TheState.com: Food and Drink

The right wine, beer pair well with a melting pot cookout

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 13:41 EDT

Whether you're a beer person or a wine person - or both (they do exist) - here are some pairings for a fun summer cookout that will have something for everyone.

Let's start off with an appetizer of your favorite guacamole (everyone seems to have one), two Argentinian recipes by "Top Chef" Season 3 finalist chef Casey Thompson, and a cookout classic for dessert - s'mores (frankly, a must if the grill is already hot).

To pair with Thompson's recipes for the entrees, beef filet skewers and empanadas, she recommends two Argentinian wines (naturally) from the Terrazas winery - Terrazas de los Andes Reserva Malbec ($18.99), boasting notes of violets and black cherries, and the Terrazas de los Andes Reserva cabernet sauvignon ($18.99), which is densely layered. Both wines also should pair well with grilled meats, chicken and fish. Both wines are available nationwide. (Try using www.wine-searcher.com for a store locator.)

While looking for some beer that would work with our worldly feast, we came upon a tool on the Samuel Adams website, Pair with Sam (http://bit.ly/10xkApO). The pairing tool is useful, to a point. In this case it didn't have "Argentinian" as a cuisine we could match beers with (or even anything similar), but you also can pair by the course, the styles of cooking, meat (or lack of meat) and more.

In this instance, Ol' Sam suggested we enjoy his Black Lager with our guac, beef skewers and s'mores. The Black Lager is a dark, roasty beer that's not as bitter or as heavy as a stout. Their Double Bock, which has a caramel sweetness and smooth body with a hint of citrus, also would work with - at the least - our appetizer and the dessert.

Taking a progressive approach to dinner

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 11:41 EDT

Part of Newton's first law of motion states that an object in motion stays in motion. Although perhaps not intended for entertaining purposes, Newton's first law fits nicely into a progressive-dinner context. Instead of a one-home dining experience, the momentum of progressive dinners relies upon several hosts, each providing a course out of individual homes. As warmer weather approaches, there isn't a better time for putting a progressive dinner into motion. Here's the formula to get dinner courses flowing and keep the party going.

PREPARATION BEFORE PROGRESSION

Progressive dinners generally include four courses: drinks and appetizers, soup and salad, main course and dessert, each lasting anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes. Since the basis of a progressive dinner centers on traveling from house to house for individual courses, hosts should allow ample time to prepare. "Six weeks is the recommended amount of time to plan a progressive dinner," says style and entertainment expert Hilary Kennedy ( HilaryKennedy.com ).

When determining the hosts of a progressive dinner, make sure to account for distance between homes. "For the sake of time and gasoline, under 25 miles between each home is ideal," Kennedy says. "The greater the distance between homes, the more time you should allot to the party schedule."

Once a hosting group has been established Kennedy suggests beginning the planning process by designating a dinner date and time. Following, each host can then select a course and the group can draft a collaborative guest list and method of inviting guests. "I recommend sending invites with RSVP requests that state the number of adults who will be attending," Kennedy says. "Even if it's a casual affair, a simple e-vite will do."

BBQ My Way: Great vacations require great food

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 11:41 EDT

I enjoy traveling. As I pen this month's BBQ My Way installment, I am sitting in a condo in Panama City, Fla. We're here for my daughter's spring break. She's our youngest and is a senior in high school. As with our other kids, we felt it was a good idea to be around when they headed south for spring break. You know, just to be there. Watch one episode of any MTV show during spring break and you will understand why we do this.

Oh, and just in case someone reading this column thinks we are now a perfect target for a home burglary, don't waste the time plotting. By the time this hits the press, we will be home.

Anyway, for Liz and me, one huge component for any vacation is the food. If you were to look at our bucket list of places we would like to visit before we kick the proverbial bucket, it tends to be centered on food. And in Panama City, it's all about the seafood.

One thing I need to come clean on. We have always preferred Destin, Fla. We vacationed in Destin 13 straight years. You could almost consider us "Destin Snobs," always looking down on Panama City and Panama City Beach as the "party towns." Granted, there is a good deal of partying in Panama City during spring break, but we have found the beaches to be beautiful, and more importantly, the restaurants in Panama City blow Destin restaurants away. The fresh seafood shops also have more variety and better competition. In Destin it's either Sextons Seafood or Destin Seafood. There are so many more to choose from in Panama City. The traffic isn't as bad, and Panama City is easier to get to when driving. Here's the bottom line: We are already talking about a return trip to Panama City.

When not eating out this week, we have thoroughly enjoyed preparing seafood in the condo. We have cooked fresh shrimp, red snapper, crawfish and trigger fish. We have sampled smoked tuna dip, crab cakes, gumbo and deep fried frog legs while eating out. I have also made a decision to start sampling and learning about the different variety of beers. I came across a cool iPhone app called "Brew Gene." Ratings on 40,000 beers. Thank goodness we have access to a gym.

Not your mother's brunch: New twists on classic Mother's Day brunch ideas

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 11:36 EDT

On the day devoted to mothers, a homemade brunch is a special way to show the mom in your life how much she means to you. While the thought and love will make the gesture unforgettable, you want the food to be as well! Whether you plan to host an elegant sit-down affair or a more leisurely buffet-style gathering, you can add unique touches to traditional dishes and create a meal that is specially crafted with your mom in mind.

- Eat, drink and be "mary": Bloody marys are a brunch staple, so why not create a fully stocked bloody mary bar? Guests can create their own variations on the classic drink based on their specific tastes. Make sure to have all of mom's favorite garnishes on hand, such as lemons, limes, bacon, pickles and olives and an array of spices to give the drink some zest, such as smoked paprika or a smoked salt. If bloody marys aren't your mom's thing, add mimosas or screwdrivers to the menu, complete with freshly squeezed orange juice and fruit garnishes, such as orange slices, strawberries or raspberries.

- Put all your eggs in one basket: There's a reason eggs are a go-to breakfast food. Not only are they easy to prepare, but there are also a variety of egg-based dishes you can create for a hearty and tasty brunch. To change up the kind of dish you're creating, simply adjust the ingredients, such as meats, veggies, cheeses and spices. Depending on mom's preference, you can create a simple omelet with her favorite add-ins, or show off your culinary skills with a quiche, strata or frittata.

- Have a crepe day: If your mom's preferred brunch option is a stack of flapjacks, she'll also love crepes. This French favorite is made from batter to create what many think of as a very thin pancake. The best part is that they can be made either sweet or savory. For a sweet crepe, add vanilla extract to the batter and fill it with mom's favorite fruit, whipped cream, chocolate and/or sprinkle with powdered sugar. If you want to create a savory crepe, use fillings such as meats, eggs, cheeses and vegetables.

- Finishing touches: Small details do matter, and the little additions to your brunch will show mom how much effort you put into creating a special meal just for her. You can do this by creating your own homemade versions of certain items instead of purchasing them at the grocery store. If your mom loves to add a little flavor to her coffee, create a homemade syrup with sugar, water and almond or vanilla extract. If you're planning to create a parfait with breakfast, make a special blend of granola using her favorite flavors such as cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, cardamom or ginger. Or try your hand at creating your own vinaigrette by mixing white balsamic vinegar and olive oil with spices such as pepper, sea salt, smoked paprika, mustard and Italian herb seasoning. You can drizzle it over a light side salad and pair with a quiche or frittata for a delicious meal.

Food fit for a fiesta

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 11:17 EDT

May 5 is not just another day. Perhaps its more oft-referenced name, "Cinco de Mayo," sounds familiar. Widely celebrated in the United States and in some regions of Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is dedicated to commemorating Mexican culture and heritage. More specifically, it celebrates the Mexican army's unlikely victory over France in the 1862 Battle of Puebla during the early years of the Franco-Mexican War.

While last year marked the 150th Cinco de Mayo celebration, 2013 brings as much festivity as ever. In the midst of all the celebration, make time to try out some authentic Mexican cuisine with these ambrosial recipes from the Detroit Free Press.

- Karen Mawdsley, McClatchy-Tribune

STEAK RAJAS FAJITAS

Serves: 6 / Preparation time: 25 minutes (plus 1 hour marinating time) / Total time: 45 minutes