June 29, 2012

Bordeaux Tasting Dinner

Something we really enjoy is "tasting dinners"-- meals made up of many small courses, usually with each course thoughtfully paired with a wine. I have had the luck of being able to enjoy several of these over the years put on by my sister and brother-in-law, but in the past year or so I've enjoyed arranging and hosting a few of these events myself. Back in February we had a tasting dinner in celebration of several family birthdays that month. We wanted to taste and learn about red Bordeaux, so I created a menu in which all its courses would pair with that one type of wine. It felt like a big challenge at first but I found some good ideas online of some different types of foods to pair with Bordeaux, and it all came out pretty well. A few of these dishes we have already made again, especially the cherry compote with mascarpone, and the chicken mole enchiladas. The favorite recipes from the night are posted separately. Since my brother-in-law Cassidy was the only attendee other than me who wasn't celebrating a birthday, he helped out in the kitchen. He made the whole thing go more smoothly and look more polished. Here are the menu and some photos. 

 Birthday Bordeaux Wine Club Tasting Dinner
February 18, 2012

Chateau Dumas Cenot Bordeaux Superieur 2009 – Appellation Bordeaux Superieur Controlee
Charles Krug Generations 2008 – Napa Valley
Sterling Vintner’s Collection Meritage 2009 – Central Coast
Chateau Larkan Grand Vin de Bordeaux 2009 – Appellation Bordeaux Controlee
Chateau Michel de Vert Grand Vin de Bordeaux 2010 – Appellation Lussac Saint-Emilion Controlee


Sicilian-Style Sweet-and-Sour Swordfish
Sauce with local tomatoes and onion


          Misty Knoll Chicken  


Roasted Beets and Carrots with Blue Cheese
Farmers’ Market Vegetables


Risotto with Butternut Squash, Rosemary, and Blue Cheese
Local squash and onion


Roast Duck with Citrus Pan Sauce
          Sauce with fresh-squeezed lemon and Cara Cara orange juice

Hardwick 100% grass-fed beef, grilled scallions


           With Chateau Larkan 2009 Bordeaux


Local whipped cream, toasted salted almonds



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