Moreton Bay bugs with figs and pancetta kebabs
8 Moreton Bay bugs
200g Thinly sliced dried pancetta
8 Bay leaves
4 Ripe figs, halved
2 tbsp Olive oil
1 Lemon, juice of
Prepare your barbecue for direct grilling over a high heat.
Prepare the bugs by removing the meat from the shells. To do this, remove the head, use a pair of scissors to cut along each side under the tail, the pull out the flesh.
Take 4 metal skewers and thread the following on to each skewer:
- a bugs tail;
- some thinly sliced pancetta;
- a bay leaf;
- half a fig and
- repeat the sequence to complete the skewer
Brush the skewers with a little oil and place over high heat to cook until the bugs are translucent, the thin pancetta is crisp and the figs are oozy and caramelised.
To serve, dress with a squeeze of lemon juice.
White wine essentials
There is more to a great wine than making the initial selection, these tips will help you and your guests savour your wine.
Curves are in! The ideal wine glass should curve inwards at the rim to hold the scent of the wine, useful for both crisp white wines and deep red varietals.
When drinking white wine, hold the glass with your fingers and thumb at the stem and away from the bowl. The long stem of a white wine glass helps you to keep your hand from warming the wine.
Never know which glass is yours? Why not put a wine charm on your glass at a party or barbeque? It’s a much easier way than checking for lipstick on the rim.
Matching your wine with food (with a little help from the Penfolds experts)
By matching the weight or the richness of your meal with the body of the wine, you’re sure to achieve a great pairing. Big rich foods like roast meat need a full bodied wine like many intense and fruity reds. For a seafood based dish Penfolds Koonunga Hill Chardonnay is a classic match.
Be in the know when dining out
There is no need to feel unsure when you’re next presented with the wine list at a restaurant. Simply remember these helpful hints and you’re sure to select a winner:
Wine lists tend to be organised by colour, grape or region. This can help point you in the right direction.
Lighter wines are best for lighter meals and wines with more body suit more substantial dishes.
Have a budget? Whether it’s large or more reserved, why not point out to the sommelier or waiter a wine in your price range, then ask him or her to suggest a wine that will go well with your meal. By pointing this out, they’re sure to recommend a wine in your price range.
When in doubt, ask. Don’t be embarrassed about asking your sommelier or waiter for a recommendation – they’re there to help!
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