Celebrating a Florida Fall may not mean bundling up as the weather changes, but rather enjoying activities in the slightly-cooler weather with friends and family. Cooking a comfort meal paired with one of our delicious local Florida wines is among those activities. Our Tampa winery restaurant team at Keel Farms prepared some of their favorite recipes for this fall for you to try out! Be sure to buy local Florida wine in stores near you and try these out this fall season! 

Recipe 1: Szechuan Chilli Fish - Keel Farms Chef Andy's Recipe

Ingredients: 

• 3 Cod Loins cut into 1.5 inch Chunks

• 2 Tbs Ginger

• 2 Tbs Minced Garlic

• 1 bunch of Green Onions (White/Green Seperated)

• 1 White onion Sliced Thinly

• 1 Bunch of Celery Sliced Thinly

• 1/3 Cup Szechuan Peppercorns

• 2Tbs Chilli Flakes (Preferably Korean)

• 1 Cup of neutral High Smoke Point Oil (Canola, Grapeseed, etc)

• 4 Dried Medium/High Heat Peppers (Szechuan or Arbol)

• 1/3 Cup Soy Sauce

• 1/2 Cup Bean Sprouts

• Cilantro and Lime for garnish

• Flour

• Cornstarch

Instructions:

• Prepare the fish: Dust the Cod in a flour cornstarch mixture, pan fry on medium high heat until golden brown and remove from pan. 

• In hot oil toast peppercorns and dried chili peppers, after 30 seconds and toasted, remove from pan and place on a paper towel.

• In the chili scented oil, saute scallion whites, sliced onions, celery, ginger and garlic

• Prepare the veggies: After a few minutes, when the vegetables are softened add the toasted peppercorns and toasted chillies back into the pan.

• Prepare the sauce: Add soy sauce, fish, sprouts, scallion green tops, and cook until sauce is combined and fully coated the fish.

Prepare to serve: Plate over rice, garnish with lime and cilantro. Pair with our Peach Chardonnay to balance the heat and spice of the dish’s flavors with the sweetness of the peach flavors.

Recipe 2: Grilled Balsamic Glazed Chicken with Black Raspberry Merlot

Ingredients: 

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 cup balsamic vinegar

• 1/2 cup black raspberry preserves

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions: 

• Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, black raspberry preserves, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Reserve a small amount of the marinade for basting. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and let them marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best flavor).

• Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

• Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, basting with the reserved marinade during the last few minutes of cooking. The chicken should be cooked through and have nice grill marks.

• Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh basil on top. This dish pairs perfectly with a glass of our Black Raspberry Merlot, enhancing the fruity notes of the wine.

Recipe 3: Wild Berry & Spinach Salad with Wild Berry Pinot Noir Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh spinach

• 1 cup mixed wild berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

• 1/4 cup sliced almonds

• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced 

For the Vinaigrette:

• 1/4 cup Keel + Curley Winery Wild Berry Pinot Noir

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the wild berry pinot noir, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.

• Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the fresh spinach, mixed wild berries, crumbled feta cheese, sliced almonds, and red onion.

• Dress the Salad: Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.

Serve: Enjoy this vibrant salad with a glass of our Wild Berry Pinot Noir, allowing the wine’s berry notes to complement the flavors of the salad beautifully.

Get Your Ingredients Today! 

All of these recipes not only celebrate the wines they’re paired with but also bring a burst of flavor and freshness to your dining experience. Visit Keel Farms, our local Tampa winery restaurant, or shop in-store and online to buy local Florida wine today. Enjoy!