Creative Meals for Today's Cook

wine

Glogg (Swedish Mulled Wine)

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This recipe is adapted from the Swedish side of my family’s cookbook. Glögg, pronounced like glug, is powerful stuff. A drink that warms the soul on cold winter nights (or days depending on your drinking habits), it’s what I would call a mulled wine/Scandinavian Long Island Iced Tea. There are a number of variations, but this particular recipe is made with red wine, rum, bourbon, brandy, warm spices and some fruit. The warm liquid raises the temperature of the mouth and stomach, and pushes blood to the surface of the skin temporarily giving you a warm feeling.

You don’t have to purchase expensive wines and spirits for this drink. The robust spices will overpower any subtle notes that more costly drinks contain. Something inexpensive, but not cheap is the way to go. When the pot of glögg is warming on the stove, make sure the contents do not boil – boiling will quickly dissipate the alcohol. Speaking of alcohol content, this stuff is high-octane, but it doesn’t taste like it – so be careful! I don’t call it the Swedish Long Island Iced Tea for nothing!

Easy Bouillabaisse

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Last March, my husband and I took a trip to Ireland. With the exception of our actual flight to ‘The Emerald Isle’, we had no plans and no reservations.  Just a travel guidebook and a hope that we could find Wi-Fi to locate good places to eat and sleep for the night If you ever want […]

Pork Schnitzel with Mushroom Gravy

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I understand my father in-law makes an incredible schnitzel. I have yet to try it, but there’s a sincere adoration from the other members of the family who have tasted this delectable dish. (Perhaps I’ll get to try it the next time we come for a visit…*wink, wink, nudge, nudge*)

My husband grew up in Germany . In fact being a part of the U.S. military, his parents are still there. Each Christmas we fly into Frankfurt and almost immediately begin our drive to Italy for a week of skiing. We stop overnight in southern Germany, just before crossing into Austria and then finally into Italy. While we’re there, I make certain to order a pork schnitzel. Battered, tender pork, fried until golden-brown with a squeeze of lemon on top – to die for! Throw a good German beer in there, and I’m in heaven.

In some areas you may see schnitzel served with pommes frites (fries), however I prefer it to be served with spaetzle – little egg dumplings tossed with butter. This is most certainly not a low- calorie dish. But it’s good… damn good. And it’s worth it!

Lillet Blanc

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Last week my good friend, Seung Hee introduced me to Lillet Blanc – a French aperitif, this fortified wine is a blend of Bordeaux wines and citrus liqueur. She handed me the glass and I could immediately smell the citrus. One taste and I thought, ‘where have you been my whole life?!’ It was bright, crisp, and refreshing – everything a great summer drink should be. Simply serve the Lillet Blanc over ice and with a twist of orange – sit back, relax, and enjoy the summer.