During the holidays, with everyone being short on time, we all want easy, yet delicious recipes to help continue the Christmas spirit. If that’s what you’re aft er, check these out! These recipes fall into the “so-easy-to-make- I’m-almost-embarrassed-to-call-it-a-recipe” category. Grab some ingredients, turn up the holiday tunes and serve up these savory appetizers.

The holidays are on the horizon and that means family gatherings and time for food, fun and festivities. But we all know that entertaining sometimes comes with stress and anxiety. Are my guests going to like what I made? What if I burn the meal? How am I going to talk to everyone and catch up when I have so much to prepare? Sound familiar? Having your holiday party or get-together catered is an option that will keep you mingling with your guests without the cooking and cleaning. Below are some of the best catering businesses in our area that will take the stress out of entertaining while leaving you more time to relax and enjoy your guests. Bon appetite!

This Thanksgiving, shake up some wine cocktails with a holiday twist that will get even your Grinchiest guests in the spirit. VOGA’s Thanksgiving Sangria is sure to spice up your Thanksgiving dinner and kick start the holiday season.

Trick-or-treating may be for kids but Halloween stirs up sweet tooths spanning all ages.  For adults looking to stock their Halloween party bar with cocktails worthy of this sinfully sweet holiday, Van Gogh Vodka’s new irresistible Rich Dark Chocolate flavor is perfect for shaking up a spookily delicious drink.  With its naturally infused complex, dark cocoa taste, it is appreciated well-chilled and straight and also pairs well with a number of flavors and beverages.

Make hosting the party a breeze by serving a pitcher drink that you can make in bulk ahead of time.  The Cocktail Guru Jonathan Pogash’s Van Goghst Punch is easy to make and sure to please a crowd, mixing the Van Gogh Rich Dark Chocolate Vodka with fruit juices and sodas for a unique and unexpectedly refreshing cocktail.  Or for a single serving cocktail that is both sweet and tart, try the Maple Basil Sour, also developed by Jonathan Pogash.

Planning any end of summer cocktail stories? As the season winds down, late summer fruit takes center stage, with farmer’s markets and grocers overflowing with ripe peaches, fresh apricots, and the first apples of the season. Savor the final days of August with the Late Summer Sangria recipe from VOGA Italia, the thoughtfully packaged Italian wine with a uniquely designed resealable top.

Moscato offers subtle bubbles to any white sangria recipe, with light floral notes that blend perfectly with peach and citrus flavors.

A recently rediscovered ancient "grain" native to South America, quinoa was once called "the gold of the Incas," who recognized its value in increasing the stamina of their warriors. Among its other nutritional benefits, if you are prone to migraines, try adding quinoa to your diet. Quinoa is a good source of magnesium, a mineral that helps prevent the constriction and rebound dilation characteristic of migraines. Magnesium has been shown to be related to a reduced frequency of headache episodes reported by migraine sufferers. Quinoa is also a good source of riboflavin which is necessary for proper energy production within cells. Riboflavin (B2) has been shown to help reduce the frequency of attacks in migraine sufferers by improving the energy metabolism within their brain and muscle cells.

I was introduced to Virginia wines about seven years ago when a friend took me on a midweek whirlwind day tour of several vineyards on the Loudoun Wine Trail. Prior to that day, my wine experience was limited to drinking it in restaurants, homemade sangria and occasional bottles purchased for special occasions. I had no idea that local wine existed. The day spent in Virginia Wine Country opened my eyes to the joys of Virginia wine forever and I feel a sense of pride whenever friends or family try Virginia wine for the first time.

Now that I live in a more rural area, I have vineyards and wineries practically in my back yard and I delight in taking a break on a gorgeous weekday and visiting a new vineyard or two when I get the chance. During my explorations, I’ve had the opportunity to visit the well-known vineyards as well as some of the lesser known vineyards that are closer to my neck of the woods. Here are my reasons for choosing these four gems:

It's summer! Nothing says summer like grillin' out, drinkin' beer, and having a summer fling. So, if you're single and want to mingle, taken but don't want to do the bakin', or just a chick that's not afraid to admit she watches Nascar and enjoys a ball game, make sure you check out these local eats while getting in touch with your manly side. You can thank us if you meet a keeper or when your other half is impressed. Just don't blame us when you see how many calories you've consumed or if you catch yourself yelling at a TV screen like a sailor. Enjoy!

shenandoah american grill
44630 Waxpool Road | Ashburn, VA 703-858-7777
www.shenandoahamericangrill.com
A new venture opened by two southern natives, is sure to please anyone in need of wholesome comfort-food with its creative take on come-to-mama cuisine. Though the flavors are familiar, originality is key and definitely not lacking here. Try pimento cheese fritters or a deep-fried deviled egg as a starter, fill up on baby back ribs or taco pie, and make sure you save room for dessert. Who can resist Coca-Cola cake or Krispy Kreme bread pudding? If you really want to indulge, try the fully enclosed cigar lounge for a nightcap.