LEFTOVER WINE IS A GOOD THING

Use that leftover wine you’ve been saving for a special meal; there are many different and unique ways to create fun dishes from wine that you thought you’d never use. For instance, ‘Quinoa Risotto’ uses one cup of wine, and it purely delicious. It uses gluten-free quinoa in place of rice, and a full cup of dry white wine to create a deeper, acidic layer to this very creamy concoction. Add spinach for a drop of color and some extra iron, as well as vitamin K. If your sweet tooth is acting up, try a ‘Red Wine Chocolate Cake.’ I cup of wine is needed for this yummy dish. The cake is whole wheat, vegan, and free from refined sugar. Mix a cup of red wine with strawberry jam and olive oil. Add a bit of cocoa powder at the end for a sweeter taste; it’s super chocolaty and delicious.

Have fun with some popsicles made out of wine; they are called ‘Cherry Merlot Winesicles.’ 1.5 cups of wine is used for this masterpiece. Add cherries, a touch of syrup, and the wine; mix it all together and place it in Popsicle holders. Freeze overnight to enjoy the next day. You can also add blueberries, blackberries, or peaches. There is an endless experiment to be had while trying to create a fun winesicle. Truffles are usually a women’s bed friend; add red wine to it, and make it even fiercer of a treat. A ‘Red Wine Chocolate Truffle’ uses ½ cup of wine to make 15 truffles. Use 8 oz. of chocolate chips, ½ cup red wine, 2 tbsp. grass fed softened butter, and 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder. Place chocolate chips in a small bowl, bring wine to a low boil over medium heat, pour wine over chocolate chips and stir until melted. Stir in butter, and then allow mixture to sit until firm; stir every 5-10 minutes for about an hour. Set aside cocoa powder in a small bowl, and then once chocolate is firm, roll it into small balls. Toss each truffle into cocoa powder to coat, then place in a colander to shake off excess cocoa. Enjoy this yummy treat.