I’ve never thought of myself as someone who uses “y’all” a lot (even though I totally do), but it just sounded like the right way to start this blogging journey that I’m so very nervous about. It’s worth mentioning that as I write this post, I–along with the rest of the country–am quarantined in my house due to a worldwide pandemic.
Continue readingGifting wine falls somewhere between a friendly gesture (grabbing a bottle from the store en route to a dinner party) and an intimidating process (painfully deciding on a bottle for your uncle with a private cellar). However, it’s time to replace these stigmas with the notion that wine is a thoughtfully-made beverage meant to invoke joy, connection and discovery. It’s a beautifully personal and delicious gift for an incomparable person in your life: your mom! Here is my Mother’s Day Wine Gift Guide 2020.
Continue readingSummer is upon us, which means skyrocketing temperatures and an obligatory beverage once the clock strikes 5:00. A cold beer or a glass of white or rosé may be your natural go-to’s, but get excited about an additional sipper this summer season: chilled, light red wines!
Continue readingAVOCADO TOAST: What comes to mind? I’ll bet you three ripe avocados that “basic” or “trendy” are among the words you’d use to describe it. Yep, it’s EVERYWHERE, from menus to social media feeds. When I traveled to Paris and discovered I could indulge in toast avocat at countless cafés around the city, I knew it was here to stay. But let’s face it, people – the avocado toast craze exists for many reasons beyond its Instagram-worthy features (gosh, it’s so beautiful). It strikes that perfect balance between health and satisfaction; our bodies love avocado’s fats and nutrients, and who doesn’t want a meal involving bread? Mmm, sourdough. Not to mention, you can build on a basic avocado toast recipe by topping it with anything you want!
Continue readingI have a friend who adores Champagne. I mean, who doesn’t? When Abby wants to spruce up an evening with some glitz and glamor, she’ll vow to drink only Champagne. This bubbly beverage is lavishly celebratory, from the pop! of the cork down to the last drop of the bottle. A pét-nat, on the other hand, is a naturally-made, joyous sparkling wine you can indulge in anytime, anywhere (without breaking the bank!).
Continue readingThis dish has it all: noodles with a bite, hardy cauliflower, fresh herbs, and tangy Dijon dressing. After opening my fridge on Sunday evening, I was immediately discouraged upon spotting a sad, single head of orange cauliflower in my produce drawer. Ordering takeout seemed to be the best option. But with a few fresh herbs, plus a combination of simple pantry ingredients, I decided to whip something up! Therefore, thyme-roasted cauliflower with dijon noodles was born.
Continue readingI’m never surprised when one orders a glass of wine based on grape variety. When dining out, chances you’ve heard “I’ll take the house Cab” or “the least expensive Chardonnay you have, please!” Maybe that’s how you order wine as well, and that’s fine! It’s great to be familiar with grape types and to know which ones you prefer, but do you know why you like what you like? Well, upon tasting Forlorn Hope ‘Queen of the Sierra’ white blend, you’ll get a sense of what three very different, amazing grapes bring to the table.
Continue readingI didn’t only name this tequila cocktail ‘Sunny Days Ahead’ because of its sunshine-yellow hue. At the time of writing this, it’s April 17th, and we’re over a month into home-quarantining due to Coronavirus. I’m doing everything I can to keep my spirits high, but I miss people. I miss work. I miss dining out, and getting overly excited about menus and wine lists. There are sunny days ahead – I know it.
Continue readingI once read something about Italian wine that will forever stick with me: “If France is the world’s greatest wine country, Italy is the world’s most exciting.” Raj Parr, a humble sommelier turned winemaker, wrote those wise words in his wine field guide The Sommelier’s Atlas of Taste. Italy is wonderful country, and wines like Vini Rabasco ‘Cancelli’ Bianco 2017 reflect what it means to be Italian: free-spirited, sometimes wild, and always beautifully authentic.
Continue readingI don’t blame anyone who dislikes (or HATES) salads, especially if Ranch dressing isn’t involved. A simple balsamic vinaigrette or a lemony, olive oil-based dressing can each be nice and refreshing; but if you’re anything like me, sometimes you just need a bold, creamy accompaniment to all those greens. Enter: this simple chopped salad with creamy cashew dressing that will forever make you forget about store-bought Ranch or Thousand Island. It’s healthy, too!
Continue readingI don’t blame anyone who dislikes (or HATES) salads, especially if Ranch dressing isn’t involved. A simple balsamic vinaigrette or a lemony, olive oil-based dressing can each be nice and refreshing; but if you’re anything like me, sometimes you just need a bold, creamy accompaniment to all those greens.
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Kait's Eats and Sips 