Trader Joe’s » The Red Shaker

Happy Thanksgiving~

Champagne/Prosecco, garnish, martini, Spirits 2 Responses »

Nov 232011

Shakers One and Two would like to wish you all a wonderful Turkey Day. And whether you are stuck for ideas on how to use up your leftovers friday or maybe are having just a bit too much family togetherness on the day itself, the Shakers are here for you:

Cranberry Relish Martini:

The perfect way to use some of your leftover fresh cranberry relish. No, not that weirdly shaped stuff that gloops out of the can in one ridged gelatinous blob. I’m talking about what my Great Grandmother used to chop by hand (we’re all thankful for food processors!), with fresh cranberries, navel oranges and a bit of sugar. My mom made this every year. And for those of you who want a shortcut, I’ve heard that Trader Joe’s now makes a good version, though I’ve yet to give it a try myself.

Back to the ‘tini-

Just muddle 2 large spoonfuls of the relish in the bottom of a metal shaker with about a shot of Grand Marnier (ok, go ahead and use Triple Sec if you don’t like your guests very much). Add 3 shots of vodka, a shot of freshly squeezed OJ and a squeeze of fresh lemon. Shake well with ice and strain into a martini glass, serve over ice with a bit of club soda, hell- pour it into the gravy boat and add a straw. Sometimes the holidays can make you really, really thirsty. <wink wink>

I garnished with a whole cranberry and a bit of orange zest and shook in a few drops of cranberry bitters (you could also use orange bitters if you prefer). It’s like drinking Thanksgiving!

One more tip: for a more festive bevvie, put a spoonful of the relish in the bottom of a flute and top with your favorite champagne or prosecco.

Gobble Gobble!

Bubbly Tales-Pt. 10: Second String

Champagne/Prosecco No Responses »

Jul 062011

Hello fans of all things effervescent. Shaker One is back with yet another prosecco for you to try. You may ask, “do you do nothing but sample proseccos in your spare time?” Well, I do cook as well. :/

Here’s another from my beloved Trader Joe’s:

Villa Carlotti Prosecco. Similar price point to my old pal Zonin.

I tried this one straight-no berries or additions. It is a dryer bubbly, balanced and pleasant with a hint of apricots. Oh man, now I sound like one of THOSE wine people. Stop me. Anyway, I enjoyed it and it has earned itself a seat on the bench. If Zonin goes out of the game, I’ll send in this sparkler.

Now go pour yourselves a glass of something fun.

Bubbly Tales-Pt. 9: A Whiter Shade of Yum.

Champagne/Prosecco No Responses »

Jun 292011

Shaker One here-back for another sip of all things fizzy. So as I’ve mentioned before, I’m not much of a wine drinker. I enjoy hearty reds with meals. But wine is a “drink with food” beverage for me. And for some odd reason -bubblies aside- I only drink reds. While grabbing a few bottles of my new friend Lambrusco (red) I noticed that they had the same brand in white….hmmmm. I was intrigued.

You know the drill: glass, ice, toss in a few berries for fun and here we go.

Nice! Very nice. Soft, not too sweet and none of that “oaky” chardonnay taste I loathe. You could very easily make a white sangria from this for the summer….add fresh berries, nectarines, whatever fruit makes you happy.

I’m still crushing hard on my new bestest summer friend Red Lambrusco, but Whitey can stop by every now and then and join in the fun.

Oh Lambruscos, where have you been all my summertimes?

Bubbly Tales: Pt. 7~Win Some, Lose Some

Champagne/Prosecco No Responses »

Jun 152011

Welcome back bubbly fans. Just a quick review today of my latest stop on the Tour of All Wines Sparkly. On my last visit to Trader Joe’s, I was restocking the prosecco supplies when I spied a different bottle on the shelf. Same price range as my beloved go to Zonin,so I picked up a bottle to try.

Fast forward to last night, movie in the dvd player, strawberries in the fridge begging for a dip. Out came our new friend Louise d’Estree. It poured into the glass with a nice healthy head of foam. I took my first sip and paused. This may be a personal preference issue, and I’m not educated enough on wine to give you specifics, but I very much prefer the Zonin. This one isn’t bad or unpleasant. Yet it lacks the light sparkle of Zonin. It also has a very slight hint of something bitter in the end notes. Again, not bad or unpleasant, but it doesn’t make me want to keep drinking it. I think it would be ok in a mimosa, but since it is the same price as Zonin and not equal or better in taste, I don’t see a reason to buy it again. I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how many enjoyable bubblies there are in the $10 and under range, so I can afford to be a bit selective. If someone brought this as a hostess gift it would end up as mimosas. Otherwise, I don’t think it will make it into my shopping cart a second time.

Zonin, you are still my prosecco hero.

Bubbly Tales-Pt.2: The Leading Man

Champagne/Prosecco, store No Responses »

May 112011

Welcome bubbly aficionados to another episode of Bubbly Tales. Today I’d like to introduce you to one of Shaker One’s favorite players:

Purchased at Trader Joe’s, this go-to sparkler retails for under $8. Yes, you read that correctly. It is perfect with mimosas or other mixed cocktails and really very pleasant on its own. I often enjoy a glass or three simply with a strawberry dropped into the bottom of the glass.

And as I am not a white wine drinker, other than the bubbly types, I also use this to deglaze a pan or make a sauce….anywhere you’d use a dry white wine. At this price point I don’t even feel bad if I open a bottle, enjoy a few glasses over two or three days and end up pouring the rest out. Not what I’d select for a celebration or fancy dinner, but a solid choice for your everyday workhorse bubbly. Affordable, drinkable, mixable, cookable…….this bubbly is one to keep on hand.

Give it a try. Unless you don’t have a Trader Joe’s nearby. Then I’m so, so sorry for you.