; bake 15 minutes. Lower oven temperature to 200° F and bake 1 hour and 30 minutes longer, or until center no longer looks wet or shiny.
5. With oven off and door ajar, let cheesecake cool 1 hour in oven. Remove cheesecake to rack to cool completely.
6. Cover and refrigerate cheesecake at least 4 hours before serving. Garnish with fruit and fresh mint. Pair with chardonnay like Joseph Carr.

Honey Devil’s Food Cake with Rich Chocolate Frosting

Recipe courtesy of the National Honey Board

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder, divided
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups honey, divided
• 1/2 cup 2 percent low-fat milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• milk chocolate shavings, for garnish

1. To prepare cake: Heat oven to 350° F. Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
2. In large bowl, combine flour, 1 cup cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Add 1 1/2 cups honey, milk, oil, eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla; beat 2 minutes. Gradually beat in water.
3. Divide batter between pans. Bake 25-30 minutes, or until sides pull away slightly from pan and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Turn onto wire racks and cool completely.
4. To prepare frosting: In medium bowl, combine remaining cocoa powder, honey and vanilla, and cream. Beat until just thick and fluffy.
5. To assemble: Spread frosting evenly over sides and top of one cake layer. Place second cake layer on top. Spread remaining frosting evenly over sides and top.
6. Garnish with milk chocolate shavings. Pair each serving with a glass of prosecco, like Nero D’avola from Villa Pozzi.

Photo courtesy of 275847/Shutterstock.com (cheesecake)
Photo courtesy of Barnaby Chambers/Shutterstock.com (chocolate cake with wine)

Source: Deutsch Family Wines

(Family Features) Warmer weather is often welcome for a variety of reasons, but there’s something nearly irresistible about enjoying a meal outdoors. Whether you plan to gather on the patio or pack a picnic for the park, dining al fresco is an easy way to turn a meal into a full-fledged event.

Begin your meal with chicken sandwiches crafted on the grill and a seasonal pasta salad on the side then finish it with a glass of white wine and a dessert made for al fresco entertaining – cheesecake topped with fresh berries and mint.

For more al fresco recipes and entertaining tips, visit Culinary.net.

Serve a Sensational Side
This pretty side dish is made for sharing. Made with fiber-rich, whole-wheat pasta, colorful plum tomatoes and balanced out by the crisp, bright flavors of balsamic vinegar and fresh basil, this pasta salad is perfect for outdoor events and gatherings. Find more good-for-you recipes at AICR.org.

Pasta Salad with Tomatoes

Reprinted with permission from the American Institute for Cancer Research
Servings: 8

• 8 ounces whole-wheat small pasta (fusilli or farfalle), cooked according to directions
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 4 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil, divided
• 1 teaspoon turbinado sugar (optional)
• salt, to taste
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced and divided
• 1 medium green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 4 plum or Roma tomatoes, coarsely chopped
• 1 slice whole-wheat or multigrain bread

1. In bowl, cover and chill pasta.
2. In large mixing bowl, combine vinegar, 2 tablespoons basil, sugar, salt, pepper, red pepper, 2 tablespoons oil and half of minced garlic. Whisk to combine well. Add pasta, bell pepper and tomatoes, and toss gently until well coated.
3. In food processor or blender, pulse bread to produce coarse crumbs. In medium skillet, heat remaining oil over medium-high heat. Stir in breadcrumbs and garlic. Saute 1 1/2-2 minutes until browned and crisp. Remove from heat and let cool.
4. Top pasta with garlic crumbs and remaining basil.

Pair Like a Pro
When it comes to pairing wine with food, even experts agree that desserts can pose a challenge. A wide variety of flavor combinations can make it hard to find the perfect selection to serve with your sweet treat. While there’s no exact science to wine pairing, these simple tips can help you make your selection.

Sweet Cheesecake
A good rule: the lighter the dessert, the lighter the wine. Avoid heavy reds for a sweeter dessert and instead pair with a crisp white like Chardonnay, such as Joseph Carr from Sonoma, California.

Citrusy Lemon Meringue Pie
Lemon flavors can sometimes be polarizing, but complementing this dessert with an equally citrusy wine can work wonders. Try pairing with a food-friendly pinot grigio or a sauvignon blanc.

Rich Chocolate Cake
Red wine with chocolate seems like a no-brainer, but not all red wines are created equal. For a richer delicacy like this devil’s food cake, try something like Villa Pozzi Nero D’avola, a more fruit-forward, easy-drinking red varietal.

For more tips and wine selections, visit winefix.com.

New York-Style Honey Cheesecake

Recipe courtesy of the National Honey Board

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
• 4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese
• 3/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup flour
• 5 eggs
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest, grated
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• fresh berries, for garnish
• fresh mint, for garnish

1. To make crust: In small bowl, stir together graham cracker crumbs and butter until well blended. Press mixture evenly onto bottom and sides of greased 9-inch springform pan; set aside.
2. Heat oven to 350° F.
3. To make filling: In electric mixer bowl, combine cream cheese, honey and flour. Beat until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Beat in cream, lemon zest and vanilla.
4. Pour cream cheese mixture over crust; bake 15 minutes. Lower oven temperature to 200 F and bake 1 hour and 30 minutes longer, or until center no longer looks wet or shiny.
5. With oven off and door ajar, let cheesecake cool 1 hour in oven. Remove cheesecake to rack to cool completely.
6. Cover and refrigerate cheesecake at least 4 hours before serving. Garnish with fruit and fresh mint. Pair with chardonnay like Joseph Carr.

Go for Grilled Chicken
Few things go better with warm weather than firing up the grill and enjoying a meal in the fresh air. These chicken sandwiches, which are topped with Brie, pesto, fresh tomato and arugula on sourdough bread and toasted on the grill, are just the excuse you need to get outside and enjoy the weather with family and friends. Find more patio-perfect recipes at chickenroost.com.

Grilled Chicken Sandwiches with Pesto, Brie and Arugula

Recipe courtesy of the National Chicken Council
Servings: 4

• 1/2 cup olive oil, divided
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1 pound thin-cut chicken cutlets
• 1/4 cup basil pesto, divided
• 1 large tomato
• 8 slices crusty sourdough bread
• 4 ounces Brie, thinly sliced
• 1 cup packed baby arugula

1. Heat grill to high.
2. Combine 1/4 cup olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper; pour into plastic zipper bag. Add chicken, seal and marinate at least 30 minutes.
3. Grill chicken 2-3 minutes, turn and grill another 2-3 minutes, or until chicken registers internal temperature of 160 F. Remove and reserve.
4. Spread each piece of bread with 1/2 tablespoon pesto. Slice tomato into eight slices.
5. Place chicken on four bread slices. Top with Brie slices, arugula and two tomato slices. Top with remaining bread slices, pesto side toward tomato.
6. Brush outside of each sandwich with about 1/2 tablespoon of remaining olive oil. Place on grill, reduce heat to medium and grill 2-3 minutes per side, or until bread is nicely toasted and cheese is melted.
7. Remove from heat, cut each sandwich in half and serve.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (pasta salad)

Photo courtesy of 275847/Shutterstock.com (cheesecake)

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (grilled chicken sandwich)

Source: Culinary.net

Save

Save

Save

Save

(Family Features) Chocolates? Roses? Been there, done that. Everyone wants to make sure the special someone in their lives knows how much they care. Here are some easy and fun ways to prove that he or she is number one in your book.

Make a Playlist of “Your Songs”
Whether it was playing when you first met or is the soundtrack to your favorite movie, every couple has songs that mean something special to them. In the car, leave a CD or MP3 player stocked with your most memorable tunes as a special surprise and a suddenly-better commute.

Do the house chores. Seriously.
Fix that item you’ve been saying you would fix forever. Empty the dishwasher and clean the bathroom. When they get home, have all the chores done, that way the only thing left to do is enjoy each other’s company.

Put Pen to Paper
Hide little notes with heartfelt sentiments on the refrigerator, on the nightstand, taped to the computer screen – any place they might stumble upon it throughout a typical day. Your note might be found after a long meeting or last-minute deadline, providing a moment of reprieve and happiness during a hectic day.

Raise a Glass and Indulge – Together
Toast each other with some tasty treats. Pop some bubbly, then enjoy mixing these recipes together.

For more romantic wines and recipes, visit www.barefootwines.com.

Sweetheart Dark Chocolate Brownies

Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Makes: 10+ servings

For the brownies:

• 1/2 cup butter, cut into pieces
• 4 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
• 2 eggs, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

For the glaze:

• 2 ounces semisweet chocolate
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In small pot over low heat, melt 1/2 cup of butter and 4 ounces of dark chocolate together until smooth.
3. Add eggs one at a time, and whisk to combine after each addition.
4. Add sugar and vanilla and stir to combine.
5. Add flour, cocoa powder and salt and stir until smooth.
6. Transfer batter into a 9 x 9 aluminum foil lined baking pan and place it into the oven for 25 minutes and bake until done.
7. While brownies are baking, melt together semisweet chocolate and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter for the glaze. Once melted, set aside.
8. When brownies are done, let them cool.
9. Once cooled, drizzle glaze over brownies, and spread it on top using an offset spatula.

Barefoot Bubbly Ruby Red Bliss

Makes: 2 servings

• 3 ounces cranberry juice
• 1/2 ounce lime juice
• 6 ounces Barefoot Red Moscato Champagne
• 2 skewer cranberries for garnish

1. Place chilled juices in flutes. Top with Barefoot Bubbly Red Moscato. Garnish with cranberries.

Cheers!

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (brownie image)

Source: Barefoot Wines

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

(Family Features) Sweaters and scarves aren’t the only ways to brace yourself against blustery weather. There’s no time like winter to putter in the kitchen, where the cozy heat from the stove and the aromas of mouthwatering dishes can warm you from the inside out.

Rich, hearty stews and creamy casseroles are perfect for winter dinners, but when you’re craving something other than traditional comfort food, there are plenty of other options that will chase away the chill, such as a glass of Pinot Noir.

These three dishes feature common proteins – chicken, beef and fish – in preparations that make it easy to reimagine your winter weather menu. Find more recipes and ideas for warming up this winter at culinary.net.

Fruit Juice and Fish Fillets

The temperatures may be falling, but you can still fire up the grill and fill up your plate with a tasty recipe like this Grilled Citrus Rosemary Catfish, which combines sweet juices for a citrus sauce that coats grilled catfish. Find more main dish recipes including catfish at uscatfish.com.

Grilled Citrus Rosemary Catfish

Recipe courtesy of The Catfish Institute
Servings: 4

Citrus Sauce:

• 1 lime, juice and zest only
• 1 lemon, zest only
• 1 orange, zest only
• 6 ounces pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Catfish:

• 4 U.S. farm-raised catfish fillets
• 2 lemons
• salt, to taste
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1. Heat grill.
2. To make citrus sauce: In small saucepan, combine all sauce ingredients. Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes.
3. To make catfish: Place catfish in shallow dish and squeeze 1/2 fresh lemon over each fillet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Let rest 5 minutes.
4. Grill catfish fillets, skin-side-up, 3-4 minutes. Flip over and grill 2-3 more minutes.
5. Transfer catfish to serving plates and spoon warmed citrus sauce over fillets.

A Cold-Weather Solution

While it can be a challenge, there are several ways to pair food and wine appropriately during winter, despite bitter weather. A warm, comforting dish, like Roasted Chicken with Salsa Verde from James Beard award-winning chef Jonathan Waxman, combines well with rosé during the cold season. One reasonably priced wine that matches chicken well is Angeline California Rosé of Pinot Noir. The crisp flavors of light red fruits combine with the herbs accompanying the chicken. It’ll also complement the many other flavors of winter, when an array of dishes hit the table and challenge hosts to find the right wine to serve.

For more wines that work well in wintertime, visit angelinewinery.com.

Chicken and Salsa Verde

Recipe courtesy of chef Jonathan Waxman

Chicken:

• 1 fresh free-range organic chicken (4 pounds)
• sea salt, to taste
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 lemon

Salsa Verde:

• 1/4 cup capers in salt
• 4 anchovy filets
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup chopped arugula
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup chopped tarragon
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
• 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1. To make chicken: Heat oven to 450° F.
2. Wash chicken in hot water. Dry with paper towels.
3. Using kitchen shears, cut out backbone of chicken and remove any fat (this can be added to chicken stock). Using heavy chef’s knife, cut out breastbone. Season halves with sea salt and black pepper.
4. Place chicken halves, skin side up, on two sizzle platters and dab with olive oil. Cut lemon in half and place 1 half, cut side down, next to chicken on each platter.
5. Roast chicken 35 minutes, basting every 10 minutes. When done, remove chicken to platter and pour off excess fat. Cut each breast in half and cut the thigh from the leg. Serve with salsa verde (recipe below) and garnish with roasted lemon.
6. To make salsa verde: Soak capers in cold water 1 hour then drain.
7. Soak anchovies in cold water 15 minutes then pat dry and remove bones.
8. Using mortar and pestle, smash capers, anchovies and garlic, until smooth, then transfer to large bowl.
9. Add all herbs and olive oil.
10. Season with sea salt.

Pair each serving with Angeline California Rosé of Pinot Noir.

Whole and Hearty

A hearty meat-and-potatoes meal is a sure way to warm up on a cold winter night. This heart-healthy, one-dish meal is made with lean top round beef, lots of vegetables and a spicy herb mixture. Find more healthy main dish ideas at health.gov.

Black Skillet Beef with Greens and Red Potatoes

Recipe courtesy of the USDA

• 1 pound top round beef
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 1/2 teaspoons oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon dry mustard
• nonstick spray
• 8 red-skinned potatoes, halved
• 3 cups onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into 2 1/2-inch strips
• 2 bunches (1/2 pound each) mustard, kale or turnip greens, stems removed, coarsely torn

1. Partially freeze beef. Thinly slice across grain into strips 1/8-inch thick and 3 inches wide. Trim away visible fat.
2. Combine paprika, oregano, chili powder, garlic powder, black pepper, red pepper and dry mustard. Coat strips of meat with spice mixture.
3. Spray large, heavy skillet with nonstick spray. Heat pan over high heat.
4. Add meat; cook, stirring constantly, 5 minutes.
5. Add potatoes, onion, broth and garlic. Cook over medium heat, covered, 20 minutes.
6. Stir in carrots; lay greens over top and cook, covered, until carrots are tender, about 15 minutes.
7. Serve in large serving bowl with crusty bread for dunking.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (fish photo and beef stew photo)

Source: Culinary.net

Save

Save

Save

Save

(Family Features) While it can be a challenge, there are several ways to pair food and wine appropriately during winter, despite bitter weather.

Just because it’s colder doesn’t mean it’s time to stop enjoying the lively and nuanced flavors of chilled wine. While once only sipped on warm days of summer, rosé, for example, has become a year-round wine to enjoy any time with its crisp and cool strawberry and rhubarb flavors.

A warm, comforting dish, like this Roasted Chicken with Salsa Verde from James Beard award-winning chef Jonathan Waxman, combines well with rosé during the cold season. As the chicken roasts in the oven, it warms the kitchen and fills the house with wonderful aromas, tempting any chef or home cook to steal a sip of wine.

One reasonably priced wine that matches chicken well is Angeline California Rosé of Pinot Noir. The crisp flavors of light red fruits combine with the herbs accompanying the chicken. It’ll also complement the many other flavors of winter, when an array of dishes hit the table and challenge hosts to find the right wine to serve.

For more wines that work well in wintertime, visit angelinewinery.com.

Chicken and Salsa Verde

Recipe courtesy of chef Jonathan Waxman

Chicken:

• 1 fresh free-range organic chicken (4 pounds)
• sea salt, to taste
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 lemon

Salsa Verde:

• 1/4 cup capers in salt
• 4 anchovy filets
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup chopped arugula
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup chopped tarragon
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
• 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1. To make chicken: Heat oven to 450° F.
2. Wash chicken in hot water. Dry with paper towels.
3. Using kitchen shears, cut out backbone of chicken and remove any fat (this can be added to chicken stock). Using heavy chef’s knife, cut out breastbone. Season halves with sea salt and black pepper.
4. Place chicken halves, skin side up, on two sizzle platters and dab with olive oil. Cut lemon in half and place 1 half, cut side down, next to chicken on each platter.
5. Roast chicken 35 minutes, basting every 10 minutes. When done, remove chicken to platter and pour off excess fat. Cut each breast in half and cut the thigh from the leg. Serve with salsa verde (recipe below) and garnish with roasted lemon.
6. To make salsa verde: Soak capers in cold water 1 hour then drain.
7. Soak anchovies in cold water 15 minutes then pat dry and remove bones.
8. Using mortar and pestle, smash capers, anchovies and garlic, until smooth, then transfer to large bowl.
9. Add all herbs and olive oil.
10. Season with sea salt.

Pair each serving with Angeline California Rosé of Pinot Noir.

Source: Angeline Winery

Save

Save

(Family Features) Holiday gatherings call for an extra touch to make the celebrating special. Since many holiday festivities are centered on food, focus some attention on the refreshments for a simple way to upgrade your next holiday party.

From the presentation to the pairings, it’s easy to make an ordinary spread extraordinary this holiday season. Take this year’s event to the next level with these easy tips that bring the wow-factor to your gathering:

Make it look as pretty as it tastes. Even simple platters of crackers and cheese can feel extra special when presented on a pretty plate. If you’re serving food buffet style, use a colorful tablecloth and stack sturdy boxes of varying sizes underneath to serve as risers that create some visual interest for the spread. Incorporate seasonal decorations such as ornaments or sprigs of holly and poinsettia blooms. For a plated meal, a table-runner adds just the right pop of color and a tasteful centerpiece of candles or evergreen dressed with holiday trinkets elevates an everyday table.

Offer the perfect pairings. When planning your menu, consider the types of beverages you’ll serve along with the appetizers and dishes. When paired properly, food and cocktails complement one another, making the flavors more vibrant and the overall experience more impressive. A good starting place is cheese. Pair alpine-style cheese such as Roth Grand Cru with Riesling; creamy blue with gin; smoky blue with merlot; Havarti with pinot noir; Spanish-style such as Roth GranQueso with scotch; and Gouda with prosecco.

Enhance traditional favorites. Putting a fresh, elegant spin on the basics instantly elevates your menu and the overall experience for your guests. Even a staple like cheese can get some special dressing for the occasion. This recipe combines three rich, flavorful cheeses for a fondue that’s sure to delight guests.

Explore more ideas for exceptional holiday entertaining at rothcheese.com.

Culinary Education Center House Fondue

Cook time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6

• 3/4 pound Grand Cru Original, shredded
• 3/4 pound Grand Cru Reserve, shredded
• 1/2 pound Roth Fontina, shredded
• 16 ounces Pinot Grigio or other light- to medium-bodied white wine
• 1 loaf crusty artisan bread
• fresh apples, grapes and pears
• black and white pepper (optional)
• nutmeg (optional)

1. Combine cheeses and wine in ceramic fondue pot and stir to combine. Allow mixture to soak 15-30 minutes.
2. Heat mixture over low heat, approximately 7-10 minutes, stirring constantly with wooden spoon. Do not allow mixture to boil. When cheese has melted completely, remove from heat and transfer to tabletop burner.
3. Serve fondue with chunks of bread and fruit. If desired, provide pepper and/or nutmeg guests can sprinkle onto a plate and use for dipping bread and cheese. Pair with chilled dry Riesling and a shot of authentic Swiss kirschwasser.

Source: Roth Cheese

Save

Save

(Family Features) With the days getting shorter and the weather getting colder, the craving for savory comfort foods is almost sure to follow.

Creating a comfort food masterpiece like Roasted Sonoma Chicken with Wild Rice and Carrot Butter is a no-brainer when hunger hits along with chilly winter air. The dish’s warm, captivating spices will help you forget about the frosty climate around you.

But to truly keep winter winds at bay, try pairing your tasty meal with a vibrant, fruit-forward wine, such as Kenwood Vineyards Sonoma County Pinot Noir 2014. The wine works well for nearly any occasion, but it’s the perfect complement to bring out the flavors of the roasted chicken thanks to its aromas of raspberry and red currant combining with spice notes of nutmeg and vanilla, which lead to a smooth, elegant finish.

Pairing hearty plates with a classic drink is a palate-pleasing way to warm up – and fill up. For more wine pairing tips and recipes, visit KenwoodVineyards.com.

Roasted Sonoma Chicken with Wild Rice and Carrot Butter

Recipe courtesy of chef Ari Weiswasser
Serves: 4

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts
• 3/4 cup kosher salt, plus additional for seasoning
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 gallon water
• 1 cup carrot juice
• 4 tablespoons butter, diced
• 1 1/2 cups wild rice
• 3 1/3 cups chicken stock
• 2 large onions, diced
• 3-4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons curry spice
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 4 tablespoons sun-dried tomato, chopped finely
• canola oil or olive oil
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped

1. Brine chicken in 3/4 cup salt, sugar and water. Refrigerate 1 hour; pat dry and store overnight, uncovered, in fridge.
2. Add carrot juice to saucepan and reduce to thick consistency on high heat, 10-15 minutes. Whisk vigorously if juice separates. Whisk in butter. Set aside to cool.
3. In pot, cover wild rice with chicken stock. Bring to simmer and cook 45 minutes to 1 hour. Season with salt.
4. Heat oven to 400° F.
5. In frying pan on medium-high heat, sweat onions in olive oil until soft. Add curry spice and toast until aromatic, 1-2 minutes. Add vinegar and salt; stir well. Fold through sun-dried tomatoes.
6. Place chicken skin-side up on roasting pan fitted with rack. Brush chicken with canola or olive oil and season with salt. Roast about 25-35 minutes until golden brown; internal temperature should be 165° F. Drizzle with roasting juices; add salt and chopped parsley before plating.
7. To plate, add carrot butter to wild rice; scoop 1/2 cup onto each dish. Place chicken skin-side up on top of rice. Dollop with onion, curry and tomato mixture.

Pair each serving with a glass of Kenwood Vineyards Sonoma County Pinot Noir 2014.

Source: Kenwood Vineyards

Save

Save

(Family Features) Enjoying the bounty of harvest means creating dishes that celebrate the most intense character and flavors a region can deliver. Put a fresh twist on farm-to-table goodness by pairing two vine-ripened garden treasures: heirloom tomatoes and crisp, refreshing white wine.

Northern California’s Sonoma County is known for some of the nation’s finest vineyards. It’s also a culinary destination with a wide range of farms and artisan food purveyors. The Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate and Gardens offers the best of both: sampling wine while exploring the four-acre estate’s culinary garden, which offers a wide array of unique crops, including 150 varieties of heritage tomatoes.

Inspired by the annual Kendall-Jackson Heirloom Tomato Festival, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, these recipes are a twist on classic favorites, delighting the palate by pairing farm-fresh tomatoes with the perfect wine. A perfect accompaniment to grilled chicken, this simple tomato and mozzarella salad is only better paired with Chardonnay. Or, for an elevated take on an old southern favorite, serve up these fried green tomatoes with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.

Find more pairing tips and recipes featuring seasonal ingredients at kj.com.

Heirloom Tomato and Mozzarella Salad

Servings: 4

• 2 1/2 pounds heirloom tomatoes, mixed varieties
• 1/4 cup good quality extra-virgin olive oil
• kosher salt, to taste
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup micro basil (or 1 dozen basil leaves, sliced and torn), divided
• 2 large balls fresh mozzarella, cut into wedges
• flaked sea salt

1. Slice tomatoes into 3/4- to 1-inch thick wedges. In large bowl, add tomatoes, olive oil, kosher salt, pepper and half the basil. Toss and allow to marinate 2 minutes. Arrange tomatoes and mozzarella on serving plate, alternating each. Pour marinating liquid over tomatoes and mozzarella. Garnish with remaining basil and sprinkle with sea salt and pepper.

Serve with Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Chardonnay. Chardonnay’s flavors of orchard fruit complement the sweetness of late summer tomatoes.

Fried Green Tomatoes with Delice de la Vallee

Servings: 4

• 2 large unripe green tomatoes, sliced 1/2-inch thick
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons rice oil (or other neutral flavored oil)
• 1/4 teaspoon good quality sea salt
• 1/4 cup Delice de la Vallee
• 1 ounce trout caviar, for garnish (optional)
• 1 ounce purslane, picked

1. In medium bowl, soak tomatoes in buttermilk at least 30 minutes (or as long as overnight).
2. In large bowl, mix flour, cornmeal, kosher salt and pepper. Using tongs or fork, remove tomato slices from buttermilk and coat with cornmeal-flour mixture.
3. In 12-inch cast iron skillet, add oil and heat over medium-high heat. Place tomato slices in skillet in batches and fry until golden brown on both sides.
4. Place fried tomatoes on paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle with sea salt. Place tomatoes on serving plate and garnish with cheese, caviar, if desired, and purslane.

Serve immediately with Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Sauvignon Blanc. The crisp Sauvignon Blanc matches the acidity in the tomatoes.

Note: Fromage Blanc, cream fresh or sour cream can be substituted for Delice de la Vallee.

Source: Jackson Family Wines

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save