Who needs a Lindt Bunny...

when you can have a Lindt Reindeer!

Back at Easter, a certain Miss JKD enjoyed the bunny love courtesy of Lindt. Now she can enjoy them at Christmas because Lindt have brought out a reindeer that looks suspiciously like the rabbit. Except the reindeer looks creepy and smug.

And the one on the right looks a tad evil.

All good reasons to eat the little blighters.

More cupcakes

My sister Miss LJH is getting hitched this Christmas to Mr ME. And rather than a full on wedding cake, I am making a veritable mountain of cupcakes for their big day and Mr ME's aunt is making a cake for the top tier so they have something to cut.

This weekend I did trial run of 24 vanilla cupcakes to see how I might fare in December. Apart from needing to fill the cases with a bit more mixture (I am using muffin cases rather than standard cake cases) they were well received in terms of taste. And they will be iced "dog poo" stylee!

Miss LJH and Mr ME took 9 home with them, leaving 10 with us (favourite boyfriend consumed two on Sunday and has suffered a bout of tooth melt). Made with a lot of sugar, real butter and full fat cream cheese in the icing these are not for those on a diet.

Thank goodness I ran home from work today (10km) so I can justify scoffing one.

Off the veggie wagon

So the Chianti was better the next day. With roast chicken. Don't ask about my veggie principles. It was lovely and at least it was organic.

Return of the red

It's mid-September and it is time to hit the reds. But as it has been a very warm day I am reluctant to crack open the 13.5 or 14% reds (I have a v boozy zinfandel in my cellar waiting for the right moment).

Tonight we're eating a roasted squash and blue cheese tart. So I've opened a bottle of Chianti. It's a 1489 Colli Senesi Riserva Chianti, 2006 12.5% from the Baroncini winery. Ruby red in colour and lots of cherries and red berries on the palate. Good acidity and a little tannin, it's going down rather nicely. Although I wonder if it will be obliterated by the cheese... more on that later.

The Sideways Effect

I haven't ordered a glass of Merlot in some time and I think it is because I've surreptitiously been influenced by Miles' outburst in the movie Sideways: "...if anyone orders Merlot, I'm leaving. I am NOT drinking any fucking Merlot!"

Sure I've probably had a few glasses of wine where it's been in the blend. But it has been a while since I specifically ordered a single varietal Merlot.

Last night I ordered a glass of Vinedos de la Posada Organic Fairtrade Merlot from Argentina prompted by its green credentials. And I wish I had been persuaded simply because of the description and its potential pairing with the food. Lots of plums on the nose and milk chocolate laced with caramel on the palate, it is perfect to drink on its own or with food (I had a hearty salad with falafel and beetroot).

Marsanne, I think I love you

I have rekindled my love for Marsanne. Our love affair began in 2002 at my very first Wine & Food Academy tutorial, where Miss SMBW and I tasted the Domaine Fontaine Marsanne 2001, Domaines Montariol Degroote from Langedoc. Its buttery, apricot and perfumed nose carried through with a hint of pepper on the palate. A wonderful, wonderful alternative to the heavier, vanilla-drenched Chardonnay.

Oh yes, the memory has stayed with me for 7 years.

Miss SMBW and I bought a case of that wine. We even bought a second case of a later vintage. I even developed a habit of scanning the supermarket shelves for Marsanne. But over time we drank other things and Marsanne got filed away. It never made an appearance at the supermarkets. I can't even remember seeing it at Majestic.

UNTIL NOW!

Asda is stocking a stonking Marsanne for £3.28. Yes, £3.28! Lime green label, Vin de Pays d'Oc and 12%. It's also an award winner, having scored a bronze at the International Wine Challenge 2009. So get off your arses and get buying. I bought 5 bottles yesterday, so I've left some for you.

Call me a lush? Yes, I bloody well am for Marsanne!