Yeah, yeah… it’s summer and braised meats aren’t exactly light fare. But they damn sure taste good, especially with some inky, robust red wine. Although we used Petite Sirah in this recipe, you can use any dark, tannic red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah for your braising liquid. ... Read More »
Recipes
Cooking and recipe lesson: Exploring sweet potatoes
Some people are a little unsure about sweet potatoes. They have quite a different shape than an ordinary spud, and aren’t they really, really sweet? Well, the sweetness level I can’t decide for you, but I would suggest letting go of any intimidation about their unique look, grabbing a few and ... Read More »
Brew n ‘Cue: Beer and barbecue paired
To many, including myself, nothing is more relaxing than drinking a cold one while tending to the grill. Beer comes in a myriad of flavors while barbecue comes in endless flavors — nearly anything can and has been grilled. In this series, we’ll pair two of our passions: delicious barbecue ... Read More »
Cooking and recipe lesson: Let’s grill some fruit
I’ve always loved fruit and truly try to incorporate a variety into my diet each and every day. The seasons are changing and it’s time to get outside and grill. For those looking for something a little different, try this. Look inside your fridge and pull out your favorite, delectable and ... Read More »
Recipe: Slow cooker white bean cassoulet
There’s nothing better than walking into your house after a long day and knowing that dinner is already made. That’s the beauty of slow cookers. Throw everything in, walk away and then something magical emerges eight hours later. Ever since I was in college, when I tried a French peasant ... Read More »
Recipe: Healthy and quick crustless mini quiche
I’ve been on a low carb kick for about a year now. With my wine habit (which converts to sugar inside), I figured out my body can’t handle refined carbs in the meal and wine in the glass without putting waffles on the butt. One of main things I had to alter was breakfast food. This is ... Read More »
Recipe: Chocolate ganache for glaze, filling or dip
Sometimes something so delicious can be really, really easy. This recipe, accomplished in under 30 minutes, can turn something mundane into the mmmm. Use it for a chocolate fondue, chocolate dipped strawberries or as a glaze or filling for a moist yellow cake.
... Read More »Recipe: Short-cut Beef Stroganoff
This EASY recipe for Beef Stroganoff only takes 30 minutes to prepare and is impressive enough for a dinner party. With the miracle of short-cut convenience foods, fast food can be better than Fast Food.
... Read More »Recipe: Grilled Bananas with Chai Syrup
Everyone loves bananas, right? This recipe provides an alternative to eating them raw – grill ’em and drizzle with this syrup infused with exotic cardamom, anise and cinnamon.
... Read More »Spicy sausage-stuffed portobello mushrooms
A hearty, one-dish winter meal that provides tons of veggies and satisfaction. Pair them with an inexpensive sparking wine like Italian Prosecco or Spanish Cava and you’ve got a meal made for any weeknight.
... Read More »Recipe for Mulled Wine: It’s not just for Christmas
Chilly evenings suck without wine. And über cold nights require something warm and yummy, good enough to snuggle up in a Snuggie with. Mulled wine is my go-to drink. Alternately called “Wassail”, “Hot Wine” and “Glühwein”, mulled wine has been enjoyed on winter ... Read More »
Recipe: Mushroom sauce with port wine
The acids in wine can actually transform the composition of food, especially tough meats. It acts as a tenderizer, penetrating the fibers, and softening proteins to make chewy meat soft to the teeth. Because of color, chicken and seafood should be marinated with white wine, while red wine should be ... Read More »