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    Oh My Veggies » Vegetarian Recipes

    Jacobs Creek Our Table Dinner with Andy Allen

    Published: Mar 29, 2016 · by Nicole · Updated: Aug 22, 2023 · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Vegetarian Recipes

    Dinner parties are funny things.

    They are a wonderful way for friends and family to get together and share stories over food. But they can also be fraught with stress.

    Apparently the stress of hosting a dinner party was how Nigella Lawson's plans for a cookbook were first ignited, as a host ended up in tears over a creme caramel that didn't set.

    Vegetarian Recipes
    This dinner party was sponsored by Jacob's Creek.

    When Jacob's Creek contacted me and asked me to host a dinner party, as part of their Our Table series, with special guest Andy Allen, winner of Masterchef 2012 I was determined to not feel stressed.

    All this, unfortunately, went by the wayside, when a few days before the dinner party I had a visit to the Emergency room.

    Vegetarian Recipes

    As the day of the dinner party arrived I was still sick, and in pain, but was determined to put on a brave face, as best I could.  

    To kick things off I made two favourites - Lemon and Garlic Marinated Olives and Mushroom and Caramelised Onion Polenta Squares. And of course, there was Jacob's Creek Reserve Chardonnay Pinot Noir sparkling wine. I believe no good dinner party should start without champagne or sparkling wine!

    Not only do the bubbles help kick off the party atmosphere, the wine is a great aperitif.

    The Jacob's Creek Reserve Sparkling had a great rich body, with toasty notes, that paired especially well with the polenta squares.

    Vegetarian Recipes

    We then moved in from the patio, in what I still struggle to believe is Autumn weather here in Brisbane, and sat down to our first course of beautiful golden beetroot with watercress and goat's cheese in an elderflower vinaigrette.

    This was paired with the Jacob's Creek Reserve Chardonnay, which was a lovely match for the beetroot because it isn't too acidic and has enough body to support the creamy goats cheese.

    Vegetarian Recipes

    We then all had a chance to chat to Andy about his time on MasterChef and winning the 2012 season.

    The secret to his success, he said, was listening to the judges. He came on ready to learn and listen. When the judges told him a dish could be improved, rather than feeling upset with the criticism, he listened and applied their feedback.

    Such great advice! Listen and learn!

    Vegetarian Recipes
    Vegetarian Recipes

    Next came the mains. I went against my rule, of making something everyone can eat and made a meat dish for my guests, given I was the only vegetarian in the group.

    As this was a celebration of wine, I thought why not go all out with the wine, and add wine to the mains, which were Beef Bourguignon and Mushroom Bourguignon.

    Bourguignon is such a rich dish, so I wanted to keep the sides simple, so we had a simple green salad and green beans with toasted flaked almonds.

    Vegetarian Recipes
    Mushroom Bourguignon - a great vegan spin on the classic beef bourguignon

    Jacob's Creek Barossa Signature Cab Sav was served with the bourguignon's, with the earthy savoury flavours of the cab sav able to stand up to such a rich dish.

    As we ate we talked more about Andy's time on Masterchef, where he admitted it wasn't until about ¾ of the way through the show that he learned how much he really loved food and wanted a career in food.  

    Andy also spoke about what he has been working on since MasterChef, namely his work at Three Blue Ducks, in Byron Bay, and starting his own production company.

    Next up came dessert, salted caramel chocolate fondants. As I believe every dinner party should begin with sparkling wine, I also believe it should end with chocolate, and nothing beats a salted caramel chocolate fondant with caramel oozing out into the bowl!

    Vegetarian Recipes
    Chocolate Fondant Recipe with Salted Caramel Filling - there's nothing quite so decadent as a fondant, and despite perception they are easy to make.

    It was a wonderful evening, and it never ceases to amaze me how food and wine have an amazing ability to bring people together.

    More Party Recipes

    If you love entertaining, be sure to check out these other great party menus and festive recipes:

    • Vegetarian Wine Dinner
    • Pool Party Menu
    • Football Party (with printables!)
    • How to Make Popcorn Balls
    • Waffle Sundae Bars
    « Best Vegetarian Chili Recipes
    The Easiest DIY Kitchen Counter Cleaner »

    Delicious Everyday, Sponsored, Vegetarian Recipes Andy Allen, DE, dinner party, food and wine, Jacob's Creek, main dishes, party recipes, side dishes, wine dinner, wines

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Amanda says

      November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

      Your table looks lovely and it looks as though everyone was having a fine time! I do hope you were able to enjoy it a little, too.

      Reply
      • Nicole @ Delicious Everyday says

        November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

        Thanks Amanda 🙂 I did enjoy it, although I would have enjoyed it a whole lot more had I not been sick. Thankfully I started to feel a lot better by the time my birthday came around!

        Reply
    2. Harriet says

      November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

      It was so lovely to be a part of this beautiful dinner party. The table looked stunning in the photos AND in reality. Just as the food and wine were as good, if not better, than the photos portray!And, brave Jennifer, we would never have guessed you were sick xox

      Reply
      • Nicole @ Delicious Everyday says

        November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

        Thanks Harriet 🙂 And you looked lovely in your gorgeous green dress!

        Reply

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    Nicole is a life long vegetarian and the author of the popular vegan cookbook, Weeknight One Pot Vegan Cooking. She loves sharing her recipes and showing the world just how easy and delicious meatless meals can be!
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