“Man does not live by bread alone,” but comfort food like chili and a glass of wine…now you’re talking! With that in mind, Friday we enjoyed a bowl of chili and Saturday it was linguine and clams. We paired these dinners with some easy drinking New Jersey wines. Life has more to offer than these simple pleasures, but during this damn pandemic, they are saving the day.
The Chili
There are so many versions of this great meal. I have had many iterations of it, from vegetarian to turkey and 10 or more different levels of heat. This one is from a recipe from my sister, Carolyn. It is tomato-based with ground beef, colorful veggies and an assortment of beans (kidney beans, garbanzo beans or chick peas, and black beans). Actually, the black beans are an addition from my wife’s version. This meal is filling and pretty healthy. You can make it more healthy by using organic, low fat beef or with turkey or meatless. I have enjoyed many of them. However, this one remains my favorite.
The Wine
I chose Hawk Haven Vineyards Flying Press Red to pair with the chili. It is a marvelous off-dry, red blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, and Petite Sirah. The touch of sweetness and the smoothest of tannins make it a great compliment to this spicy, but not red hot dish. Its jammy notes of cherry and raspberry go down easy and make it a perfect pairing for burgers and barbecues. I wouldn’t be caught without a bottle in the summer, but its medium body and lush mouthfeel make it equally desirable in the winter. I might add that both the meal and the wine are compatible with those on a budget. The pot above will make two dinners and a couple of lunches for my wife and me. The wine sells for under $17 before any member discount you may have. It’s on my perennial New Jersey bargain wine list.
Linguine and Clams
I love this dish. What’s more, I enjoy making my own more than ordering it at a restaurant. Why? Because I can add as many clams as I want (and garlic) and it only takes a few minutes longer to make than pasta with store-bought sauce (or gravy, if you choose). I also add some of my wife’s pesto sauce. She makes it over the summer with fresh ingredients and we freeze for easy future use. Adding a bit of it quickly adds a ton of flavor.
The Wine
I chose the Hawk Haven Pinot Grigio to pair with the Linguine and Clams. It’s a light and citrusy version, with notes of peach and pear. It complimented, rather than overpowered this dish. This is a wonderful Pinot Grigio and it remains one of my favorites.
Cheers!
New Jersey Uncorked Sale
You can still purchase a copy of my paperback, New Jersey Uncorked for $17.99 at http://store.bookbaby.com/book/New-Jersey-Uncorked Make sure to use the coupon code Winter2021.
Offer not good at Amazon. You can also purchase the ebook at Apple’s iBook app for $9.99 with the same coupon code.
Coming Attractions
- Takeout Seafood & NJ Wine
- My Birthday Dinner
- Some Lesser Known Grapes
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