Getting Cozy

     There is nothing like having a cozy winter evening inside with a movie and a glass of wine. Something bold with a hint of spice can warm up any night. Shiraz wine, also pronounced Syrah, is a very bold red wine and is very popular in Australia. The Shiraz grape is a deep-purple in color and it is also grown in France and South Africa. The tannins in Shiraz wines are firm and have flavors of blackberry and plums to black pepper and bell peppers.
    Foods to pair with Shiraz can be rich red meats, grilled meats, and grilled vegetables. When it comes to authentic dishes, Indian and Mexican will match very well.

***Recipe for thought***            Homemade Meat Lover’s Pizza with Shiraz

1 pound lean ground beef                                 ½ tsp garlic powder
4-5 slices of cooked bacon crumbled                1 cup pizza sauce
1 pkg sliced pepperoni                                     2 cups mozzarella cheese
½ tsp Italian seasoning                                    1 package of pizza dough (or ready made crust)
½ tsp dried oregano                                         1 tsp of olive oil or 1 tbsp flour

    Preheat oven for 390 degrees F and in a large skillet, brown ground beef until there is no more pink. Spread out pizza dough as directed using olive oil or flour to help shape the crust. Add pizza sauce to shaped pizza dough then sprinkle with oregano and garlic powder. Layer pizza with ground beef, pepperoni, cheese and crumbled bacon. Last, top with Italian seasoning. Cook pizza in preheated oven for about 15 - 20 mins or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.
    Shiraz wine can also be paired with wild game dishes and beef stews. So depending on your mood, this hearty and spicy red wine can sooth your evening.