The Chic and Gourmet Lifestyle

Wine-Tasting Basics

Aroma, Bouquet, Tannins, Legs.... On the list of "wine" terms, there are hundreds of terms that may confuse and bewilder anyone short of a wine  aficionado.  Everything surrounding the romantic world of wine may seem daunting to most.  But, on the most elementary level, wine-tasting is subjective; you simply drink what tastes divine to your palate.

Though subjective to your taste and preferences, there are a few general guidelines to wine-tasting that you should follow. 

Wine Glasses

Although there are many beautiful choices of cut and colored wine glasses and goblets, the clear, crystal glasses are best for an uninterrepted tasting experience.  Reason being is that a cut or colored glass may not provide you with the actual clarity and color of the wine you are tasting.  Also, the glasses should be round with a rim that curves inward, as this will allow you to swirl the wine and release the fragrance while the aroma is captured inside of the curved rim.  If you have ever really just looked at wine glasses, you may have noticed that there are smaller wine glasses and larger, bowl-shaped wine glasses.  The smaller glasses are used to drink and taste the white varieties, as the smaller surface area is conducive to keeping the whites chilled.  The larger, bowl-shaped glasses give the fuller-bodied reds room to breathe and release the aromas and fragrances within.

Drinking and Entertaining

When serving wine, it is a best practice to fill the glass only half full so that the aromas are easily released and so it won't be a catastrophe when you and your guest swirl your wine!  If you are hosting your own wine-tasting party, instruct your guest to take a sip, and then let a little bit of air into their mouth.  This will allow the wine to develop of your palate for the full taste and experience of that variety. 

If you are buying wine for a dinner party or, other gathering and you are puzzled as to how many bottles you should buy, there is a general rule of thumb to follow.  The universal estimate is that you should have enough wine on hand for each guest to have half a bottle.  Of course, it never hurts to have an extra cabernet or merlot on hand!

Take these general guidelines and explore a nice full-bodied red, or, a fruity zinfandel tonight !

Your Guide to Moist and Supple Skin

Moist and supple skin is an often-fleeting phenomenon that we, as women and men alike seek. But, it's not only about making our skin softer for the guy or gal we love to caress. Our skin screams for moisture the way our bodies craves water after a workout; our skin absolutely needs moisture.

If you were to take a look inside of your medicine cabinet, it may be stacked to the brim with lotions, creams and loofah sponges.  Yet, your skin is still dry, dull and maybe even flaky. That is because skin has to first be nourished from the inside. 

Just like every other organ in our beloved bods, our skin, the largest organ ( you did know your skin was an organ, right?) is directly affected by what we consume.  "Being healthy on the inside helps you be healthy on the outside," says Marguerite Germain, M.D., of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.  For example, that beloved Cosmopolitan you love to drink during happy hour and that mandatory cup-o-joe you chug in the morning, can have what is called a diuretic effect on your skin.  What that means is that alcohol and caffeine can cause your skin cells and entire body to lose fluids and very important minerals, causing your skin to appear dry and flaky to the world.

Thinking back to the infamous food pyramid that we started hearing about in preschool, naturally, a well-balanced diet including fruit, veggies, nuts (in moderation because they are fatty), grains, and seeds can help you achieve that healthy and beautiful glow you so desire. It is said that eggs, asparagus, garlic and onions have a high sulfur content that can equal smooth-as-a-baby's-bottom skin for you!

If you have dry skin, or, if you are looking to make your skin even moister and more supple, you should consume more yellow and orange fruits and veggies.  Veggies and fruit such as, carrots, oranges, apricots and cantalopes are high in beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant, as well as, the essential Vitamins A and C.  Other than being highly recommended for a well balanced diet, Vitamins A and C have advantages to your skin.  Vitamin A can actually prevent or minimize dry skin, dandruff and even wrinkles! And Vitamin C helps to regulates the glands on our skin to prevent it from drying out.

Couple these tips and your favorite moisturizer to take care of your skin on the outside and you will be on your way to irresistible skin in no time!

Looking Forward to Summer Entertaining

Getting past the winter, which, here in Columbus, Georgia isn’t too bad, on into the Spring, I start to get excited about the endless possibilities of Summer entertaining.  The images of juicy watermelon and sweet cherries start to dance through my mind!  Here are some of my most tried and true tips for the perfect formula to Chic and Gourmet Summer Entertaining!

First of all, during the lazy, humid days of summer, it is imperative that you dine al fresco (outside) at least once per week!I love to take some of my favorite table linens and napkins and mix and match them for a colorful and inviting table setting.  Adorn your table with tons of candles; if you can find cute candles with bug repellent, or citronella in them, all the better!

Another excellent way to make your summer entertaining easy is to simply organize your home and kitchen.  Utilize utensil and condiment caddies faithfully.  I know it seems elementary, but, it really will make life easier and more organized.  Wrap your utensils in napkins or linen and place neatly in a galvanized bucket so guests can just grab and go!

As far as grilling goes, here are a few tips:

• Prep and clean grill in advance- thorough and proper cleaning of the grill’s grate will reduce sticking and tearing of food
• Don’ t water down summer drinks-Make ice cubes out of fruity juices so that when they melt into the beverages, they don’t water them down
• Try different wines for summer grilling-Don’t be to incorporate Zinfandels, Merlots and the often-overlooked Greek wines into your summer menu!

Simple, Chic and Gourmet Idea

I wanted to write a short blurb on an easy and simple entertaining tip addressing the food and wine element of a magnificent lifestyle. We all love to entertain friends and family. There are many types of gatherings that you can choose to host. You can host a formal cocktail party where you can request guests come in “black tie” ensembles. You can host informal cocktail parties, wine and cheese tastings. Or, even just a simple dinner party to show off that new beef wellington recipe you have just mastered!

If you are just looking for a quick, easy and inexpensive way to get a few of your favorite people together, I recommend a movie and popcorn night! Yes, that’s right… a movie and popcorn night! We all do it naturally; we go to Blockbuster and get a movie and come home and pop a bag of corn. Add a nice Zinfandel wine, and the Spicy Popcorn recipe that I will provide at the end of the post, and Voila! you have a nice gathering!

Spicy Chili-Lime Popcorn

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup popcorn kernels (popped according to package instructions)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 -1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1-1/4 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1 tablespoon finely grated lime zest ( I also add lemon zest to mine just for the extra citrus burst)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil with a few of the popcorn kernels in a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat to make sure the oil is hot enough. When kernels pop, add remaining 1/2 cup kernels. Cook, covered, shaking pan occasionally, until popping slows, 6 to 7 minutes. Remove pan from heat; let stand, covered, 1 minute.

Stir together all of the spices, salt, and zest in a small bowl. Toss hot popcorn with remaining tablespoon oil in a large bowl and then sprinkle with spice mixture. Pour the 1 tablespoon of lime juice over popcorn. Toss to coat. ENJOY!

The 6 Elements of a Magnificent Lifestyle

Over the years that I have been married and gradually created a lifestyle for my family, I have honed in on 6 main elements of my family’s lifestyle that I am always striving to enhance. The 6 main elements of a magnificent lifestyle are:

1) home beautification and improvement,

2) family and lifestyle,

3) intimacy and relationships,

4) health and beauty,

5) food and wine and

6) money and wealth.

I would like to point out that we do not have to be millionaires in order to enjoy a luxurious and lavish lifestyle.

Here on The Chic and Gourmet Lifestyle, I will research, explore and discuss the 6 elements of a magnificent lifestyle Monday through Saturday with a new, exciting and informative post. On Sunday, we will have fun with an “open-mic” where you guys will research, explore and discuss one of the elements. Also, on Sunday, you can put in requests for me to research, explore and discuss any topic within the 6 elements of your choice.

I look forward to this journey with you all as we bring more beauty and meaning into our lifestyles! Happy living!!

Sincerely,

Candice B.