My daughter, Natalie, and I have been busy in the kitchen.  I posted the Orange Rosemary Glazed Chicken recipe last week.  It looked so good, I couldn't wait to try it!

The pictures below were of the first step with the chicken.  (The recipe called for chicken breast, but I happened to have thighs in the freezer, so that's what I used.)  I rubbed the chicken with seasonings, mostly consisting of Rosemary and Orange Zest... with other spices.  Then, brown in a skillet.  This is how the chicken looked after browning... still not thoroughly cooked.

Below is the glaze, consisting with mostly Orange Marmalade, Orange Juice, Red Wine Vinegar, Chicken Stock... and more spices.  This was boiled and then simmered.

While I was working on the glaze, the chicken was baking.  Towards the last part of baking time, I basted the chicken with the glaze, then continued baking until chicken was completely cooked.

The End Result, which I must say... was absolutely divine!

My Natalie worked on the Dessert.  Chocolate dipped bananas, covered with chopped walnuts, drizzled with more chocolate, and topped with stawberries.  Definitely a delectable dessert that wasn't a belt buster!

Natalie made this wonderful strawberry lemonade, made with the real stuff!  She's my health conscience sweetheart that is making sure we have enough of the good things in our bodies.  We just love her so much for taking care of us!

That was our dinner.  Another satisfying success for my family!

(The complete recipe is on my last post.)

Fleur Bleu 2009 North Coast Mourvedre

WineShop at Home has done it again!  They never cease to amaze me with their product.  As a wine consultant for them, I am so pleased with this month’s new arrivals.  I just had to share this with you.  We have four fantastic Fleur Bleu wines! These wonderful wines are exclusive artisan blends only available to you.  The wine I'd like to "Show Off", is the debut of our first-ever Mourvedre (pronounced More-VEH-druh) under the Fleur Bleu label. This rare and delicious varietal will definitely be a "High Demand" wine.  Below, is an excerpt from my WineShop at Home Vintner Notes and a Recipe for an excellent food pairing:

Fleur Bleu 2009 North Coast Mourvedre

In the early evening, when the shadows fall across the 

vineyards, one can often spot a perfect flower that in 

the daylight hour is bright of hue. But, in the magic of 

dusk, this shadowed flower becomes “Fleur Bleu” 

(FR: Blue Flower), lit by a rising moon or an early 

star. The magic of our Fleur Bleu wines will charm 

and delight you – revealing their mystery with subtle 

bursts of fragrance. 

Our Fleur Bleu Mourvedre (More-VEH-druh) is one of our Weekend 

ends turn festive in a hurry with a  Wines. Weekend meals for family and fri

well-selected wine or two paired perfectly with a more leisurely-prepared 

lunch or dinner. Today’s wine drinking consumer looks for a high-quality 

wine that can take a special place of honor on the table. Experts suggest 

keeping a mixed case or two of weekend wines on hand, so all you have to 

do is pull out a few bottles for those unexpected, spur of the moment 

guests. 

The Mourvedre grape originally comes from the southern Rhone Valley in 

France. There, the wines made from this grape are usually blended with 

Syrah, Grenache and several others to make the wines of the Chateauneuf 

de Pape. In California, this varietal is often used as a blending wine but 

also stands on its own as a distinctly earthy and complex wine. The grapes 

the High Valley appellation in California’s North  for this wine come from 

Coast region. This wine is ready to drink and enjoy now; or lay it down in 

your cellar and it will age well for four to six years. 

This Fleur Bleu 2009 Mourvedre has rich earthy aromas of black fruit, 

brown sugar, spices and vanilla with hints of cherry and eucalyptus. This 

wine has flavor to spare with all of the aromas mirrored on the palate. The 

mouthfeel is big and punctuated with heavy tannin and just the right 

amount of acidity. This wine has a long finish dominated by tannin. Enjoy 

this wine with roast turkey, chicken and dumplings, roasted vegetables or 

goat cheese.

This Fleur Bleu Mourvedre pairs beautifully with this recipe for Orange-Rosemary Glazed Chicken Breasts

Wine Country Recipes 

Orange-Rosemary Glazed Chicken Breasts 

Specially created for pairing with the Fleur Bleu 2009 Mourvedre 

   Ingredients:

Chicken

4 chicken breast halves, bone- in and  

  skin-on  

1 TBLS olive oil  

1 TBLS rosemary leaves, minced  

1 TBLS Italian flat parsley, minced  

1 tsp grated orange zest  

1 tsp salt  

1/2 tsp black pepper  

4 fresh rosemary branches  

Glaze

1/2 cup orange marmalade  

1/2 cup orange juice  

2 TBLS red wine vinegar  

2 TBLS chicken stock  

2 cloves garlic, minced  

1 TBLS fresh rosemary leaves, minced  

1/8 tsp crushed red pepper flakes  

1/2 tsp salt  

1/4 tsp black pepper 

Directions: 

Preheat oven to 425 F. Prepare glaze by combining in small saucepan the 

marmalade, orange juice, vinegar, stock, garlic, rosemary, crushed red 

 a boil over high heat; reduce heat  pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Bring to

and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove pan from heat. Pour 1/4 cup of the 

sauce into a small bowl and reserve. Pour remaining sauce into pitcher or 

serving bowl for passing at the table. Heat olive oil in large oven-proof 

skillet over medium-high heat.  

In small bowl, combine rosemary leaves, parsley, orange zest, salt and 

pepper; rub all over chicken breasts. Place chicken, skin-side down, in 

skillet and brown, about 4 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet.  

Place rosemary branches in pan and place chicken breasts, skin-side up, on 

top of the rosemary branches. Place in hot oven and roast 15 – 20 minutes, 

brushing chicken breasts with ¼ cup of glaze several times during the last 

10 minutes of cooking. Makes 4 servings

Give it a try!  Go to My WineShop at Home Website to check all your favorite wines. 

Our trip to Corpus Christi, Texas

Now that the kids and I are on Spring Break, we had to visit Corpus Christi.  My mom, mother-in-law, the beach... and good food and fun were on our agenda.  We had it all!

The first stop in Corpus Christi was the The Executive Surf Club  This is one of our favorites.  It's a fun and relaxed atmosphere that caters to all ages.  The kids love their burgers and fries... and unlimited fountain soft drinks.  (That's one of the only times they're allowed to have unlimited soft drinks, so they are in soda heaven!) I had their chicken fajita nachos... which were Muy Delicioso!  My vegetarian daughter was good and ordered a shrimp salad.  It was Oh so Good!  The restaurant has an indoor and outdoor eating area.  Outside is a stage, where local bands perform at night.  It's very cool!  The place is a block or two from Corpus Christi's beautiful Bay Front!  It is surrounded by other shopes with souvenirs, a coffee place, and a museum.  In the center of this area is a tropical style courtyard with a fountain.  The courtyard houses South Texas' Walk of Fame.  This is dedicated to Texas born celebrities and famous people who have impacted the arts.  I am a huge fan of Freddy Fender.  I was fortunate enough to attend his dedication ceremony around 7 years ago.  His star is still there, accompanied by many other celebrities.  It's a very nice tribute.  I highly recommend visiting if in Corpus Christi.

Corpus Christi's bayfront:

The Lexington via Fred LaBounty Photos:

We visited THE best Snow Ball place I've ever had.  They are owned by the Hernandez's and have been around since I was a very young girl.  My parents used to treat us all the time.

Our trip to the Beach was the best part of our trip!  Unfortunately, a cold front blew in that night, so we didn't get to play in the water.  We still managed to have some fun.

Have a great Spring Break!!

Hunter Wellies Giveaway

I am so excited about this!  Melanie at Pretties and Posies is having an awesome giveaway, in celebration of her 500th post... what dedication!  She is giving away a pair of Hunter Wellies in the color of your choice!  (Value of $125)  My favorite is the Fuschia colored pair!

Aren't they adorable?!  Enter to win your favorite pair by going to Pretties and Posies... you will find all kinds of "Eye Candy" on her blog!  Good luck!

austinmomof6: Subway Tiles

austinmomof6: Subway Tiles: "I'm so in love with subway tiles. Whether French Country, Modern/Industrial, or Traditional...they definitely make a statement, no mat..."

Subway Tiles

I'm so in love with subway tiles.  Whether French Country, Modern/Industrial, or Traditional...they definitely make a statement, no matter what style!  I found some pretty exquisite kitchens with their version of use for Subway Tiling.

Somace Designs:  Striking teal blue!

Blue Grey tile from House Beautiful :

Green Grey Tile  (Not sure of the source):

White Tile from DecorPad:

Yellow Tile from House Beautiful:

Fun Green From Chic Coles:

Blue Tile from DecorPad:

I love this kitchen! House and Home:

The white tiles blend well with the modern, industrial look.  Coastal Living:

I Need A Beach

I've been daydreaming.  Yes, I do that often.  I guess it's the gorgeous Spring-Like weather that has me all excited to just find a beach to jump in! I was born and raised in Texas' Gulf Coast Region.  I grew up with a beach just about 5 miles away from home.  It was no big deal, back then.  Now, that I live in Central Texas, away from the beaches, I miss them dearly.  Luckily for me, my mom still has her home out there... and you can bet.... we will be visiting for Spring Break!  Meanwhile, I found some pretty cool pictures of beaches from Yucatan Living, Livestrong.com, and Guatemalan Tourism.