Spooky SK 26.10.13

(by peter)

A fun Halloween shoot this week, featuring the stunning Warwick Castle, some witches, a headless horseman, and some drunk in the stocks…

I also managed to find time to dig out some pretty delicious wines! This after another cook-athon to taste test the dishes against quite a few wine options – for which thanks, as ever, to head chef Susie.

Wine to match Vivek Singh’s coconut prawn Malai:

• Eclipse Riesling 2012, Bio Bio (M&S, now back to £7.99 but 25% off when you buy 6 until 17.11.13)

Peter’s comments: Dangerously moreish and, for a curry, a supremely wine friendly dish. We are massive fans of Vivek’s work. Lots of options here, from Chenin to Pinot Gris, but this succulent, toasty Riesling is fabulous value and really hits the nail on the head. So glad Vivek liked it in studio too – he commented: ‘Peter’s cracked it!’

Wine to match Clare Smyth’s brill baked in seaweed with clams, fennel and coco beans:

• Domaine Balland-Chapuis Coteaux du Giennois 2012 (now back to £9.99 but 25% off online w/12 bottles, Waitrose)

Peter’s comments: A subtle and elegant dish that needs something classic alongside it. Though this is a pure Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley, its stoney flavour profile has more in common with Chablis. Lovely combo, as Clare commented: ‘fantastic, beautiful’.

Recipes, links and other details

Actor Jack Donnelly was the studio guest and his heaven & hell dishes were as follows:

Heaven: three cheese pizza with a rocket and parmesan salad – Casa d’Aragona Salice Salentino 2010 (from £6.99, Majestic)

Hell: cottage pie and peas – Domaine les Yeuses Les Epices Syrah 2011 (from £7.99, Majestic)

Thanks to James, Vivek, Clare, Jack and all the fabulous Cactus & SK team! You can find all the recipes from the show on the BBC Food site. Below are a few more photos of the filming – and the wine clips (thanks Cactus/BBC1).

CLIPS