Merlot, in French, means “the little blackbird”. In America, it is the second most popular red grape, just behind Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is known for being soft, ripe and elegant. Most are easy drinking reds that pair well with foods and are pleasurable to enjoy on their own. Merlot is […]

Hangry is a newer term we see tossed around, the combination of being hungry and grumpy. We have all suffered from this. Imagine being a kid that is a metabolic machine that uses carbohydrates faster than your minivan goes through a tank of gas. No wonder they throw fits! Becci […]

The 4th of July, also known as Independence Day, is filled with parades, flags flying, barbecues, fireworks, and impromptu baseball games. Families, friends, and neighbors often get together to enjoy eating, talking, and lighting colorful fireworks. But where did it all start? History of Independence Day Celebrations: The holiday was […]

Pistachio ice cream is always a favorite in the Heart of the Desert Alamogordo store. If you can’t make it to Alamogordo, New Mexico to pick some up, this recipe would be a terrific addition to any warm evening this summer. Servings: 6 Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 20 […]

Father’s Day didn’t become a national holiday until 1972 when President Nixon made it so. 1972! Most of the readers of this blog were probably alive then. The writer certainly was. That’s fascinating, considering Mother’s Day became official in 1914. History of Father’s Day There are two stories regarding when […]

Who doesn’t love pistachios? They are a tasty treat that are good for snacking and in many recipes. Plus, they are so full of healthy stuff that they really are good for you. Think you want to try growing your own? Let’s see if you have what it takes… Climate: […]

There is always some confusion about Veteran’s Day, Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day. Just to set the record straight, Memorial Day commemorates those that have fallen in the line of duty serving the United States military. They gave it all to help protect our freedom and it is a […]

We keep hearing about sulfites. What are they and what’s their connection to wine? Why do some people avoid wine because of sulfites? Let’s find out. What are sulfites? The term sulfites is a term for sulfur dioxide (SO2), a preservative that’s widely used in winemaking (and most food industries) […]

Enjoying a glass of wine while cooking is always a good idea. Adding some wine to your dishes, might even be a better one. Recipes are often vague only calling for a dry white or dry red wine. So, anything goes, right? NO! The rule of thumb is, if you […]

Pistachios are one of the world’s healthiest and maybe tastiest nuts. Their distinctive green fruits crop up in everything from salads to entrees and desserts. They may be most popular on their own, as a midday snack: dry-roasted and lightly salted to perfection. Cracking the nuts out of their shells […]