Get Ready for Football Season with Fabulous Food

by | Sep 3, 2014 | Dining, Recipes | 0 comments

food

Credit: Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi

For those of us who might not entirely understand the sport of football, but still want to be an active part of the festivities, Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi is here to help! We all love a good football tailgate party, a common seasonal event known for delicious snacks and appetizers. What classier (and tastier) way to prepare these fall football foods than with Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi wine? With the first NFL football game beginning Thursday night at 8:30 p.m, it’s time to get the recipes ready! While there might be rivalries amongst friends and family at your gatherings, these recipes are sure to be loved by all.

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Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Caramelized Onion Dip

 Yield: 4-6 appetizer servings

 Ingredients:

3 tbsp unsalted butter

1 large onion, sliced into half rings

1 teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

½ teaspoon pepper

1 tbsp Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon

8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

½ cup sour cream

½ cup plain yogurt

2 tbsp chives, chopped

 Directions:

  1. Melt butter over medium-low heat, then add onions, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Slowly caramelize the onions by letting them sit for about 3 minutes, then stirring. Do not allow the onions to burn. If the pan gets too dry, add a small amount of water.
  2. When the onions are a rich brown color (about 30 minutes), add the Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon and cook for another three minutes or until the wine is completely absorbed. Remove from heat.
  3. Add cream cheese, sour cream and yogurt to the bowl of an electric mixer and beat until smooth on medium low speed. Turn the mixer down to the lowest speed and add the onions. Add seasonings to taste.
  4. Garnish with chives and serve at room temperature.

Entertaining Tip: Make dip up to two days in advance, reserving a tablespoon or so of the caramelized onions for garnish. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to bring to room temperature.

Suggestion: Pair with Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon

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Credit: Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi

Roasted Butternut Squash & Goat Cheese Dip

 Yield: 4-6 appetizer servings

Ingredients:

1 pound butternut squash, cubed

2 large carrots, peeled and chopped into large pieces

3 bulbs garlic, diced

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp pine nuts plus more for garnish

2 tbsp goat cheese plus more for garnish

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 tbsp Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Pinot Noir

Zest of 1/2 lemon

Salt and pepper, to taste

Cayenne, to taste

1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped (optional)

 Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375º.
  2. Toss first four ingredients in a medium sized bowl.
  3. Spread them out on a baking sheet and bake until butternut squash is fork tender, about 30 minutes.
  4. Add all ingredients to food processor and pulse until smooth.
  5. Spoon the dip into a serving bowl and top with extra pine nuts and goat cheese. Serve warm with crackers, pita or Ciabatta bread as pictured, and a glass of Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Pinot Noir.

Entertaining Tip: Make the dip up to two days before you plan to serve. Dish it into an oven proof serving dish and heat for 30 minutes at 375º before serving. At the 25-minute mark, take the dip out and sprinkle goat cheese and pine nuts over top. Put back in the oven on broil for the remaining 5 minutes to toast the pine nuts and warm the goat cheese.

Suggestion: Pair with Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Pinot Noir

The first game of the NFL is Thursday night at 8:30p.m, Packers vs. Seahawks. So get ready to eat and drink up because football and food fans alike will be content this fall as long as you follow these simple recipes!

-Lauren Price

Downtown Magazine