Jan 29, 2012 - Chicken!

Cocktail - Spiced Vanilla Apple Martini

Ingredients included vodka (of course), apple cider, french vanilla syrup and fresh nutmeg!

This was, quite possibly, our favorite cocktail to date.  It was not overly sweet, but the fresh nutmeg mixed soooo well with the vanilla and apple flavors.  It was like an apple pie in a glass!  Delicious!

Entree - Montalcino Chicken with Figs and Buttered Gnocchi with Pancetta and Nutmeg

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/montalcino-chicken-with-figs-and-buttered-gnocchi-with-pancetta-and-nutmeg-recipe/index.html

OMG!  Who knew chicken could taste this good???  We used all boneless, skinless chicken breast and followed the recipe to a T.  It was easy, it was goof-proof, and it was delicious!  The chicken does turn a little purple because of the wine, but don't stress it!  And a non-stick skillet to brown the gnocchi is necessary becuase a regular pan won't get it good and crispy.  This goes in the recipe box!

Wine - 2007 Cascina Ballarin Borolo

Wine Enthusiast Rating - 94/100

Needless to say, Harry's Wine in Fairfield, CT did not let us down.  In fact, this is our favorite wine to date!  This wine opens with soft aromas of milk chocolate, red cherry, vanilla cream, cinnamon, and dark spice.  The mouthful was rich and soft with sweet cherries at the end.  It is not heavy or tannin-crazy like a Cabernet, and was so smooth.  Not only did this pair well with the meal (as it would with most likely any meal you can find... but it would definitely be worth just drinking while watching a movie.)

And becuase the food and the wine was so amazing, we actually ended up skipping on dessert.  Sorry, everyone!

However, we did include some pictures of our VIP guests that evening.

Ben and Baylion

Ozzy

Next week - SUPER BOWL!