While we all continue to adjust to a new normal, I’m keeping a positive outlook that life will someday soon be less about social distancing and more about socializing. Who knew how much we’d miss the simple things we all take for granted, like a hug from a friend or buying groceries without worrying? And the news? Yikes. Though I am checking the news (probably way more often than I should), I’m also seeking out lighthearted distractions right now — and maybe you are too. Such is the inspiration for Four Things.
Every week, I’ll share four things I’m digging right now, be it wine, a product or a recipe worth noting. Sometimes I’ll feature Santa Barbara-focused things, but I’ll try to vary it for those who don’t live near me. My hope is that these round ups will serve as a nice distraction for you during these trying times, and maybe you’ll be inspired to try something new at the same time. Stay well!
1. T.W. Hollister & Co. Club Oso de Oro
My friends at T.W. Hollister just launched a wine club this week, making it easy to enjoy their artisan California vermouth from the comfort of your home. They source many of the ingredients from Santa Barbara County, which I love, but these are also just quality products worth seeking out. We always have a couple bottles on hand for sipping in a spritz, and the Oso de Oro Red Vermouth is a go-to for baking (it’s the secret ingredient in my olive oil cake). When you sign up before next Friday, you’ll get a free gift, and the T.W. Hollister team will donate 10% to the 93108 Fund.
2. Fresh Citrus Margaritas
Thanks to some generous friends with fruit trees, Nick and I have been having a weekly margarita cocktail hour on our porch. I juice a mix of oranges, limes and Ojai pixies (I highly recommend an electric juicer) then shake it with tequila and add a splash of Grand Marnier. So simple and tasty, but this recipe for Clementine Mezcal Margaritas from Le Petit Eats is next on my list to try.
3. Banana Bread With Sunflower Seed Icing
I have been using my mom’s tried and true recipe for banana bread for years, but with all the bananas I’ve had ripening at the same time, I decided to switch it up. I recently got the Cannelle et Vanille Cookbook by Aran Goyoaga and her recipe for Banana Bread With Sunflower Seed Icing is a fantastic alternative. The cookbook is beautiful, but if you don’t want to add another cookbook to your collection, email or DM me and I’ll send you the recipe!
4. Bibi Ji x Whitcraft Wines: 2018 Cuvée Ji Vol. 2 Grenache / Syrah
What do you get when three talented wine peeps team up to make a wine? Bright and crunchy goodness. Raj Parr and Alejandro Medina of Bibi Ji (one of our go-to Santa Barbara restaurants) and Drake Whitcraft of Whitcraft Winery (producer of some of our favorite SBC wines) teamed up for a second vintage of their fresh, flavorful 50/50 blend of Grenache and Syrah. Try it with a little chill for ultimate tastiness. You can order it from Bibi Ji directly, but we got it in our wine club at Satellite.
