November, 2005
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It's Party Time!
by Sandra Muller
Your Life! Entertaining Editor
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Tis  the season folks! The Holidays are here. A time of year that inspires many dinner parties and casual gatherings with friends. And the same question always comes to your mind…"What wine do I bring?  Or, if your hosting a party, "What should I serve?   I am here to help you with some fantastic suggestions that will not only be appropriate, but you'll be proud to serve or bring along.

Let's talk turkey. Thanksgiving is one of the most challenging meals to match a wine to. There's so much going on! Savory turkey and gravy, sweet relish and yams, veggies, tart cranberries. Every flavor category is involved with this one!  You need a wine that will stand up to all of these wonderful flavors, yet also compliment all of your hard work in the kitchen too.  Here are some suggestions:

Chardonnay: Here is one time that those big California Chardonnays will match your dinner. Try Raymond Napa Valley Reserve. Price about 18.00.

Zinfandel: This full flavored, rich red wine is a wonderful match that won't be overpowered by your medley of flavors on the table. Try Seghesio Sonoma Zin.
Price about 18.99.

If you are hosting a party and want to have some nice wine to serve, but not break the bank trying to buy a few cases. Here's a couple suggestions that will compliment your tasty appetizers, cheese, and other yummy treats.

Rioja: This is a fruity tasty wine that is food friendly. Think of it as the Chianti of Spain.  Try Cortijo III Tinto Rioja for about 8.75 a bottle.

Verdejo: A dry crisp white wine, blended with Sauvignon Blanc. Try Las Brisas Rueda Blanco for about 8.99 a bottle. (My new favorite white wine to have at home.)

What to bring? Something nice, but not too over the top because it will probably get lost in the mix of all the other wines everyone is bringing. Try these:

Wild Horse Pinot Noir, price about 15.00
William Fevre Chablis Champs Royaux, price about 20.00

Or be different, bring along a dessert wine:
Grahams Tawny Port, about 27.00
Bonny Doon Rasp Framboise, about 13.99 ( Pour some over vanilla ice cream for a real treat!)

Good Cheer to all!
Wine
Chick
At your next dinner party, instead of serving water with slices of lemon in the glass. Drop in a slice of cucumber instead! You'll enjoy the cool fresh flavor it adds.
Never Forget to Say "Thank You"
by Lisa Hartwell

Mix It Up!  Keeping Your Parties Fun and Fresh
by Haile Parker McCollum
Place these gorgeous Falling Leaves Mint Tingles in a pretty candy dish and you'll have a unique, delicious after dinner treat.  Once you taste them, you'll know why Moonstruck Chocolates were the exclusive chocolates of the 77th Annual Academy Awards Gift Basket.  They are so dreamy, you'll have to eat them with your eyes closed!
MoonstruckChocolates.com