Recipes – Matchbook Wines

Category: Recipes

 

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February 12th, 2022

Wine Club Recipe: Delectable Chocolate Truffles

by: Aileen Niizawa Morris

Our January Wine Club was a hit from shipping all over the nation to our always fun and relaxing pick-up parties on our patio. We shared a simply sweet and delicious recipe, Delectable Chocolate Truffles, to pair with one of the Wine Club selections, the new 2020 vintage of  Pillars of Hercules Red Blend. Our tasting room crew had the tough job of trying different toppings and finding their favorites paired with this bold and juicy red blend.

Try this 4 ingredient recipe with delicious results with your Valentine!

  • (8 ounce) package cream cheese softened.
  • 3 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
  • 3 cups semisweet chocolate chips, melted
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

Instructions:

  • Start by melting your semi-sweet chocolate chips so they are ready to go. We recommend using a double boiler method to melt, stirring frequently and using the “seeding” method to melt half a bag, then slowly cool while stirring in more chips. If using a microwave to melt – we recommend using medium heat and stirring and adding more chips every 15-30 seconds.
  • In a separate large bowl, beat your softened cream cheese until smooth.
  • Gradually beat in the confectioners’ sugar until well blended.
  • Next stir in your melted chocolate and the 1 ½ teaspoons of vanilla, and mix until no streaks remain.
  • Transfer to the refrigerator and let stand until mixture is firm.
  • Shape into 1 inch balls – we highly recommend using a spring action 1-2 tablespoon cookie dough/melon scooper to keep the truffles looking nice and round.
  • Add your toppings!

    Here are some topping suggestions from our team: 

    • Drizzled” – grab your favorite dark, white or even colored chocolate and drizzle on top!
    • “Sweet & Spicy” – add a cinnamon red hot to the top after rolling.
    • “Salted Caramel” – spread a bit of thick caramel sauce on top and a sprinkle of coarse sea salt! We used Pure Honey’s Caramel &  sprinkled with Himalayan pink salt!
    • “Sweet and Salty” – crush up a potato chip, pretzel or use bacon bits!
    • “Love you a Latte” – add an espresso bean on top or roll in ground coffee.

Makes: Approximately 60 truffles
Total prep/cook time: 60 minutes
Refrigerated Cooling Time: 60 minutesWe want to see your truffles! Take a picture of yours and tag us on Facebook or Instagram! #matchbookwines.

Not a wine club member? Click here for more information about how to join the Matchbook Wine Club!


April 6th, 2021

Wine Club Recipe: Capay Grazing’s Mezze Board

by: Senica Gonzalez

To celebrate the inaugural release of our new Pillars of Hercules Red Blend, we found inspiration in Greek-style entertaining for our new perfect pairing.
Local food artist Kate Montgomery, owner of Capay Valley Grazing Co., stepped in to help us create the perfect list, tips and tricks for making the ultimate Greek Mezze Board.

What is a Mezze Board, you ask? Translated literally, the word mezze (meh-ZEH) means a taste or a bite. It is used to describe small plates of savory snacks that are served as a complement to drinks. What could be more perfect to pair with a wine named for the power and strength of a Greek God?

Feeds: Approximately 10 people                Total prep/cook time: 30 minutes

Suggested Accoutrement:

    • 12 oz. container fresh hummus
    • 12 oz. container fresh tzatziki
    • 12 oz. container tabbouleh
    • 1cup of mixed Greek olives
    • 12 oz. container fresh marinated mozzarella balls
    • 8 oz. herbed feta cheese, cubed
    • 1 jar roasted red peppers
    • 14 oz. jar of marinated artichoke hearts
    • 2 large cucumbers, sliced
    • 6 small radishes, halved
    • 1 lemon, sliced and halved
    • 8-10Dolmas (stuffed grape leaves)
    • 1 container cherry tomatoes
    • 6 oz. assorted nuts
    • Assorted meats (such as salami and prosciutto)
    • Matchbook Extra Virgin Olive Oil, for drizzling
    • 1 package soft pita bread, brushed lightly with olive oil and toasted

 

Building your Mezze Board: Pro-Tips

  • Factor in your guest count. Depending on the number of guests, choose a platter or cutting board that is large enough to hold all of your dishes and sides. Square, round, or oval, white, patterned or colored – the dish you choose will be your vehicle as guests snack and nibble directly from the plate.
  • Taking center stage. Start by placing your hummus, tzatziki and olives in small bowls or ramakins. Place these randomly on your platter.
  • A little flare. Garnish hummus with a drizzle of Matchbook Olive Oil and cut cucumbers lengthwise for optimum dipping.
  • Color is king! Now it’s up to you to have fun with this recipe! Envision what you want your board to look like. Get creative, use complimenting colors like reds and greens or purples and yellows – breaking up the white and tan items with color. Keep layers and textures in mind as you arrange the board. You be the artist; the sky is the limit.
  • Finishing touches. When all sides are on the plate, fill in with warm fresh pita bread just before serving. Pop a bottle of Pillars of Hercules Red Blend and enjoy with friends!

 About our Guest Food Artist: Kate Montgomery

Kate Montgomery was born and raised in Wyoming and now calls the beautiful Capay Valley home. She established Capay Valley Grazing Co. in 2020 and now serves the greater Yolo County area with unique boards and boxes.

Each board and box includes a variety of fresh and local accoutrements such as cured meats, cheeses, olives, fresh fruit, dried fruit, seasonal veggies, nuts, jams, honey, artisan crackers and a sweet treat.  Availability of certain items will vary by season.

All boards are curated on eco-friendly boxes or 100% biodegradable disposable trays. Capay Valley Grazing Co. also offers elegant wood boards and beautiful round cheese boxes to help elevate your presentation.

If you’re a local, you can order through Instagram @capayvalleygrazing.co  or on the phone by calling 406-850-4107.

For those of you who wish to enjoy one of Kate’s boxes on the Matchbook patio, she offers always free delivery to Matchbook Winery!

Not a wine club member? Click here for more information about how to join the Matchbook Wine Club!


January 8th, 2021

Wine Club Recipe: Kuji’s Salmon Croquettes

by: Senica Gonzalez

To celebrate the new vintage of our 2020 Tinto Rey Rosé, we teamed up with locally-loved Kuji Asian Grill from our neighboring town – Woodland, California. This delicious Wine Club recipe is perfect to pair with a bottle of Rosé on a cold winter’s night!

We are so grateful to Kuji’s talented chefs, Kai and Suji Jung, for taking time to share this recipe with us. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Makes: Approximately 8 servings                Total prep/cook time: 90 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced small
  • 1 medium carrot, diced small
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced small
  • ½  bunch of green onion, diced small
  • 12 oz. fresh salmon, diced large
  • 1 cup butter
  • Canola oil for deep frying (amount varies, based on pan size)

Breading:

  • 4 eggs 
  • 2 cups flour
  • 2, 8 oz. boxes of Panko crumbs

Instructions:

  1. Place potatoes in a small pot and cover with water. Bring potatoes to a simmer and cook for 20 – 30 minutes until tender, drain in colander and let dry.
  2. Sauté the zucchini, carrots, and yellow onion on medium-high heat with 2 tablespoons of butter until tender. (About 3 minutes)
  3. Melt the remaining butter slowly over medium-low heat in a small saucepan. Once butter is melted, add the salmon and poach until fully cooked, about 10 minutes. Remove the salmon and reserve excess butter.
  4. In a large bowl, smash the potatoes, and add in the cooked vegetables, green onions, salmon and reserved butter. Mix thoroughly and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let cool to room temperature.
  5. Once cooled, form mixture into croquette patties and place on a tray lined 
  6. with parchment paper. Place tray in refrigerator and let set.
  7. Place the flour, eggs, and panko into separate bowls. Whisk the eggs with 2 ounces of water. Cover croquettes in flour, then egg, and then panko.
  8. Heat enough oil to completely submerge croquettes to 325 degrees. Gently place croquettes in oil, and fry for about 5 minutes or until golden brown.
  9. Drizzle croquettes with lemon aioli and enjoy with a glass of Tinto Rey Rosé!

 About the Guest Chefs: Kai & Suji Jung

Chefs Kai and Suji Jung have been bringing classic dishes from Hawaii and Korea to Woodland since early 2019. Kuji Asian Grill offers outstanding food lovingly prepared in an open kitchen – where you can hear your marinated short ribs hit the fire, listen to your rice crisp in the hot stone-pot bibimbap, and “talk story” with the chefs.

Kai grew up in Davis, California, where he realized his true passion: eating. This led him to attend the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. He then moved to the Big Island of Hawaii, started working for the Hilton Waikoloa Village, and met his wife Suji who is also the co-owner and chef of Kuji Asian Grill.

Suji is a native from the bustling port city of Busan, South Korea. Raised in a restaurant family, she spent much of her youth in the kitchen learning to cook from her mother. She attended Kyungnam College in Busan where she obtained her Certificate of Professional Korean Cooking along with her degree in Culinary Arts.

In 2019, they started Kuji together, realizing their dreams of sharing their interpretations of classic dishes from both Hawaii and Korea. Kuji is located in Gibson Plaza next to Pioneer High School and Woodland Community College and offers a casual eating space with delicious food.

Not a wine club member? Click here for more information about how to join the Matchbook Wine Club!


October 29th, 2020

Wine Club Recipe: Anna’s Holiday Chocolate Bars with Raspberry Drizzle

by: Senica Gonzalez

Since I have always enjoyed baking for my family and friends during the holidays, I decided to test my skills and come up with my own creation for this quarter’s Wine Club recipe. One of my favorite pairings is dark chocolate and red wine, and I hope you enjoy this quarter’s recipe for “Anna’s Holiday Chocolate Bars” as much as I do! (For best results, pair it with a glass of The Arsonist Red Blend).

Speaking of perfect holiday pairings – I think most of us would agree that 2020 has been a tough year, making wine one of the best gifts you can give this holiday season! So take advantage of your 15% Wine Club discount and give the gift of Matchbook Wine. Some of my favorite gift-worthy wines are the rich and creamy 2018 The Arsonist Chardonnay, or the toasty and smooth 2017 Mossback Chalk Hill Merlot. Order your wine online or visit our tasting room now to get a head start on your holiday shopping! Let’s spread holiday cheer one bottle at a time!

Makes: (16) 2-inch bars                           Total prep/cook time: 45 minutes

Bar Ingredients:

  • 1 stick (½ cup) of unsalted butter
  • 1 cup of dark chocolate chips
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon of salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons of baking soda
  • ½ cup of baking cocoa
  • 3 eggs and 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ pounds of fresh raspberries
  • ¼ cup white sugar
  • 2 teaspoons of lemon juice

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. (I prefer convection bake).
  2. In a medium-sized saucepan over low heat, melt the butter with the chocolate, stirring occasionally until smooth. Remove from heat and allow to cool until luke-warm (5-10 minutes).
  3. Combine the raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
  4. Once the raspberries have broken down (3-5 minutes), remove from heat and press the sauce through a fine strainer to remove the seeds.
  5. Cool the sauce to room temperature and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes before serving.
  6. In a small bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and baking cocoa. Set aside.
  7. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and creamy (about 2-3 minutes), add the vanilla and beat well.
  8. Add the chocolate mixture and beat until combined, add the dry ingredients and mix well (desired texture is a peanut-butter-like consistency).
  9. Spread the batter evenly in a greased 8×8 pan and bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the pan comes out with moist crumbs attached.
  10. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting and serving with the raspberry drizzle.
  11. Enjoy with a glass of The Arsonist Red Blend!

Not a wine club member? Click here for more information about how to join the Matchbook Wine Club!


September 11th, 2020

Wine Club Recipe: Coffee Rubbed Lamb Chops with a Cherry Red Wine Reduction Sauce

by: Senica Gonzalez

This September we reached out to our favorite local chefs for our Wine Club recipe. Chefs Jenny MacDonald and Albert Bach of Don Chuy’s Tacos and La Tabla have created a delicious recipe that  pairs perfectly with our new vintage of our 2019 Mossback Russian River Pinot Noir, featured in this month’s club trio. We are so grateful to the talented chefs for taking time to create this recipe for us. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do!

Feeds: 2-3 people   |   Prep/cook time: 45 minutes

Lamb:

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs. lamb shoulder chops
  • Kosher salt and black pepper
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup instant coffee crystals
  • 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp. each of fresh Italian parsley, mint, oregano, minced
  • 3 tbsp. Matchbook Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Instructions:

  1. Put lamb on a plate, season well with salt and pepper. Let rest and come to room temp. Combine brown sugar, coffee, garlic, herbs and olive oil in a bowl. Rub mixture generously over the lamb.
  2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Prepare and measure out all ingredients for the sauce before you start to cook the lamb.
  3. Heat a cast iron (or heavy-bottomed skillet) on med high heat with a splash of Canola or Vegetable oil. Sear the lamb on both sides (2-3 min per side).
  4. Remove from pan, set on a baking sheet, and place in the oven. Cook time will vary depending on size of chops, check after 5 minutes. Use a thermometer to check the meat -120 degrees for med-rare, or 130 degrees for medium. Let rest.

Sauce:

Ingredients:

  • Canola oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 small or 1/2 large shallot, minced
  • 1 cup Mossback Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
  • 1 cup fresh (or jarred) pitted cherries
  • 1 cup beef stock, homemade if possible
  • Pinch or two of flour (optional)
  • 1 tbsp. butter
  • Kosher salt & black pepper

Instructions:

  1. With the pan still over medium-high heat, add another splash of canola oil (if needed), add garlic and shallot, stirring consistently.
  2. Add Mossback Russian River Pinot Noir and cherries. Let reduce – smashing the cherries slightly while scraping the bottom of the pan to release the flavors, stir until the wine has almost completely evaporated. Add beef stock and let reduce/thicken. You may choose to add a pinch or two of flour while constantly stirring, to aid in thickening.
  3. When the sauce is at your desired consistency, finish by adding the butter and stirring to incorporate. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  4. Pour sauce over cooked lamb and enjoy with roasted potatoes and vegetables for a full meal!

About the Chefs:

Chefs Bert Bach and Jenny MacDonald, owners of Don Chuy’s Tacos, have become a staple in Yolo County and beyond, serving their authentic Mexican cuisine at a variety of events. Chef Jenny is professionally trained and passionate about high quality, local, seasonal ingredients, and loves to prepare them in a rustic, but elegant style. Bert was originally inspired by his abuelo (grandfather) who was a taquero (taco maker) in Guadalajara for decades before coming to the US and teaching his sons and grandsons his trade.

Jenny and Bert are also passionate about a wide range of food beyond Mexican cuisine. La Tabla is their high-end catering brand, providing various types of cuisines for any occasion – whether it be an upscale multi-course dinner party, an at-home cooking class, a fun cocktail  party, or a sophisticated buffet. La Tabla comes from a Spanish word referring to a chopping board, or cutting board, traditionally cut from tree trunks. This name was inspired by bringing people together over wonderful food, AND WINE!

For more details on Don Chuy’s Tacos, check out their website here. For more information on La Tabla, visit their website here!

 

Want more information about how to join the Matchbook Wine Club? Click here!