tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34233137876188745302024-03-13T09:00:07.351-04:00Grapes and BarleyMy thoughts on some of the best and worst drinks out there. Cheers!Jon Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09096705200879388975noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423313787618874530.post-86484362325135041822013-08-25T14:38:00.001-04:002013-08-25T14:38:03.186-04:00Hop Harvest<div><p>Just harvested the hops, they smell so good.  Now for the drying process.  I literally cannot wait to make a brew with these hops.  I think I need some dog fish head 60 minute to satisfy my hop crave.</p>
<br/><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/--KaCgq2dDaI/UhpPCOQN6gI/AAAAAAAAAN8/iHFhzJWT0NE/IMAG1033.png' /></div>Jon Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09096705200879388975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423313787618874530.post-86126908171552785542013-08-10T09:39:00.001-04:002013-08-10T09:43:51.662-04:00Hops!!!<div><p>This is my first year growing hops and they are doing pretty well.  I planted cascade and centennial, the cascade are doing the best, with multiple vines and plenty of hops.  Since they can grow upwards of 20 feet I built a cross trellis system out of cedar and twine, check it out.</p>
<br/><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0Zgh7pm8iGo/UgZDlBigOvI/AAAAAAAAANs/PLTKTo31hgs/IMAG1013.png' /></div>Jon Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09096705200879388975noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423313787618874530.post-15965942237938197412013-08-07T11:11:00.001-04:002013-08-07T11:11:49.115-04:00The Ultimate Mojito<div><div><p>I hate when I order a drink and I get a premixed, sugar loaded, concoction.  I prefer my drinks with natural ingredients and minimizing on fillers or premixers.  Here is my take on the summer favorite, The Mojito!</p>
<p>2 Parts rum<br>
2 Parts simple syrup<br>
1 Part lime juice<br>
4 Mint leaves</p>
<p>Simple syrup.<br>
1/2 cup water boiled with 1 table spoon sugar. Let cool.</p>
<p>Mix rum, syrup, lime juice in rocks glass. Muddle mint. Add ice. Enjoy!</p>
<p>If you don't have fresh mint from the garden, think about planting some it grows like a weed.<br>
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</div></div>Jon Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09096705200879388975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423313787618874530.post-17255885361155207112013-07-28T20:46:00.001-04:002013-07-28T20:50:15.358-04:00Jalapeno Margaritas<div><p>Here is my take on this spicy sweet drink.  </p>
<p>2 parts tequilla <br>
1 part tripple sec<br>
1 part fresh squeezed lime...about 1 lime<br>
3-4 slices jalapeno</p>
<p>In a rocks glass mix tequila, tripple sec, and lime.  Muddle jalapeno.  Add ice.  Enjoy.</p>
<br/><img src='http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LQedGjoJpEQ/UfW8MKnnCFI/AAAAAAAAANc/ypF0CBR8GoU/1375058789932.png' /></div>Jon Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09096705200879388975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423313787618874530.post-61676649619948377692013-07-26T18:58:00.001-04:002013-07-26T19:04:00.102-04:00The Holy Grail of Irish Stouts<div><p>My recent homebrew came out amazing.  Probably one of the best stouts I've ever had...and I'm not just saying that bc I made it.  The recipie is from craftbrew supplies in hopevalley ri.  Molasses and chocolate upfront with a slight hoppyness on the finish...seriously good.</p>
<br/><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/-q6fx8GSRDvE/UfMAW5ihxcI/AAAAAAAAANM/-SHATW7LKsw/IMAG0988.png' /></div>Jon Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09096705200879388975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423313787618874530.post-65505084433629731582013-07-09T21:28:00.001-04:002013-07-09T21:34:02.680-04:00Irish Stout Home Brew<div><p>Finally botteling day!  Made 48 bottles and an extra cup for sampling.  It has a nice molases, chocolate flavor up front and slight hop flavor at the finish.  I am pretty excited about it.  Can't wait for the final product.  Cheers.</p>
<br/><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QDPfhzwJbvM/Udy57MzLGWI/AAAAAAAAAMw/t2WAm8OOrM4/IMAG0979.png' /><br/><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PWSSFfiECSc/Udy6COaauDI/AAAAAAAAAM4/wX8lqlvfxkM/IMAG0980.png' /></div>Jon Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09096705200879388975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423313787618874530.post-53375513078106140692013-07-01T18:57:00.001-04:002013-07-01T18:59:11.018-04:00Irish Stout home brew update<div><p>Well we finally got to where we needed to be with our specific gravity.   Now its time to transfer to our secondary fermenter.  It will sit in this carboy for 10-14 days and then we will be able to bottle.  Right now it has a sweet molases, chocolate taste to it.  So good.  Cheers.</p>
<br/><img src='http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ucnkInkLV3o/UdIJf0zHGCI/AAAAAAAAAMU/F4vyzP0GVF4/IMAG0967.png' /><br/><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zDcApMkQPZ8/UdIJgp5GpmI/AAAAAAAAAMc/UTEK44aOncY/IMAG0961.png' /></div>Jon Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09096705200879388975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423313787618874530.post-35027061239878900892013-06-30T19:44:00.001-04:002013-06-30T19:52:08.714-04:00Wet Dog Wit Home brew<div><p>My Belgian witbier just finished carbonating in time for the fourth.  It's like blue moon but in my opinion better.  Very refreshing on a hot summers day with hints of coriander and bitter orange.  Cheers.</p>
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<br/><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NB4-Xlrc6lo/Uc4ag0wSYbI/AAAAAAAAALU/Rdfl9G9xbZ4/1372461668438.png' /></div>Jon Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09096705200879388975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423313787618874530.post-27664239287628845892013-06-26T19:02:00.001-04:002013-06-26T19:07:30.031-04:00Agave necter ale by Blue Moon<div><p>When I think of agave I think of tequila so I figured this must be good.  My assumptions were right....if you have 15 bucks go pick up the blue moon variety pack its awesome. <br>
Wheat ale with a hint of sweetness, perfect for summer drinking....now I just need to find it in a 6 pack. Tell me what you think.</p>
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This is a Belgian style dark ale brewed with cinnamon, vanilla, oak chips and dried figs. You can really taste the vanilla and cinnamon up front. It also has hits of chocolate and caramel and makes for an ideal dessert beer. Smooth and slightly creamy in texture. </div>
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<br />Jon Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09096705200879388975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423313787618874530.post-76813229631182398562012-07-08T16:29:00.001-04:002012-07-08T16:29:16.108-04:00Margaritas Restaurant in Mystic<div><p>Meg and I decided to take a trip to mystic, CT and we ended up at Margaritas!  Meg had a Mexican Iceberg which is a frozen marg floated atop a draft dos equis... a weird combo but refreshing on this super hot day.  I had a palomos which was tequila, lime juice, sierra mist and blood orange...so good, but on the stronger side.  </p>
<p>Cheers</p>
<br/><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Mbk4xtBlIV8/T_ntlB0VkzI/AAAAAAAAAJw/FvfgueRWZVk/PicsArt_1341778935485.png' /><br/><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lXjfP0B1bj8/T_ntljtXv4I/AAAAAAAAAJ4/wFBye5hrYN8/IMAG0010.png' /><br/><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/-b2OaK_CJGWc/T_ntmCu2w8I/AAAAAAAAAKA/K6DCEkQhqPE/PicsArt_1341778665201.png' /><br/><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YiLwEShWqog/T_ntmskDJfI/AAAAAAAAAKI/YtgxQfuJyfI/PicsArt_1341778601437.png' /></div>Jon Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09096705200879388975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423313787618874530.post-73876149789794251762012-07-07T19:00:00.001-04:002012-07-07T19:05:34.314-04:00Rascals Wild Raspberry<div><p>I'm not a huge fan of fruity beer with the exception of #9 but my sister loves it.  She tried this a week or so ago when she was traveling through NC.  Here is her take on it .  Red color, full of raspberry flavor, great dessert beer or fruit beer berry finish.  </p>
<p>I have a ton more reviews coming soon.  Cheers</p>
<p>Thanks Lauren</p>
<p>Ps love the raspberrys in your photo!</p>
<br/><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/-khhPc0W6Gqw/T_jAMClC4uI/AAAAAAAAAJk/angrVaJxoTE/IMG_20120707_190132.png' /></div>Jon Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09096705200879388975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423313787618874530.post-87649835135246565212012-05-21T17:15:00.000-04:002012-05-21T17:18:21.904-04:00Grove Winery 2009 Cabernet Franc<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tGy7__eFL7c/T7RV5f7vBhI/AAAAAAAAAI8/zi_HG-gx7ic/s1600/IMAG0165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tGy7__eFL7c/T7RV5f7vBhI/AAAAAAAAAI8/zi_HG-gx7ic/s1600/IMAG0165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">This past mothers day my mom took a drive out from Myrtle Beach to visit my sister in Greensboro NC where she is going to school. My sister made reservations at Grove Winery and Vineyard for a tasting and tour and this is their experience. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;">By: Lauren Pereira</span></div>
<span style="color: #222222;">Grove Winery and Vineyards in Haw River Vally, North Carolina is located conveniently northeast of the city of Greensboro. The Vineyard is off the beaten trail, but not difficult to locate. The vineyard serves as a great get-a-way with the winery nestled between the vineyard and a large pond with a deck to overlook the water. The wine is all harvested and cultivated on the premises and is sold locally as well as shipped internationally. I easily found the information for this exceptional vino haven on the internet and was pleased to hear they had a special mothers day wine tasting. The tasting included a choice between a sweet menu or a dry menu. Each menu included three wines which were each carefully paired with a hand-made chocolate truffle crafted by Greensboro pastry chef, Julie Watson. Although this pairing was a special mothers day event, Grove has many different events on their schedule, check it out today! www.grovewinery.com</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 13px;"><b>Appearance</b></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 13px;"><b>: </b></span></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;">Bright cherry red.</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 13px;"><b>Smell: </b>Oakey on the nose with a nice balance of fruit</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 13px;"><b>Taste: </b>Oakey, fruity, most notably cranberry</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 13px;"><b>Feel: </b>Medium bodied, tannins are soft</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><b style="line-height: 13px;">Overall: </b><span style="line-height: 13px;">Paired well with the cabernet granache chocolate!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 13px;"><b>Grade:</b> A</span></span></div>
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For a while now my good friend Kevin and I have been talking about brewing our own beer. Finally we bought the materials needed to brew our own beer! We went with an intermediate prepackaged beer kit from <a href="http://www.grapeandgranary.com/">The Grape and Granary</a>. They had a so many beer kits to choose from it was like heaven! We decided to go with the grape and granary <a href="http://www.thegrape.net/browse.cfm/summer-ale-g-g/4,12299.html">Summer Ale</a>. Here are some pictures of us bottling the beer. I must say the whole process was a lot of fun and I cannot wait to taste it! @<span style="-webkit-user-select: text !important; background-color: white; cursor: pointer; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://twitter.com/Grapeandgranary" style="-webkit-user-select: text !important; cursor: pointer; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="http://twitter.com/Grapeandgranary">Grapeandgranary</a></span></div>
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5 Gallons of BEER!</div>
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They say 2 weeks and its good to drink but the more time you give it the better it will taste, so we decided on 3 weeks until we crack open the first brewski. </div>
<br />Jon Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09096705200879388975noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423313787618874530.post-8521814105442966672012-05-10T20:42:00.000-04:002012-05-10T20:42:06.094-04:00Cerveza Pacífico ClaraWow the month of May is flying by!!!! Emerson has been keeping us busy, especially Meg. She does such a wonderful job with her, it's amazing. On cinco de Mayo Meg and wanted to do something fun so we decided to make these smokey bean burritos with chorizo, carne asada, Mexican cilantro rice, and the most amazing mexican twice baked sweet potatoes topped with this orange cream. For drinks I wanted to splurge on some tequila but Meg wanted some beer so we went with Cerveza Pacifico Clara. Here is our thoughts. <br />
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<b>Appearance: </b>Clear, pale, yellow with little to no head that disapates almost instantly.
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<b>Smell</b>: Corn, grain...kinda blah<br />
<b>Taste: </b> Slightly bitter, corn, grainy<br />
<b>Feel:</b> Light, thin feel with a decent amount of carbonation.<br />
<b>Overall:</b> It's nice to change things up just so at least you can say you tried it... Next time I think I might stick with another Mexican beer.<br />
<b>Grade:</b> CJon Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09096705200879388975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423313787618874530.post-43391651403639665412012-05-03T19:05:00.000-04:002012-05-03T19:05:29.983-04:00Wild Turkey Honey InfusedI was at the package store at the beginning of the week checking out some of the beer and wine options and found myself down the tequila, rum and whiskey aisle. It was a Monday so I figured with the long week ahead it might be a good investment... I am a big fan of Jack and Jim so I opted to go for something I normally don't buy. Wild Turkey Honey caught my eye so I figured why not.<br />
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I have got to say it is pretty delicious especially mixed with Coke Zero. It has that Whiskey burn however a sweetness to it that really goes along way, even Meg thought it wasn't that bad...and she usually cringes at the idea of Whiskey.<br />
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If you have the chance check it out, you may opt for the Jack and Honey also a great option.<br />
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Cheers.<br />
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<br />Jon Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09096705200879388975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423313787618874530.post-10754991924053958672012-04-28T09:38:00.000-04:002012-04-28T09:38:08.232-04:00Leinenkugel's Sunset WheatOkay, this beer is probably one of the most unique beers I've ever tasted. If you are from RI or close enough you may have first tried this beer at The Mews in Wakefield RI. If not then hopefully someone near by has it on tap. You can find it at most package stores but it is some what of a new brew and not everyone carries it. Here is my take on it.<br />
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<b>Appearance: </b>Pours a cloudy yellow orange with a small head.<b> </b><br />
<b>Smell: </b>A wonderful smelling beer, fruity, smells of citrus, wheat and a hint of blueberry.<br />
<b>Taste: </b>Amazing fruity flavor, orange really pops...but the best way to really describe this beer is it tastes almost identical to fruity pebbles cereal. Yes you read that right. If you don't believe me then you have got to go pick some up and give it a try. <br />
<b>Feel: </b>Smooth, lightly carbonated.<br />
<b>Overall: </b>Loved this beer. I am a big fan of fruit beers such as Magic Hat #9 or other beers like this one that are not over bearing with fruit flavor. I could drink this beer over and over, its so refreshing and at 4.2% alc vol. <br />
<b>Grade: A</b><br />
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<b><br /></b>Jon Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09096705200879388975noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423313787618874530.post-67039719454407913742012-04-21T20:42:00.000-04:002012-04-21T20:42:06.216-04:00Hi neighbor have a 'Gansette Summer AleOn the way home from work this past Friday I got a call from Meg and she couldn't wait for me to pick up a 6 pack of beer. I wanted to have something crisp and refreshing so I gambled and went with Narragansett Summer Ale. Here is my take on it.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Exo5tWDM48k/T5NRmqj46KI/AAAAAAAAAHs/P0jf4aXr3XM/s1600/212+Narragansett+Summer+Ale.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Exo5tWDM48k/T5NRmqj46KI/AAAAAAAAAHs/P0jf4aXr3XM/s320/212+Narragansett+Summer+Ale.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<b>Appearance:</b> Golden yellow in color and it pours a nice creamy head about 1" that disappears fairly quick.<b> </b><br />
<b>Smell: </b>Nice aromas of hops, sweet, grassy, and CITRUS!<br />
<b>Taste: </b> Bready, malty, cereal flavors with a refreshing hop citrus flavor. So good.<br />
<b>Feel: </b>This brew is light bodied, with light carbonation, not to sweet and not to bitter, and in my opinion has great drinkability. At 4.2% alc volume I could drink these all day, they are almost thirst quenching. I can see myself drinking this beer all summer, at a BBQ, the beach, late night campfire. <br />
<b>Overall: </b>This beer is a great addition to my summer brew rotation. I would definitely recommend you give this brew a shot at least once. Another cool thing about this beer is its made about 20 minutes from my house.<br />
<b>Grade: B+</b>
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The Towers of Narragansett in 1885 - Check out the its History <a href="http://www.narragansettri.com/thetowers/index.htm">here.</a> You can see the towers on the 16oz tallboy above.</div>
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<br />Jon Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09096705200879388975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423313787618874530.post-18375464271877822762012-04-16T22:10:00.000-04:002012-04-16T22:10:33.173-04:00Fetzer 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I owe this wonderful posting and review to my mom who took on the burden of trying some new wine ;) for us all. She was tasked with finding something new for under 10 dollars and she came across this great wine that not only tastes good the winery is also very environmentally conscious. Their vineyards produce wine using 100% renewable energy sources! Its nice to see that their are vineyards out there that are doing their part to make good wine and also a better planet. Here is her review!</div>
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<b>Appearance: </b>Deep red-purple in color.</div>
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<b>Smell: </b>Aromas of blackberry, cherry,vanilla, and oak </div>
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<b>Taste: </b>This wine has a surprising amount of layers to it, upfront you get the obvious oak flavor but as it unfolds you get the hints of fruit, blackberry, cherry, and hints of mocha.</div>
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<b>Feel: </b>Medium bodied wine with medium to firm tannin's.</div>
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<b>Overall: </b>Loved this wine and for the price of 6 bucks you can't go wrong. Probably one of the best wines I have had for under 10 dollars. I would highly recommend this wine for any night you feel like hanging home, relaxing, and enjoying a glass of wine. </div>
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<b>Grade: A</b></div>
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For more information on Fetzer Vineyard's philosphy and sustainability operations check this out. </div>
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<a href="http://www.fetzer.com/pdfs/cabernet_sauvignon.pdf">http://www.fetzer.com/pdfs/cabernet_sauvignon.pdf</a>
</div>Jon Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09096705200879388975noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423313787618874530.post-21019234530877298652012-04-11T21:07:00.000-04:002012-04-11T21:18:23.194-04:00Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love the holidays especially when you get together with family and amazing food is served. This Easter was pretty low key however my step mom and dad always go all out when it comes to Sunday dinners. On the menu was filet mignon (my favorite), caramelized carrots, roasted broccoli and cauliflower and to top it off we had sea scallops smothered in shallots and butter. My dad had also picked up a bottle of Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi. Here is what I thought.</div>
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<b>Appearance: </b>It has a nice deep rich purple to red color with great clarity and good leg.<br />
<b>Smell: </b>Oakey, fruity, predominantly notes of cherry jumped out at me.<br />
<b>Taste: </b>Oakey at first, but hints of mostly cherry and blackberry.<br />
<b>Feel: </b>Medium bodied wine with a velvety feel.<br />
<b>Overall: </b>For $11.99 you can't beat this wine, not to mention its a MAGNUM! It went very well with the Filet, may have been a little overpowering for the scallops but I guess you can't get to picky for the price. This wine would be great to have on hand for small unexpected get together's. In my opinion it does well compared to Robert Mondavi's Private Selection :)<br />
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<b>Sea Scallops</b></div>
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<b>The Main Course</b></div>
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<br />Jon Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09096705200879388975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423313787618874530.post-84028616215698858612012-04-05T20:13:00.000-04:002012-04-06T14:40:35.992-04:00Magic Hat Pistil Dandelion Ale Chilled SoupSummer is in the air! I cannot wait to fire up the grill and have my first cook out...fill up the propane tank stat! So tonight is day two and I am trying to contain myself from drinking all of the flavors from the variety pack...its almost painful. Today I decided on trying Pistil, here goes.<br />
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<b>Appearance: </b>Bright yellow slightly hazy with a little sediment (its an unfiltered brew)</div>
<b>Smell: </b>grassy, from the dandelion, and notes of lemon citrus!<br />
<b>Taste: </b>Very very refreshing, citrus lemony, grassy<br />
<b>Feel: </b> Smooth, low to medium carbonation!<br />
<b>Overall: </b> Loved this, probably my new favorite summer beer! Unbelievably refreshing, I could drink this over and over again. <br />
<b>Rating: </b> A<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">PISTIL CHILLED CUCUMBER SOUP</span></b></div>
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<b>Ingredients </b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">• 4 cucumbers</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">• 1 cup sour cream</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">• 1 (12-ounce bottle) Magic Hat Pistil</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">• 1 large bunch fresh mint</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">• 1 small bunch fresh chives</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">• salt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">• sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">• ground black pepper</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Recipe</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">• 4 cucumbers, peeled and seeded and cut into chunks</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">• 1 cup plain yogurt, preferably Greek-style</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">• 1 cup sour cream</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">• 1 cup Magic Hat Pistil</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">• 1/2 packed cup fresh mint leaves, plus more for garnish if desired</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">• 2 tablespoons chopped chives, plus more for garnish if desired</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">• 1/2 teaspoon salt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">• 1/2 teaspoon sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Directions</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">• Place all ingredients in a food processor and puree.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">• Cover and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, at least 2 hours.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">• Taste and add more salt, sugar or pepper if needed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">• Serve, garnished with chopped mint and/or chives, if desired.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yield</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> About 6 (6-ounce) servings</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.magichat.net/sites/default/files/beer_recipes/MH_POP_SS_recipesPistil_2012.pdf">http://www.magichat.net/sites/default/files/beer_recipes/MH_POP_SS_recipesPistil_2012.pdf</a>
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<br />Jon Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09096705200879388975noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423313787618874530.post-65044895015935916222012-04-04T20:14:00.001-04:002012-04-04T20:14:10.199-04:00Christmas In Summer! Magic Hat's Elder BettyI don't know about you but whenever the seasons change I get super excited about all the seasonal beer that is just around the corner!! I must say I am a huge fan the SUMMER seasonal variety packs. Let's be honest there is not much better than an ice COLD beer in your hand on a HOT summer day especially if your on the beach or at a cookout with some friends and family. <br />
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So today I splurged a bit and went for the good stuff... a case of Magic Hats summer variety pack! (not to mention it includes two beers on my <a href="http://grapesandbarley.blogspot.com/p/ultimate-beer-quest.html">beer quest list</a>) For this review I couldn't help myself but to try the Elder Betty, so here goes.<br />
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<b>Appearance: </b>Golden orange but with a touch of haziness to it.<br />
<b>Smell: </b>Distinctive berry aroma with a solid wheat and grain background<br />
<b>Taste: </b>This one caught me off guard, upfront a grainy, grassy flavor but then as it settles the second flavor hits you in the face and it was very berry flavor with a hint of tartness...so good.<br />
<b>Feel: </b>Smooth, not what I expected from a summer brew because it wasn't super crisp but then again I kinda liked that because overly carbonated beers are not my favorite.<br />
<b>Overall: </b>This weiss style beer has a nice fruity finish, not over powering in flavor, something I can definitely see myself drinking over and over on a hot day. Nice change up if you a partial to the many lemon and lime flavored summer brews out there.<br />
<b>Rating: </b> A-<br />
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<br />Jon Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09096705200879388975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423313787618874530.post-77018397188113115452012-04-02T20:11:00.002-04:002012-04-02T20:11:38.188-04:00Mark West - 2010 Pinot Noir Paring<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Let me start off by thanking my step-mom for making such an amazing dinner to go along with this wine. On the way home I got a phone call from her asking if I wanted her to drop off a dish of roasted duck with a apple and prune stuffing! Lets be honest who would say NO to that! So I dropped by the package store to pick up a Pinot Noir and I ran into a friend who recommended a 2010 Mark West Pinot Noir as a good, fairly inexpensive bottle. Here is my review and the recipe for the amazing roasted duck dish :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Appearance: </b>The color reminded me of a bing cherry that is about 90% ripe</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Smell: </b> Light on the oakey side with a fruity aroma with hits of berry's and cherry's really coming through</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Taste: </b> Sweet, fruity, low acidity, oakey with blackberry and cherry being the main flavors and a little bit of spice towards the finish, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Feel: </b>A light to medium bodied wine, but definitely more towards the lighter side and silky smooth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Overall: </b>I must say this wine was perfect for this dish, it paired amazing with the apple and prune stuffing. It was like a gourmet thanksgiving dinner...you had the juicy roasted duck, stuffing and an amazing gravy to smother it all in. </span></div>
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<h2 class="kv-ingred" style="background-color: white; color: #3d3d3d; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Ingredients</span></h2>
<ul class="kv-ingred-list1" style="background-color: white; color: #3d3d3d; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 14px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 (5-pound) duck</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 tablespoons <a class="crosslink" debug="85 99" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/butter/index.html" style="color: #1e7bac; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">unsalted butter</a></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 yellow <a class="crosslink" debug="115 119" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/onion/index.html" style="color: #1e7bac; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">onion</a>, chopped</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 celery stalks, chopped</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 teaspoon celery seed</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup pitted <a class="crosslink" debug="208 213" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/prune/index.html" style="color: #1e7bac; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">prunes</a>, halved</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3 Golden Delicious <a class="crosslink" debug="247 252" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/apple/index.html" style="color: #1e7bac; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">apples</a>, peeled, cored and cut in wedges</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">8 fresh sage leaves</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 pint dried rye bread cubes, crusts off</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 lemon, juiced</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 cup <a class="crosslink" debug="394 404" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/cream/index.html" style="color: #1e7bac; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">heavy cream</a></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 tablespoons <a class="crosslink" debug="425 441" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/flour/index.html" style="color: #1e7bac; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">all-purpose flour</a></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup fruity red <a class="crosslink" debug="465 468" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/wine/index.html" style="color: #1e7bac; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">wine</a>, such as <a class="crosslink" debug="479 488" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/pinot-noir/index.html" style="color: #1e7bac; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">Pinot Noir</a></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 cups chicken stock</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Directions</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Duck is a notoriously fatty bird. To diminish the fat and produce a crispy skin, begin by trimming the excess fat from the body. Rinse the duck thoroughly, inside and out, and pat dry with paper towels. Season the bird inside and out with a generous amount of salt and pepper.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To prepare the stuffing: <a class="crosslink" debug="313 316" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/melt/index.html" style="color: #1e7bac; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">Melt</a> the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, <a class="crosslink" debug="389 399" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/celery-seed/index.html" style="color: #1e7bac; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">celery seed</a>, prunes, apples, and 4 sage leaves; season with salt and pepper; saute for 10 minutes until soft. Add the bread cubes and toss the mixture together to combine. Put the <a class="crosslink" debug="569 576" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/stuffing/index.html" style="color: #1e7bac; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">stuffing</a> in a large mixing bowl and moisten it with a squeeze of <a class="crosslink" debug="634 638" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/lemon/index.html" style="color: #1e7bac; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">lemon</a> and the heavy cream; give it another toss and season with salt and pepper. Spoon the stuffing into the duck cavity. Rip off a foot long piece of aluminum foil and lay it on an insert rack fitted in a roasting pan, let a bit of the foil hang off the end. Lay the <a class="crosslink" debug="902 905" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/duck/index.html" style="color: #1e7bac; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">duck</a>, breast-side up, on the foil; tuck the wing tips back under the duck, and fold the excess foil over the end of the duck with the stuffing. The foil will protect the stuffing from burning and falling into the delicious duck fat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class="crosslink" debug="1192 1196" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/roast/index.html" style="color: #1e7bac; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">Roast</a> the duck for 21/2 to 3 hours, rotating the pan every 20 minutes or so. It may seem like a bother, but it's the best way to ensure an even crispy skin. The legs will wiggle easily when the bird is done and an instant-read thermometer will register about 180 degrees F when inserted into the thigh.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Take the insert rack out of the pan and set the duck on a cutting board to let it rest before carving. Now you have a whole lot of duck fat in the bottom of the roasting pan. Pour out all but a couple of tablespoons of the duck fat into a container and reserve.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d3d3d; line-height: 23px;">For the gravy: Place the roasting pan, with the couple of tablespoons of duck fat, on the stove over 2 burners set on medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and stir to make a paste. Crank the heat up to high and add the wine, cook and stir, scraping the bottom of the pan, until the liquid is reduced slightly. Add the</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d3d3d; line-height: 23px;"> </span><a class="crosslink" debug="2095 2107" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/stock/index.html" style="background-color: white; color: #1e7bac; line-height: 23px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">chicken stock</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d3d3d; line-height: 23px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d3d3d; line-height: 23px;">and remaining 4</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d3d3d; line-height: 23px;"> </span><a class="crosslink" debug="2125 2128" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/sage/index.html" style="background-color: white; color: #1e7bac; line-height: 23px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">sage</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d3d3d; line-height: 23px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d3d3d; line-height: 23px;">leaves, season with salt and pepper. Cook and stir for 1 to 2 minutes until the</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d3d3d; line-height: 23px;"> </span><a class="crosslink" debug="2210 2214" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/gravy/index.html" style="background-color: white; color: #1e7bac; line-height: 23px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">gravy</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d3d3d; line-height: 23px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d3d3d; line-height: 23px;">has thickened slightly.</span> </span></div>Jon Pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09096705200879388975noreply@blogger.com1