Archive February 23, 2007

Happy Hour Chicken Satay

Welcome to the second Friday’s at Five with Lynne - Happy Hour edition. This is where I get to share some great ideas of what to eat and drink for your next happy hour at home. How did you do with last months’ happy hour? Was it a hit or did you dump the food and just drink the wine? Whatever happened, I’m proud of you for trying.

I firmly believe that every hour is happy hour, so what are we waiting for? Find your keys, get to the store, grab a bottle of wine (or 2 or 3) and let’s get happy!

Drink this:
2002 Zaca Mesa Syrah, Santa Barbara CA This is a very smooth and light-bodied Syrah. It’s fruity with hints of blackberry and black cherry and just a touch of spiciness. It’s soft and silky enough to drink on it’s own but pairs nicely with many dishes. Retail $18-26.

2004 Trimbach Riesling, Alsace France This wine defines crisp and fresh to a tee! Aged in stainless steel tanks, it’s has no oak flavor at all. It’s the perfect wine to drink on a beautifully warm day. If it’s cold out, drinking this is like sunshine in a glass. It has flavors of lemon and white peach with a hint of mineral essence. As refreshing as it is to drink all by itself, it will enhance your dish if you let it. Retail $17- 23.

Serve this:
Easy Chicken Satay with Peanut Dipping Sauce
1/2 c. teriyaki or soy sauce
3 tbsp. sugar
1 tbsp. white or rice vinegar
1 tsp red chili flakes
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb chicken cut into strips
2 tbsp. peanut butter
1/2 c. water

Mix first 6 ingredients and pour over chicken to marinate for an hour or more. Put marinated chicken strips on skewers (which have been soaked in water for 5 minutes to prevent burning) and grill or broil until done. While grilling, mix the leftover marinade with water and peanut butter in a saucepan and cook for about 5 minutes. Serve skewers with hot dipping sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro if you like.

So there you have it-chicken satay and 2 wines to drink with it. Be daring and try both wines to see which one you like better. After all, practice makes perfect!

Cheers!

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