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    Pasta al pomodoro & Middle Sister Wine

    Jun 30, 2015 · 18 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    A big milestone came and went quietly this month for Living the Gourmet – the one year anniversary of our transition from a blog into a website.

    While it’s certainly an important anniversary here behind the scenes, it serves as much more of a measurement of where we were then as compared to where we are now.

    Living the Gourmet:  Pasta al pomodoro & Middle Sister Wine #MiddleSister #DropsofWisdom

    After a years-long stint as a blog, the transformation was an understandably rocky one, more akin to sailing a hopelessly damaged ship through a violent storm as opposed to peacefully traversing the digital highways of modern food media.

    Operating under the strain of severe technical issues, it’s safe to say our prospects appeared less than peachy at the time. “Did we fix what wasn’t broken?” “Did we bite off more than we can chew?” “Will it all pay off?” were just a few of the soul-searching questions I was asking myself.

    With no clear answer, and with each new day feeling as though it were bringing yet another problem in need of a solution, those same questions hung over my head like an invisible Sword of Damocles. Rarely would I voice these concerns, and when I did, I would invariably receive a calm, almost stoically spoken, “We’re right where we’re supposed to be” from my sister. While the words carried an oddly contagious albeit muted confidence, those questions never fully retreated, lurking just above me, casting their Damoclean shadow over my daily life.

    As a result, you can imagine my wide-eyed surprise when a former Executive White House Chef came calling less than a month later, his representatives asking if he could sit for an interview to help promote his new book.

    “I told you we are right where we’re supposed to be.”

    Twelve months and few days later, I’m not merely feeling that sentiment, I’m living it. The passing of that milestone is the story behind our most recent ‘behind the scenes’ celebration, as well as the evening’s deliberately quirky wine choice.

    Living the Gourmet:  Pasta al pomodoro & Middle Sister Wine #MiddleSister #DropsofWisdom

    While I could have gone with the ‘perfect pairing’ for the meal, or a ‘jewel digestif’ for afterward, I wanted something instead that paired perfectly with the carefree and lighthearted celebration itself – and that’s precisely what Middle Sister Mischief Maker does. It made for a perfect toast not just for the milestone itself, but for all of the bumps and quirks along the way.

    To go with the theme of the night, we prepared one of our classics – spicy marinara and salami over pasta. A deliberately fun entrée that’s meant to be enjoyed in a celebratory setting, it would not only add another layer to the evening itself, but serve as a sort of culinary journey back to our roots. We would serve this outside on our porch, with trappings from a collection of our latest themes to purposefully remind of us the progress we’ve made.

    As a result, from the wine choice, to the entrée, to the evening setting itself, everything was designed to add a layer of forward looking reminiscence, while playing into the central theme of celebration.

    Living the Gourmet:  Pasta al pomodoro & Middle Sister Wine #MiddleSister #DropsofWisdom

    Now, since old habits die hard. What of the wine itself?

    While it was certainly festive enough, you might be wondering how it actually stacked up. Here’s a brief overview.

    It’s not often that I comment on the front label of a bottle at any length, however this particular label goes out of its way not just to make certain that the purveyor takes note, but to ensure that it’s difficult to divert one’s attention. In this instance, the label greets the eye with clashing black and bright orange, prominently featuring a ‘Mischievous’ looking character, wine glass in hand, complete with shades, heels, and a fringed leather coat. Beside her, black calligraphy reads, “Let’s get this going, people. That wine ain’t gonna pour itself!”

    The back of the label carries on the theme, giving a small ‘bio’ of sorts of the character on the front, with lines about dating brothers, wearing leather to a wedding, and drinking white wine with red meat. In the upper right corner, a ‘stamp’ reads ‘Cheers.’

    Living the Gourmet:  Pasta al pomodoro & Middle Sister Wine #MiddleSister #DropsofWisdom

    Overall, I have to give credit for this. The estate knows who and what they are, and precisely what they are trying to convey with the vintage.

    Despite being titled the “Mischief Maker,” the bottle contains a robust Cabernet Sauvignon, which is more or less the global benchmark for red wine along with Merlot, with the grape being grown almost everywhere vineyards are to be found.

    On pouring, the wine greeted me with a robust but pleasant bouquet of ripened fruit, initially wild berries and hints of dark cherry. Dried spice and herbal notes carried through the middle of the glass into the bottom.

    On sampling, the wine immediately features what I will have to describe as rustic fruit essence, chiefly overripe berries, which mellow quickly into either plum or black cherry notes. The initial flavors are followed by hints of subdued vanilla laced currant, which linger only briefly on the palette. Tannins are reserved, pleasant, and evenly carried.

    Overall, this is an excellent cabernet sauvignon, perfect for pairing with any festive entrée, particularly spicy Italian food, red meat, or red sauce pasta dishes.

    Living the Gourmet:  Pasta al pomodoro & Middle Sister Wine #MiddleSister #DropsofWisdom

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    Pasta al pomodoro

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    ★★★★★

    5 from 3 reviews

    • Author: Living the Gourmet
    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 20 minutes
    • Total Time: 30 minutes
    • Yield: 4 1x

    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • 2 – 28 oz. cans crushed tomatoes
    • 1/2 lb. dried salami
    • 1 medium sized sweet onion – diced
    • 4 cloves of garlic – chopped
    • 1 large bunch of fresh basil
    • 1 tsp. dried oregano
    • 1/2 tsp. salt
    • 1/2 tsp. black pepper
    • 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
    • Pinch of sugar
    • 3 tbs. olive oil
    • 1 lb. of your favorite pasta
    • Parmesan or Romano cheese for grating

    Instructions

    1. Heat a large cast iron frying pan over medium to low heat; add the olive oil, garlic, onion and about a half a cup of fresh basil; chopped.
    2. Simmer on a low heat until the garlic is fragrant and the onion becomes transparent. Add the seasonings and the crushed tomatoes and simmer on a low heat; add the pinch of sugar to the sauce.
    3. Prepare the pasta as directed while the sauce simmers on a low heat.
    4. Prepare a large bowl with two tablespoons of olive oil and a dash of dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper.
    5. Drain the pasta and add to the bowl and toss.
    6. Top the pasta with tomato sauce, dried salami, shavings of grated cheese a drizzle of olive oil and more fresh chopped basil.

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @LTGfood on Instagram and hashtag it #LTGfood

    Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes

    Living the Gourmet:  Pasta al pomodoro & Middle Sister Wine #MiddleSister #DropsofWisdom

    Enjoy with Love,
    Catherine
    xo

    I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
    This message is intended for persons 21+. Please enjoy responsibly.

    Linking up to these parties!

    0

    Pasta & Noodles, Wine Reviews

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says

      30/06/2015 at 5:29 am

      What a gorgeous dish!! Your photos really are so impressive!

      Reply
    2. Jerry E. Beuterbaugh says

      30/06/2015 at 8:51 am

      Congrats on your anniversary! To be quite honest about it, I have not noticed a difference. That is, other than you going with a much more commercial approach, which is just fine as you have been having it. I hope Living the Gourmet is proving to be a profitable enterprise for you and yours.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    3. Beth says

      30/06/2015 at 11:11 am

      Your pasta looks delicious! And congratulations on your first website anniversary.

      Reply
    4. Julia says

      30/06/2015 at 1:03 pm

      What a beautiful dish! I bet it pairs so nicely with this Middle Sister wine. They have a great selection of wines. I love cabs paired with a hearty, flavorful pasta dish like this. Congrats on your one year anniversary!

      Reply
    5. [email protected]'s Recipes says

      30/06/2015 at 1:45 pm

      That pasta looks heavenly! I love that cute wine label.

      Reply
    6. [email protected] Her Looking Glass says

      30/06/2015 at 2:45 pm

      Congratulation on reaching this wonderful milestone, Catherine and family. You are doing a magnificent job. Today’s beautiful meal and wine pairing is but one example. I always look forward to seeing your newest post and what is gracing that porch table…..

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    7. Big Daddy Dave says

      30/06/2015 at 2:51 pm

      Catherine, Your pasta al Pomodoro with salami looks and sounds terrific! Thanks for the recipe… Take Care, Big Daddy Dave

      Reply
    8. Comedy Plus says

      30/06/2015 at 3:42 pm

      I’ve been saying you’re famous for some time now. You’re finally on board with that. Good.

      ♪♪Happy Anniversary to you,♪♪
      ♪♪Happy Anniversary to you,♪♪
      ♪♪Happy Anniversary Dear Living The Gourmet, ♪♪
      ♪♪Happy Anniversary to you.♪♪

      Have a fabulous day. ♥♥♥

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    9. Chiara says

      30/06/2015 at 5:37 pm

      Congrats on your anniversary! Photos are so stunning, Tammy is a lovely girl and pasta looks delicious ! Have a good day my dear, a warm hug !

      Reply
    10. rebecca says

      30/06/2015 at 7:15 pm

      what a wonderful meal and fun name for a wine congrats on all your success you work hard

      Reply
    11. marcie says

      01/07/2015 at 12:55 am

      Congrats on the milestone, Catherine, and this sauce sounds so full of flavor with the salami, herbs and pepper flakes! The wine is the perfect topper to a lovely meal.

      Reply
    12. Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says

      01/07/2015 at 1:22 am

      Wow, this pomodoro looks amazing! I want it for dinner tonight, especially with the Middle Sister wine.

      Reply
    13. swathi says

      05/07/2015 at 8:32 pm

      Congrats on your blog anniversary, thanks for sharing with celebration with Hearth and blog hop. Pining.

      Reply
    14. JessicaJ says

      09/07/2015 at 1:09 pm

      Middle Sister’s Red Table Wine is actually one of my absolute favorites! I’ve never tried Mischief Maker, I’m going to look for it at my wine store 🙂

      Reply
    15. Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says

      25/01/2016 at 12:09 pm

      My family would adore this!

      Reply
    16. Ramona W says

      25/01/2016 at 2:06 pm

      Congratulations Catherine on your wonderful achievement and anniversary! You deserve a glass of wine to celebrate! The pasta looks stunning and your photos are really beautiful. 🙂 Wishing you loads and loads more success in the years to come. 🙂

      Reply
    17. Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says

      26/01/2016 at 3:37 am

      The wine sounds exactly like something I’d enjoy. Cabs with dark cherry and almost a ” chewy” feel are my favorite 🙂 The delicious looking pasta is just a bonus :))

      Reply
    18. Nutmeg Nanny says

      26/01/2016 at 3:41 am

      Love the look of this dish. The pictures are gorgeous! I wish I could have some with a nice glass of wine right now 🙂

      Reply

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