Ronita’s Drunken Sangria

When I think about Sangria, memories of my warm summer days in Madrid come to mind. Yesterday, I started flipping through an album made up of my European vacation from June 2001. I had a funny flashback of one particular night out on the town with my group. I was so thirsty (the water was more expensive than alcohol) I kept drinking the Sangria like it was fruit punch!! An hour later I had to be carried back to my hotel room. I learned my lesson, even though you can't taste it (alcohol, that is-it's there).

Sangria is going to be my signature drink this spring. It is so easy to make and with all the yummy fruit coming up as it gets warmer, I will have many variations to try. This will be a sure hit at any gathering!

Here is the recipe for my DRUKEN SANGRIA…

1 bottle of white zinfandel
1 bottle of chardonnay

½ cup of rum or bourbon

¼ to ½ cup of sugar (optional)

Fruit

1 apple sliced thin

½ cup pineapple tibits with juice

½ cup of grapes sliced in half

½ cup of strawberries sliced in half

1 lime- half sliced thin and half squeezed into Sangria

Find a beautiful clear pitcher (I love seeing all the floating fruit). Mix all liquids together with sugar. Drop fruit into mixture. Place in refrigerator for at least an hour, if you have time make it the night before, so the fruit has time to diffuse into the wine and absorb some of the alcohol!!

Find some gorgeous glasses and pour over ice!!!

Note: you can make any variation of this recipe. But I found this one to be super yummy. Next time I will probably try with peaches and berries!!

Salud

xoxo,

Ronita

TGIF

Looking for to getting home and enjoying some of this....

and a couple glasses of this....

{photos google search}

Happy Friday Eveyone!

xoxo,

Ronita

Chicken and Dumplings Part 2: I made it!!

The chicken and dumplings turned out amazing!! My mom's recipe was quick and easy to follow.

(fresh chopped celery, onion, and carrots)

(I followed the dumplings recipe on the side of the box)

(bag of frozen broccoli)

(combined everything with chicken thighs and cream of celery/chicken soup)

(a glass of wine while I was cooking)

Everybody's insides were warmed on the cold and snowy night and now we are all ready for bed!!

xoxo,

Ronita

Date Night/Friends Night Idea #1

I will be highlighting, each week, a fun and inexpensive date night idea in the Cincinnati area but things that are also worth checking out in your city. My DH and I are always looking for fun things to do that remain within our "entertainment budget"...here is the first of many to come. Enjoy.

Whole Food's 5 After 5
Every Friday Night

5 After 5
5:00-7:00 p.m. $5 per person

Join us every Friday for 5 amazing wines and 5 unbelievable great tasting hors d'oeuvres. This is a great night out with your friends and loved ones. Includes wine glass, wine, and lite bites. Bring your Whole Foods Market wine glass back in during another tasting and receive $1 off at the door!!

5 after 5 Themes
October 9th ~ Tailgate Party
October 16th ~ Italian
October 23rd ~ Fall Harvest, Vegetarian
October 30th ~ Halloween Surprise!! Halloween Costume Contest...judging will start at 6pm!!


(http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/cincinnati/storecalendar.php)



Check out your local Whole Foods calender for events just like this one. They are usually free or inexpensive, if there is a cost. I always enjoy great food and wine in the company of my honey!! After 5 really generous glasses of wine, I am usually nice and ... shall we say....bubbly...



xoxo,

Ronita