Wine of the Week - Mazza 2011 Pinot Grigio

This Pennsylvania wine opens with a strong nose of sour apple.
It starts out with a watery mouthfeel.  Light and crisp in the mid-palate; a little dry and sour.  Turns tart, like a modestly-flavored candy.  Great acid throughout.  A nice, gentle drink.  A great idea for a warm summer night, served lightly chilled.
12% alcohol

Pinto Bean Queso

A yummy alternative to salsa, and very filling. Use at your next picnic!

A recipe from VegNews.com

One thing the recipe neglects to mention is to blend the queso before serving. It never says to mash the beans or anything like that, so unless you like chunky queso, be sure to blend to tasty smoothness.

Wine of the Week - Jost 2010 Riesling

There's so much going on in this wine.  It's easily the best Riesling I've ever had, and possibly the best white.  I can't say enough about it.  Caught me completely off guard.
Great scents of sour green apple and white grapes, and a little bit of cantaloupe.
On the tongue, this wine is the gift that keeps on giving - complex and layered.  It starts off feeling a little watery, but soon reveals itself to be medium bodied.  There's a nice, light bite up front.  Then some tastes of honey on melons come through.  Finishes with nice acid.  All throughout, the flavors are gentle and subtle and perfectly balanced.  The low alcohol content is a nice change of pace from the norm.
8% alcohol

Veggie Burger Roundup

Over the last few months, several people have approached me looking for new ideas for meals and were interested in different from-scratch veggie burgers. I always refer them to this blog, but I figured rather than making you all search for the perfect patty recipe, I list my favorites out right here:

Lentil 'BK Broiler'

BBQ Bean Burger

Bean Sliders

FYI: I would normally cook these patties on the stove top b/c it's quicker, but the patties end up kinda smooshy. So lately, I've taken to baking them at 350 degrees - bake for 30 minutes, flip, bake for another 10-15 - and they shouldn't fall apart on you.

Wine of the Week - STO 2009 Rockabilly Red

Sort This Out Cellars, a longtime favorite winemaker of mine with a rockabilly theme, presents this Rockabilly Red blend.
The inky black color while pouring makes me immediately optimistic.  The spicy pepperoni scents on the nose, even moreso.
On the tongue, there are so many of the dark and earthy flavors I love in a wine.  Tree bark and tannins, a little bit of anise, and more.  Develops into a sweet, sour finish.  Very good.
13.5% alcohol