Photo: Vladimir Gladkov via Unsplash
Welcome to Friday! Here's a short list of some nice things to get your day going. Enjoy!
FRIDAY FAVES - 9.17.21
- Take advantage of those late summer plums and make this extremely good and simple Plum Cake, by Minneapolis baking hero, Zoë François. You can also find it in her book Zoë Bakes Cakes (which I may have to buy, now).
- Doesn't this look like the perfect coffee table book? Plus, who couldn't use a bit of travel inspiration right about now!
- Did you know that Sip Better wine club members get their own personal referral codes? Every time you refer a friend who joins the club, you AND your pal will get a FREE bottle of wine! That's what they call a win-win. ;) Here's how to find your referral code.
- Um, how are these dorm rooms cuter than my own grown-up room?!
- This gorgeous, creamy pottery makes me want to have a dinner party immediately!
Have a nice weekend!
—Emily Rentsch
It's almost September! As you enjoy the rest of this fleeting summer, here are a few things we're loving this week:
FRIDAY FAVES - 8.26.21
- Our somm, Leslee, threw a luxe picnic (ahem, "sipnic") for some friends, complete with some of her favorite bottles of wine, cheeses, and snacks from Cépage. Check out the photos over on Instagram (and above)!
- I can't stop watching Motel Makeover on Netflix. It's such a treat for the eyes (pink pink pink)!
- Check out this stunning gold-streaked statement mirror created by Etsy's 2021 Etsy Design Award winner, Candice Luter. She also makes fiber art!
- I don't care if it's cliché, I want to make this Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew recipe right now.
- End the summer with a bottle of Bodegas Ostatu rosé from Rioja, Spain. Zippy, floral and full of citrus, it screams late summer sunshine!
Have a great day!
—Emily Rentsch
Photo: Christian Bowen via Unsplash
Happy Fourth of July, friends! Here at Sip Better, we're looking forward to a balmy weekend with lots of cold drinks and good friends. Hoping the same for you too! Please enjoy these links for now.
FRIDAY FAVES - 7.2.21
- When I want ice cream, I want it NOW. This no-churn vanilla ice cream recipe is the perfect thing for summer afternoons when you've got a major craving!
- The pandemic taught us all to value simpler pleasures, right? This big long list of free activities to do with kids this summer will inspire you to get creative while spending time with the kiddos in your life.
- Here are 6 wines to chill in your fridge this summer, including a few delightful reds!
- You may have seen their Instagram ads floating around, but let me assure you: Albion Fit is THE WAY TO GO for flattering swim wear! I never thought I'd be repping a swim suit brand, but Albion's collection of modest-but-sexy beach wear is gorgeous. The pieces are made of quality material, the classy styles work for...
Photo: Amusée
Do these humid, 90-degree days (at least, that's what it like here in Minnesota) have you dreaming about a slippery, sweating glass of cold white wine? We're with you!
One of the many magical features of wine is that it can totally transform depending on its temperature. A cool wine often feels a little tighter, a little brisker and a little less opulent than a room temperature one. Putting a little chill on a wine can also highlight different notes in flavor that might suprise you!
Summer's heat is the perfect excuse to start experimenting with chilled wines, especially reds that you might normally relegate to colder months. There are loads of light-bodied red grapes out there that shine when served cool! So clear a little space in your fridge and start below, with our list of 6 wines to chill this summer.
6 WINES TO CHILL THIS SUMMER
LIOCO 'Indica' Rosé | Mendocino County, CA
This rosé of Carignan is the perfect full-flavored but high-acidity wine to gulp on the patio this summer. On...
Photo: Emily Rentsch
It's September and the tomatoes are poppin'! Here's a fast and tasty way to get into the spirit courtesy of my friend Chef Mike Shannon. This quick tomato chutney recipe doesn't even require fresh tomatoes (although you could certainly roast your own and gain some more bragging rights) and it makes a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Spread it on crusty bruschetta, add to fresh ricotta (as seen above) or goat cheese, serve it with fish or on top of a hearty burger. This is an all purpose delight.
Oh, and don't forget the wine! After the recipe below, you'll find some of my favorite pairings to tomatoes and other late summer fare.
QUICK ROASTED TOMATO CHUTNEY
from Chef Mike Shannon
Make about 4 cups
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 shallot, minced
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon smoked salt
1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
2 cans (28 oz) fire roasted diced tomatoes, drained
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
Heat oil over medium heat in a medium sauce...
