As the Corona Virus heats up for another deadly wave and the temperatures start to plummet, many of us are cooking and eating in a bit more. What better way to chill and stay safe than enjoying some comfort food at home? My wife makes a great chicken dish in a Dutch Oven that fills that bill. But before we get into that we enjoyed a classic appetizer (especially for wine drinkers).
Speaking of viruses, my apologies for missing my post last week. I am well, but my website and computer were having some serious issues. I believe they are both fixed now. One virus apparently avoided!
I decided to have some fun with a classic, but simple, appetizer-wine and cheese. I paired three classic cheeses with three classic wines. That was followed by one of my favorite meals that my wife makes. It is a simple chicken dish cooked in a Dutch Oven, with onions and seasonings, served with rice and broccoli (my sole contribution, other than choosing the wines and cheeses).
The Appetizers (pictured below)
- Aged Assiago paired with Turdo Vineyard’s signature wine, Turis Nero d’Avola 2019. This pairing was one of the suggestions by Madeline Puckett’s Wine Folly. Since there is only one New Jersey Nero d’Avola (and only one American Nero d’Avola that I know of), my task was easy (and rewarding). The cheese is creamy and intensely sharp with flavors evoking both Parmesan and Cheddar. The wine is a full-bodied red with lots of raspberry and cherry and enough structure to continue to improve for several years, yet smooth tannins.
- Gouda paired with Hawk Haven Vineyards Signature Series Syrah. The Gouda is a perfect balance of sweet and salty with hints of butterscotch. The Syrah is a very smooth version of this grape-a little less body and lighter color than some, but not missing any of the classic notes.
- Manchego paired with Working Dog Winery 2016 Merlot-The Manchego is a classic Spanish table cheese, made from sheep’s milk and evoking toasted almonds and olives. The Merlot brought out the best in it, with juicy berries and a delicious chocolate finish.
The Entree
This simple chicken dish is livened up with the cherry peppers, onions, garlic and dry white wine. The boneless thighs are the way to go, if you can find them during these difficult shopping days. They make life easier and less messy (especially if you are eating them pandemic style-in the den, binge watching on Prime). This is a meal that I look forward to enjoying for leftovers, as the sauce keeps things moist and flavorful. The dish is shown below, with the support of the rice and broccoli.
The Wine
My wife told me she needed a dry white wine for this recipe. I selected a Cedar Rose Chardonnay that fills the bill as the needed dry white wine, while doubling as the wine I chose to pair with the entree. The Cedar Rose Chardonnay is dry, but possesses a fruity aroma and taste, yet sufficient acidity to pair nicely with the chicken (especially since a cup of the wine was used in the recipe). The mouthfeel of this medium to full-bodied wine with a smooth creamy finish, is very pleasing. I quickly regretted that I did not have another bottle to continue to savor this meal with a great (and inexpensive) Chardonnay. I also regret that I neglected to take a photo of the bottle!
Holiday Suggestion
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