I’m Back – Coming Soon!

Good morning,

I am back from my trip to Spain.  It was amazing!  I got to experience the culture, the people, the gastronomy, the wines and even visit bilingual schools in Spain.  My trip was complete.  ( I even gained a couple of pounds along the way.)

One of the highlights of my trip was meeting up with Ana, @SRFansSpain.  I had a lovely afternoon talking about books, authors and yes, even David Gandy with her.  I hope I can meet up with her again soon.

I look forward to bringing you reviews and recipes this week.  I am slowly getting back into the swing of things.

 

Reviews coming up:

Twisted by Emma Chase

Carnage by Lesley Jones

 

Currently Reading:

An Acute Attraction by A.J. Walters

I look forward to sharing my reviews with you soon!

Have a Happy Monday!

~Susi

 

 

Stress Free Appetizers & Pinot Grigio

Here are two appetizer recipes for informal entertaining with friends. They are quick and easy and everyone will love them.  I just made them and they were a hit.

Peach/Black Bean Salsa Scoops

Ingredients 

1 cup diced peaches (cut into small pieces)

1 can black beans (rinsed)

2 tablespoons minced red onion

1 minced red garlic clove

salt and pepper to taste

1 bag of Tostitos tortilla scoops or any other brand you like.  (scoops are easy to fill)

1.  Mix all of the ingredients into a bowl.  Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.

2.  Spoon salsa mixture into tortilla scoops and serve.

Quick and easy and very delicious!

Crispy Chickpeas

Ingredients

1 can chickpeas, rinsed, drained and dried

1/4 cup olive oil

Smoked paprika

Garlic salt

1.  Start with dry chickpeas so they will crunch up.

2.  Heat oil in the skillet over medium-high heat.  Add half the chickpeas to pan and fry. Stir them until golden brown.

3.  Using a slotted spoon, remove and place on a paper towel lined plate.

4.  Repeat with the remaining chickpeas.

5.  Season chickpeas with the smoked paprika and garlic salt.

Enjoy!

Pair these appetizers with your favorite Pinot Grigio and you are good to go.

I chose Ecco Domani 2012. It was a perfect pairing for these light appetizers.  Light bodied, fruity and smooth.

Cheers!

Susi’s Signature Red Velvet Cupcakes

Susi’s Signature Red Velvet Cupcakes

Everyone has that one recipe that all of their friends love.

This is my signature recipe for the best red velvet cupcakes around. I hope you enjoy it!  Feel free to share and comment. 🙂

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients Mix

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour (sifted)

1 1/2 cups sugar

2 teaspoons cocoa powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

Wet Ingredients

1 1/2 cups vegetable oil

1 cup buttermilk, room temperature

2 large eggs, room temperature

2 tablespoons red food coloring

1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (Pure Mexican Vanilla from Blue Cattle Truck Trading Co.)www.mexicanvanilla.com  or Vanilla of your choice

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1 pound cream cheese, softened
2 sticks butter, softened
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (Pure Mexican Vanilla from Blue Cattle Truck Trading Co.)www.mexicanvanilla.com
4 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 (12-cup) muffin pans with cupcake papers.

In a medium mixing bowl, sift together all of the dry ingredients. In a large bowl gently beat together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla. Add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet and mix until smooth and thoroughly combined. (Hand mixing preferred)

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake tins about 2/3 filled. Bake in oven for about 20 to 22 minutes.
Test the cupcakes with a toothpick for doneness. Remove from oven and cool completely before frosting.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla together until smooth. Add the sugar and on low speed, beat until incorporated. Increase the speed to high and mix until very light and fluffy.

I like to pipe frosting using a big star tip.

Welcome to Reading Between The Wines

Welcome! I am so glad you stopped by to check out my new blog.  Reading Between The Wines is all about reading, sharing great book reviews, meeting new authors, discussing wines, recipes and great restaurants too.

As an avid reader, baker and foodie, I look forward to posting and sharing with all of you.  Thanks for reading. 🙂

~Susi