Bring Out the Bubbly for an Upscale BBQ

Have you ever wanted to throw a really elegant dinner party? Well, now you can, even if you don't have a lot of cooking experience. Here is an easy meal that you can cook entirely on your grill, including an appetizer, main course and dessert. I've even given you inexpensive bubbly pairing suggestions that will make you look like a winner (but you won't have to empty your wallet).

True champagne comes from Champagne, France where they regulate the types of grapes and even the way it's produced. While I love champagne, if you're cooking for a group and want to enjoy sparkling wine more often, there are a lot of delicious options, including American sparkling wine produced in the style of real champagne, and Prosecco, Italian sparkling wines.

Appetizer: Grilled Pizza
Simple defrost a whole wheat pizza dough and cut into four pieces. Brush the grill with a little oil and toss the pizzas on the grill. Grill about 2 minutes until a crust forms then turn. Top with fresh chopped tomato, garlic, basil and three thin slices of fresh goat cheese. Close the grill lid and grill an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the cheese is melted and the crust is cooked through. Serve immediately.

Bubbly Pairing
Roederer Estate Brut, $20
Roederer sparkling wines remind me most of French champagne and the price is right.


Main Course: Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken
Nutritional stats per serving (one 4-ounce wrapped chicken): 130 calories, 16 g protein, 0 g carbohydrates, 6 g fat (2g saturated), 43 mg cholesterol, 0 g fiber, 566 mg sodium

Bubbly Pairing
Riondo Rosé Prosecco, $13,
This inexpensive rosé is my all-time favorite Prosecco. The fruit flavors are lovely against the salty tang of prosciutto.

Dessert: Grilled Mango with Balsamic

Bubbly Pairing:
Sonoma Brut, $20
This dry Brut will help balance the sweet of the mango along with hints of lemon and plenty of bubbles.