Some Bold Flavor

     A popular red wine, known as the “King of Red Wine Grapes”, is Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine originated in Bordeaux but is also found in California. Cabernet Sauvignon can be combined with other grapes to mellow its flavor. Grapes such as Merlot can be blended to soften this wine without taking away it’s character. Although this wine can be found with high tannin content, it ranges from medium-bodied to full.
    Cabernet Sauvignon has great fruit flavors from plums and cherries to blueberries. Aromas such as tobacco and even leather can be present creating an amazing bold flavor. This wine will pair well with red meats and lamb.

***Recipe for thought***   Grilled Rib-eye Steak w/ Cheddar Garlic Mashed Potatoes & Cabernet Sauvignon

2 (8 ounce) rib-eye steak                                    1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup chopped onion                                         6 medium russet potatoes peeled & cubed
1 tsp crushed garlic                                           ½ cup sour cream
pepper to taste                                                   ¼ cup butter melted
1 ⅔ cups Worcestershire sauce                          salt & pepper to taste
⅓ cup of dark brown sugar                               1 tsp garlic powder

    In a large resealable bag, combine Worcestershire sauce, dark brown sugar, pepper, crushed garlic, onions and steak coating well. Marinate for at least 8 hours or overnight in refrigerator. Grill steaks on medium to high heat for 10 minutes on each side or until desired doneness. Place potatoes in saucepan and cover with water. Boil potatoes for 25 to 30 minutes until potatoes are very tender. Drain potatoes well and add sour cream, butter, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Mash until potatoes are fluffy then, stir in cheddar cheese. Enjoy with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or two!

For Your Valentine

     For this Valentine’s Day, take the opportunity to definitely lighten things up. Another versatile red wine is Pinot Noir. It is a lighter-bodied red wine which comes from France but can be found in many regions around the world including parts of the U.S. and New Zealand. The Pinot Noir grape is tough to grow but once it has been accomplished, you will know this wine as “Red Burgundy”. This wine will make your Valentine’s Day very delightful with many memorable essence.
    Pinot Noir has a range of flavors from sweet berries and cherries to earth-like flavors. It is important to know that flavors are all dependent on growing conditions. This wine pairs well with many dishes. Whether your craving lamb, poultry or seafood, the combinations are endless.

***Recipe for Thought***            Baked Dill Tilapia with Garlic Alfredo Cream Sauce with Pinot Noir

2 (8 ounce) tilapia fillets                             ½  tsp dried dill
½ tsp obey seasoning                                  2 tbsp butter
½ tsp garlic powder                                   pinch pepper
pinch salt                                                   1 cup Ragu Garlic Alfredo Sauce
2 tbsp lemon juice                                     1 cup farfalle pasta

   Preheat your oven for 375 degrees. Season tilapia  with obey seasoning, dill and garlic powder. Layer fish in baking pan and top with butter and lemon juice. Bake fish for 20 to 30 minutes until well done. While fish is baking, prepare farfalle pasta as directed and set aside to cool. In a small saucepan, mix garlic Alfredo sauce, pinch of salt & pepper and heat on low for about 10 minutes. Once fish is done, top pasta with tilapia and garlic Alfredo sauce and serve.
    Pinot Noir also matches well with spicy seasonings and creamy pasta dishes. Although you may have to be willing to pay a little more for this wine than most, this grape will be well worth it.