The Spirit World

The warm days of summer are almost upon us — time to break out the white wine. Versatile as an aperitif and food-friendly, Sauvignon Blanc is as varied in style and complexity as are completely different varietals.
At a recent gathering of starving artists, the 2006 Baron D’Aliénor Bordeaux Sauvignon was a real crowd pleaser. Made […]

An interesting idea - base your entire Thanksgiving meal around one drink. That’s what Makers Mark would like you to do at any rate.
Not actually drink the stuff - although I am sure they would like you to do that as well - but to use Makers Mark in all the dishes. Sounds a bit, […]

To signal Oktoberfest and craft beer in the US, the folks at Food and Wine magazine have put together a list of fifteen recipes that are the perfect complement to a glass of beer.  Everything from a Beer-Battered Cod with Tartar Sauce and a Flatiron Steak Salad to a Jamiacan Jerk Chicken and a Barbecued Beef […]

I received a sample of the 100% Organic Partida Agave Nectar some time ago and it has been quite a journey as I developed recipes for this interesting product.
The Partida Tequila company makes their tequila, as you might expect, from blue agave plants, a succulent that dwells in the arid lands around Jalisco, Mexico. One […]

This is my 59th and final Happy Hour at Home post. While I still have a few days left here at The Spirit World, I will be leaving at the end of February and that means that next Wednesday will be my final column. I have had such a good time here and […]

As mentioned we are going to be preparing you for celebrating Valentine’s Day over the next few days. And those celebrations can have many forms. If you are not celebrating with the love of your life, take a minute to remember all the special people who have been and will continue to be in your […]

In past columns I’ve mentioned to you my support of a local food organization called Northwest Harvest. I recently became aware of another big supporter of this organization, actually it’s a group of friends who started with a small idea and over the last couple years, through a groundswell effort, have grown it to […]

We’re ramping up to Superbowl weekend and it’s time to be thinking about football party food! Now this is not necessarily tailgating food but it could work for that, too. I’m actually in a class Sunday while my Hawks are playing but if I were at home this is what I’d be […]

It seems we are all in a Champagne or sparkling wine mood this week and I’m going to continue that theme for Happy Hour at Home. You may have a bottle or two left from holiday celebrations or perhaps received a bottle as a gift or it might just be a good time to […]

The end of 2006 is zooming at us and the dawn of 2007 is just around the corner. After what is often a hectic holiday season it’s nice to start the New Year on a more relaxed, but still celebratory, note. And to that end when in comes to New Year’s celebrations our […]