You probably use your crock pot for holiday open-houses and everyday meals. But did you know that there are many meals you can create in your crock pot that are divine when served to company? And, depending on whether your meal is chicken or red meat, there are plenty of wines out there that will fit the bill. This week we're going to be discussing a nice red Spanish Tempranillo. My favorite is the Torres 2002, but there are many fine vintages that are equally as good.

While most people don't think about crock pot foods as being "special" enough for company, you'd be surprised how truly elegant these meals are. For starters, try this heavenly meal, Crockpot Goulash. Made with beef and vegetables, it satisfies even the heartiest appetite and still tastes like you spent hours on it.

Ingredients

1 medium onion, diced

2 large potatoes, cut in bite size chunks

1 lb. of ground beef thawed (or other meat)

1 can of corn with juice (or other veggie)

1 can of peas with juice (or other veggie)

1 can of condensed tomato soup

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Cut raw potatoes and place in crock-pot. Next, add meat. Then add onion. Next, add both cans of vegetables with juice. Can of tomato soup on top cover, heat on high for an hour. Stir mixture well. Let simmer for at least 2 more hours, stirring occasionally. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve by itself, over rice or noodles. Kids love it!

You can also try your Tempranillo with:

Coca-Cola Steak

Crockpot Bavarian Roast

Beef Brisket

Outlaw Dinner

And energetic as it is, Tempranillo also manages to be light enough to serve with pork dishes such as Best Ever Crockpot Pork Chops:

You can also pair it with a great Mexican dish such as Crockpot-Pulled Pork Fajitas:

Combine this delicious slow-cooked, shredded pork with sliced bell peppers and onions for the best fajitas.

Ingredients

1 2 1/2 lb. pork boneless loin roast

1 medium onion -- thinly sliced

2 C. barbecue sauce

3/4 C. salsa

3 Tbs. chili powder

1 Tbs. Mexican seasoning

9 flour tortillas

Directions

Remove excess fat from pork. Place pork in 3 1/2 to 6 quart slow cooker; arrange onion on top. Mix remaining ingredients except tortillas; pour over pork. Cover and cook on low heat setting 8 to 10 hours or until pork is very tender. Remove pork; place on large plate. Use 2 forks to pull pork into shreds. Pour sauce into bowl; stir in pork. Spoon filling onto tortillas; roll up.

Crockpot Mexican Fiesta

Excellent Mexican Chili

Also holding up well to this wine are:

BBQ Country Ribs

Pork Chops Supreme

And how about these fine dishes that you can make in a crock pot but taste and look good enough to serve to company.

Crockpot Mock Prime Rib

Roast Beef & Gravy

Crockpot Tender Roast

I found this great wine at Sam's Club. However, if you are unable to find a Tempranillo, you can always try serving these dishes with a Chianti or other full-bodied red. Until next week, remember, a crockpot meal isn't just for family meals anymore.