Vina Emeralda is a bargain ($$) white wine from the Catalunya region of Spain. It is a blended white wine of Muscatel & Gewurztraminer which I immediately expected to result in a sweet wine. Instead, I found it to be fruity, light with just a hint of sweetness. I love it because it worked well with the Simply Spanish menu,…
All Posts
PLANNING – Dinner Parties on a Budget!!!
Dinner parties do not have to be expensive affairs – there are a number of ways in which you can cut the costs of a dinner party without compromising the dinner! Purchase in bulk or in the sale!!! This applies to anything but in particular, the biggest cost of a dinner party is generally the…
MENU – Pot Luck Dinners!
You can have a dinner without doing much cooking at all! It is called a “Pot Luck Dinner”! Kind of like a food lottery, you ask your guests to each bring a dish or two! Most people have a special dish that they can cook or a great place they know that sells an amazing…
DRINKS – McWilliam’s Mount Pleasant Elizabeth Semillon – $$
McWilliam’s Mount Pleasant Elizabeth Semillon is an absolute bargain ($$) for what it is! It is an iconic, classic Australian white made in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales, Australia. I discovered this wine at Costco! I was not quite sure what it would be like but the age (2007) and price drew me…
MENU – Vegan!!!
I admit, creating Vegan food that tastes great is something I am still experimenting with. I rise to the challenge when I invite guests who are Vegan over for dinner. I do not want to cook something boring, I want them to enjoy the food as much as everyone else. With this in mind, here…
DRINKS – Abel’s Tempest Chardonnay Pinot Noir – $$$$
Abel’s Tempest Chardonnay Pinot Noir is a special ($$$$) sparkling white wine from the Tasmanian region of Australia. It is a clean, fresh, crisp sparkling wine that is exceptional quality for the price. It is a bit costly, which is why I would not drink it every day. However, it is great for a special occasion if…
REVIEW – Vegan Cashew Cheese – A Total Surprise!!!
I came across this at my local South Melbourne Market at the health food shop (@thehealthfoodshop). It was on tasting so I tried it! I was so surprised at how nice it tasted and was further surprised to find it was a vegan “cheese” made out of cashews!!! I have served it to a number…
DRINKS – Wirra Wirra Mrs Wigley Grenache Rose – $$
Wirra Wirra Mrs Wigley Grenache Rose is a great value for money ($$) rose wine from the Mclaren Vale region of Victoria, Australia. It is made from Grenache grapes and is much sweeter than any of the other roses reviewed in this blog. It is light, with a touch of sweetness, making it great with spicy food….
MENU – Hearty Winter!
The cold weather gives us lots of opportunities to cook slow cooked dishes that warm the soul! Here is another winter menu that features Lamb Shanks as the main dish with complimentary side dishes for you to choose from! Entree Smoked Salmon Crostini Zucchini, Leek & Fetta Frittata Main Lamb Shanks Roast Vegetable Couscous Spicy…
DRINKS – Baddaginnie Run Estate Verdelho – $$
Baddaginnie Run Estate Verdelho is a great value for money ($$) white wine from the Strathbogie Ranges region of Victoria, Australia. I discovered it at my local farmer’s market – unfortunately, I have not seen it stocked anywhere else but you can purchase it online from the Baddaginnie Run website. I have tried all of their wines and am a…