The pork dumplings and the soup broth were both flavoured with ginger which could have presented a challenge if the wine had not been just right. The Brewer Clifton Santa Rita Hills Chardonnay was a standout with this dish.
Nothing like a dish that is unusual, and a bit difficult to find just the right pairing, to create some excitement in the kitchen and at the dining table.
I specifically chose a Culmina Chardonnay, first and foremost, because they make such excellent wines, all on my favourites list.
Just to add a bit more Valentine’s colour to this dinner I am including the recipe for Roasted Red Pepper Soup, and yes, it uses Summer Fresh Roasted Red Pepper Hummus too, easy peasy!
The wine needed to be able to handle the earthy, sweetish combination of the asparagus pesto and lightly cooked asparagus tips, as well as stand up to the distinct lemon flavour.
The flavours in this dish make it a challenging wine pairing. Nothing steps up to the challenge like a rich, smoothly deep red wine from the Similkameen. The juicy balance of ripe fruit just cries out for a challenge.
This is a dish I served family during the holidays. It is not only very tasty and satisfying it is also simple to make. You can make it ahead the day before, set your oven on auto start and laze in bed until you get hungry! A win, win!
The tomato base is alive with great quantities of garlic, subtler herbs such as thyme, celery (substitute for fennel) and saffron. But it is the inclusiion of the aioli and rouille (if using) that take this dish over the top.
This was a wine from my cellar. Picked specifically to pair with this very strong and stinky cheese on a specail holiday occasion. Not for the feint of heart the Vacherin Mont d’Or.
As a new convert to this delicately flavoured fish it is fast becoming one of my favourite dishes. Seared, baked or steamed this fish keeps it’s firm texture and retains its moistness. Delicious no matter how it’s prepared or served.