In honor of February being National Heart Month the #SundaySupper family of food bloggers is bringing you some a great Hearth Healthy menu this week!

And speaking of hearth healthy, drinking wine is widely regarded as being heart healthy – especially red wine.

In fact, it was my desire to optimize my health that got me started drinking wine when I heard about the French Paradox many moons ago!  The list of potential benefits discovered since then is impressive:

• A compound called piceatannol, found in red wine, may inhibit the development of fat cells.
• Enjoying a small daily glass of wine (up to 5 ounces) is correlated with lower levels of depression.
• Moderate wine consumption may lower your risk of developing chronic kidney disease.
• Antioxidants found in wine increase good levels of cholesterol
• A diet high in resveratrol, a compound found in red wine, can lead to improved cardiovascular function.
• Flavonoids found in red wine have been shown to have heart-healthy benefits
• Moderate alcohol drinkers, including wine drinkers, performed better on cognitive tests than nondrinkers.

Not sure about all the red wine claims (sometimes they seem to go too far don’t they)? Well in my book, you’d have a hard time coming up with a more pleasurable “hedge” for your health than enjoying a glass of wine!

Check out this these fantastic heart healthy recipes, and my wine pairing recommendations!

Enjoy these menu items with a glass of bubbly.  Sparkling wine is the only wine that’s socially acceptable to drink for breakfast, lunch, dinner and in-between.  I love that! One of my favorites is Domaine Chandon Brut Classic.  It has a wonderful brioche, nutty, apple, pear and citrus character with kiss of spice. 

• Apple Pie Oatmeal by Cosmopolitan Cornbread
• Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Scones by Brunch with Joy
• Create-Your-Own Overnight Oatmeal by Rhubarb and Honey
• Orange, Mango, Lime & Ginger Smoothie by The Wimpy Vegetarian
• Pear Bran Muffins by Magnolia Days
• Stovetop Fruit & Honey Granola by What Smells So Good?
• Almond Crusted Chicken Nuggets by Momma’s Meals
• Lemon Aioli with Spring Vegetables by Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
• Mala Baked Tofu Bites by Palatable Pastime
• Parmesan Pistachio Kale Chips by The Texan New Yorker
• Lightened-Up Creamed Spinach au Gratin by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
• Spinach Berry Salad by Country Girl in the Village
• Heart Healthy Salmon Bento by The Ninja Baker

Pair these delightful dishes with Sauvignon Blanc.  Look for the 2013 Ferrari-Carano Sonoma County Fumé Blanc. It’s exhibits pretty stone fruit, orange blossom, citrus and mango aromas with peach, grapefruit, and pear aromas.

• Seasoned Spinach & Bok Choy by Nosh My Way
• Kale Roasted Beet Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing by Noshing with the Nolands
• Collard Greens with Cumin and Paprika by Nik Snacks
• Kale, Spinach, and Bean Soup by Ruffles & Truffles

Pair these dishes with Chardonnay.  I really like the 2012 Foxglove Central Coast Chardonnay.  Foxglove is a second label for premium Chardonnay producer Varner Wines.  It shows in the classy cuvee that shows white peach, apple, citrus and a hint of spice character.   

• Winter Citrus Salad with Avocado-Basil Dressing by Foxes Love Lemons
• Lemony Grilled Chicken by Peaceful Cooking

Pair these dishes with a Riesling, arguably the most food friendly wine.  Look for the 2012 Trimbach Riesling from Alsace.  It shows a white peach, nectarine, and orange blossom character with an appealing hint of salinity. 

• Asian Soba Noodle Broth Bowl by Hip Foodie Mom
• Vegetable and Ginger Congee by eating in instead
• Roasted Teriyaki Green Beans and Mushrooms by NeighborFood

Pair these dishes with a Rosé, which combines the best of white and red wines, while maintaining their own unique charm. They possess the crisp acidity, delicacy and freshness of white wines, and the body, and flavors of red wines.  Look for the 2013 Cave de Tavel “Lauzeraies” Rosé from France.  It’s a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Cinsault grapes that packed with deep red fruit flavor, crisp acidity ,and ample body.

• Chipotle Black Bean Dip by Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
• Salmon Caesar Salad by Casa de Crews
• Olive Oil-Poached Salmon with Pickled Cherry Salsa by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
• Vegetarian Cuban-Style Black Beans & Rice by MealDiva
• Salmon Salad Niçoise by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Moroccan Salmon Tagine by Curious Cuisiniere
• White Bean, Corn, Tomato and Rice Skillet by Family Foodie
• Salmon with Mango Salsa by Cooking Chat

Pair these dishes with a Pinot Noir from Oregon.  I like the 2012 Adelsheim Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. It has a silky, fresh cherry, cola, spice and earth character.  Delicious and food friendly!

• Gluten Free Roasted Chicken and Kale by Gluten Free Crumbley
• Sweet & Smokey Cauliflower Salad by Take a Bite Out of Boca
• Celeriac Noodles with Mushroom Ragu by The Joyful Foodie
• Mushroom Quinoa Soup by Pies and Plots
• Turkey and Black-Eyed Peas Soup by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
• Quinoa Chickpea Soup with Roasted Garlic & Veggies by Sue’s Nutrition Buzz

 Look for a “Rioja” for these dishes. It’s made from the Tempranillo grape.  One of my favorites that delivers for the price is the 2011 Bodegas Bilbainas “Viña Zaco” .  It has a mixed red and black cherry, plum character with hint of smoke and spice. 

• Baked Eggplant Parmesan by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
• One Pot Mexican Quinoa by Have Fun Saving
• Piperies Yemistes me Pligouri – Bulgur Stuffed Peppers by Food Lust People Love
• Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Quinoa Bake by Food Done Light

Pair these desserts & snacks with a Moscato d’Asti.  Look for the 2013 Saracco Moscato d’Asti ($10). It shows a sweet, fragrant, delicate, floral, tropical fruit, and a hint of honey character.  It’s “frizzante”, which means it’s not as effervescent as most sparkling wines. 

• Baked Figs with Vanilla and Honey by Happy Baking Days
• Caramelized Pear Tart by PancakeWarriors
• Cherry-Blueberry Trifles by The Life and Loves of Grumpy’s Honeybunch

 Cheers!

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