Category Archives: Food

Best Wines to Pair with Turkey this Holiday Season

18 Monday Nov 2019

Posted by in Food, Thanksgiving, Wine

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Thanksgiving is right around the corner! Time for yummy food, family, friends, and fun. This holiday season we thought we’d help you out with a list of our favorite wines to pair with the delicious Turkey you’re cooking up this year.

Red Wine and Turkey Pairings

Let’s start of with a list for our red wine lovers.

  1. Olema Pinot Noir Sonoma County, 2017
    This delicious red wine filled with notes of vanilla and spice will complement the Turkey any which way you cook it! From the makers of our 2018 #1 Wine of the Year, this bottle is a must have wine this holiday season.
  2. Iter Pinot Noir California
    This red wine will have people begging for another glass. It is a solid, oak aged California Pinot with plenty of fruit that is a necessity to have on the dinner table this holiday season.
  3. Kudos Pinot Noir Willamette, 2017
    This Pinot Noir has plenty of red plum and cherry notes to pair with any and everything at your table this holiday season. You and your loved ones must give Oregon Pinot Noir a try this holiday!

White Wine and Food Pairings

Don’t worry lovers of white wine, we didn’t forget about you!

  1. Grey Rock Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough
    For the white wine drinkers who need to wet their palate before the main dish arrives, make sure your glass is full of Sauvy B. This bottle, a light and acidic Sauvignon Blanc, will not only pair fantastically with your big Thanksgiving dinner, but it will keep you from feeling weighed down before you get to the main course.
  2. Luquet St Veran Vers les Monts
    You must save a spot at the dinner table for this unoaked, fruity Chardonnay this year. Before, during, or after dinner – it’s good at any point with soft cheeses or to help enhance any fruity flavors on the table!
  3. Neethlingshof Chenin Blanc
    Our final white wine we recommend at your table this year, this South African white is full of peach and apricot and hints it will add a refreshing twist to your turkey, especially if you have other glazed dishes on the table (like ham).

Looking for even MORE wine pairing insporation for the holidays? Head over to our holiday entertaining page to make sure you’re prepared for the best holiday season yet!

Tailgating with Total Wine… Game plan for the Total Tailgate!

12 Thursday Sep 2019

Posted by in Beer, Cocktails, Food, Tailgating, Uncategorized

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Football season is finally HERE! We have all the spirits to boost your team spirit. Game plan: draft us in your tailgate supply starting lineup, and read on for the ultimate side dish recipe

MVPs – Most Valuable Products

There’s no better pairing than that of football and beer. Make sure you pack your coolers and fill them with your favorite classic drafts to get you through game day.

Whether you’re tailgating with friends at the stadium, or from the comfort of your own home, if your crowd is large enough – you might want to grab a keg! Take a look at our Guide to Kegs to learn everything you’ll need to grab the right keg of beer for football season.

Meet the New Tailgating Choice in 2019: Hard Seltzers

Hard seltzers weren’t just all the rage for summer. We’re predicting they’re going to be popular all year long – and that includes tailgating season! But many people are still asking “Why are they becoming so popular?”

Well, most hard seltzer options are actually a healthy alternative to other beverages! Many products in this category actually have lower calories and carbs than other drink options. And have you been scared by the news saying there were shortages on your favorite hard seltzer brand? Don’t worry! Our teams are constantly restocking your favorite flavors of White Claws at Total Wine & More!

A New Spin on the Classic Football Recipe: The Bloody Maria

Get up: It’s Game day! Most people would say a Bloody Mary is the perfect tailgating choice. Well, we have a second option to consider. A tangy and refreshing Bloody Maria is sure to awaken your senses. Watch this quick clip and learn how to mix it!

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Spread Bloody Mary Rimmer on a small plate.
  2. Wet rim of glass with a lime wedge or water, then dip rim of mug into rimmer.
  3. Fill glass with ice and pour in Bloody Mary mix and lime juice.
  4. Add tequila and Mexican beer.
  5. Add hot sauce to taste, if desired.
  6. Stir well, then garnish with your favorite Bloody Mary toppings.

Easy and Tasty Tailgating Foods

I don’t know a single person who wouldn’t go crazy over this beer dip but don’t worry we’ve left you the delicious recipe.

Ingredients

  • 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup beer or nonalcoholic beer
  • 1 envelope ranch salad dressing mix
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Pretzels

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, beer and dressing mix until smooth. Stir in cheddar cheese. Serve with pretzels and enjoy!

Prefer Salsa over cheese dip? Don’t worry we’ve got you covered with this amazing Spicy Tequila Spiked Salsa.

Ingredients

  • 4 serrano chilies (chopped with stems and seeds removed)
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 large tomatoes (chopped)
  • 1 large onion (chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tbsp.  cilantro (fresh, chopped)
  • 1/2 cup lime juice
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/3 cup tequila herradura

Directions

  1. Gather the ingredients.
  2. Mix tomatoes, onions, chilies, garlic, cilantro, and oil until all items are coated in the oil.
  3. Mix in lime, water, and tequila.
  4. Leave as is for a chunky style of salsa or puree in a blender or food processor for a smooth, paste style.
  5. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Looking for even MORE inspiration for tailgating this season? Head to our Tailgating HQ page on our website to find even more ideas, and to get stocked up and ready for game day!

Tequila & Tacos: Coconut Tequila Lime Fish Tacos for Cinco de Mayo

02 Wednesday May 2018

Posted by in Cinco de Mayo, Cocktails, Food, holiday, Tequila

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Tacos. They make us happy. It’s a proven fact!

Plus, if you’re hosting Cinco de Mayo at your home, tacos happen to pair perfectly with tequila for the ultimate fiesta nibbles to have on hand this year. So make your celebration a hit with your guests by whipping up this yummy Coconut Tequila Lime Fish Taco recipe thanks to Altos Tequila and Grilled Cheese Social!

TACO PREPARATION
INGREDIENTS:
• Tomatillos – 2
• Garlic – 1/2 clove
• jalapeno pepper (remove seeds if you don’t want it too spicy) -1/2
• Cilantro – 1 bunch, divided
• Avocados – 2
• juice of 2 limes, divided
• salt to taste
• purple cabbage, roughly chopped – 1/2 head
• raw sugar – 1/2 tbsp
• corn tortillas
• cooked fish (from below)

DIRECTIONS:
1) Bring a pot of water to a boil and add tomatillos, garlic, jalapeno pepper and
salt. Cook until soft.
2) Strain and reserve a half cup cooking liquid.
3) Add those ingredients to a blender along with the meat from two avocados, the juice of 1 lime and a handful of cilantro.
4) Add cooking liquid until a creamy consistency is reached. Salt to taste.
5) Meanwhile, add chopped purple cabbage to a bowl and toss with lime juice, sugar, and salt.
6) Let sit you cook the fish component of the tacos below.

FISH PREPARATION
INGREDIENTS:
• garlic powder – 1 tsp
• chili powder – 1 tsp
• Cumin -1/4 tsp
• Salt – 1/4 tsp
• fresh mahi, cut into 2.5″ fillets -1 lb
• Altos Tequila Plata – 1/3 cup
• fresh jalapeno, seeds removed – 1/2
• juice of half a lime
• coconut oil – 1 tbsp

DIRECTIONS:
1) Combine garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, lime, jalapeno and Altos Tequila Plata in a small bowl and whisk until combined.
2) Add the mahi and let sit for 5-10 minutes.
3) Add coconut oil to a pan and turn the heat to medium-high.
4) When it’s hot, add the fish with the liquid that it is marinated in.
5) Let the fish cook on one side until golden brown and then flip and sauté until the fish is fully cooked through.

That’s it! Once it’s all ready, pour yourself a Tequila Paloma cocktail to pair with the tacos (trust us, it’s a win-win pairing), and enjoy!

Big Game Planning and Baked Chicken Wings Recipe

30 Tuesday Jan 2018

Posted by in Food, Recipe, Tailgating

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The Big Game is almost upon us. Whether you’re cheering on Philadelphia or New England, we’ve got plenty of tips to help you throw the best football viewing party of the year. Wondering what you’ll need to prepare? Here’s a quick checklist.

  1. Beer, wine, and spirits – scientifically proven to make football better
  2. A keg – for the viewing party with more than 15-20 guests
  3. The perfect snacks for pairing with beer – nachos, wings, and chili, oh my!
  4. Cocktails – the Big Game calls for the perfect cocktail, like this Spike D Lemonade or Sweet Tea Touchdown
  5. Boozy Tailgating Food Recipes – alcohol makes tasty foods even tastier

Speaking of boozy food recipes, our friends over at [ yellow tail ] have a great way for you to start your Big Game planning with this delicious recipe for baked chicken wings in a savory merlot sauce.

Baked Chicken Wings in a Savory Merlot Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons [ yellow tail ] Merlot
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 minced garlic clove
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1-1/2 lbs chicken wings
  • Toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions:

In a large bowl, whisk together the [ yellow tail ] Merlot, soy sauce, garlic, honey, and ground ginger. Add the chicken and toss to coat thoroughly. Allow dish to marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spray a large shallow baking dish with nonstick spray and arrange the chicken in a single layer. Brush remaining marinade evenly over the chicken and bake for 20 minutes.

Remove the chicken from the oven and reduce the heat to 300°F. Baste the chicken with any accumulated juices, return to the oven and bake for 40 minutes or until the juices run clear.

Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Gear up for game day

21 Wednesday Sep 2016

Posted by in Beer, Food

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a variety of beers with dark beer, light beer, la

With football season in full swing, Sundays become much more than yards rushed and touchdowns made. Victory stands on the back of coolers and snack tables across the country, and Total Wine & More can help you make the perfect play when it comes to pairing brews and food.

Chips, Salsa, and Dip

In the realm of party snacks, there are few things more sacred than chips and salsa. Malt- forward and boasting a touch of sweetness, Amber and Red Ales complement this dynamic culinary duo, countering the heat of the salsa and the saltiness of the chips. We carry a wide assortment of highly rated Amber and Red Ales to satisfy any fans, no matter what jerseys they wear. Given a score of 92 from Draft magazine and awarded a World’s Best medal at the 2013 World Beer Awards, Oregon’s Full Sail Amber is a sweet, malty and medium-bodied Ale with a spicy, floral hop finish that represents everything we love about this beer style.

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Wings

If, like many of us, you can’t help but gravitate to the platter of wings, we have just the beer for you. The bold flavors of Buffalo wings meet their match in the form of India Pale Ales (IPAs). Thanks to their bitterness and citrusy hop flavors, IPAs enhance the taste of Buffalo wings, while easing the heat of the wings’ sauce for more enjoyable snacking. In addition to giants like Sierra Nevada, Total Wine & More sells a remarkable collection of IPAs, from World Beer Cup Gold medalist Ballast Point Sculpin IPA to 97-point Firestone Walker Easy Jack.

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Grilled Meats

No game-day party or tailgate is complete without some type of deliciously chargrilled meat. It’s happy coincidence that much of the NFL season takes place in the fall, a time of year when our shelves are stocked with limited-release Oktoberfest beers. These seasonal beers were born to pair well with German-style foods, which mean they’re perfect for brats, burgers and hot dogs off the grill. Paulaner Oktoberfest, a perennial favorite, offers up the light hoppy flavors and notes of sweet malt that have become synonymous with the style.

paulaner-ocktoberfest-wide

You can find Paulaner and countless other fantastic game-day beers at your local Total Wine & More.

Braai Basics: Throw Another Boerevors on the Braai!

19 Friday Aug 2016

Posted by in Food, Wine

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There’s Southern cooking, and then there’s really, really Southern cooking – as in food from the Southern Hemisphere. This week, as we gear up for our annual exploration of wines from below the equator, we’re also thinking about the great cuisines that accompany them.

For South Africa, that’s braai. “Braai” in the Afrikaans language means “barbeque” or “grilled meats,” but it also encompasses the idea of a social gathering, like American backyard cookouts.

Key elements of the Braai are meat … and more meat.  Steaks and chops and other cuts go on the grill, along with boerevors – the traditional beef sausages originally made by colonial South African farmers (and their Dutch ancestors before them). No cole slaw and potato salad at the braai – there’s pap, a porridge made from cornmeal, and chakalaka, which sounds like a party all by itself.

Chakalaka is in fact a spicy vegetable affair served alongside the griiled meats. “I don’t even have a recipe from the braais at my home because the chakalaka always changed depending on the person making it,” says Total Wine & More’s own Siyanda M., a native of South Africa. “That’s pretty common, but the base ingredients are tomatoes, onions, carrots and beans.”

Here’s a recipe Siyanda says sounds like home (recipe via www.whats4eats.com):

INGREDIENTS

  • Oil — 3 tablespoons
  • Onions, chopped — 2
  • Bell peppers — 2
  • Hot chile peppers, minced — 2 or 3
  • Garlic, minced — 2 or 3 cloves
  • Curry powder — 2 teaspoons
  • Tomatoes, chopped — 3
  • Baked beans in tomato sauce — 1 (15-ounce) can
  • Salt and pepper — to taste

Makes 4 to 6 servings

METHOD

  1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium flame. Add the onions, bell peppers, chile peppers, garlic and curry powder. Saute, stirring frequently, until the onions and peppers are cooked down and wilted, about 4 to 5 minutes.
  2. Stir in the tomatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the baked beans, salt and pepper and stir to heat through. Serve hot or cold.

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Celebrate the braai properly! Grab a wine from South Africa to sip during the event.

With the chakalaka simmering on the stove, and the meats grilling up on the braai – that’s the word for the grill, as well as the gathering – let’s talk about what to pour. It’s customary for those participating in the braai to sip on wine, so we think it’s the perfect chance to try some exceptional values from South Africa. Our Discover the Southern Hemisphere event, with tastings going on all weekend (August 18-21), is featuring a few South African wines perfect to sip around the braai:

  • Neethlingshof The Caracal is a red Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Full-bodied with notes of dark fruits and oak, it’s perfect to accompany rich and charred red meats off the grill.
  • Spier Chenin Blanc is a classic, elegant white wine blancing tropical fruit and mineral flavors, ideal to sip with appetizers or grilled chicken.
  • Spier Rosé is a delightfully refreshing rosé of Pinot Noir, crisp and fruity, versatile enough to enjoy throughout the braai.

Discover the Southern Hemisphere at your local Total Wine & More through this Sunday, Aug. 21.

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