Really great weather in Houston today! Nice and crisp in the morning and warm and inviting in the afternoon. One of the things that I really like to do on such a great day is to enjoy a great glass of wine and some cheese out on the patio while I watch the dos frisk around. Truth be known, I enjoy wine and cheese inside on miserable days, as well. My tastes have turned to the great Zinfandels out of California. This varietal is rapidly becoming the great classic American, much like the Malbecs in Argentina. The old vines versions are lively and peppery with smooth tannins. They are easy on the tongue and go well with American cheeses, like cheddar and Gouda.
Zin also pairs well with beef. I like it with a nice strip sirloin and some au gratin potatoes. I get the cheese and the beef that way! You should also try this with chocolate, particularly dark chocolate. I love the recipe on the back of the Hershey’s Cocoa box for chocolate cake. Unfrosted, this deeply chocolate cake is a brilliant offset to the spice and heat of a young Zinfandel. Try Grilled Peaches. Just smashing.
If you would like a recipe for grilled peaches, just post here and I’ll include one in the next day or so.
