Yellow Sheet Cake With Chocolate Sour Cream Frosting + Rainbow Sprinkles
I tried this recipe recently and loved it for its tangy chocolate frosting and rich crumb. I recommend adding some sprinkles too for some fun color and texture. Again, no need for a celebration even for sprinkles. The best pairing for this cake is sweatpants and a glass of my 2025 Rosé of Grenache on the patio.
Korean Short Ribs
Ron makes the very best Korean Short Ribs, and it’s what we will be having for my birthday dinner this year! We discovered this recipe from my dear friend, Mona. She is the mother of Jessica Mozeico of Et Fille Wines, and she is a fabulous cook. I just had to have it to celebrate my birthday! We will be pairing it with the 2022 Kikoi Red Blend. This wine pairs perfectly with its dark berry notes and bright acidity. It loves to be friends with grilled meat!
Grilled Bone-In Rib-Eye Steaks with Blue Cheese
When you're craving a good steak but want an extra bit of flavor, some crumbled blue cheese sprinkled on the hot steak will do just that, especially when you spike it with hot sauce and butter. The use of direct and indirect heat allows for a crust to form but not burn while keeping the meat juicy inside. This pairs beautifully with bolder reds, like the Lolati Wines 2021 Kikoi Red Blend.
Leigh’s Bruschetta
This easy recipe is incredibly delicious and perfectly highlights the fresh summer tomatoes. My garden is exploding with all types of heirloom tomatoes and cherry tomatoes, and I love how sweet they are with the addition of only a few other ingredients like garlic and salt. I made this the other day and enjoyed it with a glass of the Lolati 2023 Primitivo, and it was amazing.
Grilled Za’atar Chicken With Garlic Yogurt + Delicata Salad
This garlicky, herby chicken is full-flavored and very tender, thanks to its piquant yogurt marinade. It’s flexible, too — marinate the meat for as little as a couple of hours, or as long as overnight. The delicata salad is a great side dish to the chicken, and it pairs beautifully with the Lolati Wines Rosé of Grenache.
Marinated Goat Cheese
I recently got Samin Nosrat’s new cookbook, “Good Things,” and it has so many great recipes, including this one. The creaminess of the cheese is enhanced by the flavored oil with a touch of heat from the peppercorns. It’s easy to make and pairs perfectly with freshly baked bread or sliced peppers, carrots, radishes, and a glass of my 2025 Sauvignon Blanc.
Spring Pea Soup with Pancetta and Croutons
I honestly don’t remember whether I made this recipe up or found it in a cookbook or cooking magazine, but I have had it for decades, and I love it when spring peas are ready to eat. This fresh, herby soup pairs well with my new Rosé, which complements salty ingredients like pancetta or bacon.
Strawberry Spoon Cake
This easy cake with gooey, jammy strawberries on top is the perfect way to celebrate the start of Oregon strawberry season. The batter comes together quickly using basic pantry staples and a handful of berries. Best served warm with vanilla ice cream and a glass of Lolati Primitivo.
Wild Mushroom Stew
I have been able to get local shiitake mushrooms each week from a local farm share and they are the perfect excuse to make this recipe using them as a mix to the mushrooms suggested. Mushrooms are not only nutritious but meaty and hearty and with the cold nights and evenings we have been having, this dish is a must try. It pairs beautifully with my new 2024 Barbera, which is bright and fruity on the nose and palate.
Chocolate Tart
I love this tart recipe by Alison Roman - it’s tangy, decadent, and easy to make. Serve it with vanilla ice cream and a glass of Lolati 2024 Barbera.
Wild Mushroom Risotto
Syrah is my go-to holiday wine. It's perfect for sipping over a long meal as it evolves in the glass. A great pairing for the 2022 Syrah is a classic mushroom risotto. The savory, umami notes of the mushrooms are a great companion to this deep, earthy wine. I recommend finishing it off with a splash of cream sherry. It highlights the nuttiness of the rice.
Farro Roasted Squash with Feta & Mint
If you’re like me and swimming in winter squash, I made this New York Times recipe recently and it was a hit! I used a red kuri squash, which has a sweet but nutty flavor. I also subbed cilantro for the mint but I think any punchy herb would be great for this dish. Pair it with the Lolati 2024 Grenache.
Melissa Clark’s Olive Oil Zucchini Bread
Olive oil balances the sweetness in this breakfast bread. Plus, anything Melissa Clark makes is usually a winner!
Apple (and Pear) Butter
This recipe calls for just apples, but mixing in pears is a nice combination. Excellent with grilled pork chops or on a cream biscuit.
Halloumi With Corn, Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
I made this dish while hosting some friends, and it was a hit. It’s packed with summer vegetables. We served it alongside grilled lamb chops and paired it with my 2022 Petite Sirah Red Blend, which made for a delicious meal.
Lemon-Blueberry Sheet Cake
There’s one word to describe this cake: AMAZING! It’s easy and delicious. Pair it with the 2024 Lolati Rosé of Grenache for a summertime treat.
Fig Jam Recipe
This super simple fig jam recipe is the perfect addition to every cheese board! It's also amazing on toast and freshly baked biscuits. You can also upgrade this recipe with white port and rosemary for an extra treat!
One-Pan Roasted Fish & Tomatoes
Tomato season is in full swing, and my garden is overflowing with sweet cherry tomatoes! Ron and I tried this simple New York Times recipe the other night, and it was incredibly fresh, easy, and full of flavor. Pair it with the 2022 Sauvignon Blanc.
Roasted Tomato Soup
Fall is upon us, which means it’s almost soup season! We LOVE this recipe and have been making it for years. It's a great recipe to make in multiple batches to then freeze in quart containers for winter. It pairs best with the Lolati Primitivo.
Bomb-Ass Homemade Sriracha
I’ve been making this sriracha all summer, and it is so, so delicious! It’s great on eggs, Thai and Asian dishes - really anything! You could even mix it with mayo to create your own sriracha mayo for sandwiches and burgers. Recipe by Jet Tila from 101 Asian Dishes You Need to Cook Before You Die.