Can’t believe I am turning the calendar to another new year. 2016 had its ups and downs for me, but looking back I choose to focus on the positive. I feel I know me better after 2016. I was fortunate to have traveled to Hawaii, The Bahamas, St. Martin, Wisconsin, and France. Travel opens my mind and exposes me to new ideas and helps direct my interests. I confirmed I do love warm weather, sun, the ocean and lakes. I feel most comfortable away from crowds, being outside surrounded by nature, visiting farmers markets, discovering & tasting new wines, rummaging through an antique store, and lingering over a meal with family and friends.
Over the years, my blog has mostly focused on food, my eureka moment in 2016 was WINE. Wine is my passion, it is what inspires and drives me to learn more. I like to cook because I love the creative act of cooking, but also the control of using quality ingredients and the connection to the land and gardening. Wine is just an extension of cooking. Wine can enhance an already amazing meal, changing and highlighting flavors of both the food and wine. Wine added to a meal makes it an occasion, it encourages those around the table to sit and linger longer. Wine is culture, history and geology.
My wine consumption has always leaned toward California and New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs and Pinot Noirs. What I cooked and ate was usually influenced by those wine favorites. But in 2016 I broke out of those wine habits and started exploring other wine varietals and growing regions. I started participating in #winestudio and thrived on learning and tasting new wines. Tasting new wines also pushed me to cook and eat outside of my usual choices. I was drinking bigger reds and eating more red meat. I became more aware of flavors, weight and texture in my food and wine.
Going forward in 2017, watch for Always Ravenous to explore new wines and wine growing regions with #winestudio, discover wines closer to home in the United States, and share weekly food and wine pairings. Cheers to 2017 and wine!
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