Glendora is Back!

Our favorite cousin is back with recipes to help you cope with winter's deep freeze! It's time to tap that box of wine!

Happy National Sangria Day!

It's National Sangria Day and Glendora is here to share her new recipe, made with Aime Ruca Malen Red Blend! Who says sangria is for summer? This one is perfect for winter (and, frankly, every season). Happy National Sangria Day!

Thankful for Wine - Thanksgiving Recipes with Glendora

Your favorite cousin is back and full of Thanksgiving gratitude! Wine is, of course, on the menu, along with copious amounts of cheese. Grab a drink and count your blessings!

Too Busy To Host A Party?

Lately, summer seems to fly by in a blur. There are so many events and parties that it feels as though you're cooking out for Memorial Day and the next thing you know the stores are pushing Pumpkin Spice Everything and Halloween items are fully on sale. Were you too busy to plan a gathering of your own this summer? Do you still wish you could, but have no time? Never fear, help is here from 1977 and the Party Book from Lexington Liquor Mart, in Lexington MA, a gift from our fabulous friend Mod Betty, of Retro Roadmap! These "Party Books" were something a liquor store could obviously order with their own name printed on it, since we have many that are identical between the covers from other stores, but that is what makes them fascinating. They often advertise "Ample Parking" and all have the exact same photos, recipes and ads. They're also full of party tips, which makes them amazing windows into the past. Here are some tips for entertaining with "The Magic Sherries of Spain" and pairing wine and cheese. According to this Party Book you can get away with zero cooking whatsoever. But don't call it lazy. Call it vintage!

Entertaining so easy even Glendora could handle it! And if it's just not going to happen before Labor Day weekend, don't worry. Everyone still loves wine and cheese in September. Start sending those evites!

Let's Serve Cocktails!

It seems that every one of our vintage recipe pamphlets and bar guides has a story behind it and Let's Serve Cocktails... is no exception. Published by The Taylor Wine Company (not to be confused with Taylor Family Vineyards, in Napa, CA), this mighty booklet has everything a person could ask for in a mid-century cookbook (Chicken Pufflets? Hammonaise? The opportunity to send for a copy of "Leaves from the Table of George and Martha Washington?"), but also raises the question: does The Taylor Wine Company, Inc. still exist? Sadly, no, and apparently there is an entire book about their demise (read about it here - I can't even find a mention of them on the Constellation Brands site). So, if one were inclined to whip up any of these recipes, wine substitutions would need to be made. However, it's a small price to pay for recipes this fabulous! Ready to dunk slices of chicken, turkey or pheasant in wine?!

Bon appetit!

Don't Obsess, Just Drink!

My friend Jennifer shared a great article by wine expert Ryan Opaz (click here to read it), the gist of which is that wine should be enjoyed, not a source of shame for imbibers who aren't sure whether or not they're drinking the right wine or a wine that's "good enough." All I can say is "Amen!" I've been privy to a depressing number of discussions on liquor, beer, food and the like which seem to devolve into arguments about whether or not a particular product is worthy and become, rather than a chance to share information on new products or something that someone tried and particularly liked, more of a competition over who has the most educated palate and is therefore more of an "expert" on cocktails (or beer or coffee or artisanal bread). It reminds me of teenagers raging that any band that isn't among their favorites "sucks." However, what's cute, if asinine, in a kid is just mean and sad in an adult. By all means, folks should drink whatever makes them happy! But if someone likes Yellow Tail wine or Myers's rum, they should be able to drink it in peace, without shaming from the peanut gallery. It's so refreshing to see an expert who agrees. Thank you, Ryan Opaz!

Glendora's Mulled Wine

Who better to ring in on the subject of mulled wine than our favorite cousin, Glendora? Her unending loyalty to wine (Franzia Merlot, to be specific) leads her to discover countless ways to make it perfect for every occasion, including Christmas. She even took to Periscope in order to show mulled wine being made in real time! Here is her recipe. If you like your mulled wine on the sweet side, add 1/4 - 1/2 cup of honey to these ingredients.

Glendora’s Mulled Wine

.750 ML Franzia Merlot

1/4 cup brandy

1/2 cup pure cranberry juice

1/2 cup pomegranate juice

1/2 cup orange juice

5 cinnamon sticks

20 cloves

1 star anise

2 rosemary sprigs

Combine all ingredients in a crock pot and turn to high until mixture begins to simmer. Turn to the low setting and continue for three hours total.

Happy, wine-filled holidays from Glendora!