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What’s better than pumpkin spice everything during fall? Adding booze to it of course! With only two weeks until Halloween, I’m sharing with you one of my favorite pumpkin cocktails to make during this time of year. If you’ve been following me for at least a year by now you have tried this and perhaps fell in love with it as I have. Here is the recipe for my Pumpkin (Spiked) Martini to get you in the Halloween spirit. Keep scrolling! Ingredients 2 oz. Vodka 2 oz. Baileys (I used vanilla and cinnamon) 2 Tablespoons 100% Pumpkin Purée 1/8 Teaspoon Pumpkin Spice 1/8 Teaspoon Nutmeg 3/4 oz. Simple Syrup Steps Fill a martini shaker with ice, put all ingredients inside and shake for 30 seconds. Pour into glasses and garnish with cinnamon sticks and a sprinkle of cinnamon! Cheers! Photography by Kaitlin Meyers Recipe, Concept, and Styling by Samantha Capaldi

It's taco Tuesday my friends so I am sharing with you my favorite taco to whip up! Anyone else loves adding a runny egg to their dishes? I do it ALL the time and have zero regrets because eggs always make things better! Enough chit chat, here's my recipe... Ingredients 1 package of Trader Joe's shredded pork 8 corn tortillas 1 jalapeño 1/2 cup cotija cheese 1 lime 1 bunch cilantro 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes 8 eggs (or one per how many tacos you are making) Light Olive Oil for frying tortillas Instructions Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 cup light olive oil in the pan. Sprinkle a drop of water into the pan and when it pops, that means the oil is hot enough to start cooking the tortillas (be careful to not burn yourself, I've done that). Fry the tortillas for about 15-30 seconds on each side until lightly fried/browned. The tortilla should be soft, not hard! Place the hot tortilla on one side and fold the other side over. Place the next tortilla on top, add a new paper towel, and continue the process. While your prepared shredded pork is in the microwave or oven, begin pan-frying your eggs. I personally enjoy them sunny side up but you can do over-easy as well. Set aside. Slice jalapeños, tomatoes, lime, and cilantro. Assemble tacos by first layering the shredded pork. Top with tomatoes, jalapeño, cotija cheese, and top with one fried egg. Squeeze lime or your favorite hot sauce on top. Enjoy!

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If you're anything like me you were eagerly awaiting October 1st to hit, which officially signals the beginning of fall! This also means it’s finally socially acceptable to order pumpkin spiced lattes, wear sweaters and booties and most importantly indulge in your favorite fall wines and bites! Fall is one of my busiest seasons for in-home wine tastings so I am always on the hunt for new wine pairings to share with my clients. I am excited to share a few staple pairings I enjoy that are best introduced at the start of fall. The full recipes of each pairing can be found on my website. Cin Cin! One truly easy staple wine pairing that most everyone will recognize is an epic cheese and charcuterie spread. I love these boards because it takes no cooking talent whatsoever and looks like a work of art once completed! They’re perfect to make for both yourself or any parties you may be attending! Another bonus to the classic cheese and charcuterie spread is that it can match up to multiple wine pairings which makes life easy when guests may have different preferences on wines. The wine I am choosing to pair alongside my cheese board this fall is Ferrari's Brut. The sweetness of the cheeses on the board along with the saltiness of the meat is a perfect balance to the freshness of Ferrari Brut. This Italian Sparkling is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes grown in the mountains of Trentino which I was recently fortunate to visit. Harmonious and well-balanced this bubbly will be perfect to sip on while indulging in any bite someone takes off your spread. Tip: serve this as an aperitif to your guests to cleanse and open up their palate before the main course. Wine and pasta, the lovebirds of food and wine pairings. Most of the time we immediately think white wine with cream-based pasta and red wine with red sauce based pasta. However, wine is truly so subjective that the choice of which wine pairing best matches your tastes is completely up to your own unique palette. I like to consider all of the different parts of a pasta ranging from the weight of the noodles to the meat that is incorporated and even to the herbs and seasonings sprinkled on top. I am pairing my air fried ravioli accompanied by butter and thyme with a rich full-bodied The Calling Chardonnay. I know I know, buttery chardonnay and buttery pasta. It sounds like it may be too much but I am telling you the buttery quality of this chardonnay will complement the rich texture of the cheese ravioli quite well. It is that time of the year to indulge a bit! Now I am going to throw a curveball at you. Some may think this is a sommelier’s worst nightmare of wine pairings and others may say it can, in fact, be the most versatile. Do you know what I am talking about yet? Mushrooms, the little fungi of the forest. Earthy, meaty mushrooms can go well with earthy, meaty wines so I could recommend a Washington Pinot Noir with my mushroom pasta. However, since I threw in goat cheese I am going to pair this dish alongside Mezzacorona’s Pinot Grigio. This elegant Italian and acidic fruit-filled wine not only matches up against the meaty mushrooms but compliments the goat cheese with its citrus aromatics and versatility. ]For this last pairing I am still sticking with pasta but I am switching it up with a red sauce based dish. My bolognese bites with marinara and basil will match with an array of your favorite fall aromatic red wines or crisp dry whites, but I am going to share with you a favorite of mine at the moment. Always remember that there is a lot of acidity in tomatoes so think of pairing this dish with a slightly tangy wine. I am pairing these delicious bites with one of my favorite tempranillo’s at the moment by an Arizona winery Chateau Tumbleweed. Tempranillo is a wildly diverse food-friendly wine which makes it easy to complement most dishes with its cherry, plum, tomato and dried fig palette. Although most tempranillo is tannic and earthy, they typically have a soft finish which makes it the ideal to match with a red sauce based pasta dishes like these bolognese bites. Photography by Kaitlin Meyers, Diana Avalos, Angie Cox, and Johnathan Puente Food, Recipes, and Styling by Samantha Capaldi

It's hereeeee! I know I know I took forever getting this out to you. Please forgive me! Thankfully you can refer to this guide all year long, not just for Thanksgiving! I am going to be sharing with you some of my favorite wines I love purchasing at Trader Joe's along with some food pairings that are of course from TJ's too! First up, no wine guide could be complete without some reasonably priced and delicious bubbly. Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore is one of my go-to Prosecco's during my holiday shopping at Trader Joe's! Of course, this prosecco is excellent on its own but I love to use it in my Aperol Spritz! I am not giving you a food pairing with this one because this is a bubbly for you to sip on as your aperitif while your food is being made! This prosecco is priced at a crisp price of $10.99. Next up we have a beautiful Spanish red, La Sonriente priced at $6.99. Like what? Yes, it's not too be good to be true. Whoever said cheap wines are no good, they are very wrong. This is an incredible valued Garnacha with earthiness and subtle stewed fruit. Pair this alongside Trader Joe's Beef and Stout Pies and your stomach will feel nice and warm! Guarantee it. Another Garnacha I can't help to share is Satis Dei Syrah Garnacha. Not only is this bottle beautiful and looks way pricier than what it is, but the wine is also just as incredible for the price of $8.99. Seriously TJ's how are you so good to us? This bold and distinctive flavored Spanish red needs to compliment a strong savory dish. Next time you're in Trader Joe's pick up this wine with St Illtyd and Horseradish Cheddar Cheeses! Trader Joe's Epicuro Primitivo is a must buy wine during the holiday season priced at $5.99. Yes, I am not kidding. Primitivo is the Italian term for the well known varietal, Zinfandel. I am a pretty big fan of zins, especially when I can get an epic one under $10. Though rich and fruit-forward, the tannins in this wine are soft and balanced. Pair this along-side TJ's frozen Margarita pizza and you have a date night under $20 that no one could complain about. Who said Rosé was just for summer? Whenever someone is looking for a cheap, crowd-pleasing rosé they can buy a bunch of, La Vieille Ferme is my go-to! T'J's prices this tasty rosé at $7.99 which makes it hard to resist picking up a bottle (or 6) whenever I am grocery shopping. This easy sipper that I can only describe as fresh and fruity makes the perfect aperitif or complement to your holiday cheese board! Another rosé I can't help myself to share with you is Albero Spanish Rose, a certified organic wine of TJ's. This rosé is a bit more intense that the La Ferme I just mentioned. I love to pair this with spicy dishes or seafood! Some of my favorite TJ's top picks for food pairings are the Spicy Lamb Vindaloo, Vegetable Pad Thai, and Seafood Paella. This wine is priced at a small price of $5.99, cheers! I discovered this gem of a wine, Liberté from Paso Robles and always love grabbing it from Trader Joe's. Priced just under $10 at the sweet price of $9.99 I always want to tell cab lovers about this wine! I also like to decant this wine for about a hour to really let all it's fruity goodness shine through. Promise it's worth the wait. In the meantime, pop in Trader Joe's Pepperoni Mac & Cheese Bowl in the oven. DROOLING. Sometimes you just need a citrus and zingy filled wine and don't want to think too much about it! The wine that comes to mind is Trader Joe's ESPIRAL VINHO VERDE, coming in hot at $4.99. DEAD. Super light, crisp, and low in alcohol it is the perfect wine to keep flowing at your Thanksgiving table. With this wine's bright citrus and melon flavors and not overpowering acidity I recommend pairing this alongside Trader Joe's Shrimp Stir Fry or new Shrimp Burgers. Enjoy! Last, I truly cannot end my Trader Joe's Wine Guide without touching on infamous "Two Buck Chuck" from Charles Shaw. The inexpensive wine brand launched a line of organic wines that of course, I needed to test out for myself. After tasting all of them, the one that I can put my name behind as a recommendation is the Chardonnay. Why do you ask? It is pretty much your straight forward chardonnay and at the low price of $3.99, (I guess organic is more expensive than the non-organic) I believe it's a safe bet to bring to your friend's holiday party as an easy sipper. Pair this wine along-side any of your holiday cheeses and charcuterie that you buy from TJ's and you have an inexpensive hostess gift!

Welcome to Valle De Guadalupe, or the Napa Valley of Mexico some may call it! I for one want to say before we dig into this trip that the food tasted as good as it looks, the views are as beautiful as they seem, and the hospitality the people of Baja shared is something to remember! If your ideal wine weekend is drinking delicious wine without breaking your bank, playing with friendly vineyard dogs, no traffic, and the ultimate low-key bliss wine tasting experience, then I think you may want to consider Valle De Guadalupe as your next getaway. There are over 100 different wineries along the Ruta del Vino (Wine Route) in Valle De Guadalupe, all with their own unique energy and vibes. Not to mention the food scene, with upcoming chefs as young as 22 years old making their mark across the Valley. Keep reading to see why the wine, the food, and the hospitality of Valle De Guadalupe is one that cannot be missed. The beautiful boutique hotel nestled in the hills of Valle De Guadalupe, Agua De Vid... The Wine... Believe it or not, the first vineyards that were planted in North America were in Mexico! This region forward-thinking is allowing Mexican winemakers to make their mark quickly throughout the valley. Mexico is growing a variety of French, Spanish, and Italian grapes all while not being afraid to make blends out of the norm. Since they do not have to abide by European traditions, it gives Mexican winemakers the ability to get creative with their blends such as a Cabernet Sauvignon with Grenache and Barbara! Baja, more specifically Valle De Guadalupe is making up 85% of Mexico's wine production with over 150 wineries and growing. At first glance, some may think Baja is too warm to grow wine but this region actually has a very similar climate to California. With its Mediterranean climate and morning fog from the Pacific, Baja is becoming an ideal grape growing region and a hot spot to sip on some delicious vino. Food... I got told before I visited Baja, "Sam the food is out of this world, get ready for an incredible experience" and my friend who told me that did not disappoint. I was blown away by our chef at Agua De Vid, 22-year-old Diego Zavala. Our first night at Agua De Vid he prepared his best dishes for Nic and me to taste. Not to mention, curated the ultimate wine list to pair alongside. The ingredients across the board in Baja thrive on being "farm to table." With that being said, what you see growing is truly what you get prepared for you in almost every restaurant! Valle de Guadalupe is filled with young chefs, winemakers, hotel owners, etc, that are ready to make their mark on making this region the magnificent wine experience and getaway. Sure, the food and wine is out of this world but what matters a great deal to me is how I am treated when I am traveling. The hospitality and Baja's mission is for their guests to feel safe, welcomed, and of course wine and dined properly. Their spirit and take on how they see the wine industry is a breath of fresh air. In Baja, there truly is no limit on creativity whether it comes to food, wine, or architecture. I for one am honored to have experienced a region that will soon be more than famous in years to come. The Itinerary & Stay Karina with Tia Juana Adventours has mapped out the ideal itinerary for your spring or summer wine getaway along with the beautiful Agua De Vid being your hotel of choice during your stay in Baja. If you thought my trip looked incredible, just wait until you experience Valle de Guadalupe for yourself! Check out the packages with the full itinerary and accommodations HERE! Tour Guide/Concierge Services: https://www.tiajuanatours.com/contact-1 Hotel and Accommodations: Agua de Vid Photography: Samantha Capaldi and Tijuana Adventure Tours Book your trip now using my promo code!

America’s Greatest Race since 1875, aka "The Run for the Roses" has finally arrived! Although the fastest two minutes in sports will be taking place at the legendary Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY, that shouldn't stop you from keeping up with all the Derby traditions and festivities at home! With the Kentucky Derby’s history and popularity, this makes it the perfect excuse to bring all of your friends together for a party. I am here to provide you with all the tips and tricks you’ll need to make your friends feel like they’re actually there, cheering on the horses at Churchill Downs! I am excited to have partnered with the famous preferred wine of the Kentucky Derby, 14 Hands Winery! In partnership, I’ll provide you with the best food and wine pairings the South has to offer, all with my own modern twist on things, to keep it extra fresh! From the classic Mint Julep to mouth-wateringly smooth 14 Hands Wine, and party fashion inspiration, we’ve got you covered with everything that this famous race has to offer! 14 Hands Wine has always been a staple at family gatherings, so it’s pretty special that I get to share everything this winery has to offer, especially during this time of year. 14 Hands wines are inspired by the unbridled spirit of the wild horses that once freely roamed eastern Washington – making it a natural fit for this event! Everything from décor tips, to what might be considered the ultimate Churchill Downs snacks, all paired with yummy 14 Hands wine - grab your friends, and your best fascinator or bowtie, because the race is about to begin! The Cocktail... The first thing you want to have ready as your guests walk through your door is a cocktail. No one wants to get to a party and not be greeted with a drink! To make your life easier have your cocktail pre-mixed, poured, and plated on an elegant tray, so all your guests have to do is grab one and begin mingling! The Classic Bourbon Mint Julep has been around since the 18th century, but I’m giving it a modern twist! Let's be honest, everything is better with a little bubbly! We will be adding 14 Hands Sparkling Brut, which will liven this classic cocktail up. Along with some bubbles, we will add some fresh peaches and of course some flowers to add an elegant and colorful accent. The lively fruit flavors of 14 Hands Brut, and the juiciness of the macerated peaches will balance itself perfectly with the smokiness of the bourbon. The result is the mouth-watering blend of sweet and savory! What really makes this julep stand out from the crowd is the Sparkling Brut. It adds just enough carbonation paired with a hint of sweetness to make the whole drink flow together in a delicious symphony of flavors. The best part is that this cocktail does not take a lot of prep time, and can easily be made fresh once your guests arrive. Ingredients Serves 4 •4 cups crushed ice (I crushed my ice in a blender, pulse a few times) •2 peaches, chopped •1 cup bourbon •1 tablespoon sugar •1 bunch mint, torn (plus more for garnish) •2 cups 14 Hands Sparkling Brut •Fresh flowers for garnish Steps •In a large pitcher, place the ice, chopped peaches, sugar and bourbon. Leave to macerate for 15 minutes. (Most important part, this is where you really get that added sweetness). •Add the torn mint leaves and the 14 Hands Sparkling Brut. Mix with a wooden spoon. •Pour the julep into glasses. Serve with some of the peaches and mint. Garnish with fresh flowers. Now that you have your guests happy with a cocktail and they’re off mingling, it’s time to start prepping your food and wine pairings. I decided to use 14 Hands Wines as the inspiration for my Southern dishes and I am pretty confident your guests' eyes and stomachs will be incredibly happy! Not only must your dishes taste delicious, but you can’t forget the details are everything! Which means it’s time to break out your inner Southern Belle flare! Now let’s dig into our food and wine pairings... Dish # 1 Pimento Dip with Fresh Seasonal Veggies:  I decided to prepare our Pimento Dip with fresh seasonal veggies as our main appetizer alongside our  14 Hands Sparkling Brut. I took a modern twist on this classic Southern Appetizer and replaced the cheddar cheese with goat cheese. The light and silkiness of this pimento dip is the perfect complement to our Brut’s crisp and  refreshing  palate. This Brut is truly a matchmaker with a variety of fresh appetizers at any Derby party, so feel free to get creative with this delish bubbly! Dish #2 Build Your Own Pulled Pork Sliders: The richness and spice of slow-cooked pulled pork truly need a bold and flavorful wine to compliment it. We don't want to go with too big of wine so of course, the perfect match is our 14 Hands Limited Edition Kentucky Derby Red Blend. This opulent red blend showcases all of the classic Washington fruit characters you want in a wine with a kick of spice that is a match made in heaven with our pulled pork sliders. Dish #3 Southern Cheese Grits:  This oh-so-classic and comforting southern dish typically demands a red wine, but I  surprisingly  found our snappy 14 Hands Pinot Gris the perfect compliment to this cheesy goodness. When you're in a lighter mood, our Pinot Gris brings notes of citrus and stone fruit plus a weightier mouthfeel, that harmonizes the savory cheese and grits. Dish #4 Kentucky Bourbon Butter Cake with Decadent Peach Sauce:  Last but not least, our  mouth-watering  Kentucky Bourbon Butter Cake with rich and decadent peach sauce screams to be paired alongside our  14 Hands,Rose. When I think of our  beautiful  pink rose with notes of sweet citrus, delicate florals, and a touch of stone fruit, it truly harmonizes these flavors in this cake. Party Esthetics and Activities To Keep Your Guests Having Fun Even After The Two Minutes Are Up... Last, but definitely not least, we want to touch on setting the mood for your Derby Party, especially for those friends who have never attended one before. Want your guests to really feel like they are at the races? Set the style of your party immediately by sending your guests invitations, the old fashioned way. Include in the invite what the dress attire is for men and women so they will know to dress up in their most elegant fascinators and bow ties! There are a ton of cute invite designs to choose from  here! To be an even more epic host, make your guests feel like they are a celeb attending the races, right in your own home by surprising them with the Official Kentucky Derby Programs! Of course, the ladies attending your Derby Party must steal the show in their elegant hats, but that doesn't mean the men of the group can't step up their look as well! To really inspire your guests to put on their best Derby attire, hold a contest of who wore it better! Each person can vote on which man and woman had the best hat and bow tie ensemble of the party! Click here for some bow tie and hat inspiration. To get your guests hands-on with the Derby action I like to supply a betting board! Keep it simple and fun for your guests by creating a prize basket that will go to the winner! Include 14 Hands Wine, recipe cards, snacks, gift cards, etc.! This will not only be a fun gestor for your friends but can be a way to get everyone in the competitive spirit. There are a lot of ways and ideas to go about creating a board, click here for a bunch of great and easy examples! Most Importantly, Enjoy Hosting Your Party! Above all, enjoy hosting your party! As long as you are in good company and celebrating America's Greatest Race with your friends, your party will be just perfect! Don't be afraid to add your own spin to things and make it your own. Let the race begin!! Photography by Dillon Driscoll Creative Direction and Styling by Samantha Capaldi Food and drinks prepared by Samantha Capaldi Home and Kitchen of Julianne Boisvert

https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/living/story/sommelier-expert-suggests-ways-make-kentucky-derby-watch-62408353