Name: Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Quail #SundaySupper
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 23 min
Ingredients: 12 skinless quail; salt and pepper to taste; 8 ounce block cheddar cheese (sliced into 1/8" slices); 6 jalapeños (stems removed, halved lengthwise, and deseeded); 12 slices bacon; 1/2 cup butter (melted)

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Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Quail is a Texas style tailgating tradition that is perfect with wine while watching the big game.

It’s Fall Y’all! You know what that means! It’s time for football and tailgating! To help you get ready for the big game the Sunday Supper Family has partnered with Gallo Family Vineyards to bring you some fantastic foods that pair wonderfully with Pinot Noir, and are great for tailgating and watching football.

When it comes to college football, there are some huge rivalries in our family. My husband and I went to opposing schools, and when we get together with our extended family for tailgating, or “home gating” in most cases, we cheer for each other’s team whenever they are not directly playing each other. But if they are playing each other, watch out!! Things can get very loud and heated. It has made for some very uncomfortable Thanksgivings in the past. However, now our teams generally don’t play anymore on Thanksgiving, so now we have peace in the family again for the holidays.

We also have some fantastic food when we get together to watch football. Last time I told you about the Mango Habanero Shrimp Flatbread that my sisters and I made inside the kitchen. This time, I’m sharing a recipe that the guys made outside on the grill called Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Quail.

What is even better than these grilled appetizers? Serving the Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Quail with the Gallo Family Vineyard’s White Zinfindel. The mini bottles are perfect for tailgating. The White Zinfandel pairs well with the quail with its crisp bright fruit flavors, including fresh strawberry and hints of white peach.

Our friend had given us some quail, and the guys decided that the quail needed some cheese, jalapeños, and bacon. You won’t get any argument from me. It sounds like a fabulous flavor combination. For a less spicy version, green bell peppers can be substituted for the jalapeños.

For the quail, start with skinless quail. Sprinkle the quail with salt and pepper. Slice a block of cheddar cheese into 1/8 inch slices. Slice 6 jalapeños lengthwise, and remove seeds. If you prefer a lot of heat, you could leave the seeds in. If you don’t like spicy foods, you could use green bell peppers instead.

Then just a little assembly is required. Place a slice of cheese on top. Top with a jalapeño slice (or a slice of green bell pepper) and then wrap the quail cheese and jalapeño with one slice of bacon, and secure with a toothpick.

Preheat the grill to medium heat. Place the Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Quail on the grill and cook for 10 minutes. Turn and cook for another 5 minutes. Brush with melted butter and cook for 3 more minutes.

Be sure to serve with some chilled Gallo Family Vineyards White Zinfindel.

To learn more about Gallo Family Vineyards’ wines and recipe pairing ideas for the Labor Day holiday, be sure to visit their web site and locate a store near you or look through their GFV Tailgating Blog Post. Stay informed about new products, recipes and wine pairing ideas by following them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Recipe