Cork & Fork: McBride Sisters Collection + Seafood Pairings

“A bottle of wine begs to be shared.” - Unknown

The McBride Sisters have blended their passion: wine and created a beautiful collection for their consumers. Their winery is the largest African-American-owned wine company in the United States. The winemakers, Robin and Andréa were raised in the wine regions of Monterey, California and Marlborough, New Zealand respectively.

Today, I am pairing two of my favorite wines perfect for summer, with amazing dishes you’ll be able to enjoy right at home.


McBride Sisters Collection NV Hawke's Bay New Zealand Sparkling Brut Rosé

McBride Sisters Collection NV Hawke's Bay New Zealand Sparkling Brut Rosé

McBride Sisters Collection NV Hawke's Bay New Zealand Sparkling Brut Rosé

This lovely wine has the following notes:

  • Red fruit: strawberry, cherry, and a touch of cranberry

  • Citrus: lemon and orange

  • A hint of honey, toast and sourdough

What I love about this wine is that it is so light and effervescent. You’ll immediately get red fruit on the palate when drinking this wine. It is fruity, but not sweet - the perfect balance of acidity. The grapes used in this wine are Chardonnay and Pinot Noir - which compliment so very well.

This is the perfect summer wine and will pair well with many dishes, such as salad, pork, seafood, and/or vegetarian.

Food Pairing: Honey Chipotle Lime Shrimp (recipe here)

Honey Chipotle Lime Shrimp with a Parsley herb garnish

Honey Chipotle Lime Shrimp with a Parsley herb garnish


McBride Sisters Collection 2018 Central Coast California Chardonnay

McBride Sisters Collection 2018 Central Coast California Chardonnay

McBride Sisters Collection 2018 Central Coast California Chardonnay

This crisp Chardonnay has the following notes:

  • Butter, oak, and a touch of vanilla

  • Green fruit: pear and green apple

  • Citrus: lemon

  • Tropical fruit: pineapple, peach and papaya

I really enjoyed this wine, and it is the perfect wine to drink in the summertime. You’ll immediately taste the tropical fruit, citrus, and green apple after your first sip. It’s extremely easy to drink. It errs on the dry side, and has medium acid level. It is a bold Chardonnay, but does not have overpowering oak notes, which makes it lovely to pair with any seafood or chicken dish.

Food Pairing: Lemon & Herb Smoked Salmon

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XO, Analise

Recipe: Honey Chipotle Lime Shrimp

“Cooking is all about people. Food is maybe the only universal thing that really has the power to bring everyone together. No matter what culture, everywhere around the world, people get together to eat.” - Guy Fieri

One of my favorite dishes to whip up and share is Honey Chipotle Lime Shrimp. What is so perfect about this dish is that you can pair it with literally anything: rice, salad, or any side dish you like. It is so versatile, and you can even snack on them without any accompaniment.

Below is the super easy recipe you can create at home.


What You’ll Need

  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined 

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

  • 3 limes, juiced

  • 2 tablespoons honey

  • 1 tablespoon Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Seasoning

  • 1 tablespoon black pepper

  • 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes

  • 1/2 cup chopped parley, cilantro, or green onion for garnish

Instructions

STEP 1: Heat up your cast iron skillet with olive oil on medium to high heat.

STEP 2: Gradually add your shrimp into the heated skillet, and then include the seasonings: black pepper, chili lime, and red pepper flakes.

Pro Tip: Lightly pat dry your shrimp before adding them into the skillet. This will ensure that any excess water is removed before adding them into the cast iron. By doing this, your shrimp have a lovely sear on them when cooking.

STEP 3: Ensure your shrimp get a sear on each side. Flip them after 2-4 minutes or when you see a nice golden sear on the shrimp.

STEP 4: Lower the heat (low to medium) on your skillet, and add in lime juice and honey, delicately mixing the shrimp with the mixture. Ensure that each shrimp is evenly coated. Let the shrimp simmer in the skillet, allowing the sauce to thicken. Stir the shrimp in the cast iron to coat each shrimp with the lime and honey sauce.

Pro Tip: Putting your skillet on low to medium heat allows for the perfect caramelization for the lime and honey sauce. Having your pan on a high heat will actually burn the sauce which you do not want at all.

STEP 5: Let the shrimp cool in the skillet, and then remove to a plate. Garnish the shrimp with your favorite herbs, and cut a lime for extra flavor! Enjoy!

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XO, Analise