Under The Copper Tree

Cellar Notes: Oyster Bay Chardonnay 2017

2020-05-25T17:25:00.001-04:00

Date Wine Consumed: 5/25/2020                                       Type: White Still

Country: New Zealand State/Region: Marlborough

Brand Name: Oyster Bay Wines

Vintage: 2017   Alcohol %: 13%   Price: Unknown (lost the receipt)

Grape Varietal: Chardonnay

Had Where: Home

See:
        Clarity: Clear
        Brightness: Bright
        Concentration: Pale
  White Wine Color: Light straw

Sniff/Smell:
        Describe: Citrus, green apple, kiwi, honey, floral notes, mineral

Sip/Savor:
        Body: Light
        Sweetness: Dry
        Fruit(s): Lemon, citrus
        Fruit Condition: Tart, Pithy
        Acidity: Mouth watering
  Tannins: N/A
        Other Information: Oak very subtle

Swallow/Summarize:
        Aftertaste: Medium
        Finish: Medium
        Balanced/Unbalanced: Balanced

What types of food/cuisine would you recommend with this wine: Seared tuna, roast pork with grilled vegetables, shrimp scampi over pasta, avocado toast

Your Rating: 9/10
        Reason: A very pleasant drinking wine, appreciate the subtle oak notes. Acidity isn't overpowering. Nice bottle of wine to break into on National Wine Day.

Additional Notes: Screw cap. Can't remember where I bought this, but I'm pretty sure Empire Wine.

Random Saturday Morning Post

2020-05-09T09:20:00.001-04:00

I was thinking this morning the start date of my COVID-19 isolation life. The weekend of March 14th was when the thought of staying home and self distancing was more palpable than before. I had picked up some food that Friday after work because the plan was to stay home and see what happens. But then the water heater broke and needed to be repaired immediately. So a trip to the home improvement store and a quick trip for groceries for the week.

I started working from home March 17th, and aside from the weekly grocery run I have been in the house ever since. I'm lucky I have the ability to work from home, not all nurses do. I suppose I am a not too essential, essential worker. M on the other hand, is still going into work. He plays a role with the testing, so it's easier to fix problems on site than virtually.

As for school, spring break was extended to two weeks as they waited for guidance and how to finish the semester. My classes went virtual, and my thoughts on this may differ from my classmates and perhaps my teachers - but I like it. It fits my life better, and my preferred choice of learning while maintaining a full time job. As for the hands on parts of my classes, the virtual is hard. Sure teachers can do video demos, but it's not the same as it was in the kitchen. I have been cooking at home, remaking the things I made in class, or videos I've watched. It's okay, but not. Summer classes start soon, and I am taking two. Once was already an online class, the other became an online version since the school has decided to continue virtual learning through the summer. And because of that, I can take the class because otherwise it would be during the day when I'm working. Who knows what will happen for the fall. I am signed up for Commercial Baking, Garde Manger and Classical Cuisine.

Who knows.

I miss my family. I miss my friends. I miss the interactions of old. Trivia is now virtual, and while it is nice to catch up with people... not the same over the internets. Last week I baked up cookies and dropped them off with friends and neighbors. Most I left on mailboxes or porches. One stop, my friend just happened to be outside so we got to catch up. Had a drink or more. Enjoyed the warm sunny day. Enjoyed the company. Socially distanced. As nice as it was, when will that happen again? We are slowly starting to open to open up, but how will it be on the other side? Working in the OR I was used to wearing a mask all day. Now I wear a mask for longer than an hour and I feel like I'm suffocating. I will still wear them, but I am unsure of this new normal.

Maybe none of this makes sense. But I have been cooped up for two months and I may be feeling the strain. And this venting post was slightly therapeutic.

Time for some video games. Because I play them more now. Less Netflix, more Don't Starve Together. I don't play Animal Kingdom, I don't need an additional time suck.

Cellar Notes: Campo Viejo Reserva 2014

2020-05-01T20:37:00.000-04:00

Date Wine Consumed: 5/1/2020                                       Type: Red Still

Country: Spain   State/Region: Rioja

Brand Name: Campo Viejo

Vintage: 2018   Alcohol %: 13.5% Price: $12.95

Grape Varietal: Tempranillo

Had Where: Home

See:
        Clarity: Clear
        Brightness: Not necessarily bright, nor dull. In between
        Concentration: Medium - Dark
        Red Wine Color: Black cherry jello colored, garnet

Sniff/Smell:
        Describe: Smoky, medicinal, spice, dark cherry, red fruit

Sip/Savor:
        Body: Light
        Sweetness: Dry
        Fruit(s): Raspeberry
        Fruit Condition: Ripe
        Acidity: Mouth Watering
  Tannins: Rich
        Other Information:

Swallow/Summarize:
        Aftertaste: Faint
        Finish: Short
        Balanced/Unbalanced: Balanced

What types of food/cuisine would you recommend with this wine: Paella, roasted meats, seafood, burger, Indian food, roasted eggplant, hard cheeses

Your Rating: 8/10
Reason: Good acidity, tannins rich but not overpowering.

Additional Notes: Cork closure. Purchased at Empire Wine.

Cellar Notes: Calivista Wines Chardonnay 2019

2020-04-29T20:34:00.002-04:00

Date Wine Consumed: 4/29/2020                                       Type: White Still

Country: Argentina State/Region: Mendoza

Brand Name: CaliVista Wines

Vintage: 2019   Alcohol %: 13.3% Price: $8.95

Grape Varietal: Chardonnay

Had Where: Home

See:
        Clarity: Clear
        Brightness: Bright
        Concentration: Pale
  White Wine Color: Light straw

Sniff/Smell:
        Describe: Astringent, slightly medicinal, plastic smell?, citrusy, lemon, pineapple?

Sip/Savor:
        Body: Light
        Sweetness: Dry
        Fruit(s): Pineapple
        Fruit Condition: Tart, slight pith
        Acidity: Mouth watering
  Tannins: N/A
        Other Information: Astringent

Swallow/Summarize:
        Aftertaste: Faint-Medium, leaning more toward medium
        Finish: Medium
        Balanced/Unbalanced: Unbalanced, just slightly

What types of food/cuisine would you recommend with this wine:

Your Rating: 5/10
        Reason: The astringent taste not my favorite. Had an initial weird funky smell. Prickly feeling on my tongue.

Additional Notes: Screw cap. Purchased from Empire Wine.

Cellar Notes: Smoking Loon Old Vine Zinfandel 2016

2020-04-27T09:00:00.000-04:00

Date Wine Consumed: 4/26/2020                                       Type: Red Still

Country: United States   State/Region: California

Brand Name: Smoking Loon

Vintage: 2016   Alcohol %: 14% Price: $6.95

Grape Varietal: Old Vine Zinfandel

Had Where: Home

See:
        Clarity: Clear
        Brightness: Bright
        Concentration: Medium
        Red Wine Color: Black cherry jello colored, garnet

Sniff/Smell:
        Describe: Red fruit, dark cherries, oak, spicy, smoky, reminds me of standing by the fire pit, slight iodine?

Sip/Savor:
        Body: Lightish Medium
        Sweetness: Dry - Off Dry
        Fruit(s): Red fruit, cherry
        Fruit Condition: Ripe
        Acidity: Juicy
  Tannins: Soft
        Other Information: Spicy, smoky

Swallow/Summarize:
        Aftertaste: Faint
        Finish: Short
        Balanced/Unbalanced: Balanced

What types of food/cuisine would you recommend with this wine: Grilled meats, steak, roasts, hearty stews, pasta with Bolognese, Neapolitan pizza, Peruvian chicken

Your Rating: 9/10
Reason: Good, assertive flavor, smooth tannins. Acidity not overpowering. Really like old vine zins!

Additional Notes: Cork closure. Purchased at Empire Wine.

Cellar Notes: Los Dos Garnacha 2018

2020-04-24T20:13:00.000-04:00

Date Wine Consumed: 4/24/2020                                       Type: Red Still

Country: Spain   State/Region: Campo de Borja

Brand Name: Los Dos

Vintage: 2018   Alcohol %: 14% Price: $6.95

Grape Varietal: Grenache

Had Where: Home

See:
        Clarity: Clear
        Brightness: Dull?
        Concentration: Medium?
        Red Wine Color: Black cherry jello colored, which is similar to garnet?

Sniff/Smell:
        Describe: Red fruit, smoky, roasted, meaty, dark cherry, spicy

Sip/Savor:
        Body: Light - Medium
        Sweetness: Dry
        Fruit(s): Red berries, cranberry
        Fruit Condition: Tart, pithy
        Acidity: Juicy?
  Tannins: Soft
        Other Information:

Swallow/Summarize:
        Aftertaste: Faint
        Finish: Short-Medium, more on the short end
        Balanced/Unbalanced: Balanced

What types of food/cuisine would you recommend with this wine: Steaks, roasted meats, beef stew and polenta, chorizo burger, meat lovers pizza, roasted beets with goat cheese

Your Rating: 7/10
Reason: Not too acidic, easy drinking. Acidity rounds out in the mouth, seems sweet at the back of the mouth

Additional Notes: Screw cap. Purchased at Empire Wine.

Cellar Notes: MAN Vintners Warrelwind Sauvignon Blanc 2019

2020-04-23T22:42:00.002-04:00

Date Wine Consumed: 4/23/2020                                       Type: White Still

Country: South Africa State/Region: Western Cape

Brand Name: MAN Vintners

Vintage: 2019   Alcohol %: 13%   Price: $6.95

Grape Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc

Had Where: Home

See:
        Clarity: Clear
        Brightness: Bright
        Concentration: Pale
White Wine Color: Light straw

Sniff/Smell:
        Describe: Green apple Jolly Rancher, kiwi, citrus notes, slightly grassy, light spice

Sip/Savor:
        Body: Light - Medium, leaning more to medium
        Sweetness: Dry
        Fruit(s): Lime, citrus, pineapple
        Fruit Condition: Tart, pithy
        Acidity: Mouth Watering at times, other times barely notice it
  Tannins:
        Other Information: The acidity is short lived

Swallow/Summarize:
        Aftertaste: Medium
        Finish: Medium
        Balanced/Unbalanced: Balanced

What types of food/cuisine would you recommend with this wine: Seafood (I used this wine to cook some mussels and shrimp - delicious!), grilled vegetables, light pasta dishes (pasta salads)

Your Rating: 6.5/10
        Reason: My feelings on this wine change with each sip, but it is still enjoyable.

Additional Notes: Screw cap. Purchased from Empire Wine. Drank this wine at room temperature. Would my thoughts be the same if I had chilled the wine first?

Cellar Notes: Trapiche Vineyards Malbec 2019

2020-04-22T09:30:00.000-04:00

Date Wine Consumed: 4/21/2020                                       Type: Red Still

Country: Argentina State/Region: Mendoza

Brand Name: Trapiche

Vintage: 2019   Alcohol %: 13% Price: $5.95

Grape Varietal: Malbec

Had Where: Home

See:
        Clarity: Clear
        Brightness: Dull?
        Concentration: Medium?
        Red Wine Color: Garnet

Sniff/Smell:
        Describe: Cherry, raspberry, red fruit, tobacco, smoky, oak, band-aid/iodine

Sip/Savor:
        Body: Medium, on the lighter end
        Sweetness: Dry
        Fruit(s): Plum?
        Fruit Condition: Ripe? Baked? Jammy?
        Acidity: Mouth Watering
Tannins: Smooth
        Other Information: First few sips tasted like cigarettes

Swallow/Summarize:
        Aftertaste: Medium
        Finish: Medium
        Balanced/Unbalanced: Balanced

What types of food/cuisine would you recommend with this wine: Grilled meats, Buffalo tofu bites, chips with a roasted tomato salsa, jalapeno kettle chips, savory crackers, salty cheeses

Your Rating: 6.5/10
        Reason: The cigarette smell/taste was a bit off putting, but drinkable

Additional Notes: Screw cap, don’t need to look for a bottle opener. Purchased from Empire Wine.

Cellar Notes: Jacob’s Creek Classic Chardonnay 2018

2020-04-21T20:39:00.000-04:00

Thanks to the current climate, I have a lot more time to do the things I have put aside. Like this blog. I’m currently taking a wine class, and one part is to take cellar notes. Basically a brief summary of each wine we drink and using the S’s (see, sniff/smell, sip/savor, swallow/summarize).

Date Wine Consumed: 4/18/2020                                       Type: White Still

Country: Australia                       State/Region: South Australia - Barossa Valley

Brand Name: Jacob’s Creek

Vintage: 2018                              Alcohol %: 12.9%   Price: $4.95

Grape Varietal: Chardonnay

Had Where: Home

See:
        Clarity: Clear
        Brightness: Bright
        Concentration: Pale
        White Wine Color: Straw

Sniff/Smell:
        Describe: Peach, melon (honeydew), slightly peppery

Sip/Savor:
        Body: Light-Medium, more towards medium
        Sweetness: Dry
        Fruit(s): Lemon, citrus
        Fruit Condition: Tart, Pith (slightly)
        Acidity: Mouth Watering
        Other Information:

Swallow/Summarize:
        Aftertaste: Faint
        Finish: Short
        Balanced/Unbalanced: Balanced

What types of food/cuisine would you recommend with this wine: Baba ghanoush, grilled vegetables, roasted chicken, light pasta dishes, grilled octopus, steamed whole fish, risotto

Your Rating: 8/10
        Reason: Nice, easy drinking wine. Acidity not too strong, very pleasant.

Additional Notes: I picked this wine because of the low price, and to see if taste is price dependent. In this case, it's not. Screw cap, don’t need to look for a bottle opener.

Food Shopping

2019-11-30T12:59:00.001-05:00

I had a plan when I walked into the store. Just needed the ingredients for pasta salad, chicken to strip for meals, water.

Let me emphasize the "I had a plan" part.

If I had wrote it down, I may have just stuck to that list. But I was going by memory, and got distracted. Very, very easily. So I bought snacks. More stock even though I have enough at home. Pickles. Chips. Salsa. Bread.

I am currently working on the list for next week's meals. Writing it down, let's see if I stick to it.

Hello

2019-11-09T11:19:00.001-05:00

I've noticed on Instagram there are people who put in their bios that they’re bloggers. No additional site where they write, just on there. Posting photos with a short blurb.

And it kind of annoyed me. Because back in the day I used to be a blogger. Hell, I still have one. I don’t use it often, but it’s here. And at one time way back when… I enjoyed it.

Then life got in the way, as it has a knack of doing. Work, school, family, technology – take your pick – each played its role in making this page go silent. Sure, I’d have fits and spurts of posting. I suppose this could be one of them. But in the end it would get pushed to the back and forgotten.

Do I have a point here? Not really.

Just thought I’d pop in, say hello Write a thing or two. People still visit this blog. Thank you Pinterest. Thank you Google search engine.

Until next time.

Snack Review - Trader Joe's Truffle Marcona Almonds

2019-11-09T08:57:00.003-05:00

I blame a cheese plate for my marcona almonds addiction.

It was probably at the Confectionery. Ordered that along with olives, and pickles. And of course cheese. All immediately devoured (with repeated orders of extra bread). But those almonds. Yum.

I've seen them in the bulk section of Honest Weight, and the price turned me away. But lo and behold... Trader Joe's! Not that these were cheap, but a nice little splurge.

They also sell a rosemary version, but I stick to the truffle. What do truffles normally taste like... earthy? Well, I eat these and it seems garlicky, and I like it. I've given some to co-workers and they were instantly hooked.

If you don't eat them right away, make sure you seal them properly or keep in the fridge. I've had an instance or two where they tasted weird, perhaps it went rancid? Had to throw it out. Shame.

Now that I'm writing about it, I think I'll add it to my shopping list!

Happy snacking!

Vanilla Mug Cake (Grain Free, Low Carb)

2019-10-12T07:46:00.000-04:00

Bakeapalooza

2019-03-27T19:58:00.000-04:00

I already feel the heat rising in the house.

Tonight begins my baking extravaganza leading up to my birthday. Because I always bake myself a cake for my birthday. It's tradition, and will always be.

I have grand ideas for this year. Blame The Great British Baking Show for that. I will fill you in on all the details later.

But here is a teaser - pecans. It will be in the cake, in the filling, in the decoration. Currently in the oven for a light toast.

Say a prayer for me... I'm going in.

On Nutrition?

2019-03-23T15:07:00.002-04:00

The Webster's Dictionary defines nutrition as...

Yeah... so about that.

The up side to having a blog which no one reads is that when you don't follow through on plans, no one really notices. Life, as it tends to do, got in the way and left me focusing on things other than writing. A handful of blog posts from this month are languishing in the drafts folder. I can go back to them and finish, but it's hard to recall the state of mind I was in as I was writing it.

Bleh.

Time to binge The Great British Baking Show

Celery Juice?

2019-03-21T11:55:00.001-04:00

Don't waste your time.

Use that celery for good. Like chicken/tuna salad. Stirrer for your Bloody Mary. Dipper for blue cheese or dare I say it.... RANCH DRESSING.

Wonder Noodle Fettuccine in Peanut Sauce

2019-03-13T21:59:00.001-04:00

get in mah behleh...

a.k.a. Lazy Pad Thai. Can it even be called that?

Sure. My food, my rules.

Going full steam with the noodle switch. Shirataki is something to get used to, but I don't know if I could eat it with a tomato sauce. It doesn't seem right.

Asian foods, no problem. It goes. For this, I sauteed the noodles in beef fat, and doused it in peanut sauce. Sesame, hemp hearts, chili flakes.

Gone in an instant. And yay timing... I've got more noodles coming in tomorrow. Thanks Thrive Market!

Jerk Chicken Eggroll

2019-03-12T11:30:00.000-04:00

Co-worker brought me some food to try, as she does from time to time. Someone she knows had a food truck and invited people over for a meal. They're was seafood, curry turkey, and these eggrolls. She was told it was spicy, so she saved it for me.

Just a hint of heat, and surprisingly sweet. The veggies weren't overcooked, as they can be sometimes. I hope she brings more in her next visit.

If you want to check out the food, its C & E Grill 43 in Newburgh.

National Nutrition Month

2019-03-02T13:00:00.000-05:00

You may not know this, but March is National Nutrition Month. It was created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics back in 1973 (when they were still going as the American Dietetic Association) as a way to highlight the field of dietetics, and to educate the public on how to improve their nutrition. Since its inception, there has been a theme, starting with “Invest in Yourself – Buy Nutrition,” to “Say Yes to Less (Less Fat, Less Salt, Less Sugar) or Juggle the Foods You Eat (1983),” “Eat Right America!(1993),” “Healthy Eating, Healthy You (2003),” and "Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day (2013)."

Perhaps realizing the previous themes were not too catchy, the theme this year is “National Nutrition Month.” According to the Academy site, for 2019, the focus will hark back to the original reason for starting NNM: “To increase the public’s awareness of the importance of good nutrition, and position Academy members as the authorities in nutrition. They hope to see “all people thrive through the transformative power of food and nutrition.”

So why am I writing about this? I’m not a dietitian, nor am I a nutritionist (they are not the same... not by a long shot). I am merely someone interested in nutrition and educate myself on many things related to it. Maybe I’ll go back to school for it. That is, if someone’s willing to foot the bill.

So, the plan for this month is to write about nutrition related things. Macronutrients, micronutrients, healthy at every size, intuitive eating… and we’ll see. I’m just getting back into the blogging swing of things. Gotta shake off those cobwebs.

Happy Saturday!

Sweet Indulgence

2019-03-01T21:05:00.001-05:00

One of the residents mentioned yesterday that their last day is today. So for a nice send-off, I decided to bring in something sweet. Originally I planned on making something myself, but after drinks at Mohawk, I decided I wasn't in the mood for baking and went to sleep early instead.

Picked this up at Bella Napoli, along with a couple loaves of the crispy torpedoes and cinnamon twists. I don't remember what this is called... seven sons? It was with some other coffee cakes in the case. Basically it's cinnamon rolls with pecans and some haphazard glazing. $5.95.

A bit on the dry side, and the pecans were soft. But my co-workers enjoyed it. The resident sadly did not have any - was stuck in the OR working away.

The torpedoes M and I ate for lunch, paired with a Spanish cheese assortment and pickled things. I wasn't in the mood to bake last night, was in the mood to prepare a lunch this morning. Just coffee and casual reading thankyouverymuch.

A Challenge

2019-02-21T12:25:00.001-05:00

I've been talking the talk, but no results.

This was going to be the year.

The year I got back into writing, blogging, having some sort of presence on the webs that wasn't Twitter or Instagram. I have all these ideas on posts, places I've been to, foods eaten that need to be told to the world.

Romantic, grandiose ideations.

And still nothing.

Well here's the thing now. I've been on this betterment of self... improving the flawed me and evolving into something less flawed. Someone with follow through. Resolve to do what I say... and say what I do.

yadda, yadda, yadda...

A new month will be upon us in a week. And the plan is to start writing again. How much, I cannot say, but it'll be something.

Hopefully you'll be around to read it.

2019

2019-01-01T23:46:00.001-05:00

Following traditions. Dark leafy greens, black eyed peas, round fruits for luck and prosperity.

Life feels very turbulent, yet not moving. If that makes sense.

Sorry, just feeling mopey.

Here's to a new year.

Happy Birthday AOA

2018-11-14T07:01:00.001-05:00

So you know how the TED Radio Hour has the tagline "ideas work spreading?"

I think AOA's is somewhere along the lines of "news worth knowing."

Whether it be about breaking down the areas road diets, or election breakdown, or who makes the best pizza in the area (I know my judges invite was lost in the mail...I forgive you).

When someone new moves to the area, the first thing I do is tell them about AOA.

Here's to another year. Looking forward to the next one.

Mozzarella Croissant Rolls

2018-10-04T09:00:00.000-04:00

Here is a baking fail - wanted to make an easy snack, and what could be easier than prepared dough and string cheese? Two tubes of croissant dough and a bag of mozzarella string cheese later, I had a project.

I originally planned on cutting it into pieces the length of the cheese and roll them up. But this dough would not comply. So I just cut the dough along the perforated lines and tried my best to cover up all the dough. Baked at the listed time on the tube for 20ish minutes. While that was baking I heated up the marinara poured myself a glass of wine.

I made this for M, but I did have one. Should have brushed the tops with butter and garlic. And I think next time I'll make the dough from scratch.

Sunday Stock # 1 - 3

2018-10-03T22:03:00.001-04:00