Thanksgiving Pairing: Maple Bacon Roasted Turkey and Chardonnay

My favorite bird!  Spoil yourself on Thanksgiving with turkey wrapped in bacon and Gary Farrell Chardonnay. We make this turkey every year and it is the best. Try the recipe on Thanksgiving and you'll be in heaven!  I am blessed an thankful to have such wonderful friends and family. Cheers!

Thanksgiving Recipe: Corn Pudding with New Age White Wine

Nothing says Thanksgiving like corn pudding.  I put my recipe to the test for my friends and they loved it.  This is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Perfect Pair: Maple-Roasted Turkey with Beer and Wine

Pete and I basting the turkey.

Spoil yourself on Thanksgiving with an organic turkey from Ayrshire Farm and pairings from Francis Ford Coppola Winery, 3 Stars Brewing Company and Ommegang.  I tested out the menu recently and this turkey is the best I've ever had.  Try the recipe on Thanksgiving and you'll be in heaven!  (This recipe is best made with friends when there is no Coronavirus while sipping beer and wine.)  I am blessed an thankful to have such wonderful friends and family.  Cheers!

Perfect Pair for Thanksgiving: Mustard Roasted Carrots

I am going to miss hosting Friendsgiving this year.  This Coronavirus makes me sad.

Looking for a Thanksgiving side?  These Mustard Roasted Carrots will do the trick.  This healthy dish is packed with flavor and pairs well with the local options selected below.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Perfect Pair: Salt Crusted Branzino with Terrapura Sauvignon Blanc Reserva

The freshness of the fish is the most important element. If Branzino isn't available and at its height of freshness, substitute black bass or red snapper. 

Perfect Pair: Autumn Salad with Casa Rossa Rosso

The Dish:  Autumn Salad

Perfect Pair: Chicken Tetrazzini

Chicken Tetrazzini is perfect this time of year and is featured in the Capital Cooking Cookbook! This recipe makes me nostalgic. I used to eat this all of the time growing up and it was one of my favorites.

Perfect Pair: Sweet Corn and Jalapeno Risotto

Today, I'm craving risotto.  My end of summer risotto pairs perfectly with two white wines. Check out my recommendations below.

Perfect Pair: Black Cod with Garbanzo Bean Puree and Two Angels Sauvignon Blanc

Many years ago, we filmed one of our first episodes of Capital Cooking at 1789 in Georgetown.  Dan Giusti and I hit it off and had a blast whipping up some of his fancy dishes.  Here's one of our masterpieces from the episode.  It pairs nicely with Two Angels Sauvignon Blanc.

Valentine's Recipe: Lamb Au Poivre with Two Angels Petite Sirah

February is Lamb Lovers month. To celebrate, make this lamb recipe for Valentine's Day. Lamb Au Poivre is typically made with steak and is a classic French peppery dish. I added my Lauren Lambassador twist by switching out the beef for lamb.

Perfect Pair: Cantaloupe Salad with Calimyrna Figs with Ironstone Obsession Symphony White Wine

At our Lamb and Fig Feast, I made a variety of dishes including a Cantaloupe Salad with Calimyrna Figs. Calimyrna figs have a pale yellow skin with a buttery and nutty flavor similar to a Chardonnay. Symphony is a hybrid grape of Muscat of Alexandria and Grenache Gris.

Perfect Pair: Garlic Chicken

The Wine: Luca Bosio Barbera d’Asti 2016 D.O.C.G

This is a light red that pairs well with chicken.  This Barbera shows ample red fruit on the nose. It has silky tannins that give it a smooth mouthfeel. This freshness and approachability makes it a great wine for everyday drinking.   The company has 60 acres of vineyards and sources additional grapes from vineyards in Piedmont.

Perfect Pair: Asparagus Risotto

Asparagus is in season.  Celebrate with this asparagus risotto that will melt in your mouth.  Taste it for yourself!

Perfect Pair: Potato Gratin

Photo by Janelle Rigler

Love these potatoes! This recipe was featured in the Capital Cooking Cookbook.  These are lovely on Easter.

Uncorked: Wine for Valentine's Day

Celebrate your love with 7 Moons, a new red wine made for the moonlight. Wine and romance go hand in hand, and just in time for the holiday, 7 Moons has released a new 2016 vintage.

Perfect Pair: American Grilled Rack of Lamb

Spring is here!  Have you seen the cherry blossoms?  It is a magical time of year in DC.  I love to celebrate with a spring menu and pairing options.  In case you missed it, click here.

Perfect Pair: Deviled Eggs

Spring is in the air and Deviled Eggs are the perfect treat. Bring these to a spring party or just make them at home to enjoy. These Deviled Eggs are also featured in the Capital Cooking Cookbook.

Perfect Pair: Toast Skagen

Tuesdays are all about pairing food and wine. Here's some summer suggestions to get you going. Summer is coming to a close, but the weather is still hot.  This recipe is from one of my filming trips to Sweden.  You can find this dish on many restaurant menus around the country.  Check out my recommendations below.

Perfect Pair: Meatloaf and Wine

Tuesdays are all about pairing food and drinks.  This week, wine expert, Jackie Gefman from Host a Toast, helped us select the perfect pairings for our meatloaf.