taste & tricks

Oooo, Boekenoogen Wines! Tasty Treat!

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Nabors Rosen) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 15:08:00 +0000

Ahhh, what we've stumbled upon is yet another something that is such a tasty treat.. it'll make you wanna slap yo' mama.

Mama Ruth watch out, it's so good it'll make you wanna slap yo' mama!

A quick bit of history on me before we jump in- I'm a sucker for fabulous things and family companies. I'm lucky enough to work for one of my best friend's family company, so when I stumbled upon this amazing wine, tasted it, then realized the charming girl (Holly Boekenoogen) who was serving the wine was working for the family.. I was sold.

I present to you all.. Boekenoogen Wines.

Boekenoogen is nestled in the San Lucia Highlands which is approximately an hour south of Carmel. This region is known for its Chardonnay as well as its Pino Noir. Now, why haven't you heard about this amazing vineyard yet? A vineyard that has scored a 96 and Editors Choice on its '07 Chardonnary and a Pino Noir that's bound to get an amazing review soon... That's because this family (in its fifth generation on the land) just started its wine endeavor in 1998.

It's still a small production, but totally worth snagging a few bottles. I'm obsessed with their Pino Noir, my favorite part is the finish- described as the following, "Fine tannins that will gracefully age the wine while youthful flavors and aromas develop subtle complexity and refinement, long and very memorable." If you're a west coaster check out all the spots that you can grab a bottle. For all the rest of us, I suggest joining the the Boekenoogen Club VI. Boekenoogen will ship to your home three times a year (February, May and November) two bottles of your choice for $65-$75.You can choose all reds, whites or a mix. Find a friend and make it happen, you won't regret gettin' your Boekenoogen wine!

Enjoying our wine- obviously.

So thank you Boekenoogens!

The Boekenoogen Family. Garrett, Susan, Holly, Kate and Joh

Trick of the day- Amazing Jewelry!

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Nabors Rosen) — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 16:45:00 +0000

KATE BOSWORTH WEARING CASTELI NECKCLACE

Friends,

I just HAD to share this with you. There is this great website that I have stumbled upon. Tah dah- it's JewelMint. It turns out that Kate Bosworth and her stylist Cher Coulter have started designing amazing jewelry at a super affordable price. Every piece is $29.99. Oh, did I also mention that Cher Coulter was just honored with the title of stylist of the year?

So how does it work? They figure out your style with a set of scenarios where you pick which celebrity outfit you like the most, or the nail color you go to most often, or brands that you would buy if you had unlimited funds. Then they present you with your "showroom" and you can decide if you would like to buy any of those pieces.

Couldn't get any better? The 29.99 includes free shipping!

COSMOPOLITAN DROP EARRINGS

GOLD CUFF REGAL CLUSTER EARRINGS

And, one last late Christmas present, today if you click on this link you can pay $25.00 and get $60.00 worth of credit at JewelMint. That's two gorgeous pieces of jewelry for the price of one.

Ahhhh, I love the holiday season.

Enjoy!

Merry Merry Merry Cards!

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Nabors Rosen) — Sat, 25 Dec 2010 15:42:00 +0000

Merry Merry Merry Christmas Everyone!!

It's that day and you're with all your family and thank goodness Santa has already come to visit you.. what next? Driving to see more family? More conversations with crazy family members? Well, I know the routine just as well as the next person. So what is my trick for making Christmas Day that much better?

Cards (and cocktails of course)

It's classic, and it helps pass the time better than anything i've encountered. In fact, we play cards all the time. If you have to trek over to your great Aunt's house.. pack some cards so you can play gin or spades.. and if you are lucky enough to be fam jamming at home, put on your PJ's, grab your siblings and get the competitive juices flowing. Also, it's easy enough to play while you are drinking your bloody mary and watching the football games. It's really the game that keep on giving for all occasions.

I hope you all grow to love cards as much as we do.. and that you'll play them for many years to come. We play Gin Rummy (best with 3 people) and Spades (best with 4 people) mostly, but one of my Christmas Day presents is a Bridge lesson from the parents, so watch out ladies, we're bringing Bridge back.

Again, Merry Merry Merry to all of yours and I know that you'll all have a fabulous day!

Caroline

Also, here are some links on how to play Spades and Gin Rummy... and if you want a set of engraved initial Bridge cards, here's the place to get them, a special thanks to Collins Speed for getting us hooked to these delightful pieces!

Also- Also, Happy Birthday Tina Tina Bo Bina!

Merry Christmas from the Family

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Nabors Rosen) — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:44:00 +0000

Happy Christmas Eve Everyone!

The Nabors/Rosen Family is having a blast in California, and I hope you all are having a wonderful holiday! Please enjoy this amazing video card from friends of ours in Greensboro, NC.

http://merrychristmasfromthefamily.blogspot.com/

Merry Merry Merry Friends! And a special Happy Birthday wish to "Catfish" Dula!

Top 5 Holiday must haves for this girl!

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Nabors Rosen) — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 16:46:00 +0000

It's almost that time.. Christmas and the holidays are here and I would like to share a few of my favorite things with you.

So what's topping my list this year? Well, as any family holiday around my house- let's start off with something bubbly.

1. Champagne Saucer Glasses

Yes, these squatty flutes caught my eye in an episode of HBO's Boardwalk Empire and I'm obsessed. Www.wineware.co.uk has a great selection as seen in the picture above.

2. Cracker Caddy

http://madisonavegifts.com

Keep it simple. Don't worry about the crackers scattering everywhere! Put them in this Cracker Caddy and your cheese plate will look wonderful no matter how many (or how few) crackers are left!

3. Not sure to do with everything leftover?

My new inspiration for sandwiches, welcome to http://scanwiches.com. Great look- great taste and a way to get you out of your usual leftovers.

4. Bring in the New Year with Style

www.tiarasandfascinators.com

You can find them everywhere now so start the New Year off right, wear that old black dress but bring it to life with a Fascinator! I know I am! Old school camera optional.. but let's be honest.. i'll be donning that as well!

5. Just in case

http://www.franciscoppolawinery.com/wine/sofia/mini

As always, something will go wrong, so don't worry. These little guys can help you out at a moments notice without having to do any extra dishes. The Francis Ford Coppola winery really won me over when they put delicious sparkling in a can and gave you a bendable straw to go with it. Heaven on earth friends! And it's so discreet.. some people may just think you're having a soda. Or as they say, "you can take it anywhere- anytime you feel like sparkling."

OoOOooo.. now that we've kicked off the holiday, I'm off to California with the family for the holidays!

Love love love!

Caroline

I'm back!!

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Nabors Rosen) — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 20:24:00 +0000

Hey Friends,

We're back in action. Hope everyone is looking forward to a fabulous weekend. I want everyone to be on the look out for my guest post on http://www.sycamorestreetpress.com/ on the 21st!

A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from us! Looking forward to a great holiday and some great posts from our travels!

Ruth's To Die For Cheese Biscuits- So Good It'll Make You Wanna Slap Yo' Mama!

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Nabors Rosen) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 14:35:00 +0000

Friends,

Your welcome. Why you ask? Because this EXTREMELY simple recipe is about to make your kitchen a destination around the block, no matter where you live. This simple recipe, from our one and only Ruth, is a MUST to have in your repertoire. These are the tastiest, easiest little cheese biscuits you've ever tried!

Ruth's To Die For Cheese Biscuits

Ingredients:

2 cups self rising flour

2 sticks butter (melted)

1 cup sour cream

1/2- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese

pinch of salt

Making them:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees

Combine all ingredients in a bowl

In a greased or sprayed MINI muffin pan place a dallop in each hole

Put in the oven for 12-14 minutes

TAH DAH!! These little treats are like fluffy cheese straws/ biscuits. Feel free to add things to them as well, if you like a little bite, why not throw in some jalepenos.

Trick

Make the dough ahead if you have guests coming in for the weekend, put it in a ziploc bag and throw it in the fridge and just pull it out in the mornings when you are ready to make them!

Such a great trick to make such a tasty treat! Thanks mom!

Dear Colleen- thanks for the Champagne!

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Nabors Rosen) — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 23:26:00 +0000

http://www.etsy.com/shop/dearcolleen?ref=seller_info

Isn't this quote just oh, so true?

Something you should know about me, if you don't already, is that I'm a sucker for a good quote. I'll use it relentlessly and.. if your not careful, i'll take the liberty to modify it depending on my mood, or the song that I'm singing in my head. However, Dear Colleen has a Tom Waits quote paired with a custom design that is so perfect, I couldn't change it if I tried. It will be a great addition for the Nabors/Rosen home in the kitchen or above the bar. I'll let you know once it arrives!

Colleen, a New Zealand printmaker ,truly makes delightful things- and seems to have great taste and tricks. She's living the dream, doing what she likes, making amazing things, and being with her friends. I do believe we have a hero of the week! Thanks for making your way through the internet to us Colleen.

Check out Colleen at her blog- http://dearcolleen.blogspot.com/ or purchase any of these items in her store Dear Colleen at Etsy.com

Enjoy!

I'd rather stare at these beauties than do the dishes!!

Amen!

Perfect for all you Saints fans! Who Dat!

1, 2, 3... Whiskey!

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Nabors Rosen) — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 19:17:00 +0000

Friends,

I'm glad to be back and look forward to a week full of lots of fun taste & tricks posts. And to start off this lovely Monday morning I bring you a trick I learned from my friend Marilyn Hess while in Highlands a few weekends ago.

We all strive to get the best picture of your friends and family when you are together, but let's be honest.. sometimes that is trickier than you think. So, instead of your usual 1, 2, 3.. cheese! Let's adopt the 1, 2, 3, WHISKEY!

I saw Marilyn use this many times throughout our weekend together and people giggled at this catch phrase time and time again. Bottom line, people like to smile when you say Whiskey.

Enjoy this little trick!

Caroline

(also it should be noted that actual whiskey can help with the picture as well!)

Our house wine will slam your tongue and put a twinkle in your eye!

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Nabors Rosen) — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 14:45:00 +0000

Luchador "Tembler" Shiraz

There you are, inspecting the wine list at the delicious spot or bar you are calling home for the next few hours. You want something light, not too expensive, and after not trying to think about it for too long, because there is lots to talk about with your friends, you just go with the house Shiraz. Well that is exactly how I fell upon something that is EXTREMELY tasty and one of my new favorites, Luchador.

Luchador, a South Australian Barossa Shiraz from the R Wines winery, will blow you away or as they put it will, "Slam your tongue!" For $15 a bottle in a wine store, and anywhere from $25-30 in a restaurant it can be yours. This appealing label of a Luchador (Mexican matador) isn't just a cool marketing trick to get an impulse buyer (that's me) to throw another bottle in the basket. This wine delivers with a 90 point rating from The Wine Advocate. What specifically about the taste is appealing? Wine. com says that is it, "Lifted [with] ripe blackberry jam and kirsch aromas, complexed with oak chocolate characters. The palate has a rich smooth texture of black fruit and plums finishing with licorice and soft tannins." Now, I personally don't find myself running to this wine after a review with all the talk of blackberry jams and licorice tastes, but for us common folk, focus on the aspects of the rich smooth texture part. It's easy enough to drink on an afternoon with friends, but has enough pizzazz to pair it with anything from a cheeseburger to chicken salad.

This just puts a twinkle in our eye.

The stylish and hilarious Luchador label was designed by Morning Breath and they don’t disappoint. Now, if you are like a good friend of mine, Collins Speed, who has been burned by buying wine that has a "cool label" to find the actual wine horrible- don't worry this label isn't hiding a non-palatable grape juice. It is the cherry on top of a delicious burst in your mouth!

Since it’s harder to see, this is what the back says:

luchador (luch-a-door)

function: noun. Usage: Spanish word.

1)fighter 2)wrestler 3) a wine that will body

slam your tongue.

Tremblor* is proud to have been Client #10, is addicted

to dumplings, and belongs to the Rosicrcian Order.

He hates leprechauns and biting his cheek.

(*Tremblor the name of the particular Luchador featured on the label of this bottle.)

So, now I raise the question- why wouldn't you, in your home, want have something that tastes amazing, is the right price, and adds a little something extra for the eye to enjoy? You've spent time laboring on other areas of your home that makes it gorgeous and yours, why not invest in something more than that quick yellowtail purchase at the store. You know.. wine doesn't go bad. Not to mention if you buy a case, you'll save anywhere from 10-20%.

Therefore, friends, the Nabors/Rosen household is pleased to announce our very first house wine, the Luchador. A case has been ordered and we look forward to having you over and enjoying a glass together because who doesn't want a wine that will slam your tongue and put a twinkle in your eye.

Enjoying a bottle of Luchador

So good it'll make you wanna slap yo' mama Salmon

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Nabors Rosen) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 16:25:00 +0000

Friends,

This is a favorite around our household. It's a twist on a classic salmon that will not let you down. As we always say, It's so good it'll make you wanna slap you' mama. Enjoy!

Ingredients

2-4 salmon steaks (around 1/2 a pound each)

3/4 cup pineapple juice

1/4 cup soy sauce

3 to 4 Tbsp honey

3 Tbsp horseradish

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 Tbsp fresh Parsley

1 Tbsp chopped garlic

1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

Wipe salmon steaks with damp paper towel and place those bad boys in a shallow baking dish (or a ziplock bag, this is easier in my opinion). Combine remaining ingredients into a small bowl and mix well. Pour the mixture onto the salmon and refrigerate for 2 hours, turning the salmon filets over after an hour. Be careful not to let them over marinade because it will make the fish mushy. Preheat your oven to 450. Remove the salmon from the fridge and place everything into a shallow baking dish (if it's not already in one) and bake for 10-12 mins. After 10-12 minutes, turn on the broiler and let the salmon turn a little brown around the edges (depending on your oven could take 2-4 mins). Please DON'T overcook. Remove the salmon from all the good juices and cover to let it sit for a few minutes. Take the remaining sauce and put it in a small sauce pan on the stove. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat and cook the sauce until it has reduced by half. Pull out your salmon and put this DELICIOUS sauce on top and you've got a wonderful healthy meal!

We also threw some steam in bag broccoli with our dish with some homemade tzatziki sauce on top.

And if there are just two you, make the leftovers into a delicious salmon sandwich with tarter sauce and tomatoes for the next day!

This is what "before" salmon steaks should look like

Yumm, see that golden brown goodness along the edges? That means you are good to go!

Tah-Dah! Looks so good it makes you wanna slap yo mama.. doesn't it?

Delicious leftovers. It doesn't get any better than this!

Mint Julep cups, so many uses.. so wonderful!

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Nabors Rosen) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 15:24:00 +0000

Who doesn't love mint julep cups? They are great for derby parties but also have so many everyday uses! I keep my make up brushes in a mint julep cup, and use them as water glasses when people come over. Not to mention they always look great with flowers in them or a fun way to serve ice cream.

The problem is, that they can be pricey, so thank goodness for Ross Simons. These are great quality mint julep cups for an amazing price! Right now, if you buy a set (which is four cups) you get two cups free. And they will personalize them with an initial for no additional cost. Click here to get your own set right now.

Enjoy having these gorgeous cups in your home.

I wish I had thought to open up a B&B...

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Nabors Rosen) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 01:30:00 +0000

So you've graduated college and what do you do next? Well, the Z girls had a fabulous idea that, sadly, never crossed my mind- open up a Bed & Breakfast. These girls have transformed a wonderful house, close to the main square and campus, into a truly magical place to stay while you are away from home. They have an immaculate house that has been decorated perfectly by their Houston based designer mom and their grandmother, who makes all the linens. As you walk in the door you can smell Annie cooking a homemade pumpkin pie right before she appears and has the opportunity to offer you a glass of wine or some Mountain Valley Spring Water. Breakfast is so impressive that it awed top chef's out of New Orleans and the girls enjoy entertaining so much that they don't mind when you bring friends over to their wine and cheese hour in the afternoon.

All in all, we should be so lucky to have come up with this idea before graduating college and diving into our current careers. At least we can always go visit these lovely ladies in Oxford.

A delicious breakfast outside

Annie & Brittany Zeleskey, owners The Z

Collins Speed, Chef Todd of American Sector in New Orleans and me

Afternoon wine & cheese

The whole group enjoying wine & cheese

The fire pit to keep us warm

Hero of the week- Chingo Bling

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Nabors Rosen) — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 14:55:00 +0000

Friends,

His name is Chingo Bling and he's on a mission to take over the hip hop world. There he stands, a mere 5 foot something, but his persona is bigger than life. Jean shorts, Nike swooshes on his cowboy boots and his quirky almost nostalgic rapping style makes Chingo my hero of the week.

Enjoy!

Also, check out his new music video for, "They Can't Depot Us All."

Chingo, it was a delight! Look forward to seeing you again soon.

The Team with Chingo Bling- Southern Foodways Alliance Symposium

Wednesday Night Supper Club- Tomato and Basil Soup

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Nabors Rosen) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 22:25:00 +0000

Caroline Rosen Black & White Photography- The Boy I tricked into marrying me

Friends,

Another day and another meal to make. There was a time when I lived in two fabulous cities, New Orleans and Washington DC. There was constant movement and meeting, going to happy hour here and a late dinner there.. but times change and you make the best of it. I'm currently living in Tuscaloosa Alabama, which is the mecca for all things college football, but seriously lacks in all things not deep fried. Don't get me wrong, I love something deep fried as much as the next true Southerner, but there comes a time when you just want a delicious meal that takes more thought than throwing it in oil.

So, with my move to this small special town, I've embarked on my journey on learning how to cook. And I must say, it is quite delightful. At first I was hesitant because I was constantly saying, "How could I cook anything as delicious as Jacquimos?" and "nothing will ever top those mini burger bites of sunshine from matchbox" but i've found if you start small you can actually make wonderful things that more than satisfy your palate and sense of accomplishment.

As we found other friends in Tuscaloosa that yearned for more than the current food offerings in the city (and also had a mutual love for the TV show Hard Knocks) we formed our Wednesday night supper club. It's comprised of that boy I tricked into marrying me, my brother, and four friends of ours. We rotate weekly so we take turns every third week cooking. It's been a great reason to get excited to cook.. and experience what everyone else is cooking as well. Even if you are still in the hustle and bustle of a big city, it's always nice to find a few friends to cook with one night of the week.. and enjoy television programming of your choice.

On to the main course- tonight we bring you homemade tomato basil soup.

Now, if you are a soup person, like myself, you can easily make this soup into your whole meal with a quick side salad or bread. I'm not kidding guys, this is TO DIE FOR. It reminds me of the delicious soup at La Madeline. A mainstay of mine (and my good friends at ABC) on M street in Washington DC.. and the only chain Emily Starkey has accidentally ever loved.

Tomato Basil Soup

Ingredients
42 oz Canned Whole Tomatoes (1 28 oz and 1 14 oz can)
1 Vidalia onion chopped (around 1 cup)
6 cloves minced garlic
2 teaspoons olive oil
½ cup basil leaves
2 tablespoons whipping cream - (you can also throw some milk in if you have that)
1 teaspoon salt (after that salt to taste)
1 teaspoon pepper

Directions
o Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium saucepan
o Add chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 4 – 5 minutes, stirring occasionally
o Drain tomatoes then add to onion and garlic. Add a pinch of salt and bring to boil
o Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 10 – 12 minutes
o Pour tomato mixture into a blender, add basil leaves, whipping cream, salt and
pepper.
o Puree until smooth

With just a few ingredients and a blend or two.. you have a fabulous easy to make soup!

ENJOY!

See y'all tomorrow,

Caroline

Keep Calm & Carry On - And Loose Lips may Sink Ships

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Nabors Rosen) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 00:07:00 +0000

What great sayings, right? They were actually sayings coined by the British government pre-WWII to raise morale of the British public in case of invasion, but they have meanings that transcends the 1930's. Who doesn't need to be reminded that it's going to be ok.. keep on going. And sometimes, less gossiping is more.

So why not adorn a spot in your home with this uplifting phrase.

You can get an easy to wall vinyl sticker if you need a piece that you can center your room around..

www.etsy.com

Or, personally I am in favor of the pillow and/or hand towels because my current spot is almost over decorated.

www.esty.com

Sign of the Arrow- St. Louis, MO

Now that you have that extra pep in your step after looking at your inspirational phrase, you may need a little ying to your yang. Being from the South, I must say that for better or worse, I strive to constantly be in touch with the people around me. This means at times, I must remember not to cross the line into "gaudy gossip". This is not to be confused with "graceful gossip", because graceful gossip is a form of endearment. So I've found this other phrase as a reminder to keep the gaudy gossip at bay in this nifty retro print. What a great addition to a restroom... it looks at you one last time before you head out of the door.

http://www.keepcalmgallery.com/hlllb-loose_lips_blue.htm

And let's be honest, if Katy Perry loves the mantra.. I know I do. Shake that glitter and see y'all tomorrow!