Have you ever wanted to combine your love of art, wine, and delicious food? Recently, I had the amazing opportunity to participate in a virtual cooking class hosted by the renowned Cakebread Cellars, and it was an experience I won’t soon forget. Let me tell you all about it!
Blending Flavors and Creativity: The Virtual Cooking Class Experience
Like many of us, I’ve missed the joy of in-person classes and workshops this past year. So, when I received an invitation to join Chef Brian Streeter of Cakebread Cellars for a virtual cooking class, I was beyond excited!
The experience was cleverly packaged – our “virtual culinary pack” included two bottles of Cakebread wine (shipped right to our doorsteps!) and the recipes we’d be preparing. I immediately invited my mom, and we blocked off our schedules for some quality time together.
A Deliciously Unexpected Pairing: Kimchi Takes Center Stage!
Chef Brian, true to his innovative spirit, decided to introduce us to the wonders of kimchi – that spicy, tangy fermented cabbage that’s a staple in Korean cuisine. Now, if you’d asked me before this experience what wine I’d pair with kimchi, I wouldn’t have known where to start!
We prepared two dishes: Kimchi Pancakes with Soy Dipping Sauce and Kimchi Fried Rice with Bacon. The kimchi added a wonderfully unexpected twist to both. Beyond the flavor, I loved the health benefits – fermented foods are great for gut health!
A Sauvignon Blanc Surprise
The Kimchi Pancakes, light and flavorful, were a perfect match for the Cakebread Sauvignon Blanc. The wine’s bright acidity and tropical notes balanced beautifully with the spice of the kimchi. It was a revelation – who knew this pairing could be so successful?
Pinot Noir and the Perfect Bite
For the Kimchi Fried Rice, we enjoyed a Two Creeks Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir. The earthiness and subtle funk of the kimchi, combined with the savory bacon, were beautifully complemented by the cool-climate Pinot Noir. The wine’s acidity cut through the richness of the dish, creating a symphony of flavors.
Uncork Your Inner Chef with Robert Kline Art
This experience reminded me that culinary arts and craft go hand-in-hand. They both allow for creativity, experimentation, and the joy of sharing your creations with others.
Have you ever tried an unexpected food and wine pairing? Share your experiences in the comments below! And be sure to visit Robert Kline Art for more inspiration on incorporating handmade crafts into your life, making every occasion special!