Grown, crushed, loved & bottled all in Idaho!

There is no better time than during the harvest season to drive around the back roads of Southern Idaho. Everywhere you look there is someone moving, picking, pulling or stacking something as the golden light casts upon the hills behind them. Being on assignment at Cold Springs Winery  in Hammett, Idaho granted me an even deeper appreciation for the art of wine making and the pure passion, patience and enjoyment that goes into making one’s wine.   Yes, Idaho wine!  You’d be surprised how much wine is being produced in Idaho these days.  Here’s a site with a list: www.idahowines.org

 

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Winemaker, Jamie Martin

 

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Owner, Bing Ringert

 

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Owner Bill Ringert

 

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Desserts & Drinks Class at Rimini, Beaver Creek Wine & Spirits Festival

Creating delicious desserts with guest Chef Donald Wressel, pastry chef for Guittard Chocolates in Los Angeles.   And perfectly balanced cocktails made by mixologist Aidan Demarest, from The Edison in Los Angeles.
 
 
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© Paulette Phlipot

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© Paulette Phlipot

Purple corn at the Farmer’s Market.

©Paulette Phlipot - Purple Corn (Maiz Morado)

 

©Paulette Phlipot - Chicha Morada

I met Cecilia and crew at the Farmer’s Market today. The chilled Chicha Moradas they were making were the perfect drink to enjoy in the shade on this warm July afternoon.  For those of you who may be asking, “what is a Chicha Morada”?  It’s a drink made with purple corn, water, pineapple peel, fresh squeezed lime juice and green apples & sugar to taste.  Next you may be asking, “purple corn”? Here is what I can tell you from what I have read: Purple corn is a variety of maize, it is a crop that is native to the valleys of the Andes mountains in South America.  Studies have shown that purple corn can help to regulate blood pressure and prevent colon cancer.  It contains one of the most active antioxidant substances in the vegetable world. Promoters even claim it can help fight obesity.  Regardless of the health claims or not I surely enjoyed my Chica Morada! Here is a helpful blog I found with more info on purple corn.