What's For Dinner? Find Out Here!

At our house, we're always looking for simple, tasty new recipes to try. And we also want to pair them with something we carry. Fortunately, our industry partners offer us a lifeline, and we'll share some today.

The Monti Francis

Courtesy of St. Francis Winery, this is a simple and fruity sandwich to satisfy any palette.

Ingredients:
2 slices flat bread
2 tsp cream cheese
4 spinach leaves
2 strips bacon
2 slices grilled peaches
2 slices cheddar
1 egg, beaten
2 Tbs butter, for sauteing

Preparation:

Heat butter on med in skillet. Spread cream cheese inside each slice of bread. Assemble with ingredients then dip into egg. Place in skillet and saute until brown, flip.

Pair with St. Francis Sonoma Chardonnay, only $11.09 in the Bottle Club®.

Boston Lager Potato Salad

Perfect for when you need to bring something to a neighborhood cookout.Courtesy of Samuel Adams Boston Lager.

Ingredients:
36 ounces (4 1/2 cups) Samuel Adams Boston Lager
1 ½ pounds Yukon gold potatoes
1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
1/4 cup diced celery
2 tablespoons chopped scallion, white and light green parts 
2 tablespoons diced red onion
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon drained capers

In a large pot, bring the lager to a boil over high heat. Immediately reduce the heat to medium so that the beer simmers. Add the whole potatoes, let the beer return to a simmer, and cook for 20 to 22 minutes or until fork tender. Drain and set aside to cool for about 10 minutes or until cool enough to handle, but still hot.

Peel the cooked potatoes and cut into 1-inch-thick cubes. Transfer the potatoes to a mixing bowl. Add the peppers, celery, scallions, onions, mustard and capers and toss to mix. Let the potato salad rest for about 15 minutes for the flavors to develop and then serve while still warm. Serves 6.

Blueberry Bourbon Cream Cheese Pie

Courtesy of Maker's Mark®, this dessert is perfect for hot summer days, and might just be the second best use of bourbon. (The best use is, of course, to drink it.) The sweet blueberries are perfectly paired with the slightly salty cream cheese, and the bourbon laces it all together in every sweet, summery bite.

Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 2-1/2 hours
Level: Easy

Ingredients:
4 tablespoons Maker's Mark® Bourbon
4 cups fresh blueberries
3/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup cream cheese, at room temperature
1 pre-baked pie shell

1. Mash 2 cups of the blueberries with the sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of Maker's Mark® Bourbon. Place the berry mixture in a medium pan and place it over medium heat.
2. Bring the filling to a boil, stirring, and boil it until it is thickened and clear, about 3 minutes. Let the filling cool to room temperature.
3. Beat together the cream cheese and the remaining 2 tablespoons bourbon. Spread the cream cheese over the bottom of the pie crust.
4. Stir the remaining blueberries into the cooled berry filling. Spread the berry filling over the cream cheese layer. Chill the pie at least 2 hours, or until it is cold. Serve with lightly whipped cream.

*Note: Pre-bake the pie shell according to package directions at least two hours beforehand to allow time to cool.