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.

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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Dinner Leigh Brown Dinner Leigh Brown

Fruit and Sausage Stuffing

My mom's stuffing recipe is my absolute favorite! The dried apricots and prunes add the perfect amount of sweetness and texture. This is a must-have for Thanksgiving and the holiday season. It pairs beautifully with either the Lolati Rosé of Grenache or Lolati Grenache.

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Dinner Leigh Brown Dinner Leigh Brown

Green Bean Casserole

If you're the kind of person who likes some crispy with your creamy, this is the green bean casserole for you. Forget the old-school canned soup: This version uses a homemade base with hen of the woods mushrooms, though any kind of mushroom you like - oyster, cremini, even button - will work. It's so delicious and pairs deliciously with Lolati Wines Syrah.

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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 Leigh Brown Dinner Leigh Brown

Bobotie

This much-loved South African dish is a delicious mixture of curried meat and fruit with a creamy, decadent topping. Best served with rice, stewed apricots, peanuts, and coconut.

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Dinner Leigh Brown Dinner Leigh Brown

Herbed White Bean & Sausage Stew

This delicious, hearty cold-weather stew is deeply flavored and complex but easy to make. The sweet Italian sausage, rosemary, and garlic make a perfect combination in this white bean stew. It pairs beautifully with the 2021 Lolati Kikoi Red Blend.

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Dessert Leigh Brown Dessert Leigh Brown

Chocolate Cherry Cake

This cake is reminiscent of Black Forest gâteau but with more chocolaty depth. The cake's dark chocolate flavor is enhanced by Dutch-processed cocoa powder, which produces a much deeper, Oreo-like chocolaty taste than natural unsweetened cocoa powder. A glossy, cherry-red layer of preserves keeps the crumb moist and tender. Don't forget the actual cherries on top; they'll make you happy. It is absolutely delicious, and it pairs well with Lolati 2020 Grenache.

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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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Appetizer Leigh Brown Appetizer Leigh Brown

Ron’s Cocktail Sauce

My brother-in-law recently brought back fresh Dungeness crab from Astoria, OR. Naturally, we enjoyed it with the 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, and Ron (my husband) made a delicious cocktail sauce. I highly recommend this pairing!

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