Father’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to show appreciation for the fathers and father figures in our lives, whether a stepdad, uncle, grandpa, neighbor, or mentor. This day is all about sharing time with family, and if there’s one thing we know, it’s that great wine and food is a guaranteed way to bring people together. These Father’s Day recipes and wine pairings are the perfect way to make his day extra special.
If you’re new to wine and food pairing, don’t worry! The key is to balance the flavors, textures, and intensities of the food with those of the wine. We’ve made it easy for you with our recommended pairings below, with plenty of variety to appeal to different taste preferences!
Barbecued Pork Ribs
Suggested Wine Pairings:
- Syrah
- Proprietary Red Blend
- Fraternity Red Blend
- Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon
- Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon
Ingredients:
1 rack of pork ribs – baby back or St. Louis style (3-4 pounds)
For the Rub:
½ cup brown sugar
1-2 teaspoons of each of the following (adjust based on desired spice level and taste preferences):
- Chili powder
- Cayenne pepper
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cumin
- Celery seed
- Thyme
- Sage
- Salt
- Pepper
For the Sauce:
½ cup honey
6 oz tomato paste
¼ cup sherry vinegar
Assorted fresh chilis (e.g., Serrano, Habanero, Pasilla, Padron, Thai, or Fresno)
1 red onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Rub:
- Mix all the rub ingredients in a bowl.
- Generously rub the mixture over the top of the pork ribs, pressing firmly so it sticks.
- Place the ribs in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Take the ribs out of the refrigerator about 20 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature.
Make the Sauce:
- Finely dice the chilis, red onion, and garlic.
- Mix with honey, tomato paste, sherry vinegar, and salt.
- Cover and store in the refrigerator to let the flavors blend.
Prepare the Smoker or Oven:
- If using a smoker, preheat it to 250°F. Ensure you have enough charcoal or wood, and soak your wood chips for an hour before using.
- If using an oven, preheat it to 225°F.
Cook the Ribs:
- Smoker Method: Place the ribs in the smoking chamber and cook for about 4 hours, maintaining a steady temperature. Adjust the dampers to regulate heat as needed.
- Oven Method: Place the ribs on a large baking sheet and cook for 4 hours. If you have a grill, you can finish the ribs over low heat for added flavor.
Finish and Serve:
- About 20 minutes before serving, remove the sauce from the refrigerator to let it come to room temperature.
- Brush the ribs with the sauce and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Accompaniment Suggestions:
Roasted Street Corn (recipe below!)
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Any hearty green, leafy vegetable
Cornbread
P.S. Don’t forget lots of napkins!
Secretly Healthy Roasted Street Corn
This deceptively easy and healthy recipe is big on flavor and pairs perfectly with the smoky flavors of barbecued ribs or any grilled dishes!
Suggested Wine Pairings:
Ingredients:
2 cups of frozen, fire roasted corn
1/2 cup Greek yogurt (full fat recommended)
1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 lime, cut into wedges
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Mix the Greek yogurt, cotija cheese, chili powder, and smoked paprika in a bowl. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Thaw the corn by microwaving it in a microwave-safe bowl for 30-60 seconds, stirring occasionally.
Once the corn is warm, spoon the sauce over the corn, mixing well to coat the corn.
Sprinkle the coated corn with additional cotija cheese and chopped cilantro, if using. Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the corn.
Maple Old Fashioned
A cocktail for dessert? Why not! This maple old-fashioned is a simple twist on the classic, with the rich, complex flavor of maple syrup perfectly complementing the vanilla and spice notes of your favorite whiskey.
Ingredients (makes 1 cocktail):
2 oz. bourbon or rye
1/2 oz. pure maple syrup
3 dashes Angostura bitters
Instructions:
Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass and stir with ice.
Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice or one large ice cube.
Garnish with an orange twist and cherry.
Don’t forget to share your creations and tag us on social @baldacciwinery for a chance to be featured on our feed!
