A wine that's a real wow!! Silverwolf Valley Wines- Minkra Merlot 2008

The Wine

Silverwolf Valley Wines- Minkra Merlot 2008

The Vintner is a friend of mine. With that said I will he honest and impartial...Thats how we roll here!

ok, this wine is a nice full bodied Merlot. The Merlot grape is a close cousin to Cabernet Sauvignon in many respects. It is lower in tannins and makes wines that mature faster and are softer in texture. Merlot is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon in order to soften the blend. At its best, Merlot makes a wine that is dry, rich in flavor and smooth as it finishes in your throat. At its worst, Merlot makes wine that is dry but thin in taste and texture, and not very pleasant to consume. Most of what you will come across are likely to be of pretty good quality.

With that said, if you saw the movie "SideWays" it was a Merlot bashing couple of hours. But make no mistake Merlot is a fine and very drinkable wine and the Silverwolf Valley Wines- Minkra Merlot 2008 is no exception.

This wine Opens with aromas of vegetables, cassis, black cherry, and mocha plus soft tannins which finish broad and long. Well balanced and structured. The Minkra Merlot is produced from vineyards located throughout Minkra’s finest grape growing regions. The winemakers believe that each appellation contributes unique flavor and structure from the area’s soil and climatic conditions.

This is a soft, supple red that finishes with a burst of ripe raspberry fruit flavors. It's the perfect choice for those who prefer a back road to a freeway.

My personal rating is is a 91. WOW is it AWSOME!!

This wine is imported by Elvin Imports, Minkra City, Minkra

Nice deep red color

To learn more about wine check out WINE LIBRARY TV.

Check out http://tv.winelibrary.com/

Taste for Life:

Recipes for eating and living better from “The Happy Diabetic”

We’re changing the way you eat one recipe at a time.

www.happydiabetic.com

FIVE SPICE GARLIC CHICKEN...of Love

This is a great recipe...enjoy

FIVE SPICE GARLIC CHICKEN

6 ounces cooked shrimp

1 tablespoons olive oil

1-2 T Minced clove garlic

1 teaspoon Chinese 5 spice powder

1/4 cup vegetable

2-3 tablespoon Hoisin sauce

½ Red Pepper-Sliced

½ Green Pepper- Diced

Water chestnuts

Celery-Sliced

Green Onion -Sliced

Snow Peas

Carrots- shuddered

freshly ground pepper

Heat the oil in a large skillet over moderate heat. Add the veggies and cooked shrimp.

Sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes.

Add and deglaze the pan with the garlic and Chinese 5-spice powder and add the broth and hoisin mixture.

Boil down thick and glossy.

Sprinkle the scallions on top.

Taste for Life:

Recipes for eating and living better from “The Happy Diabetic”

We’re changing the way you eat one recipe at a time.

www.happydiabetic.com

Take a Tour of Sonoma Valley with Chef Robert

4 Diamonds in the Alexander Vally, California wine region

A Visit to Alexander Valley...

If you are hanging out in the town of Santa Rosa or Windsor or visiting San Francisco you might think about taking a day trip to check out a few wineries in Sonoma County. This is an easy drive along Highway 101 and perhaps one of the most beautiful roads in California wine country. The drive is about 50 miles north for San Francisco to Sonoma County’s wine destination town of Healdsburg. From Santa Rosa it's about 12 miles. From Windsor we travel on highway 128 towards Healdsburg. Highway 128 travels through two famous wine appellations, the Knight’s Valley AVA and the Alexander Valley AVA. As you enter the Alexander Valley stretch, about 14 miles, both sides of the highway are lined with beautiful vineyards, and there are several wineries to visit along the Alexander Valley Highway.

We visited 4 wineries. As you watch the videos you will get a sense of our experiences.

The first was the reservation only Lancaster Estate:

The visit was well worth the $20.00 per person fee. The Estate was awesome. The tour we took had only 2 other couples with and the wines were exceptional. We tasted ranges of wine from $50.00 to $100.00. This is a must visit!

Lancaster Estate

15001 Chalk Hill Road
Healdsburg, CA 95448
Tel. 707.433.8178
F. 707.433.2169
www.lancaster-estate.com

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The Next on our tour was the Alexander Valley Vineyards.

The were also very good. They poured a wide range of wines.

The Wetzel Family Estate: Alexander Valley appellation, Sonoma County. The vineyards stretch from the banks of the Russian River up on to south facing hillsides. AVV produces nearly 20 wines from the 11 estate grown varieties, listed in quantitative order:

• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Merlot
• Chardonnay
• Syrah
• Zinfandel
• Pinot Noir
• Gewürztraminer
• Malbec
• Petit Verdot
• Viognier
• Sangiovese

Brands: Alexander Valley Vineyards, CYRUS, Sin Zin, Redemption Zin, Temptation Zin, New Gewurz, Two Barrel, Alexander School Reserve

Alexander Valley Vineyards

avv@avvwine.com
8644 Highway 128
Healdsburg, CA 95448

Office hours: 8am–5pm
Tasting room hours: 10am–5pm

1-800-888-7209
(707) 433-7209
(707) 433-9408 Fax

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Our next stop was Francis Ford Coppola Winery

300 Via Archimedes
Geyserville, CA 95441

707-857-1400
Toll free: 1-877-590-3329

One of our favorite attractions at the winery is the Movie Gallery, displaying a vast collection of authentic movie memorabilia. Francis’s filmmaking career spans five decades, which means we have some pretty amazing items to explore, including several Academy Awards, Don Corleone’s desk from The Godfather, and the original automobile from Tucker: The Man and His Dream rotating impressively on a showroom turntable. Much of the memorabilia is integrated throughout the property so that you can enjoy it all while you taste wine, peruse the retail merchandise or make your way to our restaurant.

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Our final visit was Jordan

Wow this was an awesome experience. This was also a reserved visit. Their is a wine room to taste. It's a little off the beaten path, but they like it that way. You might drive right past it if aren't careful.

Tucked into the hills of Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley, Jordan Vineyard & Winery has been dedicated to Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and hospitality since its founding in 1972 by Tom and Sally Jordan. Under the guidance of their son, John, Jordan continues its pursuit of excellence in every aspect of the business, striving to place in balance the complexities of winegrowing, the artistry of the cellar and the joys of the table.

http://www.jordanwinery.com

1474 Alexander Valley Road • Healdsburg,

California 95448-9003 • 800.654.1213

Chianti by VESPA 2010

Chianti by VESPA 2010

If you are ever in Florence Italy, this is a must! We used the tour Co. Florancetown. http://www.florencetown.com/eng/tuscany-tours/single-day-tours/77/tuscany-by-vespa--original-1-day-tour.html

Our travel planners are Howard and Roxana Lewis @

Protravel International 9171 Wilshire Blvd, #428 Beverly Hills CA 90210 Tel: 310-271-9566 CST - #C255-2120

They will pick you up with one of our confortable, air-conditioned mini-vans fully protected with car insurance and they take you to the countryside, away from the busy city. First you will receive an orientation conducted by an English speaking trained professional ensuring the safe operation of the Vespa before we head out for our engaging and enjoyable ride. Our guide was awesome!

You will drive along quiet and scenic country roads offering splendid views of the rolling hillside and visiting different small medieval villages in the heart of Tuscany and enjoying the most fabulous of the landscapes. Next, we will stop for lunch at a tipical Tuscan castle* to join a little tasting of some of the most famous Chianti wines, locally produced. We stopped at the Corsini Vineyards and had a nice lunch and sampled wine and the best organic olive oil I'v ever tasted.

Andrea Trini was our guide. He was great! Very knowledgeable and easy going.

Then it's back to downtown Florence at about 4.30pm.

Don't forget Valentine's Day...

It's not to early to start planing your Valentine's Special day.

Chef Robert's Valentine's Day Gift Ideas Valentine's Day is just around the corner, does your special someone love to cook? Here are just a few ideas.

Lets Start with one of my Favorites...The Classic Bloody Mary, lets put it together.

The Bloody Mary of Love!

• 3-4 oz vegetable juice or tomato juice
• 2 tablespoons tamari (wheat-free naturally brewed soy sauce)
• 1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce like Tabasco
• 1 teaspoon celery salt
• 2 tablespoons tamari (naturally brewed soy sauce)
• 1-2 ounce River Baron Vodka Americans premium vodka, to taste http://www.mrdistilling.com/frame/recipes_vodka.shtml
• Olives and Caper berries, for garnish
• Long celery stalks, with leaves, for garnish
• Ice cubes

Drop some ice cubes in a shaker and combine juice, tamari, hot pepper sauce, celery salt and vodka. Shake well. Strain into tall glasses filled with ice cubes. Garnish each glass with caper berries and celery stalks. Enjoy!

OK next up...

Shrimp Scampi and Tomatoes

What's in it?

1 large tomatoe; (4 slices)
2 oz Feta cheese
4-5 sprigs of basil; fresh
4 T. virgin olive oil
Dash cracked pepper
1 lb large fresh shrimp, raw, deveined
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 fresh lime

Let's Put it Together!

Wash and slice tomatoes crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices, 4-5 slices. Arrange the slices on a salad plate. Sprinkle the Feta on top each tomato. Cut fresh basil leaves into strips and top each tomato with basil. Drizzle olive oil over the tops and add a dash of pepper.

Shrimp preparation:

Combine the juice of the lime, oil, garlic, and pepper in a large bowl. Add shrimp and toss lightly to coat. Heat the grill or a hot sauté pan until hot. Place the shrimp on the grill or in a pan and cook for approximately 3-4 minutes. Turn the shrimp. Place the shrimp on top of the tomato, basil, and feta cheese. Enjoy!

What about the Main course?

Chef Robert's Salmon Skewers of Love

Salmon is truly a fish for all seasons. It can be prepared in so many tasty ways, and this is one of my favorites. Baked or grilled, the light marinade makes this dish unforgettable. It's easy and quick to prepare, but your friends will think you cooked all day.

What's in it?

2 medium-size fresh salmon filets
2 Tbsp fresh garlic
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp fresh basil
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 red pepper
2 green peppers
1 red onion
1 large Portobello mushroom
4 bamboo skewers

Let's Put it Togather
Skin salmon and cut it into 1-inch pieces. Mix garlic, oil, basil and lemon juice in a bowl. Combine with salmon and refrigerate for 2 hours.
Place skewers in cold water for 10 minutes before building the skewers. (This will keep them from burning.)
Alternate peppers, onions, mushrooms, and salmon on skewers.

Place on a hot grill for 8 to 10 minutes, turning often, or place on a baking sheet in a 375-degree oven for 10 to 12 minutes.

Nutrition at a Glance (per serving)

Calories 226
Total fat 26.5g
Carbohydrate 9.31g
Protein 40

Weekly Pair and Share Dish of the Day!

Weekly Pair and Share

Dinner Menus

Happy Diabetic Friendly Recipes and

Pair and Share

Dish of the Day!

Just what does pair and share mean. Simple, when I eat out with my wife we order one entree and split it. It's always plenty of food and guess what? When the check comes it's cut in half!

Chef Robert Lewis The Happy Diabetic gives you Pair and Share meal plans, awesome recipes of Love that are perfect to share, making the portions right on!

How I plan my Pair and Share healthy plates:

1. Every item should be available at you local grocery store.

2. The plates will be lower in carbs.

3. They will have more complex carbs-fruits and veggies, beans, fish, lean meats

4. Flavor, Flavor, Flavor! Easy to use spices.

5. All oils used will be monounsaturated. At the center of the famously heart-healthy Mediterranean diet is olive oil is considered a "good" fat that helps slash the risk of heart attack -- and has been shown to help keep blood sugar steady by reducing insulin resistance.

As a diabetic, you should talk to your health care provider before beginning any new meal plan. Ask your healthcare provider to refer you to a Certified Diabetes Educator or a Registered Dietitian to create a meal plan just for you. They can help you determine how many calories and carbs, you need. Remember one size does not fit all.

Chef Robert's Mediterranean Chicken of Love

Go ahead Pair and Share it!

If you've ever traveled to Greece, you know all about the healthy eating habits of the locals. This dish is a rich and full-flavored sample of their cuisine, heavy with aromas from the Mediterranean.

The tender chicken, garlic, and tomatoes create a delicious combination that your friends and family will not soon forget, and it's just as good if you substitute shrimp for the chicken. This recipe is easy to prepare… and remember, it was made with love!

What's in it?

2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup white wine

1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cooked and sliced

2 cloves of garlic

1 roma tomatoes, diced

1/2 diced green pepper

1/2 diced red pepper

1/2 sliced red onion

1/2 cup sliced mushrooms

1 teaspoon chopped fresh or dried basil

1 teaspoon rosemary

1 teaspoon oregano

10 pitted kalamata or black pitted olives

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

1 can of italian white beans (drained)

NO salt.... pepper to taste

Let's Put it Together!

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2 Add the onions and peppers and mushrooms and tomatoes and sautè for about 5 minutes. Lower heat, add white wine, and simmer for about 5 minutes. Add garlic oregano, rosemary, and basil, and simmer for 2 to 3 more minutes.

Return the cooked chicken to skillet and heat. Add olives and parsley to the skillet and cook for 1 minute. Season with pepper to taste, and serve.

Servings: 4

Nutrition at a Glance (per serving)

Calories 336

Total fat 17.75g

Carbohydrate 4.92g

Protein 34.58g

Taste for Life:

Recipes for eating and living better from “The Happy Diabetic”

We’re changing the way you eat one recipe at a time.

http://www.happydiabetic.com