Enough to impress

Folks, it is just shy of five p.m., and yours truly has been grading up a storm. Happy hour, anyone?

Thankfully, I'm heading to meet my mom and sister for a drink and some quality time, right now. I'm excited to see them--it is rare that we just have time, the three of us, to hang out--so it will be nice to kick back and just be together.

I'm bringing along a bottle of Leelanau Cellars Summer Sunset wine for us to enjoy (probably with the ubiquitous bowl of tortilla chips and salsa!)

I'm such a fan of our wines, here in the Mitten! I've always been of the mind that we should buy local, and support local businesses (which, of course, includes local wineries...duh.). But, I've been mildly obsessed with Mitten-produced wines ever since the trip I took to the Leelanau and Mission Peninsulas with my mom and sister last summer.

Touring "wine country" with Mom and Manda was so lovely. 

The beauty of the vineyards and surrounding countryside was enough, in itself, to impress. But the wine holds its own, believe me! 

Don't believe me? That's ok. Check out what Mario Batali has to say. (yay for Mitten vintages!) 

saturday snapshot

I love sunny, warm days like today. I rode my bike up to the library, where I was hoping to find the next book in our summer-obsession series. No luck. Ah, well...

Next, it's on to the cheese shop to pick up some Maytag Blue. I've seen it, heard about it, but have yet to try it. Today is the day!

Also, in honor of our last book club meeting of the summer, I have gathered some pretty-looking wines to try. I am especially excited for this "prickly riesling." 

Which I think would go perfectly with these prosciutto-wrapped nectarines, don't you?

I am a little sad to see our delightful book club coming to a close, but it has been so rich, so rewarding. I am looking forward to starting a new book, perhaps in the fall. Any suggestions?

food and wine pairing

Summer has finally hit us in the Mitten. Like a bullet in the back. And, I should confess to you that I've been pretty cranky about it. (apparently I don't handle the heat super well...) So, Jake and I went for a walk last night, to get out of our oven of an apartment and to keep me from fussing. We got frozen custard. I felt better.

It is about this point in the year that I stop drinking red wine. Not that I don't love it, but it's just so hot out! I need something refrigerated. These days I go for a nice, crisp white wine, enjoyed on our little back deck.

Reading Mme. Fromage's account of pairing--what else?--cheese with a particular white vino got me thinking about food and wine pairings. This week, I've been crazy for a sweet (not syrupy) moscato with a tiny dish of salty olives. The briny/fruity combination crackles in my mouth like grown-up pop rocks. 

What about you? What is your summer evening snack? Or, do you prefer a summer evening activity, like a long walk around your neighborhood or sitting on your porch? What activities sing of summer to you?

time to celebrate!

Dear friends,

I can now share with you the event I have been waiting to celebrate: I got a new job!

I will be moving to a new university, leaving an amazing institution that has been a home to me for years. It is bittersweet, to be sure. But, I am excited. It will be a fine new challenge, a move ripe with opportunity to do the work I love, writing and teaching writing.

I did, at last, open that special blanc de blanc 2009 from 45 North:

Followed quickly by an impromptu cheese plate (inspired by Madame Fromage, Cup of Jo and The Senses Five):

But, one cannot just sit around and eat cheese all summer. (I wish!) There is much to be done: tutoring and teaching, training and writing, developing new syllabi and course plans. So much to do...but first, we celebrate!

What have you been celebrating lately?