(BPT) - Chilly weather: Check. Cozy gatherings with friends: Check. Same old wine: Not so fast. Before you reach for your go-to red this winter, consider Chile’s answer to the season’s most toast-worthy pours: crimson-hued Carmenere (car-men-air).

The signature red grape of Chile delivers luscious dark fruit — think blackcurrant, wild blueberry and ripe plum — wrapped in supple tannins, brilliant acidity and silken texture. When shared with even the most wine-savvy host, Carmenere offers an opportunity for discovery beyond the usual pour.

Born in the famed vineyards of Bordeaux, France, Carmenere was thought to be extinct in the late 1860s. Half a world away, in a grand case of mistaken identity, experts discovered 130 years later that much of what was assumed to be Merlot in Chile was actually Carmenere — hiding in plain sight. It quickly became a favorite among Chileans for its inviting style, and today, Carmenere is to Chile what Malbec is to Argentina. Somewhere between the moderate structure of a Pinot Noir and the layered complexity of a Cabernet Sauvignon lies your new favorite red.

Chilean Winemaker Marcio Ramírez — affectionately dubbed “Mr. Carmenere” by colleagues, thanks to his 20-plus years spent mastering the variety — is a Carmenere craftsman to keep your eye on. Here are three wines, all made by Ramírez and awarded scores of 90 points or higher by top wine critics, that you should be drinking this winter, perhaps après ski or any time a delicious glass of red fits the bill:

2017 Gran Reserva Serie Riberas Carmenere

From Puemo Vineyard in Cachapoal Valley, the 2017 vintage of Gran Reserva Serie Riberas Carmenere doesn’t disappoint with heady aromas of cherry, blackcurrant and blackberry, framed by a thread of cedar and white pepper. Pair it with smoked meats or a strong aged cheese, like Gorgonzola. 90 points, Wine & Spirits

2017 Marques de Casa Concha Carmenere

Also from Puemo Vineyard, the 2017 Marques de Casa Concha Carmenere is an elevated selection with a generous palate of ripe plum, blackcurrant and dark chocolate. Pronounced acidity makes it a versatile pairing for roasted lamb or pasta. 91 points, James Suckling

2017 Terrunyo Carmenere

The crown jewel of Ramírez’s Carmenere offerings from Puemo Vineyard, the 2017 Terrunyo Carmenere boasts an impressive structure, with inviting notes of wild berries, cedar and violet. Supple tannins and excellent acidity make this equally suited for spicy fare or rich risotto. 91 points, Wine Spectator

As you consider the wine options this winter, skip the expected choice, and instead grab a bottle from Chile. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows, sitting down to a four-course meal or heading to a cocktail party, Carmenere may be the best red wine you haven’t yet tried. Discover (and share) it all winter long.

(BPT) - With the holidays just around the corner, party planning is in full swing. Whether it be a traditional family gathering or friendly white elephant, consider these tips and tricks to stay organized throughout the holiday hustle to ensure festivities go off without a hitch.

Have your cake with time to enjoy it too

When guests arrive, hosting duties often fall secondary to socializing with friends and family, so it’s important to plan ahead. Smartphone apps, like Pro Party Planner, offer a breadth of services to help with planning logistics, no matter the size of your event. It’s now easier than ever to set the menu, finalize a budget and create shopping lists in preparation for the festivities, all from your phone or tablet. Determine your guest list and maximize space by transforming various areas in the home, such as a credenza, bar cart or kitchen island, into self-serve food and drink stations. That way, guests won’t feel too crowded in one area. Choose snacks and beverages that don’t require significant attention, such as a charcuterie board and a pre-made punch, so guests can help themselves and you can spend more time enjoying the party.

Keep your guests entertained

Entertainment is the key to every great event. Start by establishing the mood with a music playlist that matches the theme for the night. Whether festive, romantic or upbeat, there are endless pre-made playlists available for no charge that will go a long way in making your party one to remember. Consider breaking out the party games or queuing up a featured show to play throughout the night to create a fun atmosphere alongside friends and family — there’s something to do for everyone!

Streamline cleanup

Everyone’s least favorite part of the night is cleanup, and in particular, doing the dishes. On average, U.S. homeowners or someone in their household have let dishes pile up for three days before washing them. To help ease dish duties, consider adding the Delta Glass Rinser to your dish washing regimen to effortlessly rinse used glassware of all shapes and sizes — most notably wine glasses or champagne flutes where hard-to-reach residue lives. The Delta Glass Rinser ensures you’ll spend less time soaking and scrubbing. Consider a designated spot in the kitchen for empty wine bottles and dirty dishware to make cleanup as efficient as possible and ensure lounge areas are kept trash free. You can also tuck multiple trash and recycling bins around the room to reduce the chance of waste overflow and make sure guests aren’t stuck with dirty disposable plates and utensils.

With these simple hacks, your holiday party is sure to be one that everyone remembers and, most importantly, remains stress-free.

(BPT) - Let’s face it. Drinking, drug abuse and depression soar over Christmas, Chanukah and New Year’s — call it the holiday blues. As you prepare to throw your annual holiday party, the compassionate host recognizes that the holidays can be a painful time for some family members and friends. With an estimated 22 million Americans in recovery from addiction, chances are one or more of your guests may be in recovery from behavioral health issues.

Jaime Vinck, Group CEO of the Sierra Tucson Group, offers these guidelines for planning a recovery-friendly party:

• Adopt new holiday traditions: Did your past holiday parties revolve around the vodka-infused punch bowl or a Santa-themed drinking game? Consider replacing those alcohol-focused traditions with new ones — from candle lighting rituals to improvised holiday singing.
• Offer an alternative to wine or champagne: There’s never been more choices of sparkling waters, exotic juices, teas and other non-alcoholic beverages to delight your guests. Be sure to clearly label those beverages that do contain alcohol. Time for a toast? Be a role model and toast with sparkling water this year.
• Know the holiday foods that have hidden alcohol: Yes, we all love eggnog and rum cake. But we also know that even a trace of alcohol can trigger cravings. If your guests promise to bring over holiday specialties that traditionally include liquor, encourage them to substitute other ingredients so everyone can enjoy their treats.
• Facing realities with friends and family: No one wants to face something unpleasant over the holidays; but it’s better to let your loved one know how much you care if they‘re struggling with sobriety. Be open to discussing the realities of life: joy, as well as depression, anxiety, stress, loss or addiction. And be prepared to talk about treatment and recovery if your friend or loved one wishes to. Your support during this time can make a huge difference in their New Year.
• Welcome a furry friend: Let your cat or dog enjoy the party. A few minutes of pet-friendly playtime with an animal companion can keep an anxious guest in the moment and, without alcohol, ease their stress.
• Arriving early, leaving early: If you know that someone coming to your party is struggling with recovery from alcohol or other drugs, encourage them to arrive early — so, if they need to, they can leave early, before any late-night holiday imbibing.
• Offer an escape plan: Encourage everyone to come to your party in their own vehicle. That way, no one feels trapped and anyone can leave immediately if they feel uncomfortable. Then, don’t make a big deal out of their slipping out of the party.
• Take a holiday break from social media: Encourage your family and friends to take a holiday hiatus from social media. When on Facebook, Twitter, etc., we tend to compare our lives to the appearance of others — an illusion that can feed depression and encourage holiday party-goers to slip into old coping mechanisms, such as drinking or abusing drugs.
• Helping others lifts your spirits: Serving others is a beautiful way to alleviate seasonal depression and focus your and your guests’ minds on gratitude. Explore ways to join family and friends in volunteering to feed those in need or assist at a domestic violence shelter over the holidays.

To download 70 free articles about dealing with anxiety, stress, depression, addiction and more, visit Sierra Tucson’s Resources Page: https://www.sierratucson.com/about/news-media/.

Jaime Vinck is Group Chief Executive Officer of the Sierra Tucson Group treatment center for behavioral health concerns from addiction to anxiety and depression. To learn more, call 855-407-9654 or visit: https://www.sierratucson.com/lp/holiday/.

(BPT) - Grilling is one of America’s greatest pastimes, and if you love grilled meat, chances are you also like hosting meals for family and friends to show off your pit master prowess. Once you’ve mastered the art of the char, why not take it a step further? Serve wine that blows the lid off the meal, in the best possible way.

The right wine pairing makes all the difference. The aroma and flavor of wines can highlight and enhance the taste of grilled food like no other beverage. And the good news is, it’s not rocket science. Choosing wine depends mostly on what you’re grilling, and how you’re dressing it up — what kind of sauce or rubs you’re using.

Here’s a handy guide to wine pairings to take your event to the next level.

Mix it up

If you’re serving a mix of grilled foods, including pork or barbecued chicken or turkey along with burgers and steaks, you’ll want to choose a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of different types of meat and poultry. Since many pork recipes use sweet and tangy sauces, wine with a fruitier flavor may be just the ticket, like red zinfandel or a bourbon barrel aged wine. You may even want to add a little of the wine to the sauce.

The Federalist Bourbon Barrel-aged Zinfandel embraces the uniquely American tradition of aging wine in charred bourbon barrels. The result is a fruity, spicy wine with dark cherry and cola notes, making the wine a great choice to pair with chicken or turkey marinated in barbecue sauce or grilled smoked sausages. For a stronger tannin structure and cleansing acidity that pairs exceptionally well with steak, a Lodi sourced zinfandel adds some zing to balance spicy, smoky flavors from your grill or smoker.

Lighten it up

When you’re grilling lighter fare like turkey, fish or chicken, or if you're entertaining vegetarian or vegan friends, choose a white wine to enhance and match those delicate flavors and textures. Heavier barbecued meats and stronger flavors can easily overwhelm a lighter white wine, but a crisp chardonnay pairs very well with these foods. Chardonnay pairs perfectly with veggie burgers and grilled vegetables, turkey, chicken, and several types of fattier fish such as salmon, trout, tuna or rockfish. You can even serve it with Cornish game hen if you’re feeling fancy.

Bold barbecue needs bold wine

When you’re grilling cuts of beef like brisket, tenderloin, a juicy steak or ribs and using potent spices and flavors like classic Kansas City or Memphis-style barbecue sauce, cabernet sauvignon is a great choice to balance those intense flavors.

For example, within The Federalist’s portfolio of wines celebrating America’s heritage, The Federalist Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon is a medium weight red wine with a good grip from tannins, in wine speak — and what does that mean? It means the flavor and body of the wine is strong enough to hold up to the bold, smoky and spicy flavors of your meat. You can also serve it with game like venison or roasted and smoked vegetables. This wine has an aroma of berries, tart cherries, sweet oak and cinnamon, along with a delicious flavor that will wow your meat-loving guests.

Another popular choice to serve with grilled meats like a flank steak is The Federalist Honest Red Blend, combining 53% merlot grapes with 30% zinfandel and 15% cabernet sauvignon. It marries the flavor of dark fruits with some spiciness and a rich, round mouthfeel. You can’t go wrong serving a bold red wine with grilled red meat, as the high-fat content in the meat is balanced by the strong tannins present in red wine.

Tap into these tips to help you select the right flavor balance to show off your grilling skills. Check out @FederalistWines on Instagram to learn more.

Stress-Free Holiday Entertaining Tips

(Family Features) The holiday season is meant for spending quality time with friends and family, not stressing out over hosting. With some simple tips, you can cut down on hectic preparations while creating a memorable holiday full of food and fun guests can savor.

Consider these suggestions from the entertaining experts at Real California Milk:

Plan Ahead
Heading into your seasonal soiree with a plan in place can help avoid snafus. Make a shopping list of ingredients and decorations. Then put together a schedule a few days prior to the event to cover last-minute preparations.

Elevate Holiday Classics
Elevating classic appetizers is a simple way to savor the season. A trend on the rise, the Grazing Table starts with the table as the canvas, adds elements of the traditional cheese board then takes it to the next level with an arrangement of appetizers or brunch dishes and seasonal decor. Another way to lift your holiday spread is using high-quality, authentic ingredients like Real California Milk cheeses, made with milk from California dairy farm families, which are key ingredients in this Sweet Citrus and Spice Cheese Board.

Prepare Dishes and Decorations in Advance
Preparing for guests can be one of the most time-consuming aspects of hosting. Decorating at least a day ahead and setting the table the night before, for example, can help minimize stress. Welcome guests with holiday cheer and trendy decor like a virtual yule log made of melting cheese, complete with holiday music.

For more holiday inspiration and recipes like antipasto skewers and yogurt-pesto dip, queso fundido and cheese logs and bundts, visit realcaliforniamilk.com/recipes.

Grazing Table

• Toma cheese, sliced
• natural almonds
• prosciutto
• salami
• Real California aged cheddar, sliced
• Real California burrata cheese
• olive oil
• herbs
• blue cheese
• Real California braided marinated string cheese
• dry salami, sliced
• premade antipasto skewers
• yogurt pesto dipping sauce
• Real California aged Gouda
• brie cheese
• Real California cheese log
• Real California cheese bundts
• dry jack cheese
• sweet red piquante peppers
• green California olives
• premade Real California queso fundido
• breadsticks
• tortilla chips
• dark chocolate sea salt caramels
• dried citrus, such as oranges and lemons
• artisan bread, sliced

1. On large board, plate or tray, arrange sliced toma cheese, almonds, prosciutto, salami and aged cheddar. In center, place burrata cheese and top with olive oil and herbs.
2. On separate small plate, place blue cheese; crumble.
3. On medium board, arrange braided string cheese and dry salami slices.
4. On serving platter, arrange antipasto skewers around bowl of yogurt pesto dipping sauce.
5. On separate small cheese board, place Gouda, brie cheese and cheese log.
6. On slate, arrange cheese bundts. On separate plate, place dry jack cheese.
7. In separate bowls, place piquante peppers and green olives.
8. Arrange boards, plates, bowls and skillet of queso fundido on table, as desired.
9. Fill blank spaces on table with breadsticks, tortilla chips, dark chocolate sea salt caramels, dried oranges, dried lemons and bread slices. Add floral arrangements and holiday decor for finishing touches. Complete table with cheese knives and spreaders.

Sweet Citrus and Spice Cheese Board

• Real California brie cheese
• black olives
• green olives
• dried oranges, sliced
• Real California pepper jack cheese sliced
• almonds
• raspberries
• blackberries
• Real California burrata cheese
• honey, for garnish
• fresh herbs, for garnish

1. To assemble cheese board: On large board, plate or tray, arrange brie cheese, olives, dried orange slices, sliced pepper jack cheese and almonds.
2. On smaller board, arrange raspberries and blackberries around burrata cheese placed in center of board. Garnish cheese with honey and fresh herbs. Place smaller board into empty space on larger board.

5 Hacks for Holiday Hosting

(Family Features) It may feel impossible to fit even more into already jam-packed days, but when the holidays roll around, entertaining and celebrating always find a way. Fortunately, you can find some shortcuts when hosting that offer plenty of festive style while also helping you avoid stressing over every detail.

This year, rely on some time-saving hacks so you’re not just throwing the holiday party, but enjoying some seasonal fun of your own.

Repurpose with purpose. There’s no need to make time for a trip to the store or to spend a bundle on party supplies. A pretty, oversized flowerpot or planter that has been cast aside for winter makes a perfect tub for icing down beverages. When it comes to decor, you can cover any old box with some of last year’s leftover holiday paper to add some colorful touches around the home. A similar idea: wrap canvas art or other frames in pretty paper to extend the theme up the walls.

Make easy attractive. Most holiday celebrations center on the food, but it’s still an area where you can shave some time. For example, a simple but attractive option like the wide selection of Chinet Classic White products is designed for practical use. They do not bend, fold or leak, and are strong enough for extra helpings no matter the occasion.

For a more elegant affair, the Chinet Cut Crystal collection is the only fully coordinated line of disposable plates, cups, cutlery and wineglasses. Guests will barely realize they’re not using the good china, but you’ll definitely notice when you’re able to skip time at the sink to spend more precious moments with your loved ones.

Fill the freezer. Whether your holiday entertaining is more impromptu in nature or you host a single sizable shindig, keeping a well-stocked freezer can help make hosting a cinch. Dedicate an afternoon to preparing items you can easily defrost and serve later, like casseroles, appetizers, side dishes and desserts.

Forgo fussy food. An elegant sit-down meal isn’t the only way to enjoy a holiday gathering. Guests may even appreciate a break from traditional heavier fare. Simple food stations, finger foods and even store-bought meals are all time-saving alternatives. Another time-saving option: dressing up store-bought food as part of a larger spread. For example, you can top side dishes like mashed potatoes with olive oil or butter and sprinkle with cheese or embellish a main course such as ham with rosemary sprigs and fresh fruit.

Keep cleanup simple. For a festive, yet deceptively easy table, consider using kraft paper as tablecloths and let some of that leftover wrapping paper do double-duty as table runners. Simply cut the wrapping paper to your desired length and fold the edges under to create clean seams. Match the DIY table coverings with a coordinated line of disposable tableware to make cleaning up a cinch.

Explore more hacks to simplify your holiday entertaining at MyChinet.com.

An Affordable, Effortless Easter

(Family Features) Easter is all about festive family gatherings and good food. Whether you’re celebrating with your closest or hosting a larger crowd in your home, try these simple tips to keep everyone happy and full without blowing your budget.

Plan ahead: Don’t let the pressure of hosting the holidays stress you. A well-constructed game plan can help you stay on track with your spending goals. Before heading to the grocery store, take inventory of what you already have and create a list of the items you need. These simple steps can save you time and money in the long run.    

Find affordable ingredients and supplies: Grocery shopping can be a daunting task, especially with seemingly endless options. Shopping at a grocery store like ALDI helps you find everything you need in one quick and easy shopping trip, including high-quality, fresh, affordable foods for your Easter spread. While there, you can also pick up other Easter essentials like baskets, toys, bakeware, decor and more.  

Keep leftovers in mind: Food (and money) can go to waste when leftovers go uneaten. Instead of tossing out your forgotten leftovers, incorporate them into a whole new dish. Try these Holiday Ham Sliders using leftovers from main dishes such as Slow-Cooked Maple Ham.

Find more tips and recipes for an appetizing Easter at ALDI.us.

Slow-Cooked Maple Ham

Recipe courtesy of Chef Alyssa, ALDI Test Kitchen   
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 5 hours, 15 minutes
Servings: 10

• 20        ounces Sweet Harvest Pineapple Chunks
• 8          pounds Appleton Farms Smoked Ham Butt
• 1          cup Specially Selected 100% Pure Maple Syrup
• 1          cup Baker’s Corner Brown Sugar
• 1/2       teaspoon Stonemill Cinnamon
• 1          tablespoon Burman’s Dijon Mustard
• 1          teaspoon Stonemill Ground Black Pepper

1. Pour pineapple into large slow cooker. Place ham on top of pineapple, flat-side down.
2. In small bowl, combine syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, Dijon mustard and pepper. Pour over ham.
3. Set slow cooker to low. Cook 4-5 hours.
4. Remove ham; keep warm. Skim fat off top of remaining liquid in slow cooker.
5. Pour liquid into small saucepan and bring to boil. Reduce heat to simmer; cook until reduced to desired consistency.
6. Serve sauce on side or heat oven to broil and glaze ham. Broil 3-4 minutes for caramelized crust.

Holiday Ham Sliders

Recipe courtesy of Chef Linsey, ALDI Test Kitchen
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6

• Carlini Canola Cooking Spray
• 3          ounces Happy Farms Preferred Cranberry White Cheddar, shredded
• 3          ounces Happy Farms Preferred Plain Havarti Cheese, shredded
• 12        ounces L'oven Fresh Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
• 2          tablespoons Burman's Spicy Mustard
• 1/4       cup sliced red onion
• 12        ounces Appleton Farms Spiral Sliced Half Ham
• 1/4       cup sliced green apple
• 4          tablespoons Countryside Creamery butter, melted
• 1/2       teaspoon Stonemill Garlic Powder
• 1/4       teaspoon ground Stonemill Sea Salt
• 1/2       teaspoon Stonemill Parsley Flakes

1. Heat oven to 350 F.
2. Line 9-by-13-inch baking pan with aluminum foil and coat with cooking spray.
3. In small bowl, combine cranberry white cheddar and havarti cheeses. Reserve.
4. Remove entire package of rolls and, keeping rolls connected, slice in half horizontally.
5. Place bottom half of rolls in baking pan. Spread with spicy mustard.
6. Top with red onion, ham, apple, cheese mixture and bun tops.
7. In small bowl, combine butter, garlic powder, salt and parsley flakes. Pour over sandwiches.
8. Cover with foil and bake 15 minutes.
9. Remove foil. Bake 10 minutes more.
10. Remove from pan and separate sandwiches; serve immediately.