Tapas, Wine, And Chardonnay Red Pepper Eggplant Spread

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When a friend calls you to tell you to come over because she needs to vent, you go. Not only because you need a night out of wine and cheese, but because this friend is always there for you and it is your turn to be there for her. To be the best friend you can, you also show up with a large plate of Tapas and Black Box Cabernet Sauvignon. Because let’s face it, there is nothing more comforting than friends, food, and wine.

Every since doing a beach clam bake last year using Black Box Wines, it has since become one of our favorite on-the-go boxes. Not only is the wine delicious (it has won over 50 gold medals for its quality) but it is perfect to enjoy anywhere. Its little built in dispenser means that there is no need to worry about finding a bottle opener and its eco-friendly bag and box makes it perfect for beach outings!  Being the wine lover that I am, the fact that every box is equivalent to four bottles is definitely a bonus too! On the off chance that you and your friends don’t finish the box, it will stay fresh for up to 6 weeks! Plus, Black Box Wines are available for 40% less than comparable bottled wines.

Tapas are a great way to munch with friends while you are having a good glass of wine . They are traditionally a combination of small eats including seafood salads, small fried foods, dried meats, and cheeses, I tend to stick with the latter two as they pair perfectly with wine.

To build the Tapas board, I start with a variety of Manchego cheeses. Manchego cheese is made from sheep’s milk and is smooth and slightly salty. It pairs perfectly with Spanish cured meats, marinated veggies, and dried fruit. After the cheese is placed on the board, I begin filling it in. I add different cured meats such as Jamon Serrano, dried chorizo, Lomo Embuchado, and of course some dried salami for good measure. I fill in the empty spots with marinated artichokes, roasted red peppers, capers, and my very popular Chardonnay Red Pepper Eggplant Spread.

Speaking of this spread, you need to make it tonight! Everytime I make it, I get rave reviews. It takes a mere 15 minutes and is perfect on bread (like I served here) pasta, pizza, or simply by the spoonful. With only a few ingredients, Black Box Chardonnay being one of them, it will be one of the best recipes to have in your archive!

So the next time you are out and want to enjoy the sunset with friends, a picnic in the park, or an outside BBQ, I highly suggest you pick up a Black Box Wine and the components of the most delicious Tapas board ever! Enjoy!

Make sure to visit the Simple Entertaining Social Hub for more great entertaining ideas!

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Chardonnay Eggplant Red Pepper Spread

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large eggplant , peeled and coarsely diced
• 2 cups sweet mini red peppers , coarsely chopped
• 1 large head of garlic , coarsely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup Black Box Chardonnay

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil on medium high heat.
2. Add eggplant, red peppers, and garlic and fry until they are lightly browned.
3. Sprinkle in salt and pepper.
4. Pour in Chardonnay and simmer veggies on medium heat until wine has almost dissolved, stirring occasionally.
5. Once wine has dissolved, remove from heat and place veggies in a blender.
6. Blend until smooth.
7. Serve on bread, pasta, or pizza.
8. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.