Monday, July 25, 2011

Beat the Heat with a Great Meal

The incredible heat has put a damper on both indoor and outdoor cooking, but if you ask me I'd much rather turn on the grill than the oven!  What's a little more added heat to the outdoors from a grill? :)

Don't let the heat sacrifice a great meal creation!  We may not want to sit outside and eat unless there is a cool breeze blowing off an ocean or lake...(I sure don't!)

In the spirit of keeping the oven doors closed and meal masterpieces going I've created a few simple mouthwatering summer dishes to beat the heat!

A tasty towering mushroom and swiss burger or asian barbecue salmon sliders.  No "wine"ing now! I have a great wine to compliment both scrumptious burgers!

Ok, ready.... set.... go... fire up those grills!

Mushroom & Swiss Burger
1 Tbsp Pure Olive Oil
1 Pkg Gourmet Mushroom Blend
2 Cloves Garlic Minced
1 lb. Rastelli's All Natural Black Angus Ground Beef 93% Lean
1/2 Cup shredded Gran Cru Surchoix Gruyere
4 Vienna Rolls split and toasted
2 Tbs Mayonnaise
Topping of your choice: Red Onion, Tomatoes, Bacon, Lettuce

Take a large skillet on your side burner (if you have one) if not make sure the skillet is grill safe and you protect your hands from the handle!! (Ouch!)  On medium heat olive oil in the skillet, cook your mushrooms about 1 minute, add the garlic, cook, stirring occasionally about 10 mins and set aside to cool down (If that's possible in the heat outside!!)  Next:  Combine the beef, mushrooms and cheese and form into 4 burgers.. Preheat the grill to High for about 10 mins... Sear the burgers on the grill 2 mins. until they haves changed color about one-quarter of the way up from the bottom.  Flip over, sear 2-3 mins.  Flip again and reduce heat to medium and cook to desired tenderness....   Gather you favorite toppings together, spread half the roll with 1/2 Tbsp mayonnaise and your favorite toppings....  I love to top my burger with a spicy bbq sauce!

As for the wine of choice (my choice that is!) is Domodimonti Monte Fiore made from 100% Sangiovese grapes with a bouquet of ripe red berries, cloves and flowers, revealing aromas of violets, strawberries and plums.
Asian Barbecue Salmon Sliders


1/2 seedless cucumber, peeled thinly sliced
1 green onion, thinly sliced
1/2 Tbsp Rice Vinegar
6  6oz Rastelli Scottish Salmon cut in half
1/4 cup Asian Style BBQ sauce of your choice
Baby Spinach leaves for garnishment
1 package slider rolls



Toss cucumber, onion, and rice vinegar in large bowl.  Chill covered at least 30 mins. and up to 3 hours.  Drain discarding liquid.
When ready to serve:  preheat grill on high 10 mins.  Coat grill grate lightly with vegetable oil.   Place salmon on grill and sear about 2 mins. until they have changed color about one-quarter of the way up from the bottom.  Turn over and brush salmon with BBQ sauce.  Sear 2-3 mins.  Turn again, brush with BBQ sauce and reduce heat to Medium-Low, close lid.  Cook until internal temp reaches 165 or desired doneness.  Arrange lettuce on slider rolls, top with salmon and top with onion-cucumber mixture.




A nice riesling compliments the salmon sliders...  My pick is St. Christopher Piesporter Doldtropfchen Riesling Spatlese.






Thursday, July 21, 2011

A Bundle of Love

There is a great group of ladies creating meal makeovers to traditional recipes that I love to follow.  Meal Makeover Moms have done exactly what Rastelli Direct has by creating an atmosphere to bring health, fun and family back to the kitchen.

So you have one, two, three or maybe four kids to feed and you're tired of serving up the same dishes week after week..... You want to add flare to your meal, have fun teaching the kids kitchen skills and create a dining in experience with your husband without the hassle of worrying about the kids.....  What do the kids ask for?  Chicken Pot Pie... You think "not again", how boring and not a mood setting meal.....

Good thing you have Poulet Rouge Chicken from Rastelli Direct in the freezer along with some other goodies to create a masterpiece thanks to these wonderful ladies!  This recipe falls into the elegant disguise that your kids will like and your significant other will be impressed with!!  Create your Bundle of Love!  Of course to add the love to the bundle for you and your significant other you require a wonderful wine.  Again, Napa Valley's Faustini, a favorite of mine has a new selection that I find not only fitting in name but wonderful in taste... Play Date and both wines, the 2009 Play Date Cabernet or 2010 Play Date Chardonnay are a perfect fit!  Now the Cabernet will be ready for release in the fall, so let's pair up the Chardonnay today!

Faustini 2010 Play Date Chardonnay tasting notes: Pear, apricots, jasmine, honeysuckle, and vanilla define the perfumed nose that also shows hints of orange peel and tobacco. A red pear attack transitions smoothly into a complex, juicy mouth of green apple, white peach, pineapple, and traces of chestnut and nutmeg. An orange blossom silky transition releases the vanilla finish with hints of coffee that cleans out with a lingering lemon-lime.

The array of flavors makes this the perfect pairing and as delicious as a dessert without the calories!  Next time you have to dine in and have a play date with your kids and significant other, make this your guilty pleasure.



Chicken Pot Pie Bundles

Go through the cabinets, refrigerator and freezer and find your ingredients below!


Ingredients
                1½ tablespoons canola oil, divided
                1 large carrot, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice (about 1 cup)
                1/2 small onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice (about 1/2 cup)
                2 cloves garlic, minced
                1 pound boneless, skinless Poulet Rouge chicken breast halves, cut into 1/2-inch dice
                2 teaspoons chopped fresh tarragon or 1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon
                1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
                Pinch of black pepper
                1 cup all-natural chicken broth
                4 teaspoons cornstarch
                3/4 cup frozen petite peas, thawed
                3/4 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
                2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
12 egg roll wraps (NOT the smaller wonton wrappers)

Directions

                Preheat the oven to 350°F. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the carrot and onion and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, and cook 1 minute more.
                Stir in the chicken, tarragon, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
                Place the broth and cornstarch in a bowl and whisk until well combined. Add to the skillet along with the peas and corn, and bring the liquid to a simmer, stirring constantly. Continue to simmer and stir gently until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
                To prepare the bundles, use a muffin pan with 12 medium-size cups (do not coat with nonstick cooking spray). Gently place 1 egg roll wrap into each cup, letting it extend over the sides.
                Place a generous 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture into each wrap, and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top. Fold the corners up and over the top of the filling and press to seal the edges (it doesn’t have to be perfect!). Brush the remaining oil on top of each bundle.
Bake until golden and crisp, 12 to 15 minutes. Cool slightly before eating.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Be "Wine" Tonight



Why wait one time a year to show that special someone in your life how you feel?  You don't have to break the bank to create an atmosphere or wait until February or any holiday for that matter to be romantic.

All you need are a few elements to brighten someone's day and even brighten your own day!  A few candles, music, a bottle of wine and a simple dinner....  It can be on your back porch under the setting sun or moonlit sky.

A favorite wine that exudes romance is the perfect start and Faustini has such a collection to create the mood for tempting the palate and your significant other.  Cabernet Sauvignon is a perfect compliment to your meal... it could be as simple as a pasta dish for two.....  Never let a busy day interrupt an evening of relaxation and romance with your loved one.  A spaghetti dinner with a Cab can be the perfect ending to a stressful day......

A cabernet sauvignon is also a wonderful compliment to a surf and turf delight.... An elegant meal can be put together in no time... What I call my freezer of love has my surf and turf ready to go... Two filets and two tails..... Grill the filets, tails and potatoes while your asparagus steams... Melt some butter and heat up bearnaise sauce and uncork the magic.  The Faustini Cab of my picking is a combination of 88% Cab, 7% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot and 2% Merlot.  Layered with dark blackberry, black cherry and dark cocoa this has a finish that will add spice to your evening..



Products/Recipes to create the ambience:

Candles and an Ipod set to soft music

Faustini Cabernet Sauvignon

Surf and Turf for two from Rastelli Direct for under $80 at QualityGourmet.com




My Favorite Recipe for Bearnaise Sauce:

                1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter
                4 shallots, finely chopped
                2 tablespoons fresh tarragon leaves
                4 white peppercorns, crushed
                1/4 cup white wine vinegar
                1/3 cup dry white wine
                4 large egg yolks

Heat the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat just to melt. Boil shallots, tarragon, and peppercorns in vinegar and wine in a nonreactive medium-size saucepan over medium heat until reduced to about 1/4 cup. Strain into the top of a double boiler. Whisk in the egg yolks. Place the top over the bottom of the double boiler containing simmering water. Make sure that the top of the water is below the bottom of the upper part of the double boiler. Whisk constantly. The second that the yolk mixture begins to thicken slightly, remove the top of the double boiler from above the hot water and continue whisking. Turn off the heat. Add four ice cubes to the bottom of the double boiler to cool the hot water a little. Put the pan of yolks back above the hot water. Whisk in the melted butter, drizzling it in very slowly. If at any time the sauce looks as if it is about to break, remove the top and continue whisking to cool it down or whisk in 1 teaspoon cold water. With constant whisking, whisk in the salt and cayenne. When all the butter is incorporated, taste and add more salt or cayenne as needed. 

Friday, July 15, 2011

HEALTH OR WEALTH?

Lately we're seeing in the news and on television shows concerning the rise of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.... It's intriguing to look at how life has become sedentary, easy and at the same time more stressful...  Ok, so schools are cutting sports programs....Kids don't go out and play kick the can or jail break-now they sit on a couch and play video games.. Although gaming has gone to a new level that I'm happy to see kids now are having fun with movement, thinking they are playing games, when they are actually exercising... Kudo's to the gaming industry!

Fast food is available on every corner like gas stations.... And our economy has families at all-time high stress levels...  So people are turning to places with "Dollar" menus.... What does that "Dollar" really mean to you?  Have people realized that the "Dollar" menu is putting themselves and their kids at risk for high medical bills because the "Dollar" you saved today contributes to a major illness in the future..

So, I ask.... Health or Wealth?  In my family's journey to take our health into our own hands I've researched and compiled a list from many resources on how to turn off the dial that is only turning towards: high blood pressure, coronary disease, diabetes and obesity...

Don't Sweat It, Simplify It

  • Don't overwhelm yourself with counting or measuring. Don't say you're dieting, but say you're making lifestyle changes and think of your foods terms of color, variety and freshness.  Using quality products that are portion controlled and without the many additives such as hormones, steroids & antibiotics can be done easily through Rastelli Direct at www.QualityGourmetEveryday.com
  • Introduce your new lifestyle gradually. Most lifestyle changes have a tendency to fail because people try to make an immediate switch from their current lifestyle at once. Take baby steps.. Introduce a fish in place of your beef, introduce a salad or vegetable to what you are already eating.  I've found if I eat my greens and proteins first I don't have room for the fillers.  A big help is drinking a full glass of water before your meal also to fill yourself before consuming the calories.
  • The littlest change makes the biggest difference. Perfection isn't the only key to a healthy diet. It's enjoying your new lifestyle one day at a time. Remember what's at stake and that preventing future illness and disease.
  • Water. Water helps flush our systems of waste products and toxins. Tiredness, low energy and headaches can be caused by dehydration. Don't mistake thirst for hunger.
  • Exercise. Ok so here is where you sweat it a little bit!! Find something active that you like to do and add it to your day. The benefits of lifelong exercise are abundant and regular exercise may even motivate you to make healthy food choices a habit.

    Moderation is key 

    • Don't identify certain foods as “off-limits.” It's amazing the day you ban an item for your lifestyle you crave it ten times more.  Moderation begins that lifestyle change process.  If you eaten an "off-limit" item for a long period of time cut down how many times a day or a week you eat it.  Eventually you can fade it out of your system, but not forever, because after all a scoop of ice cream can be great on a summer day.... Just remember one scoop instead of three or four!
    • Portion Control. Most people go out to eat and think they get the best deal on super-sizing or restaurants with large portions.  You may get the best deal for your wallet but not your waistline.  First key is don't super-size anything!  Next, if your favorite restaurant puts plate after plate of huge helpings in front of you, ask for a bread plate and take just enough portions to fill the bread plate and pack the rest up for another day...

    It's not just what you eat, it's how you eat 

    • Be a social eater.  Have you ever sat in front of the TV and consumed a whole bag of chips, popcorn, cookies or whatever... And when you have you most likely didn't realize it till you reached and there was nothing left.. Then the guilt.  Eating with others in social settings has benefits... Particularly sharing the food cuts down on portion sizes and also if your busy chatting away, you're not chewing away! :) which leads me to....
    • Taste your meal by chewing.  Savor every bite and you sure will if you have the quality foods on your plate.  I've heard people say it looks or smells so good I don't want to eat it.... 
    • Ask your body. If you're not sure how hungry you are try a glass of water because as I said we can mistake dehydration for hunger..... While your eating slow down and when that first sign comes to you that say "oh I think I'm done or stuffed" change it to "yes I'm full" and put the fork down, stop, drop and roll!! LOL..
    • Breakfast and small meals throughout the day. A healthy breakfast can jumpstart your metabolism, and eating small, healthy meals throughout the day (rather than the standard three large meals) keeps your energy up and your metabolism going.

    Fruits & Veggies Oh My! 

    The antioxidants and other nutrients in fruits and vegetables help protect against certain types of cancer and other diseases.  I was taught at a young age to follow the rainbow when eating vegetables... Rainbows are pretty but how come I didn't like my veggies...  Now that I'm older and my health is a big concern the vegetable rainbow is returning...
    • Greens: Greens are packed with calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, zinc, vitamins A, C, E and K, and they help strengthen the blood and respiratory systems. Be adventurous with your greens and branch out beyond bright and dark green lettuce—kale, mustard greens, broccoli, Chinese cabbage are just a few of the options.
    • Sweet vegetables: Naturally sweet vegetables add healthy sweetness to your meals and reduce your cravings for other sweets. Some examples of sweet vegetables are corn, carrots, beets, sweet potatoes or yams, winter squash, and onions.
    • Fruit: A wide variety of fruit is also vital to a healthy diet. Fruit provides fiber, vitamins and antioxidants. Berries are cancer-fighting, apples provide fiber, oranges and mangos offer vitamin C, and so on.
    • Fresh is Always Best.  Whenever possible buy fresh and I would recommend organic.  Canned items tend to have additives and you don't want pesticides in your diet either..

    EAT MORE HEALTHY CARBS & GRAINS


    So many of us don't know and confuse what "healthy" carbs are.... As a pasta/bread/potato lover this was one of the most difficult challenges in my lifestyle change......You want to seek out choices in healthy carbs and fibers, especially whole grains. Whole grains are rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants and help to protect against coronary heart disease, certain cancers, and diabetes. 

    How do I tell the difference between healthy and unhealthy carbs?

    Healthy carbs (sometimes known as good carbs) include whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables. Healthy carbs are digested slowly, helping you feel full longer and keeping blood sugar and insulin levels stable.
    Unhealthy carbs (or bad carbs) are foods such as white flour, refined sugar and white rice that have been stripped of all bran, fiber and nutrients. Unhealthy carbs digest quickly and cause spikes in blood sugar levels and energy.

    How do I eat more healthy carbs?

    • Include a variety of whole grains, including whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, and barley. 
    • Danger words when it comes to grains. Be aware that the words stone-ground, multi-grain, 100% wheat, or bran, can be deceptive. Look for the words “whole grain” or “100% whole wheat” at the beginning of the ingredient list. In the US, check for the Whole Grain Stamps that distinguish between partial whole grain and 100% whole grain.
    • Take baby steps when switching to whole grains. For those of us carb junkies sometimes the switch is difficult, so make it gradual... combine the whole grains with what you are eating and phase out the old, bring in the new!
    Avoid: Refined foods such as breads, pastas, and breakfast cereals that are not whole grain.

    Enjoy healthy fats & avoid unhealthy fats

    Again, we hear good fat, bad fat, which is it?  Ok so I don't like the word fat in general but what distinguishes good from bad?  
    Healthy fats are needed to nourish your brain, heart and cells, as well as your hair, skin, and nails.  Foods rich in certain omega-3 fats called EPA and DHA are particularly important and can reduce cardiovascular disease, improve your mood and help prevent dementia.

    What fats should I add?

    • Monounsaturated fats, from plant oils like canola oil, peanut oil, and olive oil, as well as avocados, nuts (like almonds, hazelnuts, and pecans), and seeds (such as pumpkin, sesame).
    • Polyunsaturated fats, including Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, found in fatty fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, and some cold water fish oil supplements. Other sources of polyunsaturated fats are unheated sunflower, corn, soybean, and flaxseed oils, and walnuts.

    What fats should I say goodbye to?

    • Saturated fats, found primarily in animal sources including red meat and whole milk dairy products.
    • Trans fats, found in vegetable shortenings, some margarines, crackers, candies, cookies, snack foods, fried foods, baked goods, and other processed foods made with partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.

    Put protein in perspective

    Ok, so my trainer couldn't stop saying eat, get, consume more Protein, Protein, Protein... Why?
    Protein gives us the energy to get up and go—and keep going. Now that makes sense because my training wants me to perform and complete my regimen... So energy! Yeah! 
    Protein in food is broken down into the 20 amino acids that are the body’s basic building blocks for growth and energy, and essential for maintaining cells, tissues, and organs. A lack of protein in our diet can slow growth, reduce muscle mass, lower immunity, and weaken the heart and respiratory system. Protein is particularly important for children, whose bodies are growing and changing daily.
    Experiment with different types of protein. Whether or not you are a vegetarian, trying different protein sources—such as beans, nuts, seeds, peas, tofu and soy products—will open up new options for healthy mealtimes.
    • Beans:  Black beans, navy beans, garbanzos, and lentils are good options.
    • Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and pecans are great choices.
    • Soy products: Try tofu, soy milk, tempeh, and veggie burgers for a change.
    • Avoid salted or sugary nuts and refried beans.
    Most people in the U.S. eat too much protein. Try to move away from protein being the center of your meal. Focus on equal servings of protein, whole grains, and vegetables.
    Quality sources of protein, like fresh fish, chicken or turkey, tofu, eggs, beans or nuts. When you are having meat, chicken, or turkey, buy meat that is free of hormones and antibiotics.  This was a simple change for me... At first trying to find meat, chicken or turkey free of hormones, antibiotics and steroids in the main stream stores was a nightmare... Now I can just sit down after I exercise go to www.QualityGourmetEveryday.com and order those items in portion controlled sizes, delivered right to my door.  Less time searching and extra time for exercise or fun!

    Calcium for strong bones

    Calcium is one of the key nutrients that your body needs in order to stay strong and healthy. It is an essential building block for lifelong bone health in both men and women, among many other important functions.
    Recommended calcium levels are 1000 mg per day, 1200 mg if you are over 50 years old. Take a vitamin D and calcium supplement if you don’t get enough of these nutrients from your diet.

    Where can I get my calcium from?

    • Dairy: Dairy products are rich in calcium in a form that is easily digested and absorbed by the body. Sources include milk, yogurt, and cheese.
    • Vegetables and greens: Many vegetables, especially leafy green ones, are rich sources of calcium. Try turnip greens, mustard greens, collard greens, kale, romaine lettuce, celery, broccoli, fennel, cabbage, summer squash, green beans, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, and crimini mushrooms.
    • Beans: For another rich source of calcium, try black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, white beans, black-eyed peas, or baked beans.

    UGH! Limit sugar and salt

    The biggest hurdle for most people the reduction of sugar and salt.... Thank grandma and grandpa for the sugar fix and our fast food chains for the salts fix!! I can actually say when I made these limitations I felt a difference in energy and saw a difference on my waistline! 
    If you succeed in planning your diet around fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and good fats, you may find yourself naturally cutting back on foods that can get in the way of your healthy diet—sugar and salt.
    Large amounts of added sugar can be hidden in foods such as bread, canned soups and vegetables, pasta sauce, margarine, instant mashed potatoes, frozen dinners, fast food, soy sauce, and ketchup. Here are some tips:
    • Avoid sugary drinks. One 12-oz soda has about 10 teaspoons of sugar in it, more than the daily recommended limit! Try sparkling water with lemon or a splash of fruit juice.
    • Eat naturally sweet food such as fruit, peppers, or natural peanut butter to satisfy your sweet tooth.






    Try to limit sodium intake to 1,500 to 2,300 mg per day, the equivalent of one teaspoon of salt.


    • Avoid processed or pre-packaged foods. Processed foods like canned soups or frozen dinners contain hidden sodium that quickly surpasses the recommended limit.
    • Be careful when eating out. Most restaurant and fast food meals are loaded with sodium. 
    • Opt for fresh or frozen vegetables instead of canned vegetables.
    • Cut back on salty snacks such as potato chips, nuts, and pretzels.
    • Choose low-salt or reduced-sodium products.
    • Try slowly reducing the salt in your diet to give your taste buds time to adjust.

    Plan quick and easy meals ahead 

    If it's already on hand you're less likely to dial or drive-thru for the quick fix.... Steamazing is a great alternative to drive-thru or dial-up meals...

    Plan your meals by the week or even the month

    One of the best ways to have a healthy diet is to prepare your own food and eat in regularly. Bring the family back to the table and socialize... Start with preparing your meals together.. Have recipe challenges...Make eating and cooking healthy meals fun!  Have a jar filled with everyone's favorite recipes and pick them for each night, see who found the most delicious, healthiest recipe!!

    If you have to shop the grocery store


    Avoid the isles filled with tempting foods... Go right to the produce section, the dairy section and grain section.. No stops, no endcap enticements!  Part of what shopping Rastelli products online keeps me from doing...  I've saved money and inches by avoiding impulse shopping...

    Try to Cook at home often!

    Cooking doesn't have to be a chore, as I said, make it fun.. Come up with challenges, share the cooking with the family and teach your children to save time, money and their health by using what's in the cabinets at home...  I used to eat out often only because I wasn't happy with the quality of the food I was finding at the grocery store... Chewy steaks, bad fish, tough chicken....that's not the end of it.. I threw away more food than I bought..... 
    Now I never have a scrap on the plate to even give to our pets! With Rastelli products from www.QualityGourmetEveryday.com, I'm eating 5-Star Restaurant Quality food free from harmful steroids, hormones and antibiotics!! It's a disappointment to eat out anymore as it once was to eat at home!  
    If you're looking for the full effect of dining out add your favorite bottle of wine, turn on the music and dim the lights... 
    In the very near future you will be able to order your wine along with your food from the same location!  

    Friday, July 8, 2011

    Christmas In July

    For those of us who await the summer months....  Summer is here!  The pools are open, the sun is shining and people are smiling.  New friendships that have formed over the winter blossom at BBQ's and family events.  We have been blessed to meet and become friends with some of the greatest people through sharing Rastelli Direct products at gatherings.  The Rastelli family is just that, family, the more people you enjoy the experience with the larger your family grows.
    As people arrive the aromas firing off the grill delight the senses...... Before the delicacies are prepared it's time to partake in a soothing beverage..... The wines await an eager palate...

    Fourth of  July weekend everyone gathers and it seems like Christmas in July with all the friends, family, food and spirits.....

    This 4th we were blessed to spend it with many friends, some new friends we grew close to over the winter and what a time everyone had.  As they rightfully call their home away from home, Paradise Oasis, right in their very own back yard.  You can see you are taken to a private paradise erasing all thoughts of your past and future days, savoring the moment at hand.

    As the beverages are shared the festivities finally begin...Among the wines were Domodimonti, a favorite.   Rastelli foods were on the grill, wines & spirits are being enjoyed.... Ahhhh.... Life is good... 

    Simple chicken, beef and veal kabobs complimented both the red and white wines... The kabobs were nicely garnished with pepper, onions and tomatoes drizzled with an organic extra virgin olive oil for just the right finishing touch!

     For those with a taste for a spirit..... Some of the best quenches in the summer heat combine fruit juices with vodka.... But you haven't had the best until you've savored the best vodka I've found and the critics at the party chose....  Fittingly chosen as the best in the Emperor's line was Winter Palace, so smooth that a few simple ice cubes was all that was needed to cool yourself down from the afternoon sun.

    *(wine labels in grill photo for photographic purposes)