My Wine and Food Pairing Adventure Begins…

I have entered the land of pairing wines with food with my friend and co-host Kristen Cook! Kristen and I met at a birthday party for a mutual friend of ours this past November. We instantly became friends and so our story begins…

After learning of my passion for cooking and entertaining, Kristen, a wine ambassador for Boisset Wines, approached me with the idea of pairing up together to share our passions with the world. This is how Pouring and Pairing Pour Vous began! We decided on a Facebook Live video with her sharing her love for wines while I cooked up some delicious “classy” dishes that pair well with the wines. We set a date for our first event and put ourselves out there. It was a fun and hilarious event. We made so many mistakes, the biggest one being recording the event sideways (yes the entire live event was sideways lol). We and our guests had so much fun that we decided to make it a monthly event. You can follow us on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/pouringandpairingpourvous

Jalapeño Cilantro Hummus – Takes only seconds to make this healthy, nutritious treat!

Was there life before hummus?

I don’t know about you, but I barely remember life before hummus.  I’m not even sure when this delicious, nutritious food came on the scene but I’m glad it did.  It is so popular it shows up on restaurant offerings as well as almost every potluck and party.  It comes in a variety of flavors and is very versatile.  In addition to being served as a dip with pita chips or veggies, it can be used as a spread on wraps and sandwiches too!

So what exactly is thing called “Hummus”?  It is made from garbanzo beans.  Yep, garbanzo beans blended with some seasonings.  That’s it.  It is that simple.  So why would anyone want to make their own hummus when you can just buy it already made in almost any grocery store?  That is a great question and my answer is…because it is so easy and you can whip it up on a moments notice using ingredients you have on hand (providing, of course, you have them on hand).  Another reason is that you can control what you put in it and adjust the seasonings to your preference.  And…not to mention…it is fun and impressive to say you made it yourself.  Right?  Sometimes it is just fun to say you made something yourself.

I hope you will give this recipe a try.  The recipe is more of a guideline than anything.  Feel free to add more jalapeños if you like it hotter.  You may want to add some lemon or lime juice and a sprinkle of oregano would taste great too.  Have fun with it and make it your own.  Oh, and please let me know how it works out for you.  I love to hear from you!

Stuffed Baked Artichokes – Omg…this is heaven

 

This is heaven…

I loooove all things artichokes!  I use artichoke hearts in salads and dips and pasta dishes. There is just mysterious and wonderful about this thing called an artichoke.  They are a bit like life…hard to read from the outside and yet once you’ve unsolved their mystery they are yours to do with as you wish.  You just have to get to know them at a deeper level than meets the eye.  Okay…perhaps I’m getting a little carried away and dramatic…all to drive the point of my passion for these wild creatures.

In truth, (more…)

Suzi’s – make it in seconds…tastes like you slaved all day…Secret Salsa Hack!

I’m not kidding when I say this is the easiest and best salsa ever!  It’s almost embarrassing to share the recipe but share I must.  I just can’t keep things like this to myself. AND I want you to get all the credit when you serve it!  It’s your recipe now…

You can serve this salsa immediately or make ahead a few hours or even the day before to allow flavors to blend. Store covered, in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Cranberry Bleu Pecan Cheese Ball – faux pas and all!

 

 

Soooooo Easy…only 4 ingredients and it is awesome!

One night this flavor combination just popped in my head so I quickly wrote it down…a few weeks later I had the opportunity to try it out and serve it at a luncheon.  It was a hit!  I originally served it as a spread with crackers and also with celery sticks for a gluten-free option.  I’ve made it several times since and it is always well received.  I hope you’ll give try it out and taste for yourself.  Enjoy!

Quick and easy cheese ball or spread! Only 4 ingredients!

 

How to make “Apple Dumplings” an Easy and Classy Dessert!

Don’t be fooled…these Apple Dumplings look difficult….. but they are soooooo easy!  Just watch and see….

Apple Dumplings close up

*Raspberry Sauce In a small saucepan, mix 1 12 oz. package frozen raspberries (unsweetened) and 2/3 cup sugar. Cook over medium heat until boiling...mix 1/3 cup water and 1 Tablespoon corn starch together, stir into boiling raspberries and sugar, stir until thickened. Remove from heat. Allow to cool slightly. Mixture will continue to thicken as it cools.

 

I hope you will push out of your comfort zone and make these “Classy” Apple Dumplings!  Remember, if you can dream it… You can do it….and I just showed you how!  You can do this!  Confidence comes with practice!  You’ve heard the saying….If at first you don’t succeed….try, try, again!

Helping people gain confidence in the kitchen is my dream!  I’ve put off doing this because I was scared 🙁  I may look confident but to be honest….putting myself out there like this is SCARY!  I’m taking my own advice and just doing it!

My greatest desire is that you find your passion and “just do it”

Yours in living your passion,

Suzi

 

Caprese Skewers…Easiest and Classiest Appetizer Ever!

These are so easy and you can make them a day or two in advance.  If you do, be sure to add the balsamic vinaigrette just before serving.  

Another cost saving tip is to cut the mozzarella balls in half…..it is the perfect bite and you yield 50 appetizers instead of 25!  

As always….I hope you will give this easy appetizer a try!

Yours in easy and classy,

Suzi