Merlot

Serves 2

  • 1/2 c. beef broth
  • 1/4 c. Cooper-Garrod
  • Merlot
  • 1 tbsp seedless raspberry jam
  • 1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper
  • 2 slices bacon
  • 2 beef filets

In a saucepan over high heat, whisk together broth, Merlot, jam, and pepper. Bring to a boil and reduce to about 1/3 cup. Meanwhile, wrap one slice of bacon around the side of each filet, securing with a toothpick as necessary. Preheat a skillet and sear the bacon sides; continue with the top and bottom of the filet, about 3-4 minutes per side, or longer for desired doneness. Put steaks on warmed plates and spoon sauce over to serve. Salt and pepper to taste.

Accompany with Cooper-Garrod Merlot

  • 6 beef tenderloin medallions (approx. 5 oz. each)

Marinade:

  • 1 c. olive oil
  • 1⁄2 c. dry red wine
  • 1 Tbsp. garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp. dried rosemary, crushed
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1⁄2 tsp. freshly ground pepper

Sauce:

  • 2 c. beef broth
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary
  • 2 tsp. finely chopped garlic
  • 1⁄4 c. dry red wine
  • 2 tsp. cornstarch, dissolved in 1 Tbsp.
  • water
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Soak a cedar roasting plank. Mix marinade ingredients in large Ziploc. Add the beef; turn to coat. Refrigerate for 1 hour. Heat oven and plank to 350 degrees. Remove beef from marinade; arrange in center of heated plank. Roast 20-25 minutes until desired doneness or internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.

Prepare sauce in a medium-size saucepan. Combine beef broth, fresh rosemary, garlic and wine; bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Partially cover and cook 20 minutes. Bring sauce back to a boil; whisk in dissolved cornstarch and cook until slightly thickened. Salt and pepper to taste. Strain through a fine mesh sieve. Spoon sauce over tenderloin when plated and garnish with fresh rosemary to serve.

Reprinted by permission: “Savory Flavors with Wood” – www.naturescuisine.com (out of print)

Accompany with Cooper-Garrod Merlot

Serves 4-6

  • 1⁄4 c. olive oil
  • 2 lbs. onions, thinly sliced
  • 1⁄2 c. sugar
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1⁄2 tsp. pepper
  • 1 c. dry red wine
  • 6 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp. grenadine

Heat olive oil in heavy, large saucepan over medium heat. Add sliced onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are very soft, about 30 min. Add wine, balsamic, and grenadine. Simmer uncovered, stirring often, until mixture thickens and onions are very tender, about 20-30 min. more. Season to taste with salt and pepper before cooling. Lovely atop baguette toasts as an appetizer. Also nice as an accompaniment to roast poultry, beef, or pork.

Accompany with Cooper-Garrod Merlot