Souverain of Alexander Valley California, Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Understand, I drink cheap wine from Trader Joes. Generally wines priced between $7-13. Matt picked out this wine the other day at a wine store chain here in Minnesota called Haskells. Normally priced $20 it was on sale for $10. I didn't didn't think too much of it, that is until we drank it. I would have to say it is the best wine I have ever had. Smooth, full bodied, with a perfect finish. In fact the best word I would give to describe this wine is "elegant." If you see it buy in bulk!

Fresh Herbs

My brother-in-law Steven has a bit of a green thumb and recently put together a beautiful fresh herb basket for me with 6 herbs. Yippee- I can't wait to start eating it! Thanks, bro!

Spanish Tapas "Pollo al Ajillo"

This is an easy tapas dish: chicken sauteed with loads of garlic and then simmered in Sherry. Flavorful and juicy!

900g/2 lb chicken wings (or whole chicken cut into bite size pieces)
salt & pepper
1 head garlic (about 12 cloves)
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 bay leaf
120 ml/4 fluid oz/ 1/2 cup dry or medium dry sherry
chopped parsley

Instructions
Cut off the wing tips and discard. Divide each wing into 2 joints. Sprinkle chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Lightly smash the garlic cloves to split the skins, but do not peel them.

Heat the oil in deep frying pan. Add the chicken pieces and garlic to the oil and saute them very slowly. When the chicken is browned on all sides, add the bay leaf and Sherry. Continue cooking until the liquid is cooked away and the chicken begins to sizzle again. Serve hot garnished with chopped parsley.

Yield: Makes about 12 tapas.