Saturday Kitchen 15.12.12

(by susie)

We got all festive (and frozen, it must be said) in Kingston-upon-Thames last week filming the wine bits for Saturday Kitchen.

I huddled by the roasting chestnut braziers in the Christmas market for warmth – that and enjoying the heart-warming delights of some fabulous wines to match with dishes by the lovely Gennaro Contaldo and Rick Stein.

Gennaro was first up, cooking spare ribs with cannellini beans and bruschetta. I paired this with the elegant Valpolicella Ripasso 2010 (M&S, £8.99).

Gennaro’s response was typically exuberant: ‘Bless Susie!’ he exclaimed. ‘I love it!’

James was keen, as was Rick – so a good result all round.

After his recent Spanish ventures, Rick was rustling up Serrano ham and chicken croquettes with classic Spanish mixed salad.

I put this with the great value Marqués de Riscal Rueda Blanco 2011 (from £6.49, Majestic).

Rick agreed with James’ comment that this was ‘another great, inspired choice’. Being a connoisseur, Rick very astutely mentioned that a Fino sherry would also have worked well because of the salty ham (this after Susie also talked about Cava in her VT) – but he agreed that the Rueda was ‘lovely – really fresh’.

Gennaro just looked very contented.

My thanks to the brilliant team at Cactus TV who put the show together. Also to our VT director Andy Clarke, who managed to get his favourite local wine shop into the cut… Also to James, Rick and Gennaro for all their positive comments.

You can see the show on iplayer until 22.12.12 via this link (wine bits at 15.12 and 55.20). The recipes for the show can be found on this page – these also include James’ homemade brandy snaps, pea and ham soup, and strawberry Christmas cake. Archive material features Rick Stein, Lorraine Pascale and Raymond Blanc.

Happy Christmas everyone! And here’s to a delicious 2013…