Posts for August 31st 2012

Wine

Wine of the Day: Chandon California Sparkling Red

Although still a rare sight, sparkling red wines are quickly gaining ground in wineries and restaurants across the United States.


Although still a rare sight, sparkling red wines are quickly gaining ground in wineries and restaurants across the United States. My first experience with this effervescent treat was a few years back at De Kas in Amsterdam, and more recently, I've seen the varietal hit Gioia Pizzeria, my go-to local pizza place. Generally speaking, Italian Brachetto and Lambrusco are what's on offer, as they're the most well-known examples of red sparklers, but there are a handful of worthy bottles produced on our own home turf.

Today's bottle comes from Northern California's Chandon Winery, a proud maker of an exceptional sparkling red ($30). This Pinot Noir and Zinfandel blend is currently exclusively available at the winery, making a visit to the gorgeous Yountville location all the more enticing, and here's why.

Cooking Basics

Essential Outdoor Cookware That Beginner Campers Should Pack

For newbies to camping, the key to setting up for satisfying fireside meals is preparation and packing the right "gear," as camping enthusiasts like to call it.


For newbies to camping, the key to setting up for satisfying fireside meals is preparation and packing the right "gear," as camping enthusiasts like to call it. While camping is an excellent opportunity to experiment with clever kitchen hacks, make sure to include these items on your packing list. That way, you won't forget the essentials (like matches, a can opener, and a pot to boil water), as well as those critical items that make brisk, early mornings infinitely more bearable (like a coffee percolator).

  1. Fire starters: You never know what mother nature will bring, but at least you'll have fire with a set of REI Stormproof Matches ($7) or a powerful and efficient BlastMatch Fire Starter ($25).
  2. Camping cooler: Anything perishable needs to be stored securely in a cooler on ice. This Picnic Time Zuma Insulated Cooler Backpack ($22) makes it easy to transport everything deep into the woods.
  3. Percolator: Early mornings can be a bit nippy, making coffee a warming, energizing must have, no matter where you are in the world. Brew your morning pick-me-up in something durable and foolproof like this GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Percolator ($40).
  4. Pan and skillet: Don't leave home without these indispensable pieces: an REI Cook Pot ($35) is essential for simmering hearty oatmeal and warming up canned beans, while an REI Nonstick Frypan ($27) makes frying up proteins like fresh-caught fish or strips of bacon a breeze. Alternatively, this lidded Lodge Pre-Seasoned Combo Cooker ($30) is an excellent multitasker for those who are car camping and don't have to worry about carrying heavy cast-iron pots.
  5. Swiss Army knife: Keeping a Victorinox Camper Swiss Army Knife ($24) around is always a good idea. This particular version has a can opener (crucial!) and a nifty set of tweezers to help you remove small fish bones from fillets, if necessary.

See the complete camping kitchen checklist.

grilling

Grill Everything Under the Sun, From Appetizers to Dessert!

Even with limited (or no) backyard space, we can't help but spend most of our time hovering over our compact city grills.

Even with limited (or no) backyard space, we can't help but spend most of our time hovering over our compact city grills. After all, whether it's a Caesar salad or a chocolatey dessert pizza, throwing any food over the coals seems to kiss it with a fire-roasted flavor that's indispensable with a cold beer and the sun-filled Summer heat.

Check out our assortment of recipes.

Grilled appetizers
Grilled burgers
Grilled side dishes
Grilled chicken recipes
Grilled meat and seafood ideas
Grilled pizzas
Barbecue sauces and rubs
Grilled dessert ideas

If you're new to grilling, or looking to branch out, you've come to the right place to learn just about everything there is to know about grilling, even if you were afraid to ask. See any grilling recipe you could possibly ever want — and more — when you keep clicking.

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Create Your Fitness Pinspiration Board For the Chance to Win!

What's more fun than going to the gym?

What's more fun than going to the gym? Creating an inspiration board featuring Reebok's awesome fitness gear and the person who inspired you to get fit, of course!

Entering is easy; simply follow the steps below and you and your fitness hero could win a girls' weekend in NYC for two, complete with a Reebok shopping spree and a starring role in an inspirational fitness video! Once you have created your board, don't forget to email reebokcontest@sugarinc.com with a link to your "My Fit Pinspiration" board.

Hurry, though, because the contest ends Sept. 6! Click here and start pinning!

Official Rules

POPSUGAR Entertainment

Video: PopSugar Must Have August Box Reveal!

We are so excited to share what's in our POPSUGAR Must Have box for August!

We are so excited to share what's in our POPSUGAR Must Have box for August! Even though Summer is coming to an end, we're still focusing on staying fit for relaxing afternoons by the pool and keeping our skin glowing and shine-free. We are also entertaining more at home with our favorite wine and scents that remind us of vacation. We hope you love the box, and if you've yet to join in the fun, then sign up for POPSUGAR Must Have to receive our hand-picked goodies at your doorstep!

recipes

Happy Hour: Bramble

Gin lovers: have you tried a bramble yet?

Gin lovers: have you tried a bramble yet? This modern classic cocktail, which was created in the mid-1980s by London bartender Dick Bradsell, is sort of like England's equivalent to a cosmopolitan. It's an unfussy gin and lemon juice concoction that's potent, but with a tart and fruity taste.

The girlie pink-purple hue comes from the addition of blackberry liqueur. Although there's many blackberry liqueurs on the market, I used Chambord, which is made from both blackberries and raspberries, since that's what I had on hand. To give this refreshing beverage a try, get the easy recipe now.

taste test

Crunchy, Chewy, Sweet: Trader Joe's Trail Mix Taste Test

Enter the trail mix section at Trader Joe's: the seemingly endless shelf is packed with nearly a dozen varieties from candy-laden Peanut Butter Cups Trax Mix to healthier, nut-and-dried-fruit-studded Omega Trek Mix.

Enter the trail mix section at Trader Joe's: the seemingly endless shelf is packed with nearly a dozen varieties from candy-laden Peanut Butter Cups Trax Mix to healthier, nut-and-dried-fruit-studded Omega Trek Mix. Even though the immense offerings initially overwhelmed us, we were curious to learn which variety reigns supreme. In the interest of saving you from snapping up a dud, we crunched, chewed, and savored the lot. See which winners emerged.

savory sights

Savory Sight: Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Banana Bread

This sweet treat from whipped is jam packed with chocolate, pumpkin, and banana, and is sure to satiate your sweet tooth guilt-free.

This sweet treat from whipped is jam packed with chocolate, pumpkin, and banana, and is sure to satiate your sweet tooth guilt-free.

Skinny Chocolate Chip Pumpkin-Banana Bread is moist, delicious, and vegan!

For the full recipe, check out her blog and be sure to upload your latest food-related obsessions with us in the YumSugar Community. If you're on Instagram, then join us by tagging your pictures with the hashtag #savorysight.