Eve's Wine 101

Chocolate Chip Cookies by Salt Sugar Flour – Review and News!

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Got to try a sample from a new bakery in Awesometown, one that specializes in homemade cookies. Below is my review of their chocolate chip variety, and below that is their news release:

Salt Sugar Flour Chocolate Chip Cookie Review

Delivered to my door, the cookies from Salt Sugar Flour came in a nice white box with a clear cellophane lid and wrapped up in a ribbon. I gazed down expectantly at the huge chocolate chip cookies nestled inside. Did a quick video (see my Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for that) and then settled in to do the work. If doing tasting notes on a cookie can be called work!

Just like evaluating wine or spirits I noted my observations before the tasting: a generous number of what I thought was both dark chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate chips in cookies that were almost as large as my hand. When I tasted I noted both a crisp edge and a softy, chewy middle. The flavor was spot on, creamy, chocolatey, with just a hint of spice. I noticed both cinnamon and stewed apple in the ingredient list and thought that these favors would pair nicely with Bourbon.

I lingered on one cookie for five or ten minutes, then I reached out to the baker, Chelsea Huntley, for some more info. I wanted to know specifically about the apple and why she used it. I guessed for both flavor and consistency. Also wanted to confirm the chip variety.

“Yes! It’s dark chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate! And yes, that stewed apple makes them chewier and keeps them moist longer! The use of apple is definitely my secret ingredient,” Huntley answered. “It’s the perfect key to the texture I look for in a cookie.” I had to agree that Huntley’s secret ingredient did make a remarkable difference in a cookie! And of course, I want more.

Salt Sugar Flour News Release

There’s a New Cookie in Town The Cookie you’ve been waiting for!

Salt Sugar Flour announced their Official Opening on November 25, 2020!

Salt Sugar Flour is a Home Based Bakery that specializes in fresh, delicious and made to order cookies. Flavors ranging from the Signature Chip, a perfectly gooey chocolate chip cookie with a sprinkle of sea salt to finish it off, to the Salted Caramel Pecan, a delicate cookie accentuated with dark chocolate, pecans, and fresh caramel chunks, there is a cookie for every palette. The appeal of a Home Based Bakery is the eye for detail and passion for quality ingredients. With NO added preservatives, colors or flavors, these cookies will satisfy your sweet tooth while supporting a local business.

“Baking was never a job for me, it has always been a passion, but after years of family and friends telling me I should let the world try them, I have finally answered that call!” – Chelsea, Founder of Salt Sugar Flour.

Features and benefits of Salt Sugar Flour include.

  •  Freshly Made to Order Cookies
  •  Packaging that caters to the customer. Ranging from individually wrapped for office/communal settings, to family boxes and catering platters
  •  Contact Free Delivery in SCV at NO additional cost
  •  Lady-Run Small Business catered to delivering happiness and cheer through comfort food
  •  Customizable orders and competitive pricing
  •  Made completely from scratch with quality ingredients and no artificial additives

Made to Order Cookies are available starting at $20 per dozen. This includes free delivery, packaging and optional flavor mixes per dozen. (Up to 3 flavors available per dozen ordered) For more information on the delicious and in high demand cookies, please visit saltsugarflour.com

About Salt Sugar Flour: Based in Valencia, Ca Salt Sugar Flour is a Home Bakery that specializes in freshly baked, delicious cookies that have truly made a reputation for themselves. Catering to the customer’s dietary needs and preferences, Salt Sugar Flour hopes to make the cookie experience feel like just that, an experience. Each fresh batch of cookies is baked with tremendous amounts of love and meant to be enjoyed by all cookie lovers old and young.

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Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Prosecco DOC Rosé Officially Approved To Begin Exporting Worldwide: The Much Anticipated Sparkling Wine To Arrive In The United States Imminently

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NEW YORK (PRWEB) – The Consorzio Tutela Prosecco DOC announces that the Official Journal of the European Union C 362 October 28th, 2020 hearings for the approval of the Prosecco DOC Rosé have successfully concluded. This declaration confirms it is now possible for Prosecco DOC producers to export Prosecco DOC Rosé in foreign markets, including the United States, beginning immediately.

Approximately 20 million bottles of the 2019 Prosecco DOC Rosé were produced, with 15-20% distributed in Italy.

The balance has begun export to leading foreign markets, such as the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, East Asia, France, and the Nordic countries. There are between 40 and 50 million bottles of the 2020 vintage of Prosecco DOC Rosé in production and set to be released in January of 2021.

Prosecco Doc Rosé has been long awaited by the world’s leading wine markets. As a result of the anticipation and excitement surrounding the official release, a substantial amount of 2020 vintage has been sold “en primeur” (before the production of the wine was complete). Production regulations require secondary fermentation for at least 60 days before Prosecco DOC Rosé can be made available to consumers.

“Of the 486 million bottles of Prosecco DOC that are produced annually, approximately 80% are exported. Thanks to European recognition of Prosecco Rosé, we estimate that Prosecco DOC sales will be stimulated even more in the last quarter of 2020,” comments Stefano Zanette, Prosecco Consortium President. “I congratulate those producers who were ready to seize this opportunity, planning early so as not to be caught unprepared.”

In order to label Prosecco DOC as Rosé, producers will have to follow specific rules:

  • Grape varieties: Glera and 10%-15% Pinot Nero
  • Yields: 18 tons/hectare for Glera and 13.5 tons/hectare for Pinot Nero
  • Second fermentation – Martinotti/Charmat Method: minimum of 60 days; therefore, only the sparkling version is permitted. Still and Frizzante versions of the Rosé won’t be allowed
  • Sales authorized from the 1st of January after the harvest
  • Color: intense pink, bright, with a persistent foam
  • Residual sugar: from Brut Nature to Extra Dry, no sweet version of the Rosé will be allowed
  • “Millesimato” stated on the label along with the vintage (minimum of 85% of the grapes from the vintage year)

Luca Giavi, Director of the Prosecco DOC Consortium adds, “As a Consortium representing the entire Prosecco DOC production system, we thank the regions of Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia; the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies; the General Directorate for Agriculture of the European Commission; and the MEPs (especially Paolo De Castro), who are all committed to helping people understand the great opportunity that comes with the Prosecco Rosé approval. This approval is especially critical now because of what Italy, Europe, and the whole world are experiencing.”

With the achievement of this milestone, the Prosecco DOC Consortium is already looking towards future growth. In the coming weeks, tests aimed to define the types of wine for extended secondary fermentation will occur for producers in the Trieste area. This opportunity further demonstrates the unlimited potential of the Prosecco region. The territory boasts 11,460 winegrowers, 1,192 wineries and 347 sparkling wine houses, all of whom are part of the complex system behind the success of the Prosecco Denomination of Origin (DOC), which has become a great flagship of the Italian ‘Genio’ (‘genius’) around the world.

Dalmore and Gonzales Byass Sherry With Women Who Whiskey LA!

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“The Sherries of Gonzalez Byass: DNA of The Dalmore” was the name of the Zoom presentation organized by Women Who Whiskey LA I attended recently. This is an excerpt from the invitation:

We are beyond excited to welcome back Craig Bridger, Head of Education for The Dalmore Single Malt Scotch, who will co-host this intimate virtual class with Claire Henderson, Senior Brand Manager for Gonzales Byass Sherry…Women Who Whiskey Los Angeles is honored to host this exclusive event: an in-depth exploration of two historic liquids and a century-long partnership. Craig and Claire will discuss the unique relationship between these two noble houses — a relationship critical to the sumptuous character so beloved in The Dalmore whose signature chocolate and orange character is imbued with rich and nutty flavors from the sherry…

We will start with a boozy Dalmore cocktail then explore the interactive flavor influences of these powerhouse spirit brands with a dram each of The Dalmore 12 yo, The Dalmore 15 yo and The Dalmore 18 yo as well as a dram each of three Gonzales Byass Sherries.

We Learned While We Tasted

We did indeed start with Bridger showing us how a Royal Sour, aka Whiskey Sour, is made (recipe at the end of this article). I found this helpful as I had never made this cocktail with an egg white. Bridger knows his way not only around The Dalmore and has exceptional bartending skills as well. Then, onto the tasting and lesson!

Gonzalez Byass Familia de Vino and The Dalmore

In three small wine tasting glasses we sampled the Alfonso, Apostoles and Matusalem sherries. Almost immediately we noted similar aromas and flavors found in The Dalmore definitely came from these three different sherry casks that they had aged in. Quite remarkable. Also of note, even though the three sherries grew sweeter on the nose as we tasted through them, that didn’t transfer to high sugar in the mouth.

“What makes us definitive (is our use of) exclusive casks and…the one of a kind sherry casks from Gonzalez Byass,” Bridger began. Henderson, from Scotland, added in arich Scottish tone, “This presentation is (to show) why the sherry cask is so important.” She also noted that Scots drank fortified wine as regular wine would spoil. The fortified wine, of course, was Sherry. The Highlands were littered with sherry casks that were then used for storage, transportation and of course, whisky. The Dalmore was one of the first to do it. (The photo shows a 23 yo in a sherry cask.)

Henderson went on to explain that Gonzalez Byass was established in 1936 in Jerez, Spain. The area is dependent on rainfall as you’re not allowed to irrigate Sherry vines. That lack of rainfall means the roots have to dig deep for water, and accounts for more salinity. Finally, Sherry is aged in American oak casks.

Alfonso had notes of almond, caramel, dried apply and vanilla. The Apostoles reminded me of a Port with some candied apple and that same almond. Finally the Matusalem, my favorite, had aromas and full flavors that included coffee, toast, cream, oak, milk chocolate, hazelnut and prunes.

The Dalmore 12 yo was an entire bowl of fancy roasted and slightly salted nuts, vanilla bean and a hint of banana. The 15 yo, my favorite of the three, had a sweeter nose; rounder, more fruit, creamy, with a little toasted almond and pineapple. And the 18 yo, following a trend, had the sweetest nose, with lots of toasted oak and more spice. Simply outstanding.

My conclusion was exactly what Bridger and Henderson were going for: One could easily see the corresponding notes between the Sherries and the whisky. 

The Royal Sour (Recipe)

2 oz – Scotch (ideally, The Dalmore 12 or Port Wood)

3/4 oz – Fresh squeezed lemon juice

1/2 oz – Demerara Simple Syrup

1 small egg (or 3/4 oz aquafaba/liquid from canned chickpeas for vegan options)

Black walnut bitters (or Angostura)

Ice

A cocktail shaker (a mason jar will work)

 

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Vintage Eve Circa Jan 2018: Review of Joya Sangria

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Had an interesting chat a few weeks ago with one Eamon McDonald, the Founder and CEO of Joya Sangria. I had some experience with both house bar made and commercially produced bottle made Sangrias, however I never did a review. Now was my chance.

Eamon said that his imported Sangria was made with Spanish grapes and a small percentage of sugar. Serve chilled, over ice, with add ons like fruit and it would also lend itself to a cocktail.

When I received my samples I waited until I had a group over to sample with me. Collectively, these are our notes from the first tasting, the second tasting two days later was just me:

Joya White Sangria

12% ABV

Aromas of pineapple, grapefruit and pleasant floral notes, followed by the same fruit flavors on the mouth with the addition of honey. A nice mouth-coating viscosity allowed the flavors to linger. I could see this over ice with a slice of orange.

Reopened the same bottle two days later: Got more aromas of hard candy, maybe apple and lemon, while on the mouth I tasted the same pineapple and grapefruit, but also the addition of lemon-lime. I still wanted to add an orange slice but now I also wanted a little spritz too.

Joya Red Sangria

12% ABV

This had received 90 points from Tasting Panel and all agreed that it was tasty. With aromas of dried black cherry, plum and earth that were followed up in the mouth with a much drier taste than the White Sangria. The same cherry and plum fruit but also some plump raisin.

Reopened the same bottle two days later: Maybe a bit more black fruit on the nose – blackberry for sure – as well as some of that raisin I had only noticed on the palate the first time, wet earth and stone. Tasting it a second time there was a new layer of juicy ripe blueberry.

Note on the reopened tastings

I’ve done this before, just to see how a wine may fare after being opened for a day or two. Sometimes the new aromas and flavors can be attributed to how you would view aging and/or aeration, however sometimes, which may or may not be the case here, I find more when I get the chance to study again. Clearly, you will need to do your own study of Joya to see if you agree!

From Joya

JOYA® Sangria is a Spanish jewel that will excite any palate. In fact, the word JOYA is Spanish for jewel.

Its origins are in the small town of La Puebla de Almoradiel, nestled between the rolling hills and vast plains of Castilla La Mancha. Here, in the corner of Spain known for its winemaking traditions since before the time of Don Quixote, a prestigious family winery is transforming noble grape varieties into this vibrant, authentic and Premium Sangria layered with all-natural essences of fresh Mediterranean fruits.

JOYA® is distinct from other Sangrias on the market today due to its fuller-bodied 12% ABV, versus competitors at 7.0% to 8.5% ABV. Why does this matter? Simple. JOYA® Sangria will maintain its great taste and alcohol down to the last drop – even after cooling with ice. It’s a fuller taste you and your guests will appreciate.

JOYA® Sangria is ready to drink. Serve chilled or over ice. Garnish with fresh fruit if desired.

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See their website for pairing suggestions and cocktail recipes too: www.joyasangria.com

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Portland Cider Co. Brings Home Best Cider from the 2020 Sunset International Wine Competition

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PORTLAND, OR – Portland Cider Co., one of Oregon’s longest operating independent craft cider producers, won multiple categories at the 2020 Sunset International Wine Competition. The cider company brought home the awards for Double Gold Best of Class (Sorta Sweet), Best of Show Cider (Sorta Sweet) and Silver (Kinda Dry). Sorta Sweet took home a Double Gold medal and Best of Class title in the Hard Cider category and Best of Show with a score of 98 points.

The 2020 Sunset International Wine Competition featured wines and ciders that were blind tasted by industry experts, researchers, growers, writers, producers and sommeliers to determine the winners in each category. Judging took place on June 23 and 24, 2020, in Santa Rosa, California.

“Sorta Sweet continues to be our most-awarded cider with seven total Gold Medals to its name,” said Jeff Parrish, co-owner of Portland Cider Co. “It’s gratifying to be awarded for your efforts, especially in a competition that is the caliber of the Sunset International Wine Competition with experienced sommeliers assessing ciders and wine from all over the world.”

Since first entering competitions, Portland Cider Company’s Sorta Sweet has claimed over 15 awards, and since the cidery’s establishment, it has won nearly 100 awards for its products and taprooms, including Best Cider House and Best Cidery in Portland.

Portland Cider Co.’s Sorta Sweet is a love song to the Oregon craft cider movement and the company’s most award-winning cider. It’s semi-sweet, refreshing and effervescent, and is a winning example of the marriage of the owners of Portland Cider: an Oregon native & UK expat on a mission to bring quality cider to the world. The higher levels of natural sugars are balanced with the right amount of tartness that offers a fresh finish that tastes like biting into a crisp apple. Available year-round, Sorta Sweet is made from 100 percent Northwest apples.

While many wine and spirit competitions have been canceled for 2020, the 2020 Sunset International Wine Competition was determined to take place and saw a 10 percent increase in entries compared to the 2019 competition.

“All imaginable health precautions were taken to ensure the safety of judges and backroom staff, while the wines were given the full measure of respect they deserve. Secondly, we are grateful to all the wineries that sent in their wines for evaluation. This year’s entries garnered a record number of Golds and Double Golds, making for a very competitive Sweepstakes round,” said Debra Del Fiorentino, President of Wine Competitions Production & Management, who owns and operates the Sunset International Wine Competition.

About Portland Cider Company

Portland Cider Company was started in 2013 by an Oregonian and a family of British expats with the mission of bringing cider, handcrafted in the English tradition, to the Northwest. One of Oregon’s longest operating independent cider producers, Portland Cider has two taproom locations: the Portland Cider House at 3638 SE Hawthorne Blvd. and the Clackamas Taproom and Cidery at 8925 SE Jannsen Rd, Bldg. F, in Clackamas. Since its opening, the cidery has won nearly 100 awards for its products and taprooms, including being named Best Cider House and Best Cidery in Portland. For more information, visit PortlandCider.com and engage on social media at @portlandcider.

FitVine Named an Official Partner of the Navy SEAL Foundation

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VIRGINIA BEACH, VA. (PRWEB) – The Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF), America’s premier non-profit organization serving SEALs and the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) community, today announced its newest Official Partnership with the fitness-conscious winemaker FitVine.

FitVine, founded in 2015 by two wine-and-fitness loving friends, produces innovative and delicious wine variations for adults looking for choices that are Keto friendly or wine that compliments a low-carb diet. With the new NSF partnership, FitVine has created a limited-edition co-branded Red Zinfandel varietal whereby twenty-five percent of proceeds from each bottle sold will be donated to the Foundation. By purchasing the Red Zin, consumers are directly supporting the NSF’s mission of service to the Naval Special Warfare community. “We are incredibly honored to welcome FitVine as our newest Official Partner,” said Chris Irwin, Director of Partnerships, Navy SEAL Foundation. “Their commitment as a ‘better for you’ product is perfectly aligned with the community we serve, and we couldn’t be more excited about the custom co-branded varietal they’ve developed.”

FitVine has already run two highly-successful promotions in support of the new partnership, on Memorial Day and 4th of July holiday weekends, giving consumers a rare opportunity for 15% off the limited edition varietal while also increasing their donation per bottle to $8. “We feel that it is our responsibility to give back to the warriors who have dedicated their lives to protecting our country, and we are honored to make this special bottle in support of the NSF,” said Mark R. Warren, FitVine President and Co-Founder. “We are ecstatic at the immediate response of our loyal customers and proud to announce our increased support as an Official Partner of the Navy SEAL Foundation.”

Available for purchase online only at https://www.fitvinewine.com/products/red-zinfandel; MSRP of 750 ml bottle is $19.95; case of 12 bottles $239.88. Nutritional facts (per 5oz glass): sugar: 0.9g; calories: 128; carbohydrates: 4.4 grams; alcohol: 14.9%. When purchasing a case, on every online purchase, there’s a 60-day, 100% Money-Back Guarantee. (Shipping included on all returns)

About FitVine
FitVine Wine was created for those who are active, have dietary restrictions, or are just looking for a better fit. It is our goal to craft wines that fit the active, healthy lifestyle of our friends and family. FitVine Wines contain less sugar, fewer sulfites, and no flavor additives without compromising taste or sacrificing alcohol content. To create clean and rich tasting wines with the flavor, mouthfeel, and alcohol content you’d expect from a fine wine.

About the Navy SEAL Foundation:
The mission of the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF) is to provide immediate and ongoing support and assistance to the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) community and its families, the families of NSW fallen, and SEAL and SWCC veterans.

U.S. Navy SEALs have been in sustained combat for nearly two decades, performing hazardous work in unforgiving environments at an unrelenting pace. NSW operators are currently deployed in over 30+ countries across the globe and can spend up to 270 days each year in harm’s way.

The Navy SEAL Foundation stands behind these warriors and their families by providing a comprehensive set of programs specifically designed to improve health and welfare, build and enhance resiliency, empower and educate families and provide critical support during times of illness, injury or loss.

Like the community it serves, the Navy SEAL Foundation is a high performing organization committed to excellence. NSF has been awarded the coveted 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator since 2011 and has earned a perfect score of “100” each year since 2016 for financial health, accountability, and transparency, placing NSF in the top 1% of rated charities. Ninety-five cents of every dollar donated goes directly to programs or is retained for future mission use.

The Navy SEAL Foundation is a 501c3 national non-profit charitable organization. TAX-ID 31-1728910. NSF is a non-federal entity, and it is not a part of the Department of Defense or any of its components, and it has no governmental status. To learn more, visit https://www.navySEALfoundation.org.

SURREAL BREWING Unveils “CREATIVES IPA” Non-Alcoholic Craft Beer Fermented With Ancient Kveik Yeast

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CAMPBELL, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Surreal Brewing Company adds a new thirst-quenching non-alcoholic beer to its lineup. Introducing “Creatives IPA”, an unconventional beverage of tropical aromas and flavors punctuated by a restrained piney West Coast hop finish. One of the latest additions to its growing line of all-natural, innovative, health-conscious craft beers, Creatives IPA was brewed with the ancient Norwegian Kveik yeast strain and a new variety of hop. “We were intrigued by Kveik yeast as soon as we heard about it.
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We have a deep appreciation for every ingredient we use, especially the yeast, which as the old axiom goes: the brewer makes the wort and the yeast makes the beer,“ said Tammer Zein-El-Abedein.

As in all their carefully crafted brews, the new beer consists of a complex blend that captivates a craft beer enthusiasts as well as the growing number of people who drink non-alcoholic beverages.

Awarded World’s Best Non-Alcoholic Beer of 2019, Surreal Brewing Company is the family-founded and operated brewing company that specializes in all-natural, non-GMO, non-alcoholic craft beers as a healthy, yet flavorful, alternative to alcohol and/or sugary drinks.
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The brand’s core brews are all available starting at 17 calories per can, no sugar, low carbs, and two reduced gluten options: Chandelier Red IPA, Juicy Mavs Hazy IPA, 17 Mile Porter, and Natural Bridges Kolsch Style.

Creatives IPA will initially roll out online at http://www.SurrealBrewing.com before being made available at select stores in California.

“This brew is a shout out to all creatives, whether that is through the arts, technology, or other creative outlets, to everyone who creates positive change. This beer is made for all who Dare to Be Different,” said Donna Hockey.

ABOUT SURREAL BREWING COMPANY
Founded in Campbell, California by husband and wife team, Tammer Zein-El-Abedein and Donna Hockey, Surreal Brewing aims to fill a void in the marketplace with a variety of great-tasting non-alcoholic beverages. Surreal Brewing brings forth a new era in which health-conscious and sober individuals can still enjoy the unique, crisp flavor of beer anytime while maintaining their health goals and feeling included at social gatherings.

Tuscan Women Cook Shares One of Italy’s Most Popular Desserts

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Who wouldn’t love to sit in the sun at an outdoor café in Italy sipping a chilled glass of wine and eating a delicious  Italian dessert? Unfortunately, we still can’t travel to Italy but that doesn’t mean we can’t bring a bit of Italy to our own homes. Coleen Kirnan and Rhonda Vilardo, the owners, and hosts of Tuscan Women Cook, the unique and popular culinary vacation located in the heart of Tuscany, want to bring a bit of Italy to home kitchens during this pandemic. Tuscan Women Cook is about celebrating the food and culture of the Tuscan region of Italy ensconced in the charming village of Montefollonico.

Photo from Tuscan Women Cook’s Facebook page.

Coffee lovers prepare yourself for this outrageous truth: Some people do not like coffee. Crazy as this may seem, many find the smell and taste off-putting and will even pass on a serving of tiramisù, one of Italy’s most popular desserts, because espresso is a key ingredient. Tiramisù translates to “pick me up,” due in no small part to the surge of caffeine that comes with every creamy bite.

Fear not, coffee refuters. No need to pass on Tuscan Women Cook’s tiramisù recipe that replaces coffee with fresh strawberries and Alchermes, a bright crimson Italian liqueur which is still made today by the Santa Maria Novella pharmacy in Florence with the exact same recipe formulated back in 1743. It is infused with a variety of common spices, along with the most unusual ingredient, dried insects, which contributes to its vivid scarlet color. We totally understand if you want to leave out the Alchermes. We promise this recipe will still be authentically delicious without it. Substitute Fragoli wild strawberry liqueur or Chambord.

Why not travel to Italy in your imagination and make this your go-to summer dessert?

STRAWBERRY TIRAMISU
Serves 8
Guests of Tuscan Women Cook love this strawberry tiramisù served at Ristorante 13 Gobbi. It’s become a house specialty as a result of a partnership Albo and Simonetta forged with an organic strawberry farmer near their restaurant in Montefollonico. Strawberries are in peak season right now. 

Ingredients:
For the cream:
500g mascarpone cheese, room temperature
500ml heavy cream
5 egg yolks
3/4 cups granulated sugar

For the strawberries:
2 1/2 cups of strawberries, chopped
1/3 cup Alchermes liqueur,* Fragfoli wild strawberry liqueur or Chambord
1 tablespoon sugar
2-3 tablespoons rum
1 cup orange juice

1 box dry ladyfingers (Pavesini brand preferred**)

Put the strawberries, Alchermes liquor, sugar, rum, and orange juice in a bowl. Set aside. With a hand mixer or a KitchenAid standing mixer, beat the egg yolks, sugar, mascarpone, and heavy cream on medium speed for 5-10 minutes, until creamy.

In a small bowl, strain the strawberries and keep the juice in a separate bowl. Dip the ladyfingers in the juice (a quick dip, you don’t want them to be soggy), and arrange cookies on bottom of a baking dish.

Cover with half the cream mixture, then cover with the chopped strawberries, repeat cookies for another layer, and cover with remaining cream mixture.

Decorate it top with strawberries just before serving and dust with powdered sugar. Chill for 2-3 hours before serving. It can stay chilled for up to 2 days.

* Alchermes is a scarlet colored Italian liqueur made by infusing neutral spirits with sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and vanilla, and other herbs, and Kermes, a small parasitic insect.

** Pavesini ladyfingers may be difficult to find in stores. However, they are readily available online. Other brands may be substituted.

Recipe reprinted with permission of www.TuscanWomenCook.com.

Simonetta from Ristorante 13 Gobbi in Montefollonico, shows you how to make this delicious Strawberry Tiramisu recipe:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43Nmpb83pyI&feature=youtu.be  n

During each day of Tuscan Women Cook’s week-long program, their group of 18 participants learn to cook authentic Italian recipes from some of the best cooks in all of Italy…the local grandmothers, or “nonnas.” These extraordinary women teach their cooking classes sharing family recipes that have been handed down from generation to generation.

And after a day of cooking, eating, and wine tasting, participants are taken on shopping and sightseeing trips in the many beautiful villages and towns of Tuscany, with maybe a little more wine tasting and afternoon gelato sampling, ending each day with a memorable gourmet dinner in the region’s top locales.

Los Angeles-based Coleen Kirnan and Rhonda Vilardo are two inventive business dynamos who decided to take a career risk that changed their lives.  In 2016 they purchased Tuscan Women Cook, a career move that changed both of their lives personally and professionally.

For more information on Tuscan Women Cook, visit their website, www.TuscanWomenCook.com.

Blood Oath Pact No 6 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Now Available

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CHEYENNE, WYO. (PRWEB) – Blood Oath Pact 6 – Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is the 6th release of Lux Row Distillers’ Blood Oath Series. The Blood Oath Series is an annually released series of blended bourbons that change recipes on each new release. Their latest, 5th pact, was extremely popular, so this new release is highly anticipated by bourbon-heads worldwide. The upcoming Blood Oath Pact 6 is a combination of 14-Year Extra-Aged Rye Bourbon, 8-Year Rye Bourbon, and 7-Year Rye Bourbon finished in Cognac Barrels. Blood Oath Pact 6 is a bottle your mouth will remember forever, starting with a nose of light caramel and toasted sugar and blossoming into tasting notes of spiced raisins and dark berries followed by a crème brulee finish.

Photo credit: KYBourbon.com

Blood Oath Pact 6’s head distiller and master blender John Rempe is a Certified Food Scientist with over 20 years of experience in the distillation of spirits. Rempe created other known brands like David Nicholson Reserve, Rebel Yell 10-Year, and the Ultra-Premium Blood Oath Series. But Rempe’s Blood Oath Pact 6 takes premium whiskey to an entirely new level. The oath taken by Lux Row Distillers and John Rempe is a promise to seek out bourbons that are rare and wonderful, yet forgotten. Blending these sought-after bourbons makes for a whole new whiskey that’s unimaginably good. Lux Row Distillers is over 18,000 square feet, and has six barrel warehouses capable of producing 50 thousand barrels of whiskey annually.

As America’s largest online premium spirits marketplace, CaskCartel.com guarantees the delivery of every Blood Oath Pact 6 bottle ordered. Lux Row Distillers will be holding 1,400 bottles of this one-time limited-edition release for a future trilogy set, which will be the only other time you’ll be able to buy Blood Oath Pact 6. As this is the only time you’ll be able to experience this one-time-only release, don’t hesitate to order your bottle today. With easy mobile friendly online ordering and doorstep delivery, let CaskCartel.com bring this Blood Oath Pact 6 – Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey straight to you.

About Luxco Distillery
Luxco, Inc. is a privately owned producer and marketer of distilled beverages and liqueurs. Luxco was born of humble beginnings back in 1958 when Paul A. Lux and David Sherman Sr. established the David Sherman Corporation (DSC) as a private label bottler to serve the needs of distributors, wholesalers and retailers. Since that time, the company has quietly and patiently grown into a leading producer, bottler, importer and marketer with an impressive portfolio of beverage brands. Formerly called the David Sherman Corporation, the company was renamed in 2006 as a tribute to their founder, Paul Lux. Luxco is a consumer products company that is mindful of the past, yet focused on the future. Their mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of their consumers, associates and business partners through optimized resources, incomparable service and an innovative brand portfolio.

About Cask Cartel
Cask Cartel is America’s #1 online premium spirits marketplace. Featured and seen in Rolling Stone, Men’s Journal and Us Weekly Magazines. The company prides itself of having the largest marketplace in the world giving access to over 6000+ products. Combined with a superior customer service experience this makes them the leader in the alcohol beverage industry. Cask Cartel has extensive partners and relationships with producers, brands and the licensed local retailers which grant consumers online access to new arrivals, limited productions and allocated items. Their online Marketplace transforms the way premium spirits are shopped sold and fulfilled by creating a network of the largest network of liquor selections available online.

Del Mar Wine Seltzer Elevates Category With Wine-Based Hard Seltzer Offering

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ST. HELENA, Calif./PRNewswire/ — Del Mar Wine Seltzer today announced its entry into the wildly popular $1 billion hard seltzer category with a unique wine-based offering made in Napa Valley from premium California grapes. Black Cherry, Grapefruit, White Peach and Watermelon flavors are debuting in 355mL cans sold in four-packs for $8.99. The 4 percent ABV offering is now shipping nationally from the Trinchero Family Estates wine & spirits portfolio.

Photos by Dawn Heumann

“As a family-owned Napa Valley winery with a legacy of giving consumers what they want, we made the decision to enter the space with a light, refreshing and sophisticated wine-based seltzer to challenge malt-based seltzers within the category,” said Dave Derby, senior vice president marketing for Trinchero Family Estates. “We are confident that consumers will appreciate our decision to leverage our 72 years of winemaking experience to create a grape-based seltzer made from transparent ingredients that they know and love.”

With simple ingredients, natural flavors and no added sugar at 95 calories per can, Del Mar Wine Seltzer was designed with wellness in mind. Black Cherry – made from California white wine – incorporates a hint of lavender in the blend. Grapefruit – made from California Rosé wine – fittingly delivers a hint of rose. White Peach – made from California white wine – has a hint of honeysuckle. And Watermelon – made from California Rosé wine – offers a hint of mint. Each of the four refreshing flavors captures the essence of delicious fruit, with a touch of natural sweetness that wine – not added sugar – provides.

Like its namesake oceanfront city, Del Mar Wine Seltzer evokes a beachside state-of-mind. Popping the top of Del Mar brings memories of sun on your shoulders, friends by your side and toes in the sand. Kick off your spring, bring on your summer and reach for the beach with Del Mar – an all-new crisp and refreshing seltzer made from premium California grapes and natural flavors that you can trust.

About Del Mar Wine Seltzer

Reach for the beach and live life in the sunshine with Del Mar Wine Seltzer, a 95-calorie hard seltzer with a beachside state-of-mind. With refreshing flavors from Black Cherry and Grapefruit to White Peach and Watermelon, Del Mar brings memories to mind of friends by your side and your toes in the sand. Like its beachfront city namesake, Del Mar knows life by the ocean. This light-as-sea-breeze seltzer brings you to the beach and the good times in the sunshine that it provides. After all, Del Mar is more than a destination. It’s a state of mind. For more information, visit www.delmarwineseltzer.com.

Social Media
Instagram: @DelMarWineSeltzer
Facebook: @DelMarWineSeltzer