I decided to continue my education. I am officially an expert in New York State Wines... And so are my parents. I convinced them to take the class with me at the New York State Wine and Culinary Center. There’s nothing like family time and wine . I am a lucky girl.

This was an all day, intensive class focused on New York State wines. 7 hours later, I found myself to be more curious than ever. I hope to take another class soon! Because it is the Wine AND Culinary Center, the kind chefs fed us a scrumptious lunch! This might look simple but the flavors were complex. I had their veggie sandwich on a chewy sourdough bread with charred parsnips and carrots, a spicy mayonnaise, avocado, tomato and mixed greens. The salad had a Cajun spice dressing with chick peas and cherry tomatoes. And lastly, the shredded carrots had almonds, golden raisins and scallions. I also had 1/2 of a chocolate chip cookie for good measure.

The second half of the class was all about geography. I never realized how much the spacial planning impacts the flavor of  grapes! We spent quite some time discussing climate, soil and conditions before moving on to pairings. For pairings, were given popcorn with different flavorings: Lemon Zest, Rosemary and Truffle Oil, Cinnamon and Maple and Cajun Spice. We had four wines to pair: Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, a sweet varietal, and an Ice Wine. It was up to us to determine which wine we liked the best for each popcorn flavor, and filled in a worksheet as to our personal preference.  At the analysis, my dad and I found that our tastes are nearly identical!  My palate told me that the lemon paired best with the sauvignon blanc, the rosemary truffle oil paired best with the cabernet franc, the maple cinnamon paired with the dessert wine and the cajun paired with the sweet varietal.

When we got back to my apartment, we were in a time crunch for dinner. It was already 6pm and almost all of the restaurants we called did not have seating until 9pm! We decided to sip wine (Kendall Jackson Chardonnay for me) at an Italian Restaurant near by and wait for an hour and a half. We weren’t seated at 8pm, however; it was worth it.

We started off with warm Italian bread with fresh Parmesan cheese, roasted garlic, olives and olive oil (times 2) . Shortly after, we ordered salads to tame our hunger. A simple mixed green salad with mushrooms, cucumber, tomato and red bell pepper. To drink, I ordered a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand to compliment my meal.

For the main event, I ordered the first item that caught my attention while browsing the menu: Linguini Limone. Homemade linguine (so tender and flavorful!) with pine nuts, artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes and asparagus topped with feta cheese, lemon zest and olive oil. Initially I was going to order a main dish that did not include pasta. I went to the Farmer’s Market this morning to purchase a special pasta for a Sunday dinner, and didn’t want to have pasta two nights in a row. When I saw this dish on the menu it was too good to pass up! It was such a huge, delicious portion, I’m sure it could have feed 2-3 people. I took home about half, that will make a second meal . As much as I despise leftovers, I am already excited that I get to eat this again!

Holy yum.

I am so full. *sigh* It has been a long day. We have plans for a decadent brunch tomorrow. See you in the morning!

Best,

Nora

This will be our Christmas Card for 2011. We are planning this a year in advance to make up for the one my mom sent out this year…

She took a picture of a cardinal in our backyard, inserted text and sent it to her friends via Facebook.I love my mom.

We sipped on wine and enjoyed appetizers at my cousin’s house.Shrimp CocktailMushrooms with Crab Stuffing (a new favorite!)Cheese, Crackers and Grapes

I had a bit of everything, my favorites were the crab stuffed mushrooms and the blue cheese.Meat Lasagna and Salad

For dinner my aunt and uncle had meat lasagna and salad. The salad was dressed in lemon vinaigrette which was a refreshing pair with the creamy blue cheese crumbles.Sesame Cookie and Florentine Cookie.

I have been eating cookies everyday since the beginning of December. I hate to admit that I am getting sick of them. My uncle had an Italian cookie platter from a local bakery and I could not pass it up! Florentine Cookies are a favorite of mine and I love a crumbly sesame cookie with coffee. It was the perfect treat to end a Christmas meal.

Merry Christmas,

Nora

Do you have any holiday meal traditions in you family?

]]> http://www.livelifeeatright.com/2010/12/25/christmas-with-family/feed/ 2 http://www.livelifeeatright.com/2010/12/23/happy-homie/ http://www.livelifeeatright.com/2010/12/23/happy-homie/#comments Fri, 24 Dec 2010 01:25:24 +0000 Nora http://www.livelifeeatright.com/?p=5733 I returned to my parent’s home yesterday evening right in time for dinner. We had take out, however; this isn’t your ordinary fast-food meal. My dad picked up Mexican food from a local place called Alto Cinco. It is one of those eateries you find once in a blue moon and I always look forward to eating there while I am home. I ordered a favorite: Chicken Tostata. A tortilla bottom filled with cheese, rice, black beans, pulled chicken, cabbage all dressed in a lime vinaigrette and topped with sour cream.And as my mom always says, “You can’t have Mexican without beer!”Mom knows best. My dad brought home a Middle Ages (local microbrewery) Double IPA. This beer is so delicious that I had to have two!I was completely stuffed but I am never satisfied until I have something sweet. A hot chocolate with a leftover homemade marshmallow from my s’mores packs hit the spot. 1/2 cup rolled oats cooked in 1/2 cup vanilla soy milk, 1 cup water, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and 1/2 banana. Topped with 1/2 banana, blackberry jam, 1 TBS Crunchy Natural Peanut Butter and local wild flower honey.

I woke up this morning and had a leisurely breakfast. I cooked in my pajamas and glasses (something I never do, as I usually have to be ready for work) and made a lovely bowl of whipped banana oats. This was the perfect way to start my Christmas vacation. I also had to brave the cold and scrape ice off of my car, so warm, cozy oats made that more bearable.  I went grocery shopping to retrieve cookie supplies and when I got home I fixed myself lunch. I usually have to pack a sandwich for lunch at work so it felt like a luxury to take time to cook and enjoy.First I roasted beets.And then I made a yummy salad dressing with Cosimano e Ferrari Cherry Balsamic and Basil Olive Oil.Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese, Walnuts, 1/2 chopped apple (half on the side), 1 carrot, 1 stalk of celery and 1 roasted beet in a basil olive oil and cherry balsamic vinaigrette.

This lunch was light and lovely. It powered me through a few batches of cookies, and then it was snack time. I wanted something refreshing and this really did the trick:1 cup Chobani Plain Greek Yogurt, 1 clementine, roasted almonds, wildflower honey and cinnamon.

I love citrus in the winter time. Crunchy toasted almonds, creamy Greek yogurt and honey make a for a perfect combination. It is one of those snacks that makes you feel happy.Since I was in the kitchen for the entire day, I only felt it proper to continue occupying the space into the evening. My brother came home for the holidays and I made our family Beef and Butternut Squash Stew with Garlic Cheese Toast and Cabernet Sauvignon. I think we all went back for seconds of everything. It was good to be back together again.

I’m currently eying a few cookies….or maybe some hot coco. I like the sound of that. Tis the season!

Happy Family Days,

Nora

What are your “family favorite” dishes?

I woke up to an extra large jar of oats, delicious to the last bite. I added 1 large banana to the mix and almost couldn’t fit all of the contents into the jar! I was really excited for this feast, however; I was even more excited to open a new jar. This is my favorite natural crunchy peanut butter!

And then I got down to business. Homemade vanilla marshmallows were sliced.Homemade peppermint bark was broken.And of course homemade graham crackers were baked.

More to come.

Fa La La,

Nora

I’m all turkey-ed out, but my love for brie, fruit and bread stands strong. Thank goodness!Romaine Lettuce. Carrots. Grape Tomatoes. Raisins. Pecans. Balsamic.

My crunchy, grainy toast made the perfect surface for a heaping amount of leftover apple-orange cranberry sauce and creamy brie. The brie I buy is strong. It almost the flavor of a true Camembert cheese. And yes, I leave the rind on. I love to pretend I am in France. *Le Sigh.* I had my toast with a sweet harvest salad. Twas the perfect light and luxurious lunch for a relaxing Sunday.

Say Cheese,

Nora

What are your favorite kinds of cheese?

**NOTE: I am a lover of all things cheese. Hard and soft. Cow, sheep and goat. Cave-aged and wash rind–the list goes on. This question is extremely difficult for me to answer, however; I once had Camembert de Normandie and it changed my life.

I had a light late lunch as this puppy baked. The smell of cinnamon was getting to me. I needed food.It took all of my will power to let it cool completely before slicing. Actually, it was still warm.My baking was inspired by a spontaneous purchase of Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese.I always feel obligated to eat the end piece. Not many people like the crunch end but I don’t mind . This recipe was a bit of an experiment, I used several different recipes as a guide. I couldn’t tell from the end piece if the bread was moist. I cut another thick slice with the intention of sampling the center. Just one bite.Just one bite…yea right. I devoured a second slice. This thing was good. I was nervous because the outside looked a little over done but the inside was cooked to perfection. It was rich and hearty, I literally couldn’t help myself. I think I’ve been bitten by the baking bug. This would make a lovely winter dessert with some fresh whipped cream.

Swooning,

Nora

]]> http://www.livelifeeatright.com/2010/10/31/baking-bug/feed/ 1 http://www.livelifeeatright.com/2010/10/30/wine-and-cookies/ http://www.livelifeeatright.com/2010/10/30/wine-and-cookies/#comments Sun, 31 Oct 2010 01:11:49 +0000 Nora http://www.livelifeeatright.com/?p=4675 At the end of the day I needed a little bit of this.Ravenswood Zinfandel

And this.Walnut-Chocolate Chip Whole Wheat Cookies.

I ended the day with two of my  guilty pleasures: wine and dessert. It was a necessary measure after a hectic evening. Let’s just say that I had some malfunctioning pipes in my bathroom and couldn’t reach my landlord. Three hours later, I was left with a bill and a mess. Cookies and wine…COME TO ME! I had planned an intricate dinner, however; after my little unexpected issue I did not have the time. I wound up making an old stand by: Roasted Veggies and Boston Baked Beans.Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Homemade Boston Baked Beans, Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Ketchup.

This was the last of the Homemade Boston Baked Bean and they were bit dry after spending a month in the freezer. Ketchup was needed.Believe it or not, this is a sweet potato. It had a semi-sweet taste but not as intense as a yam. I think I prefer this to a classic white potato.Lunch today was a simple salad of spinach, hummus, kalamata olives, sprouts, carrots and tomatoes with a hunk of Woodstock Bread with goat cheese and an apple.Nom. Nom. A thick end piece. Doughy and delightful..And a cup of Greek yogurt with cinnamon, Crofter’s Europe Superfuit Spread and roasted almonds.

I munched on some dried fruit and nuts in the afternoon while planning a baking adventure for tomorrow Stay tuned, I am really excited about this! And that was my day. Uneventful, frustrating but filled with yummy bites.

Happy Thoughts,

Nora

If I really want to I can have a few cups of coffee in my favorite mug while reading old copies of Bon Appetit and planning my day.I can do nothing but relax all morning. Have a snack. And go for a run. A slow run, so I can look at the scenery and appreciate every second of it, since I do not have time to exercise during the week.Mixed Nuts, Dates, one lonely Fig

I can have whatever I am feeling like for lunch, and go back for more yogurt since my refrigerator is mere feet away. I have no meetings to run to and housework can wait.Last of my baby spinach, leftover roasted pumpkin with cinnamon, 1 diced apple, roasted Brussels sprouts and 1 cup Greek yogurt, gingersnap granola, cinnamon and apple butter.

And lastly, I can take a spoon straight to the dark chocolate peanut butter jar, and declare lunch a victory.No one has to know that I took an extra “finger swipe” before closing the jar .

Happy Weekend,

Nora

What is your favorite part about the weekend?

My brother just finished his undergraduate program (CONGRATS ANDREW!!) and my family is celebrating this weekend. I postponed my arrival home for some much needed down time. My apartment was a mess and my priorities seemed skewed. I needed a night to reorganize. For dinner I went with the simple and satisfying “use it or lose it” theme.Last of my Fresh Baby Spinach, 1 Chicken-Feta-Spinach Sausage Link, 1/2 Roasted Acorn Squash and 1 Fuji Apple dusted with Cinnamon.Okay, and perhaps I had two glasses of A to Z Pinot Noir. It’s Friday and I love this wine!Lunch was a big cheesy salad dressed in olive oil and balsamic and a pumpkin biscuit with apple butter. I’m telling you, the “use it or lose it” theme carried throughout my day! I haven’t been bringing salads to work because they take WAY too long to eat, however; I had a lot of spinach with a use by date of today (note to self: stop buying bulk produce.) ! I think it is fair to say I had a week’s worth of greens in a single day. Goodness gracious! I snacked on a Cherry Pie Lara Bar later in the day. Both my meals and my snacks felt extremely “Fall”.

1/2 cup rolled oats cooked in 1/2 cup vanilla soy milk, 1/2 cup water, cinnamon, 1 TBS chia seeds, 1/2 banana, 1 heaping spoonful of almond butter, pumpkin butter and blackberry jam.

I woke up late this morning and burned my mouth on this as I struggled to pack my lunch and get ready for work. I debated just grabbing a bar and a banana for an “on the go” breakfast, but I refuse to sacrifice my favorite meal of the day. I ran out of instant oats so this bowl was fairly simple and hearty. It was a comforting way to start my busy day.

I hate days when I feel rushed and do not have time to come up with a thoughtful meal. I suppose I shouldn’t complain because at least I had time to eat! I know so many people that have all their food on-the-go in a convenient manner. Maybe it’s just my inner foodie but I could never do that! If I don’t have 3-proper meals a day I get cranky. Thus why I don’t do the whole “brunch” thing.

Must find chocolate.

Relaxing,

Nora

Spinach/Arugula, Baby Roma Tomatoes, Broccoli, Pumpkin Seeds, Dried Cherries and Broccoli dressed in olive oil/balsamic. Roasted Carnival Squash on the side.

And ~1/2 cup Greek Yogurt topped with Cinnamon, Almonds and Apple Butter. I swear this tasted like apple pie.Due to my light lunch, I had a snack-tastic afternoon. It included but was not limited to Medjool dates with walnuts , almonds and hazelnuts. Looking back, I also had another carrot, vanilla soy milk and a spoonful of peanut butter.

Dessert shall be a raspberry-coconut lemon bar. I will report the recipe tomorrow! I also have a little something special for tomorrow…here’s a hint:

Plotting and Planning,

Nora