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                By Vincent Nattress, Culinary Consultant to Napa Free Range Beef

FOOD+WINE PAIRING
Although Cabernet Sauvignon is often heralded as the perfect foil for steaks, a wine such as Merlot, with softer and fruitier notes and lower acid, is a better match for beef prepared with saltier, sharper and more savory marinades.

INGREDIENTS

Serves 2-4

• Two 10-12 ounce New York steaks
• 1 clove garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper

Recipe by Chef Andrei Litvinenko
Kendall-Jackson Winery

Heirloom Black Bell eggplants are sliced thin, brushed with garlic olive oil and grilled. We then layer our roulade with roasted sweet Italian heirloom peppers, sun dried tomato pesto, sweet basil leaves and Matos Family St. George cheese. The combination of the concentrated flavors and smokiness of the vegetables with the aged cheese pairs well with the rich tannins and complexity of the Highland Estates Grizz Ridge Merlot, as well as our Stature Merlot.

Wine Pairing:

2003 Late Harvest Viognier, $25

Ingredients - Candied Walnuts

• 1 cup Walnut halves
  
• 1 cup Water
  
• 1 cup Sugar
• 1/2 + tsp. Togarashi - Japanese chile mix
  
• Salt 

Ingredients - Pears

• 3 ea. Bartlett pears, cut into 1/8ths, Cores removed
• Sugar to taste
• Salt to taste
• 1 Tbsp. Canola oil
  
• 1 lb. Point Reyes Blue Cheese
• 3 Tbsp. Honey

Colorado Lamb Rack with Blueberry Compote,
Pumpkin Risotto and Mustard Glace

 

Chef: James Waller
Executive Chef, Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Prepared for Pairings at the Plaza during the 9th Annual Great Wine Escape

Lamb

Grain Fed Colorado Lamb Rack 2 ea.
Remove fat cap cover with a sharp knife.

Method:
Season Lamb with salt and pepper and grill both sides. Place on mirepoix (diced celery, carrot, onion) with Bay Leaves and Thyme. Place in a 350 degree oven for 20 minutes. Set aside before cutting. Lamb should be medium rare and should be fairly firm, yet give a little when squeezed. 

with Pinot Noir, Raisins and Carrot Purée

INGREDIENTS
Serves 4

LAMB SHOULDER 2 tablespoons olive oil 2- to 3-pound lamb shoulder roast, boned, tied and seasoned with salt and pepper 1 1/2 cups Pinot Noir 8 to 10 cloves garlic, chopped 4 to 5 sprigs rosemary 2 onions, thinly sliced 2 carrots, peeled and chopped 1 cup raisins 2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 1/2 cups chicken stock   CARROT PURÉE 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces 2 tablespoons unsalted butter teaspoon curry powder 1 cup vegetable stock or chicken stock 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper 2 teaspoons grated orange zest 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice     Preheat oven to 350º

FOOD+WINE PAIRING More Pinot Noir is always a good thing. Pinots have that earthy, black cherry flavor, which complements the fruit in the dish. The slight undercurrent of cinnamon in the wine works well with the spicy notes of the carrot purée. --Chef CORY SCHREIBER. Chef's Recipe Notes: This preparation works well with a rolled and tied shoulder of lamb or lamb shanks. The carrot purée adds flavor and color and can be made while the lamb is braising. Cory Schreiber - Executive Chef and Founder - Wildwood Restaurant & Bar.                       Cory Schreiber                       Executive Chef              Wildwood Restaurant & Bar

 

Chef's Recipe Notes:
This was our spin on duck a l'orange. Duck confit takes a real commitment to make. If you are looking for something simpler, you could use two seared duck breasts instead, sliced on top of each salad.
DUSKIE ESTES AND JOHN STEWART - Chefs and co-owners - Zazu

FOOD+WINE PAIRING
Salads can be a tough food to pair with. The aromatics in Viognier work with the bitter and pepper found in salad greens' ginger and five-spice powder. The exotic citrus blossom and honeysuckle notes align with the kumquat dressing. The rich, viscous nature that a Viognier can have works with the duck confit.
-- Chef JOHN STEWART

INGREDIENTS
Serves 6 to 8

DUCK

• 1 shallot, sliced in rings
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 3/4 cup olive oil
• Kosher salt and fresh ground black  pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup kumquats, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup Viognier
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 cup sherry vinegar
• 1 pound watercress, frisée and other  young lettuces, washed
• 2 legs duck confit, picked
  
  

John Stewart and Duskie Estes
Chefs and co-owners
Zazu

Pinot Noir is one of the most difficult wine grapes to grow requiring constant attention and long growing season. When it is made correctly it can be quite sublime. It pairs well with pork and matches well with fennel and rosemary. The following recipe uses both of these spices and the natural earthiness of Pinot Noir make a great combination.

If you want to enhance the recipe a bit, after you make the butterflied pork roast, marinate it with olive oil, Pinot Noir, black pepper up to four hours, then proceed with the recipe.

Chef Eric C. Maczko
Winery Chef, Pine Ridge Winery

Prepared during a Creative Culinary Combinations Class held at the winery on Monday, January 30, 2006. The cooking seminars are $40 per person.

Braising is a great way to help chase away any lingering winter blahs. What is better than the great smell of a long, slow cooked meal - that was easy to prepare and serve? This uncomplicated technique transforms tougher cuts of meats into juicy, tender morsels with a sauce that melds the flavors of the meat and vegetables intricately.

Be adventurous and prepare a dessert outside of the usual pumpkin and sweet potato pie fare typically eaten at this time of year. Domaine Chandon recommends the Cranberry Cornmeal Torte along with any of their sparkling wines. Sparkling wine has an amazing ability to enhance a broad range of foods by refreshing and enlivening the palate. Follow this tasty recipe paired with sparkling wine and see how delicious this marriage can be.

Pinot Noir is one of the most difficult wine grapes to grow requiring constant attention and long growing season. When it is made correctly it can be quite sublime. It pairs well with pork and matches well with fennel and rosemary. The following recipe uses both of these spices and the natural earthiness of Pinot Noir make a great combination.

Napa Valley Wine Train
Executive Chef : Kelly Macdonald

 

INGREDIENTS

• 12 Grays Harbor Oysters in a half shell (Oyster origin optional)
• 3 Cups Champagne
• 2 Cups Heavy Whipping Cream
• 12 Ounces of fresh Spinach (stemmed, cleaned & dried)
• 1 Cup Shallots (chopped)
• 4 Tablespoons Dijon Mustard
• 2 Tablespoons Whole Grain Mustard
• ¼ Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
• ¼ Cup Bread Crumbs
• 2 Tablespoons Butter
• ¼ Teaspoon Dried Thyme
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• Sea Salt (optional)

Herb Crème Fraîche, Fennel-Red Onion Slaw,
Four-Minute Quail Egg and Caviar

A feast for all the senses, the Wente Vineyards Restaurant's open architecture allows the kitchen's rich, savory aromas to greet you at the door. Vineyards and gardens surround the restaurant, reinforcing the Wente philosophy of using the best possible seasonal ingredients. The restaurant and the winery are wonderful showcases for a re-emerging and vigorous Livermore Valley wine region.

You can do this with just about any veggies that you happen to have and any type of cheese that melts. Try Fontina or Gruyère, you and your family will be begging for more.

Ingredients

• 4 medium (about 3 inches in diameter) portabella mushrooms, dark gills scooped out
• 1 red bell pepper, quartered lengthwise
• 1 yellow bell pepper, quartered lengthwise
  
• 4 slices medium to large zucchini, cut into rounds
• 4 slices medium eggplant, cut into rounds
• 4 slices fresh mozzarella
• Olive oil
  
• Salt (preferably kosher or sea salt) and freshly ground pepper
  
• 1 cup Roasted Tomato with Balsamic Savory Condiment
• 4 rosemary branches 4-5 inches in length, bottom two-thirds of leaves removed

This appetizer is a conversation starter for sure and will probably be the talk of the party. You can use any firm fish and for fun, use both black and white sesame seeds.

Ingredients

• 3⁄4 cup Made In Napa Valley Shanghai Tangerine Sesame Marinade
• 1 pound swordfish steak, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 20 cubes)
• 20 snow peas
  
• 1⁄4 cup sesame seeds, toasted
• 20 cherry tomatoes
  
• Toothpicks (look for interesting ones at Asian markets)

Submitted by Chef Eric C. Maczko, Pine Ridge Winery

NAPA VALLEY, CA - Throw some new spice into your Thanksgiving menu. It may be time to trade in the usual bird for a savory roasted ribeye. Pine Ridge Winery plates up this Sage-Encrusted Rib Roast with Root Vegetable Ragout. Highlighting all the traditional flavors of fall, this roast will add a rich nuance to your holiday spread and be the perfect pairing for your cab-loving friends.

Ingredients

• 6-8 pound bone-in ribeye
• 1 bundle sage
• 2 ounces 2003 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
• 1 quart beef stock
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, separated
• 1 teaspoon flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 carrots, medium dice
• 2 parsnips, medium dice
• 2 turnips, medium dice
• 1 rutabaga, medium dice
• 1 head garlic, cloves peeled but whole
  

Submitted by Executive Chef Peter Pahk 

NAPA VALLEY, CA - Silverado Resort's Royal Oak Grill serves delicious wine country cuisine in the heart of Napa Valley prepared by acclaimed Chef Peter Pahk. Serve this dish at your next wine country party.

 

This casual Italian eatery in Napa features authentic flavors from Italy that pair wonderfully with the light, crisp flavors of sparkling Brut.

Le Crème de Tomatoes en Croute
(Cream of Tomato Soup in Puff Pastry)

Recipe developed for Amador Foothill Winery by
Matt Pinsonneult, Chef, Sierra Nevada Tap Room and Restaurant Chico, CA

Heady Zinfandels, like those of the Sierra Foothills, pair beautifully with late-winter meats and mushrooms. This recipe takes fresh spring lamb and marries it with a luscious Zinfandel sauce complemented by the earthiness of sage and morel mushrooms.

BY ROBERT CURRY | WINE SPECTATOR GREYSTONE RESTAURANT

The first appearance of local sweet corn is the inspiration for this heavenly soup. Capturing the fleeting flavors of summer, Chef Curry likes to create layers of interest in his food by creating both complementary tastes (that of the corn and the crab) and those flavors that act as contrasts (the sweetness of the corn and the smokiness of the bacon). The herbal undertones suggest the verdantness of the garden and the lightness that is life in the Wine Country in July and August.

Grilled Hanger Steak with Potato Roesti, Charentais Carrots, and Cabernet Reduction

This recipe comes from our Executive Chef, Kelly McCown, to pair with the newly released 2002 Rubicon.  Like skirt steak, it is full of flavor but requires careful preparation to remain tender.   A Cabernet reduction provides a simple and elegant backdrop that will pair beautifully with the 2002 Rubicon.

 

  

   By Jim White, Casa Vieja

Exuberant chef and local radio/TV celebrity Jim White presides over Casa
Vieja in charming Corrales, New Mexico. Chef White creates what he calls
"progressive regional" cuisine, inspired by generations of New Mexico cooks
and personal family recipes. Casa Vieja is a 300-year old example of
Spanish Colonial architecture and a dramatic backdrop for White's
ever-changing regional dishes. Built near the time of the founding of
Albuquerque, the old house allegedly hosts a ghost or two.

 

Submitted by St. Francis Winery Chef, Todd Muir

Salt, Pepper and Dijon! Add zip and zest to spring with this Lamb delight. Chioggia beets and turnips turn into a heavenly wonder when paired with thyme and honey. Enjoy Chef Todd Muir's specialties when you visit St. Francis Winery.

Submitted by Goosecross Cellars

Sunday dinners just became a lot easier. Tempt your family and friend's food and wine palate with Roast Pork with Blackberry Demi-Glace and Goosecross Cellars Merlot. Pressed for time? Sign up for Goosecross Cellars and Napa Valley Grille's Epicurean Explorations featuring three course lunches with wine pairings on Sunday afternoons throughout the summer.

Submitted by Topelo Winery

LOCALS website has great recipes and food pairing tips. This month, they are featuring Topel Winery from Mendocino Wine Country who submitted the recipe Braised Beef Short Ribs with Gremolata that pairs nicely with their 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Sautéed Salmon with Green Garlic Barley and Portabello Mushroom with Red Wine Sauce

Spring is just around the corner! Domaine Carneros is prepared to help you celebrate the upcoming season with this wonderful wine pairing recipe featuring Salmon with a red wine sauce. Serve with their Domaine Carneros Avant-Garde Pinot Noir. Bon Appétit!