Monday, January 24, 2011

Good Find



After being bombarded with cheap beer commercials during football playoffs, I have decided to offer the unusual and perhaps un-patriotic to some, ...... a pre-Super Bowl French wine review.

2007 Bernard Latour Cotes du Rhone

Red Rhone blend from the southern region of France.
2007, was reported by the sales person that sold me this bottle, as a very good year for this region.

My personal but non expert review: Medium bodied, fruity, blackberry-plum, maybe a hint of spice with delicate tannins and very smooth. Simple and ready to drink as a deliciously smooth table wine. Perfect for Super Bowl. $12.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Soup Time


Yam-Ginger Coconut Curry Soup garnished with pistachios

Yes, it is soup season again, and I have made some adjustments to an old favorite of mine. This time, I have added some curry and coconut milk to yam-ginger-squash soup. I started with a base of chicken broth, and roasted yams and squash, all made the day before. I cooked chopped ginger in oil for 5 minutes. Then added the yam, squash and curry and cooked a few more minutes. I then added the chicken broth and lightly simmered for 30 minutes. Let cool and blend or process until smooth. Stir in coconut milk.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Pre-Snow Ride


a sparkle-eyed pixy on a winters ride

With a big snowstorm approaching, it did not take too much arm twisting to find a few souls to go out on one more road ride, even if the temps were in the twenties. Thankfully, Campmor is my sponsor, because just about everything I wore today, and it was a lot, came from the Campmor store. That place is great for keeping an outdoors person warm. Once we got going, I was quite warm on the inside. Thank you dearly Campmor!

As we rode, the sky was dark and reminded me too often that it was still only January, and as you can imagine, this was a bit of a disappointment when all I can do is dream of summer. We were glad to have buddies today, as I do not think any of us would have ventured out by ourselves under these conditions, but we did as a team, and it was good. Three frozen water bottles and 25 miles later we completed our adventure and were feeling better for getting outside. Sometimes half the battle is just getting out the door. Once outside, the right gear and some friends can make for a great time, so don't be afraid to get outside to play!


At the top of 106 trying to get psyched for the cold descent back.