Bar Basics
Ice scoop (tongs are too fussy, and a spoon can be unwieldy. If you don't have a scoop, a cup or sturdy glass will do.) Maintaining a well-stocked bar can be an expensive endeavor. The good news is that spirits will last indefinitely, so you can ... [... more]
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The Whites
Read our wine primer: learn about types of red and white wines, regions, and food pairing suggestions. A basic introduction to wine, plus pairing suggestions to make every dinner special. Click on a wine at right to find recipe ideas. Chardonnay ... [... more]
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Warm Up With Mulled Wine & Cider
Come in from the cold to the warm, heady aroma of mulled wine or mulled cider. While red wine and apple cider are the most traditional of the spiced winter warmers, you can also use cranberry juice, white wine, hard cider, or ale. All of these ... [... more]
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Lagers: Clearly Refined
When most people hear the word "lager," their thoughts immediately turn to the mass-produced stuff that comes in cans at the grocery store. While most of these are lagers, they only represent one jewel in the lager crown. The word lager [... more]
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California's Wine History
Of all the wine growing regions of the United States, California has the richest history, though certainly still modest by the standards of Europe. For most of the wine-drinking world, wine is much more than a beverage. It is bound up in history ... [... more]
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California Wine Country: The North Coast
Napa Valley made its wine reputation on Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Vineyards here are often touched by cooling winds and by the fog that frequently rolls up the valley from the inlet at San Pablo Bay, creating temperatures that can ... [... more]
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California Wine Country: The Central Coast
Chardonnay is the most widely planted grape in this northern-most portion of the Central Coast, a large appellation that includes Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties. The Pacific Ocean and San ... [... more]
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California Wine Country: The Sierra Foothills
The first wine grapes planted in the Sierra Foothills were destined to slake the thirst of Gold Rush-era miners. Today, Zinfandel grapes are the mother lode here. They are by far the most widely planted varietal, followed by Sauvignon Blanc, ... [... more]
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Italian Wine Country: Piedmont and Veneto
Tucked into the mountainous northwest corner of Italy, Piedmont borders Switzerland and France and sits snuggly between the Alps and Apennines. In fact, the Italian word piemonte means "foot of the mountain." As a wine producing region, [... more]
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Festive Food Gifts
Marmalades, chutneys and preserves make wonderful gifts, and are a welcome change from richer sweets. Attractive jars of cocoa mix, hot tea and coffee drinks tied with colorful ribbon are lovely as host/hostess gifts or tucked into a gift basket ... [... more]
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Summer Sips: Refreshing Summer Drinks
Get recipes for fruity, sweet, tart and sparkling summer sippers. Fruity, sweet, tart and sparkling: cool summer sippers for every occasion. It's the season of lemonade stands and porch swings. While sweet iced tea and lemonade may seem like ... [... more]
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Homemade Liqueurs
With no special equipment required, homemade liqueurs are very easy to make. Most homemade liqueurs start with vodka. This spirit is an ideal base for liqueurs because it's colorless and flavorless, making it the perfect blank canvas. Try ... [... more]
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