My friends at Cameron Hughes sent me their Lot 631 (2017) Willamette Valley Pinot Gris to taste. I do enjoy a nice crisp Pinot Gris when it is 90 degrees + outside and I love to pair it with my favorite casual summer foods… Kettle cooked potato chips (I am partial to Martin’s Potato Chips…
appetizers
Greek Herb Cheese Spread Paired With Cameron Hughes Lot 639 Rosé
Our group of neighborhood ladies meet for lunch and bubbly, calling ourselves “The Bubbles Club”. All of us are very good cooks and we enjoy sharing our recipes. One of the ladies is of Greek descent and we always look forward to the dishes she brings to the table. One of my favorites is her…
Bec’s Pimiento Cheese
A friend of mine just moved from New York to our southern city, Roanoke, Virginia. We took her out to lunch and explained the particular things that a lady must do to be a true southern lady. One was to say “Bless her heart” and “y’all” with a southern accent and to have a very…
Better Than Butter Ham Biscuit Recipe ~ Grand Prize Winner Colavita Olive Oil
Many folks have asked for my Virginia’s Best Ham Biscuit recipe – I won the “Better Then Butter Colavita Olive Oil Recipe Contest” with this recipe – the grand prize: a trip for two to Italy with the Colavita Bicycle Racing Team where I met the Colavita brothers. Enjoy! I made these southern ham biscuits…
Sundowners, Africa’s Cocktail Hour
On our recent safari trip to Africa our game drives began just as the sun was rising. Sometimes I felt like we were waking up the animals. I loved watching the lions stretch and yawn just like my pet cats at home do, but on a much larger scale. The mornings were chilly…40 degrees Fahrenheit…
GUINNESS HAM CHEDDAR CHEESE CROQUETTES WITH HORSERADISH AOILI
Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day ~ this is a fabulous pairing ~ Guinness Ham Cheddar Cheese Croquettes with Horseradish Aoili and Guinness Blonde. Even if you are not a regular beer drinker, you will LOVE this pairing. To make this even more delightful, you and make the croquette batter today and fry them…
Haku Smoked Shoyu Seared Scallops And Firecracker Shrimp
I wish you could have smelled the aroma of this smoky soy sauce in my kitchen as I was searing the scallops ~ it was heavenly! As promised here is one of my favorite recipes using the Haku Smoked Shoyu Soy Sauce that I bought at Fresh Market (also available on-line). This is a SUPER…
Sparkling Holiday Champagne Dinner
Champagne Thought Of The Day ~ The Whisper Of Love The sound of air slowly releasing from the Champagne bottle when de-corked is called ‘the whisper of love’. To hear this noise, place your thumb on the muselet, the wire cage that fits over a bottle of Champagne, and gently turn the bottle left. (Under…
Zesty Italian Artichoke Dip
Zesty Italian Artichoke Dip …rich, creamy, spicy dip to serve with kettle cooked potato chips during the holidays. I made this dip last weekend and my guests loved it! Super easy to make too! (Make the day ahead and add the bacon on top right before serving.) 2 (12 ounce) jars quartered marinated artichokes, drained…
For Bourbon Lovers On Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving gives us the opportunity to use earthy, rich, spicy flavors in our food and cocktails. Think smokey, honey, cherry, bourbon and a twist of winter citrus in front of a roaring fire. First, the appetizer… Spicy Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms With Aged Gouda Cheese Sauce Makes 10 appetizer servings (2 stuffed mushroom caps per serving)…
