Sweater Weather Means Comfort Food

by Thea Miller

Bring on All the Comfort Food!

It’s sweater weather, and we’re craving hearty fare-- Soup, curry, chili, casseroles paired with crusty bread and wine, or a local craft brew.

Warm your Belly with Soup

It’s the peak of the locally grown squash, so what better time to enjoy a delicious squash soup? We love this one with squash and our house-made Italian sausage.

 Tortellini Soup

No time for making soup from scratch?  We’ve got you covered. Cooke Tavern Soups are a year-round Brennan’s favorite Choose from varieties: Squash Bisque, Potato Cheddar, Chicken Tortilla, Tomato Bisque, Chicken Noodle, and Corn Chowder.  ($6.99)

We've loved Sierra Soups ($5.99) since we first tried their Fresno Fog Split Pea Soup. We also have Pasta e Fagoli, Minestrone, Country Vegetable, Tuscan Bean, 6- Bean, 5-Bean and more!

 Sierra and Cook Tavern Soup

 

Pasta, Chili, Curry…  Oh MY!

Tuscan Chicken Pappardelle Pasta

JD’s Chili Fixin’s Sauce---- Brand new Chili helper from Texas

 JD's Chili Sauce

 

Thai Yellow Curry with Chicken and Potatoes

 

Thai Yellow Chicken and Potatoes Curry

 

Wine and Craft Beer for Comfort Food

When it comes to pairing hearty meals, it’s really what works for you. You can pair equally hearty wine and beer or go for something with a touch of sweetness to balance things out. Here are Brock’s top picks.
Third Gear Apple Brandy Old Fashioned –

Wisconsin-made, with Door County cherries, aromatic bitters, genuine orange extract, and pure cane sugar. Pour it over ice and add a sweet or sour mixer and garnish—the classic Wisconsin cocktail pairs with just about anything comfy.

comfort food pairings

Lapis Luna Zinfandel –

Rich, dark, and enticing. Flavors of lush blueberry, plums, and blackberry cobbler. The finish is smooth, long, and juicy. This bold yet smooth wine pairs well with classic cold-weather foods like beef stew, Thanksgiving turkey, roasted portabella mushrooms, and any Italian red sauce dish!

Giant Jones Big Beers –

  • Braggot; This collaboration between mead-maker Colleen Boss and brewer Jessica Jones showcases the roastiness and body of the Giant Jones Brewing Company Extra Stout, and light honey notes of Bos Meadery Wildflower Mead, with a resulting silky texture, balanced roast, and light honeyed finish. Great with mixed nuts, pretzels or beef roast.
  • Witbier Grand Cru; Brewed with raw oats and wheat from Meadowlark Organics in Ridgeway. Adding a base of organic Pilsner malt yields a bright and lightly creamy beer. Sumac and spruce tips from Harmony Valley Farm in Viroqua combine with coriander and a Belgian wit yeast to add floral, spicy and citrus notes. Pair with roasted winter veggies, cranberry quick bread, or homemade chicken pot pie.
  • Doppelsticke Altbier; A strong, Northern German-style Altbier. Toasty and nutty with an herbal hop character and distinct bitterness, this brew was cold-conditioned for 3 weeks for a clean, lager-like impression. Pair with classic roast chicken (or chicken noodle soup!), German sausages (Brats!), or with roasted pork tenderloin.

 Happy Autumn Eating from Your Friends at Brennan’s!

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