Warm Up with Texas Slow-Cooker Chili

November 3, 2015November 3, 2015wsbrandsites

The weather outside these days reminds us how perfect this time of year is for gathering friends and family round a warm, comforting meal at home. During the fall, chili likes to make an appearance at all of our favorite events.

Today, we’re sharing one of our favorite slow-cooker Texas chili recipes, from our friend Helen Jane. Thanks to the help of the ever-versatile slow cooker, prep and cooking can happen well before meal time, which frees up your attention to more important matters, like pouring yourself a glass of wine!

One of our favorite pairings with red meat-based chili and stew like this is Purple Cowboy Trail Boss Cabernet, from Paso Robles, CA.

When thinking about toppings and sides, we’re big fans of corn bread, sour cream, chopped onion (green and/or white), cilantro, chopped tomato and lots of shredded cheese.

Cheers to a fabulous fall!

Slow Cooker Texas-style Chili

Serves 4-6

Ingredients

1/4 cup chili powder
1 tablespoon ground chipotle chili pepper
2 tablespoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup cornmeal
1 (4 pound) beef chuck roast trimmed of excess fat and cut into 1-1/2 inch cubes (see note below)
2 teaspoons salt
1 large yellow onion, chopped
5 garlic cloves, chopped
1 jalapeño, cored, seeded and finely diced (add more if you like it spicier)
4 cups low sodium beef broth
2 cups water
1-1/2 cups beer
1 can canned crushed tomatoes

Garnishes

Fresh chopped cilantro
Grated Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Lime wedges

Instructions

Mix the chili powders, cumin, oregano, cinnamon and cornmeal in a small bowl.
Stir in 1/2 cup water to form paste; set aside.
Season the beef with the salt; set aside.
Add vegetable oil to Dutch oven, heat to medium-high. Brown the beef over medium-high heat until browned on all sides. Remove and add to slow cooker.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the onions and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the reserved chili paste and sauté. Add the garlic and jalapeños and cook 2 minutes more.
Add the beef broth to the Dutch oven and stir with a whisk until the spice mixture is completely dissolved. Scrape the bottom of the pot with the whisk to incorporate all the flavor. Stir in the other 1 ½ cups water, beer and crushed tomatoes.
Add the whole mess to the slow cooker. Put on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
Serve with garnishes – we also like to serve with corn bread.

Grilled Cheese & Purple Cowboy Wine Pairings

September 8, 2015September 8, 2015wsbrandsites

We’re big believers that the simplest meals are often the most satisfying. Which is why we love the latest grilled cheese and wine pairing collaboration between the Wine Sisterhood and Cabot Creamery. Tonight let’s heat up the skillet, shred some cheese and pour a glass of Purple Cowboy!

Give one of these delicious recipes a try:

BBQ Shredded Chicken with Chipotle Cheddar and Mashed Avocado & Purple Cowboy

Tenacious Red

Farm Girl’s Fave & Purple Cowboy Cabernet Sauvignon

Grill Like an Argentinian Gaucho

September 2, 2015wsbrandsites

From sausages to steaks, and everything in between, South Americans, and Argentinians in particular, know how to do it right! Here are some tips for grilling the Argentine gaucho way:

1. Talk to your butcher. They’ll lead you to the freshest cuts of meat and may also have a few tips for preparing it in the tastiest way possible.

2. Light the grill. The pros will tell you that cooking over wood coals is key. If your grill isn’t equipped to burn wood, charcoal is your next best alternative. When using charcoal, remember to use the coals once they are burned through and red hot to avoid any unpleasant flavors that tend to accompany cooking over charcoal.

3. Simple flavors. Keep it simple when seasoning your meat. A nice seasoning salt and some fresh ground pepper will do.Kick up the flavor with a batch of bright and tangy chimichurri sauce to serve on the side.

4. Bold wines. Bold meats call for bold wines. Serve a glass of Purple Cowboy Tenacious Red or Trail Boss Cabernet with your meal. Both pair beautifully with grilled meats.

Entertaining with Wine & Cheese

September 1, 2015wsbrandsites

Whether it’s a party, getting together to watch a football game or a laid-back night in,wine and cheese makes entertaining easy. Here are some tips for putting together a wine and cheese plate for just about any event:

Simple is key. A few different types of cheeses is all you’ll need. No need to buy ’em all! This featured cheese platter includes a spicy habanero cheddar, a light sharp cheddar, sharp cheddar, havarti and brie.

Stay thrifty. The cheese platter featured in this photo shoot cost less than $25! Browse the cheese section of your local grocery store, chat with your store’s cheesemonger and ask about any new arrivals and learn which cheeses are on sale.

Keep it fresh. We’re headed into fall, prime cheese platter fruit season. Grapes and apples are a given but consider figs, berries and woody herbs.

The perfect bite. What’s included in your perfect cheese and cracker bite? We love sharp cheddar with salami and a Ritz cracker. No need to get too fancy!

Cut it up. make sure each cheese has it’s own knife. Don’t be afraid of cutting cheese too small — it’s those big pieces that are hardest to eat.

Wine time. Consider an array of wine choices when you’re entertaining. Dry white wines are wonderful with many fresh and soft-ripened cheeses. Full-bodied reds, like Purple Cowboy Tenacious Red and Trail Boss Cabernet have bigger tannins, more texture and a more intense flavor that pair beautifully with big, bold cheeses.

Cheers to wine and cheese!

Summertime Grill-fest

July 2, 2015July 15, 2015wsbrandsites

It’s hot out there, far too hot to turn on the oven, and the great outdoors are calling (even if it’s only as far as the back yard). Not to mention, the Fourth of July this Saturday provides the perfect opportunity to flex those grilling muscles in preparation for more summer cookouts and holidays.

May we present, one of the tastiest grilled sandwiches, that just to happens to pair deliciously with a glass of Purple Cowboy Tenacious Red (recent winner of the Chairman’s Award ‘Unanimous GOLD’ and Best of Class at the Riverside International Wine Competition!).

Hanger-Steak Sloppy Joe’s with Chopped Slaw

From Food & Wine Magazine

The Day Before: Glaze the Hanger Steak
GRAB:
8 dried guajillo chiles, seeded
4 large garlic cloves
2 t. dried oregano
6 T. canola oil, plus more for brushing
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 trimmed hanger steak (about 1 pound), cut into 4 pieces
1 large onion, finely chopped
1/4 c. light brown sugar
1/4 c. cider vinegar

In a medium microwave-safe bowl, cover the chiles with water and microwave at high power until softened, 5 minutes. Let cool slightly. Transfer the chiles and 1/2 cup of the soaking liquid to a blender. Add the garlic, oregano and 4 tablespoons of the canola oil; puree until very smooth. Strain the puree and season with salt and pepper.
Season the steaks with salt and pepper and rub with half of the chile puree. Transfer the steaks to a resealable plastic bag and refrigerate overnight.
In a medium saucepan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the onion and cook over moderate heat until softened, about 7 minutes. Add the remaining chile puree and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the brown sugar and vinegar and simmer for 3 minutes. Season the glaze with salt and pepper.
Light a grill or preheat a grill pan. Brush the steaks with oil and grill over moderate heat until medium-rare, 12 minutes; brush with 3 tablespoons of the glaze in the last 2 minutes. Let the steaks rest for 5 minutes before slicing 1/2 inch thick. Serve the steaks with the remaining chile glaze.

On the 4th:
GRAB:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
Salt and freshly ground pepper
12 ounces shredded coleslaw mix
Chile-Glazed Hanger Steak, plus leftover glaze, coarsely chopped
3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
6 brioche burger buns, toasted
Lettuce and tomato slices, for serving

In a bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, vinegar and sugar and season with salt and pepper. In a food processor, pulse the coleslaw until coarsely chopped. Stir the slaw into the dressing and let stand for 10 minutes.
In a large saucepan, combine the remaining glaze and the broth and simmer over moderate heat until reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Add the chopped steak, season with salt and pepper and cook until just heated through, about 2 minutes.
Top the brioche buns with the lettuce and tomato and mound the steak on top. Using a slotted spoon, cover with the coleslaw. Close the Sloppy Joes and serve.

Father’s Day Grillin’ Gift Ideas

June 17, 2015June 17, 2015wsbrandsites

In case you haven’t heard, this Sunday, July 21, is Father’s Day. Though we’re hardly ever in need of a reason to light the grill, these fun grilling gifts can make it even more exciting:

Let them know just WHO grilled those steaks with a custom steak branding iron.

This set of wood chips gives him the option of infusing distinct and natural flavors of mesquite, hickory, or apple into his barbeque fare. They work for both gas and charcoal grills!

A regular after-hours griller? Pick up these grill tongs with built-in LED lights. Now we’re cookin’!

This summer is sure to get a whole lot hotter with a Jalapeno Poppers Grilling Rack. Yep, poppers, right on the grill. Genius!

And don’t forget that bottle of Purple Cowboy Tenacious Red or Trail Boss Cabernet Sauvignon – the perfect pair with just about any meat you’re grilling up. Find both in our online wine shop or fill out this form here and our Wine Sisters behind the scenes will help find it at a store near you.

Celebrating the Kentucky Derby

April 22, 2015April 22, 2015wsbrandsites

The 141st running of the Kentucky Derby is on Saturday, May 2, and you better believe we’ll be cheering on the top horses during the ‘greatest two minutes in sports,’ surrounded by friends, family, delicious eats and tasty cocktails!

Below are some Derby Day decorating ideas and a recipe for Hot Brown Bites that puts a new and tasty spin on the classic Hot Brown. Enjoy!

No Derby Day celebration is complete without a picture-perfect bar cart. Don’t forget the roses!

Set the table with decorative dishes and servingware fit for the occasion.

Serve a classic cocktail – the Mint Julep! We love this classic recipe here.

And a slice of cake, coconut cake to be exact. We’re fans of this tasty recipe here.

On the food menu: Hot Brown Bites. Hot Browns have been a Louisville tradition since the 1920’s. Click here to read about the history of The Brown Hotel’s “Hot Brown,” and get the recipe for the original Hot Brown here.

Hot Brown Bites

1. Brush slices of baguette with olive oil and toast until light brown.

2. Top baguette slices with turkey, Mornay sauce (we jazzed ours up with a squeeze of lemon and a couple of dashes of cayenne) and diced tomato.

3. Flash briefly under broiler until sauce bubbles.

4. Finish with toppings of chopped bacon, parsley and dusting of paprika.

Enjoy!

Pass the Grilled Cheese, Please

April 10, 2015April 10, 2015wsbrandsites

Grilled cheese, two words that make our taste buds perk up and bellies grumble. And it just so happens that April is National Grilled Cheese Month!

What we love the most about these recipes is that they are simple, you’ll need a skillet, butter, bread and cheese. Then you get to dress them up with all the extras your heart desires (and stomach can handle!).

Here are some new spins on the classic grilled cheese that we think will pair deliciously with Purple Cowboy Tenacious Red or Trail Boss Cabernet. Enjoy!

Baked Potato Grilled Cheese

via BS in the Kitchen

Sweet and Spicy Caramelized Onion BBQ Grilled Cheese

via Ring Finger Tan Line

Grilled Cheese with Gouda, Roasted Mushrooms and Onions

via She Wears Many Hats

Warming Winter Recipes

January 22, 2015January 22, 2015wsbrandsites

It’s that time of year when we all want to do is hunker down and cozy up with our favorite cowgirl or cowboy. Well, rest easy. Purple Cowboy has some classic winter recipes for those chilly days and nights. Naturally, these favorites all pair perfectly with our Tenacious Red and Trail Boss Cabernet.

Steakhouse Flavors—At Home

The classic flavor combination of top-quality beef, blue cheese, and dark greens is sure to warm you up!

Start with a simple and tasty steak recipe, like bacon-wrapped filet mignon from one of our favorite cowgirls: the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond. With just five ingredients: filet mignon, bacon, salt, pepper, and butter, there is no more you need to do to dress up a tender steak than wrapping it with strips of bacon.

Serve yours with some of these tangy bleu-cheese twice-baked potatoes from Gimme Some Oven. Cut your prep time by microwaving the potatoes for the first step and filling them with the bleu cheese and potato mixture as directed. Then just pop ‘em in the oven to finish them off.

Round out your steakhouse-at-home experience with a delicious, easy creamed spinach. We love this one from Boy Meets Bowl, which calls for fresh spinach and a basic cream sauce to deliver the flavor.

Sip, Sauce, Slurp

“I cook with wine. Sometimes I even add it to the food.” –W.C Fields

W.C. Fields must have known that adding wine to a slow oven braise results in a succulent and saucy meal. Like these Red Wine-Braised Pork Chops that will fill your house with delicious aromas. This recipe calls for red wine and port in the sauce. Make sure your chops are tender by first brining the chops, then trim the fat and connective tissue and brown them in a dutch oven.

Add spices, wine, and broth to create the sauce, and transfer straight into the oven. You may need to reduce the sauce at the end of the oven cooking time; if so, remove the chops first before heating the sauce further. Serve these chops with something hearty that will soak up the sauce like mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. Add some garlic-sauteed greens such as these Pan-Browned Brussels Sprouts, and you’ve got yourself a meal. Time to open the wine!

Central Coast Celebration

If you’re in a warm-weather locale, then this one is for you! Get outside and (wo)man the grill with Bobby Flay’s Santa Maria-Style BBQ Tri Tip. Tri Tip is a favorite in California’s Central Coast region, which is also the region where the Purple Cowboy grapes are sourced.

Bobby Flay serves his Tri Tip with Santa Maria Pinquito Bean Relish, Cherry Tomato Relish— cooked on the grill in a basket, and Grilled French Bread (all recipes are included in the link above). He emphasizes the importance of letting the meat cook on an area of the grill that has low or indirect heat for a real barbequed effect. You can even use a smoker if you’re so inclined. For city-slickers and those in colder climates, try these oven-roasting instructions from the folks over at the New York Times.

All-In-One Comfort Food

For a real comfort-food favorite, build a Shepherd’s Pie with ground beef, lamb, or turkey. Start with a basic recipe like this one from Country Living, and brown your meat with spices and onions or whatever fresh or frozen vegetables you have on hand. Carrots, peas, green beans or corn do the trick.

One thing that makes this dish so easy is that you can cook your veggies right in the mix—you don’t need to make a separate vegetable dish. Add a bit of liquid, such as broth, wine, or beer, allow to cook briefly, and top with mashed potatoes before baking. Use leftover mashed potatoes if you have some on hand or whip some up especially for the pie. You can even Tex-Mexify your Shepherd’s Pie by adding red peppers and taco seasoning to the ground meat saute and topping with Monterey Jack cheese.

Go Bananas for Dessert!

What could be better than a great meal? A great dessert! Try Bananas Foster and this Alton Brown’s recipe that yields rich and delicious results. Saute butter, brown sugar, spices, banana liqueur, and slightly green bananas, then flame with dark rum. Serve with vanilla ice cream for a memorable finish to any of the recipes we’ve shared!

Let us know your favorite winter recipes in the comments section below or on our Facebook Page.

Planning a Cowboy Thanksgiving

November 7, 2014November 7, 2014wsbrandsites

Over here at Purple Cowboy, we are thankful for the grapes that make the wine, the horses that carry cowboys near and far, and our health, home, and families. In celebration of the first American holiday, we’ve assembled a range of Thanksgiving recipes that are sure to please, and a few simple, homey decorating ideas for your celebration.

First, the Grub

There’s no place like home for the holidays, and that starts with a good, hearty meal. We’ve put together some of the web’s best recipes for turkey plus our favorite sides. And of course Purple Cowboy Tenacious Red or Trail Boss Cabernet partner up nicely with anything you see here.

5 Ways to Do Turkey

The big day calls for a big bird! Take a look at these turkey-cooking tips plus an overview of cooking methods that put the focus on moist and tasty results.

Brine It! The Pioneer Woman swears by brining for the most reliably juicy meat. If you’re considering this method, it works best with a fresh turkey (frozen birds have a saline solution added and they can end up extra salty). Also check out Saveur’s Brined and Roasted Turkey and Alton Brown’s Brined Roast Turkey.
Southwestern Flavors: Get creative with the rub and bring your favorite flavors together for a bit of kick. Spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and coriander are ones to consider. Don’t forget the heat, from your chile of choice. There is no shortage of recipes to draw from if the flavors of the Southwest inspire you.
On the Grill: Why not bring the cooking outdoors? BBQing the turkey gives your kitchen a rest, and offers an easy way to work with individual turkey parts, or a spatchcocked bird if that is a better option for your family. For more on grilling turkey take a look at this overview at About.com, or Sara Moulton’s recipe on Food Network.
Smokin’ Good! If you take your BBQ seriously, why not smoke the bird, another way to guarantee seriously tender meat. You can use a regular grill, or a smoker. The guys over at Amazing Ribs and Smoker-Cooking have a lot to say on the subject. Esquire also offers up a tip or two, while Alton Brown has a brined/smoked combo.
In the Fryer: Deep frying the bird seals in juices and gives you moist and tender meat, crispy skin, and a lot of taste! Just be sure to keep it safe: only fry outside, away from anything flammable. This method works best with a small to medium sized turkey. The National Turkey Federation has a step-by-step tutorial that will get you frying your way to dinner in no time. If you are itching to try this method take a look at the recipes on Food Network and About.com as well.

Super Sides

Seems like every family’s got at least one or two favorite turkey-day recipes. But if you’re looking for a new take on an old favorite, there are literally thousands to sift through. Purple Cowboy has narrowed it down to just a handful that we can’t wait to serve up.

Buttermilk Cornbread Stuffing with Sausage: Buttermilk in the cornbread makes this, from the Beekman Boys, one of Country Living’s all-time best Thanksgiving recipes.
Sweet Potatoes with Praline Streusel: Here’s a rich and delicious sweet potato side from Country Living, topped with an irresistible pecan topping. Baked until it’s bubbly and crisp on top, this can be prepared ahead and reheated.
Green Bean Casserole is a classic, and this from-scratch version from Ree Drummond (Pioneer Woman) can’t be beat. She uses fresh green beans (but of course!) and a homemade cream sauce to bring all the ingredients together.
Chipotle-Corn Mashed Potatoes: Creamy with a touch of sweet and a touch of spicy, we love this take on traditional mashed potatoes.
Gratitude Rolls: What is the message of the day, if not to give thanks? Write out your own messages of gratitude on parchment paper, and roll ‘em up and bake with either store-bought crescent rolls, or the recipe shown here.

Spruce Up the House!

The focus is on the food for a reason, but we picked out a few easy and fun decorating ideas that work for all of fall.

Autumn Leaves Centerpiece: Fill an assortment of clear glass containers with locally found leaves, pine cones, or acorns. You can also use small apples, pumpkins, or other squash. You can even get in the mood for the big game by adding small football charms to the mix. Try Mason jars, vases, or pitchers for the right look to go with your table.
Family Photo Centerpiece: Print out family photos from Thanksgivings gone by, support them with floral card holders, and add to your own arrangements of seasonal flowers. Instructions are available in this tutorial.
Corn and Leaf Wreath: Add silk leaves or flowers in fall colors, plus small ears of dried corn to a plain twig wreath. Use this on the table as part of a centerpiece, or as a wall or door decoration. Learn how to do it here.

The Wine Sisterhood’s collection of wine bottle crafts offers more great ideas for seasonal decorating.

We hope you enjoy our Thanksgiving recipe and decorating round up. From all of us here at Purple Cowboy, we’re wishing you a holiday full of all the things to be thankful for: home, health, family and friends.