Red White and Grill
Ever since the original kettle-style grill was introduced in 1951, Americans have been crazy for cookouts. But throwing basic hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill no longer cuts the mustard, so to speak. Casual summer chefs and flame fanatics alike are looking for fresh ideas, especially mid-way through the summer grilling season.
For Diane Morgan, award-winning author of the new book, Salmon: A Cookbook, grilled salmon and wine is a warm weather match made in heaven. She suggests shaking things up with a refreshing one-dish grilled meal, Salmon and Grill-Roasted Sweet Corn Salad. Morgan loves salmon for its versatility. “Salmon is impressive yet easy to prepare. Its meaty texture makes it a fail-safe option for even novice grillers. And, salmon is such a natural with wine,” says Morgan.
Salmon’s rich, buttery flavors work equally well with red and white wines; perfect for stress-free summer entertaining. For Morgan’s salmon salad, try a fruity Chardonnay as a white wine offering and a Pinot Noir to showcase the smokiness of the grilled corn and salmon, for guests who prefer red. The fruit flavors of wine naturally enhance the smoky flavors of a whole range of grilled foods. For more wine pairing suggestions for Salmon, click here to learn about 1 Fish, 6 Wines.
According to Wine Market Council and Merrill Research, 80 percent of wine drinkers say wine is their first choice beverage when entertaining at home, but not everyone is comfortable pairing wine with food. When matching wine with food there is only one rule, the wines you like will inevitably go with the foods you like – and opening a bottle is the perfect complement to the informal feel that goes with summer grilling.
Here are some more tips to ensure a successful backyard cookout:
- Get fresh – The key to ensuring a fantastically flavorful cookout is starting with fresh, quality ingredients, especially when your menu includes salmon. When shopping for salmon, or any seafood for that matter, remember that fresh fish should never smell fishy. Look for fillets that are moist and freshly cut, not flat and browned at the edges. The skin should be silvery and bright.
- Keep your cool – If you prefer white wine outdoors, don’t worry about an ice bucket to keep it cold. A chilled bottle of wine will stay chilled for about an hour – just don’t place it too close to the hot grill. Some people even drop an ice cube in their wine if they prefer it colder.
- Sip without stress – Don’t feel comfortable bringing your stemware to the backyard? No need to stress, any glass can be a wine glass. From disposable party ware and plastic tumblers to stemmed glassware, serve wine in whichever type of glass will make your guests – and you – feel most comfortable.
- Think inside the box – The new generation of boxed and aseptically packaged wines make great, outdoor entertaining choices, especially poolside or anywhere that glass might be an issue. Plus, the compact packaging offers tremendous value. A 3-liter box holds the equivalent of four 750 ml bottles, or 20 glasses.
- Look forward to leftovers – One of the great things about cooking is having leftover treats. Don’t be afraid to save leftover party wine, too, for the next day’s noshing. Nearly 40 percent of wine drinkers don’t realize that you should save those partially-consumed bottles. Just re-cork or twist the cap back on, and your wine will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.