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Dear Kelly,
The dog days of summer are upon us. And when the
heat is on, the one place you don't want to be is
in the
kitchen. So preheat the grill, because this month's
issue of Kelly's Grape Times offers tips about
casual summer entertaining, and pairing wines with
grilled foods.
We'll also take a look at a crisp Spanish white that's
gaining in popularity.
And, I'll give you an easy recipe idea for your garden
tomatoes, complete with wine ideas to
match.
Enjoy these last few weeks of summer, because
September--and fall--will be here before we know it.
But autumn will bring its own seasonal food and wine
matches, which is definitely something to look forward
to...
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Sizzling Sips
Tips for Pairing Wine With Grilled Food
Recently, I had the pleasure of being a guest on Divas Uncorked
"Sisters Who Sip" teleconference series, where
we discussed
wines for grilled foods. If you missed it, It will
be available for downloading soon on the Divas
Uncorked website. In
the meantime, here are some tips for
pairing wine with foods on the grill:
* Meals that involve the grill are usually casual affairs.
To keep things laid-back and informal, serve wine in
stemless or acrylic wine glasses. Fill a galvanized
metal party tub with ice to keep the whites cold, and
chill the reds in the fridge for fifteen minutes to bring
them to cellar temperature.
* If you are grilling on cedar planks, or using a smoker
box with wood chips (oak, mesquite, hickory, etc.), pair
the resulting dish with an oaky wine. Chicken or fish
grilled with this method will work with an oaky
Chardonnay, while pork ribs or steak will match nicely
with a Bordeaux or Cabernet Sauvignon.
* Nothing beats a good grilled steak. Even better is
one coated simply in sea salt, fresh rosemary and lots
of cracked pepper before being seared on the grill.
Select a big, bold spicy red like Malbec or Shiraz to
enjoy with this most satisfying meal.
* If more exotic fare is on the menu (venison burgers
or buffalo steaks, anyone?), South Africa's funky red
grape, Pinotage, fits the bill. With aromas and flavors
of smoked meats, among other things, it's just the
ticket for wild game.
* The grill's not just for the main course. Keep it fired
up for dessert to grill some mango and pineapple
slices, and then top them with vanilla ice cream and
toasted coconut. Serve the dessert with a demi-sec
Champagne or late harvest Viognier for a terrific
ending to a late summer meal.
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What to Do with All of Those Garden Tomatoes?
Recipe Idea and Wine Pairing
If you are a tomato lover like me, and you planted a
few (or many...) tomato plants, you are probably
asking yourself that question.
Here is one of my favorite tomato recipes that is both
easy and delicious,
courtesy of my mother-in-law:
Broiled Tomatoes over Angel Hair Pasta
Fresh garden tomatoes
Basil, oregano and thyme (preferably fresh)
Olive oil
Fresh garlic and/or garlic powder
Freshly grated parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper
Angel Hair pasta
Cook pasta according to directions. Preheat broiler.
Slice tomatoes in half horizontally. Place on baking
sheet, drizzle with olive oil, fresh basil and oregano,
garlic powder, pepper and shredded parmesan
cheese. Put in broiler until cheese is brown and
tomatoes are soft.
Drain pasta. Place in saute pan. Add olive oil, red wine
vinegar, salt, pepper and whatever spices you want
(basil, oregano, thyme, fresh or dried garlic, etc.)
Saute until well mixed.
Serve tomatoes over pasta, with more cheese and
herbs, if desired.
Seek out a wine that can stand up to the acid in the
tomatoes. Tart, citrusy Pinot Grigio, Vinho Verde or
Sauvignon
Blanc are good choices for white. If you prefer reds,
the
sour cherry flavor of Chianti or Valpolicella will work
equally well.
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If you are planning a special event, whether it is a
wedding shower, birthday party, get-together with
friends, or a business promotional event, consider
Kelly Magyarics Wine Consulting to make your event
complete. Our interactive, educational wine tastings
and classes
are a memorable option for your next gathering. Kelly
holds an Advanced Certificate in Wine and Spirits from
the WSET (Wine and Spirit Education Trust), and she
has been offering wine tastings for private and
corporate events in the DC area for over six years. Just
see what our clients are saying about us.
Check
out www.trywine.net
for more information, email us
at trywine@gmail.com, or call us at
703.203.9463.
Feel free to pass this along to
other wine lovers you know!
Cheers, and happy sipping!
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