Road Trip to the Waco Food and Wine Festival and Flattened Chicken with Fries and Sangria Sauce

If you have never been to a Wine Festival, try to attend one.  Where ever there are wineries and vineyards, there is usually a Festival.
This one is especially fun because we attended as a group. Thank goodness, because Shirley remembered to take pictures.
There were a lot of different types of wine but the local wineries were my favorites.
TCV is a boutique vineyard and winery on East Hwy 6 outside of Waco, TX. I have to say that I am a member of their wine club and they always have different and delicious seasonal wines. The winemaker, Ulf Westbloom, researches old recipes and has unique wines.  Two of these are Mulsum, which is made from an ancient Roman recipe,and  Glogg is their own family recipe for a Holiday Christmas wine Then there is a white port that is similar to ice wine.  They also have Plantation White and Red, Heart of Texas White and Red, and a very lovely Blush. You can visit them at their website http://www.wacowinery.com/.
Red Caboose Winery is just off Hwy 6 outside Meridian, Tx and they had a very nice Tempranillo that I sampled.  It had lovely notes and a great body. I have attempted to visit their Winery on a couple of occasions when I am in that area but they have limited hours. So, if you are planning a trip to visit them, call to make sure they are open. Or you can visit them at http://www.redcaboosewinery.com/
Salado Creek Winery is located in Salado, TX just off of I-35.  I did not know about this one until the festival but the next time I am in the area I will stop by there.  They also have an interesting assortment of wines, including Lone Star Lemon, which I tasted and it was delicious.  I tried their Cabernet Franc and I have to tell you that is was not shabby, either.  They offer a wine club, too, which I will be promptly joining. You can visit them on the web at http://www.saladoswirlandsip.com/.

For those of you who think it is all about wine, you are mistaken.  There was a Man Tent. There were assortments of beer, cigars and barbecue. Located directly beside the Man Tent was 3 very large televisions tuned into "the game".

There were also food vendors, my favorite was Cupcakes by Kat.  These little delights were tender and delicious. There was iced tea provided by McAlister's, fried Calamari and Shrimp by Ocean Fish and Seafood, ice cream cake by Baskin Robbins, chocolates by Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and many others, which were yummy.

All in all, it was a great little road trip.  I hope that you take the time to visit the autumn festivals in you area.

I guess I got caught up and forgot your recipe.  If you are tasting wine or beer you probably need something to absorb the alcohol.  This is Flattened Chicken with French Fries and Sangria Sauce.

2 Boneless Chicken Breasts, filleted and then cut in half to make 4 servings
salt
pepper
garlic powder
2 teaspoons of oil
Oil for frying french fries
3 potatoes, peeled and cut into strips or the equivalent of frozen french fries
1 cup of Red Wine
1/2 cup of Orange Juice
1 Tablespoon of Brandy
2 Tablespoons of Sugar

Place oil in a large skillet or electric skillet and heat on low to medium heat.  Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper and garlic powder.  Place the chicken skin side down (if there is still skin) and place a heavy skillet, with the bottom covered in foil, on top of the chicken to weight it down. Cook on that side until browned. Remove the skillet on the top and remove the foil.  Flip the chicken over and replace the heavy skillet. 
While the chicken is cooking, pour oil in a frying pan and heat to 325 degrees, fry potatoes until golden brown. 
Once the chicken is cooked thoroughly,(Test by bending the chicken in the middle, it will easily fold and possibly break at the grain.), remove the chicken to a serving dish and place in a warm oven.  Pour the Red Wine into the skillet to deglaze the caramelized chicken and oil.  Add the orange juice, brandy and sugar.  Reduce to half and pour over chicken.  Serve with fries.

Enjoy!

Deloris