Taleggio Risotto with Wine Braised Shallots
Plus – three food-friendly wines available now, and, not everyone wants sweet drinks for the holidays. Serve them a Nordic martini instead.
Hello friends!
Welcome to Quaintrelle, a weekly newsletter that shares ideas and inspiration and insights on easy, elegant entertaining.
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Thank you reading. Quaintrelle is written by me, journalist turned pro wino and party host, Erin Henderson. If you have food and drink lovers in your life, please share this post with them.
I’m Not Talking About Food and Weather Anymore. Except this One Last Time.
Some months ago, I decided I would no longer begin my newsletters with reflections on the weather.
As a writer, I’m always looking to stretch my skill; as an Aquarius, I’m always looking to break from the herd. In an effort to find new material, I decided to give up the weather talk. No more climactic chatter as the springboard for a cocktail craving or dinner recipe.
But …
I do have to say, November in Toronto has really thrown me for a loop. It’s been beyond warm for the season; many days hitting double-digit temperatures. There’s been zero snow, when normally, The Weather Network reports, the city sees an average of about nine centimeters in November. With only a few days left of the month, it looks like we will stay snow-free. Jealous does not properly encapsulate my feelings about the snow globe that is Paris right now, or the winter wonderland in upstate New York.
This is a hugely unpopular opinion, but I’m annoyed by the mild, sunshine-filled days. Like a drug-pumped racehorse straining against the gate, I’m practically foaming at the mouth for cold weather favourites like boeuf Bourguignon, tartiflette, and saucy Sunday roasts. Instead, my heavy Dutch oven will stay silent in the cupboard until more appropriate times.
But, you didn’t come listen to me kvetch (…did you? Because, we can totally do that.)
Last week, I broke my own, Number 1 Rule when hosting a dinner party.