Frank's = amazing

Yes, this is a gallon jug!!

So I need to just have a moment for Frank's...

For those of you who do not like spicy food:
#1 I'm sorry
#2 stop reading now! 

I LOVE SPICY FOOD! But I love spicy food with flavor, not just hot for the sake of being hot, two totally different things.

Frank's, well yes, I put it on everything :-)

VINO! Seven Sisters Pinotage/Shiraz amazing

My wonderful sister, Boog, bought me a wine of the month program for my birthday.  Being somewhat of a wine aficionado, I was of course very pleased with the gift and excited to see what was sent my way.  The first few bottles I received were great but I was particularly intrigued by one red, Seven Sisters, Pinotage/Shiraz blend from South Africa. I immediately began a search to find this wine at my local stores, which unfortunately I was unsuccessful with. Next step, online, success!  Well, sort of.  They do not ship to my state, can you believe that?!  Luckily for me, I was heading to visit my sister soon and they shipped to her state, so I purchased a case and had them send it to her :-)

Now about the wine - it is smooth yet has enough character to stand up to a pasta dish or steak.  It is very easy drinking, with dark fruit flavors and a hint of spice.  Oh and it is 14% alcohol, no big deal.  My goal in life, with regards to wine, is to find inexpensive bottles (under $15), that are easy drinking and pair with just about anything or nothing ;-)  This one hits all of those points.  When you purchase a case, most retailers will offer you a discount off your total purchase.  Therefore, including shipping costs into the equation, this wine still came in at under $15/bottle.  We enjoyed some for Thanksgiving dinner, while snacking on cheese, and on its own and it tasted great in every situation.

Notice the color creeping down the cork

Notice the difference between the two corks

One note is that it is a screw top, so there is no threat of it becoming 'corked'.  Corked wine occurs when air mixes with the wine and the result is a disgusting vinegar tasting beverage.  One key to look for to see if the wine may be corked is when you (or the waiter) removes the cork, see if any liquid has escaped down the length of the cork.

 

  This blog is making me very thirsty...Cheers!

Infinity scarf

I have my sister to thank for turning me on to this amazing creation...infinity scarf.  The first time I heard about it, I thought it was a gimmick and completely unnecessary.  Until I tried on her scarf - wow!  It makes so much sense!  Scarves are frustrating when they shift, when one end it too short or when there is a gap and the wind sneaks in.  Living in the north east I am no stranger to cold wind so anything that can help keep my neck warm is greatly appreciated :-)

Pumpkin oatmeal

I have my wonderful neighbor to thank for this tasty treat!

Prepare the oatmeal as per the package ingredients. I'm trying this without measurements - let's give it a try. Add in a spoonful canned organic pumpkin, a handful of raisins, a sprinkle of cinnamon, a drizzle of maple syrup and a small pour of soy milk.  Heat as per package ingredients. ENOY!

Miso soup - a new twist

 
I love miso soup but I also love lots of 'stuff' in my soup.  With the on set of cooler weather, I began craving the warmth soup provides.  I came home and 'turned on' my fireplace and got to work!  This is my first time working with bok choy and I am a fan!

Ingredients:
Carrots, 1 cup chopped ($3.99 for a 3 pound bag of organic baby carrots at whole foods)
Garlic, 2 cloves, diced
Scallions, 2 stalks, chopped ($0.69 for 4 stalks at whole foods)
Bok Choy, one bunch, rough chop ($1.27 at whole foods)
Mushrooms, half a package, chopped ($2.49 for a package at whole foods)
Tofu, one package, diced
Miso, organic (I like red miso, it is a little saltier) 2 T (dissolved in some warm liquid - I'll explain below)
Wakame (dried seaweed), 3 T dried, rinsed, soaked in water for 5 minutes ($5.39 for a package at whole foods, I know, it seems like a lot but there are 10 servings!)
Water or vegetable broth, 5 cups

Method:
Bring 5 cups of water or vegetable broth to a boil.  Add carrots and cook until tender. Add garlic, mushrooms, wakame, bok choy, tofu and allow to simmer for a few minutes.Scoop out a little of the warm broth into a bowl and mix in the miso paste. Stir the miso into the soup and simmer for a few more minutes.  *Note: do not allow the broth/soup to boil as it will kill the good bacteria in the miso*  Sprinkle the scallions on at the end for a nice crunch or mix into the warm soup.

I added a dash of soy sauce into my bowl for a little added flavor but found that this particular type pours very quickly, so beware!!  

I also tried a second bowl with Frank's = wow!  Amazing :-)

A tasty treat - kale, mushrooms & sun-dried tomatoes

This is my first blog, so if you are reading this, WELCOME!  I wanted to share quickly a delicious treat that I whipped up.  Many folks are afraid of cooking kale, although it is one of the top healthiest foods you can eat.  Often times the kale comes out bitter or tough but this recipe eliminates both!  It's quick, easy, healthy and it makes a great holiday side dish due to the green and red colors :-)

Ingredients:
2 T olive oil
one package of baby bella mushrooms, chopped ($2.49 @ Whole Foods)
8 oil packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped roughly
2 cloves of garlic
1 bunch of organic kale, washed, stemmed, and chopped roughly ($1.77 @ Whole Foods)

Method:
In a large skillet (with a lid), warm the olive oil over medium heat.  Add the mushrooms and saute until soft. *Note adding ingredients to cold oil causes it to be absorbed rather than utilized to saute* Add the garlic and tomatoes and saute for a few minutes.  Stir in the kale and allow leaves to begin to wilt.  Pour in one quarter cup of water, cover and allow to simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.  ENJOY!

Finished dish - ENJOY!!

It is easier to complain than to be thankful...

As I pulled out my checkbook, to pay my mortgage, a wave of complaining rushed over me.  Instead of letting it consume me, I quickly put up a barrier with a thankful thought - "I am thankful to own a house and have a job to be able to pay my mortgage."  It's all in the perspective.  Try a new one with me :-)