As we notice the colder months rolling in, some of us aren’t quite ready to commence longer hours of cooking in the kitchen. With the seasonal change comes more inside activities with friends and family…and A LOT more cooking. Well, if you’re just not ready for all that yet, there are some fantastic one-pot meals and even desserts you can make for your loved ones that will save a ton of time and still be impressive! They’ll also go really well with wine!

Slow Cooker Shepards Pie

This home cooked meal is so fulfilling and tasty and goes great with Rosella’s 2013 Merlot. If you’re watching the red meat these days, switch out the beef for ground turkey and pair with our White Wine Blend. Here’s one easy and impressive meal you can’t go wrong with.  

Fettuccine Alfredo with Asparagus

Everyone loves a good pasta dish and you’ll love this one too for how easy it is to make. This creamy pasta sauce will go beautifully with Rosella’s White Wine Blend. The level of acidic flavor on your palate compliments this pasta’s tangy and rich sauce that will leave everyone satisfied and ready for another helping.

Easy One Skillet Pork Chops in Mushroom Gravy

The flavors in this dish are plentiful. Pork, mushrooms and olive oil, with beef and chicken broth…who could ask for more? And, If you’re cooking in a classic iron pan, added searing of the meat is sure to compliment this delicious dinner even more. Add more or less flour for desired thickness of the sauce… then bring on the wine! This will go perfectly with Rosella’s 2013 Zinfandel, or Red or White wine blends.

Slow Cooker Brownies

I don’t know about you, but 15 minutes of prep time for a warm, rich and moist dessert is just the thing to keep my spirits up as we go into the cooler months. If the aroma alone doesn’t light up a house from the inside out, one bite surely will! Goes great with our 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Perfect Slow Cooker Cheesecake

Not a chocolate fan? Not a problem…we’ve got you covered! Check out this amazing recipe for cheesecake that will give you the ‘Chef of the Year’ award! Surprise friends and family with a little decadence that goes a long way. Tastes amazing with Rosella’s White Wine Blend. Top off your glass with a few colorful fruit pieces like strawberries, kiwi, or a few sliced cherries.

~Cheers, to great company and great food!

While the forecast for more smoke and fires isn’t great, don’t forget about all the fun, indoor activities we can still enjoy! Even the most unperturbed personality can get a little tired of the everyday haze and outdoor limitations right now. Check out our list of things you could do otherwise…

Indoor Fun:

• Plan a decadent meal and dessert with friends…don’t forget the wine
• Have a Paint n’ Sip
• Play an instrument? Make your own music!
• Storytime – have everyone prepare a really good story
• Get out the poker chips…(try Rosella’s special Spretzles while you’re at it!)
• Host a brunch – have everyone bring something over
• Have a video game marathon
• Exchange music playing lists
• Help a friend re-do a room
• Go to the Arcade
• Plan future get-togethers or vacations
• Have an indoor treasure hunt…’just don’t hide the wine’
• Charades is always a classic
• Write a play
• Watch the Classics
• Visit a Museum

‘And here’s a toast and special shoutout to all the hardworking firemen and firewomen, looking to keep us all safe! Thank You!!’ 

~ See you at Rosella’s Vinyard