The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and La Costa Resort & Spa are hosting the Kia Classic this weekend, March 22-28. This four-day, 72-hole stroke play competition will take place at the beautiful La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad. There will be a full field of 144 players each competing for the $1.7 million purse. Some of the talent participating in this year’s event include Jiyai Shin, Michelle Wie, Lorena Ochoa and Ai Miyazato who has already won the first two events of the season.

Mirassou Winery is continuing their three year partnership with the LPGA and has been designated the Official Wine of the LPGA. To celebrate that partnership, Mirassou has created a “Perfect Pairings” online cookbook, featuring recipes and Mirassou wine pairings perfect for wine and golf aficionados.

This online resource is full of  expertly paired food and wine offerings. An example is this flatbread recipe which is especially enhanced when paired with a Pinot Grigio.

Flatbread Pizza with Fresh Tomato Salad

Prep time: 20 minutes / Cook time: 10 to 15 minutes

• 1 lb. pizza dough
• Flour
• 2/3 cup sun-dried tomato spread
• 12 oz. fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced
• 2 cups small red and yellow pear or grape tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ¼ cup snipped fresh basil

Preheat oven to 450°F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Divide dough into 2 equal portions and roll each into a fairly thin oval on a lightly floured board (about 10 x 14-inches). Place on prepared baking sheets and spread a thin layer of sun-dried tomato paste onto each. Top with cheese then bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until crust is golden brown. While pizza bakes, toss together tomatoes, oil, lemon juice and garlic in a medium bowl. Spoon onto cooked pizzas and cut into squares; sprinkle with basil.

Makes 8 main dish or 12 appetizer servings

Pairing Suggestion: Mirassou Pinot Grigio

Additional recipes and pairing suggestions are available under Perfect Pairings on the Mirassou Winery website.

Tickets are still available online for the Kia Classic.

KIA CLASSIC presented by J Golf
March 22-28, 2010
La Costa Resort & Spa
Carlsbad, CA