Santa Margherita Great Taste Challenge

So it has been a REALLY long time since I have gotten on here to post anything.  In the meantime I have still been cooking up a storm, and more importantly entering the Great Taste Challenge. I entered the contest last year as well.  How it works is that you have to create an original recipe that you feel pairs well with on of the three Santa Margherita Wines (Prosecco, Chianti Classico, or their Pinot Grigio).  Create a 3 minute or less video talking about what you made, your inspiration for the dish, and why it pairs well with the wine of your choice.  I of course chose the Chianti to pair with (since I am a red wine lover) and I decided to share my recipe of Goat Cheese and Artichoke Stuffed Raviolis, in a Creamy Citrus Mushroom Ragout.  The very same recipe I featured in one of my past Blogs, for Valentine's Day.  So I made the video, turned out great, and made it into the semi final round, where unfortunately it then became a popularity contest.  They are only taking the top three contestants with the most votes, where anyone from any computer can vote up to three times a day.  Needless to say I am not in the top three (sigh*), but I am SECURELY locked in at number four and have gotten lots of compliments on my recipe.  I personally know that if the contest was based on the merit of the recipe and not simply on how many people vote for you, well I would definitely be in the running.  I am currently 700 votes behind third place, and though trying to be positive me thinks it might be over.

Below are some pictures from the night that I made the meal and had it video taped.  My friend Adrian was nice enough to bring over his camera and help me figure it all out.  Also Joe (the BF) came over and helped direct and brought some tasty wine.  Overall it was a really fun night, and this has been a really great experience.  I can't help but be happy with whatever the outcome may be (though would be ecstatic if somehow I still made it in!).  If you are reading this and it isn't past July 15th yet go to this website and vote for me! VOTE FOR ME!

My constituents were famished, so made an appetizer of Caprese (fresh mozz, roma tomato, basil, olive oil and balsamic vinegar all on thinly cut baguette)