Let's be real, we all know our kids aren't finishing their dinner (or lunch, or any meal ever) and if you're anything like me you're picking on those leftovers. But you're the parent! You get to wash it down with a glass of wine! Actually, you can wash it down with a whole bottle if you want - you make the rules!
Check out these wine pairings I've put together to go with all your kids' favorites! Or umm.. least favorites perhaps? Mac n Cheese & Cabernet Sauvignon
So in the case of our typical boxed mac n cheese, the wine might overpower a bit, but I still don't think you can go wrong here. Cab Sauv with Cheddar is a pretty classic pairing because the bold flavors match one another and the tannin (drying, bitterness) of the wine will cut through the sharp fattiness of the cheese. Give the Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon a shot, a classic California Cab without the Napa price point.
Spaghetti and Meatballs & Chianti
Italian food and Italian wine, what could go wrong? My kid likes to eat her pasta and leave the meatballs for me and honestly, I have no complaints. The high acidity in the wine pairs well with the acidity of the tomatoes and the dried herb notes that come through in the wine is a good match for juicy Italian meatballs. It may not be the supreme example of a Chianti, but I say go for the DaVinci Chianti - you can find it at Target (or most anywhere), it's a great inexpensive bottle to pair with your kids' leftovers, and if you were wondering, my ex-boyfriend loved it.
Cheese Pizza & Red Blends
I don't know about you, but I have at least one kid that will pick the pepperoni off his pizza, so we usually stick to plain cheese around here. You can count on 14 Hands Hot to Trot to be juicy and fruity, or to try something new grab Francis Coppola's Diamond Red Blend. Either one you can grab at Target while you're at Target for that frozen pizza.
Chicken Nuggets & Rosé
My favorite of all time!! Let me note that I love my nuggies with BBQ, ketchup is for the birds. The fresh fruity flavors of rosé are perfectly balanced by the sweet and smokey spices of barbeque! I have to admit, I don't wait for the leftovers. I make my own! I'm a fan of this Dreaming Tree Rosé which I can usually find at my local Giant Eagle!
Grilled Cheese & Bubbles Does your little do Cheddar? American? Maybe even Pepper Jack? Do you make one for them and one for you with "grown up" cheese? Whatever it is, the bubbly has you covered. Sparkling wines pair well with a variety of cheese and those bubbles will cut right through the rich creaminess of your sandwich! My favorite bubblies from Target are the House Wine Brut Bubbles or House Wine Rosé bubbles, but this Mumm Napa Brut is also such a great option at $20!