Project Pinterest 2013 :: Greek food!

I know it is getting close but I have not forgotten about my resolution to actually do some of the things that I keep drooling over on Pinterest.  And I actually did these two weeks ago but have been doing rather poorly at keeping up on my blogging.  So today, you get a double dose of Pinterest yumminess!

I had two of my best friends visit me at the beginning of the month and decided to make Mediterranean/Greek food for dinner one night mostly because I had seen these two delicious looking pins.

Pinterest via Sweet Paul

Pinterest via Annie's Eats

So I thought it can't be that hard to do this, right?  Well, I was partially right.  =) The first recipe, a feta cheese dip, was so easy and yummy!  Because we were doing Greek food, I had cut up cucumber and bell peppers to dip with as well as the pita bread that we had made (I can also see pita chips going amazingly well with this dish).  Verdict on the dip: excellent (read: make it yourself now).  =)

yeah....so we already started digging in but I had to snap a quick pick of the feta dip especially since it was amazing with this wine: Waipara Springs Riesling

Now for the pita bread.  I am going to be honest here.  We misread the recipe.  =P  So some of our struggles were our own fault.

I love pita bread, ok fine, so  I love bread generally, but can you really beat the deliciousness of warm, soft, barely poof-ed, pita bread?  So I saw this recipe and thought, let's try it!  Turns out the recipe isn't that difficult if you get the timing right.  Which is what we didn't get right.  =P  But I will make two notes on my experimentation with it.  First, I think the recipe could make more than just 8 pieces of pita.  And second, it is possible to make it in less time but you will have a denser pita because you will have fewer rise times.

Other than that, I have to say this recipe does make some pretty stinking amazing pita bread and I would highly recommend it - and read the recipe all the way through before you start.  =P

Have a beautiful day!

P.S. And if you want to see some other Pinterest projects that I have not had time to post about yet, check out my Pinterest board that has them all!

V-Day Mug Swap Swag!

Do you know what I love?  People.  I love people.  Especially ones that I feel I have found a kindred spirit in.  And I also love other people who have made it their job to bring all of us kindred spirits together.

And so today you are getting a lovely little glimpse at a kindred spirit.  Kimber was my swap partner for the #vdaymugswap exchange hosted by Alissa & Caroline (which you should totally get in on next year, if you didn't do it this year).  Anyway, back to people.  Kimber blogs over here and you should definitely take a read.  She has a heart for the Lord that is so encouraging and refreshing.  She is sweet, crafty, and an all-around awesome person to know!  

A little look at all the goodies she sent me (minus most of the candy...I've been in a chocolate/nut mood and that's what she sent me).  =)  But did you know that those fabric pieces are actually tape & tags?  She made them herself!  And she wrote about it on her blog here so go check it out!  I am so excited to use them!

This candle smells good enough to eat.  But I will restrain myself and just enjoy the scent.

There is something spiritual about good coffee in a cute mug.  It inspires the mind and caffeinates the body!

So like I said, I love people and I have loved getting to know Kimber and am excited to stay in touch!

Have a lovely Valentine's Day, everyone!

Wine Wednesday :: Wine Tasting Tips

Hello all!

It has been a while since I've done a Wine Wednesday post but I thought I would try and get back into it because I just got back from a whirlwind two day trip to Napa, California.  I got to visit some absolutely stunning wineries, ate the most amazing food, and came back a few pounds heavier.  =P  But before I get into all of the great wineries, I thought I do a few "basics" of wine tasting pointers for those of you who may be going out to do the same wherever you are located!

1) Do NOT drink the wine if you are tasting multiples.

This is a scientific fact.  When you swallow the wine, you are cementing that taste in your taste buds and it will make it much harder to get a good idea of what the next one will really taste like (has to do with the way air and our taste buds work).  There are some exceptions to types of wines that are less permanent on your tongue.  Generally speaking though, if you are at a wine bar or winery tasting through several types and styles of wines, you 1) do not want to get too happy too quick and 2) don't want to kill your palate too fast.  If the place where you are tasting does not automatically provide them, ask for a spit bucket.

2) Before you take your first sip, swirl your glass and take a big sniff with your nose as far in the glass as you can get it.

Wine and oxygen are best friends.  Especially when you want to get a good idea of what you are smelling and tasting.  So swirl the glass to expose the wine to as much air as possible and take a big sniff so you are ready for your first taste and you have a sneak peek through the smell!

3) Once you have the wine in your mouth, suck in air through your mouth and "mix" it with the wine.

Breathing is crucial to the human tasting process.  So when you are tasting wine, expose your taste buds and the wine to as much air as possible!  Technically, this is called "aerating" but really, you are doing that thing your mom always told you not to - slurping.  

4) Pay attention to what you are tasting & smelling!

Flavors in wine are complex.  Different grapes make different wines and have different tastes (profound, I know).  But really, that is the beauty of wine.  This single beverage can have an infinite number of taste profiles, colors, ages, origins, and purposes.  Let yourself experience and understand that!  A red wine might taste like strawberries, chocolate, or wet dirt.  A white wine might have hints of honey, peaches, or herbs.  The exciting part is that you have a whole world of wines to try out!

Pretty basic, right?  Hopefully these tips will help you get the most out of your next wine tasting experience!

Have a beautiful day!