VALENTINE’S DAY: Three Wonderful Food Gifts

[1] [2] [3] The Valentine gift box from VineBox, with artisan chocolate bars from Ritual Chocolate.   You could search all over town without finding wonderful Valentine’s Day gifts like these—one with zero calories! There’s no need leave home to get them. Just click below to order these online. 1. FOR THE WINE DRINKER: A…
Continue reading “VALENTINE’S DAY: Three Wonderful Food Gifts”

Cranberry Mulled Wine Recipe

She uses a slow cooker: a great way to mull wine or cider without having to tend to it. After years of serving mulled wine, we realized that the popular garnishes are wasteful: They can’t be eaten, and are tossed out. That means you, cinnamon sticks, curls of peel, raw cranberries, and star anise. So,…
Continue reading “Cranberry Mulled Wine Recipe”

GIFT OF THE DAY: White Chocolate Polar Bears

Mom, dad and the kids are adorable…but not too adorable to eat! Photos courtesy Woodhouse Chocolate.   They may be too old for Teddy bears and Winnie The Pooh, but no one is too old for these chocolate polar bears from Woodhouse Chocolate of Napa Valley, one of our favorite chocolate artisans. Give just one…
Continue reading “GIFT OF THE DAY: White Chocolate Polar Bears”

TIP OF THE DAY: Pairing Wine & Cake For A Dessert Party…Or Just Dessert!

Want a dessert party that’s different? How about a wine and cake tasting? As with any other food and wine, the right pairings enhance the enjoyment of both components. So as not to stress the budget, you can make it a co-op party, assigning different cakes and wines to the participants. Select five or so…
Continue reading “TIP OF THE DAY: Pairing Wine & Cake For A Dessert Party…Or Just Dessert!”

TIP OF THE DAY: Holiday Champagne Alternatives

Whether for Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year’s Eve, Champagne is a tradition in holiday homes; that is, holiday homes with means. Champagne, by far the most famous sparkling wine in the world, is in the highest demand. But can only be produced on limited acreage, the region of Champagne, in northeast France. The worldwide demand…
Continue reading “TIP OF THE DAY: Holiday Champagne Alternatives”