So An Idiot Walks Into a Liquor Store....

The scene: Curtis Liquors in Quincy
The setup: I am on the hunt for ingredients to the margarita cupcakes I am bringing to work on Friday for the Fiesta Cookout some coworkers and I are throwing.

So, I am not big into tequila. I mean let's face facts I will drink what you put in front of me but in the realm of favorite liquors; tequila falls somewhere near the bottom of the list. I also needed cointreau/triple sec. Something else I rarely imbibe. Since I only needed a few ounces of tequila I figured I could get away one of those small bottles they have behind the counter. I checked out the full size bottles of triple sec and the cheapest one was $11.99. I thought to myself, I only need LESS than an ounce so I could probably just get a nip, save some money and not end up with a huge bottle that will just sit in the liquor cabinet.

So I mosey up to the counter and order my small bottle of Cuervo and then ask for a nip of bottle of triple sec. Well, they didnt have any triple sec in a small bottle but would I like the small bottle of Cointreau? Sure why not I say. Let's class up these cupcakes. So I throw down my card and after I am rung up I am struck with the fact that the total was a lot more than I thought it would be. Out of curiosity I ask"How much was the Cointreau?"

$24.99

Seriously? for basically a nip? For the less than an ounce that is called for in this recipe?

And then of course I am too cool for school to ask to return the Cointreau for something else. So whereas I wouldnt deign to pay $11.99 for triple sec I ended up paying double that for about 1/10th of the amount of liquor. It ain't right! But is par for the course with me.

All of which is to say these cupcakes better be DAMN good.

What's in a Label?

When it comes to shopping, appearances mean a lot.

To me, specifically.

While reviews from friends or trusted brand names do matter...cute packaging or a darling logo make me a little more inclined to purchase certain items especially HBA's, kitchen accoutrement's and especially (though I am somewhat loathe to admit it) WINE

Now, it is well documented on this site that I love me some wine. Particularly bright citrus-y sauvignon blancs and fruity deep reds. I am also not a trust fund child, unfortunately. So my first concern with wine shopping is staying within my budget....but I have noticed that almost all of my now go-to wines, I first tried because of the label. Am I ashamed to admit this? Maybe I should be but I am not because I love all of these wines. They are not only pleasing to the eye but to the palette as well (and the wallet!). I did not put vintages here, because to be honest I don't find that it makes a huge difference except maybe with the Pinot Noir.

Pomelo Sauvignon Blanc ($12)

Have been drinking this for a couple of years now. What originally drew me in was the cute label - the cheery little Pomelos clustered on a counter. I wish I had that painting blown up and in a frame for my kitchen! But instead I just feature this wine regularly in my wine shopping list because in addition to the cute label it is deliciously grapefruity and refreshing and quite a bargain.

Seaglass Sauvignon Blanc ($10)

Another perennial favorite discovered because I thought the label was cute. I always wished I was one of those people who collected sea glass and either made it into something cute like a tray or just kept it in a jar for decoration. But alas if one cannot collect sea glass one can at least drink it! Citrusy and summery - I have brought this to a few parties and it is always a hit!

Big House Pink ($11)

Pink wine has gotten a bad rap in this country because of the sickeningly sweet White Zinfandel. What's a gal who loves a dry rose to do? She should give this berry explosion of a wine a try! I love all of the Big House labels (named after the Soledad State Prison down the street from the Winery) as well as their wine of course but the Pink is definitely my favorite. Hints of tropical fruit and strong taste of strawberries but in a crisp and refreshing never cloying way.

2005 Papillon Pinot Noir ($25)

This one is a little more of a splurge BUT perfect for a nice dinner party or as a gift to a friend. First of all - the label kills me. I actually bought this to have with my family on my mom's birthday because she had a Papillon growing up. Then it turned out to be a totally delicious wine! Robust with hints of chocolate and cherry. The boldness of the line totally contradicts the insanely adorable dog on the label.

La Vieille Ferme Cotes du Ventoux ($8)

I went through this whole rooster phase in regards to my kitchen decor from about 2003 to circa now (I have recently moved onto lemons....I know I have issues). In any case that is the only reason I first bought this wine, I had big plans to remove the label and do something decorative with it. Little did I know this little french red would become one of my favorite go-to everyday wines. Its fruity and spicy and a little peppery with just enough tannins to make you sit up and notice. It's also best served a little chilled (LOVE fruity red chilled wines). And you really cant beat the price.

Red Bicyclette Syrah ($9)

I never really drank syrah/shiraz before taking the "Que Syrah,Shiraz" class at the Boston Wine School. Since then I have kept an eye out for it as I have found that a great Syrah is less expensive than a great Cabernet. It's a nifty little grape. Of course the label first drew me in (look at that little man! and that bicyclette!) but this is a smooth, slightly sweet and smokey wine that is perfect for every day drinking (and actually perfect with a super sharp cheddar).

So that's my collection of Wines With Pretty Labels That Are Also Delicious and Relatively Inexpensive. Are any of these faves of yours? Or what labels/wines have I missed?

I Rue The Day

As you are well aware by now, our beloved Rue McLanahan passed away yesterday.

She was most famous for playing my favorite Golden Girl, Blanche Devereaux (pronounced Deverux in limericks). Though I would also draw attention to her roles in the TV Movies, Children of the Bride, Baby of the Bride and of course Mother of the Bride...all fine films as well.

In any case as with the passing with each beloved Golden Girl - let us have a tribute of quotes today and raise our glasses of Sloe Gin Fizz to toast Rue/Blanche Devereaux.

(photo from usmagazine.com)

Dorothy: You know what's young to me now? Forty. Suddenly forty is young.
Blanche: Oooh... Aren't you sweet.

Rose: Tell me, is it possible to love two men at the same time?
Blanche: Set the scene, have we been drinking?

Blanche: You know how fragile men's egos are: one little mistake like screaming out the wrong name and they go all to pieces.

Blanche: Do you know what I hate doing most after a party?
Rose: Trying to find your undies in the big pile?

Rose: There's a strange man on our front lawn.
Blanche: Get the net!

Blanche: I feel like I'm in a bad dream. But I know I'm not dreaming, because there are no boy dancers.

Blanche: You're jealous of me. Admit it.
Dorothy: Blanche, there is a man leaving in ten minutes. Be under him.

Blanche: There is a fine line between having a good time and being a wanton slut. I know. My toe has been on that line.

Blanche: Dorothy, at 2am in the morning, I was entertaining a gentleman caller. She walked in on me at the most inopportune time. I could have lost my balance and chipped a tooth.

Rose: You think that's bad? She came into my room when I was reenacting the plank-walking scene from Peter Pan.

Dorothy: What the hell goes on in this house at night?

Blanche : The doctor said he wants to put a pacemaker in me.
Sophia: Everybody's got a nickname for it!

Blanche: I do love the rain so. It reminds me of my first kiss.
Dorothy: Ah, your first kiss was in the rain?
Blanche: No, it was in the shower.