Grilled Cheese Cook-off with Carmel Road

Happy first day of summer!

With summer parties among us I wanted to come up with a unique way to get friends together. What better way than a grilled cheese cook-off! I have teamed up with Carmel Road to bring you two grilled cheese recipes to pair with each of their “Barrymore” wines. And let me tell you, these two wines are the perfect summer pairing (especially with grilled cheese!).

When hosting a “grilled cheese cook-off” there are a few simple party tips to follow to make it the perfect party!

Have each person bring their own ingredients. This helps cut costs for the hostess so you can spend more on wine.
Pick a different wine to pair with each grilled cheese. I highly recommend the Barrymore by Carmel Road Pinot Noir Rose and Pinot Grigio.
Cut each grilled cheese into long rectangles so each person can taste test them all.
But, have someone not participate in the cook-off so they can be the taste tester! This way it makes choosing the winner unbiased.
Last, pair the grilled cheese with dipping sauces (I highly recommend a siracha mayo!). Have a variety so guests can try different ones.

Check out these two recipes to try at your cook-off!

Brie, Pear and fig

Ingredients

Brie
Fig Spread
1 pear
Balsamic Glaze
Bread (preferably rosemary bread, you can find it at Whole Foods)
Barrymore by Carmel Road Pinot Grigo

Directions

Heat over to 400º. In a heated pan melt butter and brown each side of the slices of bread slightly. Spread parchment paper on a cookie sheet. On one slice spread fig spread (I like to do it on both slices depending on how much fig spread you like!). Add sliced pear on the slice with fig spread and spread brie on the slice without (make sure to get rid of the rind on the brie). Bake in the oven with both slices facing open for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted. Put both slices together and drizzle balsamic dressing on top!

Bacon, pesto and Gruyère Cheese

Ingredients

Gruyère Cheese
Pesto (homemade recipe here)
Bacon
Bread (preferably rosemary bread, you can find it at Whole Foods)
Sriracha ketchup for dipping
Barrymore by Carmel Road Pino Noir Rosé

Directions

Heat over to 400º. In a heated pan melt butter and brown each side of the slices of bread slightly. Spread parchment paper on a cookie sheet. On one side of each piece of bread spread the pesto. Top one slice with bacon and the other with the cheese. Bake in the oven with both slices facing open for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted. Put both slices together and prepare to fall in love with this sandwich!