Holiday Gift Guide - SWIG Hip Flasks

The SWIG® classic hip flask is the best on the market.

• Unique 170ml seamless body (no risk of leaking).

• Made from mirrored & polished Stainless Steel. Nice and safe. Wont taint the alcohol.

• Every flask arrives in ribboned gift packaging.

• Flasks are customisable with collectable SWIG® pouches and Engraving.

• Every Flask arrives with the owners unique SWIG Society membership ID engraved on it's shoulder.

• 12cm (high), 9cm (wide) x 2.5cm (deep).

About the SWIG Harris Tweed - Black Flask

The official Harris Tweed Hip Flask is the newest in the SWIG Hip Flask collection.

Tweed pouch, handmade on the Isle of Skye using exclusive Harris Tweed sourced direct from the weavers and mills on the Isle of Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland.

To personalise your SWIG with our in-house engraving service, simply add engraving to cart separately and input your request at checkout. Order before 11am to get next day urgent delivery with engraving, otherwise engraved flasks have the same delivery estimate as non-engraved.

Our Thoughts 

If you're someone like me, you've seen a thousand different flasks and they're all the same. Thin tin or aluminum that you feel like you can crush with one hand or something that you feel wouldn't last the first year you own it. This is probably true until you receive a SWIG Flask... I received the SWIG Harris Tweed Flask in black.

SWIG takes great pride in their products. The flask arrives in it's own ribboned blue box on a soft bed of satin fabric. It's polished and in perfect condition when it arrives. When taking the flask out of the box I immediately noticed that the flask had a number engraved on it. Each one has a serial number and you're invited into their SWIG Society (using the serial number) because of receiving one of their flasks! I personally think that's kind of a cool little touch! 

Honestly though, what I thought was the best part out of all of this wasn't just the quality of the flask but also the handwoven tweed pouch made on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. The pouch gives it that little Joie de vivre. This whole set fits well even in my hand, which is on the smaller side. 

The flask holds a little more than 5 ounces which equates to about 2 good shots. The screw top makes it easy to take with as you know that it won't leak in your bag or cooler. The engraving option makes this an even better gift idea for the person in your life that likes their spirits. This would definitely make a great wedding or birthday gift! 

You can check out what SWIG has to offer on their website. You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter, Pintrest and Instagram. 

Holiday Gift Guide: Van Gogh Vodka Review

Van Gogh Vodka is painstakingly crafted using only the finest fruit, grains and purified water. The grain alcohol goes through a multiple distillation process followed by an all-natural double infusion flavoring process. This innovative six-week procedure, pioneered by the Royal Dirkzwager Distilleries, creates Van Gogh Vodka’s signature smooth taste. The state-of-the-art equipment ensures a smooth and quality controlled bottling process which is handled in a very efficient way. Three, dedicated, bottling lines are covering the Van Gogh needs for 1750ml, 1000ml, 750ml and 50ml bottle sizes.

There is a reason The Spirit Journal calls Van Gogh Vodka “The best in the flavored vodka business, period.”

It’s taste, period.

Hand-crafted with the finest ingredients in Holland, Van Gogh Vodka is unquestionably the leader in vibrantly flavored, authentic vodkas. Each sip will transport you to an orchard, the tropics, a chocolate shop or your favorite coffee house. It is a feast for the senses.

In addition to a lot of fabulous flavors, Van Gogh’s expansive portfolio—22 flavors and counting—also includes two unflavored selections, Blue Triple Wheat and Classic-80. There is also a stellar Dutch Gin!

The art of vodka, perfected by Van Gogh.

Our Thoughts

I'm not normally a vodka drinker. I normally don't like vodka in anything because of the taste but Van Gogh vodka is different. The folks over at Van Gogh were awesome and sent me two different vodkas  (Triple Wheat and Pomegranate). 

The Triple Wheat vodka is versatile and goes with any concoction you need vodka for. I'm not a huge fan of regular vodkas but this vodka really doesn't taste like the typical vodka. The Pomegranate vodka is well flavored and does not taste like a traditional vodka at all. I found that it goes well with ginger ale or sprite. There are numerous other combinations that would all work well with this vodka. It's really a versatile flavor for this time of year! Below is one of the recipes that Van Gogh Vodka has suggested... 

Honey Pom Pom
Created by Jonathan Pogash, The Cocktail Guru

1-1/2 oz. Van Gogh Pomegranate Vodka
3/4 oz. pomegranate juice
1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice
1/4 oz. honey syrup (equal parts honey and water)

Shake ingredients very well with ice and strain into martini glass or over ice into a rocks glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.

This tasty treat would make a fantastic addition to any holiday party! In the end, I think I'll be trying more of Van Gogh's vodkas. They seem to make the winter a little less dreary and there are so many different recipes from the website to try! 

You can visit Van Gogh Vodka on their website, Facebook, Twitter, Pintrest and Instagram! 

Review: Noble Vines

 

 

Noble Vines

Not All Vines Are Created Equal

Over centuries, vintners have carefully singled out the most admired vines, naming each vine with a unique number to identify its exceptional attributes. Here in California, we've planted a selection of these vines exactly where they will flourish best: in select locations on the red soils and cobblestones of our family-owned vineyard in Lodi and on the gentle slopes of our cool-climate estate in Monterey.  Our wines honor these treasured vines and the blocks in which they are grown, chosen because their refined, classic qualities have stood the test of time.

Noble Vines offers a portfolio of six wine varietals that make for delicious wine pairings: 337 Cabernet Sauvignon, 181 Merlot, 446 Chardonnay, 667 Pinot Noir, 1 Red Blend, and 242 Sauvignon Blanc.Thinking about what to serve for Easter brunch and dinner?  Noble Vines' chef has created three brunch recipes & wine pairings:


EDAMAME HUMMUS CROSTINI WITH GREEK YOGURT, PRESERVED LEMON & MINTPair with refreshing and fresh {Noble Vines} 242 Sauvignon Blanc

Makes 24 pieces

Crostini:
3 ea pita bread, each cut into 8 triangles
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
½ tsp salt
pinch ground pepper

Hummus:

12 oz frozen shelled edamame

2 cl garlic

2 tbs tahini

3 tbs fresh lemon juice

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

¾ tsp salt

½ tsp ground cumin

Garnish:

1 preserved lemon (or zest of 1 fresh lemon)

5 oz plain Greek yogurt

10 leaves mint, finely chopped

• Preheat oven to 375f and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a bowl toss pita triangles with oil, salt and pepper. Arrange in a single layer on baking sheet and cook until brown and crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
• Place Hummus ingredients in the bowl of a food processor and puree until very smooth. Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, as needed to reach the desired consistency.
• Remove the center and pith of the preserved lemon and discard. Finely mince the skin. Combine with yogurt and mint.
• Spread hummus on each of the pita chips and spoon a bit of yogurt on top. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Make Ahead: Hummus and yogurt can be made up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated

ASPARAGUS AND MOREL HASH

Serve with balanced and lush {Noble Vines} 667 Pinot Noir

Serves 8

3 slice apple-wood smoked bacon, diced

1 ½ lb potatoes, cooked and diced

3 tbs olive oil

2 cl garlic, chopped

½ onion, diced

4 oz dried morel mushrooms, soaked in ½ cup warm water

½ fennel bulb, diced

1/2 red bell pepper, diced

1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and diced

3 tbs finely chopped fresh parsley

salt and pepper, to taste

• In a large sauté pan cook bacon until crisp. Add potatoes and cook until crisp and well browned. Transfer to a platter and keep warm in the oven.
• In the same pan, heat the oil and add the garlic and onion. Sauté 2-3 minutes. 
• Drain the morels and discard the liquid. 
• Add morels, fennel, pepper and asparagus to the onion mixture and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes more.
• Combine vegetable mixture with potato mixture, toss with parsley and season to taste with salt and pepper.

MAKE AHEAD CHEESE SOUFFLE

Serve with creamy and bright {Noble Vines} 446 Chardonnay

Serves 8

¼ cup room temperature butter

1 oz butter

3 tbs flour

1 cup milk

2 tsp Dijon mustard

5 oz grated cheese, about 1 cup

4 egg yolks

salt and pepper to taste

7 egg whites

• Using room temperature butter, coat the inside of 8 six-ounce ramekins. 
• In a small saucepan melt butter, whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes. Add milk, whisking constantly, and simmer until thick, about 2 minutes more. Remove from heat, stir in mustard, cheese and yolks. Season to taste with salt and pepper and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Cool to room temperature.
• Whisk whites to soft peaks. Gently fold whites, one-third at a time, into cheese sauce, gently folding together until combined.  
• Pour mixture into prepared molds, arrange refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking.
• Preheat oven to 375f. Bring a kettle of water to a boil.
• Place soufflés into 2 9x13-roasting pans and place in the oven. Pour the boiling water into the pan so that it comes half way up the ramekins. Bake until puffed and golden, about 20-25 minutes. Do not open the oven door during cooking. 
• Remove from water bath and serve immediately.

Make Ahead: In addition to being made ahead, once soufflés are baked they can be held in the water bath for up to 10 minutes before serving.

Visit Noble Vines online at noblevines.com and on Facebook.

Our Thoughts

I like to try different wines.  I'm never sure what I'm going to like beyond sweet red wines, which are my favorite.  Noble Vines sent me the 181 Merlot and the 242 Sauvignon Blanc. It was a difficult choice narrowing it down to two samples!  Now, I'm not much of a wine drinker, I mainly like to cook with wines, exploring the different subtle flavors with each recipe.

181 is classic Bordeaux-style Merlot, elegantly opening with aromas of cherry, blackberry and sweet herbs. Fresh fruit flavors of black cherry and ripe plum fuse seamlessly with hints of spice leading to a lingering and luxurious finish. With balanced tannins and acidity, this medium-bodied wine is a perfect companion to oven-roasted turkey, Italian sausage, braised short ribs and mild to medium hard cheeses like Port Salut, Edam and Gouda. 

242 Sauvignon Blanc exhibits vibrant aromas of white peach, green melon and lemongrass. Medium bodied with a round mid palate and bright acidity, this refreshing wine offers flavors of guava, passion fruit and a hint of lemon zest. 

The 242 I thought had a bright initial bite with a smooth, pleasant finish.  The 181 definitely had a darker flavor than the 242.  I could have sworn I tasted a hint of cocoa in there too!  Whether or not that's actually in there I don't know, but it reminded me of cocoa.  I'll be trying the 242 with my next lemon-chicken creation, and the 181 with some beef. New wines always give me great recipe ideas!

Earth Day: Organic Eppa SupraFruta Sangria & All-Natural Villa Massa Limoncello Review

Each year Earth Day is celebrated on April 22, and is a time when Americans coast-to-coast take a 
step back and truly think about how we live our and what we’re putting in our bodies.  Many companies and products are now going “green” including beverages and wines.  This year, cheers to Mother Earth with drinks that evoke the riches of the natural world, but also offer refreshing flavors and even healthy antioxidants.

Organic Eppa SupraFruta Sangria ($12.99)

Eppa is the world's first premium sangria made with organic grapes and super fruit juices. Light bodied and refreshing, it's natural, subtle sweetness is a result of its blend of real fruit juices, which bring a brightness of flavor. Eppa also boasts nearly twice the antioxidants as a glass of red wine!

• Eppa Red: Features sweet citrus scents of orange, lemon and lime meld with aromas of rich red wine. Dark berry flavors mingle with pomegranate, orange, and soft red wine notes for a smooth style.

• Eppa White: Peach and mango aromas burst from the glass. On first sip, clean, fresh flavors of lemon, lime, and orange delight followed by rich tropical flavors of mango, pineapple and peach.

• Eppa SupraFruta Sangria is certified organic by the CCOF, so you can enjoy it and share it with peace of mind. www.eppasangria.com

All-natural Villa Massa Limoncello ($24.99)

Made with a family recipe dating back to 1890, Villa Massa Limoncello is an all-natural lemon liqueur produced in the Sorrento peninsula of Italy. Villa Massa Limoncello is made from the infusion of fresh Sorrento Oval Lemon peels (P.G.I.) in top quality alcohol, with the addition of purified water and refined sugar. It is made with 100% all-natural, quality ingredients - containing no artificial preservatives, additives or coloring.

Traditionally it is served chilled, before or after a meal, but can also be enjoyed in cocktails, served over fruit salad, vanilla ice cream or even in coffee.  www.villamassa.com

Our Thoughts

What can I say, my husband and I have really gotten into tasting new drinks. We're one of the couples immediately willing to try something when some one says, "hey, you gotta try this!"  It was no different with the Eppa SupraFruta and the Limoncello.

The Eppa SupraFruta appealed to me because of the idea that it's completely organic. Who doesn't want an alcoholic beverage that's completely organic? It did help that I LOVE Sangria, although I prefer it on a hot summer day instead of a dreary winter-that-won't-quit evening. But, this Sangria did not disappoint! It reminded me of those hot summer days that are to come and really brought my mind set out of the dark, dank winter. It is definitely full bodied and I did need to cut it with a little tonic since it was thicker than I liked. All in all, it was a fantastic reminder of those days to come and really hit the spot.

The Villa Massa Limoncello came with a couple recipes that actually came in handy. I've never had Limoncello before so I had no idea what to expect from the lemon flavored liqueur. It did not disappoint either, I can tell you that! We still have about half the bottle left but it goes down smooth and quick! My favorite recipe that we used was 1.5 ounces of Limoncello to 2.5 ounces of tonic. That mix tasted like 7UP or Sierra Mist and went down just as quickly. Again, it reminded me of those hot days of summer that are in our future!

If you, like my husband and I, like to try new things head over to the websites respectively and check out their products and see where you can get your own bottles locally. Also, remember to follow them on Facebook: Villa Massa Limoncello and Eppa Sangria.

VitaFrute Organic Healthy Cocktails by VeeV

**Product was receive in exchange for an honest review**

 If one of your New Year's resolutions is looking for a better way to drink, I have a great solution - VitaFrute.  This ready to drink cocktail is the first organic super fruit cocktail in a bottle.  All of the flavors are made with VeeV - the original acai spirit and are available in 4 delicious offerings at 125 calories per serving, www.VitaFrute.com

VitaFrute also has a special consumer offer this New Year's (where legal).  VitaFrute will offer savings on any Fitness Class, Gym or Health Club Membership or Monthly Fees.  Consumers just need to purchase 2 bottles of VitaFrute and mail in the rebate form.

Our Thoughts
The husband and I like trying new cocktails and wines. We're sort of adventurous when it comes to that kind of thing. He's even now making our own wines... But those take time to mature. So while those are sitting and maturing, we're still cracking out new bottles of this and that to satisfy our curiosity. New Year's Eve seemed like the perfect time to crack out the VitaFrute.

We started by throwing the bottle of Cosmopolitan in the freezer while we were finishing up getting our dinner cooked, plated and served. Pulling it from the freezer we poured ourselves some in our special wine glasses that we tend to use. That first sip was delightful! It is not too sweet and but it's by no means dry. I would compare the sweetness to a moscato wine. Needless to say after that first sip, the rest of the glass and bottle went down pretty easily.

What I really liked was that drinking the VitaFrute was basically guilt free for us. The Cosmopolitan was only 125 calories per three ounces, it is completely natural, and there is no artificial ingredients!  You could taste the citrus and cranberry without it being overpowered by the alcohol taste. I can't wait to try the Margarita and Lemonade flavors!

If you're interested in tasting how delicious this is for yourself, you can visit their website to find out where you can locate it locally. You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

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***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. The opinions expressed in the review are my own and were not influenced in any way.***