Wine of the Week - Latah Creek's Huckleberry D'Latah

This blend of white wine and huckleberry is not what I was expecting at all.

More often than not, sweet wines are overdone - gaggingly sweet or syrupy. This is not. The sweetness is light and subtle, confident and restrained.

Perfect for a mellow summer afternoon. Try it chilled.

10.5% alcohol

Wine of the Week - Carivintas 2011 Jordan Rosé

A blend of 80% tempranillo, 12% syrah and 8% malbec.

This is a confidently mild rosé with tart flavors that quickly give way to gentle floral notes and a white grape finish. Serve chilled on warm, sunny day.

13.5% alcohol

Wine of the Week - Carivintas "Gregory Doggles" 2010 Sauvignon Blanc

Smelling like juicy white grapes, this wine actually turns against you. It's very dry and bitter, tannic, very much like chewing on a grape stem. Not a total loss - I still drank it. Make of that what you will.

13.9% alcohol

Apple Crumb Bars

A few weeks ago I came across this post from CookingClassy.com. As I went on a jam-jarring rampage last fall, I sure have plenty to make some treats with.

But instead I decided to try my apple sauce. I followed the rest of the recipe as is, except I used vegan butter, and about 1 cup instead of a half.

These came out really well. They almost seem like they're good for you!

I plan to make more of this with some of my jams, and might try using some gluten-free flour - hopefully the crumble won't crumble TOO much.

Wine of the Week - Spin the Bottle 2012 Chardonnay

While mostly smelling of pear and honey, there's also a tiny bit of fall leaves to be found on the nose.

A surprising amount flavor. Somehow both sweet and sour, with notes of green veggies. More complex than I anticipated, and very good.

13.8% alcohol