Cooking is a huge part of my life. I am excited to share this ever-growing collection of family recipes, including some of my own creations and a few favorites from my go-to cookbooks and chefs.

Dessert Leigh Brown Dessert Leigh Brown

Almond Tart

I acquired this recipe from a colleague of mine at a wine bar where I used to work when I was first living in Portland.  She served it on her patio in her garden with chocolate sauce, and we enjoyed it with some wine.  I love anything almond, and this tart magnifies that nutty flavor, and I enjoy it on its own or with some lightly sweetened whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.  This is a Martha Stewart recipe that I have adjusted slightly.  It is perfect for entertaining, which is very "Martha" but also very fun. Pair it with the new 2024 Primitivo.

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Dinner Leigh Brown Dinner Leigh Brown

Roasted Butternut Squash with Brown Butter Vinaigrette

This roasted butternut squash is every bit as caramelized as you'd want it to be without all the prep work. It is cooked without being peeled and makes a crisp counterpart to the jammy inside. The brown butter vinaigrette is so delicious and really makes the whole dish go from a 7 to a 10. This is a must for your next dinner party. It pairs beautifully with the Lolati Sauvignon Blanc.

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Dinner, Lunch Leigh Brown Dinner, Lunch Leigh Brown

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.

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Breakfast Leigh Brown Breakfast Leigh Brown

Plum, Fig & Blue Cheese Tart

With plums and figs in season, I thought of a simple tart, perfect for picnics, brunch, or as a snack. This tart was so easy to make and turned out amazing! They were gone in a matter of minutes! Pairs great with the Lolati Primitivo.

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Dinner Leigh Brown Dinner Leigh Brown

Zucchini Panzanella

This Zucchini Panzanella recipe is easy, delicious, and the perfect way to enjoy all of the summer squash in season! It’s hard not to love the homemade pan-fried croutons and scallions that get candied with maple syrup. The whole thing gets tossed in a garlicky dressing - just pure yum! Pair it with 2020 Lolati Grenache.

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Dinner, Beef Leigh Brown Dinner, Beef Leigh Brown

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!

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Dinner Leigh Brown Dinner Leigh Brown

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.

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Lunch, Snack, Appetizer Leigh Brown Lunch, Snack, Appetizer Leigh Brown

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.

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Dinner Leigh Brown Dinner Leigh Brown

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.

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Appetizer Leigh Brown Appetizer Leigh Brown

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.

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Lunch, Dinner Leigh Brown Lunch, Dinner Leigh Brown

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.

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Dessert Leigh Brown Dessert Leigh Brown

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.

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Dinner Leigh Brown Dinner Leigh Brown

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.

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Dessert Leigh Brown Dessert Leigh Brown

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.

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Dinner Leigh Brown Dinner Leigh Brown

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.

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Dinner Leigh Brown Dinner Leigh Brown

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.

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