Valentines Chocolate and MO Wine Pairing

Valentines Day began early with a spot on KRCG TV pairing Missouri wine and chocolates.  As with most live TV segments, some things went smoothly and others did not :)  At the end of the day I know that I love wine, and I love chocolate and you should open bottles of wine to be tasted even if its just for "show"! 

While heart shaped boxes of chocolates make my heart glow I typically prefer high quality bars with a greater percentage of cacao than typical chocolates with higher sugar levels.  Patric Chocolate is one my current faves. 

 

That being said, experimenting is half the fun.  Pop open a few bottles, unwrap some chocolate and start pairing!  Take a bite of the chocolate and let it melt in your mouth, covering your entire palate.  Then take a sip of wine, then follow up with more chocolate.  Take note of the mouth feel, the flavors that emerge and the balance of sweet, bitter and yum!   Don't reserve the joy for just Valentines Day, chocolate and wine are meant to be savored year round.

 





Mom's Holiday Bird Seed Snack Mix

Bird seed is what my Mother called this holiday snack mix I don't know why it's called that, maybe because it keeps people coming back- people love and expect it every year!  Last week I shipped some to faraway friends, it's definitely a Beedle family tradition!

Emmy from NYC said "I nearly wept for joy at the sight of your birdseed, thank you!"  Wanda from Atlanta will soon receive hers and Katherine from Illinois said, "I know I just got engaged, but I don't think I can share your bird seed with my new Fiancee' could you please send him his own small bag?"  Yes, this stuff is that good because it reminds you of all your childhood favorites, chocolate, peanut butter, sweet, salty, crunchy and nutty!  If you're the one making it you love it because it's fast, no bake, just dump and stir.  So here's to the holidays, may they be merry, bright and easy...just like Mom's bird seed mix!


Mom's Bird Seed Snack Mix
1 large pkg stick pretzels, broken up
1 large box Wheat Chex
1 large box Peanut Butter cereal (I use Cap'n Crunch)
1 large box Cocoa Puffs
1 large pkg Christmas plain M&M's
1 large pkg Christmas peanut M&M's
1 jar nuts (any kind will work, peanuts, mixed, pecans, etc.)

Open packages and mix in a large container or trash bag.  Store in airtight containers to maintain freshness.  Prepare to make every year!

Hershey's Chocolate Chip Cookies

I've decided to tackle candy making this holiday season, and in an effort to choose the perfect tasting chocolate chip for dipping candy I asked TSG to conduct a taste test for me.  He politely smelled, tasted and dissected three brands of chocolate chips.  Hy Vee store brand, Nestle and Ghirardelli, all semi sweet varieties.  In the end he choose the Ghirardelli for candy making.  Then he drops the chocolate bomb on me...


"Have you ever used Hershey's chocolate chips?  Especially in cookies he says, they are my favorite."  I'm thinking, well of course I have...at my Grandma Beedle's it was her go-to brand.  As a matter of fact when I was about 8  years old, she substituted mini Hershey's chips in their recipe and then proudly called them "Danene's chocolate chip cookies"  after all who doesn't love a mini-chip?

As I whipped up the original Hershey's Recipe using the semi-sweet regular sized chips smells of Grandma's kitchen came flooding back.  TSG loved them, and I was reminded the each and every ingredient is incredibly important to the overall taste of the item.  Quality ingredients make for happy memories.  And if you don't believe me, conduct your own taste test!

Italian Beef-It's What's for Dinner

 

Helen's Italian beef is great for this time of year!  This mainstay is the perfect comfort food as the weather gets colder, and your time gets shorter.  With the busy holiday season upon us, grab your crock pot, a few simple ingredients and you're set! Pair with Missouri Chambourcin.

My friend Susan shared her Mother's recipe, and I've passed it on to many friends and family!  So simple ad SO delicious!  I like to serve with mashed potatoes, broccoli/cauliflower medley and fresh rolls.  It's even better the next day with left over rolls and Woebers horseradish sauce.

Helen's Italian Beef
3 lb. arm roast
2 cups beef stock
1/2 jar pepperonocini's and juice
Place all ingredients in crock pot and cook on high for six hours or until meat is tender and pulls apart.  Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

Simple Centerpieces

Centerpieces are something that complete a table.  I recall reading in Emily Post's etiquette book that a properly set table MUST have a centerpiece! Special occassions seem obvious, but what about every day? 

In a world of "fast" everything, people often find themselves eating behind their computer, in their car, or on the run.  I've made a conscience effort over the past year not to do this.  To actually take the time to sit and eat undistracted, taste the food and enjoy it is one of life's simple pleasures.  Adding a simple centerpiece can complete the experience.

The tomatoes pictured left were the last to be harvested for the year, end of the season fruit and vegetables make wonderful centerpieces.  I'm not sure what the branch is, if someone knows please tell me, but I found it next to the lake. To me this one second to assemble arrangement is incredibly beautiful.

Yesterday when I was at the farm, I picked some hedge apples to create the centerpiece pictured right.  For some reason, I love hedge apples!  Their bright lime color and bumpy texture make them interesting.  Old timer's say if you put them in your closet it will keep the spiders away.  I think they are lovely!

My quest for centerpieces continues, searching Pinterest and getting creative with stuff around the house.  Try it for yourself and focus on your center, simple solutions can enhance your table and dining experience!  

Roasted Cauliflower

Cooler fall days call for heartier meals and warming side dishes.  One of my favorite dinners to make is roasted rosemary chicken.  Last night I served it with green beans and new potatoes with Trader Joe's bacon end pieces (delish)! and a healthy side of roasted cauliflower.

What?  You've never tried this delicious side dish?  Its so easy and quick-you must give it a whirl.  Not to mention its smokey roasted goodness!


Roasted Cauliflower

1 head of cauliflower (I prefer organic) washed and dried

Slice the head as if you were slicing a loaf of bread, thin slices rather than chunks.

Spread on baking sheet

Drizzle with olive oil, add fresh ground pepper and sea salt to taste.

Roast at 425degrees approximately 20 minutes each side-until it's reached your desired level of crispness.

Enjoy!