Glorioso Crianza Rioja is a great value for money ($$) red wine from the Rioja region of Spain. The grapes are 100% Tempranillo from the Rioja region. The wine is released with some bottle age so it is a full, complex, elegantly balanced wine that is the perfect accompaniment to slow cooked dishes and other, rich, hearty dishes….
PLANNING – Selecting the Drinks!
There was once a time when there were strict rules around which wines you serve with which dishes. With the plethora of grape varieties and ranges of wines from the traditional heavy wines to much lighter wines and everything in between, it is now a matter of personal choice. There are definitely some wines which…
DRINKS – Baddaginnie Run Estate Rose – $$
Baddaginnie Run Estate Rose is a great value for money ($$) red wine from the Strathbogie Ranges region of Victoria, Australia. I discovered it at my local farmer’s market – there are a few great wine producers at my local farmers market. I go to purchase vegetables but usually come home with lots of wine!! Unfortunately, I have not seen…
MENU – Bella Italiana!!
Italian food is amazing and not just about pasta and pizza! Let me share with you some of my favourite Italian recipes that provide for a great menu! The main course lamb will easily serve 8 with some leftovers. The rest of the dishes can easily be scaled to suit the number of guests. The…
DRINKS – Avonmore Estate Sangiovese – $$
Avonmore Estate Sangiovese is a great value for money ($$) red wine from the Avonmore region of Victoria, Australia. I discovered it at my local farmer’s market as it is a bio-dynamic wine that does not compromise on taste! I have seen it stocked at my local wine store but to experience all their wines, check out the…
DRINKS – Wolfberger Riesling – $$
Wolfberger Riesling is a great value for money ($$) white wine from the Alsace region of France. It is light, easy to drink and goes really well with shellfish, sushi, roast poultry and light entrees. It is a great example of Alsacian style Rieslings. It works really well with the Quick, Easy & Impressive Seafood and Moroccan menus. Drink now, rather than…
DRINKS – Pewsey Vale The Contours Riesling – $$$
Pewsey Vale The Contours Riesling is an affordable ($$$) white wine from the Eden Valley region of Australia. It is a rich, beautiful, bottle aged Riesling that works well with duck, rich chicken dishes, spicy foods such as the Thai/Vietnamese menu and Fois Gras! It is a big, Australian favourite that is always released with 5 years bottle age….
PLANNING – Shopping For Ingredients!
Once you have decided on a menu, for every dish, you need to write down a list of ingredients and associated quantities that you need to make the dish. Every dish on the menu must have the ingredients listed, whether you have them in your pantry or not. I take an A4 sheet of paper…
PLANNING – Selecting the Menu
I usually have a dinner party scheduled 6-8 weeks ahead of time, sometimes 4 weeks. It is important to determine the menu in advance as it allows you to plan appropriately. Before determining a menu, I first find out about any special dietary requirements. I have many friends who do not eat gluten, need to…
MENU – Quick & Easy Carnivores!
I love this menu because between the Air Fryer and the oven, I have everything covered! You can essentially prepare the main course and then time everything to go into the oven 45 minutes before you are ready to serve! The preparation time is not much either! Every recipe can be scaled up or down to…