THIS BLOG HAS MOVED. IT IS NOW AT SEARED.CA. CLICK HERE TO BE REDIRECTED.

What better way to celebrate a warm Spring day this weekend than with a glass of fresh, fabulous wine? I'm talking well-balanced, easy to drink, awe-inspiring wines, that are great to drink on their own or with some hors d'oeuvres.

Here are five delicious, affordable options, sure to please your palate:

1. Penley Estate Over the Moon Rosé (Australia): Penley Estate is known for making a well-balanced wine, and with that in mind, they've succeeded with this Rosé. It's clean, crisp, and has a hint of strawberry. Serve cool, on its own or with light canapés (great with salmon, cream cheese, and crab). Priced at approximately $19CAD.

2. Cono Sur Bicycle Viognier (Chile): This wine is delightful - fresh, fruity, and slightly sweet. It has a hint of citrus and tropical fruits, and is very easy to drink (though, is any wine hard to drink?). The beauty of this wine is the fact that you can drink it on its own, or with almost any dish, as it is very versatile. Priced at approximately $12.

3. Marques De Gelida Reserva, Macabeo Xarel-Lo Parellada Chardonnay (Spain): Spain is an underrated wine producer; it's a country with an amazing selection of quality wine, and this bubbly is no exception. It, like the Chilean white above, goes with almost any dish, or on its own, and contains subtle notes of spice and orchard fruits. Priced at approximately $22.

4. Château Des Charmes Late Harvest Riesling (Canada): This dessert wine is the perfect drink to sip on a hot summer day. It's got hints of stone fruits and honey, and has a light sweetness that isn't overbearing. Drink it on its own or with a sampling of fruit and cheese. Priced at approximately $20.

5. Oyster Bay Chardonnay (New Zealand): This wine has floral, citrus, tropical, and honeysuckle notes - a beautiful combination that evokes a freshness that is perfect for the sunny days ahead. It's flavour is so pure that it will pair well with a variety of dishes (fruit, cheese, fish, chicken), or is lovely to drink on its own. Priced at approximately $19.


Do you have a favourite warm weather wine? Not a wine lover? What's your favourite Spring-inspired drink?
Follow us on Twitter: @searedfoodblog

THIS BLOG HAS MOVED. IT IS NOW AT SEARED.CA. CLICK HERE TO BE REDIRECTED.

The middle of April is approaching, it is nearly a month into Spring, and as I sit here and glance out my window, I look past my snow-covered porch and see thick fog and falling snow. And because of that, I am overjoyed at my upcoming weekend getaway to Las Vegas. I haven't been able to bask in sunshine and twenty-above temperatures in seven months. So on Thursday night, I will bring out my stored-away summer clothes, pack up my brand new silver gladiator sandals, and head down south.

One of the most exciting parts about this little trip is the food. I've heard that there is a huge selection of amazing restaurants in Vegas, so I'm more than a little pumped to wander around, tantalize my tastebuds, and fill up my belly.

Follow us on Twitter: @searedfoodblog

THIS BLOG HAS MOVED. IT IS NOW AT SEARED.CA. CLICK HERE TO BE REDIRECTED.

Food tastes is best when it’s grown close to home. Local produce, meat, and dairy products: they’re all tastiest at their freshest, and you can always tell the difference between fresh and not so fresh food.

What is your favourite local food? Do you determine your meals based on what is in season?

Here’s a rundown on what’s fresh and in season in Canada right now:

Fruits: Apples, gooseberries, strawberries, rhubarb.

Veggies: Asparagus, cabbage, greens (Mustard! Arugula! Dandelion! Radicchio! Swiss chard! Sorrel! Oh my!), green onions, sprouts, green peas, baby beets, radishes, broccoli, and daikon.

As you can see, there still aren’t too many fruits in season, but for now, let’s enjoy the beautiful green veggies and remember that the berries and stone fruits will be ready in no time!

As you patiently wait for the warm weather, and the ripe, juicy fruits that come along with it, give these Asparagus Rafts from Cooking Light a try.


Follow us on Twitter: @searedfoodblog