A Taste of Blended Heaven

First of all, let me just be clear that I have never found a red wine that I can even come close to tolerating. Until I was at a friends' house one night. She pulled out a bottle of red wine called 'Apothic Red'. My first reaction to her when she asked if we would like a glass was, "Hell no. I hate red wine". She urged me to take a taste of hers, and when I did, I nearly fell off my chair. It was DELICIOUS! I could not believe I had finally found a red wine that I could actually buy and enjoy a glass of without gagging as it flushed down my esophagus.

Apothic Red is actually a blended red wine. Which means that it is a blend of different grapes in order to make the flavor more unique. The different flavors should accent each other and, in fact, sometimes white and red wines are mixed together. Apothic Red is a delicious blend of Syrah, Zinfandel, and Merlot. When this feathery liquid hits your mouth, your taste buds will erupt with tiny hints of mocha, chocolate, brown spice, and vanilla. Your nose will be immersed in flavors of rhubarb and black cherry. 

All of this information I got off of these two websites:

• Learn more about blended wines
• Apothic Red Website

Broccoli Casserole

This is a recipe that has been in my family for years. It's nothing too original, but I don't have a picture to post, and I know that everyone has a clue to as to what this looks like.

Ingredients:

• 2 PACKAGES COOKED BROCCOLI
• 2 TBSP BUTTER
• 2 TBSP FLOUR
• 2 CUPS MILK
• 3/4 CUPS GRATED AMERICAN CHEESE
• 1 TSP SALT
• 1 TSP DASHED PEPPER
• 1/4 CUP CHOPPED ALMONDS
• 4 SLICES CRUMBLED COOKED BACON

Directions:

1. Put broccoli in casserole dish. Sprinkle with almonds. Cover with cheese sauce (see below). Sprinkle with bread crumbs and crispy crumbled bacon.
2. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

Cheese Sauce:

• Mix butter, flour, milk, grated American cheese, salt and pepper. Cook over low heat until all cheese is melted.  

Makin' Moves

OK, so it's been FOREVER since I have posted anything on here, but I figured that I will start it back up now that my life has calmed back down... somewhat.

I've recently started writing down all the recipes from Pinterest and some of my cook books down in my cook book that I have started. I've also decided that for Christmas and birthday presents, I would give a copy of the cook book to all my friends, but then that got me thinking... why just let my close friends in on the secret, when I can share them with others and make happy tummies EVERYWHERE?!

Be ready, because there are going to be lots of recipes coming your way!