A tasty beverage...

 At book club last month, one of the ladies mentioned  ChocoVine, a beverage made with red wine and chocolate.  I find eating dark chocolate with red wine to be heavenly, so this was something I had to try.  I read some reviews of it on-line, and while they were mixed, I was still itching to try it, both by itself, and with an espresso infused vodka, an combination I found mentioned several times (I love strong black coffee too). 

A few days ago Ben and I stopped in at Noonans, a local liquor store, but we were unable to find it.  Later that same evening my friend Kristy stopped by and mentioned that she was headed to Noonans. after she left our house.  I told her of our failed shopping trip there and she exclaimed that she knew where to find the ChocoVine in the store.  I hoped right in the van with her and we were off.  Well, not only did we find the ChocoVine, but I also found a bottle of Smirnoff Espresso Vodka.

As many of the reviews stated, ChocoVine was very similar to taste to Baileys Irish Cream, and definitely better over ice than on its own.  I then took a one part each of the ChocoVine and the espresso vodka, and poured them over ice after a quick shake.  Now I was really happy...I found this drink to be absolutely delicious, but would be afraid to drink too many...I can't help but think that the ChocoVine is ChocFull if calories, but in moderation, all is good.  Give it a try and let me know what you think.

Some (foodie) things that make me happy...

I have been really busy with scouts and working outside, so the dining the last few days has consisted of leftovers, and last night we ate at the Texas Roadhouse, an inexpensive and kid friendly chain that Christopher loves to eat at.  Today I thought I would share some things that make me happy (at least as it relates to food).  These are in no particular order, but let you know a little about me...

 

 Christopher loves to help with the cooking when we go camping...

and he makes the best veggie soup and chili :)

 

Salsas Picantes...

I usually have 8 to 12 different hot sauces around at any given time.

 What is better than to sit at the end of the day
and drink wine with friends...James Joyce

The wine rack was a wedding gift, and 

Ben gave me the wine fridge for our last anniversary.

Avocados, chilies, limes, and tomatoes...

Some of the best fresh veggie ingredients.
 (just need to add summer corn, red bell peppers, sweet onions, and tomatillos)

Coconut
This is toasted coconut on a Pastel Tres Leches I made.

Carnitas...
Carnitas is a food group all on it's own...
( although al pastor is pretty darn good as well :)

A pairing of wine and cheese...
(but, oh, let me tell you about red wine and dark chocolate...)

When my darling husband cooks for me :)

Grilling...
Ben does the charcoal or wood fire grilling, but
I probably cook on the gas grill as much as he does.

Leftovers...

More often than not, I will cook with the intention of having leftovers.  These provide not only ready lunches and frozen meals to share with my grandfather, but provide endless opportunities to "re-purpose" the leftovers into new meals.