In recent times, Chipotle has become a common ingredient in the preparation of foods across the country. We always keep pureed Chipotle in Adobo in the refrigerator because, added to mayo, it spices up almost any sandwich you want to make. Realizing that we already had some in the fridge, I decided to make it the secret ingredient in a dessert. The cake was easy. Just a Betty Crocker Triple Fudge Chocolate mix. The frosting was easy. Just a container of Betty Crocker Triple Fudge Chocolate Chip frosting. But the secret ingredient, Chipotle, added a hint of something that no one would ever guess. Just a teaspoon in the cake and 1/2 teaspoon in the frosting. Oh so good. I know my next batch of brownies will have a hint of Chipotle because we usually have it in the fridge. Maybe a little more than a teaspoon. Why not make Chipotle the secret ingredient in something you make soon?

I don’t know why it took so long for me to discover Pinot Noir. I guess it is too easy to get stuck in a rut with Cabs and Zins. (Yes, I saw the movie, Sideways.) Now that I have discovered the soft velvety texture of Pinot, I’m hooked. It’s like liquid silk, gently caressing the palate!  In my research I discovered that Pinot Noir is one of the oldest grape varieties to be cultivated for the purpose of making wine. It’s forerunner and inspiration hails from red Burgundy, one of  France’s most prized wines. Today Pinot Noir is planted in regions around the world, including California and Oregon. So try one from California and one from France. Maybe you too will develop a passion for Pinot!

I love food! I enjoy preparing food for myself and others. I am always looking for a new recipe to try and then share with others. That’s why I created a page on this blog for recipes that I want to share with readers of this site. So what’s holding you back. The first recipe is there for you to try. Just click the recipe link. You can make your own Perfect Roast Chicken in a very short time!

There is a difference between cheap wine and inexpensive wine. In times past, I have had cheap wine. I know because the headache lasted for awhile! A five cent bottle of wine, however, is not cheap in this instance. It’s just extraordinarily inexpensive. When is the last time you had a $69 bottle of wine for 5 cents? The catch is that you have to spend $69 for the first bottle to get the second one for–did I sat it already–5 cents. I’m talking about the 5 cent sale at BevMo. Wines in all price ranges. California Wines. French Wines. Wines from Spain, Italy, and Argentina. Cabernets and Pinots. Zinfandels and Syrahs. I am out of storage space now. Did you get your five cent wine?

It is so difficult to be retired and at the same time, enjoy preparing and eating food. Maintaining my weight while I was working was not a problem; stress I guess! Now, even though I exercise regularly, it is a constant struggle. Maybe it comes with age, but at this point, I am beginning to wonder how I will make it through the next few years.

If you know me, you know that I enjoy cooking (and eating). Last night I made a chicken dish that will be remembered by my family for a long time. I took bits and pieces of other recipes and created my own recipe for Chicken Diane. It came out so good. Served with some couscous and a salad, it made a perfect dinner! Add a nice bottle of Pinot Grigio for the finishing touch. The recipe for my Chicken Diane and other chicken recipes can be found at www.glensplace.com.