Pear-Chardonnay Compote

Valentine's Day is coming up this weekend and that means that lots of guys and gals are panicking at this very moment wondering if they should do something for their significant other.

Though I'm not a super Valentiney kind of girl, my advice is to err on the side of caution and prepare something special for your sweetheart, whether that means a pint of their favorite ice cream, a bouquet of flowers or a romantic dinner date if that's more your speed.

As time has passed, the gifts that I consider thoughtful have changed some {think: 12 consecutive hours of sleep and maybe time to go get a quick pedicure}, but when in doubt, my husband knows that wine and cheese are my love languages. Add chocolate for bonus points.

A lot of times, I've found that we both get a little disoriented in the wine aisle with all the options and price points that are available. My "extensive knowledge" of wine goes as far as knowing that I like it a lot. I've told you everything I  know, folks.

But I do know that wine doesn't have to break the bank to be good. That's good news for all.

A few weeks ago I received a shipment of wine from my friends at Benson Marketing, and after doing a happy dance and getting an odd look from the delivery guy, I knew I had some "work" ahead of me. Since then, I've spent some time tasting and learning about different wines and what they go well with so that I can take out some of the guess work for you. Aren't I thoughtful?

I wish I could say I came up with the descriptions below, but they were provided for me and I was super grateful for the cheat sheet. {Also, I decided that in my next life I'm going to be a wine description writer.}

Crémant de Limoux ($12-25): Add some sparkle to the most romantic day of the year with Crémant de Limoux from the Languedoc region of Southern France. Champagne quality for Prosecco prices – there’s no better way to say “I love you.”

2012 Balletto Vineyards Brut Rosé ($42): The only thing better than bubbles for Valentine’s Day? Pink bubbles. This delicious combo of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir and Chardonnay is made in the traditional method, so you get full flavor and a fuller texture, with a crisp, lasting finish.

Picpoul de Pinet ($9-13): Picpoul goes with oysters, and we all know what oysters are good for…chill down a bottle of this light and refreshingly acidic white wine from Languedoc and see where the evening leads.

2013 Landmark Vineyards “Overlook” Chardonnay ($25): A lush, layered Chardonnay to pair with whatever you’re cooking up for a special Valentine’s Day meal, from scallops to cheese fondue.

2013 Hahn SLH Pinot Noir ($30): Pinot Noir is a sexy and silky wine, and this offering from Santa Lucia Highlands is particularly voluptuous, ready to please any palate.

2014 Balletto Vineyards Rosé of Pinot Noir ($20): Drink pink on Valentine’s Day with rosé made from 100% Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. But make sure to get the sweetness from your significant other, because this wine is made in a dry French style.

2013 Overlook Pinot Noir ($25): This medium-bodied Pinot Noir exhibits bright acidity with intense aromas of raspberries, red cherry, with hints of cola and mahogany. Pairs well with slow roasted pork roast, duck a l’orange, eggplant parmesan, grilled summer vegetables and aged cow’s milk cheeses.

2013 JUSTIN Cabernet Sauvignon ($27): A favorite from Paso Robles, this Cabernet Sauvignon is a perfect go-to red for Valentine’s Day, from the winery that Wine Enthusiast named 2015 Winery of the Year.

So far, I've only had the chance to open up the Picpoul de Pinet {which I really enjoyed}, the JUSTIN Cabernet Sauvignon {which my husband and I both adored}, and the Landmark Pinot Noir {which my husband drank in place of beer for the Super Bowl. I mean, that says something.} and I can tell you this: No matter what wine you prefer, it tastes best when you're having fun and enjoying it with someone you love.

If your girl or guy happens to have the same appreciation for wine and cheese that I do, then I suggest combining the two and impressing them with this easy to make Pear-Chardonnay Compote over goat cheese. {Don't be scared, compote is just a fancy word for fruit cooked with water, sugar and spices.}

You don't have to use fancy wine for the recipe, but do make sure that you choose one that you like because the flavor intensifies as the wine cooks out. I loved how the creamy, tart goat cheese tasted with the sweet flavors of pear from both the actual fruit and the notes of the Chardonnay. Yum.

Wine and cheese may not be everybody's thing, but I hope you'll find a thoughtful way to treat your favorite person on Valentine's Day and always. :)

Pear-Chardonnay Compote 
Adapted from Williams-Sonoma 

1 Bosc pear, peeled, cored and diced
1/3 cup your favorite chardonnay {like Landmark Vineyards Overlook}
1 tablespoon sugar
1 cinnamon stick
{Optional} 1/4 teaspoon vanilla bean paste

1 log goat cheese
Crackers or Toasted Crostini for serving

1. Mix together all ingredients except vanilla bean paste in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the pears are softened and slightly caramelized.*

2. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla bean paste if desired.

Note: I took about 1/4 of the pears and blended them to make a puree of sorts that I mixed together with the rest of the simmered pears to give it a creamier consistency. You can do this if you'd like or leave the compote as is.

Cool slightly and serve over a log of goat cheese with crackers or toasted bread.

*If the liquid evaporates before the pears are fully softened, add a few more tablespoons of wine and continue to cook until they have reached the desired consistency.

How to Host a Chocolate & Wine Pairing Party | Lindt Chocolate + J. Lohr Wines

I have had a little love affair with Lindt Chocolate for quite some time. I can't tell you when it first began, but I can tell you that it probably started the first time I bit into one of their Lindor Truffles. If you haven't ever had one, run, don't walk to any place that sells them and remedy that problem immediately.

The truffles aren't the only things I've come to cherish from Lindt. I started buying their Lindt Excellence 70% Cocoa bars for baking. Except, most of the "baking chocolate supply" never actually made it into baked goods, and the majority made it straight into my belly as an after dinner treat. It's hard to resist.

So, you can imagine that when the opportunity was presented to me to work with Lindt, it was with great enthusiasm that I accepted. But guess what? They wanted to know if I would host a wine pairing party to showcase their yummy Lindt Excellence bars and their buddies J. Lohr Wines.  And, of course, I've traded wine for prenatal vitamins these days, so -- while the idea sounded fabulous -- I needed some assistance.

Luckily, I have amazing friends who are willing to sacrifice a few precious hours to help me with the task I couldn't fully undertake myself in my current state. I mean, I know it's a lot to ask for them to drop everything and come over to eat chocolate and sip wine, but they still found the time and were even pretty nice about it. It's all about sacrifices. ;)

So, I put together a fairly simple little ladies night with a few fun touches here and there.

It's so easy to host a pairing party of your own! Here are some tips on how to set up a great pairing event:

1. Invite awesome people. The company really makes a difference! Try to invite folks who are willing to try new flavors and who, of course, enjoy chocolate and wine. {And reevaluate friendships with anyone who doesn't. Kidding. Sort of.} I used Paperless Post free online invites to let everyone know about the party.

They're the cutest!

2. Create a menu. The best thing about hosting a chocolate & wine pairing party is that you've already got the stars of the menu settled. But you want to make sure to give your guests something else to nibble on so they're not on a drunken sugar high at the end of the night. Simple, complementary bites like cheese, crackers, bread and a few dips or spreads can easily do the trick to round out your menu.

Here's what I came up with:

Mini Cheese Board

featuring New Zealander, Creamy Havarti & Blue Cheese

Crackers with Spread Trio

Kalamata Olive Tapenade, Caramelized Onion Spread

Ricotta-Pesto Cheese Spread
Served with Assorted Crackers & Almonds

Broccoli & Ham Phyllo Cups

Peach, Feta & Arugula Puff Pastry Bites

3. Decorate & set the scene! For decor, I picked up a few things at Michael's -- kraft paper gift bags, chalkboard tags & name clips, decorative paper napkins, an ampersand -- and also used a lot of things I already had a home. {Like old wine corks & candles and even my chenille throw from college to double as a tablecloth. Be resourceful!} I set the table with appetizer plates, Riedel glasses and Pairing Party placemats and I was pretty pleased with the result! {Now, to get myself a real dining room table that seats more than 4 at a time...} I also had relaxing jazzy and big band era tunes playing in the background to give some atmosphere.

4. Make it fun. Sometimes fine products like good chocolate and wine have the tendency to make people get all snobby and use big words and fancy terminology, but it doesn't have to be that way! {Unless you want it to be.} Pairing parties are about sending your palate on a tasting adventure and discovering flavors you enjoy and foods that elevate them to a new level. I loved that the Lindt tasting cards told us exactly how to experience the chocolate, but that we made it fun and casual! Lots of laughs and lots of chatter.

5. Sip & Savor.  There's actually a method and a proper way to experience a pairing to get the maximum flavor experience, believe it or not {if you can keep yourself from devouring all the chocolate immediately}. Here's how it's done:

Click on the image to enlarge.

Following the suggested order {progressing from whites to reds} is the ideal way to move through your pairing. Provide water and bread or unsalted crackers for guests to cleanse their palates between tastings.

Side Note: The crowd favorite was the Lindt Excellence A Touch of Sea Salt chocolate paired J. Lohr Estates Falcon's Perch Pinot Noir. Everyone went nuts over the Lindt Excellence Pineapple chocolates as well... so good! I'm a big fan of the Intense Orange, but not everyone is into orange chocolate. More for me!

I was definitely bummed that the baby bump restricted me from fully participating. {Though it did not stop me from deeply inhaling the aroma of each wine. Yum.} But luckily, just because I couldn't indulge in the wine portion of the party didn't mean that had to abstain from the fun. Chocolate happens to pair perfectly with tea and coffee, too! No one should ever have to sit out from a party that revolves around chocolate -- especially not a pregnant gal. If you're more a tea drinker than a wine lover, or if you're taking a break from alcoholic beverages, you can try out these tea pairing suggestions!

I had so much fun with this tasting and I think my guests did, too! Everyone left with a little Lindt chocolate goody bag and a big smile on their face.

And now I'm about to put a big smile on your face, too: Lindt Chocolate wants to give you the chance to host your own tasting... or indulge in some chocolates all by yourself! They're giving away this amazing gift box of assorted Excellence chocolates to one very lucky reader, and all you have to do is enter below using the Rafflecopter widget provided. Woohoo! I'll be randomly selecting a winner on Monday, September 1!

Disclosure: This post & party was sponsored by Lindt Chocolate. I was compensated for this post and received chocolate, wine and wine glasses for the party. As always, all opinions seen here are my own!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Gift Guide for Holiday Cheer{s}

On Monday, I posted about how to create the perfect cheese board to suit your holiday party needs. I mean, a gorgeous spread that doesn't require an ounce of cooking? How can you not be sold?? Naturally, thinking of nibbling on cheese gave way to thoughts of sipping on wine... or beer... or whiskey. {Oh, c'mon, I've already admitted my fondness for the stuff a while back.}

Cocktail parties are a fun tradition at this time of year, spending time with friends while sipping on festive libations. How about reciprocating the hospitality by bringing your host or hostess a little gift?

My friends at RedEnvelope asked if I would share some of my favorite bar, wine & beer finds from their products... and I almost ended up with a shopping cart full of things for myself!

RedEnvelope carries all kinds of goodies for every person on your list with LOTS of personalized options. I've gotta admit, I am a sucker for a monogram or an engraved gift, so I'd be happy to receive just about anything in one of their signature red gift boxes! But, for purposes of today's post, I'm going to dive right in to gifts for cocktail enthusiasts and wine connoisseurs alike, so grab a seat at the bar and check out some of my top picks!

For the Home Brewer

Home brewing has become all the rage in the past few years; its a hobby that has piqued the interest of beer drinkers, calling them to create their very own custom brews at home. Know someone who has "hopped" onto the brewing bandwagon? {Seriously, I can't even stop myself.} How about gifting them with some barware to show off their concoctions?

I loved this personalized pitcher {$29.95}, ideal for showing off their latest lager...

Or how about a customized bar sign {starting at $79.95} or craft beer barrel sign {starting at $99} to give visitors a clue that good beer happens here? {These gifts totally reminded me of my blogger friend Sloane & her hops-lovin' hubby over at Life Food & Beer!}

 

For Those Who Like to Craft a Cocktail...

Thanks to the rebirth of the speakeasy {and hipsters. Let's give them some credit, too.} cocktail culture has come back in full force across America. The old fashioned art of a well-crafted beverage is hotter than ever, but dimly-lit lounges aren't the only ones who can shake and stir their way to crafty goodness...

Craft Cocktails by Brian VanFlandern {$49.95} is the ultimate guide to mixing up cocktails like the pros. Recipes, tips and gorgeous photography make this book a beautiful gift and a gorgeous coffee table book. {I've actually leafed through this book myself. Stunning.}

Put all that studying to practice by stocking the self-made mixologist with all the right gear. I love the look of these classic pieces: Engraved highballs {$57.95} and an elegant stainless steel shaker {$36.95} featuring fun cocktail-related sayings.




... And Those Who Use Cocktails for their Crafts!

If you're anything like me, Pinterest has got you in a crafting uproar saving old bottles, wine corks and other assorted items you never used to give a second thought to tossing. {I recently made my own wine cork wreath. And yes... I totally nailed it.} Well, keep your corks, friends.

How cute is this personalizable wine tray cork kit {$49.95} for displaying the remnants of some of your favorite bottles? This kit is cool because you can use your own corks, or purchase custom corks {$14.95} that are personalized with the recipients name and a special year.

Have a friend that would rather consume the results of their creativity? This Homemade Gin Kit {$49.95} will let your pals see what goes into creating a palatable spirit AND allow them to enjoy the fruits of their labor. {No bathtub required.}

For the Wine & Cheese Lover

So, we've covered the beer drinker, the cocktail crowd... and now we've come to the oenophile. Sure, you could pick up a nice bottle of wine, stick it in one of those tall, obvious gift bags and call it a day. But how about giving the gift of time instead? Ok, maybe it's not exactly that, but every second counts when a wine lover is waiting for their bottle to chill. I know I could get a lot of use out of this instant wine chiller {$49.95} at the end of a long day when I just want a nice crisp glass of white, stat!

Another present that shows you really understand the needs of your wine-loving friends? These handy wine appetizer trays {$39.95}. They let you nibble and sip comfortably without juggling glasses and plates. Because, who among us hasn't experienced that awkward moment when you have to choose between the two?

For the Shot Taker

Um, so, admittedly, I am not the girl you will find tossing back shots. However... if anything were to prompt me to indulge, it would be pretty glassware like these celebration shot glasses, beautifully engraved with the sentiment of "cheers" in different languages.

Better yet, how about shot glasses that actually enhance the flavor of the liquor? This Himalayan salt tequila set combines beauty and functionality... no need to lick and salt the back of your hand. {Not that I've ever done that or anything.}

Clearly, RedEnvelope knows what's up when it comes to gift options. No Christmas ties and fruitcakes here. So, treat your cocktail-loving friends to gifts that are sure to bring good cheer to any party and toss in a bottle of aspirin for good measure. {Kidding, of course. Always drink responsibly!}

And speaking of tequila and good cheer, I've got a special cocoa treat that will instantly warm up your holiday gatherings: {Spiked} Mexican Spice Hot Chocolate.

The hint of warm spices {and tequila, if you wish} will keep you from feeling the chill in the air as you sip this twist on a cool weather favorite. Cinnamon, nutmeg and a pinch of chili powder are just a few of the flavors that will make this an instant favorite.

Give it some grown up flair with a little shot of Patron "XO Cafe" {or their Cafe Dark Cocoa} or even some Kahlua. No matter how you serve it up, it's sure to be a hit.

Disclosure: My friends at RedEnvelope asked if I'd like to be part of their holiday recipe round up. I have not been compensated for this post, and as always, the opinions here are all my own!

Spiked Mexican Spice Hot Cocoa
Adapted from Imbibe Magazine
Makes about 2 servings

For Spice Mixture:

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cardamom
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
Pinch of nutmeg
Pinch of cloves

Combine all spices in a small bowl or zip-top plastic bag. Mix well. Store in an airtight container.

For Hot Chocolate

2 cups milk of your choice {I used almond milk}
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
A pinch of salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

{optional} 2 ounces of Patron Cafe or your favorite liqueur, marshmallows for topping


1. In a small pot, bring milk up to a simmer over medium heat. When starting to get little bubbles around the edges, whisk in chocolate chips, cocoa powder and salt.

2. Stir until the chips have melted and the ingredients are completely combined. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

3. Pour into glasses. Add about an ounce of desired liqueur, if desired.

Garnish with marshmallows, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of spice mixture if desired.

Fourth of July Cocktails at Tin Fish West Palm Beach

The Fourth of July is just around the corner {already!}.

Every year I find myself in the same predicament: Trying to come up with creative and festive recipes... extra points for a red, white, and blue color scheme.

This year, I got a little help from my friends over at Tin Fish Clematis in downtown West Palm Beach. They invited me over to test out some of their Independence Day cocktails, which will be available at the Top of the Fish bar {upstairs} and main dining room starting this Thursday {June 27}, and will run until July 8.

I got to chat for a second with the mastermind behind these fabulous Fourth-themed concoctions, bartender Kelsey. She let me sample two out of three of their special patriotic drinks and even gave me recipes to share with you!

Creative AND adorable!

First up: The Star Spangled Martini

A true salute to the red, white, and blue, The Star Spangled Martini {$9} combines muddled raspberry, citrus vodka, blue curacao, and a white sugar rim {plus, check out that cute fish!}. Since I know that vodka is not my best friend, I took a little sip and let my husband {who came along for the ride} sample the rest.

The citrus flavor with the fresh raspberries created a sweet, fruity combination that is perfect for those who like their cocktails bordering on candy-like!

Next, I tried out Kelsey's inventive Patriotic Punch {$6/glass, $18/pitcher}. A "punchy" harmony of Pinot Grigio with apricot and peach accents made this drink more my style. Filled to the brim with berries and accessorized with pineapple cutouts, this festive twist on white wine sangria will appeal to wine drinkers and fruit lovers alike.

The last "cocktail" wasn't really a drink at all... but rather, a Jell-O shot for patriotic party-goers! The "My Jell-o Americans" shot {haha!} features berry flavored gelatin with a boozy kick topped off with Pop Rocks. I didn't get to sample this one as the gelatin was taking its time setting, but judging from Kelsey's description, it sounds it is sure to dazzle the taste buds and end the night with a bang!

While you're sipping at Tin Fish, you may also want to munch on some of their most popular menu items. The Fried Clam Strips {$4.95} make a nice crunchy snack, and the ever-popular Fish Tacos {either grilled Mahi, $4.95 each or fried Cod, $3.95 each.} are always a favorite among patrons.

My favorite was the Spicy Kaboom Shrimp {$9.95} featuring flash fried tender shrimp, in a sweet and spicy sauce.

While Tin Fish features many fried classics, Tin Fish also offers a number of delicious dishes that appeal to your lighter cravings, so be sure to peruse their menu!

{Tin Fish Tip: If you like margaritas, ask for the "Kelsarita", a delightful blend of 1800 Coconut Tequila and Chambord [raspberry] liquor... I couldn't get enough!}

Steve and I had a great time hanging out with the Tin Fish crew. While we enjoyed the menu offerings and agreed that we'd return for a fun happy hour, it was the laid back atmosphere and warmth of the owners and staff that would really draw us back in.

If you find yourself near downtown West Palm Beach, stop in to Tin Fish for a bite and a beverage. Kelsey and the crew are sure to take care of you! Visit their Facebook page for special events and promotions!

Meanwhile, you can recreate some of Kelsey's lively libations right at home. They're sure to be a hit at Fourth of July celebrations!

Thanks again, Tin Fish Clematis, for a great evening!

Disclosure: The food and drinks mentioned in this post were provided to me free of charge. As always, the opinions you read here are all my own!

Star Spangled Martini
Created by Kelsey Simon, bartender at Tin Fish, West Palm Beach

4-5 muddled raspberries

2 oz {1 1/2 shots} of citrus vodka 

1/2 oz of lemonade

1 oz blue curacao 

For Rim: Granulated sugar

1.  Dip the rim of a martini glass in a shallow dish of water, then into granulated sugar to create the sparkly rim.

2. Carefully muddle the raspberries in the glass, crushing until broken down. {Alternatively,  you can do this in a sturdier glass and transfer the raspberries over to the martini glass with a spoon.} 

2. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine citrus vodka and lemonade. Shake until frosty and pour over raspberries.

3. Hold a spoon upside down over the glass close to the liquid. Carefully and slowly pour chilled blue curacao over the back of the spoon. It should create a separate layer on top of the vodka. 

4. Serve immediately.

Patriotic Punch
Created by Kelsey Simon, bartender at Tin Fish, West Palm Beach

1 ½ {1125 ml} bottles Pinot Grigio

1 oz Apricot Brandy

1 oz Peach Schnapps

1 oz Pure Cane Syrup/simple syrup {or more depending on how sweet you'd like it}

Splash of Orange Juice

Blueberries

Raspberries

Pineapple slices, shaped with a cookie cutter if desired

1. In a large pitcher, combine Pinot Grigio, apricot brandy, peach schnapps, pure cane syrup, and orange juice. Stir together.

2. Add fruit and refrigerate, ideally overnight to let the flavors marry. 

3. Serve over ice. 

An Almost Liquid Dinner

So, remember how I mentioned a few weeks ago that I thought we were moving? And then I thought we weren't? Well, soon after I found out we were. And then we did. So, here we are.

We spent the entire weekend packing and moving and unpacking and getting settled. We're still not completely finished, but I'm really looking forward to getting rid of all the boxes and feeling like we actually live here and not like we're making forts out of boxes like 5 year olds.

To top off the moving madness, this week has been a little {extra} crazy. My poor grandma has been in the hospital for the past few days {she's ok, thank goodness!}. The entire contents of my closet is still at our old apartment, so I've mostly been walking around in pajamas, possibly even to the store. {Not obvious looking pajamas... don't worry.} My phone has been acting all crazy and hung up on a prospective employer mid-conversation. Twice. And then on the representative from our cable company that it took me 10 minutes to get on the line in the first place. {I wish I was joking.} My Google reader is ridiculously backlogged with about 100 posts that I'm dying to read, but haven't had time to. {Ok, so this isn't a problem problem, but it makes me very crabby}.

Needless to say, the theme of this week has been WINE! : The Poor Woman's Alternative To Therapy.

But woman can't live by wine alone {I lie. Woman can, but husband definitely can't.}, so in the midst of my stress and pity partying I decided to whip up some homemade gluten-free gnocchi a few nights ago as our first "real" meal in our new place. Because, you know, making something ridiculously sticky and messy doesn't add to one's stress at all. ;)

The reason I even attempted these Mascarpone and Lemon Gnocchi was because I miraculously had the exact ingredients I needed for the recipe in our nearly barren fridge. {And because I happened to see them on an episode of Giada at Home - while starving - during the 2 minutes I sat down that day}. What are the odds? That was enough of a sign for me.

Thankfully, they weren't as time consuming as you'd think, and didn't turn out to be nearly as messy either {which is probably a good thing because I may have just lost my $*#@ cool if one more thing went awry this week}. And, once again, the hubs completely cleaned his plate. Glad I didn't serve a Pinot Grigio dinner after all. :)

Yes, I eat my dinner on a salad plate. I know that's weird, but that's how I roll. :)

You should definitely give these a try. Because if I could do it with completely frazzled nerves and the majority of our belongings in boxes scattered around me, then you certainly can, too!

Mascarpone and Lemon Gnocchi
adapted from Giada at Home

Gnocchi:

• 1 cup mascarpone, at room temperature (8 ounces)
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg {I used just a tiny pinch}
• 2 large lemons, zested
• 1 cup grated Parmesan (4 ounces)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, plus extra for forming the gnocchi {I used Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free All Purpose Flour}

Sauce:

• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

For the Gnocchi:

1. In a large bowl, combine the mascarpone, egg, egg yolk, nutmeg, lemon zest, Parmesan, and salt. Using a hand mixer, beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Gradually beat in 3/4 cup flour until the mixture forms a soft dough.

2. Sprinkle a pie pan or rimmed baking sheet with flour. Using 2 small spoons, drop 1 teaspoon-sized pieces of dough into the pie pan. Shake the pan gently to cover the dough with flour. Gently roll the pieces of dough into oval shapes. {I found it easier to flour my hands and pinch off teaspoon fulls of dough, rolling them between my hands to get them lightly floured. Then, using the tines of a fork, I rolled each ball of dough to give them their ridged appearance.}


3. Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a simmer. In batches, carefully add the gnocchi. The gnocchi should sink and then float to the top. As soon as the gnocchi begin to float, cook for 5 to 6 minutes. Drain and place in a large serving bowl.


For the Sauce:

1. In a small saucepan, warm the oil and salt over medium-high heat for 1 1/2 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the basil. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.


2. Add gnocchi to the pan and gently toss until coated. Serve with a BIG glass of wine! ;)

Wine & Dine

Why, hello there. After a jam-packed weekend + President's Day of working ArtiGras, I am one exhausted chicklet. I have to admit that I've barely stepped foot in my kitchen, let alone cooked anything remotely appealing. My dinner today? Half of an abnormally large sweet potato. I just didn't have the energy. Don't judge.

I did, however, discover something new and food/beverage related over the weekend. Are you ready for this revelation? Here it goes: I do not particularly enjoy Moscato wine.

This was news to me as 1. I like almost every wine I've ever tasted, 2. I had never tasted Moscato before & 3. I assumed that I would like it due to its reputation of being sweet and delicious. It was, indeed, sweet but... TOO sweet for me. A bit like drinking syrup, I'd say. While I most definitely love a good confection, I would much rather enjoy something that sugary in the form of cream cheese frosting, thankyouverymuch.

This earth shattering discovery lead me to try to figure out what to do with an almost-completely-untouched bottle of Moscato. {Because I really hate wasting stuff. Especially food.} Thanks to a little Googling & the Barefoot Wine website, I now have a variety of uses for my un-loved Moscato! :D

After a brief once-over, I've already found a recipe that I could have used tonight with my very plain (albeit delicious) dinner: Barefoot Moscato Sweet Potatoes! I'm quite excited to spend some more time browsing Barefoot's recipes and giving Moscato the chance I'm sure it deserves. ;)

Super Sangria

What a gorgeous Super Bowl Eve we have had here in South Florida! (Our apologies to just about everyone else in the country buried under inches of snow.) :P

My Sunshiny World

The day has been absolutely perfect for some patio dining and refreshing drinks. Tonight, the husband and I are headed over to our friends' house to watch the Gator Men's Basketball team take on Kentucky, and have been put in charge of bringing... a veggie tray.

I'm confident that you DON'T need a recipe for that, so I thought I'd share an easy recipe for a thirst-quenching Sangria instead! This is a great shortcut recipe for a cocktail that's good for all occasions and can be made in large batches, which makes it perfect for this particular Sunday since many will be hosting game watching parties for the big game. It's so delicious, you'll be glad it makes a lot!