Some food and drinks just naturally go together. Wine and cheese. Milk and cookies. Beer and pizza. Donuts and coffee. These combinations, among many others, make our taste buds dance with joy.

But what about other foods with more complex ingredients and flavors?

Drink experts spend years learning the science behind food and drink pairings — sommeliers for wine, cicerones for beers, and others for bourbons and whiskies. These are professionals who can easily find the right balance between foods and a drink.

I oftentimes find that the advice these professionals give is overly rigid with hefty price tags. The truth is food and drink pairings are more subjective because we all know what we like and what makes our taste buds happy.

Drink whatever you want and whatever you think tastes best with my recipes. You can also look for ideas under Drink Pairings in recipe posts and in this section of Annette’s Cooking website. I’ll share my favorite drinks and non-professional recommendations on what drink pairings perfectly complement a meal.

I’m adding new things all the time, so be sure to visit often. And I invite you to share any ideas you have. I’m always ready to try something new.

Here’s to creating the perfect balance for an amazing meal. Enjoy!