Traditional to Modern, we’re giving thanks the recipe way.

Where a traditional Holiday Menu will always conjure up memories of family, your great aunt’s green bean casserole, pumpkin pie and watching the Thanksgiving Day Parade,  A Modern Day Menu is the start of new traditions, a mixing of cultures and flavors. It may be a dish, brought by a friend or extended family member. A new recipe or spice you add to the mix this year or just a twist on an old family favorite.

WE GIVE THANKS for the food of life that has grace our tables to this point, and for the bounty of blessings as we gather together to celebrate food, family and fun!

O Lord that lends me life, Lend me a heart replete with thankfulness!

            William Shakespeare

ACafe Chili
The ultimate comfort food! This one-pot wonder is prefect for cool days,   tailgating, as an afternoon warm-me-up and when the gang is over for the big game.

.   

4 tbsp olive oil

1 large yellow onion, chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 lb. ground turkey

1 lb ground turkey sausage, hot

2 (14oz.) cans diced tomatoes, with juice

1 small can tomato paste

2 tbsp chili powder

2 tbsp ground cumin

1 tbsp coco powder

1 tsp ground allspice

1 tsp ground coriander

1 ½ tsp dried oregano

1 heaping tsp of sugar

½ tsp hot sauce

1 cup water

1 cup red wine

3 (15 oz.) cans kidney beans, drained

salt and pepper

Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and sauté until the onions begin to brown, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and set aside. In same pot with remaining 2 tbsp oil; add meat, season with salt and pepper and brown until crumbly, about 7 minutes.

Drain meat mixture, and return to heat. Add onions, garlic, tomatoes, spices, sugar, hot sauce, half the water and tomato paste. Stir in the wine.

Bring to boil, cover, and reduce the heat to simmer. Cook 45 minutes.

Add beans and remaining water to the pot. Cover and simmer 30 minutes, adding more water if the liquid evaporates. Taste and adjust the seasonings, adding more spices to give it that extra something, something if needed.

Serve hot with bowls of garnishes on the side for toppings.

Serves 6 – 8

Garnishes

diced onions

grated cheddar cheese

chopped fresh cilantro

style guide – americana / family / dinner / news years day / sports / entree

Sonoma / Napa Valley Wine Country Experience

When it comes to some of the best fresh produce, gourmet food and extraordinary wines in the world, I’ve learned that sometimes we need not look any further than our own backyard, California! Where the stars shine bright and the grapes grow ripe.  Home of award winning wineries and some of the most sought after wines in the world.

We invite you to follow along on our Food & Wine Excursion as we explore California’s Central Coast with our guide the masterful Bruce Barrett – kiWW Global Wine Sommelier.  We’ve been invited to experience, learn, and of course taste some of the California’s top wines from 7 extraordinary wineries; Franciscan Estate, Grgich Hills Estate, Alexander Valley Winery, Alpha Omega Winery, Robert Mondavi Winery, and Simi Winery.

Check back on kathyireland.com acafe “what’s cook’n” as we meet with the wines makers, attend tastings, and sample the cuisine from world renowned chefs.

Chef Andre kathy ireland Wine_Experience by kathy-ireland-Worldwide

Did you know that:

According to the California Wine Institute, California makes 90% of all U.S. wine and is the world’s 4th leading wine producer after France, Italy and Spain. California also ranks first in wine consumption in the U.S. Currently there are approx 3, 400 registered wineries and 4,600 winegrape growers in California.
Recommended Summer Wines:

Simi Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc A stylish balance of vibrancy and creamy elegance, our Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc exhibits grassy notes, citrus, melon and fig with spice, mineral notes and snappy acidity.

Robert Mondavi Fume Blanc The Original Fumé Blanc. Robert Mondavi created the term in 1966 to distinguish his dry Sauvignon Blanc from the sweeter-styled Sauvignon Blanc wines made at the time.

2009 Chardonnay, Estate Vineyards, Chalk Hill Barrel fermentation in new and seasoned French oak added toasty vanilla and spice complexities, and during 10 months of barrel ageing, we regularly stirred the “lees” in barrel, which gives a certain fullness and creamy texture on the palate. Encouraging malolactic fermentation added additional character, and in the glass the wine is both creamy and crisp, with abundant fruit character, mineral, and toasty oak flavors.

2009 Temptation Zinfandel, Alexander Valley Temptation Zinfandel is rapidly becoming one of America’s most popular zinfandels. The casual easy drinking wine that blends zinfandel from our three favorite zin regions – Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley and Solano County. Wine and Spirits Magazine calls this a “BEST BUY” and one of the Years Best Zinfandels in February 2011. On the nose you will find aromas of plum, red cherry, dark fruits, spice, a touch of oak and vanilla. The 2009 has a round full mouth feel with jammy ripe fruit flavors of dark fruits, cherry, black plum, black pepper, dried orange peel and frozen strawberry. This is a great wine to enjoy with equally casual foods like pizza, pasta, burgers and ribs.

2007 Chardonnay, Napa Valley, Grgich Hills Estate Crafted from grapes that were certified organic and Biodynamic, our Chardonnay did not undergo malolactic fermentation, creating a wine that is alive with delicious acidity. This aromatic wine is rich with aromas of ripe peach, mango and tropical flowers, plus a note of minerality. Showcase this Chardonnay’s elegance with fresh seafood, roasted chicken, grilled pork, or creamy cheeses. Franciscan Estate Sauvignon Blanc Fresh, full, and lively with vibrant layers of lemongrass and citrus, hints of melon, and a long mineral finish with grapefruit and bright lime flavors.