LIVING LOCAL

 I know, I know.  Two blog posts in one day.  Here's the thing...I am not sure how I will be feeling about the Pats game.  I am always nervous about these games.

 

Market in the Testaccio, Rome!!
 

The market above is common place in Rome and in Italy.  Italians eat local food and they choose to eat produce that is in season and local.  They go to the butcher for their meat and the fish market for their fish.  Fresh vegetables are beautiful and abundant.  It is a healthy way to love.

I want to talk about cooking with locally made products in New England.  It is more difficult in winter in New England to eat locally but it can be done.  For the Patriots game I am making short ribs and carrots...

The short ribs are from Lilac Hedge Farm. 

The butter, which I picked up at the Wayland Winter Farmer's Market, is from Contoocook Creamery.


The chicken stock I used homemade from a local sourced chicken.  I added onion, not local, and garlic, which I don't remember whether it was local or not.

The wine that I reduced and added to the cooking broth is from Mill River Winery.  Excellent wine especially for a local wine. 

And then the carrots, from Tendercrop in Wenham.  They also have their own eggs.  Just as a side bar, this isn't my usual egg place.  I have a new local source which I will share at a later time. 

In my opinion, for the most part, eating locally prepared and grown food is healthier and it supports the communities in which we live. 

GO PATS!

THAT'S THE KIND OF BLOGGER I AM

In my post on Tequila, I promised a review of the French wine tasting I attended at Kappy's.  I took copious notes and was looking forward to sharing my insights.  The unfortunate part of the story is I can't find those notes...at the moment.  Oh I will find them.

So to make up for the lack of a French wine review, I headed to Mill River Winery in Rowley, MA to participate in their Friday after work happy hour.  Tonight was a sampling of their Sangria complete with Mexican appetizers.  At the same time, all their wines are available by the glass. 

I was prepared to take voluminous pictures with my old blackberry to share.  I was so caught up in the moment that they only picture I took was this....and yes the sign says Mill River Winery.

Their story....  

Rick & Donna’s story is about friendship, chemistry and hard work.
Pair Donna, a Ph.D. chemist, with Rick, an accomplished amateur wine maker, add Dodge’s Cider Mill, a year’s worth of renovations and a dedicated team of employees here we are – Mill River Winery.
Located on 3.3 acres of the picturesque North Shore of Massachusetts, our winery reflects the history and charm of this area that we call home. We opened in July 2011, with a mission of producing handcrafted wines using the finest grapes from Massachusetts and other notable wine regions.  Our 2010 Naked Chardonnay was awarded a silver medal by the American Wine Society  and was a sign of great things to come.
We love wine making and its perfect combination of science, precision, passion and fun.  We can think of no greater fortune than knowing that when you raise your glass with family and friends, our wines will be part of your enjoyment.
We hope to meet you soon at Mill River Winery!
 Donna Martin & Rick Rousseau
Winemakers and Owners


You all know I love buying local.  So after a couple of glasses of wine onsite, I had to buy a couple bottles of my favorite wine, Mill River Winery Plantation.  It is as dry a red wine you can get.  The bartender was very excited when I ordered it.  She said it was her favorite and that it hadn't been in stock for a few months.  Tonight was the first time it was available in awhile.  If you love really dry red wines get some before it is gone.

They also made a Merlot a couple years ago that was fantastic.  Hopefully, they are planning a second batch. 

I am typically not a white wine drinker.  Their white wines, in particular the Plum Island White, are way too sweet for me.  If you like sweet white wines, I say give them a try. 

Because sometimes in life you need a good glass of wine and a good cry or sometimes you need to raise a glass to someone in your life who was very special...I purchased the Mill River Winery Riesling as a gift.

The three pack.

 

You can find them at millriverwines.com  

And just because I love this shirt I want to share a picture!