Happy Sunday to you.

That my darling, is a picture of happy little sweet potato dumplings/gnocchi swimming in olive oil, melted butter and fresh sage leaves (and bacon, always bacon). Someones' Nona is getting a splitting headache right now and can't figure out why...

I started out making sweet potato gnocchi but I'm sure I didn't put in enough flour and I certainly didn't drag the little suckers up the fork hard enough so, now, instead of having ridges they look a little more like the little fats from a Doctor Who episode (holy run on sentence Robin!). With a side salad fresh from the garden and a glass of Lexia White it was a positively wonderful Sunday dinner.

I think I have a 'thing' for adjectives today.

Grocery Day!

3 bottles of wine = one happy Tracy! I've tried them already - the sun was out, I was happy, it couldn't be helped. Honestly, you can't go wrong with a naked redhead on a motorbike, really, it's always a crowd pleaser. The Mad Housewife - who wouldn't want to try that out?! However, if you can, please refrain from buying the Chardonnay. I'm not sure if they've got a better one but this one made my face do funny things. So, read the little quip on the back and then, put it back on the shelf. Spend your $5.99 on House Wine instead or put it toward the redhead (usually priced at $9.99).

This was yesterdays shopping. Grand total of $67.29. Now, before you freak out (Kristi), keep in mind I went to the market on Saturday and I had leftovers from the 'other' shopping trip I had to make Saturday morning (remember last week when I said I had to go back for a few essentials?). And notice I've got 2 more bottles of wine?! They were on sale! At $2.99 a bottle they just couldn't be passed up and if they're better than the Mad Housewife then I'm going back for more. For goodness sake, that's cheaper that 5 buck Chuck! I'll keep you posted - they had tons (and if you buy a case you usually get 10% off - I wonder if that works for sale items)!

Market Day total = $28.98. *sigh* The eggs are the best buy. Farm fresh, free range, organic eggs - $3.00/12. The Cheddar Curds are not, but darn it they are good! We couldn't pass on the blueberries and at $15.00 a bucket I'm not feeling bad about it. I see pancakes and muffins in my future... maybe even crepes with blueberry sauce....

This was a bit of a whopper shopping trip. $48.21 on veggies and wine - sounds like a party doesn't it?! Well, it was. Happy Birthday goes out to Stacy! Her husband organized a WONDERFUL 40th b-day party for her on Saturday and most of what is pictured above was placed on a platter with some dip and now sits in Stacy's fridge. Hee hee... Great party - there was even a naked redhead (I never get tired of saying that).

And now, the GRAND TOTAL for food for this week is: $144.48! ACK! I'm okay, really, I'm fine. You'll noticed that there's a few items that I'll be able to stretch into next week and maybe even the next (I've already started planning next weeks menu). I'll post my menu for this week later on today but for now I feel I should go pay attention to E. I'm not sure how much Mario Kart one kid should play but for him, it's a LOT! Have a good one. Enjoy the sun!

Update: I'm going back for more of the Merlot! The Oak Creek (Californian) at $2.99 a bottle is a freakin' steal. If you like Charles Shaw (no one really does, we're just cheap) then you'll LOVE the Oak Creek Merlot. I'm having some right now and though I probably wouldn't serve it at an elegant dinner party (though, really, do they know the difference anyway) it's certainly good enough for me and my friends (that's saying a lot actually)! It's not awful (like the Mad Housewife - oh, maybe that's what she was mad at...), it's not going to blow you away but for a meal during the week or an afternoon on the patio it's delightful. So, buy up ladies!

Friday Recommendations.

If you're having pasta wouldn't this be lovely too?
This is our staple red. It's great on it's own or with a simple meat dish. You choose.

And for dessert?! Why, how about Muscat de Saint Jean de Minervois? Santa put this in my stocking and I haven't tried it yet; however, it just sounds divine: "...rich golden yellow with an immediate and powerful nose, distinguished by a complex aroma suggesting apricots, quince, mandarin orange and honey. On the palate, the wine is simply luscious." Oh, be still my beating heart.

And in case you need something to go with your wine besides food (I know, that's just craziness) perhaps you'd like to check out the Masterpiece movies. Might I recommend Sense and Sensibility or Emma just started and you can catch the first part of that online. Be forewarned it's a continuing series - the next part is on Sunday (darn Cup of Joe beat me to posting this - who knew we liked the same movies).

The New Six Pack.

Went to Trader Joe's this week... and look what I found! A magical bag to hold your wine. Six bottles nestled in gorgeous maroon fabric - *sigh*. Being green was never closer to my heart than it is right now. Thank you to the smart people at Trader Joe's. And the truly fabulous part about this bag/container/magic contraption, it's only 99 cents. Go figure. They're practically giving them away. Wouldn't they make great Christmas presents, Hostess gifts, "I love you 'cause you smiled at me" gifts? Oh, the possibilities are endless.

If you haven't purchased yours yet, what are you waiting for? Someone else is going to snap them up (Me?) and there won't be anymore OR some non-wine drinker is going to buy them and use them to put water or juice in or some other type of bottle OR Trader Joe's is going to figure out they've made a grave mistake and priced them too low and before you know it they'll be $2.99. Could happen - of course, Trader Joe's isn't Wal-mart so maybe not (oh, little jab).

I'm hoping that once again I've been living under a rock (we've already established that this has happened to me on more than one occasion) and that great stores across North America are carrying these bags (I'm thinking Sunflower Market in Colorado has to have something like this). Getting my wine put in 11 different paper bags or a brown cardboard box just irks me - oh, but wait, that's not going to happen anymore because I've got this handy dandy little bag. Unfortunately, I only got one for myself (I did get one for some of my friends as well). I plan on getting a second - after all, you get that 10% discount when you buy a case! Mmmm... a thrifty wine drinker - we're a rare breed!

Oh, did you happen to notice that when I bought the bag I had to fill it? I'm missing a bottle in the picture but trust me the bag was full... I'll let you know how the wine drinking goes - we tried the Purple Moon Merlot already and I quite liked it. It's great with stews and soups but not so great with plain chicken. Ick. Oh, and the Torres was good too - also good with soups and tomato based dishes. A. wasn't overly fond of it but he drank it anyway (he's picky like that). Be forewarned, It's got a little plastic bull on the top so be sure to buy as many as you have kids (they fight over the bull - darn kids). It's a tough life being a parent but someone has to do it. Enjoy your wine drinking folks and please, be responsible, do it environmentally!

The Wonderful World of Wine.

I'm happy to report that I have not given up drinking wine. I'm sure many of you thought I had and quite frankly, I have not given you any reason to think differently. As luck would have it I've tasted more varieties of wine in the last couple of weeks than I've had for a couple of months (I was getting stuck in a Pinot rut). Unfortunately, I haven't taken any pictures or copied down any labels and so I don't have any new information. I've already slapped my hand so you don't have to do it and I feel just awful that I've let you down (okay, not really, some of it's been good wine and I just can't feel bad about that). I did purchase a couple of bottles today and I promise to drink them all and let you know how it goes (not all tonight - oh, but then I may, we shall see). In case you'd like to drink along and pretend we're on a wine tour together the bottles are listed below. I've even gotten a little adventurous and purchased a tetra pack thing (it's not a bottle so what is it?). Until next time, have a wonderful evening.

1. Virgin vines - 2006 Chardonnay

2. Beringer - 2008 Pinot Grigio

3. Banrock Station - 2007 Chardonnay

4. Bandit - 2007 Pinot Grigio (The Tetra Pack) - I've already had a glass of this and for the money, it's not so bad. Really, it's totally drinkable and you don't have to wash it down with cheese or chocolate - if you want to then that's your option you just don't have to.

Once a Week Wine.

And so here it is... The selection for the day is a lovely little number called Gouguenheim (as you can see from the label - I'm not judging your ability to see/read/understand, I was merely completing a sentence). And I have to give it the big ol' thumbs up 'cause it's really quite good. If you live in the area Housewine sells this one (oh, there's a surprise) and be sure to tell them I sent you - I'm hoping one day Donnie will start giving me a discount (I suppose there's only the 4 readers in Columbus so that's not bound to happen any time soon).

What I like about the wine is that there are no strong flavours that make you squint your face in an odd way (and as I'm getting older it's really better that I try not to squint my face in an odd way or it might stay that way or God for bid, give me wrinkles). I think it would probably taste best with a light fish or a simple chicken dish but I'm no expert and I'm not eating either.... But I have to say it's darn satisfying straight out of a glass while you're watching a Sponge Bob Squarepants repeat (it's sad that I know it's a repeat isn't it?).

I am truly sorry to inform everyone that I haven't been drinking much wine lately (very, very sorry) but I've been busy keeping the Mexican Tequila companies in business. As the weather warms up I feel myself being drawn to those darn Margaritas and any other little "girlie" drinks that might be out there but I'll try my best (I'm always willing to sacrifice myself for my readers) to post about new wines occasionally (perhaps it's time to switch to whites!!!). If you've tried anything good lately let me know (wine or otherwise). I do read the comments section! Until tomorrow...or the next day...

What Should Be, IS!!!!

A nice photo of Miss M. riding with her *ahem* friend in Vietnam... we missed her then too! Darn it!!!!

Hurray! It's ladies (I use that term loosely...) night out and we're prepping to be LOUD! So all those folks down at House Wine better be having a nap today or they are just going to be sooo tired after we leave... kidding... sort of...

On a much sadder note, the reason we're heading out this evening is so that we can give M her one last hurrah in Worthington. She's heading back home tomorrow. Bummer. We will miss her and her kookiness. The funny thing about M hanging with us is that she's a good 10 years younger and yet, for some reason, it just doesn't feel like it! She blends in perfectly (not trying to make her feel old or anything, quite the contrary). We're hoping she'll miss us so terribly that at the end of the summer she'll hop on the next plane back to Ohio - and then, ANOTHER PARTY!

If you're out this evening and you see 5 screaming/giggling/dancing on the tables ladies, buy the youngest/oldest/loudest/quietest one a drink would you - I'm all about the free drinks?! And stop, say 'Hi', and get the cheese plate too you cheap skate!

What Should be Isn't!

It's Thursday night. I should be heading out with the girls this evening. I should have a glass of wine in my hand by 7:30. I should be rubbing elbows with the folks at House Wine. I should be out relaxing and having a wonderful kid/husband free evening. I look forward to Thursdays. I'm a stay at home mom. I don't work outside, EVER and aside from the occasional trip to the shoe store or kids playing/mommy talking morning, I don't get to see my girlfriends.

I won't be heading out tonight. I will be sitting at home. As you might know The Columbus Blue Jackets are playing at home this evening! Go Jackets Go! My husband has tickets, again, and so he will be there, which means I will be here. We don't have a babysitter yet. I'm not in a big rush to find one. It's worked so far and as the kids get older the need for a babysitter gets smaller. My husband and I usually take turns going out and so that gives the kids time to be with just one parent - they prefer it to be dad 'cause they see me all the time! I prefer it to be dad too (hee hee).

Anyway, if I could be out tonight I think I would have a wonderful Reisling. I had a lovely glass full at House Wine last friday and if I could remember the name of it...darn it... anyway, it was great. I'm thinking of popping over to House Wine today and getting a bottle just so I have something to enjoy when the kids go to sleep. Cross your fingers for me in the hopes that I actually get there. If I don't it will be a, just as wonderful, glass of tap water - with ice cubes and maybe a splash of lemon.

As summer approaches

It's been a long time since I've talked about wine. Have you been missing it? Yes? Well, so have I quite frankly. But tonight, no more, I've cracked open a bottle of Barefoots' Pinot Grigio and it's hitting the spot. It's not an expensive wine and probably not an affluent company (of this I do not know but it's sold by the case loads in Giant Eagle so I'm suspecting it's not) but it seems to win quite a few awards. Not this particular bottle however - it is the Official Wine of Pro Beach Volleyball 2008 (that says it all right there doesn't it).

The warm weather is pulling me towards white wines so I suspect we'll be hearing a lot about those or perhaps even warm weather drinks like Bahama Mamas or Pina Coladas! Oh, I sooo like an umbrella drink. I've got some Blue Caracao sitting on my counter anxiously awaiting Lemonade (anyone having flashbacks to University). I'm always interested to see how peoples choices change depending on the weather and so please feel free to let me know what you'll be enjoying this summer. I'm going to sit back in my big chair and drink this bottle of Barefoot. Have a good evening and enjoy the lovely weather wherever you are...

If you're in Colorado sit tight and have a hot chocolate for me! If you're in Manitoba, you might want to blow up a dingy and if you're somewhere near Lake Superior, well, hopefully spring is fast approaching, have a beer!

As an aside: If you haven't already bought it, rush out and get the new Tragically Hip C.D! They are my husbands favourite and if you buy the C.D. this is what will happen: 1. You get to sleep in. 2. The dishes get done without having to ask anyone. 3. The coffee will be made when you wake up.... *sigh* I think I fell in love all over again with the help of The Hip!

Glasses

This is my favourite of the 3 - from www.papastour.com - pottery made in Scotland

Lovely and sleek - Ravenscroft Double Blind Tasting Glass

Don't click to enlarge! Sorry, I'm still getting the hang of this... Dansk Karin wine glass

When I graduated from university I got a job NOT in my chosen field of bio-anthropology (archeology) but rather in a china shop. Didn't I make good use of that degree? At the time I was quite happy just to have a job and be able to pay the rent (I was 23 for crying out loud, what did I know). I didn't think I would actually grow to love the job, okay, maybe not the job but definitely the china and the glassware. I have quite the collection of odds and sodds from working there and a darn good salad spinner (it's been a decade and that thing keeps spinning)! So, today the above pictures are a few glasses that I've found on-line to put your favourite wine in... okay, so don't worry if it's just a bottle of 6 dollar crap, at least you've got a nice glass!

The ladies are heading out again this evening - we'll be at the local watering hole - say "hi" if you see me - heck, buy me a drink would you?! And if you're just too far away don't let that stop you from enjoying your spirit of choice - CHEERS!

The Winery Wine Shop - the day after...

www.thewinerywineshop.com

Hello all and a happy end of the week to you (I don't think I've gotten over St.Patty's day talk yet - it is fun isn't it?). The sun is shining, the curry is simmering and the boys are playing, together, outside. Life is pretty darn good. To top it off I've opened a bottle of Wooloomooloo (Shiraz) to sip while I wait for the curry. It's not all that bad. I read the back - it says, "it'll go well with any type of bold-flavored cuisine or equally well with dimly lit candles...", sounds like a winner in my book (I'm so easy to please).

An update on the night at The Winery: I'd have to say it gets a big ol' 4 stars in my book. It would have gotten a 5 if the portions of the cheese tray were a little bigger and there was chocolate sauce for the brownie (it's all about the food with me). It's a great wine bar; wonderful service, lovely ambiance, and a big fish bowl full of crackers! You actually get served at your table with what ever you've chosen for your tasting flight (oh, right, you have a choice) and the portions are not at all chincy here (have to love that). A large selection of wine and food round out what might become a regular hangout for our Thursday Night Wine League (bunch of ladies getting together = a league). I think the fact that they didn't kick us out when we started talking about our breasts (this includes hand movements and gestures) was a big part of us wanting to go back... really, this isn't a joke. Get 5 women over 30 away from their families and serve them wine, cheese and chocolate and all heck breaks loose!

So, at the end of the night and many a gesture later... we did compile a list of wines that you might enjoy. At least we enjoyed them. There were some we didn't but I'll spare you those tonight - its the weekend, start it off on a happy note!

1. Paso A Paso Tempranillo (La Mancha, Spain) $10.99 a bottle

2. Cote Alla Flora Podere Del Giuggiolo Sangiovese (Tuscany, Italy) $12.99

3. Ballentine Chemin Blanc (Napa, California) $15.99

4. Franciscan (Napa, California) $15.99

What are you drinking?

Wine, Wine, Wine.

We opened the bottle of Fetzner on Saturday and if you haven't rushed out to buy a bottle already then you definitely should. It's $6.99 a bottle and worth every penny, maybe even a few more. It goes down with a great body and finishes with tons of flavour. My husband and I have decided it's a case buy and so I'll be off to Giant Eagle in the next week or so to get one.

I also cracked a bottle of Oops white today and voila, another winner! I purchased it because I liked the name and the label. They carry a red as well but that will have to be blogged about at another date as I haven't yet relieved the cork!

Have you tried anything great you'd like to share? Always looking for something yummy. As the weather is warming up however I have to say I'm getting ready for having a ice cold margarita. I hope to try at least 2 of the recipes off of http://www.margaritatexas.com/. Nothing better on a warm day then nachos, salsa and a limey goodness. Cheers!

Try the Garnacha (it's even full to say)!

Wonderful night last night! House wine picked a great selection again (how would I know???). The wines were great overall - Organic and Flavourful! I could pass on the first white, a little dull in my opinion and I disliked the after-taste. The others were good however and I don't think you'd be doing an injustice if you served them to a dinner guest (or just wanted something to drink while you read this blog...). In case you missed Thursday night at house wine and would like to try putting together a little tasting of your own, here's what we had:

1. Frog's Leap Sauvignon Blanc ($21.99) - again, my least favourite. There's something about this winery I just don't like... but everyone else did so you might want to judge for yourself. You might want to check out their website - it's worth the chuckle!

2. Hofer Gruner Veltliner ($17.99) - a "biodynamic" winery so by drinking this you're practically saving the environment single-handedly! How conscientious of you.

3. Menguante Garnacha ($10.99) - there's no sulfites in this wine making it a great choice for those of you who get headaches from reds!

4. Yalumba Shiraz/Viognier ($10.99) - a very "green" winery and rated an 89/100 by Wine Spectator (can you say, "good buy"?)

And in case you weren't aware, at most stores you'll get an extra 10% off for buying a case - ask first (Giant Eagle does and so does House Wine).

No driveway Wine Night tonight. Just a nice, quiet night in. I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Kisses to the kiddies and an extra hug from me to you!

Let's Talk about Wine Baby!

Tonight is the Wine Tasting at House Wine. They're featuring an organic farm here in Ohio - Wayward Seed Farms - and a few organic wineries. I don't think I've had the ones featured before so I'm quite looking forward to having a sample or two or three (who are we kidding, it'll be more like four). The one other bottle of organic wine that I have had (I'm sorry I can't remember what it was...ack!) wasn't my favourite - a little too flat. Hopefully, these wineries will *wow* me with their flavours.

Of course, the anticipation of trying a few new wines got me thinking of all the wines I'm missing out on and I just had to buy something new when I went to the store. And so, the new additions to my now fairly low stocked (*gasp*) wine collection are:
Cycles Gladiator (pinot noir) - but of course!
Da Vinci (chianti)
Fetzer (cab.) - it's a 9 time winner of "Winery of the Year" by Wine & Spirits magazine. Should be good right?

I also checked out a few others I'm hoping to try in the near future (and a few I've had before). If you've had one by all means, leave a comment so that the rest of us know what we're getting into!

Greg Norman (pinot noir) $17.99 - Californian, I'm pretty sure there used to be an Australian line as well...
Sketchbook (pinot noir) $18.99 - I've had this. It's wonderful; a bit pricey though.
Francis Coppola (zinfandel) $14.99 - Good movies = good wine? Who knows?
House Wine (red - that's it) $10.99 - this is a good everyday wine. I think it might be cheaper at House Wine (the store, not the wine, they're not related, it's all very confusing) for those of you who live in Columbus.
Genesis (syrah) $14.99 - someone I know has had this!
Joe Blow Red - sorry didn't get the price, I was too busy chasing after a ball in the middle of Giant Eagle (who's smart idea was it to put up a "fake" basketball court to sell Coke??). Anyway, I like the name of this don't you?

And if this isn't enough, hop on over to Wine Spectator where they have a Daily Wine List! Isn't that great?

And for the Wine part...

I've only recently decided to drink wine... or rather, taste wine. I'm certainly not an aficionado or anything but I like wine. My friends and I have taken to a particular place in town due to its variety of wines and it's enchanting staff. They are most helpful with recommendations and lucky for our little town, they hold wine tastings every Thursday. Why more places don't do this type of thing I'll never understand. I have to admit that after going there for a few weeks my taste in wine has altered significantly. I used to like Merlots - who doesn't? - and I used to really like Chardonnays - again, who doesn't? - however, I now enjoy a Shiraz or a Pinot Noir. The one I'm drinking this evening is by Sketch Book (Napa Valley). A lovely label to boot! It's a good wine - I judge this on flavour and whether it makes my mouth pucker or whether it smells like stinky feet or whether it pairs well with chocolate (really now, that's important). A few of my other favourites include: Barrel of Monkeys, Leese & Fitch, and Cycles Gladiator. There are others and as I come upon new ones I'll be sure to keep you updated.