Tom and I couldn’t remember where we purchased this Ramshead Ridge Carneros Syrah 2006, but we think it was included in a shipment from our wine club’s wine consultant. (She put together a case of red wine for us.)I must admit, when Tom brought me the glass of wine and presented the bottle to me, I didn’t have a good first impression. I know you are not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but I was pre-judging this wine by its label (and I didn’t like the label). Don’t ask me why, but it just didn’t appear to be a very impressive wine.
Well, happily (not to brag) I am a good taster and don’t allow the appearance of a bottle to cloud my impressions. This wine is quite delicious. This is a California wine from the region of Napa and Sonoma Valleys. Immediately, I was aware of the full body and the luscious fruit on the palate. It is bursting with plum flavor! The finish is also fruity with an assertive bit of pepper. Really, this is quite spectacular!
It is Tuesday night and 19 degrees in Michigan. I am sitting here with Trigger at my side and an afghan on my lap! I have made a skillet of goulash for dinner tonight. I am going to steam some spinach and call it good. A good, cold-weather dinner. . .let me know if you want my goulash recipe. I made it up and it is delicious!
Tom and Melody's wine blog 
November 19, 2008 at 7:57 am
Of course I want the goulash recipe, Melody! The perfect comfort food to get us through the cold winter ahead. Vicki
November 22, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Melody,
I always enjoy reading your posts, especially what you are preparing for dinner. I would love to have your recipe for the whole wheat bread you seem to make quite frequently. It is very comforting to read about your cozy meals with your family. Please consider posting some of your recipes, I know your readers would love it.
Thanks,
Kathleen
November 22, 2008 at 7:46 pm
Kathleen, Thank you! Okay, I will start posting some recipes. I will post the whole wheat bread recipe here for you. . . stay tuned, okay?
Thank you so much for your sweet comment, Kathleen!
November 22, 2008 at 7:51 pm
Vicki, My goulash recipe is very, very simple, but it is savoury, easy, and delicious. I hope you like it.
Start my browning a pound of ground beef (in a heavy cast-iron skillet, if possible). Drain the grease and then add chopped onions (I like lots) and stir for about a minute. Then add a large can of petite chopped tomatoes in juice. Cover and simmer for as long as you want to (for me, it’s for about an hour while we have a cocktail – haha). Then, add a 14 oz. can of chicken broth and bring to a boil. Stir in elbow macaroni (I use Barilla – the high protein kind and probably around 8 oz), cover and let that simmer for about 30 minutes. When you open the cover, the goulash will be ready, and the macaroni will have absorbed the chicken broth. It is really a yummy comfort food. Let me know if you try it, Vicki!