BEER OF THE MONTH JUNE 2009

...is ready for pick-up.

cheers,

-dave

Nut Balls!!!!

I know what you are think- she's lost it-"Nut Balls??? What's next???" But honestly, these are a really YUMMY and equally important, NUTRITIOUS snack and little fingers love them (as well as my husband!) If you have ever had a LARA BAR, this is essentially a home made version of one. They are SUPER EASY to make, quick, and last long if kept in the fridge (or longer if you freeze half the batch!). They are full of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. There aren't very many ingredients, but you could really change things up and get many different variations, I will share with you my favorite. Here we go:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cup of nuts your choice ( I use 1/2 cup raw cashews, 1/2 cup raw pepitas, 1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds)
  
• 8 dates rolled in coconut (sold at Trader Joe's or Lassen's or Whole Foods- they come in a little tub, the dates are pre-rolled in coconut, that's not something you have to do)
  
• cinnamon (as much as desired)

Directions:

  Okay, first you are going to pour all of your nuts in your blender. I use my Vitamix for about 10 seconds until everything is finely chopped, almost like a chunky powder. If you leave the nuts too large, it will be hard to get them to mesh with the dates.

  Next, scoop the nuts out of the blender into a bowl and add 1/2 your dates. Take out something to mash with, I use a pastry mashing tool, you can use a potato masher or fork or even your hands. You want to incorporate the nuts throughout the dates. Generously sprinkle some cinnamon to the mixture. Add the remaining dates, continue to mesh together and sprinkle some more cinnamon (I am fairly generous with my cinnamon sprinkling, it's your flavoring- taste a smidge to decide if you have enough in your batch). Once you have a pretty good mixture of nuts and dates and your happy with your cinnamon, you are going to start balling the "dough" just like cookies. I make mine into small, bite size balls for Emery to chew on, but if you have older kids, you can make them a little larger (or if you wanna get in on the yumminess, make some larger ones or bar shaped ones for yourself). Place them on a plate, then cover them with plastic wrap and let them set in the fridge for a bit. You can freeze half the batch or keep them in the fridge to last about 2-3 weeks before they get dried out. Enjoy and experiment with different types of nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and seasonings!

The Mental Side Of Fitness Continued

Think your only support is in the house or only with your friends…WRONG…It is healthy to have your own interests……
Are you waiting around for your family to be active with you….waiting for spouse, teen, etc….guess what…YOU are in charge of YOU. I realize that being by yourself can be a bummer, feel lonely, and even scary…hell…I have more fun working out with a friend, but it is absolutely up to you to love yourself enough to make “ME” time for you regardless of your couch potatoes. Check out the classes at your local gym or recreational facility….You have nothing but good health to gain from the experience. Are you single and using the EXCUSE of… I have no one that will go with me to work out at the gym, or walk. This kind of thinking will never get YOU going. It is important to LOVE yourself enough to do it for YOU….eat healthy, enjoy exercise for the sake of moving your body…forget about waiting for someone else…think about it….that other someone may never come through for you…then what…give up…continue to make that your EXCUSE (yes, I am a hard ass here)….I say STOP today, put on your walking shoes and get out and absorb some vitamin D, breathe some fresh air, and MOVE!!! Love yourself THAT MUCH!!!

Reach out to others if your partner is not motivating you…..
OK…as much as you may want that perfect workout partnership….guess what…it may take time to happen. It is really OK and a fabulous idea to reach out to friends that share your interest in getting healthy, and getting in some great “ME” time with someone other than whom you live. You will probably be pleasantly surprised on how this will actually spice up your relationship because you will have new fun experiences to share. Do you feel guilty leaving your loved one behind or like you need permission to do something without them? Why? How healthy is this type of thinking…..not very….if it is keeping you from getting healthy. You will have to be your own motivation here, face any insecurity or fear, put the excuses in the trash, and call a friend today. If you do not have a friend that will help you be accountable and visa versa, try checking out your local gym for classes, or recreational facilities. I say start today by putting on your walking shoes, and MOVE…..enjoy the moment, take some deep breathes, appreciate your surroundings, and SMILE!!!!

Be strong in light of the pizza being offered….
You want chicken salad and he or she wants pizza….do not succumb to the temptations of your non supportive partner. This will be hands down the HARDEST part of getting healthy especially if you are accustomed to eating the same unhealthy foods together to begin with. Most pizza places also have salad bars and even deliver….imagine that. Stick to your guns, and set the example of good health with your nutrition. I realize it will not seem fair to have two different ways of eating going on at the same time…but think about it…YOU are the one who wanted the change, right? OK…so your eventual benefit will include an overall health improvement inside and out, and there is no greater reward than that:)

Unable to feel good about self….
This can be a difficult one. You may be in a very down place mentally, unable to get self motivated, and may not even want to see anyone. In this situation, start by letting some nice sunshine in your home, and take the first step to call a friend. There is nothing like the wisdom and support of a good friend to get you on the road to feeling better. You may also want to get in touch with your doctor for a few counseling sessions. It may take a while, but YOU are worth it. You are worth being happy and healthy….ask your friend for help in keeping you accountable. Take your chats outside for a power walk/talk…..a few sessions like this should boost your motivation and hopefully help get you on the path to feeling the best you have ever been!!!!

Talk yourself out of going to the gym…
Why Why Why!!!! This is what I call a big EXCUSE, and not acceptable…I am being the accountability police here. I can’t go because my work, my husband, my wife, my child, my chores, my school, blah blah blahhhh already. These are usually the same people that are getting in the TV programs, not missing social events, and simply wasting time doing other things while life is passing them by. I say if you have an extra hour watching TV….and usually it is hoursssssssssssssss, if honestly added up over the course of the week, you HAVE the time to exercise. Time to get honest, stop the EXCUSES, and get healthy!!!

TV over fitness…
I can’t emphasis this one enough….this society is technology driven, and media based. The television offers so much at the touch of the fingertips….let me ask you are you visiting the FIT TV channel and joining in on a fun workout? The answer to that question is usually NO. I challenge each and everyone of you to limit your TV watching to one hour per day for just ONE WEEK, and get to know yourself, be active, talk with your family, husband, wife, your girlfriend/boyfriend, meet with friends, take walks, play with your pets, and enjoy being active and real quality time that very often gets pushed to the side. After that fabulous walk and conversation, pull out a fun board game and laugh laugh laugh. Life is too short not to. I would love to hear how this experiment goes....

Stay Healthy!!!!!

Darla:)

NEW ARRIVALS/GLASSWARE

We have received some cool new glassware from:

-Hitachino Nest

-Green Flash

-Chouffe

We still have glassware from:

-St. Bernardus

-Duchesse De Bourgogne

-Duvel

-Maredsous

-etc.

BEER

1. Pugsley' s Signature Barleywine 22oz

2. Pugsley's Signature Imperial Porter 22oz.

3. DEUS Brut Des Flandres is back!

4. Green Flash Le Freak is back!

5.  Belzebuth Strong Ale

cheers,

dave

FULL SAIL KEELHAULER

For your drinking pleasure.

cheers,

-dave

Lime Chicken Soft Tacos

Alrighty then, these are delicious! Just made them tonight, so I will do my best to recall the things I liked and some things I would modify for next time. For starters, these are great on a summer night- they have a little fiesta feel to them, would be fun and easy for company. 

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lbs chicken breasts, cut into strips

1 lime, juiced

1/8 cup red wine vinegar

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1 tsp white sugar

2-3 green onions, chopped

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

1-2 tomatoes, diced

2 cups lettuce, finely chopped

tortillas

Monterrey jack cheese, shredded

*sour cream

*guacamole

**The original recipe didn't call for sour cream or guac but after making it, my husband and I agreed this would be a great addition!

Directions

Ok you guys, super easy and not very time consuming, the most prep you have will be to wash and slice your chicken breasts. I cut mine into long, thin strips like in a fajita. Once your chicken is cut and ready to cook, heat a drizzle of olive oil in your pan and toss the chicken in. Let is get a good sear/brown color on the first side before flipping it and stirring it around. Let your chicken cook until it's almost done (about 7-10 minutes) and while it's cooking, you are making the "sauce" with the lime, red wine vinegar, s & p, sugar, and garlic. I made my "sauce" (it's more like a juice than a sauce) in my measuring cup and then poured it over top my chicken, stirring it around while it's doing it's final cooking. In the last minutes, I threw my green onion and cilantro in, let it cook just a smidge longer. Then pull it off the heat. You're pretty much done. Chop some lettuce, tomato, shred some cheese and heat up some tortillas- build yourself a soft taco, top it with sour cream, guac, and/or salsa and enjoy!

Serve with: corn on the cob and it's a complete meal!

NEW ARRIVALS

1. Thiriez Blonde 750ml (France)
2. Thiriez Amber 750ml (France)
3. Thiriez Extra 750ml (France)
4. De Molen Rasputin Imperial Stout 750ml-LIMITED QUANTITIES!!! (Netherlands)
5. Inveralmond Blackfriar 16oz (Scotland)
6. Inveralmond Lia Fail 16oz (Scotland)
7. Inveralmond Ossian Ale (Scotland)
8. Mikkeller Nelson Sauvin Single Hop IPA (Denmark/Belgium)
9. Handbryggiert Odin's Tipple (Norway)
10. Nogne-O Batch #100 (Norway)
11. Nogne-O Dark Horizon Batch #2 (Norway)
12. Nogne-O Dugges Sahti (Norway/Finnish style)
13. Nogne-O Sunturnbrew (Norway)
14. Ise Kadoya Triple Hop (Japan)
15. Ise Kadoya Stout (Japan)
16. Ise Kadoya Genmai Ale (Japan)
17. Baird Natsumikan Ale (Japan)

Keeping it international,

-dave

Sesame Chicken Pasta Salad...

OK, this one's right off the stove- and pretty good for a first-time-make... if you like Chinese Chicken Salads you will definetly like this! Here we go, it's really simple and quick...

Ingredients

2 big chicken breasts (or 3 small), cubed and browned with a little s & p

1/3 cup green onion (about 2 stalks), chopped

1/3 cup cilantro, chopped

1 red bell pepper

2 carrots, shredded

1 bag pasta (bow tie or the multicolored Radiatore from Trader Joe's is yummy)

1/4 cup sesame seeds (cheapest to buy in bulk at Winco), toasted

Dressing:

1/3 cup olive oil

1/3 cup rice vinegar (red wine vinegar would be my second choice if you don't have rice)

1 tsp sesame oil

3 TBSP sugar

1/2 tsp ginger (comes in a jar)

1/4 tsp pepper

Directions:

For starters, mix the dressing ingredients together, shake and refridgerate so that it has some time to chill together :). Next, get the water boiling for your pasta and get out a frying pan to toast your sesame seeds. I add a little drizzle of olive oil to the frying pan and toss in your 1/4 cup sesame seeds, constantly turning them until browned. Scoop them out and set them aside. Next up- prep the chicken. Wash it and cut it into bite size cubes or slices. Add a little olive oil to your pan and brown your chicken. I have said this before, but the best way to get a good "brown" to your chicken is to put it in your pan and let it sit, don't start turning it over and over. Once it gets a good sear on one side THEN turn it over and do the next side/sides. Add a little s & p to your chicken to give it some flavor. Alright, your chicken is cooked, your pasta is cooking, your dressing is chilling- time for the veggies. Peel your carrot and then shred it, chop your bellpepper, green onion, cilantro, and add it to your pasta bow. Strain your pasta, add it. Throw in your toasted sesame seeds and drizzle your chilled salad dressing to the mix. Toss it to make sure everything is coated. You can serve this dish warm or cold, it's great the second day- tons of flavor and great for a picnic, BBQ, or potluck! * One thing I might throw in the next time I make it is some chopped snap peas for an extra crunch!

Porn is Harmless to Relationships….Right?….WRONG!!!!

What a subject on a fitness and health website….got your attention right? After you read the article you will see just how this fits into getting healthy and staying healthy. I have been researching this topic for a few days and of course my need to help people, women, men, couples, etc is at the frontline of my mission writing this blog. What I will be sharing is very candid, may shock some, offend some, and put some on the defensive. My intention is to inform you on a topic that has been proven to be at the very heart of ruined relationships, broken marriages, lost jobs, loss of family, lost lives, and loss of self. Many remain in denial of the damaging affects that porn, especially online porn, is having on their ability to function in reality. If you see yourself described in any way within this blog, I encourage you to seek professional help today. I will be citing from specialists in the field and reputable publications to start the blog off:

“it is coloring relationships, both long-and short-term, reshaping expectations about sex and body image and, most worrisome of all, threatening to alter how young people learn about sex” Time Magazine, The Porn Factor, Jan 2004, Health

"The Internet is the crack cocaine of sexual addiction," says Jennifer Schneider, co-author of Cybersex Exposed: Simple Fantasy or Obsession?

I realize that both men and women utilize pornography but studies show that the largest percentages are males “71% Nielsen/Net ratings 2003”.

"Men become like computers, unable to be stimulated by the human beings beside them," he says. "The image of a lonely, isolated man masturbating to his computer is the Willy Loman metaphor of our decade." Mark Schwartz, director of the Masters and Johnson clinic in St. Louis, Mo.,

Men became, in the words of Dr Margaret Redelman, the president of the Australian Society of Sex Educators, Researchers and Therapists, "lazy lovers". In the end they could not be bothered with real-life sex. In other cases, sex lives became porn-like, male-focused, extreme and lacking in intimacy.

Women feel as if “They can’t compete, and they know it. For how can a real woman—with pores and her own breasts and even sexual needs of her own (let alone with speech that goes beyond “More, more, you big stud!”)—possibly compete with a cybervision”…. The New York Times, The Porn Myth, Naomi Wolf

“A man can easily be drawn into porn, where he never fails in the fantasy and where he can be sexually stimulated without facing the issues with his wife. But the truth is, pornography neuters a man. He becomes so wrapped up in this fantasy world that he is no longer capable of being excited by his own wife. She cannot possibly compete with the airbrushed models in the magazines and on the computer screen, so the husband simply loses interest in her.” Dr. Dave and Donalyn Currie, Help, My Husband Does Not Want to Have Sex

“women are feeling the consequences of porn in numerous ways. We see eating disorders, body loathing, plastic surgery, and unrealistic expectations in girls and young women. We seem women equating their worth to their form and its sexual attractiveness. We see depression and sorrow as the acceptance and normalization of objectifying women spreads throughout the world.” Jennifer Jones, Mental Health Therapist, Does Pornography Help or Hurt Relationships?

What are your thoughts after reading the citations? What the hell is going on? A man struggles with being able to achieve and maintain an erection and to his probable embarrassment have an orgasm with a real woman. A woman feels inadequate, has body image issues, and feels the pressure to be a porn star with a man. A man feels insecure about having a relationship with a real woman, and retreats to his fantasy cyberchick over and over again until the fantasy becomes his sexual gratification. A woman takes on the feeling that she is not good enough to arouse and satisfy her man….he does not desire me, what else could it be? Well ladies and gentlemen…hold onto your seats…A team of American researchers from Stanford and Duquesne Universities has called cyber-sex compulsion a "hidden public health hazard". Sexual counselors and psychologists in Australia are less colorful. Brett McCann, a senior lecturer in the sexual health program at the University of Sydney, says it is a growing problem "with big implications for the public health dollar. There's no quick fix, and by the time the problem is uncovered, there's usually a crisis in the relationship."

Are you in a relationship where things do not feel quite right? As women have you been rejected by your husband or boyfriend and find yourself being the initiator of all intimate contact? As a man, do you find yourself scared to date, or initiate sex with a woman because of anxiety around non-arousal? Do you find yourself in front of your computer screen on a regular basis searching out cyber sex/pornography? Are you lying to your partner about your cybersex activities? As a woman, out of intimacy desperation, are you performing uncomfortable sex fantasies with your husband/boyfriend? As a woman are you feeling disconnected during the sex act with your husband/boyfriend? As a man do you find yourself having to recall a fantasy during sex in order to achieve orgasm? As a man, have you lost desire for your wife/girlfriend? As a woman, have you felt your partner become distant physically and emotionally? Do you see your partner preoccupied with the computer and brushing it under the rug?

Just a few questions to think about as you try to figure out what is going on. “The secret use of pornography is the true home-wrecker, according to most of the psychologists contacted. The most common pattern is for one partner to eventually discover the other's obsessive use. "When it's consensual use in a limited way, it's unproblematic," says Eric Hudson, the national president of the Australian Association of Relationship Counselors. "But where it is secretive, it is experienced as a betrayal of the relationship." Further, once the intimacy has reached a point where typically the husband/boyfriend has started withdrawing from his spouse/girlfriend, the fantasy addiction has reached its peak and brain chemical release no longer desires/responds to what his “real” partner has to offer.

This opens the door to explain just what is going on with the “WHY” your husband/boyfriend is not desiring you. First of all….it is not YOU!!!! I have had the recent opportunity to read numerous heart wrenching stories and cries for help surrounding the compulsive use of pornography and the damage it has caused to women and men.

Picture a person viewing cybersex or pornography and then look into their brain and body as the visual stimulation creates a release of chemicals; epinephrine, an adrenal gland hormone responsible to “lock-in” what created the experience occurring at the time of high arousal; adrenaline, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), noradrenaline, norepinephrine, testosterone, among others. This instant chemical hit or high created during the cybersex session can be created over and over again at the push of a button. Unfortunately the brain has created a memory or trigger that sexual release correlates with cybersex and eventually after habitual use responds only to that trigger. This also explains why men who view pornography habitually suffer sexual inabilities that they are usually embarrassed to admit: erectile dysfunction, inability to maintain erection, or inability to orgasm. Typically they will choose the fantasy cybersex for the “sure” sexual high that can be achieved rather than take a chance on feeling insecure or embarrassed being intimate with the “real” deal. As a man you may feel duped not having full disclosure of the side affects to compulsive porn use, and are struggling inside to even talk about it. I encourage that you can be better and recapture what was lost….the first step, if you are with a wife/girlfriend is to be honest. Your mate will probably be more understanding than you realize as she will also regain a part of her self esteem, not feeling to blame for the physical distance. Also, seek the guidance of a licensed therapist.

Men, I understand this is a very sensitive issue, one that many of you keep hidden, are ashamed about, and feel guilty to admit. Let me ask you…..is this good health? Do you want to hide behind a secret life that consumes you, distorts the true picture of intimacy, promotes lying and betrayal, robs your finances, puts you at risk to lose your job, and your family? Or do you want to be a man who lives a fulfilling, successful, happy life enjoying and KNOWING a true and REAL intimate relationship? I know this is laying it right on the plate and the answer probably is easy to say but not so easy to do, especially if you are already deep into compulsive using. My hope is to inspire you to reach for that healthy life….….

Women, I realize that you may feel like you have hit rock bottom if you are on the receiving end of rejection and betrayal caused from compulsive porn use. I understand how feelings of sexual inadequacy, feelings of why am I not good enough, pretty enough, horny enough, and why doesn’t he want me, can be so overwhelming. You may be putting your self worth aside just to be with your partner doing and saying things that make you feel uncomfortable. Tell me….are you happy? Are you physically satisfied? Are you emotionally happy? Are you loving yourself? Are you being the porn police? I ask you…..are you living a healthy life? I am here to tell you that you are good enough, that your sexual needs do matter, you do deserve respect, and to inspire you to love yourself and let go of those things that you just can not control. You do have a choice to live a healthy life filled with happiness, success, and true REAL intimacy. If you are enabling a compulsive porn user….why? What are you getting out of the transaction? Why are you not setting boundaries? I will say the same to you…I know this is laying it right on the plate and the answer probably is easy to say but not so easy to do, especially when you love someone. My hope is to inspire you to reach for that healthy life as well…..

Although this message may be one some of you may not want to hear, I am an advocate for good health, and healthy relationships, and the negative impact porn is having on many marriages and committed relationships is a matter that needs to be addressed. Further it is at the core of many health issues today: depression, eating disorders, body image issues, stress, not to mention ED. This article is not meant to judge or condemn, but a message to inspire you to be honest about where you are with your life, and to get healthy……..……

Stay Healthy!!!
Darla

I wanted to add a couple of helpful links

http://www.recoverynation.com/

http://npsupport.net/community/index.php

Strawberry Salad....

Tis the season for yummy salads.... so here we go with a few of my favorites! They can be used as a side dish (just leave out the chicken) or they can be served as a whole meal- you choose!

Ingredients:

2 hearts of romaine

1/4 cup parsley, chopped

1/2 cup candied pecans, chopped

8- 10 strawberries, sliced

1/4 cup feta (or blue) cheese, sprinkled on top

1/2 cooked chicken breast (per person), chopped

*avocado optional (if you're a lover of it!)

Directions:

Grill up some chicken, lightly seasoned, or use leftovers if you have some. Like always, wash, chop, and chill your lettuce. Chop your parsley, nuts, and chicken. Slice your strawberries right before serving, add your cheese and dressing and toss! I have also added avocado to the mix and it was very tasty! 

For a great dressing, see my recipe for "Refreshing Dressing" or use Brianna's dressing with a Strawberry on the Bottle. For those of you local to Bakersfield, this is a knock off of my favorite salad at Cafe Meds! 

Refreshing Dressing...

6 TBSP olive oil

6 TBSP red wine vinegar

2 TBSP fresh lemon juice

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp dijon mustard

honey to taste ( I add quite a bit of honey to cut the vinegar & citrus flavor)

Mix it all together and refrigerate! Great light and tangy flavor.

Steak Cobb Salad...

Ok, so this was a fun, impromptu meal last night. We had a leftover steak (pretty good size) from the night before, so I decided to give a Cobb salad a whirl, and what a good whirl it was! Pretty self explanatory, but for the record, here's what I put:

Ingredients:

2 hearts of romaine, washed & chopped

1/2 red bell pepper, chopped

2 green onions, chopped

6 stripes of bacon, cooked & chopped

1 hard boiled egg, sliced

1 avocado, chopped or sliced

1 steak, cooked and chopped (hot or cold would work)

1/2 cup blue cheese *** optional (if you are a blue cheese fan)

Directions:

First things first, cook your bacon ( I used the apple wood kind from Trader Joe's it was really good and has a little less "junk" in it than other brands). Also, hard boil your egg if you don't have a hard boiled egg handy, it just takes a few minutes. Then I washed my lettuce and refrigerated it so it stayed nice and crispy. Then I washed and chopped everything else, added the cheese, and tossed it together and made the "Light Salad Dressing" and topped it off. It was really, really good. Quick, easy, light and a great use of leftovers!  

HOD BLUE DOT AND MORE!!!

1. Hair of the Dog Blue Dot 22oz

2. Sierra Nevada Southern Hemisphere Harvest

3. Alaska White Ale 22oz.

NOTE: We will be open on Sunday, May 17 for Bay to Breakers 9am-9pm for all your boozing needs!!!

cheers,

dave

Deschutes Mirror Mirror and More!

New today at Healthy Spirits:

1. Deschutes Mirror Mirror-Barleywine aged 35% in oak.

2. Birrificio del Ducato Verdi Imperial Stout (with chili)

3. BFM Cuvee Alex Le Rouge 12oz

4. BFM Cuvee du 7eme 12oz.

5. BFM Cuvee du 8eme 12oz.

6. Old Danish Braggot

7. De Dolle Dulle Teve

8. De Dolle Bos Keun

9. JW Lees Harvest Ale 2005 (Sherry Barrel Aged)

Come and get it!

-dave

dave

*SPECIAL ARRIVAL: Pappy Van Winkle 23yr*

We usually reserve the blog for posts about beer, but when you get your hands on the number 1 rated Bourbon in the world, I think we can make an exception.

The Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery is renowned the world over for there extremely limited production Bourbons and Rye Whiskeys. Their Bourbons in particular are noted for using wheat in the mash, as opposed to rye, which allows for a smoother, slightly sweeter Bourbon that ages more gracefully. I would highly recommend buying the 12yr, 15yr or 20yr on sight at any retail store that is lucky enough to have them.

Healthy Spirits has been fortunate enough to receive 2 bottles of the 23yr Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve, the rarest of the bunch, which received an inconceivable 99 out of 100 from both the Beverage Tasting Institute and the World's Spirit Championships. Not to mention numerous other awards and accolades. Again we only received 2 bottles, so first come first serve. You can reserve a bottle by calling the store at: 415-255-0610, Cheers

Nate (the other guy)

BROOKLYN BLUE APRON

A fantastic Belgian-style dubbel from Brooklyn Brewery. This beer is usually only available at Thomas Keller's 3 Michelin star rated world-famous restaurant
"The French Laundry." For a limited time, 750ml bottles
are available at only the best beer spots in the Bay Area.
I tried one earlier today, and I was impressed. It's a bit lighter than
your average Belgian Dubbel, definately versatile for food pairing.
Beautiful notes of fig and plum are predominant, with a lightly yeasty, earthy backbone.
Drink some. I shouldn't have to convince you. Just buy it. Yes.


cheers,

dave

Thai Chicken Wraps with Spicy Peanut Sauce...

The "Salad Portion" of the meal...

The "Chicken Portion" ...

The "Finished Product"- DELICIOUS!!!

OK folks, if you read my family blog then you know that my husband made me a fabulous anniversary dinner that is now in my top 5 favorite meals, so I thought I would share the recipe with you! It is a Rachel Ray recipe, so you can google hers, or you can check out this one, I simplified it and added a few things- either way you will love it!

Ingredients for Chicken:

3 chicken breasts or a package of chicken tenderloins

1 TBSP soy sauce

1 TBSP canola oil

1 TBSP grill seasoning

Ingredients for Salad Portion:

1/2  cucumber, peeled, sliced and halved

1/2 red bell pepper, chopped

1 cup shredded carrots

2 cups bean sprouts

3-4 scallions, sliced

12 basil leaves, chopped (*optional, use if your a basil fan, can go without)

3 TBSP mint leaves, chopped ( a must!)

1 TBSP sesame seeds

2 tsp. sugar

2 TBSP rice or white vinegar

Spicy Peanut Sauce (spice can be optional!)

1/4 cup chunky peanut butter, room temp

2 TBSP soy sauce

2 TBSP vegetable oil

1 TBSP rice or white vinegar 

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper *** optional, if you don't want the kick- leave this out!

Don't forget the Tortillas!!! I love the spelt ones from Trader Joe's- they go great with this meal!

Directions:

This meal is really easy to whip up- you will chop all the salad ingredients and mix them into a large bowl. Next, wash your chicken, put it on a skillet on the stove with the "chicken ingredients" and brown the chicken. Once it's cooked, slice your chicken into bite size pieces and add it to the "salad ingredients" bowl. Toss that together. Lastly, whisk all the "peanut sauce ingredients" together to make the sauce (mine was more of a spread than a dribbley sauce, but none the less, very tasty!)

Warm a tortilla, spread the peanut sauce on it and then scoop some of the chicken salad mixture onto it. Roll it up and enjoy!

NEW STUFF

1. Grand Teton Dopplebock-1Liter

2. Grand Teton Lost Continent Double IPA

3. Sam Adams Summer

**And in case anyone missed the twitter, Delerium Tremens glasses are back!**

cheers,

dave