Perfect Pairings

But poor fashion choices aside, cooking is very therapeutic and wine has been considered by some as a cheaper, better, alternative to a psychiatrist. So why not marry the two?

My month’s pick of recipes complements the breezy, fresh, weather of autumn and each dish is great for sharing with friends or for showing off at wine pairing evenings.

All the wine choices can be found in our shop so there is no excuse not to give these pairings a go.

1) Lasagne

My mother-in-law's lasagne is the best in the world. I used to try and make it better, but now I just make it differently (why try and perfect perfection?)

The version I love involves ricotta, or cream cheese for the budget-conscious, and with such a creamy texture, it really plays nicely with a bold cabernet sauvignon that has some tannins that need seducing.

For the recipe, click here

For the wine, choose either Cronier Estienne Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 or try something different with Raka Sangiovese 2012

For my mother-in-law, bring her a few bottles of The Chocolate Block and she’ll cook you up a storm.

2) Bacon tart

Bacon! I feel like I don’t need to explain any further. 

An easier recipe than the one I have chosen would be to buy short crust pastry, blind bake it, fry up some bacon and onions, add eggs and cream and then pour it into the prepared pastry base – roughly speaking - that’s a pretty good start.

However, for something a little more trying, lavish, and more significant than my poor explanation above, choose good quality bacon and the following recipe from Pierneef at La Motte. 

For the recipe, click here

For the wine, try  La Motte’s 2011 Chardonnay or choose Diemersfontein Carpe Diem Malbec 2010

3) Mushroom and brie on bruschetta

One for the vegetarians (I’m sorry there aren’t more, I just love meat too much) and the less-inclined-to-cook.

For the recipe, click here

For the wine, choose an earthy Pinot Noir that will really bring out the mushrooms. Try Ernst Gouws & Co Pinot Noir 2009

4) Easy honeyed ginger biscuits

Spread a little warmth with ginger and all spice and pair these baked creations with an equally warming beverage.

Some of you may think that Ports are a little too strong, and sometimes, a little too sweet but with a touch of ginger and cinnamon, the wine expands and offers comforting hugs to the palate.

For the recipe, click here

For the wine, try Alto Estate Port 2006

We all need something sweet and the occasional indulgence in memories of sunshine. Coconut helps me relive summery fun and those days of plastering myself in factor 50.

This cake recipe isn't too sweet, so you can technically get away with having it for breakfast.

For the recipe, click here

For the wine, MCC has a fantastic affinity with coconut so the choices are infinite. But for a more unusual bubbly, try the Fairview Methode Cap Classique 2011