Santa Fe Cuvee and Chocolate Chili

My Google search for the meaning of "Cuveé" (a fancy wine-word recently tossed my way) uncovered curious things about the meaning(s) of "Cuveé".

CUVEE: a vat with a batch of various ingredients for wine, beer or even chocolate blended to produce a certain taste. If you want more detailed info on the wine-ish meanings of Cuvee, do your own google . . .

because the sweet side of my brain (which is quite gi-normous) is darting uncontrollably from Cuveé to Grapes to Blending Stuff to Chocolate! Everything good ends in Wine and Chocolate! And my Cuveé of Chocolate Chili Rocks!

SANTA FE "CHOCOLATE CHILI CUVEE"

A rich version of Chili con Carne with bitter chocolate. More delicious than the non-chocolate traditional recipes! Very easy to make! You can add more chilies if you prefer a more spicy Chili con Carne!

Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 onions, chopped
2 pounds / 1 kg minced beef
2 cloves of garlic, chopped
2 cans (14 oz / 400 g each) tomatoes
2-4 red chilies, chopped
1 red sweet pepper, chopped
4 teaspoons ground cumin
½ teaspoon ground pepper
2 teaspoons oregano
2 bay leaves
2-3 teaspoons salt
1-2 cans (14 oz / 400 g each) beans, drained
2 oz (60 g) bittersweet chocolate
Cheddar cheese for garnishing (optional)

HOW TO MAKE IT:
1. Cook the minced beef, onion and garlic in olive oil.
2. Stir in tomatoes, chili, sweet pepper, salt and spices
and cook for 15-30 minutes.
3. Add more chili, salt or spices as required.
4. Add beans and cook until heated.
5. Add chocolate, mix well when melted.
6. Serve with rice, cheddar cheese and a salad.

THE THIRSTY QUESTION
What juicy red wine will go with my tasty "Santa Fe Chocolate Chili Cuveé"?

ANSWER: Mosey on over to Santa Fe's Black Mesa Winery! They have the perfect pairing!

Coyote '06 Dark tannic red. Signature wine, blending Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Zinfindel. Silver Medal winner at New Mexico State Fair.

Black Mesa Winery
PO Box 308
1502 Highway 68 - Mile Marker 15
Velarde, New Mexico 87582
1-800-852-6372
(505) 852-2820
(Fax) 505-852-2820
jer@blackmesawinery.com

Directions:
From Interstate 25 take the St. Francis exit in Santa Fe and go north toward Taos through Espanola. The Winery is located at mile post 15 on Highway 68. Click here to get driving directions to Velarde, NM from Mapquest

Winery Tours:
They are happy to give you or a group of your friends a tour of their winery! Please call them at 1-800-852-6372 or locally at 505-852-2820 to schedule a tour. You are also more than welcome to stop by the Tasting Room any time Monday-Saturday, 10am-6pm, or on Sunday Noon-6pm.