Helen McGinn It appears lockdown has changed me. First, there was the baking. So. Much. Banana. Bread. Then there was the Pilates. It used to be a once a week habit but I’ve been doing it almost every morning before home-schooling starts. Which is probably a good thing because a) all that banana bread and b) my wine and crisp intake is *slightly* up on the norm. Then there’s the watching telly-in-bed thing. Never used to do it; currently mainlining The Morning Show, an episode every night. We’re always tempted to do another on the trot but it’s like that second bottle of wine. Good idea at the time but it just puts you to sleep. Anyway, this week’s recommendations were both featured on Saturday Kitchen at the weekend (by me!) and includes a peachy white and a cocktail staple. Bottoms up (tummy in).
Current white in the fridge: Laurent Miquel Nocturnes Viognier
Price: £9.39 - Buy From Waitrose
Viognier can be quite a plump-tasting grape but this one’s been made from grapes harvested at night (cooler temperatures help the grapes keep their fresh fruit flavours) so it’s more apricot-like than full on tropical fruit. I featured this one on Saturday Kitchen at the weekend which meant I got to drink it for breakfast. But it goes better with roast chicken than Cheerios.
Current spirit in the cupboard: Tesco Amaretto 50cl
Price: £8.00 - Buy From Tesco
Amaretto is my guilty pleasure. Okay, one of them. I love it over ice or poured into hot chocolates to make them that little bit more, er, warming. But my favourite way to drink it is in an Amaretto Sour. To make it put 50ml of Amaretto in a blender and add 30ml of lemon juice, a small spoonful of sugar and an egg white along with a couple of ice cubes. Blend it all up then pour into two glasses (I use my small coupes, put in the freezer while I make it) for two small servings or put the lot into one big glass with ice if you’re having the lot. No judgement here.
Hi Helen. I was thrilled when you commented on Viognier. That is the wine I have been buying for years (when it’s on offer) 🤣 the best. I was given several bottles of Chateauneuf du Pape for my special birthday in January and would love to know which is your favourite x
Yes, it’s a bargain when it’s on offer, sadly I just missed one..
Who’s made your birthday CdP wines? What’s the name of the producer?
Happy Belated Birthday, too! x
Oooh! That viognier sounds delicious…. Will put it on the shopping list for next time we’re near a Waitrose.
And I think it’s going to be on promotion again soon, keep an eye out!
Hi Helen,
Great page. Hopefully this random comment wins me that case of Aussie wine !
James.