Ben Starr

The Ultimate Food Geek

Tag: wine

  • In Defense of Texas Wine

    In a recent conversation with a potential FRANK diner, the subject of Texas wines arose. “There are some amazing Texas wines!” I happily responded. “No,” countered Jennie, “There’s no good wine in Texas.” This sparked a bit of a debate.  “Have you ever tasted a good Texas wine?” Jennie asked. “Well…..I have tasted an amazing…

  • Cabernet Jelly

    Have you ever had wine jelly?  It’s divine.  And couldn’t be easier to make.  In fact, the hardest part of this recipe is sterilizing the jars and lids, which is easy.  You should do that first, because the jelly comes together VERY quickly once you start. This recipe makes about 4 pints of jelly, or…

  • Coq au Vin

    This is one of my favorite dishes on earth.  “Cock in Wine” is the translation…a mean, tough, stringy old rooster slowly braised in red wine.  It has become a French classic, but it arose from humble farmhouses, rather than sophisticated bistros.  I grew up eating dry, tough old roosters.  And any time a rooster attacked…

  • All About Australian Wine

    Most Americans are familiar with Australian wine.  Ask any person with average wine knowledge what wine comes from Australia and they’ll tell you, “Shiraz.”  Of course, many other varietals are raised there, but Shiraz (the same grape as Syrah) is the most popular wine grape grown in Australia and it is responsible for making Australian…