Wine Wednesday!

I told you about my delicious weekend in Clearwater, now I have to report on the wine I drank there!  My adorable MIL purchased a sentimental wine, a 2008 Chardonnay from ZD Wines, for us to enjoy as a family.  Why it's meaningful?  The wine boasts my hubby's initials so that in itself makes it pretty cool and also, it's a fantastic winery the two of us visited during our first trip to Napa Valley.  Now, why is this wine worth trying? The wine reflects the people behind it: rich, deep and possessing a vibrant personality.  Aged in American oak barrels, it's my kind of wine for a sunny afternoon spent by the pool with family.  Pick up bottle from your favorite wine shop or better, pencil in a tasting in Napa!

Cheers!

Ana

Guacamole Salad!

You say Memorial Day!  I say Bar-B-Q!

Any holiday that is dedicated to thanking and remembering our troops, is an obvi favorite of mine!  And of course, we Americans celebrate everything with…food!  So, I, of course, latched on to American tradition and tried a new recipe for this year’s BBQ from my favorite Food Network chef, Barefoot Contessa!  The recipe is called “Guacamole Salad”, and it’s a perfect combination of beautiful, great tasting veggies that will make any celebration come that much more to life!  Enjoy, and GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!  

Photo courtesy of food.com

Jackie’s tweaks:

• I couldn’t fathom the idea of adding canned black beans to a recipe full of beautiful, fresh ingredients, so for my starch/extra “crunch”, I used fresh corn instead of black beans.  (Peel the corn—toss the husks, brush with EVOO, S&P, wrap in foil, and grill on low for about 25  min.  Slice and add to salad… 
• Add a splash (about 1/8 Cup) Red Wine Vinegar for more of a flavor-added acid kick…Gives it more of a “fresh salad” taste…

I had all the spices and dressings in the pantry, so total cost for beautiful salad was about ~$7, and made for about 8 hefty servings (less than $1 pp)! 

I served with my secret turkey burger recipe (later post!)—delish!  

Cheers!

Jackie

{May Book Review} Water for Elephants

This book really pulled at my heartstrings.  Author Sara Gruen does a fascinating job capturing the essence and feeling of depression-era America while telling the story of a traveling circus from the voice of Jacob, a 'ninety or ninety three year old' man who lived through it, though is shy to talk about his past life in the circus.  

Ms. Gruen paints a lively picture of the circus cast and in it includes a story of the inevitable love triangle.  But her main focus remains on Jacob and his story of youth, loss, love and coming to his own.  All of this brilliantly summarized by taking us back and forth through a narrative by now-Jacob detailing his adventures back then, and how he met and fell in love with his Marlena.  You grow to adore the characters, including the circus crew, animals and the staff at the nursing home, where we first meet Jacob.  

One of the better books I've had the pleasure of reading all year, I suggest if you haven't read this one yet, you're in for a great summer treat.  

 

For June we will be reading My Father's Daughter, a recipe collection by one of our favorites, Gwyneth Paltrow.

Cheers!

Ana

{Good Grapes Destination} Clearwater, FL!

Taking off this morning for a holiday weekend with my in-laws!  That means a weekend of (weather cooperating,) poolside vino, homemade pizzas, crystal beaches and what we love most about going home, sleeping 8+ hours/night!  As for what to wear, just recycled variations of what I packed to Dallas last weekend (and didn't get to wear thanks to weekend storms).  

Hopefully your holiday weekends are planned with fun, family, beaches, relaxation or preferably, all of the above!

Cheers!

Ana

{Thrifty Thursday} Where do you find 'Happy?'

Happy Thursday!  Today I want to write about one of my favorite ways to save money while being social in a city that is more expensive than most: Happy Hour.  The sun is out, the weather is warm and before long I'll start to see crowds packed at some of my favorite bars and restaurants, trying to score a half-priced deal before the hour runs out. 

Yesterday I enjoyed a delicious happy hour and dinner salad with some very good friends.  Lovely company, a restaurant that specializes in none other than delicious and greasy bacon, AND $5 wines by the glass until 8 p.m., I was in heaven.  Where is your favorite place to unwind with friends for happy hour?

Restaurant Three, Arlington, VA

Cheers!

Ana



Wine Wednesday!

Good evening!  It's a beautiful evening in the District and I've decided to enjoy a glass of refreshing Chardonnay.  My parents sent us a bottle of Parker's Run 2007 Chardonnay a while back and it's just what we need to enjoy on this long sunny night.  Strong bursts of citrus fruits with hints of oak and a semi-sweet finish, it's just what my day was asking for! 



Cheers!

Ana

Caprese Salad

From D.C. to Dallas, there was one salad we were all craving: the always refreshing Caprese.  The three of us have marveled in the beauty of Capri off the gorgeous Southern Italian Coast and its thanks to the jet set that fell in love with this salad and brought it to the States that we even know what it is, how its made and can enjoy it on a regular basis.

Jackie had a lot of extra basil on hand and didn't want it to go bad and I had a week old block of fresh mozzerella to devour before leaving town again this weekend.  Solution?  Insalata Carprese.  So simple and ever delicious: slice fresh tomatoes, slice fresh buffalo mozzerella, garnish with fresh basil and add a pinch of cracked black pepper and sea salt.  Drizzle a small amount of olive oil and you have yourself a fresh and delicious salad.  I like to drizzle the smallest bit of balsamic vinegar of Modena on mine as well, although traditionally this is not a part of the salad.  Enjoy!





Cheers!

Ana