Posts tagged ‘winter’

It’s a miserable day here in the New York megalopolis, with slushy rain and gloomy opaque skies. I just want to curl up under a blanket in my red waffle-knit onesie pajamas (what? better than a Snuggie, I say), but instead I’ll probably make a big pot of chili on the stove. This recipe was donated to me about a year ago, and I was so impressed by its simplicity and flavor that it instantly became the only chili for me.

I call it “Cheater’s Chili” because it seems almost like a cheat to make — it’s not a traditional chili in that there’s no meat to brown, and half the components come from the freezer or from cans. My other confession is that I really dislike cumin, so maybe that’s why this recipe appeals to me so much. Eat this with a dab of sour cream and some scallions, and then save your calories for a big bowl of pasta and pork sauce the next day.

>> Read on for the incredibly simple veggie chili recipe. >>

Today, enjoy a guest post from Lara O’Brien, who once came (this) close to becoming a sommelier.

It’s officially cold in Toronto.  As most Canadians hunker down for our usual winter that never seems to have an end in sight, it’s time to change what we drink.  Gone are the summer days of Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. It’s time to get serious about red wine and for me that means something that is robust, spicy, and reasonable. 

I love a decent Bordeaux or Barolo, but let’s face it, I work in public radio, so I really have to rely on the kindest of strangers to indulge in those treats. For me, the best solution is to delve deeply into Rhone wines.  The Rhone area is in Southeast France and includes Provence. (This is Van Gogh and Cezanne country.)  The Valley encompasses the wine regions of  Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueryras, Côtes du Rhône Villages (Cairanne, Rasteau, Valreas, Vinsobres), Côtes du Rhône, Côtes du Luberon, Ventoux, and Vin de Pays. The main grapes used to make their reds are Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsaut.

Though a Châteauneuf-du-Pape can set you back quite a bit, there are plenty decent bottles from different parts of the Valley for $20 and under. Rhône wines also pair perfectly with stews, hearty soups, pasta and most braised meats, making them perfect wines for fall and winter cuisines. Here are some of my favourites with which I suggest you pair a nice lamb roast. To find online retailers for these bottles, or similar recommendations if they are not available, I suggest logging on to Snooth.com or trying Wine-Searcher to determine other online retail options, as your local wine store’s selection can vary widely.

• Perrin & Fils Côtes du Rhône Reserve, AC Côtes du Rhône
• Chateau Val Joanis Tradition Syrah 2006, AC Luberon
• Domaine de la Grande Bellane Côtes du Rhône-Villages Valreas 2007, made from organically grown grapes
• Guigal Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2003
• Pierre Amadieu Gigondas Romane Machotte 2004