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Random Appetites: DeFuniak Adventures
Last week I extolled the virtues of Chautauqua Winery, now you get the rest of the story. Since Chautauqua doesn’t sell through retail outlets and it was only a couple of hours away, a there-and-back trip certainly wasn’t out of the question to restock. But, if it’s only a couple hours away, why not make…
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Random Appetites: Chautauqua Vineyards
One of those places you find just off the highway, Chautauqua Vineyards is something you don’t expect to find along I-10 in the Florida Panhandle. I first noticed the sign several years ago on my way back home for a visit. The next trip I took was, unfortunately, for my grandfather’s funeral, but on the…
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Random Appetites: the Hostess Gift
What’s the first thing most of us do when we receive an invitation–even a casual one–to a friend or colleague’s home for dinner or a party? “Can I bring anything?” Don’t worry, there’s nothing wrong in asking; I do it, too. The important thing is to listen to (not just hear) the answer. If a…
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Random Appetites: the Holiday Open House
It seems like everyone turns into a host or hostess when the holiday’s come around which can really make a body’s schedule hectic when it has a large social circle to deal with! That’s what makes Open Houses so wonderful whether you are the host or the guest! Here are some tips for both sides…
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Random Appetites: Hangover Cures
Ah, yes, we’ve all been there, haven’t we? Had a little too much fun at a party or just a night with friends at home and you find yourself a little green around the gills the next day. I know I’ve been there, but thankfully it’s a rare visit. Now, most of us know that…
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Random Appetites: Drinking Songs
Continuing along the somewhat reaching path of writing-related food and alcohol (no, I don’t blame you if you didn’t catch the theme), today let’s investigate some songs that center around or are sung while enjoying various libations. Now, it’s totally a coincidence (no, really, it is) that as I compose this post I’m just returning…
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Random Appetites: Foodie Movies
So last week we talked about writers and booze, this week we’ll switch to movies and food! Some of my favorite movies are ones that use food as a central theme. The first that comes to mind is Like Water for Chocolate which, despite the need to “read” the movie (subtitles make it difficult to…
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Random Appetites: Literary Libations
This is the first November in a number of years where I am not struggling for word count each evening or spending every Saturday at one local Library or another hosting write-ins, otherwise known as participating in (and acting as Municipal Liaison for) NaNoWriMo. I must say, the freedom is glorious. Granted, I haven’t abandoned…
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Random Appetites: Vampire Punch… with Clots!
Ghoulishly delicious! At last year’s Pumpkin Party I went with a decidedly more spooky, classic Halloween theme that I usually opt for (the norm being general Fallishness). Along with some spookier food choices, I served this very yummy, if slightly gross, punch. It’s alcohol free, as well, so all y’all non-alky readers can enjoy without…
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Random Appetites: Pittypat’s Porch
So, last week I raved about Trader Vic’s and their famous Mai Tai cocktail. This is not that kind of post. PItty Pat’s Porch, in Atlanta, Georgia, is more gimmick than gourmet, and not necessarily in a good way. For those who don’t get the reference, Pittypat was the Aunt of Charles Hamilton, Scarlett’s first…
Got any book recommendations?