Welcome to this gourmet food and wine pairing blog post, featuring my lovely mom as our special guest! Today, we're exploring the rich flavors and refined elegance of - a delicious Pumpkin-shaped brie Puff Pastry with blackberry, pumpkin butter and rosemary shallot flavors. I know that's already a lot of flavors to say, but we aren't stopping there. We're pairing this indulgent pastry with the sophisticated, full-bodied taste of J. Lohr Carol’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. So, whether you're getting ready to impress your guests at your next Fall dinner party or simply indulging in an evening of delicacies for yourself, now is the time to sit back, and let us guide you through this amazing taste sensation. Get ready to discover how a classic wine, bursting with black currant, cherry, and dark chocolate notes, can enliven the taste buds when paired with this delectable pastry. So uncork that bottle, and preheat your oven, as we introduce you to this perfect, palatable pairing.

2021 J. Lohr Carol's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2021 J. Lohr Carol's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied, robust red wine sourced from St. Helena in the Napa Valley. Aromatically, the wine presents complex notes of blackberry, black cherry, and mocha. On the palate, the wine is creamy and structured with a long, smooth finish. This wine is delicious in every way and pairs perfectly with a grilled ribeye steak with rosemary and shallots, or porcini pork tenderloin. Of course, these 3 pumpkin-shaped bries we are sharing with you today pair exquisitely well.

Now, you may be wondering why I have my Mom as a special guest today, and it's not just because she loves this recipe. I have her here because along with Jerry Lohr’s late wife, Carol Waldorf Lohr, she too has had breast cancer. Unfortunately, breast cancer runs on my mother’s side of the family. Along with my Mom, my Grandmother and Aunt have also had breast cancer. We have been blessed that my Mom is now a survivor, and has been for the past 15 years. However, we know the importance of early detection and love the story behind this beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon which was named after Carol Lohr. Carol passed from complications from breast cancer, which is why the J. Lohr family is devoted to advocating for breast self-care and early detection. Through the J. Lohr Touching Lives® initiative, they have surpassed $1 million in support of crucial services to help prevent breast cancer. and have proudly funded more than 8,000 mammograms for women in need. Coming from a family that has a long history of this terrible disease, I am so proud to be working with J. Lohr and proud to be sharing my passion for good food and recipes along with great wine pairings. I truly hope you can enjoy making yourself this yummy meal when sipping on a glass of this wine with a cause in honor of Carol Lohr. You can give back in 3 ways this October and beyond with the J. Lohr family:

1. ENJOYING A BOTTLE OF CAROL’S VINEYARD CABERNET

A $3 donation from every purchase of J. Lohr Carol’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, whether at your local restaurant, wine shop, online, or at our Wine Centers, is donated to NBCF’s important programs.

2. ATTEND A J. LOHR TOUCHING LIVES WINE DINNER

Join and raise a glass in support of this worthy cause at top restaurants across the country. Upcoming dinners are listed on their website.

3. DONATE DIRECTLY TO NBCF

Donating directly to National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.® puts you on the front line in the fight against this deadly disease. Joining in whatever way you can means the world to women, men, and families impacted by breast cancer.

3 Delicious Pumpkin Shaped Brie Flavors

Pumpkin Butter

The Carol’s Cabernet pairs perfectly with this brie & pumpkin stuffed puff pastry. With its creamy texture and nutty flavor, the food perfectly complements the boldness of the wine. The nutty notes of the brie and pumpkin are the perfect accompaniment to the bold, robust flavors of the wine.

Ingredients

1 regular-sized brie or 3 mini

1 tbsp melted butter

1/3 cup pumpkin butter

1 puff pastry for regular or 1 1/2 for 3 mini

Sage

Cinnamon Sticks

Instructions

1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
2) Lay a puff pastry sheet on parchment paper then add the pumpkin butter in the center and place the brie on top. Same for mini just divide evenly.
3) Wrap puff pastry around the brie and fold over the bottom.
4) Cut about 6 stripes of baker’s twine and lay them crossed over each other evenly to form the pumpkin shape. Flip over the brie so the non-folded part is on top and tie each string together. Cut the extra string off.
5) Brush melted butter around the pastry sheet and then bake in the oven for about 20 minutes or until the pumpkin is golden brown for regular size and 12-15 for mini.
6) Allow the brie to cool for a few then carefully cut and remove the strings and add the sage leaves and cinnamon stick for the pumpkin look
7) Serve with desired crackers, apples or pretzels and J. Lohr wine! Enjoy!

Dark Blackberry

The combination of a blackberry brie puff pastry and Carol's Vineyard Cabernet is a match made in heaven. The deep berry flavors of the cabernet are balanced perfectly with the creamy brie cheese and flaky puff pastry. The tannins of the wine will provide a nice contrast to the richness of the brie, while the bright acidity will help to balance the sweetness of the blackberry sauce. The puff pastry is light and flaky, while the combination of blackberry and brie gives it a creamy and sweet flavor. Whether you’re serving this as an appetizer or dessert, your guests will be sure to enjoy it.

Ingredients

1 regular-sized brie or 3 mini

1 tbsp melted butter

1/3 cup blackberries, smashed

1 puff pastry for regular or 1 1/2 for 3 mini

Sage

Cinnamon Sticks

Instructions

1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
2) Lay a puff pastry sheet on parchment paper then add the smashed blackberries in the center and place the brie on top. Same for mini just divide evenly.
3) Wrap puff pastry around the brie and fold over the bottom.
4) Cut about 6 stripes of baker’s twine and lay them crossed over each other evenly to form the pumpkin shape. Flip over the brie so the non-folded part is on top and tie each string together. Cut the extra string off.
5) Brush melted butter around the pastry sheet and then bake in the oven for about 20 minutes or until the pumpkin is golden brown for regular size and 12-15 for mini.
6) Allow the brie to cool for a few then carefully cut and remove the strings and add the sage leaves and cinnamon stick for the pumpkin look
7) Serve with desired crackers, apples or pretzels and J. Lohr wine! Enjoy!

Rosemary and Shallot

The savory flavors of the rosemary and shallot brie puff pastry provide a perfect complement to the spice notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cocoa in the Carol’s Vineyard Cabernet. The delicate and slightly sweet flavor of the brie is balanced by the intense flavor of the Cabernet Sauvignon. The combination of the two brings out the subtle notes of blackberry and dark chocolate in the wine, making for a delightful pairing. All the while the herbal notes of the rosemary and the sweetness of the shallot bring out the complexity of the wine. With this pairing, you are sure to have one memorable evening with your guests.

Ingredients

1 regular-sized brie or 3 mini

2 tbsp melted butter

2 shallots finely chopped

1 tablespoon rosemary finely chopped

1 puff pastry for regular or 1 1/2 for 3 mini

Sage

Cinnamon Sticks

Instructions

1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
Over medium heat add 1 tbsp butter, finely chopped shallot and rosemary to the pan. Let cook until shallots are transparent.
2) Lay a puff pastry sheet on parchment paper then add the shallot mixture in the center and place the brie on top. Same for mini just divide evenly.
3) Wrap puff pastry around the brie and fold over the bottom.
4)Cut about 6 stripes of baker’s twine and lay them crossed over each other evenly to form the pumpkin shape. Flip over the brie so the non-folded part is on top and tie each string together. Cut the extra string off.
5) Brush extra melted butter around the pastry sheet and then bake in the oven for about 20 minutes or until the pumpkin is golden brown for regular size and 12-15 for mini.
6) Allow the brie to cool for a few then carefully cut and remove the strings and add the sage leaves and cinnamon stick for the pumpkin look
7) Serve with desired crackers, apples or pretzels and J. Lohr wine! Enjoy!

For those looking to jazz up their next cheese and wine night, this Pumpkin-Shaped Brie paired with the J. Lohr Carol's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon should be at the top of the list. This combination is sure to please the most discerning foodies and is sure to be a hit at any gathering. With its bold flavors and complex notes, this pairing will elevate any cheesy and pumpkin flavors you decide to make. If you end up making all 3 of these pumpkin flavors, for a creative and festive holiday feel, I suggest plating them in a cute way such as positioning them into an adorable-looking pumpkin patch like my Mom and I did. Now, you have a beautiful meal, and a festive design, ready for any flavor profiles at the party! For an unforgettable pairing experience, reach for these delicious brie pumpkin's paired with J. Lohr Carol’s Vineyard amazing Cabernet Sauvignon.

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If you're looking for a new recipe that's delicious, hearty, and healthy, look no further than this grilled steak and blue cheese salad with grilled corn! This savory dish is made with flavorful steak, creamy blue cheese, and sweet grilled corn. Pair with a glass of the J. Lohr Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon to create a world-class meal that's sure to please. Not only is this dish tasty, but it's also easy to make, giving you a delectable dinner on the table in no time! One of my favorite go to salad meals and I am especially enjoying it on National Cabernet Day today!

Let me just say, that this unique combination of flavors will surely impress your dinner guests and make even the pickiest eater happy. A juicy steak is the perfect complement to the tangy blue cheese and smoky grilled corn for a flavor combination that is out of this world. Let's not forget that when accompanied by a glass of J. Lohr Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet, the dining adventure of this meal becomes truly epic! The bold, full-bodied flavor of the Cabernet adds the perfect touch of elegance to this dish, making it an ideal pairing for a casual dinner at home to an elegant dinner party.

A little background on the wine is that it is produced and bottled by J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines in Paso Robles, CA. In the glass you’lll see a deep, bright, red-purple hue and on the nose an abundance of dark cherry and black currant fruit enhanced by accent notes of toasted pastry, hazelnut, and vanilla. This comes from their extensive barrel aging program. I find that you can pair this Cabernet with a variety of dishes, from pulled pork sandwiches and coleslaw to your favorite lasagna. Hard cheeses and beef are the best pairing of them all which is why I think this steak and blue cheese salad is the ultimate dish.

Steak Choices

The key to making this salad is to choose the right cut of steak. In my opinion, a grilled ribeye works best as the ribeye has a bold, beefy flavor that will stand up to the intense flavors of the blue cheese. For a juicy, flavorful steak, look for a steak with plenty of marbling. To get that perfect medium-rare steak, grill each side for 3-4 minutes at high heat. Make sure to rest the steak for 5-10 minutes after cooking, as this will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure it’s perfectly juicy. Add grilled corn, blue cheese crumbles, and a drizzle of the blue cheese dressing to complete the salad.

Grilling Corn

Start lightly brushing the corn with extra virgin olive oil or melted butter before grilling. This will ensure even cooking and maximum flavor when it's time to add it to the salad. Grill the corn over medium-high heat, turning frequently, for approximately 8-10 minutes until it is lightly charred and tender. Add a sprinkle of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to the corn for optimal flavor before grilling. Once the corn is finished grilling, let it cool slightly before adding it to the salad.

Salad Ingredients

Serving 4

10 ounces of butter lettuce or mixed spring greens

2 - 10 oz ribeye steaks

1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles

4 corn on the cob

1/2 a large red onion, sliced

6 oz cherry tomatoes, halved

1 avocado thinly sliced

Dressing Ingredients

1 cup mayonnaise

3/4 cup low-fat buttermilk

1/2 cup sour cream

4 oz blue cheese crumbled

3 garlic cloves minced

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon ground pepper

1/4-1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

Directions

1. Rinse and pat dry all fruit and vegetables.

2. Add all dressing ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. If you liked your blue cheese dressing more chunky, you can add crumbles into the dressing now. For a thinner consistency, leave alone after blending. This dressing can be premade in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 2 days ahead.

3. Grill steaks and corn. Start your grill, butter corn on the cob, and add salt and pepper to corn and steaks. Place steaks and corn on the grill. Grill corn for 8-10 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes. Grill Steaks for 3-4 minutes on each side or until cooked to your liking. Remove all from the grill and let sit for 5-10 minutes. Slice steaks into strips and cut corn off of the cob.

4. Now, it's time to assemble the grilled steak blue cheese salad with grilled corn salad. Add butter lettuce roughly chopped into a large bowl with half the red onion, corn, blue cheese, and cherry tomatoes. Pour dressing over the top and stir together! Then, layer the remainder of the red onion, corn, cherry tomatoes, sliced steak, and avocado. Liberally sprinkle blue cheese on top and serve!

My husband and I always enjoy a great steak dinner with a chopped salad, the perfect way to enjoy it as a lighter fare. Nothing compares to the smoky, charred flavor of grilled steak and the blue cheese's nutty richness. Enjoy the flavors of this delicious steak salad paired with the J. Lohr Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon for a truly memorable experience. I love how this Cabernet brings out the charred flavors of the steak and the nutty flavors of the blue cheese. The sweetness of the grilled corn is a perfect balance for the bold cabernet, creating an unparalleled flavor combination.