JOLI - TEA TIME

This holiday season take a little time for tea. For those early mornings or late afternoons, Joli mug with infuser is the perfect size for your desk or kitchen.  Joli means beautiful in French.

 The Rebuplic of Tea has some great options. While you're working on the computer you can become a bit entranced as the leaves blossom open to reveal their hidden surprises. There is something so calming while watching the bud unfold. The peach flavor is like biting into a fuzzy, ripe peach. Hermès Cup

Joli / Mug with Infuser / Great idea for a gift anytime of the year.

Teavana Peach blooming tea / Tea time and conversation with a friend is always a good idea. My dear friend Loretta gave this gift to me, and it's so nice to have my tea and think of Loretta and her generous heart. It always makes me smile... That's a wonderful gift.

Teas taste amazing, but take a look at all of their amazing benefits

“Writing is a job, a talent, but it's also the place to go in your head. It is the imaginary friend you drink your tea with in the afternoon.”  Ann Patchett

Thank you Loretta...

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SLIM DOWN WITH SALMON

After Thanksgiving has passed and we now enter the holiday fiesta, how about an easy recipe for slimming down a bit before the parties arrive. Salmon & Veggies - a healthy way to satisfy your hunger and stay healthy.

Baked Salmon, Broccoli - sweet red peppers - cauliflower - roasted potatoes - L.A. Juice Co. (recycled) water bottle.

Wild caught salmon marinated in Olive Oil - Lemon Juice  - Pepper - Salt - Fresh Parsley.           Bake in the oven in a glass dish for 20 minutes at 375°. I use a recipe from Allrecipes and it comes out perfect every time.  

Sweet peppers - broccoli - cauliflower - potatoes - onions  - fennel - parsley 

Marinate the veggies in Braggs Olive Oil - Lemon Juice - Italian Seasoning - Garlic                           Place on a baking pan on top of foil for 20 minutes at 375°

BRAGGS Olive Oil - Italian Seasoning - Garlic - Sea Salt (just a touch)

Allrecipes is a great site for simple and easy recipes and they honestly come out perfect every time.  This is my go-to salmon dish. It's great when you have that dependable and satisfying dish. Salmon is a great source of protein and loaded in Vitamin B12 & Vitamin D - Omega-3 fatty acids.  Recipe for a great meal: Smile, listen to music, and think about the little things that make you happy....

                 “A home cook who relies too much on a recipe is sort of like a pilot who reads the plane’s instruction manual while flying.” – Alton Brown

VINO & A SLICE OF HAPPINESS

Who doesn't love a little wine and pizza? I know most of us are cutting back on the carbs, but it sure is a hard to say "No Grazie" to Pizza and Vino. Some of the best dinners and laughs I've shared have been with pizza and wine. Here are a few red table wines that are tasty, affordable, and worth sharing.

Half cheese and half pepperoni with a 2013 Napa Valley Red -  2013 Red from Pugila - 2013 Red  Cabernet

VALPOLICELLA - The most famous wine district in North-Eastern Italy's Veneto wine region. Flavors of tart cherries with a touch of toasty oak and mocha. A blend of Corvina, Rondinella and Molinari grapes. This was our choice for pizza night here in our kitchen. 2013 Valpolicella Brigaldara.

Red C Napa Valley-Cabernet / Sonoma County Red Wine 2013 - Ripe, round, black cherry, blackberry and herb flavors. From wine maker Jeff Morgan, crafted in the same style as his top Cabernets. Here in California we are proud of our elegant cabs. Your guest will serve you a lovely smile after you share a slice and this  Fab Cab! 

I-1 Italy Red Wine 2012 - Composed of Nero D'Avola and Negroamaro from Puglia. You will find aromas of macerated raspberries, dried lavender, plum tart, and toasty oak accents.  Besides the visual Italian look of the bottle on your table, this wine will flow perfectly right along with your pizza.

There are amazing table wines out there to be your perfect pizza partners, It doesn't have to be pricy to be yummy. When you head to the market make your way to the Italian region, the motherland of pizza wines. Try and take a moment and read about your wines, and most of all...have fun...enjoy. Add some yummy truffle cheese, grapes, figs. and chocolate. Any way you slice it...bringing people together and sharing a few laughs creates happiness. Start your holiday season off with an attitude of giving the simple things.  GRAZIE!       

                       In Italy, they add work and life on to food and wine.  Robin Leach