Craving Take-out?

     If your looking forward to relaxing indoors with a glass of wine, Merlot wine is a good choice. This wine originated in a part of France were the Merlot red grape is dominate. It can blend with other varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon to create an amazing combination. Merlot has irresistible fresh fruit flavors and aromas of cocoa. It is a soft wine which makes it very easy to drink and if it is aged, it’s even better.

     All these qualities make Merlot a very food friendly wine as well. This wine can be paired with poultry, salads, pastas and pork. With that being said, if your in the mood for take-out, ginger chicken would be a great idea. Red meats also pair exceptionally well like peppered steak. A favorite is beef and broccoli. Although this dish can be found on many take-out menus, it can also be made right at home.

***Recipe for Thought***     Beef & Broccoli with Merlot

1 pound round steak cut into pieces                       1/4 tsp pepper
1 tsp crushed garlic                                                1/2 tsp ground ginger
2 cups broccoli florets                                            1 tbsp cornstarch 
1/4 cup chopped onion                                           1 tsp low sodium soy sauce
1 beef bouillon cube                                              1 cup water
1 tsp white sugar                                                   2 tbsp olive oil

     Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Saute’ garlic and onion until tender. Season steak with pepper and ginger then, add to garlic and onions. Cook steak until completely browned. Reduce heat and stir in broccoli florets. Heat water and beef bouillon cube until cube is completely dissolves. Let broth cool a little and stir in cornstarch until smooth. Immediately add mixture to steak and broccoli. As sauce starts to thicken, stir in soy sauce and sugar. Serve over jasmin rice or lo mein noodles.  
      The flavors of the steak will accompany the Merlot well in this dish. Some Merlot even have black pepper tones which would match well with your seasonings. So you have the option of ordering out or having wine with your own creation.