Good Things by David

A very smooth Chianti Classico is what you'll get with Pratale's 2014 blend. Made in the Italian region of Tuscany, Chianti Classico wines are composed primarily from Sangiovese grapes.  Other varietals such as Mammalo, Colorino and Canaiolo, get added according to winemaking traditions. The term 'classico' is used in certain landscape-specific regions in Italy, setting them apart from standard Italian wines.  In Chianti, the Classico labels will include the black cockerel symbol to designate it as DOCG ( Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita ).  This DOCG designation is the highest classification that an Italian wine can get, ensuring that the product meets Italy's strictest guidelines.  These include: permitted grape varieties, ripeness, winemaking procedures and limits on yield.  What's more, bottles will have a numbered, government-issued seal around the neck to prevent counterfeiting.  What I like about the Pratale Chianti Cla...

Summer is a great time to entertain.  Everyone likes to have company over at least once or twice during the season, so that one can share good food, lots of laughs and the best of the best.  I'm all for going to the farmers market every single week to pick up the most colorful, juiciest and flavorful fruits & vegetables for us to feast on here at home, but if I happen to be harvesting summer berries or other fruits from the property, even better.  Should I have company over for an afternoon luncheon or dinner, then I make an extra effort to bake a pie or a cake and pick the most flavorful meat for burgers or perhaps some Maryland blue crab for savory crab cakes, if I'm in the mood for them (this is most often the case during summertime).  After I choose a main course and at least one dessert, then everything else falls into place.  The dinnerware, flatware and glassware can be dressed up or down depending on the ambience I want to create. Here ...

If the weather gets brutally cold out and I want to warm up quickly, I always prepare a delicious hot sip for myself and for anyone who wants one.  Tea is almost a daily ritual for my family as I'm sure it is for many of you, but if I want to change things up a bit I make something that is more indulgent. These favorite winter sips of mine are not difficult to make and any of them can be made in a matter of minutes.  However, the cinnamon-flavored coffee is one exception, because the spice-infused liquid must steep before it can be brewed into a cup. I'm not sure if it's particularly cold where you are at the moment or if you even need the weather as a reason to make one of these hot drinks.  Anything warm to drink is always welcomed in the mornings or afternoons, but some of these favorite sips of mine that don't contain any caffeine can even be made in the evenings. Enjoy one of my favorite winter drinks from a mug, coffee cup or even a cafe au lait bowl. G...

Those stovestop espresso makers that are found throughout Italy have long been on my list of kitchen items to buy, and that's just what I did a few days ago.  I love an invigorating cappuccino or latte in the afternoons if I happen to be near a good cafe when I'm out and about.  As much as I like a barista taking care of my coffee drink and making it to my specifications, creating one at home shouldn't be something to stop us from enjoying a good brew in our very own abode.  After weighing the costs, manufacturers and ease of operation, I finally settled on the iconic Bialetti brand of espresso makers for my Pennsylvania kitchen.  I just had to see what it was like. With several capacities available from this particular brand, I decided to go for the middle-tiered 6 cup version.  Keep in mind that when talking about espresso, a cup of this brew equals to 3 ounces to be exact.  That is a 'shot' in espresso parlance.  A 6 cup stove top espresso maker ...