On this special Holiday edition of Wines of the Week on FB LIVE I’m sharing some of my favorite wines AND wine-related gifts perfect for the wine lover in your life. So in this episode I’ve got you covered with creative ideas for everyone from: (1) The Holiday Hostess, (2) The Red Wine Lover, (3) The Collector and (4) The Champagne Lover.
1.) THE HOLIDAY HOSTESS: Nobody wants to show up to a holiday party empty handed but what to bring? Flowers? Another lame candle? How about something sparkling that won’t break the bank? In all the years I’ve hosted holiday parties I’ve always been happy to receive bubbles which are universally appealing and super festive. I especially like these delicious bottles:
Mionetto Prosecco Brut Treviso, Veneto, Italy, NV ($14): Hailing from Veneto region of Italy, this delightful Prosecco is light, crisp and refreshing with notes of white flowers, apples and citrus. While delicious on its own, this wine is also perfect for sparkling wine based drinks such as Mimosas, Bellinis and one of my faves: Rosemary Pomegranate Royales!
Mumm Napa Brut Prestige, Napa Valley, California, NV ($20): Made in the same method as Champagne, this delightful domestic sparkler is a blend of 45% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir and 10% Pinot Gris. It has lovely notes of citrus, apple, vanilla, with hints of toast, honey and gingerbread spice with ith a fine acidity and rich, lingering finish.
And since your Hostess went through lots of effort to create a magical evening (even if she won’t admit it) why not surprise her with one of these stylish and unique accessories:
“Bring on the Bubbly” Flutes ($28 – set of two)
Rose Gold Jewel Wine Glasses ($25 – set of two)
Both sets of glasses are available at Linen Closet boutique in downtown Delray Beach (303 NE 4th Street, Delray Beach, FL 33444 (561)266-0766. Ask for Christina or Carolann & tell them The Glamorous Gourmet sent ya!
2.) THE RED WINE LOVER: This is the time of year to sip and savor those big, bold red wines and what’s better than a Cabernet Sauvignon? I especially adore these two California Cabernets available at two different price points to suit your budget:
Fortress Knight’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma, California, 2013 ($35): This wine is an interesting blend of grape varieties including 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Syrah, 3% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec and 3% Cabernet Franc. It’s aged in a mixture of French and American oak and has delicious notes of dark fruit, mocha & spice.
Round Pond Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford, Napa, California, 2012 ($60): This wine is from one of my FAVE producers in the Napa Valley who make exceptional wines from the acclaimed Rutherford AVA of California’s Napa Valley.
One potential problem when drinking red wine can be those pesky tannins which can make a wine taste too astringent. In order to tame those tannins you need to aerate the wine and I especially love these two accessories which should be in every red wine lover’s repertoire:
Perfect for the Red Wine Lover: the Vinturi (left) & Riedel Decanter (right)
Vinturi Essential Wine Aerator ($20): This handy aerator is perfect for when you don’t feel like indulging in a whole bottle of wine.
Riedel Ultra Wine Decanter ($170): This beautiful and functional crystal decanter is perfect for decanting an entire bottle of wine. It is easy to use and clean and can also be used in conjunction with the Vinturi for extra aeration!
3.) THE WINE COLLECTOR: People collect wine to observe and enjoy how it ages over time. All types of wine can benefit from aging including sparkling, red, white and even dessert wine as long as it has the right combination of acid, tannin and/or sugar. Here are two of my favorites:
Le Serre Nuove dell’Ornellaia Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy, 2014 ($75): From the famed Ornellaia estate’s younger vineyards, this true, imminently ageable “second wine” is a delicious blend of 50% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot.
Chateau Suduiraut Sauternes, Bordeaux, France, 2014 ($40/375mL bottle): This delightful blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc gets its magical flavor profile from a mold known as “Noble Rot” which shrivels the grapes on the vine which then produce a heavenly viscous sweet juice. Sauternes are some of the most ageable wines on the planet and would be a welcome surprise to any wine collector!
How do you know when those special bottles are ready to open? If ONLY there was a way to sample a wine so you could tell when it was JUST perfect without opening the entire bottle too early or too late. Well, friends, the Coravin is the answer to your vinous prayers. The device’s thin needle allows wine to be siphoned out of the bottle without removing the cork and spoiling the wine. While initially only found in restaurants, consumer models are now available and, for the wine collector, – money well spent!
Coravin Model One (left) and Model Two Elite in Rose Gold (right)
Coravin Model One Starter Wine System ($230): If you’re a budding oenophile this model is perfect with easy to use, convenient silicone, soft touch grips.
Coravin Model Two Elite Wine System ($349): The Ferrari of the Coravin models with a graphite body and chrome clamps and trigger. You can also get it in custom colors to match your home as well as bundle it with other accessories.
4.) THE CHAMPAGNE LOVER: There’s no better time to indulge in decadence than the holidays and if you really want to dazzle the Champagne lover in your life, here are a few of my favorite bottles.
Taittinger Brut La Francaise, Reims, France, NV ($45): I love this spectacular sparkler from one of the few remaining family owned and run Champagne houses in France. This wine is predominantly Chardonnay, the signature grape of the House, which produces a light, crisp and elegant wine with aromas and flavors of citrus, apple and toasted brioche.
Laurent Perrier Cuvée Rosé Champagne, Reims, France, NV ($80): This unique bottle was inspired by King Henri IV and the fabulous wine inside is 100% Pinot Noir. The wine gains it’s gorgeous deep pink color from a 48-72 hour maceration with the grape skins which imparts added body and tannin structure to the wine. The wine has gorgeous aromas and flavors of raspberry, red currant, black cherry and spice.
Pair of Juliska Amalia Champagne Flutes ($150): These exquisite hand blown flutes of lead-free glass are made in the hills outside of Prague by Capucine and Dave Gooding.
Laguiole en Aubrac Champagne Saber ($200): Handcrafted in France, this special saber is used to perform the traditional ritual of Sabrage in which the top of a Champagne bottle is removed as the dull edge of the blade hits the neck of the bottle. This saber come in a beautiful display box and features a stainless blade complete with the “Laguiole en Aubrac” insignia and a beautiful horn handle.
Kate Spade Finer Things Champagne Bucket Bag ($358): If the Champagne lover in your life also happens to like fashion, this whimsical bag is a must! It features a cross-body strap and a silver glitter-encrusted bucket complete with faux Champagne bottle and ice cubes. The bag opens with a discrete magnetic closure and comes with a stylish dust bag as well – FABULOUS!
To view the entire Facebook Live Holiday Episode, please see FULL video below:
The post Wines of the Week: Holiday Gifts for the Wine Lover appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.
If you’ve ever stood with clammy hands looking up at the 10-foot tall “Wall of Wine” in the grocery store wondering how the heck you’re going to pick wines to pair with all the crazy flavors of the Thanksgiving meal, not to mention satisfy your crazy family members, this episode of “Wines of the Week” is for you! In it, I recommend wines that will alleviate your Wine Pairing Paralysis and pair beautifully with EVERYTHING and EVERYONE at your holiday table.
This week’s episode features 4 All-American Thanksgiving Wines from some of my favorite producers to pair with this most All-American holiday. These wines are all relatively easy to find, but if you can’t locate them, simply ask your local wine retailer to recommend a similar wine.
These wines are also crafted from grape varieties which are legendary for “playing nicely” with a wide variety of flavors. You definitely want to avoid wines with lots of oak or harsh, aggressive tannins that’ll clash with many of the flavors commonly found in a Thanksgiving meal.
4 Fabulous All-American Thanksgiving Wines
(Please watch full episode below for detailed tasting notes & MORE helpful advice):
1.) Domaine Carneros Brut Rosé Cuvée de la Pompadour, Carneros, California, NV ($42)
*SHOW NOTE: To read more about sparkling wine & Champagne production, please read my “Champagne 101” post by clicking here.
2.) King Estate Backbone Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, Oregon, 2015 ($28)
*SHOW NOTE: This wine was aged “sur lie” a French term that means “on the lees” and to find out what the heck that means, simply click here.
3.) Résonance Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon, 2015 ($45)
4.) Duckhorn Merlot, Napa Valley, California, 2014 ($50)
For ALL the details on this week’s All-American Thanksgiving Wines please watch the Facebook LIVE video above. To view previous episodes of “Wines of the Week” on Facebook LIVE, please click here. And if YOU have any favorite wines you’re looking forward to enjoying next week, I’d LOVE to hear about them! Please let me know in the Comments section below.
Wishing you a Happy & Delicious Thanksgiving,
The post Wines of the Week: 4 All-American Thanksgiving Wines appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.
There's probably nobody that looks forward to the arrival of Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte more than I do. Alright, maybe there's a few other die-hard fans out there but my love of the PSL (as it's affectionately known to its fans) blossomed under unique circumstances.
I had to undergo extensive hip surgery in January of 2011 and during my recovery my husband Steve brought me a PSL every morning to cheer me up. Needless to say, I've been in love with the PSL ever since! And since then, this drink has become quite popular (it even has it's own Twitter account) and my enduring penchant for the PSL compelled me to create an alcoholic version of this Fall favorite.
It would've been easy to just purchase Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice syrup to make this drink, however, unlike many of their other flavors, the coveted PSL syrup is not for sale so I had to improvise. Unlike Starbucks' version, this recipe uses real pumpkin as well as a few other easy to find ingredients. This time of year orange colored sugar can be found at craft stores or gourmet markets and pumpkin pie spice is located in the spice aisle of your local market. Feel free to adjust the final sweetness level according to your personal taste and I hope you enjoy this edition of Cocktail Couture as much as we do.
I'd also like to wish everyone a very Happy and Delicious Halloween!
P.S. If you're looking for a delicious dish to dazzle your Halloween party guests, this Savory Severed Arm in Marinara Sauce is a hands-down favorite!
print recipe"PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE MARTINI"
Makes 1 drink
INGREDIENTS
3 Tablespoons vodka
2 Tablespoons half and half
2 Tablespoons coffee (Starbucks House Blend works nicely)
1 Tablespoon sugar (or 2 Splenda or other artificial sweetener packets)
1 teaspoon canned pumpkin puree
2 teaspoons maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon pumpkin spice
Orange colored sugar (available at craft stores or gourmet markets)
Juice of 1 lime or lemon
Combine orange colored sugar and 1/8 teaspoon of pumpkin spice on a small plate. Dip the rim of a chilled martini glass in a dish of lime/lemon juice and then dip in sugar and spice mixture to coat the rim.
Add vodka, half and half, coffee, sugar or sweetener, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, remaining 1/8 teaspoon pumpkin spice to a martini shaker and fill with ice. Shake vigorously to chill drink mixture and strain into prepared glass.
Garnish with additional pumpkin spice if desired and enjoy!
The weather’s getting chilly, the holidays are coming and who doesn’t want someone special to snuggle up with when the weather man issues the first “Snuggle Alert” of the season?
I’m here to help set the mood for l’amour with my latest installment of Wines of the Week featuring four fabulous “Date Night Wines.” So whether you’ve got a (1) Casual First Date, (2) Hot Date with your new Match.com crush, (3) Special Occasion Date or (4) ‘Date Night’ with your husband or wife of many years on the calendar, I’ve got something for everyone!
1.) Galerie Naissance Sauvignon Blanc, Napa, California, 2015 ($30): This elegant white wine from winemaker Laura Díaz Muñoz is a STEAL and is so incredibly versatile it can pair with pretty much any date OR situation. So whether you’ve got a picnic at the beach or movie night at home planned you’re GOOD to GO! And this isn’t your everyday Sauvignon Blanc either, Muñoz ferments one third of the grapes in stainless steel for crispness, another third in French oak for aromatics and the remaining third in concrete egg for minerality resulting in a thoroughly enjoyable, complex wine. The name “Naissance” also means “New Beginning” in French and who knows…this first date could be the beginning of something special!
2.) Cuvaison Spire Pinot Noir, Carneros, California, 2013 ($50): There is no grape sexier than Pinot Noir. It’s temperamental, expensive, high maintenance and often called “the heartbreak grape” by the winemakers themselves but you know what? It’s TOTALLY worth it! Pinot Noir is highly aromatic with seductive aromas & flavors of black cherries, chocolate, earth and spice with an undeniably supple, sexy and sensuous mouthfeel…think liquid velvet. There’s simply NO better wine for a Hot Date and I love this special splurge from Cuvaison’s sustainably farmed Estate Vineyard!
3.) Taittinger Prestige Brut Rosé Champagne, Reims, France, NV ($70): Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary or even an engagement, Champagne is the perfect choice for the Special Occasion Date. I adore this delightful rosé from Taittinger which gets its gorgeous pink hue from the addition of still Pinot Noir wine which imparts delicious notes of strawberry and raspberry to the finished wine. It’s fuller body also makes it perfect for Fall. And since true Champagne can only come from the Champagne region of France (for Champagne 101, click here), don’t show up with a bottle of a bargain bubbly – an inexpensive bottle like Prosecco might just to get you ghosted!
4.) Chateau Le Trois Croix, Fronsac, Bordeaux, 2011 ($35): ‘Date Night’ or simply taking a night to focus on each other without the intrusion of kids, work, pets or phones is very necessary in this day and age. But rather than blowing a lot of money on an expensive bottle of wine, why not just enjoy something with some special significance to both of you? Picking a wine you enjoyed on your first date or discovered during a trip or special meal can be a way of upping the intimacy without breaking the bank. This bottle has special significance to my hubby and me (please watch video below for ALL the deets!) and is a total STEAL at $35 a bottle.
For ALL the details on these special “Date Night Wines,” please watch the Facebook LIVE video above and to view past episodes of “Wines of the Week” on Facebook LIVE, please click here. And if YOU have any favorite “Date Night Wines” I’d LOVE to hear about the in the Comments section below!
Cheers,
The post Wines of the Week: “Date Night Wines” on Facebook LIVE appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.
“If I had to narrow my choice of meats down to one for the rest of my life, I am quite certain that meat would be pork.” ~ James Beard
I couldn't agree more with the fabulous James Beard and I especially love cooking pork in the Fall. This "other white meat" is the perfect transition between Summer and Winter and its versatility makes it so much fun to pair with wine too!
In keeping with that sentiment, this installment of "Fast & Fabulous" features Provençal Pork Chops, a recipe that combines the classic flavors of Provence with succulent, pan-seared pork chops. As with all of my Fast & Fabulous recipes, this dish can be prepared in well under an hour and also includes a wine pairing to further enhance your enjoyment.
Being a total carnivore, I usually like to use "bone-in" chops but for this recipe, I think a boneless pork chop works best. The mouth-watering sauce keeps the chops succulent and juicy and they also make a prettier presentation. The type of pork chop YOU choose to use in this or any other recipe should basically come down to personal preference though but there are quite a few to pick from:
Pork loin chops are cut from the center of the loin, the strip of meat that runs from the pig’s hip to shoulder, and consist of a small portion of the tenderloin separated from the loin by a T-shaped bone.
Pork rib chops don't contain any of the tenderloin and are taken from the area closest to the rib so the bone is off to one side.
Boneless pork chops are cut from the area above the loin chops and the thickness of all of these types of chops ranges from about half an inch to 2 inches.
Regardless of which type you choose, two important factors will affect how you cook your chops: (1) how thick the chops are, and (2) if they are "bone-in" or "boneless." The thicker the chop, the longer it will take to cook, and bone-in chops will also take longer to cook than boneless ones. So to avoid over or under cooking, please be sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly.
This recipe also calls for Herbes de Provence, a delightfully fragrant and flavorful mixture of dried herbs indigenous to the eponymous province in southeast France. The mixture typically includes rosemary, thyme, oregano, marjoram, savory and lavender and is often sold in traditional Provençal clay jars. Herbes de Provence makes an excellent seasoning for chicken, fish or pork and works deliciously well with the flavors in this dish.
A quarter cup of dry red wine really adds nice depth of flavor to the sauce along with the flavorful caramelized onions. And don't worry about opening another bottle or looking for one of those dreaded "cooking wines," just use the wine you plan on drinking with your meal to make this recipe. Since the one recommended here is so affordable you don't have to feel guilty for adding it to the pan.
I like to serve these succulent Provençal Pork Chops over a bed of pearled cous cous and baby spinach to catch all the delicious, savory sauce. This recipe also pairs perfectly with a bold, juicy red wine from the South of France like the Chateau de Saint Cosme Côtes du Rhône ($15). This medium-bodied wine from the Rhône Valley is made from 100% Syrah and has plenty of personality at a VERY affordable price.
I hope you enjoy this delightful recipe for Provençal Pork Chops as much as we do! And if you have a favorite "transition dish" you like to enjoy during the Fall, between the Summer and Winter months, I'd love to hear about it. Please let me know in the Comments section below.
Print Recipe
"FAST + FABULOUS: PROVENCAL PORK CHOPS "
Author: Stephanie Miskew | The Glamorous Gourmet
Makes: 4 servings
Pair this delightful dish with a bold red wine from France's Rhone Valley or Provence!
Ingredients
4 Tbsp. good olive oil
4 1-inch thick, boneless, center cut pork chops
1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
2 teaspoons Herbes de Provence
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or to taste
1/4 cup dry red wine
1 small plum tomato, sliced
1 Tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley
Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over med-hi heat. Pat the chops dry and season both sides with Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Once the oil in the skillet is hot, add the chops to the pan and cook for 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer the chops to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
Add the sliced onion to the same pan and sauté over medium heat until softened, approximately 5-7 minutes. Add canned tomatoes with their juices, red wine, Herbes de Provence and red pepper flakes to the pan and stir well to combine. Cover the pan and simmer gently until the flavors have melded and the juice has thickened slightly about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Heat broiler. Place browned pork chops on a baking sheet or broiler pan and top each chop with a slice of the plum tomato. Sprinkle the chops with additional salt, pepper and Herbes de Provence and broil until the tomatoes are slightly charred and the chops become golden brown and crispy on top, approximately 5-7 minutes.
Return the broiled, tomato-topped pork chops and any accumulated juices to the pan, nestling the chops into the tomato mixture. Simmer until the chops are heated through, about 5-10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
This week's tragedy in Las Vegas has left me reeling. While terribly cruel and savage on its own, the fact that it happened on the heels of a string of catastrophic natural disasters (Hurricanes Irma and Maria as well as earthquakes in Mexico) makes me want to curl up in a big, cozy blanket with my dogs and never. leave. the. house.
Unfortunately, if I were to do that, I'd be letting fear win which is NOT an option. Plus, I'd have to venture out sooner or later to stock up on food and wine anyway. So I thought I'd share five of my favorite Comfort Food Recipes that are perfect for everything from soothing a broken heart to restoring your faith in humanity.
As always, wine pairings ARE included.
1.) Smoky Stuffed Cabbage Soup: This favorite, inspired by my husband's Ukrainian heritage, includes delicious Savoy cabbage, ground beef and pork, fresh dill, tomatoes and garlic in a savory, smoky-paprika infused broth.
Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied Italian red wine like Barbera d'Asti or Dolcetto from Piedmont
2.) Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemons: I always found this delicious North African dish daunting because I thought I had to buy special equipment to make it. But guess what? I was WRONG! Featuring mouthwatering flavors of chicken thighs, ginger, saffron, turmeric, cilantro and green olives, you are guaranteed to enjoy.
Wine Pairing: Pair with a Spanish white wine like a Godello or Rioja Blanco
3.) Arroz con Pollo (Spanish Chicken & Rice): This delicious, Spanish-inspired dish is a classic one pot meal. So if time is an issue, opt for this comfort food recipe which features meaty chicken pieces, piquillo peppers, saffron and dry white wine. The dish's beautiful colors make a dazzling presentation as well.
Wine Pairing: Pair with a Spanish white wine like an Albariño or Viura.
4.) Quick Coq au Vin: This dish is a Glamorous Gourmet favorite and French comfort food at its best! A riff on the famed classic French recipe from Burgundy, this reimagined "quick" version can be on the table and ready to eat in under an hour AND packs oodles of delicious flavor.
Wine Pairing: Enjoy this dish with a hearty red Burgundy or Cru Beaujolais.
5.) Lamb Ragu with Tagliatelle Pasta: If it's pasta you're craving - look NO further! This divine recipe features ground lamb, garlic, shallots, red wine and purchased marinara sauce so you're not stuck over the stove ALL day. Topped with fresh ricotta and mint leaves, you'll feel instantly transported to Tuscany.
Wine Pairing: A Tuscan full-bodied red wine like Montepulciano d'Abruzzo or Chianti Classico Riserva
This week’s tragedy in Las Vegas has left me reeling. While terribly cruel and savage on its own, the fact that it happened on the heels of a string of catastrophic natural disasters (Hurricanes Irma and Maria as well as earthquakes in Mexico) makes me want to curl up in a big, cozy blanket with my dogs and never. leave. the. house.
Unfortunately, if I were to do that, I’d be letting fear win which is NOT an option. Plus, I’d have to venture out sooner or later to stock up on food and wine anyway. So I thought I’d share five of my favorite Comfort Food Recipes that are perfect for everything from soothing a broken heart to restoring your faith in humanity.
As always, wine pairings ARE included.
1.) Smoky Stuffed Cabbage Soup: This favorite, inspired by my husband’s Ukrainian heritage, includes delicious Savoy cabbage, ground beef and pork, fresh dill, tomatoes and garlic in a savory, smoky-paprika infused broth.
Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied Italian red wine like Barbera d’Asti or Dolcetto from Piedmont
2.) Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemons: I always found this delicious North African dish daunting because I thought I had to buy special equipment to make it. But guess what? I was WRONG! Featuring mouthwatering flavors of chicken thighs, ginger, saffron, turmeric, cilantro and green olives, you are guaranteed to enjoy.
Wine Pairing: Pair with a Spanish white wine like a Godello or Rioja Blanco
3.) Arroz con Pollo (Spanish Chicken & Rice): This delicious, Spanish-inspired dish is a classic one pot meal. So if time is an issue, opt for this comfort food recipe which features meaty chicken pieces, piquillo peppers, saffron and dry white wine. The dish’s beautiful colors make a dazzling presentation as well.
Wine Pairing: Pair with a Spanish white wine like an Albariño or Viura.
4.) Quick Coq au Vin: This dish is a Glamorous Gourmet favorite and French comfort food at its best! A riff on the famed classic French recipe from Burgundy, this reimagined “quick” version can be on the table and ready to eat in under an hour AND packs oodles of delicious flavor.
Wine Pairing: Enjoy this dish with a hearty red Burgundy or Cru Beaujolais.
5.) Lamb Ragu with Tagliatelle Pasta: If it’s pasta you’re craving – look NO further! This divine recipe features ground lamb, garlic, shallots, red wine and purchased marinara sauce so you’re not stuck over the stove ALL day. Topped with fresh ricotta and mint leaves, you’ll feel instantly transported to Tuscany.
Wine Pairing: A Tuscan full-bodied red wine like Montepulciano d’Abruzzo or Chianti Classico Riserva
The post 5 Essential Comfort Food Recipes & Wines to Pair With appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.
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