I was part of a trio of women who decided to do a fundraiser for Susan G. Komen. One of our group, Aleece participated in the Race for the Cure in honor of family and friends who have been stricken with cancer including her sister Shelly who died of ovarian cancer; her sister Debbi who is a breast cancer survivor and her mother, grandmother and a team member who all have been stricken with a form of this dreaded disease. I participated to honor not only them but for my cousin Pat who has been through two bouts with breast cancer, most recently this past year but who is thankfully a survivor. Our mutual friend Madeline was onboard to help us pull off an event of this size. We were all motivated by the cause but also wanted to do something fun for supporters.
We decided to do a food and wine pairing. Aleece follows a vegan diet so we had a combination of dishes which included one vegan dish for each pairing. Some of the recipes listed below and more are on her website at www.be-eat-drink.com.
No one could resist the desserts; truffles, espresso chocolate cake and fresh strawberries with macadamia creme and bittersweet chocolate fondue. We paired the cake and truffles with a Cabernet Sauvignon and the strawberries with a fabulous port; it was interesting to note the difference between those two choices with our dessert selections.
We were lucky to have had great help from so many. Pictured above from the left, Jeff and Matt provided dishes and poured wines, Lauren helped with food, room prep, printing and more ( she’s my beautiful TALL daughter too!) and Ian brought a sense of fun which we hope exemplified all of our attendees!
Stacy brought her sommelier’s experience to assist with pouring and Incredible Wine and Spirits were terrific by providing us with a discount on beverages, a coupon for each participant and we were lucky to have Cardene, one of their sommeliers, here to provide information to our guests on the wines we served. We are grateful to them and everyone who participated by attending and supporting such a worthwhile cause.
Our pairings consisted of:
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Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc – A wine with aromas of guava, watermelon, Meyer lemon and a long, juicy finish. It is bright, crisp and refreshing.
Vietnamese Spring Rolls
Crab Cakes
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Girardet Pinot Gris – It has fresh aromas with grapefruit, citrus fruits and a hint of banana and pear. It greets the palate with fresh, lively medium-bodied flavors of honeydew and a touch of almond on the finish.
34 degrees Crispbread, Brie and Blackberry Serrano Preserves
Cashew Ricotta and Tomato Bruschetta
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Sullivan Vineyards Pink Ink Rose – a blend of Cabernet and Merlot – Opens with pear, strawberry, caramel, butterscotch notes with a hint of Meyer lemon.
Chicken Satay Bites
Seedless Grapes
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Estancia Pinot Noir – Notes of dark berries, black cherry and caramel accent the allspice, rose petals and soft hints of vanilla. Ripe blueberry, black cherry and plum balanced by rich creamy vanilla leading to a smooth lingering finish.
Polenta Cakes with Wild Mushroom Sauce
Smoked Salmon Crostinis
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Joel Gott Cabernet Sauvignon – This wine is balanced, structured with supple tannins, bright acidity and flavors of spicy red fruit and rich black fruit that are intensified by aromas of currants, cedar and black tea.
Espresso Chocolate Cake with White Chocolate Mascarpone Frosting
Chocolate Truffles
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Del Rio Sticky Syrah Port – A unique and sophisticated Syrah Port. Rich with blackberry, dark cherry fruit and a light oak touch.
Fresh Strawberries served with
Bittersweet Chocolate Fondue
Macadamia Creme
We hope everyone who came enjoyed this event…there will be more!
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