Before I begin, I'd like to apologize to my readers for the lapse between blogs. It was difficult enough getting back into the swing of things. But I've also been busy planning a trip to Disney World for Christmas (insert girlish scream) and experienced a death in my family. Neither of which were expected.
Many of you may not know. But every Wednesday evening, I host a dinner party at my home in Mount Washington. I like to call it 'Wine Down Wednesdays'. I usually invite my closest friends, colleagues and family. Generally, attendees will take turns providing their favorite wines. We get the opportunity to socialize in the middle of the week in our comfy clothes in the comfort of my home. Which is decorated festively, might I add. Only rarely, if ever, do we order carryout or have something catered. I prefer to cook. I actually enjoy cooking, entertaining and hosting others, when time permits.
When my now ex-husband and I lived aboard Camp Pendleton, we would always host Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter dinner for those who weren't fortunate enough to be surrounded by their loved ones on the holidays. We would get together with friends in his unit and their spouses and host said event at one of our houses on base. We would post information at the single marine programs, squadrons and on Pendleton Bookoo.
Growing up, my grandparents primarily raised me. And if it weren't for them, often times there wouldn't have been any reason to celebrate any holidays. Without them, it would just be another day. Moving away from my friends and family was one of the most difficult things I've ever done. So I made myself (and then husband) a promise. If we weren't fortunate enough to go home for the holidays, we would always have a home cooked meal. I will never forget being EXTREMELY emotional, five months pregnant on Easter in a tiny Penske truck driving down Route 66 crying about missing my first Easter in 21 years with my family. It was then that I made this promise. And every year, it got easier. Because friends and co-workers turned into family. And we found satisfaction in knowing we had helped others deal with being so far away from home.
It was during one of these many celebrations that I first made homemade Sangria. At the time, I knew very little about wine. I favored boxed wine and Yellowtail. We used Boone's Farm, Apple juice, peaches, various berries, Diet Mountain Dew and Barefoot. I'm quite honestly ashamed. Nowadays, I make Sangria with fresh juices, fruits and semi-sweet Kentucky wine. Sometimes even spicing it up with a cup of light rum or flavored vodka. Sangria is great for a hot summer day. Which we have so very many of. Sometimes even in an entirely different season. Move back to the Ohio Valley they said..... Kidding! I'm a proud Kentucky girl. Born and raised in the Bluegrass state.
But with it being the holidays, my favorites are holiday mimosas or sangria. I personally prefer using a drier sparkling wine with my mimosas because the Cranberry juice make it sweet enough.
My recipe for holiday sangria is as follows:
Apple Cider, a splash of Ginger ale, fresh Cranberries, Sparkling Wine and Cinnamon is optional!
The Wednesday immediately following Christmas, I will be hosting a Christmas in Kentucky edition of Wine Down Wednesdays. Thanks for the idea, Eddie! My best friend has graciously agreed to co-host with me. I'll be working on the menu and wine pairings between now and Saturday! So stay tuned......
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