“I cook with wine,
sometimes I even
add it to the food.”
- W.C. Fields
Welcome to the Cypher Kitchen where winemaker SAM ZinPunk Mahler shares her recipes for pairings, YouTube how-to videos, updates form the Earth Fire Farms gardens and more!
The Cypher Kitchen
By SAM ZinPunk Mahler
Tantalizingly Amazing Grilled Peach and Corn Salsa
Summers Pair best with grilling! Summer in Paso means long hot days, blue skies, and cool nights fed by refreshing coastal breezes – ideal for growing grapes, and PEACHES! Here on Cypher’s Westside property the peach trees in the EarthFire garden are bursting with plump juicy fruit. Delicious on their own picked fresh off the
Fresh Fig & Espresso Sea Salt Fudgy Brownies
A twist on a standard dessert, this recipe is sure to make it top the top of your favorites list! A fudgy, gooey, rich-but-not-too-rich, fig-enhanced chocolate brownie… what's not to love!? Slightly under cook for a lava cake like center.Pair with Dirt Candy late harvest zinfandel port.~ SAM ZinPunk
Homemade Sweet Potato Fries or Disks
These sweet potato fries are A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! Salty, crunchy, and lightly spicy, this recipe for baked sweet potato fries makes an amazing happy hour snack, appetizer or side dish. These crispy fries beat their fast-food fried Russet cousins in simplicity and ease. Enjoy guilt-free! Creatively pair with your favorite Cypher wine.~ SAM ZinPunk
Roast Chicken with Spring Vegetables
Roast chicken is simple in preparation, yet makes a lovely presentation at the dinner table. Garnished with sprigs of fresh rosemary, sage, and parsley and served with spring vegetables, this dish is as healthy as it is tasty. Perfect for guests or an easy weeknight family meal. Pair with Slayer – a delicious zinfandel blend.~
Crispy Duck Breasts with Strawberry Balsamic Reduction
Cooking duck breasts is easier than you think! Here is a simple recipe emphasizing cooking techniques, to give you the confidence to produce a wonderful restaurant-quality dish at home. With a gently gamey flavor and gorgeous contrast between juicy lean meat and caramelized crisp skin, duck breasts make an elegant focal point of any home-cooked
Citrus BBQ Lobster Tails
This simple one-pan recipe will delight your senses while taking little time, and leaving little cleanup to dampen the enjoyment. Grilling the lobster tails whole until steaming and golden brings out exquisite tender juiciness that can't be beaten.The elegance of this recipe lies in the spicy citrus butter marinade and dipping sauce. Your senses will
Lamb Lollypops – SAM ZinPunk’s All Time Favorite Recipe!
Lamb Lollipops:A SAM ZinPunkFavorite Recipe! Lamb Lollipops:A SAM ZinPunkFavorite Recipe! These lamb lollypos are incredibly flavorful, easy to prepare, and they look wonderful when served. And who doesn’t love a good lollipop? Perfect for a main dish for a romantic dinner or elegant appetizer at your next dinner party. ~ Sam ZinPunk, Winemaker
Cypher Wine Jelly
Wine Jelly is simple to make and adds a creative flair to a variety of dishes including appetizers, main dishes, and desserts! Get creative! Add fruit, spices, and even peppers to give your recipes an interesting flair.~ SAM ZinPunk, Winemaker
Cypher Wine Syrup
Cypher Wine Syrup This simple recipe is your answer to sprucing up every dish! A touch of Cypher wine syrup will elevate an ordinary dessert to raves of “delicious!” Drizzle on fresh fruit, brownies, or ice cream for instant gourmet desserts. But don’t stop there! Wine syrup can beautifully complement the main dish as well.
~ SAM ZinPunk
