Lavender Bee's Knees Martini #BrunchWeek

The perfect spring cocktail to start off a brunch celebrating all the important women in your life this Mother's Day.  Bee's Knees is an iconic cocktail that is lightened up and made special with the addition of a lavender-infused sparkling wine.

This gorgeous color is perfect for Easter, Mother's Day, or a Kentucky Derby gathering.  Anywhere you are celebrating with a brunch, whether it's just you or a whole gang.

Campari Spritz #SummerCocktails

We celebrated our friend Cathy's birthday here on Memorial Day.  The group that gathered is traveling to Italy in September so I decided to kick things off with a Campari Spritz.

Cheers.  We are celebrating Summer Cocktails.......

Celebrating Women in Wine with Delta Airlines #WinePW

 We were traveling to Maui from LA last month.  Our flight was very early and we had been up for a few hours when the food and beverage service began.  I asked for an orange juice and a sparkling wine so I could enjoy a Mimosa with my Biscoff Cookies.

A Tropical Grazing Board and Hawaiian Sparkling Wine; Mele Kalikimaka #WorldWineTravel

I am heading to Maui to kick off the New Year.  I am very excited to return this year and so fortunate to have such good friends who welcome us to their home on the Island.   

I decided to see if Hawaii made sparkling wines.  To my delight, they do.  This made my decision on what to share with this month's wine group very easy.

Celebrating an American Thanksgiving with an Italian Antipasti Platter and a Sparkling Wine from Italy that is not Prosecco #ItalianFWT

Start your Thanksgiving Dinner with some Antipasti and a bottle of Capisco Spumante from Northern Italy.

Our Italian Food, Wine, and Travel group are celebrating an American Thanksgiving with Italian Wine......

Celebrating the Holidays with Friends, Appetizers, and Dominio de Los Duques Cava #WorldWineTravel

We had friends over for dinner last night to celebrate the season.  We started the festivities with appetizers and a bottle of Dominio de Los Duques Cava.  Spain's answer to Champagne.  Just as crisp, dry and delicious, and much more affordable.

It is time for the Holiday version of World Wine Travel where we have been visiting South America in 2023.

Abbesse de Loire Crémant de Loire Rosé to Celebrate the Holidays #Winophiles

This sparkling Rosé from Loire Valley is made from Grolleau grapes in the Champagne Method.   It is bright, vibrant, and bone-dry.  Perfect for welcoming guests with appetizers, pairing with a meal, or toasting with dessert. 

The French Winophiles are celebrating the holidays with Bubbly.......

Cheers! It is Christmastime in Michigan #WinePW

Our halls are all decked and we are feeling jolly.  It is time for the parties to commence.  We start tonight with a dinner at Jessica and Julien's.  Julien's parents have been visiting from France and tonight is their last evening here.  

I am taking this Michigan-themed basket to share with everyone.......

Moqueca de Camarao and a Sparkling Wine from Brazil #WorldWineTravel

This creamy, delicious Brazilian Shrimp Stew in Coconut Sauce, is made in only one pan and ready in less than an hour.

The World Wine Travel Group is heading to Brazil this month........

Snacks, Wine, and Game Night #WinePW

I got a new game, Wine-Opoly, for my birthday from Roz.  My friends and family know me well.  

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken + Cava = A Perfect Summer Pairing #WinePW

This bottle of  CAVA Rose Brut may just be the perfect summertime, poolside drink.  It is crisp, bone dry and refreshing and it pairs beautifully with warm weather foods.

The Wine Pairing Weekend gang are looking at CAVA this month........

Printemps Accueillant et le Menu de la Semaine #Winophiles

The French Winophiles are celebrating Springtime in Paris.  I decided to bring Strawberries in Cremant with Chantilly Cream to the party.

Garlic and Herb Steamed Mussels #FishFridayFoodies

Impress your guests with this amazingly simple and delicious Seafood Platter.  Simple preparation and very little time is involved, yet the WOW factor is incredible.

 Welcome to the November edition of Fish Friday Foodies........

Big Night Sparkling Risotto and a late Weekly Menu #MoviesandMunchies

I am hosting our Movies and Munchies group this month and asked the others to join me in watching Big Night written by and starring Stanley Tucci.

I wanted to watch this movie after reading Tucci's "Taste: My Life Through Food" for our Cook the Books selection.  You can read my review here.

Cremant Wine Battered Perch; Michigan and French Classics Collide #FishFridayFoodies #Winophiles

Fresh Michigan Lake Perch dredged in a batter made with Cremant from France.  This was the crispiest, tastiest fish I have ever made.  Beer batter has been replaced with Cremant batter in this household.

Lemony Shrimp Pasta #LemonWeek

Wondering what to do with that 1/4 bottle of bubbly that is left in the refrigerator?  Wonder no more....

This easy and delicious pasta comes together quickly.  The lemon and wine give it a brightness while the mushrooms, shrimp and cheese  combine to make a complete one dish meal.

It is the final day of Lemon Week.......

Celebrating Spring with Raclette and Rosé #Winophiles

The French Winophiles are celebrating Joyeuses Pâques, the resurrection of our Lord and Springtime.  To assist us in this venture, Cam of Culinary Cam worked with  Kobrand Wine and Spirits  and arranged for us to receive some wines to pair with our Spring celebration.  

We were not given any monetary compensation and, as always, all writings and opinions on this blog are 100% my own.

I was provided two bottles of rosé one still and one sparkling for this event.  

Celebrating Little Christmas in Michigan with a Local Bubbly #WinePW

Did you celebrate The Feast of the Epiphany yesterday?  Also known as Three Kings Day, Befana Day, Little Christmas, Twelfth Day, The Baptism of Jesus, depending on your location, customs and culture.

We do celebrate the Twelve Days of Christmas ending with Little Christmas on January 6th, the Feast of the Epiphany.  I had planned a family dinner and was going to serve Italian foods, starting with anitpasti and ending with a Befana Cake.

However, on New Years Day, Frank was diagnosed with COVID and we went into quarantine.  All gatherings were canceled.  Frank and I still celebrated the end of the Christmas season and the near end of his quarantine by popping open a bottle of Sparkling Wine from Mawby Vineyards here in Michigan.

Merry Christmas; Let's Celebrate with Cava #WorldWineTravel

 Merry Christmas Eve Everyone.  Whatever your plans are for this evening a bottle of bubbly always makes for a better celebration.  I know when people think of bubbly, Champagne comes to mind followed by the price tag and the decision to forego the sparkling wine.  

There are tons of sparkling wines out there that I daresay are just as good, if not better, than those from Champagne, France.  Some come from other areas of France but many come from other countries and some of my favorites come from Spain where they are designated Cava.

Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil paired with a Cremant Cocktail for a fun Holiday Celebration #FishFridayFoodies #Winophiles

Shrimp Boils are not just for summertime fun.  They can be just as fun during the busy holiday season utilizing your slow cooker to free up your time for gift wrapping and cookie baking.

I served my shrimp boil up with a traditional French Cocktail, a Kir Royale, often served at Christmas gatherings and inspired by the memoir, My Grape Christmas.