Red Wine

Red wine is delightful, delicious and addicting. I could reason that I drink it daily for medicinal purposes but that would be a lie. Well, sort of. It started out that way anyway. I am unable to tolerate high sugar content alcoholic drinks and can't stomach the hard liquors. So, about 2 years ago I made a conscious decision to try red wine. It has the antioxidant resveratrol after all to benefit my heart. I told myself I would enjoy a glass when in social situations. A funny thing happened, I began to enjoy red wine! The drier the better! I never imagined myself to be a wine drinker. My favorites are Shiraz, Malbec, Cabernet, Merlot and Pinot. Oops, that is just about all the red wine choices in Pennsylvania for my very young palate. A wonderfully cooked meal and a glass of red wine is the start of a good night for me. Top it off with wonderful friends and it makes for a perfect evening. Such a night occurred last February when I not only had great friends, good food and red wine, I had inspiration! My friend (T) suggested taking a couples cooking class. T said she had taken one before with this woman named (S). It sounded like a fun adventure and my husband and I agreed. T had said in passing that S had recently been undergoing chemotherapy for cancer and was taking a break from treatments. We arrived at S's home to find that the bottom floor of her home devoted to cooking and eating!! Prior to becoming ill, S ran a successful catering business and cooking classes from her home. The living room is occupied by a 10 foot wood plank table that she uses to teach new recipes, give cooking tips and of course allows for eating. The dining room had a standard size table but each corner of the living room and dining room were filled with dishes and cooking items mostly from Italy. This wonderful woman is Italian! I knew I liked her! S has a love for Italy, cooking and for life. Over the course of the evening, she generously shared the stories of her struggles over the past year. Some of the struggles dealt with getting diagnosed, choosing a treatment plan and her anxiety. She did all this with frank honesty and humor. This is not a very easy thing to do, yet she made us all feel at ease. S also openly shared her beliefs about reincarnation, meditation and the preciousness of life. I had found a kindred spirit! I never in a million years would have thought I would be taking a cooking course from someone of the same mindset as I have. It was a million dollar night- friends, food, wine and spirituality! It doesn't get any better than that!!!! Check out her blog when you get a chance. It is a beautiful representation of S's spirit, courage and love for all things food! http://livelaughcook.blogspot.com