Chocolate Figs and Almonds (or Chocolate Dates and Walnuts)

Here's an easy, healthy recipe for a delicious accompaniment to fortified wines used as dessert wine at the meal's end.

In a microwave, carefully melt 250 g chopped dark chocolate and add 12 chopped dried figs or 20 dates and ½ cup chopped toasted almonds or walnuts. Put heaped teaspoons of mixture onto trays lined with baking paper and refrigerate until firm. Put into air-tight containers and refrigerate until needed.

The fortifieds that are especially nice with this treat are port, mistella, and muscat, all favorites of ours.

Happy Thanksgiving, Friends!

My Favorite Winter White

Houghton's White Classic (which was formerly sold as White Burgundy) is the perfect white wine for cool days and nights. It's a blend of at least these three varietals: Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Verdelho, lightly wooded and ready to drink fresh or with careful cellaring up to 10 years. The taste is pronounced fresh fruit, tropical and citrus with melon notes. It's plump in the mouth and finishes dry.

A glass of White Classic, a roaring fire, good company...a perfect cold night inside!