The Best of Twin Cities Food and Wine Pairings Class – Strikes Again!

With a slew of fabulous recipes and 7 (yes, 7!) different wines to pair, last nite’s food and wine pairing class:  Que Syrah, Sirah, Shiraz!  was a hit.  While I teach across the Twin Cities with an array of unbelievably talented chefs, some of my favorite and also most popular classes are taught at  COOKS OF CROCUS HILL  with Culinary Director, Chef Mike Shannon.  Sharing the same love for food and wine, along with the same philosophies on the trade – MIKE AND LESLEE’S classes are a sold out success month after month across the Twin Cites.  The topics of our classes range from every grape on the planet, to specific themes and/or regions (IE: BBQ, BORDEAUX and MO’).  Last nite, however, was one of my favorite grape topics: Syrah.  As the grape takes on a zillion different personalities from region to region, participants found that it was certainly clear that Syrah/Shiraz does have several common traits: smoke, dirt, blackberry spice and YUM! 
The reason for my rants this morning do however, pertain to one recipe and wine pairing that I woke up thinking about…okay, two.
One: Gouda Bacon Leek Pancake (yes, I can finally have BACON inside my pancakes!) – paired with the Michel Picard Cotes du Rhone.  The pancake, which was loaded with bacon, leeks and hints of Dijon and Gouda was an immaculate pairing with the Cotes du Rhone, an earthy blend of Grenache and Syrah.  The wine lightly hinted to the subtle spice in the Syrah, which made instant friends with the bacon.  The herbal ingredients and the crispy edges of the pancake were out of this world and with the wine, heaven!   The crunch, spice, earthy fruit and the creamy bits of Gouda, made us all see stars. 
If interested in the GOUDA BACON LEEK PANCAKE recipe email me @ leslee@amuseewine.com
The second perfect pairing… Zesty Southern Pork Ribs paired with the South African, Guardian Peak – Frontier Red (a feisty blend of Shiraz, Cab and Merlot).  The ribs were hot, hot, hot and the wine, a perfect, juicy, textured, rich accoutrement to the fire and spice!  I’m telling you, the spice was distinct and very much in your face, but the wine – came in and cleaned up the spice, acting as nature’s little fire extinguisher to the burn (Important, because choosing the wrong wine can actually accentuate the burn!)  The Guardian Peak is a killer wine with meat, game, lush raspberries and spice.  On its own is exciting enough for $12.99 on the shelf, but to have with Mikey’s ribs- yowzaaaa!  I’m telling ya, let a southern boy cook ribs and a wino pick the juice – BAM!  I think we’re ready for a THROWDOWN!!
If interested in the ZESTY SOUTHERN PORK RIBS recipe email me @ leslee@amuseewine.com
The recipes are simple, easy to buy for and a perfect meal for any dinner occasion! 
By the way…both wines are available @ Pairings Wine Market in Minnetonka, MN located on the corner of 169 + Shady Oak Road.  The Michel Picard runs roughly $15 and the Guardian Peak approx $13, both are a steal for a Saturday afternoon wine buying trip!