02 Feb Birthday Celebration Dinner
It’s once again time to celebrate our birthday, and that includes a bit of bubbly not only in our glasses, but also in the veggies and dessert. (Look, if there isn’t Champagne involved, it just isn’t a party.) Happy 5th birthday to us!
Remember: Tiny bubbles. They make everything taste better.
FIRST COURSE
Apple Turnip Soup with Nutmeg Cheddar Breadsticks
Suggested pairing: Chardonnay
(see Lenn Thompson’s pairing notes below for further details)
MAIN COURSE
Gorgonzola Stuffed Steak with Prosciutto
Suggested pairing: Barolo
Champagne Glazed Cauliflower
Suggested pairing (optional — see notes): Champagne
DESSERT
Flan de Champagne
Suggested pairing: Champagne
PAIRING NOTES FROM LENN THOMPSON
Lenn Thompson from Lenndevours.com (our official Wine Pairing Dude) has provided us with a rather inviting list of pairings for this month’s menu, so we invite you to indulge in these combinations as you celebrate whatever occasion warrants it (that means anytime, for any reason, people).
Apple Turnip Soup with Nutmeg Cheddar Breadsticks
Varietal: Chardonnay
Reasoning: Chardonnay is the obvious and overwhelming choice here. Steer clear of California and look to White Burgundy — the pear, apple and baking spice notes will pair extremely well with the flavors of this soup. Balanced creaminess and acidity will both complement and enhance the soup at the same time.
Gorgonzola Stuffed Steak with Prosciutto
Varietal: Barolo
Reasoning: We’re celebrating here, so spend as much as you on a top-flight Barolo, which is one of the boldest, richest wines of Italy. It’s a time-tested pairing with Gorgonzola cheese and is bold enough to stand up to any steak.
Champagne Glazed Cauliflower
Varietal: Champagne
Reasoning: Sometimes pairing wine with food is too easy. Drink the same Champagne or sparkling that you used in the dish. That’s wine pairing at its simplest. (Note: We’ve included a wine pairing for this dish as you may wish to serve it with something other than the steak.) For more information on bubbly, see our test kitchen’s Champagne dossier.
Champagne Flan
Varietal: Champagne
Reasoning: Because there is no better way to celebrate, open a bottle of bubbly to serve with this rich custardy dessert. The acidity and bubbles will keep your palate cleansed as you toast your birthday or any other celebration. Be sure to choose a drier Champagne and not dessert (“doux”) Champagne here, as it would lend too much sweetness and weight to properly balance the flan. For more information on bubbly, see our test kitchen’s Champagne dossier.