Every gathering starts with a central theme around here and a Christmas bash is no different. When I was first discovering the world of wines, my good friend, Doug compared wine varietals to music genres. The idea shortened my learning curve and gave me a greater understanding of what to expect for a particular wine. I’ll get into a more detailed outline of the concept at another time but tonight’s theme was built around the idea that Zinfandel is the rock n roll of wine! Big, in your face, the jammy fruit is very apparent in smell and taste. This style - as uniquely American as the roots of rock n roll – pairs extremely well with spicy foods, bbq, fruit glazes and bold flavors. So used this wine as the starting point for a gathering, pairing foods and a cocktail recipe to make a kick-ass night.

watch the webcast here - http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/3322100

Nuestra Paloma Cocktail - Scott Beattie’s update on a classic.

3/4 oz “Good” SIlver Tequila - Partida, Corzo, Don Julio

3/4 oz Charbay Ruby Red Grapefruit Vodka

3/4 oz freshly squeezed lime juice

3/4 oz freshly ruby red grapefruit juice

1/2 oz agave nectar sweetner - water diluted 1/1

shake vigorously - serve on the rocks - garnish w/slice of dried ruby red grapefruit

links

http://www.scottbeattiecocktails.com/  Get the book

http://charbay.com/default.aspx

Pedro’s Vino Picks

Maple 2006 Zinfandel - http://www.maplezin.com/

Arnot-Roberts 2007 Alder Spring Syrah

Arnot-Roberts 2007 Griffins Lair Zinfandel

http://www.arnotroberts.com/index.html

Cola-Baked Ham w/Cherry-Orange Glaze

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/cola-baked-ham-with-cherry-orange-glaze-recipe/index.html

Scalloped Potatoes & Onions - Cameron highly recommends caramelized onions and using a bechamel sauce rather than the cream called for the recipe - a little jazz thrown into the rock n roll mix.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/scalloped-potatoes-and-onions-recipe/index.html

Some tips on ham buying from Saveur magazine issue #125.

http://www.saveur.com/article/Techniques/Buying-a-Ham