Easy Recipe: Brussels Sprout Salad and Wine Pairing

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As soon as the leaves start falling off the trees, I look forward to the availability of Brussels sprouts. This salad recipe calls for the help of a food processor which makes prep incredibly easy. Plus, it can be made in advance, so is a terrific side when company is coming. What’s more, its shades of red and green make it a festive addition to meals during the holiday season. So what are you waiting for? It’s time for Brussels sprout salad and wine!

 

Recipe

Makes 4-6 servings

Salad Ingredients

1 pound Brussels sprouts
seeds (aka arils) from 1 pomegranate
1/4 – 1/2 cup walnuts Continue reading “Easy Recipe: Brussels Sprout Salad and Wine Pairing”

Where to Eat the Best Mediterranean Inspired Food in Woodinville

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On a recent Sunday, the hubby and I spent a leisurely afternoon wine tasting and picking up wine in Woodinville’s Wine Warehouse District. We started to get hangry, which is never a good situation especially when wine tasting. So, we headed over to The PicNic Table. This bistro serves the best Mediterranean inspired food in Woodinville that I know of. All the provisions are thoughtfully sourced and menu items such as gnocchi and ravioli are made from scratch.

My recent article in Washington Tasting Room Magazine about Chef Danilo Amato of The PicNic Table

We purchased a cheese and charcuterie box to go, along with some decadent, pillowy smoked salmon deviled eggs. It all conveniently went with us to our next wine tasting appointment. Every bite was delectable, and washed down with some fantastic Washington wine. Why not grab something decadent to pair with your next wine tasting? Just be sure to check that the winery allows outside food beforehand. Continue reading “Where to Eat the Best Mediterranean Inspired Food in Woodinville”

Cascade Cliffs Gruner Veltliner

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There isn’t a lot of Gruner Veltliner grown in Washington State. However, the little bit we do have is riveting. On a recent visit to Cascade Cliffs Vineyard and Winery, I had the pleasure of receiving a couple of sample bottles. Read on for more about this notable winery and an introduction to Cascade Cliffs Gruner Veltliner.

The Columbia Gorge is unlike any other wine region I’ve visited. The drive to Cascade Cliffs is along a stretch of highway with the Columbia River on one side and towering walls of basalt looming over the other side. It feels tranquil and rugged.  Unfortunately, on the day of my visit a California wildfire sent up a haze of smoke like a thin veil of fog. Yet, even that couldn’t hide the quiet grandeur of the scenery.

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5 Easy Tartines with Romesco Sauce and Wine

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One of the most popular recipes here on the VinoSocial Blog is for romesco sauce. It’s one of my favorites, too. After all, preparation takes mere minutes with a toss of ingredients into the food processor to whirr them up. Plus the robust sauce pairs well with red wine. Not only is the preparation vegan and vegetarian friendly, the recipe can be used to prepare a meal in minutes. With that in mind, here are 5 easy tartines with Romesco sauce and wine.

While in Walla Walla this summer to interview Washington wineries for the Slow Wine Guide USA, I took a lunch break at the newish Valdemar Estates. This wildly popular destination where fifth generation Rioja producers and Washington wine intersect serves a tasty Spinach and Garbanzo Tartine. Essentially an open-faced sandwich, it makes a satisfying meal when served with a salad or additional tapas. Pair with Tempranillo and put a fork in me, I am done!

easy-tartines-with-romesco-sauce

 

I recently riffed on this dish at home and plan to bring it into the regular rotation. Continue reading “5 Easy Tartines with Romesco Sauce and Wine”

Ten Top Tips on Pairing Cava with Food

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If you think sparkling wines are only for special occasions, think again! Ray Isle of Food and Wine Magazine recently conducted a virtual tasting featuring sparkling wines of Cava DOC. From that Cava in the Kitchen event, here are ten top tips on pairing Cava with food any day of the week. Ray swears it’s sure to improve your life immensely!

Now, before we dive in, keep in mind that Cava is a remarkable bargain in a lot of cases. The samples I received of six sparklers featured in the online event ranged from a mere $12.99 to $22.99.

Ten Top Tips on Pairing Cava with Food

Pro Tips from Ray Isle

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