Cork & Fork: Surf & Turf

Analise Gregory May 20, 2018

"More important than the food pairing is the person with whom you drink the wine." - Christian Moueix

When I initially started capturing my home recipes, many of you asked how I pair my wine with my meals. Well, today I'm introducing a brand new series to the blog - "Cork & Fork". I'll be taking my popular recipes that you all have loved and pairing them with wines from some of my favorite local wineries.

To kick this series off I'll be featuring a Scallop Risotto - one of my first recipes on the blog. Also, the most recently popular Surf & Turf dish! Also, I'll be pairing these yummy meals with wines from Rosemont Winery, in sourthern Virginia.

Scallop Risotto

All Dressed Up

Analise Gregory May 18, 2018

"Look for the woman in the dress. If there is no woman, there is no dress." - Coco Chanel

Who doesn't love shopping!? Finding the right dress makes me oh so happy! I have a curvy figure and it can get challenging nailing down the perfect dress that flatters me the best. Luckily, I can always find an amazing piece at White House Black Market. They have so many dresses that flatter every body type.

Today I'm sharing a few dresses that will match perfectly for your body type. Also, I'll be giving some tips when it comes to selecting new dresses.

Hourglass

Wrap Dress | This is the perfect option because you are able to adjust the belt around your waist. You are able to accentuate the best part of your body, while feeling comfortable and confident! Your silhouette will look absolutely stunning, and it'll be flattering.

Apple

Shift Dress | Your legs will shine in this option! This dress will be comfortable and flow over your middle-section.

Pear

Fit & Flare | This dress resembles the wrap dress by accentuating the waist and giving a nice flowing fit on the bottom. If you are curvy this is an excellent option and is absolutely stunning on.

Dress Buying Tips

Alterations are your best friend. I always have a seamstress on standby to make sure that my new dress fits perfectly. Also, if I feel like a dress may need a little bit of work, I'll order the piece a size up to ensure I feel absolutely comfortable. It's important to have the dress tailored to your body perfectly for the best fit.
Try on various options. I love trying on dresses to see if they will work well with my body type. I typically gravitate towards fit and flare and wrap dresses. Experiment with various styles to see what you love!
Make sure you feel comfortable and confident. At the end of the day if you feel comfortable and gorgeous in a dress - got for it! A dress should always enhance what you have and make you absolutely confident wearing it!

Happy shopping ladies!

XO, Analise

Recipe: Chicken Dinner

Analise Gregory May 14, 2018

"Making food is a wonderful way to spend a Friday night." - Chrissy Teigen

Winner winner, chicken dinner! We have been really enjoying trying out new recipes in our cast-iron skillet. This chicken dish is one of our new favorites. You can pair it with your favorite veggie or carb, and it will be a hit!

Today I'm sharing my recipe for my winning chicken dinner!

What you'll need:

Chicken Breasts
Broccolini
Red Potatoes
Garlic & Herb Seasoning
Red Pepper
Paprika
Sea Salt
Lemon Pepper Seasoning
Butter
Olive Oil

Step 1: Marinate your chicken breasts 24 hours in advance before cooking it. I use a mixture or paprika, red pepper, lemon pepper, and a dash of sea salt. Also, I put a little bit of olive oil in the marinade as well. Once this is completed, you can place the chicken breasts on a plate, wrap it up with saran wrap, and store it in the fridge overnight.

Step 2: The next day, take your chicken out 1 hour, before it will be cooked. It's important to have your chicken close to room temperature so it will not go into shock in the cast iron skillet.

Step 3: Now, it is time for the oven roasted potatoes! You can find my recipe here on how I make them.

Step 4: Prepare your veggies! Cook your broccolini in a skillet for about 5-10 minutes. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Once the pan is heated, add the broccoli, and the garlic and herb seasoning. Stir the veggies consistently to ensure the olive oil and seasoning coat the broccoli.

Step 5: Lastly, it is time for the chicken! Ensure the cast iron is on high heat, and coat the skillet with olive oil. Once the pan is heated, place the chicken breasts in and add a tablespoon of butter. Baste the chicken to ensure the flavor is locked in! Cook the breasts on each side for 3-4 minutes, while basting the meat throughout the process. Once the searing process is complete, place the steak (with the cast iron skillet) in the oven at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

Step 6: Plate, serve, and enjoy!

XO, Analise

Uncorked: How to Host a Wine Party

Analise Gregory May 9, 2018

"What I like to drink most is wine that belongs to others." - Diogenes

G and I love throwing parties at our home. We typically throw a party every year at the beginning or end of Summer. When we have our event, I love serving wines that our guests will enjoy! As you guys know, we really like wine, and it is a treat when we are able to blow away our guests with an amazing selection.

Today I'm sharing some a few tips in choosing wonderful wines for your next party!

Headcount. Each bottle of wine typically serves about 4 glasses, depending on how you pour. For a point of reference, our guests will have about 2-3 glasses of wine. With that being considered, you'll need to ensure your selection can accommodate your headcount. For example, if you have 10 guests, it's best to have about 8-10 bottles of wine. I always like to get a few extra bottles just in case! Tip: If you will be serving alcohol in addition to wine, feel free to modify the number of bottles!
White, Rose, Bubbly, or Red? Depending on the event I adjust the type of wine I'll be serving. For brunch, I will serve champagne, rose, and white wine. This is typically a lighter meal and also earlier in the day. For evening events and dinner parties, I will serve red and white wine, and champagne is a must! Tip: If your audience prefers red over white, purchase more red wine since it's a crowd favorite!
Food pairing. It is really important to make sure you have the appropriate selection of food that pair perfectly with your wine! Whether you are serving spicy, BBQ, savory or sweet dishes, make sure your wine selection accompanies your food. Tip: Whenever I make my lemon pepper wings, I make sure I have Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc available for my guests! They pair perfectly together.
Budget. I try to stick to a price point for each bottle of wine that I buy. If I'm having a smaller gathering or hosting a dinner, I'll splurge and get some unique bottles from one of our favorite local wine shops, Tinto. Yet, if we are having a larger group, Trader Joe's is my preferred store to get my wine! They have an excellent price point and I set a cap for about $15 a bottle. Tip: Set a budget early. If your budget is $150 get a great variety and ensure the quality is spot on for your guests.