- dancing through the last summer - This is our last summer before our last baby bird flies the coop, leaves the nest, busts outta dodge. She turns 18 this week – ugh, she turns 18 this week! How did that happen? Some days it seems as simple as “the days are long, but the years are short” and I don’t disagree with that statement. Yet, the demands of busy schedules and having other children in the house had previously provided us the perfect distraction from “the day”. You know “the day” I am talking about. That day presents itself to each household in a different set of circumstances. To some, “the day” might be the day your new high school graduate moves to an apartment across town to start their new job or the day they leave to serve our country. It could come in the form of the first day you walk past their room and realize that they did NOT oversleep for the weight room or early practice because they have played their last game. To us, it will happen when we drive out of Ames, after leaving a piece of our heart in her dorm room. The transition is something we all knew was coming. It’s been a storm on the horizon that was just out of sight. It was on the radar, but just far enough in the distance to not be alarmed. It’s the last summer before our family of five changes forever. It’s the last summer before I say “see you soon” to my last one. The dynamic of our family will forever be changed. Everyone who has gone through this knows what I'm talking about. I’ve done this twice and I should know how things will go, right?? Well, sound the alarm, the last summer has arrived. As we all know, after a storm there is the promise of a sky full of sunshine. I’ve made myself a few promises that I am going to keep this summer. I won’t cry EVERY day . I am kidding…maybe. I promised myself I would try (and when I say that I mean it, I will TRY) to celebrate the lasts with them during their senior year and not be a sobbing mess. Knowing it is the last time they will be on the field or on the stage or in the recital is HARD, but it’s a necessary step in what it means to be growing up. It’s that crazy mixture of pride for them, sadness it’s over and excitement for what is next. I also want to acknowledge that we (as parents) are DONE with the volunteering, the team snacks, the pre-game meals, and the washing the uniforms at all hours of the night. That is worth a little celebration! I will support (and not judge) others as we navigate the transition. I cannot tell you the number of girlfriends that have reached out to me asking how in the holy hell I got through my last two drop offs with my boys. I am clearly putting off the “she’s going to really struggle with this” vibe and I DID STRUGGLE and I STILL DO STRUGGLE . Every goodbye is hard for me. Some days I cry and some days I put on a smile - and often, it depends on how much sleep I’ve had. Judge me all you want – I am ok with that judgement. The judgement doesn’t mean anything more than we are navigating this “empty nest” thing differently. I am so excited for those of my friends who are living their best life as empty nesters. They’ve seemed to find a new normal quite nicely and I am happy for them. But I am not envious. I am embracing my squiggly, not even close to straight line, journey to a new normal. Just know I will celebrate and support your journey to get there, too. Call me, text me, email me at all hours of the day or night. We need each other – this is not the same journey for everyone. I won’t count our days. I’m sharing my girl these days. The pull of those things that make her so undeniably happy is natural and I’m proud to see her navigate this maturing and adulthood. It is a hard chapter to read when you know how the book ends. Our job as mothers never really goes away, but it changes (quite dramatically) in each stage of childhood. Just think about the infant, toddler, pre-teen (eek), and teenager needs that we’ve met as mothers. This next phase involves LETTING GO. We go from feeding, changing, making sure they brush their teeth, wake up for practice, and do their homework to LETTING GO! Logically, I know she’s ready and this is the goal as a parent, right? DUH, what is logic? Sometimes, I desperately want to go back to those days when they complained about taking their baths and doing their reading assignments before an 8pm bedtime. Sometimes, I want to fast forward to a time when I know they’ve all entered the phase of life where our grandkids are eating pancakes at our kitchen table, the same table that those reading assignments were begrudgingly completed. Yet, ultimately, I’m learning more about motherhood by living in the moment with all of them. The hard times when I know they are making the wrong choices, the good times when they studied so hard, and it paid off, the great times when you see how excited they are to be home for the weekend and even those tough goodbyes, after a long winter break, when you just got used to having them around again. Letting go is all about living in the moment and not counting the days. I am by no means a parenting expert. I screw up daily (probably multiple times a day) and I pray my family gives me grace. I am the kind of parent that tells them what they NEED to know and not what they WANT to hear and that’s difficult on both ends of the conversation. My biggest wish is that they always want to come home and they always know they can come home. The goal is to raise them to fly and for them to know the nest is always theirs, too. This is the last summer and I promise to live in the moment. When our first son went to college, my dear friend Mel gifted me this book. You will love it, too! Release My Grip - by Kami Gilmour Hope for a Parent's Heart as Kids Leave the Nest and Learn to Fly

Ham Balls by As Noted By Me Ah, the Midwestern staple...ham balls. Almost everyone I know has their own version of these scrumptious little bits of goodness. If you're able to shop at Fareway, they have the "ham loaf" already pre-mixed at the meat counter and you would only need to add your own beef. If you're not so lucky to have a Fareway nearby, the mixture is one part ground ham, one part ground pork, and one part ground beef. They are baked in the BEST sauce that hits a bit sweet and a bit tart. My family loves it scooped up with their potatoes, so I always double the sauce. Enjoy these ham balls with your favorite sides. We like to serve it with my Wilted Salad (recipe below). It has become our tradition on the Easter table. Enjoy!

Today, we give thanks to the brilliant minds that invented WAFFLES . I mean, let's be honest, not many things are as perfect as a waffle. They're hot off the waffle iron, crispy on the outside yet perfectly soft on the inside. I'm sharing an old favorite, my Loaded Cornbread Chili Waffles to celebrate. Enjoy!

Mediterranean Tuna Salad by As Noted By Me The first time I had this next level, "fancy" tuna salad was from a Whole Food's Market premade salad section. I immediately started trying to replicate it at home. Over several years, I added my own twist to make it something I crave and enjoy each Lenten season. It has earned a spot in my year-long rotation, too! When I want to stay on track with health"ish" eating this is an easy lunch for me. I eat it with crackers or on a bed of lettuce or sliced tomatoes. I give it a nice drizzle of good olive oil before serving and it is perfection. You can easily sub Greek yogurt for the mayo for a healthier version and it is very good with chicken subbed for the tuna, too. I hope you enjoy this "dressed up" tuna salad. It is packed full of flavor and is a good one! Enjoy- Jos

Half Baked Harvest Quick & Cozy -2024 Half Baked Harvest Quick & Cozy - 2024 Colorful. Convienent. Comforting. By Tieghan Gerard I was a fast fan of Tieghan the first time I visited her blog. Wow wow wow! Check it out for the most gorgeous pictures of food. Her recipes are full of flavor, unique and yet somehow like a long time favorite you didn't know you needed on your plate. This is the last in a four part series of Tieghan's cookbooks. I will share a few of my family's favorites from each chapter. Do yourself a favor and buy her cookbooks or check out her blog! https://www.halfbakedharvest.com Breakfast Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins pg. 22 Cheesy Ham & Broccoli Egg Bake pg. 33 Pesto Egg & Avacado Bacon Wraps pg. 37 Apps, Snacks & Cocktails Baked Honeyed Brie pg. 55 Lavender Gin Fizz pg. 68 Cinnamon Espresso Martini pg. 71 Soup & Salad The Italian Chop pg. 76 Creamy Turmeric Lemon Chicken & Orzo Soup pg. 93 Spicy Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup pg. 97 Pizza & Pasta Ciabatta Pizza pg. 116 Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Carbonara pg. 128 Spicy Skillet Lasagna pg. 131 Vegetarian Mom's Cheesy Potato Casserole pg. 137 Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Garlic Tahini & Dates pg. 143 Lemon Pesto Orzo with Buttery Walnuts & Kale pg. 152 Chicken & Pork Creamy Coconut Chicken Curry with Broccoli pg. 175 Herby Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken pg. 183 Sage Butter-Fried Pork Chops with Sherry Pan Sauce pg. 188 Beef Smash Burgers with Special Sauce pg. 202 Cheeseburger Pasta pg. 206 Saucy, Spicy, Cheesy, Oven-Baked Meatballs pg. 210 Fish & Seafood Fish Tacos with Jalapeño Cream & Avocado Salsa pg. 223 Creamed Spinach Salmon with Lemony Herbs pg. 231 Southern Garlic Shrimp with Bacon-Sweet Corn Polenta pg.235 Dessert Blueberry Peach Cobbler pg. 248 Classic Tiramisu pg. 251 Frosted Peanut Butter Brownies pg. 252

Half Baked Harvest Super Simple Cookbook - 2022 Recipes for balanced, flexible, feel-good meals By Tieghan Gerard I was a fast fan of Tieghan the first time I visited her blog. Wow wow wow! Check it out for the most gorgeous pictures of food. Her recipes are full of flavor, unique and yet somehow like a long time favorite you didn't know you needed on your plate. This is the third in a four part series of Tieghan's cookbooks. I will share a few of my family's favorites from each chapter. Do yourself a favor and buy her cookbooks or check out her blog! https://www.halfbakedharvest.com Breakfast Pumpkin Streusel Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Butter pg. 23 Prosciutto Breakfast Cups with Chive Pesto pg. 40 Naan Breakfast Sandwich with Soft Scrambled Eggs and Honey pg. 43 Appetizers & Sides Summer Melon with Cucumber and Feta pg. 53 Honey Roasted Carrots with Herb Oil pg. 66 Strawberry Basil Margarita pg. 70 Soup & Salad Salmon Cobb Salad with Nutty Green Ranch pg.84 Chipotle Cheddar Corn Chowder pg. 90 Easier Italian Wedding Soup pg. 101 Pasta & Pizza Saucy Garlic Peanut Noodles with Sesame Sweet Potatoes pg. 124 Lasagna Alla Vodka pg. 131 Pizza Pasta with Pepperoni Bread Crumbs pg. 132 Vegetarian Spinach & Pesto-Stuffed Butternut Squash pg. 146 Balsamic Stuffed Mushrooms with Basil and Orzo pg. 157 Sweet Potato Nachos with The Works pg. 162 Chicken Lemon Rosemary Chicken with Forty Garlic Cloves pg. 182 Coq Au Vin Blanc Meatballs pg. 186 Slow-Roasted Sunday Chicken pg. 193 Beef Uncle Joe's Stuffed Peppers pg. 206 Mongolian Beef pg. 210 Spicy Basil Beef Bowl pg. 221 Fish & Seafood Sesame Soy-Miso Glazed Salmon with Seasoned Coconut Rice g. 227 Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Jalapeño-Mango Salsa pg. 239 Seafood Florentine pg. 249 Dessert Old-School Peanut Butter Bars pg. 258 Lemon Tart with Vanilla Sugar pg. 261 Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake with Coffee Frosting pg. 276

Half Baked Harvest Super Simple Cookbook - 2019 More Than 125 Recipes for Instant, Overnight, Meal-Prepped, and Easy Comfort Foods By Tieghan Gerard I was a fast fan of Tieghan the first time I visited her blog. Wow wow wow! Check it out for the most gorgeous pictures of food. Her recipes are full of flavor, unique and yet somehow like a long time favorite you didn't know you needed on your plate. This is the second in a four part series of Tieghan's cookbooks. I will share a few of my family's favorites from each chapter. Do yourself a favor and buy her cookbooks or check out her blog! https://www.halfbakedharvest.com Breakfast & Brunch Buttery Croissant Strata with Spinach and Prosciutto pg. 28 Pumpkin Butter Crème Fraîche Pancakes with Whipped Maple Butter pg. 35 Dad's Cheesy Eggs pg. 36 Appetizers & Sides Balsamic Peach and Brie Tart with Crispy Prosciutto pg. 61 Extra-Smooth Hummus pg. 69 Peach Rosé Sangria pg. 74 Salads & Soup Autumn Harvest Salad pg. 84 Gingered Thai Steak and Pepper Salad pg. 87 Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup pg. 91 Pizza & Pasta Garden Basil Pepperoni Pizza pg. 113 Spinach and Artichoke Mac-and-Cheese Bake pg. 125 Grown-Up Tomato-Parmesan Pasta pg. 130 Vegetarian Spaghetti Squash Alfredo pg. 141 Curried Thai Spring Roll Lettuce Wraps pg. 155 One-Pot Herby Buttered Mushrooms and Wild Rice pg. 163 Poultry & Pork Browned Sage-Butter Chicken Pot Pie pg. 173 Rosemary-Peach Bruschetta Chicken pg. 180 White Wine-Braised Chicken with Artichokes and Orzo pg. 191 Beef & Lamb Poblano Chili pg. 202 Beef Bourguignon pg. 209 Korean Beef with Yum Yum Sauce pg. 214 Seafood & Fish Parchment-Baked Greek Salmon and Zucchini with Salty Feta pg. 227 Jerk Shrimp and Mango Salsa Rice Bowls pg. 236 One-Pot Spanish Chorizo, Shrimp, and Rice Pilaf pg. 248 Dessert Blackout Chocolate Cake pg. 254 Slice and Bake Snicker-doodles with Eggnog Frosting pg. 266 Chocolate Mousse pg. 270

Half Baked Harvest Cookbook - 2017 Half Baked Harvest Cookbook Recipes from MY BARN in the MOUNTAINS By Tieghan Gerard I was a fast fan of Tieghan the first time I visited her blog. Wow wow wow! Check it out for the most gorgeous pictures of food. Her recipes are full of flavor, unique and yet somehow like a long time favorite you didn't know you needed on your plate. This is the first in a four part series of Tieghan's cookbooks. I will share a few favorites from each chapter of her cookbooks. Do yourself a favor and buy her cookbooks or check out her blog! https://www.halfbakedharvest.com Breakfast Earl Grey Blueberry Muffins with Cinnamon Streusel pg. 18 Crunchy Oats 'n' Honey Bars pg. 26 Soufflé Omelete with Spinach, Artichokes, and Brie pg. 40 Appetizers & Snacks Shrimp & Mango Summer Rolls pg. 58 Cheesy Kale, Artichoke, and Chorizo Dip pg. 65 Grilled Corn & Basil Salad pg. 74 Pasta & Grains Caprese Quinoa Bake pg. 86 Mrs. Mooney's Penne pg. 97 Honey Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry pg. 108 Poultry & Pork BBQ Chicken Cobb Salad with Avocado Ranch pg. 118 Healthier Slow-Cooker Butter Chicken pg. 133 Hula Pork Sliders pg. 145 Seafood Chipotle Tuna and Avocado Salad Pita pg. 159 Garlic Lemon Butter Shrimp pg. 172 Triple-the-Fish Seafood Hot Pot with Herb Toast pg. 179 Beef & Lamb Roasted Garlic and Tomato-Braised Lamb Shanks with Parmesan Mashers pg. 184 Soy-Marinated Flank Steak with Sesame-Herb Roasted Potatoes pg. 201 Al Pastor-Style Beef Enchiladas pg. 202 (Mostly) Meatless Meals Candied Beet Salad with Pumpkin Seeds, Blue Cheese, and Cranberries pg. 216 Perfect Potato Soup with Crunchy Kale pg. 227 Chipotle Sweet Potato Noodles with Black Beans pg. 244 Desserts Addictive Salted Caramel-Stuffed Chocolate Cookies pg. 266 Any Fruit Dump pg. 272 Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Cake pg. 284

It is the first Friday of the Lenten Season and if you are like me, I am always excited (fresh outta the gate) to make all of our rotational Friday favorites that contain "no meat". Then, it quickly becomes a bit of a challenge. This is even more challenging considering the season of your life you are walking through. You may have a young family, busy scheudles, the rising cost of groceries and your budget...etc. You know what I'm saying. This is a favorite of ours during this season (and really every season). Make a grilled cheese to serve along with it and you're set! Enjoy! Jos

What is Fat Tuesday? Chances are you’ve heard the term “Fat Tuesday.” In French, Mardi means “Tuesday'” and gras means “fat.” Put it together, and you’ve got Fat Tuesday, but what does it mean? Mardi Gras takes place on the last Tuesday before Lent. The date varies each year because it happens 47 days before Easter Sunday. It is a day when people indulge in decadent and fattening foods. In the Catholic tradition, the Lenten period begins on Ash Wednesday, the day after Mardi Gras. The Tuesday before is seen as the last day for feasts and merriment, as Lent is observed as a time of sacrifice and fasting.  Celebrating Fat Tuesday and Mardi Gras is packed full of traditions like: Eating king cake Eating paczki Having pancake suppers In New Orleans, Louisiana, elaborate parades and the throwing of beads In Venice, Italy, masked balls The colors for Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras, are purple , green , and gold . These colors were chosen in 1872 by the Krewe of Rex in New Orleans. The colors were selected to honor the visiting Russian Grand Duke Romanov, whose house colors were the same.  Meaning of the colors: Purple : Represents justice Green : Represents faith Gold : Represents power Iconic "Fat Tuesday" Foods KING CAKE King Cake The festive Mardi Gras dessert is eaten for breakfast, afternoon snacks, and throughout the parades. The name comes from the Biblical story of the three kings that bring gifts to baby Jesus. It is a blend of coffee cake and a cinnamon roll with purple, green, and gold icing or sugar. Sometimes, they are also filled with cream or fruit. Within the cake, a plastic king cake baby is hidden for fun. Tradition says that whoever finds the baby will buy the next king cake! PACZKI Paczki A Paczki is a traditional Polish dessert of dense jelly donuts. You may also hear "Fat Tuesday" called "Paczki Day". Why? The tradition began in the 1700s when people traditionally cleared their homes of any delicious and perishable foods prior to the six weeks of fasting for the Lenten season. Not wanting to be wasteful, the Polish paczki was born from their lard and sugar. The tradition of eating paczki on Fat Tuesday quickly expanded to Chicago and other communities where large numbers of Polish people settled in the 20th century. Hence, Paczki Day is another common name for Fat Tuesday. BEIGNETS Beignets Beignets are a pastry that originated in France and were brought to Louisiana by French colonists in the 18th century. They are the official state doughnut of Louisiana and are synonymous with the French Quarter and Café du Monde in New Orleans, Louisiana. They're enjoyed during Fat Tuesday and all year long! So on this "day before the fast" go all out & celebrate. Eat all the pancakes, beignets, king cakes, and paczki your heart desires. Cheers, Jos

I promise it really has its own day!!! Go ahead, you have permission. Today is the day to drink your favorite wine and celebrate! In honor of this special day, I will highlight each of my Sips & Snacks Series wines from this year. Each month, I select a Sweet Spot (under $25) and a Special Day (over $25 or just let your heart decide) choice from a varietal. It was, by far, the most fun I have had with research since starting my blog almost two years ago. I got to go into wine retailers and talk about great wines, taste those wines, find great deals and some new favorites. Cheers to National "Drink Wine" Day! January :: Riesling Sweet Spot Riesling Chateau Ste Michelle Indian Wells Riesling : $17.49 Washington Chateau Ste Michelle Indian Wells Riesling This selection would be a semi-sweet Riesling. I tasted notes of citrus, pear and also had a little floral too. Overall, this is a great wine for the price point. I never would guess this was under $20. Special Day Riesling Villa Thanisch Riesling Spatlese : $25.99 Germany Villa Thanisch Riesling Spatlese Classic flavors of peach, pear, apple and a touch of honey provides a lovely balance of sweetness with a long finish. This is a sweeter choice than our Sweet Spot choice this month and is more of what I consider a typical riesling; sweet and balanced. Check out the full post for food pairings - Sips & Snacks in January February :: Chianti, Sangiovese & Barolo Sweet Spot Sangiovese Castello di Albola Sangiovese 2022   : $16.99 Castello di Albola Sangiovese 2022 This month's Sweet Spot Sangiovese comes in under $20 and is a perfect selection to have on hand for the unexpected guest. It drinks like a much more expensive wine, has the most beautiful ruby color and is extremely flexible to serve with foods. I really enjoyed the slight smoky sage and the sweet, yet slightly tart cherry flavor. I would serve this with spaghetti, lasagna, or a charcuterie board . Special Day Barolo Fontanafredda Barolo Serralunga d'Alba 2018 : $59.99 Fontanafredda Barolo Serralunga d'Alba 2018 This month's Special Day Barolo is a difficult bottle to find. Grab one if you see one! This ready to drink Barolo is loaded with all the classic notes of smoke, leather, plum and spice and showcases a velvety texture and great balance. It's ideal wit h red meat dishes and medium or mature cheeses. Check out the full post for food pairings: Sips & Snacks in February March :: Merlot Sweet Spot Merlot Luc Pirlet Reserve Merlot 2021 - $13.99 Luc Pirlet Reserve Merlot 2021 This one is a lovely surprise. It is the perfect wine to enjoy for an everyday sip. Inexpensive wine doesn't always mean it's bad wine and I'm guilty of this thinking from time to time. It is full of dark plum flavors, spices and a touch of vanilla, yet still feels light. It is awesome with a piece of dark chocolate! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.  Special Day Merlot Silverado Merlot Mt George Vineyard 2019 - $44.99 Silverado Merlot Mt George Vineyard 2019 The choices are  many  at this price point. I decided on this one because it was the last bottle in the store and that made it even more appealing to me. To be honest, I love the "Mt George" part of the name. It sounds so fancy :) This hits more like a Cabernet blend. I got just a hint of the Cab punch and it's a bit more medium to full bodied. It is a perfect wine with a heavily sauced meal like a beef roast with mashed potatoes and gravy or smoky ribs. I loved the blackberry you normally get from a Merlot and it also had a kiss of spice and cocoa. So good! Check out the full post for food pairings: Sips & Snacks in March April :: Chardonnay Sweet Spot Chardonnay River Road Unoaked Chardonnay 2022 - $14.99 River Road Unoaked Chardonnay 2022 This was a perfect unoaked selection that is aged in stainless steel. It is lighter than a normal Chardonnay, as it has green apple and is a bit crisp, yet it still has a Chardonnay feel. Did I mention it is under $15? Cheers! Special Day Chardonnay Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay 2022 - $69.97 Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay 2022 SMOOTH and buttery, yet somehow this amazing Chardonnay still stays away from the heavy oak flavors that often turn me off with Chardonnay. I found this to have a touch of fruit, but not too much. It is the perfect pair to lobster and date night. I hope you enjoy it, too! Check out the full post for food pairings: Sips & Snacks in April May :: Viognier Sweet Spot Viognier 2021 Yalumba "Y" Viognier - $12.99 2021 Yalumba "Y" Viognier This Australian wine is a great way to introduce yourself to Viognier because of it's price point- it drinks like a much more expensive wine. I love the light touches of peach and lemon and yet somehow it stays smooth. I served it with fried chicken and it was PERFECTION! Special Day Viognier 2019 Bougetz Cellars 'Belle Reve' Yates Family Vineyard Viognier - $39.99 2019 Bougetz Cellars 'Belle Reve' Yates Family Vineyard Viognier This Napa Valley wine is a little harder to find, but worth it. It's an easy match with many foods, making it even more desirable. It is smooth, like the Yalumba "Y" Viognier, but has a subtly sweet touch that brings a touch of honey. This makes it awesome with both spicy and rich foods. Check out the full post for food pairings: Sips & Snacks in May June :: Rosé Sweet Spot Rosé Ava Grace Rosé 2021 - $8.99 Ava Grace Rosé 2021 This California Rosé (from the Pinot Noir grape) is fruit forward, delicate and not too sweet. It makes it a great option for the sangria this month. I liked the subtle hints of berries, apricot and citrus with this one and yet it stayed just a touch dry. This would be really good served with a spicy plate of nachos and at under $10, it is a steal! Special Day Rosé Whispering Angel 2022 - $24.99 Whispering Angel 2022 One of the most popular (and loved) Rosé options you'll find is our Special Day selection, Whispering Angel. It hails from the Provence Region of France and is produced using the Grenache grape. It has been referred to "The Standard" for a Provence Rosé. The pale, lovely color is the perfect precursor to the soft, peachy and strawberry forward taste, while staying crisp. Bring this to your next BBQ! Check out the full post for food pairings: Sips & Snacks in June July :: Sauvignon Blanc Sweet Spot Sauvignon Blanc Kia Ora Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc - $13.99 Kia Ora Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc This New Zealand (Marlborough) born wine will get you hooked on Sauvignon Blanc with it's bright taste but balance in a light body. It's summer in a glass with the fruit you taste with the first sip. Serve this with a charcuterie spread or shrimp cocktail! Special Day Sauvignon Blanc Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc 2021 - $51.99 Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc A long time favorite of mine, Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc is the literal star of the show (even when the "Big Reds" show up). For a special occasion, my friends reach for this bottle again and again. This Sonoma County wine is fruity yet has more body than your average Sauvignon Blanc. I get a taste of honey within a glass of this, depending on what I'm eating while sipping. For your friends who don't think they like Sauvignon Blanc (or prefer Chardonnay) try this one! It offers the bright, acidic taste of a fruity Sauvignon Blanc while having an almost creamy Chardonnay balance, too. Serve this with strawberry shortcake for a perfect combination. Check out the full post for food pairings: Sips & Snacks in July August :: Shiraz/Syrah Sweet Spot Shiraz/Syrah - Luc Pirlet Syrah - Mourvedre - $13.99 Luc Pirlet Syrah - Mourvedre This French Syrah is blended with Mourvedre to make a perfect combination of the berries and plums you'd expect in a Syrah yet a touch of smoke and spice. It's perfect with a meal to complement bacon! Special Day Shiraz/Syrah -   Mollydooker Shiraz Blue Eyed Boy 2021- $62.99 Mollydooker Shiraz Blue Eyed Boy 2021 My Special Day  choice is my dear friend Sonia's favorite. I have enjoyed this one together with friends celebrating all things good. :) Named after the son of award-winning Australian winemakers Sarah and Sparky Marquis, this wine will impress you on all counts. It is a full-bodied dark fruit taste with just a touch of chocolate. It is the perfect wine to share for a celebration! Check out the full post for food pairings: Sips & Snacks in August September :: Pinot Noir Sweet Spot Pinot Noir Domaine St Germain Bourgogne Rouge Vieilles Vignes Pinot Noir $19.99 Domaine St Germain Bourgogne Rouge Vieilles Vignes Pinot Noir Are you looking for a bottle for under $20 that tastes like it's $50? This is for you. It's hard to find a higher quality Pinot Noir (from France) that brings this much complexity. You'll find this medium body sip filled with hints of black cherry and berries, yet not sweet. I love it with a tomato pasta dish and you'll find it quite easy to pair with many foods. Special Day Pinot Noir Amici Pinot Noir 2022 - $44.99 Amici Pinot Noir 2022 This is one of the best Pinot Noirs I've ever tasted. I'm thankful the expert at Total Wine led me here :) It is a legit sexy sip  and feels balanced with berries, a hint of spice, and a velvety finish. This will be on my Thanksgiving table - it is made for that "big time" meal. I hope you love it just as much! Check out the full post for food pairings: Sips & Snacks in September October :: Zinfandel Sweet Spot Zinfandel- Castoro Cellars Double Black Zinfandel Paso Robles - $13.99 Castoro Cellars Double Black Zinfandel Paso Robles A great value when looking for an easy drinking Zinfandel that pairs with many foods. This would be incredible with BBQ or your favorite Italian red sauce. It is dark fruit forward yet has the perfect amount of spice to balance the jammy sip. You'll love this one! It's the easy pour you're looking to put with any meal or snack. Special Day Zinfandel- Frog's Leap Zinfandel 2020 - $46.99 Frog's Leap Zinfandel 2020 Powerful and spicy, this incredible favorite of mine has more body than most Zinfandels but still has the fruity notes you expect from the varietal. With mild hints of vanilla and black pepper it makes this a lovely wine with spicy dishes, beef, game, and bbq. If you're wanting to celebrate something special, choose this one and if you're in Napa Valley you should visit the Frog's Leap Winery. It is at the top of my list each time we visit. The wine tasting and grounds are incredibly well done, and their gardens are a must see! Check out the full post for food pairings: Sips & Snacks in October November :: Cabernet Sauvignon Sweet Spot Cabernet Sauvignon Valravn Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 : $17.99 Valravn Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 I found this one at Costco and was immediately drawn to the spooky, Halloween"ish" label. I also noticed its high 92-point rating from Wine Enthusiast  so I gave it a try. I'm thankful I did. This great priced Cab is full of ripe dark fruit flavors, like blackberry and plum, with hints of cedar and tobacco. It's a fantastic match for grilled steaks and savory dishes. It drinks like a much more expensive wine. Special Day Cabernet Sauvignon Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles $54.97 Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles This is the perfect wine to serve on Thanksgiving. Austin Hope's Cab has been a favorite at many special moments the last 10 years of my life. It is smooth, dark and complex without being "too much" of all those things that make a Cab just a bit "more" than other reds. I enjoy the fruit, warm spice and the very subtle touch of mocha, tea and tobacco. If you have not tried this pour, run out NOW and treat yourself on Turkey Day or on a day to celebrate an exceptionally good wine. You 're going to be so happy  and that makes me happy, too! Cheers! Check out the full post for food pairings: Sips & Snacks in November December :: Champagne & Sparkling Wine Sweet Spot Champagne & Sparkling Wine- Chandon California Brut Sparkling Wine: $20.99 Chandon California Brut Sparkling Wine This California Sparkling wine offers the balance and elegance that has become Chandon's familiar style. The wine delivers complex apple and pear characteristics accented by citrus spice over notes of almond and caramel in the bouquet. This is a great one to keep on hand. There's always  something to celebrate. Special Day Champagne & Sparkling Wine Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut Champagne - $53.99 Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut Champagne Coming from the Champagne region in France my favorite old reliable is this Veuve Clicquot Champagne. The aromas of beautiful ripe fruit and light cream are always consistent and familiar. It has a medium body and isn't overly acidic, not to mention the iconic orange label is an indicator of the greatness you're about to enjoy.   Cheers! Check out the full post for food pairings: Sips & Snacks in December Please drink responsibly. Don't drink and drive. This information is for people over the age of 21. Pregnant women should not drink alcohol. -As Noted by Me-

Wine Shiraz/Syrah -The history of Syrah/Shiraz- Serve at 60-68° There's one thing Syrah (Sih-RAH) and Shiraz (Shi-RAZ) have in common; they are both made from the Syrah grape. Syrah is from France (original home of the Syrah grape) Shiraz is from Australia Whether it’s Syrah or Shiraz, you can expect your wine to have this basic flavor profile: dark fruits (think black or blueberries) medium to high tannins, and a peppery/spicy, dry finish. Fun fact: this black pepper flavor is due to a naturally occurring chemical in the Syrah grape called rotundone. It’s also found in a few herbs like rosemary, thyme, and also in black peppercorns. Serve your favorite Syrah or Shiraz with a dark meat to compliment the richness of the fruit and pepper notes. This one also goes well with exotic spices like your favorite Indian food. My favorite way to enjoy an everyday Syrah is with a cheeseburger, fresh off the grill, on a summer night. The fruity notes balance with the grilled burger and when you throw on some bacon and you HAVE A WINNER! I'm excited for you to try my two wine suggestions this month. My Sweet Spot choice was new to me and instantly has become a must grab when I see it in the wine isle. It's a win win because at $13.99 it's a great one! My Special Day choice is my dear friend Sonia's favorite. I have enjoyed this one together with friends celebrating all things good. :) Luc Pirlet Syrah - Mourvedre - $13.99 Sweet Spot Shiraz/Syrah - Luc Pirlet Syrah - Mourvedre - $13.99 This French Syrah is blended with Mourvedre to make a perfect combination of the berries and plums you'd expect in a Syrah yet a touch of smoke and spice. It's perfect with a meal to complement bacon! YUM!  Mollydooker Shiraz Blue Eyed Boy 2021- $62.99 Special Day Shiraz/Syrah -   Mollydooker Shiraz Blue Eyed Boy 2021- $62.99 Named after the son of award-winning Australian winemakers Sarah and Sparky Marquis, this wine will impress you on all counts. It is a full-bodied dark fruit taste with just a touch of chocolate. It is the perfect wine to share for a celebration! Food Pairing If a lovely glass of your favorite Shiraz/Syrah was searching for the perfect mate, here is what should be on that list. Meats: grilled steak, beef stew, roasted turkey Seafood: salmon, tuna Veggies/Fruits: figs, blueberries, mushrooms Spices/Herbs: mint, rosemary, clove Cheeses : parmesan, smoked gouda, feta Sauces: whole grain mustard sauce, reduced fruit sauce Dessert: anything chocolate The perfect accompaniment to this month's Syrah is a cheeseburger! Try my "Cheeseburger Bake" for an easy weeknight meal (and pour yourself a glass of Syrah, you've earned it). This is a variation on a recipe from my friend Jenny. She shared with me about 10 years ago. It's in our family "favorite" rotation. Cocktail The New Spritz in Town: The Hugo Spritz Hugo Spritz A spritz cocktail is composed of a liqueur, Prosecco, and club soda typically in a 3-2-1 ratio. The result is a light, bubbly, and refreshing cocktail sure to quench your thirst. The Hugo Spritz features an elderflower liqueur, like St-Germain. I like to say this is the new spritz of the summer and has gained popularity thanks to the trendy Aperol Spritz. It is a refreshing, slightly bubbly summer drink, yet one that I could enjoy all year. Mocktail Hugo Spritz Mocktail Please drink responsibly. Don't drink and drive. This information is for people over the age of 21. Pregnant women should not drink alcohol. -As Noted by Me-