Eroica

Im not sure about the name of this wine. Eroica means “heroic” in Italian referring I think to the symphony Beethoven dedicated to Napoleon. However Chateau Saint Michelle being in Washington I dont understand the reasoning behind the name at all.

What I do know is I love this wine. In fact Ive yet to have a less than stellar wine from Chateau St. Michelle. A couple years ago I visited their vineyard and liked every single thing on the tasting list. Its a shame more of their wines dont make it to Madison because they are out of this world. Their Rieslings especially stand out in my mind so I was excited when I sent the fella out on a wine run and he came back with the Eroica. I really hate to brag but I do have the best boyfriend ever.

I threw together Berry and Rosemary Chicken Thighs and some asparagus for dinner to pair with the wine. It worked out well. The sweetness of the jam in the food played off the sweet, spicy wine nicely. And the asparagus brought out some tart green undertones. The only problem with this wine is it is additively sweet, almost to the point of being cloying. Its really more of a dessert wine, better enjoyed alone to get the full effect. Just watch out for the sugar headache it left us both with afterwards. It has a powerful 12 percent alcohol content and it isnt joking around.

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Jerk Chicken

This is a special request for Splot who wondered what made the house smell so yummy the other night and photographer boy to whom I keep forgetting to send the recipe for chicken that will hurt your tongue.

The recipe is actually a pretty spot on interpretation of authentic jerk. It tastes a lot like the jerk sauce from the best Jamaican restaurant in town, Davids which is about the only restaurant that will motivate me to drive literally all the way across town. Its that good. Their sauce is slightly heavier on the vinegar however which makes it amazing on kidney beans and rice. However for a straight jerked chicken this recipe is much more delicate and flavorful. Be warned, it will however kill at least one of your taste buds with insane spiciness but youll love every moment of it.

Jerk Chicken

1/2 cup malt or white vinegar
2 tablespoons dark rum
2 teaspoons molasses (we use agave nectar)
2 tablespoons oil
2 scotch bonnet peppers (or habaneros,) chopped
1 onion, chopped
4 scallions, chopped
1 tablespoons dried thyme
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
4 teaspoons ground allspice
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
4 teaspoons ground nutmeg
4 teaspoons ground ginger


5 to 6 pound roasting chicken, cut in half, lengthwise
1/2 cup lime juice

*Safety note: Scotch Bonnet peppers are very hot. Use gloves when handling them.

Put vinegar, rum, molasses, oil, peppers, onion, scallions, and all the spices into a food processor, blend until mostly smooth.

Place chicken pieces in large bag, pour in lime juice and coat meat well. Add the jerk paste and coat chicken thoroughly. Seal bag and refrigerate over night.

Remove chicken from bag when ready to cook it. Reserve marinade and place in a small sauce pan. Bring marinade to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. Set aside to use for basting chicken and as a sauce while serving.

Season chicken with salt and pepper. Place chicken skin side up in foil covered baking pan in a 350 degree oven or on the grill covered with a foil tent. Roast for 50 to 60 minutes until the chicken is done and juices run clear. The internal temperature should be 170 degrees in the breast. On the grill cooking time with be just over an hour when keeping grill temperature between 350 and 400 degrees. Baste occasionally while cooking with leftover marinade. Any remaining marinade can be used as a dipping sauce when serving.

Original recipe from Simply Recipes.

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Clean Eating Weight Loss Meal Plan 204

Breakfast

Egg White Onion Sandwich

An easy and healthy way to start your day. Find recipe here, and enjoy!

AM Snack

Veggie Stix with Sea Salt

They are crunchy, lightly-seasoned and more nutritious than greasy chips. A treat for both you and your kids.

Find them at Good Health Veggie Stix.

Lunch

All Natural Peanut Butter and Banana Slices Over Whole Wheat Bagel

PM Snack

Cosmos Creations Salted Caramel Popcorn

What a sweet choice for healthy snacking! Theyre crunchy, caramel-y, and are also GMO- and gluten-free.

Find them at Cosmos Creations Popcorn.

Dinner

Pear Vinegraitte Salad with Mixed Greens

The vinegraitte dressing adds a sweet and sour flavor to pear slices and mixed greens. Topped with candied walnuts and feta cheese, the salad becomes quite a delightful experience.

Thank you for visiting.

And thank you for your continuous support.

See you next time!

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