Robibero 2012 Cabernet Franc with Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

You know how they say, a little wine in the food a little wine for the cook.  That is just what I did when I uncorked the bottle of Robibero 2012 Cabernet Franc.

A young wine that I  feel needs some time in the bottle.  It had some nuances of voilets and plum with flavors of black berry, blueberry and some herbal notes on the finish with a distant hint of pepper .  This wine won a double gold medal at the Hudson Valley Wine Competition.  There were 100 cases produced and at the time of writing this post there were 56 cases left.  Wine retails for $19.99. My suggestion would be to pick up at least two bottles so you can see how the wine ages.

Quinoa-Stuffed Peppers

Note: this makes dinner for a crowd.  It also freezes well.

1 large onion, finely chopped
3 Tbs olive oil
2 Tbs ground cumin
4 cloves garlic, minced
1lb fresh spinach
2 28oz cans of diced tomatoes, drained and reserve liquid
2 15 oz cans of black beans, rinsed
2 cups quinoa
7 large carrots, grated
3 cups grated Jack Cheese
10 large bell peppers halved

Heat oil in saucepan over medium heat and add onions.  Cook 5 - 10 minutes until onions are soft.  Add cumin and garlic, saute 1 minute.  Stir in spinach and drained tomatoes.  You might have to add this in batches as the fresh spinach shrinks, add more.  Cook about 5 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated.

Stir in black beans, quinoa, carrots, reserved liquid from tomatoes (should be about 2 cups) and 1 cup of red wine (Robibero 2012 Cabernet Franc). Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer 20 minutes. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of cheese.

Preheat oven to 350F.  Grease (spray) baking dish.  Stuff peppers and cover with foil.  Bake 1 hour. Uncover and sprinkle with cheese and bake 15 more minutes.  Enjoy!

Note: I only cooked 5 peppers and froze the rest for future dinners.