Recently, we went to Outer Banks for two weeks with friends, to get some rest and relaxation and sand between our toes. Between floating in the pool (on our favorite beach floaties) and enjoying some favorite wines, we decided to grill a few whole red snapper for the fish taco dinner. Click the title link above for a demonstration of how to prepare! It was YUM!
Celebrate with this special Caymus wine...
My friend and I recently opened this bottle as a celebration to selling her house, in 48 hours, over the asking price! We thought it was worth toasting with something special, so we pulled out the big guns. It is the 2014 Cabernet. WOW, we were not disappointed! It is everything you would expect from a Caymus label...bold yet smooth, with a fruity lingering finish. I would give this wine 4.5 stars out of 5.
Grilled Salmon Over Rice and Greens Click here for video →
This dish came to us as a total surprise. We first had it at our house about 5 years ago, when a dear friend, Jeremy, came to cook dinner for us and a handful of friends.
The first surprise was, we didn't know he could cook!
The second surprise was, that he made this from scratch, without a recipe!
After we had this, we told him his cover was completely blown, now that we know his level of creativity and skills, and that he's now on the hook for group dinners along with the rest of us! Since then he will occasionally whip together a salad that will knock your socks off, or something equally as creative. But I would best describe this salmon dish as "succulent, and bursting with flavor!" The recipe is below.
You can also click the title video to see the assembly process at our last dinner party. Excuse the background noise level!
Start with Jasmine rice, cooked with coconut oil and seasoned with salt, pepper, and a dash of garlic (and ground lemon rind if you have it). Layer sautéed sliced onions and peppers on top, then fresh field greens, sliced tomatoes, and fresh limes. Top with grilled, wild-caught salmon.
The sauce is mayo, dijon mustard, finely diced jalepenos, green onions, and green peppers. garlic, salt, pepper, and fresh lime juice. Garnish with the sprigs of green onions.
This is a beautiful dish, and such fun to serve! With the exception of the mayo, it is also super healthy and gluten free!
PS A great wine with this is a dry rose, or a nice light pinot noir.
Pan Fried Chicken Thighs in Pesto Sauce →
Say that fast 3 times...pan fried chicken thighs in pesto sauce, pan fried chicken thighs in pesto sauce, pan fried chicken thighs in pesto sauce. Well done. Now, this is one of the easiest (although messy) dishes to make. It doesn't take a lot of tending, as you put the chicken thighs in the pan with white wine, EVOO, garlic, salt and pepper, and let it simmer on low for about 30 minutes. Then, glaze the chicken with pesto and almonds or walnuts, and kick the heat up for about 3-5 minutes, until is glazes nicely and you have a bit of a crust on it.
I would serve this with Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc (gasp, yes I drink the occasional white, when I can find one that's not too sugary!) or a pleasing Pinot Noir. Estancia or Block Nine are good go-to's, or Meiomi, if you like one that's a bit bolder. (well kept secret, Meiomi is actually a blend, which probably explains why I love it so much!)
Rhubarb Crunch (tart, like it's meant to be) CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO →
Here's my recipe for rhubarb crunch...we love this in the spring, or anytime. 8 cups of rhubarb, sprinkled with 1/2 cup of flour, 1/3 cup sugar, and 2 - 3 Tablespoons cinnamon. Layer in pan, cover with 1 cup rolled oats, 1 cup flour, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1 Tbsp. cinnamon and 1/2 cup melted butter. Bake at 375 for 35-40 minutes. Serve with ice cream or milk.
Click here to change how you think about Asparagus... →
I recently ran across this recipe for asparagus salad, and thought I'd give it a whirl. I could not have been more pleased! The dijon mustard and feta combined with the lemon zest are incredibly refreshing! I've served this about 3 or 4 times already since discovering it 3 weeks ago! Here are the ingredients:
1 TBSP dijon mustard, 3 TBSP olive oil, 1 tsp lemon juice (fresh), feta cheese, and lemon zest
Click the title link above to watch the video!
Best Chicken Ever! →
This is one of the best ways to make chicken thighs and legs...pan fry first, then finish baking in red wine. The wine reduces into a delicious glaze, and goes really well with potatoes or rice! Click the link in the title for a live video snippet!
Ingredients:
chicken thighs, minced garlic, olive oil, minced onions, roasted red peppers, salt, pepper, parsley, thyme, slivered almonds, red wine
PS We had a french red wine with this, and it was amazing! Dry and earthy, it complimented the dish perfectly!
Served the chicken with roasted vegetables and au grautin potatoes.
Beef Burgundy →
This is one of our favorite meals, especially in the winter time! Warming and hearty, the smell of wine and the stew as it cooks all day is amazing! Best served over mashed potatoes.
PS Throw 3-4 slices of cut up bacon in the pan, and cook the beef and veggies with it for extra pizzaaz!
Meet Gabriel... →
The makers of this fine wine glass swear it will change your world...you decide.
My review of "F", a great winter pick, sure to warm you up! →
One of my all-time favorite, go-to wines in the winter. This wine is bold, round and vibrant...just what you need to stay warm on a freezing cold night! Enjoy the video!