Garden Woes

Well, well, well it has taken awhile for our garden to get going with all of the crazy weather we had. As much as I hate the heat the tomatoes love it. Guess I have said that a few times.

I was like a new mother the other day. I called Mike and advised him our first born was here. Meaning I had seen our first heirloom tomato. Okay, it is kind of silly, but if you had waited as long as we have it is a blessing.

Oh, but to my dismay I saw the little black droppings of the worm that can suck the life out of a tomato plant. The Tomato Horn Worm (manduca quinquemaculata). I don't want them to stay around until the metamorphosis into The Five-Spotted Hawkmoth happens. The Hawkmoth is the size of a hummingbird  and not bad looking. I just wish their toddler stage was done on some other plant. Maybe the ugly shrubs in the yard, the weeds, we have plenty for them to eat. Get off my tomatoes, dammit. Okay not the best pic but you get the drift.

The zucchinis are, well do I really need to comment on this. One day they are two inches long, the next ten.

Lemon cucumbers are doing what they do best - climb. Beets are already picked and waiting to be roasted. Green beans are slow since we had to replant due to crappy soil, our bad.

Don't ever buy Kellogg soils. The are mostly wood, a tad of soil, and bat guano. Apparently, a bat flew over and pooped on it once. Oh yes, they did list it on the bag. The best soil is mushroom compost, organic matter, some cow or chicken manure. Let it sit after tilling it together. If you don't mix in the manure and let it sit, the soil will be to hot. Not weather hot but soil hot.

I think I'm done for right now, may go out and pick some worms. That is if I can find them, need the eyes of a hawk to spot them.

Ciao Bella

Ranting

Okay, I've had enough of this unemployment. Why you ask, because I had to cancel our wine clubs. One was Four Vines in Templeton (Paso Robles), the other was Esterlina in Philo.

I miss having my closet full of great wine to share with friends or to drink myself. I know that one of these days I'll have the wine again. There are more important things on my agenda.

Had dinner with friends on Saturday and had an awesome dinner and exceptional wine.

I have to get back on the bandwagon regarding my weight and working out. I had to freeze my gym membership to save some money. I go back next month and I am really ready. I just don't work out as hard at home. I notice that I don't feel as good nor do I have the energy I had when I was going. (Wait, maybe it is the lack of wine doing it. No? Okay I thought I would throw that in.)

One thing I have learned on this trip through the land of unemployment, there are a lot of things I can live without. When there is only one income coming in you have to make sacrifices. I don't get my nails done anymore, I wait longer to get my hair cut (I color it myself), the clothes in my closet are just fine, Mike doesn't mind that I cut his hair, we only go out to eat once in a while. We also plan our grocery shopping trips better. We still don't give up organic or quality, we just make it last. We have our own garden, we shop at the local farmer's markets, and I try to use as many coupons as I can. Our landlords are understanding during this time and they let us pay our rent in two payments. Thank you Steve and Linda.

This also becomes a problem when it comes to looking for employment. It looks like it would have to be something part time that doesn't conflict with Mike's schedule or something at night. Although I'm not sure I could work at night, I would probably fall asleep all of the time.

If the job market is getting better I sure haven't seen it, especially here in the foothills. Most people are now to the point where they are running out of unemployment benefits, what happens to these people now? They are already barely making it. People are still losing jobs, their houses, their cars, spouses, and sometimes their minds (depression is a horrible state of being).

You get questioned why you haven't found work from the person that is making $100k a year, driving a Mercedes, and their kids go to private school. They are also very good about giving suggestions of what you should do to find a job. Have you looked here? Have you looked there? These well meaning friends do not understand that when there is a job opening, 500 people have probably applied for it. Most of the people that apply may not even have the qualifications, but they apply anyway just because they want a job.

On the news and in person I see hundreds of people standing in line for a company that is hiring 100 people, there are more than 500 people showing up at job fairs. You know what I don't see? People dressed professionally, like they really want a job. I've seen hoodies, t-shirts, ripped jeans, ratty clothing in general, standing along with the minority of people dressed in business attire. Men in a suit or a decent pair of slacks and a nice shirt. Women in a dress, nice slacks, or business suit.

Oh, if you do want a job, LOSE THE DAMN CELL PHONE. You don't need to be texting your buds or BFFs what you are doing every five seconds. Do you think a potential employer is going to hire you if you are texting while being interviewed? Unless, they are a company that does texting studies, I doubt you will get hired.

Okay, I think I'm done for tonight. Keep positive thoughts and everything will be alright.

Esterlina Chardonnay and My Shrimp Pasta Dish

It is the end of my three week grocery shopping cache. I stand looking at the refrigerator/freezer and cupboards wondering what can I cook for dinner tonight?

Let's see I have some frozen uncooked shrimp, white wine, lemons, capers, garlic, olive oil, and whole wheat pasta. Gee, I wonder what can make with these ingredients?

The white wine is an Esterlina (do you see a pattern here?) 2007 Chardonnay from Russian River Valley. Yes, people I do like a good white wine on occasion. It's not all about red wine.

This wine is crisp and goes well with anything tart. Like lemons. Maybe that is just my opinion, but I do enjoy this Chardonnay. I could also see it accenting a hot, Asian dish also.

So the dinner, first I sauted the shrimp in a Spanish Olive Oil, then put them to the side. Sprinkled with a little sea salt and fresh ground pepper. I add the whole wheat spaghetti to the boiling, salted water. 12 minutes for the pasta.

During this time, I add a little more olive oil to the pan that the shimp was cooked in. In goes the minced garlic, I only cook this for a moment because garlic will get bitter if it is cooked too long. I add 1/2 a cup of the Chardonnay (and no I am not wasting it by using it in my dish). It simmers for a minute or so, then I add lemon zest and 1/2 a cup of lemon juice (about two lemons). I let this simmer until it is reduced about half. Now for the capers, they only cook in the sauce for a minute then I add the shrimp back in.

The pasta has finished cooking, it has been drained, and put back into the pot it was cooked in. Now the shrimp is done and I pour it on the pasta. I mix it up, then serve it in bowls. I pour a glass of the Esterlina Chardonnay. The evening is complete.

An awesome meal, exceptional Chardonnay, and the USA won the Hockey game. What more can I ask for?

Ellie and Esterlina once again

Okay you are probably already tired of this combination, but you must get over it. As Martha would say, "It is a good thing."

I would have never thought that a Pinot Noir would go with Chicken Chop Suey, oh but it does! Quite well as a matter of fact.

There was a lot of prep time, shredding chicken (okay, I confess Mike did the chicken), cutting Shitake mushrooms, Napa cabbage (something I had never cooked before), bamboo shoots, and the regular items that would accent Chop Suey.

I coated Won Ton skins with canola oil and a tad of sea salt and baked them until browned and crispy. Then I proceeded to stir fry the rest of the ingredients while brown rice was in the steamer. Once everything was was combined and cooked to what the recipe specified, it was time to eat. We started with the brown rice in our bowls, topped with the chop suey and the crispy won tons. WOW!

Mike had already picked the Esterlina Pinot Noir (my sommelier in training?). I would like a Sauvignon Blanc or a really dry Chardonnay, (in my mind I am thinking "What would Andrea Immer Robinson do?") as this is a Chinese meal with chicken. Once again I was proved wrong. The Pinot went perfectly with the meal. I don't know if it was the salty won tons or the sesame oil, but it worked.

Some of you might wonder why I'm doing all of this cooking when Mike and I used to go out a lot. Well, unemployment has given me a lot of time to prepare and cook meals at home. We now only go out maybe once a month for dinner and a couple of times for lunch.

This is not a bad thing. I do not miss going out. Actually it has worked out quite well. Our first adventure of not going out has been Ellie Krieger's cookbook and it has been worth it. Her recipes are healthy and always tasty. I'm not missing the mega pinches of salt that my recipes usually had. I follow her lead and do not add additional salt.

I'm not spending any more than when we were going out. Honestly, I think I am spending less and Mike is happy to have his meals ready when he gets home from work. And no, I have not become the perfect housefrau, it is just something I have found I really, really like to do and yes it is for me too.

Okay, now the information on the wine. Esterlina 2007 Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, Esterlina Estate Vineyard, Reserva.

Here is what they say: My father believes wine growing is all about the land. Based on that belief, we sought out sites in the finest appellations and planted superior clones with the goal of producing exceptional wine. Through experimentation, patience, and a little luck, we feel we have created an exceptional wine. We hope you feel the same. E.I.Sterling, Proprietor. http://www.esterlinavineyards.com/ (707) 895-2920.

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day and I am cooking a Sweet and Sour Brisket. Don't be surprised, yes it is Ellie all over again. I hope you and your loved ones have a wonderful day. Make sure to eat DARK chocolate as it is good for you. Oh and it goes really great with Port.

Ciao Bella!

Ellie Krieger and Esterlina Wine

The Food You Crave by Ellie Krieger has become one of my favorite cookbooks. Ellie has been on the Food Network, that is where I first saw her. She is a registered dietitian and was an adjunct professor at NYU in the Department of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health.

Her cookbook is filled with yummy recipes that list all of the nutrient and calorie information. She has updated old recipes by making them healthier and full of flavor without all of the bad things.

The other day I gave Mike a bunch of sticky tabs and said go through this book and find what you would like to try. Let's just say the book is full of sticky tabs. So I pick the recipe, buy the ingredients, and give it a try.

Last night we had Linguine with Shrimp and Vegetables. I couldn't find whole wheat linguine so I used whole wheat spaghetti. This recipe has asparagus, garlic, lemon, large shrimp, dry white wine, parsley, tomatoes and parmesan cheese to top it off. The recipe serves four (leftovers for Mike to take to lunch) and has 579 calories per serving.

I used some Esterlina 2008 Riesling for the 1/2 cup of white wine. I then helped myself to a glass. This wine was the perfect complement to the dish. This was not an overly sweet Riesling. It comes from Esterlina's Cole Ranch.

Mike and I have had the pleasure of meeting the Sterling family that comprises Esterlina. Their tasting rooms are way up (2.5 miles) a dirt road just outside of Philo in Mendocino County. You have to call first and they will tell you to come on up or not. After winding up the road, we reached the tasting rooms. They look like converted two-story homes with big decks that give you the most amazing view of  the valley and the vineyards. There we tasted their exceptional wines, not a bad one in the bunch.

Here is a little info: Cole Ranch is 253 acres - the smallest appellation in America. There, they grow Riesling, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot grapes. Their vineyard is the sole vineyard in this unique appellation; Esterlina's Alexander Valley Ranch, with gravelly soils produce some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon in the region; The Sterling Family vineyard, in the cool Russian River Valley produces a classic Burgundian-style Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

I'm sure we will get back there in the future (I'm hoping the near future). I love Mendocino County and could easily live there. I don't see that happening anytime soon, but I can hope can't I. So for the time being I'll enjoy my few bottles of Esterlina and match it up with some healthy, flavorful, recipes from Ellie. Buon Appetito!

Ciao!

Sweepstakes

Not only am I addicted to various crafts now, I've found that entering Sweepstakes is my newest venture. Can this be considered a job?

Awhile back I worked with this great guy, Eric, his wife won stuff all of the time. It was amazing the things she won. It was pretty impressive.

I thought what the heck, I'm sure I can win something. I had won radio contests and a refrigerator when I lived in Paso Robles (that was eons ago).

Let's just say I don't enter religiously. I don't enter every contest. Can't see entering for something I would never use or giveaway just to have the thrill of winning. I don't want to win a trip if it doesn't include transportation. I don't enter to win skinny jeans. Come on, me and skinny jeans? I'm laughing now at the thought of it. Or just the thought of me trying to get into them. Sorry, TMI.

So far--nada, zip, nil, nothing.

The bottom line is--I would be grateful to win anything, no matter how small or how crazy. Even if I can't use it I'm sure I know someone who can.

I always tell Mike, "If you don't enter you can't win." So next time you see a contest that peaks your interest, go ahead, give it a try. Maybe you will be the next big winner of something great or something that just makes you feel good.

If you don't win, that is okay too. Why do we have family and friends? They make us winners everyday!

Ciao!

P.S. Make sure you read the official rules and remember taxes are involved.

Isosceles

Isosceles is an excellent wine from Justin Vineyards and Winery in Paso Robles. Mike and I had been holding on to a few bottles. Saving them for that "Special Occasion." I guess last night was a regular evening that turned into a special occasion.

I asked him to pick a bottle of wine because I needed a cup of it for the recipe I was whipping up. Out he comes with a 1998 Isosceles. "What about this?" I'm thinking he has lost his mind. Then I got to thinking what the heck. Twelve years is a little long to have a California wine sitting around.

After opening and aerating for a tad. Mike poured a glass for both of us. I poured a cup for the recipe. Let me tell you, waiting 12 years was worth it and I do not regret for one moment that we opened this bottle. I had the urge to drink the other bottles, but I wanted to savor and remember this bottle.

Maybe everyday in some way should be a special occasion. Who says we need to go out to dinner or wait for a birthday or anniversary. By having this wine, it made the evening special and my recipe quite tasty.

I think we waste too much time waiting for a special day. Let's make everyday special. Do what you have to do to achieve something special. Nothing big; a hug, a kiss, try a new recipe, be grateful, say something nice to someone. All of these things are special and we can do them everyday.

Now back to the wine. Isosceles is a blend of 65% Cabernet Saugivnon, 19% Cabernet Franc, and 16% Merlot (unfiltered). Here is their description:

A rainy winter was followed by a cool spring. As normal summer temperatures returned, we removed leaves around the clusters for additional sun exposure. By the end of November, three to four weeks later than most years, we had harvested twelve select vineyard blocks. The long hang-time produced fruit with ripe berry aromas, balanced tannis, and acidity and a lower sugar concentration than typical years. Unusually slow extraction required a month long maceration with two to three pumpovers per day. Quarterly rackings over the 26-month 100% French Oak (35% new) barrel aging eliminated the need for filtration. Jeff Branco, Winemaker (www.justinwine.com)

If you ever get a chance to check out the Paso Robles wine region, go for it. Justin may be quite a drive, but oh so worth it. You need to spend at least four days. Don't try to go to every tasting room and winery, you won't be able to. Pick a handful, and spend the extra time getting to know the area. Here are some of our favorites: Justin, Opolo, Four Vines, Turley, Pipestone, Booker.

Oh and if you are down to Paso Robles and heading out to Justin, you can also stop at Pasolivo Olive Oil. I would be more than glad to go with you and show you around!!!

Ciao!