Tuesday Boozeday: Hard Cider Sangria

I love summer, but I love fall too. I think the change of seasons will keep us here, in the Northeast, forever. The farmers' market is abundant with fall fruits and vegetables which inspired this meal.  

It's apple season and this recipe for Hard Cider Sangria got me inspired. It's by Grace Parisi of Food and Wine, from the  October 2012 issue.

I followed Grace's recipe to the letter but, at the end, spiked the drink with some Cointreau and Calvados to intensify the flavor.   The hard cider I used is from Warwick Valley Winery in nearby Warwick NY.

Read about the Chardonnay-Braised Chicken Thighs with Parsnip on  that accompanied the Hard Sangria on Mano A Vino!

Fashionable Palate: Sparkling Shiraz on Wine Wednesday

Happy #WineWednesday.  Today, Sara Lehman is sipping Shingleback Black Bubbles Sparking Shiraz. 

Read more on Wine.

Fashionable Palate Food & Wine Pairing

Hot From The Kettle's in-house somm, Sarah Lehmann, is going through some changes!  After 12 long years of abstaining from shellfish due to an allergy, Sarah is finally able to indulge in the fruits of the sea. 

According to this bivalve enthusiast, that's reason to raise a glass!  Check out Sarah's seafood pairing with 2011 Domaine Felines Jourdan on Wine.