Gourmet-Alcohol

Images Courtesy of Total Wine and More Whether you’re looking to enjoy Cognac as a digestif or mix it into a cocktail , it never hurts to have a bottle on your bar cart. Here’s a look at what this spirit actually is, how it’s made, the best bottles for every type of drinker and more.  What Is Cognac? Cognac is a type of brandy that must be produced in the Cognac region of France . Think of it like Champagne : Champagne is a sparkling wine , but not all sparkling wine is Champagne. Similarly, Cognac is a brandy , but not all brandy is Cognac. The primary grape used in Cognac is Ugni Blanc . But small amounts of Picpoul (known in France as Folle Blanche), Colombard and a few other varieties are also used. If you’re familiar with French wine, you probably know that it’s often identified by producers or estates. However, Cognac is recognized by brands—Hennessy, Courvoisier, Rémy Martin and Martell are the four biggest houses. How Is Cognac Made?   Cognac is made from d...

It's a Wonderful Life Cocktail/ Photo by Ren Fuller for Chronicle Books This recipe is adapted from   Very Merry Cocktails ,  a new cookbook featuring cocktail recipes by lifestyle taste writer   and author Jessica Strand. If only George Bailey could have sipped one of these smooth, creamy cocktails , he would have known right away what a wonderful life he had. How to Make a “It’s a Wonderful Life” Cocktail Ingredients 3 oz [90 ml] half-and-half 1½ oz [45 ml] Irish cream liqueur ½ oz [15 ml] crème de menthe Ground cinnamon, for garnish Directions Fill an old fashioned glass halfway with ice. Pour the half-and-half, Irish cream liqueur, and crème de menthe into an ice-filled shaker. Shake until cold, then strain into the prepared glass. Dust with ground cinnamon.

Lumpia is a delicious savory fried roll filled with ground pork, carrots, and cabbage. Traditionally found in the Philippines, lumpia is a perfect appetizer that is crispy and golden and served with dipping sauce on the side. Lumpia would be the perfect appetizer or side dish to make any Asian meal complete! Lumpia is a great addition because they aren’t too heavy and overfilled with meat. It’s the perfect size! I love to serve these along side fried rice , vegetable stir fry , and beef and broccoli lo mein . What Is Lumpia? Lumpia is referred to as the Filipino spring roll. Filled with ground pork and vegetables, this delicious appetizer is a favorite in the Philippines! They are light in texture, and great for dipping! Lumpia is a perfectly crispy fried roll that is irresistible at any meal or celebration. The best part about these darling little rolls is that they are perfect for dipping! I love to serve them with several different dipping sauces for my guests to enjoy. Lu...

This easy air fryer butternut squash is tender and savory and makes the BEST side dish to any meal! Seasoned with delicious spices the air fryer cooks this squash to perfection. I love to serve this easy and fast side dish with so many meals. I prefer to cook my vegetables in the air fryer because of how simple it makes the dinnertime hour. Serve this air fryer butternut squash with tender chicken , this oven-baked turkey , or the most amazing pork chops . The comforting flavors will be perfect with these dishes. I hope you make butternut squash more often because this recipe is sure to be your new favorite side dish! Air Fryer Butternut Squash Tender golden cubes of butternut squash have sweet nutty flavors that are air fried to perfection. The comforting texture of squash is my favorite, and the spices in this recipe take it to the next level! Soft on the inside with slightly crispy edges, this air fryer butternut squash tastes oven roasted. Butternut squash is delicious as a si...