Vine Sleuth- August 2014

Welcome to July in Houston! Summer is in full swing, and it’s time for “Patio Pounder” and “Summer Sipper” wines, wines you can enjoy in the heavy, humid heat we endure in Houston. It’s time to sit on the patio, visit with neighbors and friends and giggle as we tell our own childhood...

Sweet Tips for a Fabulous 4th of July

It’s easy to throw a 4th of July party that looks like you worked on it for weeks. Celebrate the holiday in style by serving classic entrées everyone loves and focusing your attention on delicious, easy-to-make desserts. No-Bake Cheesecake Star PopsYield: 6 Servings Drizzled or dipped in melted candy,...

Wine and Chocolate Pairing

By Amy Gross –  Although some might disagree with me, I absolutely love wine and chocolate together. I just love playing with all of the combinations to see what flavors work the best for me. Sure, sometimes I find a few that definitely do not work, but then I come across those pairings that sing and...

New Year’s Wine Resolutions Drink More – and Better – Wine

By Amy Gross –  In my experience  as the Vine Sleuth, I have learned a few things about enjoying and exploring wines. And, since January is so often about resolutions, I would like to encourage you to adopt these as your New Year’s Wine Resolutions. They are much more fun than your typical New...

A Christmas Cookie Swap

By Stephenie Cox –  My favorite part of Christmas is the food. December is full of baking, cooking, party planning, shopping, decorating and fun crafts, which all revolve around food. My favorite gift to give is home-baked goods, made with love, care and a delightful heart right from my kitchen. It...

Being Thankful

By Stephenie Cox –  The holidays are upon us – such a busy, festive time of year. I love Thanksgiving most of all. There are no gifts, there are no big parties, only families and friends getting together and appreciating what God has done for us. It is a wonderful time to reconnect, forgive those...

Pumpkin… More than a Delicious Bite

By Stephenie Cox – Pumpkin soup, pumpkin bread, pumpkin ravioli, pumpkin pie, pumpkin risotto, pumpkin beer . . . the options are endless, and endlessly mouthwatering. It’s finally pumpkin season, and the reasons to celebrate are many. Fall’s signature squash is versatile enough to fit into any...

White Wine Myths

By Amy Gross Summer vacation is here, and it is time get toasting! For all of you out there who shy away from the refreshment of whites and pinks, I’ve got a few white wine myths and misconceptions to dispel. If you think that white wines are for lightweights and those who like sweet wines, then please...