My heart beats for this tuna!
Add a bit of spice to your romance with a heart-shaped, Spicy Tuna Veracruz from Cooking Connections. This is definitely a dish to dress up and have fun with! These filets are cooked with grapeseed oil, which includes the health benefits of olive oil but with a higher smoking point.
New wines for a new year!
Party season is underway and any day is a good day to celebrate with wine come winter! First, get a load of this Pinot by Belle Glos. It’s a merriment of their vineyards located in Santa Barbara, Monterrey and Sonoma, which could account for why it’s such a top seller for H-E-B during the holidays!
Cooking Connections’ miracle holiday ingredient!
Chef Brent Hurter used it to make his yummy spiced maple pumpkin mashed potatoes recipe, but Robert’s Reserve Spiced Maple Pumpkin Dip breathes new life into pancakes – even monkey bread as well!
Christmas Comes Early with these Holiday Wines
For Stave & Hoop out of Santa Barbara, think cool – Cali – coastline! The Lot 55 Pinot Noir is light and tropical in aroma, with earthy tones and a lush fruity taste…sound like your glass of wine? Check out these others as well, before the holidays arrive and the table needs setting!
We’re talking turkey wines
It’s that time of the year again…can you believe it’s already come so soon? The holidays are fast approaching, so I got with my Wine Guy, Ralph, for some fresh ideas to go with those turkeys!
Give thanks for these holiday wines!
So you’ve been prepping all morning: You have your turkey roasting in the oven, your stuffing mashed, your cranberry sauce sliced- and now for a well-rounded wine that can pair just right with practically any holiday dish that’s on your menu. My go-to steward for the answer to this question is Matt Wheeler. He’s selected (and I’ve approved!) four different options available this month at your local H-E-B…
Cool Oktober wines
My sommelier Ralph has some cool weather wine picks to curl up with this autumn season! The Urban Riesling has a stone front and places tons of emphasis on the apricot and peach flavors- a perfect selection with spicy pork, even Thai food.
Homemade pasta sauces are a cinch!
“Everything you see I owe to pasta” so said Italian screen siren Sophia Loren. At least her love of pasta showed up in the right places. Pasta truly is one of life’s great culinary pleasures, and it’s even better when it’s homemade…including the sauce!
Connect with Italy in Texas
Keeping it simple is the name of the game! Chef Elizabeth with HEB’s Cooking Connections shows us how to cook our white meat chicken breast, so that it remains super moist (thank your olive oil). We also layer it with the freshest of ingredients – all natural, and all Italian!
It’s all about the toys
The right tools can make any task simpler and pasta making is no different. This incredible collection of pasta tools belongs to Mary Martini who runs the Central Market Cooking School in SA. Pasta making is Mary’s passion…a passion originates from her deep Italian roots.
Soft, silky & sexy pasta perfection
Central Market culinary maestra Mary Martini is on a mission – a very tasteful one I might add! Mary’s passion is pasta—homemade pasta—and she’s bound and determined to teach us how to create our own delicious dishes complete with freshly made sauces.
A true Texan tailgates
In the spirit of friendly competition, these guys and gals cook it out! It seems like any game you attend, college or professional, tailgating is as much a part of fan culture as face paint or wearing team colors. And they mean business!
Score with these tailgating finger foods
It’s official: Football season is here! My dear friend, Rosie Benner of HEB, is sharing some fun recipes to usher in the occasion. You should definitely call a timeout to try the stuffed jalapeño poppers– packed with fried onions, Oaxaca cheese and, of course, plenty of fajita meat, they’re as positively fresh as they are crunchy!
Not your mama’s chili
H-E-B Cooking Connections is back with a dish that’s a serious combination of sweetness and smokiness…a Triple Brisket Chili that’s perfect for those lazy football afternoons.
The Return of Routine…and Reds!
Helloooo September! Hopefully that also means ‘goodbye’ to these blazing temperatures. Nevertheless, my Wine Guy Ralph is back with three more selections for quality wine at affordable prices from your neighborhood H-E-B. As we slowly creep towards autumn, it’s the return of medium-bodied reds to our glass!
Are you feeling saucy?!
So many sauces… so little time! And let’s face it, time is what it’s all about with our busy lives. Discovering HEB’s Cooking Connection was a God send to our busy schedules. They have some incredible sauces made with natural ingredients…no heavy preservatives and additives. You can literally whip up an incredible dish in no time. I asked Chef Elizabeth Hallier to demonstrate a few of her favorite ‘go to’ Cooking Connection sauces…the ones she keeps in her kitchen at home.
A taste of France in Texas
Here’s a totally authentic French dish. Created by a French chef, developed in a French kitchen and now prepared…by you! Taste of France is such an elegant line and is found exclusively at H-E-B and Central Market retailers.
Making the French Connection
Cristina Peña-Walls may just have the coolest job EVER! She is in charge of global sourcing for H-E-B, which means lots and lots of traveling (she’s been to 55 countries!) and sampling of cuisines from indigenous cultures around the world. Believe me, this working mom has some amazing stories to share.
Frugal, fruitful wines
It’s back to school time, which means bargain hunting is at its peak! I’m with my ‘Wine Guy’ Ralph for our monthly wine selections from H-E-B that will help you get back into the swing of things.
Burgers and soppin’ sauce
For more tasty burger ideas from your HEB in Houston….check these out! Even slider versions for a limited time. The secret to these delish burgers is the sauce! Ever heard of ‘Soppin’ Sauce’ ? Buy a variety because I loved every single one I tasted!! The Soppin’ Sauce is available at most HEB’s. I found mine at the HEB Plus at Blanco and 1604.
H-E-B’s Burger Bash!
Tired of the same old burger? Then check out these healthy, delicious new salmon burgers from H-E-B. Talk about good taste – Italian Bruschetta Burgers with Tomatoes and Parmesan, Fiesta Jalapeno Cheddar Burgers chock-full of zesty spice and rich cheese…
Tropical Take On Ceviché
These summer days are just packed, aren’t they? With endless amounts of errands and running around to do this summer, I find that the best ways to unwind are often the simplest. Case in point: how about an easy dish…one that requires very little preparation but packs a lot of flavor.
Go white, Go light. For less…
It’s all about keeping things “light” during these scorching summer months in Texas. Light colors to beat the heat, and light wines that are literally light on your pocket book! My ‘Wine Guy’, Ralph at HEB plus!, has recommended some wonderful white wines to pair with your entrees.
Grilled caprese salad
Summertime…and the living is easy. And we are all heading to the grill for some time in the great outdoors. H-E-B Cooking Connection has come up with a grilled Caprese Salad…made with fresh heirloom tomatoes, mozzarella and portobello mushrooms. Chef Jeff from the H-E-B at Bunker Hill shows us how to make this easy salad.
Keep cool with a nice brew this summer
As you know, I love a good glass of wine. But in the summer, sometimes an iced-cold beer is best. Matt Wheeler, the Sommelier at the H-E-B Bunker Hill, has some suggestions on finding a beer to beat the heat. Alamo Golden Ale is a smooth beer.
H-E-B’s banana-wrapped Chilean sea bass
Are you looking for a dish that’s not only delicious…but makes a fabulous presentation too? I’ve found it at H-E-B Cooking Connection. Chef Jeff Alfeche at the Bunker Hill location made this Banana Wrapped Chilean Sea Bass for me recently. Wow!
Pizza goes ‘Hollywood’
What a fun twist on traditional pizza! The best part about these pizzas is that you can toss on just about whatever you like to make them unique and all your own. H-E-B’s Cooking Connection Chef Elizabeth Hallier calls this pizza the ‘Hollywood Pizza’ because it’s so beautiful and light. It’s delicious too!
Refreshing wines of summer
When the weather gets hot, it’s time to look for a little lighter fare. It’s a Texas tradition to enjoy the outdoors and head to the grill this time of year. And that’s when you need one of these wines which are perfect ‘summer refreshers’.
BIG RED bargains for Dad!
BIG RED fans, take note! This is for you. It may be May, but now is a great time to stock up and save on some amazing Cabernet Sauvignons for Father’s Day from H-E-B. The first two weeks of May, all H-E-B stores are offering an additional 10% off Big Reds.
Too darn hot? Time for summer wines!
Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner, a backyard Texas BBQ or an intimate dinner with the love of your life, any of these warm weather wines will fit the bill. When the mercury rises, it’s time to try a nice cool Chardonnay.
Amazing, year-round grilled steak
Whether it’s hot or cold outside, as Texans, it is pre-ordained that we spend lots of time at the grill! This is an amazing, year-round steak. The key is that it is dry-aged. Over time, the flavor builds to a delicious grade. You can’t find this at every supermarket.
For Mom: Lemon-Honey Chicken, Hugs and Kisses Cake!
Happy Mother’s Day to all you Moms out there! It’s a day designed just for you. Here’s a hint for the husbands and kids: make these dishes for Mom, and you’ll be a hero! Rosie Benner develops ALL the recipes that you find at H-E-B, and they’re fabulous. This grilled Honey Lemon Cilantro Chicken is slow-cooked, juicy and delicious.
Wine of Champions!
Who doesn’t want to see a Texas team win an NBA Championship this year? We can all cheer on the Spurs with this wine! Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich is part-owner of a winery in Oregon. It’s beautiful – I had the pleasure of visting once.
The Bigger the Pot the Better the Boil
Crawfish season is on! Get ‘em while they’re at here. Call your family, invite your friends – everyone will have a good time. HEB’s got loads of fresh crawfish right now, and if you don’t have a giant pot for the occasion they can probably help you out there too.
Grand Affair for Wine & Food Lovers
If you like wine, okay love wine, and are interested in learning more about your favorites, the Grand Wine and Food Affair in Sugarland at the end of this month is a great venue.
Celebrate Texas’ independence with a Texas wine
For years, when people talked about Texas they talked about cattle, oil or pretty women. While all of those may apply, now the big buzz about Texas is its wine!
All Texas – All Goodtaste!
Sure things are bigger and better in Texas, and local produce and products from Texas often taste better too because they’re fresh! Chef Elizabeth with HEB’s Cooking Connections whips up a super simple meal with some delicious sides. The Oaxacan Creamed Corn is phenomenal!
Best of Texas Wines & Rodeo Winners
Texans like to brag and for good reason…we’ve got lots to brag about! This month at HEB you’ll be able taste a ton of delicious Texas artisan products and try some top Texas wines.
Watermelon Chicken a Treat at Tex Fest
When I heard what this dish was called, I was intrigued. A watermelon glaze on chicken…what in the world is that? Wow, it’s delicious! Sweet combines with savory, and the result is an explosion of flavors. This easy to prepare dish is from HEB’s Cooking Connections and features products ALL sourced from Texas. It’s just one of the wonderful recipes that will be featured at HEB’s Tex Fest which goes on the first couple of weeks of March.
Malbecs, Meat and More
Meat and Malbecs make a marvelous match, but that’s only the beginning. Sommelier Jake Lewis at HEB’s Buffalo Speedway store has some great wine pairing ideas that feature an incredibly affordable Malbec, a new release from Conn Creek that’s a Bordeaux blend, plus a delightful ‘Meritaggio’…a Super Tuscan style blend made right in the heart of Napa.
Red or White – A Wine for All Lovers
Sweet bliss could refer to almost any glass of wine, but in this case, ‘Sweet Bliss’ is a Washington state blend that’s perfect with anything chocolate or simply all by itself for dessert.
Eggs for lovers…really?
Really! This elegant frittata is the perfect dish to impress someone special. It whips up in no time and makes for a perfect cozy breakfast in bed or a romantic brunch for your Valentine.
Three easy dishes to keep the weight off
We have the best of intentions every new year when it comes to dieting, but after a few weeks my determination always starts to wane.
Sparkle in the New Year
Ralph ‘the Wine Guy’ at H-E-B has some wonderful wine choices to start off the new year. Everything from a sparkling made in Argentina, you don’t often see that, to a lovely Chardonnay, red blend from Chile called Puzzle Tree.
How to Prepare the Perfect Prime Rib Roast
Anytime you serve a rib roast, it’s the star of the table—beautiful to look at and delicious too.
H-E-B has perfect wines for the holidays
Ralph ‘the Wine Guy’ at H-E-B has some wonderful wine suggestions this month. A velvety smooth red that’s perfect for a cozy night in front of a fire, and some fun sparklings to put you in a festive mood.
Central Market’s Breezy Breakfast Strata
Don’t spend all your time in the kitchen this week! Mary Martini from Central Market has a delicious Breakfast Strata recipe that you can make ahead of time and simply pop in the oven for friends and family.
Wines for Your Thanksgiving Meal
Ralph my “Wine Guy” at H-E-B suggests some special wines for your Thanksgiving Day meal. An un-oaked Chardonnay, a Pinot Noir that I absolutely love, and a lovely Gerwertztraminer.
A Popular Zinfandel for Only $8
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It’s the time of year to get serious about steaks and red wine! Ralph ‘the Wine Guy’ at HEB has some great suggestion for red wine fans that include a Malice, Tempranillo and a Zindandel – a little something for everyone.
Plus, Chef Elizabeth [...]
Pop a Cork with Friends One Evening
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Ralph The Wine Guy from HEB has some wonderful wine ideas for you to share with friends while we have a little summertime left. And, they all cost less than $15.
Plus, Chef Elizabeth with Cooking Connections has a wonderful recipe for a Plank [...]
Summer Whites for Chillin’ from HEB
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Whether you’re kicking back on the beach or simply lounging by the pool, quench your thirst with one of these icy cold whites from HEB. Ralph ‘the Wine Guy’ at HEB has some wonderful suggestions for your next glass…and they’re all less than [...]
Apricot Nectar Chicken Salad
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Colorful fruit cups and a yummy Apricot Nectar Chicken salad are just a couple of the fun summer food ideas from HEB’s Cooking Connections. These dishes are perfect for our hot summer days, and they’re so easy to make. Chef Kristy shows [...]
2010 Summer Wines
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Procrastinate Sauvignon Blanc – light, crisp, lemon, lime and grapefruit flavors; $9.
Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz – Sweeter style red with blackberries and plums with a hint of spice. Works well with pork and barbeque; $9.
24/7 Gerwerztraminer – Sweet White peaches on the palate with [...]
Great Spring Wine for Less than $10
HEB always has a great selection of wines and some wonderful bargains as well. All of the wines you’ll see today are less than $11, and they’re perfect for the warmer spring weather. Ralph ‘the Wine Guy’ has some great ideas including a versatile sweet red wine for SIX DOLLARS!
Springtime Wines Put You in the Mood for Love
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When spring is in the air, love isn’t far behind! Whether it’s a wedding wine, date wine or just to celebrate the season, think of these fun wines from HEB…all less than $13.
Rare Find Chardonnay – California – Tropical fruit, vanilla – $10
Tru Hart [...]
Lighten up with White Sangria!
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Lighten up with White Sangria! It Feels Like Spring!
My “Wine Guy” Ralph at HEB has some great wine ideas for our sunny skies…also, an inexpensive new beer and a delicious ‘white’ sangria recipe.
White Sangria Recipe
1 each Orange, Lime, Lemon, Red Apple
1 bottle Fratelli [...]
Beer ‘Bubbles’ for Valentines
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A fun twist on your Valentine’s fun from HEB – give him what he really wants – beer! Actually, these are so good, you’ll enjoy them too even if you’re not a beer drinker. For a delicious twist – serve over ice [...]
New Wines for 2010
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Whether you’re searching for a particular wine or maybe looking for a new wine to try, Ralph ‘the Wine Guy’ at HEB can help you. HEB has lowered the prices on hundreds of its wines, so you’re guaranteed to get a good deal. [...]
The Perfect Wines for the Holidays
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Ralph ‘The Wine Guy’ at the HEB Plus at 1604 and Blanco is known for finding the wine you’ll like. Today, he has a good selection of holiday wines that are incredibly low priced.
Artist Valley Riesling (Germany) – Pear, peach and lemon flavors. Slightly [...]
Turkey wine time
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Ralph, the ‘Wine Guy’ at HEB, has some wonderful wine suggestions for that giant Thanksgiving Day meal you’re planning. Red wine fans and white wine fans will both be happy. As always, Ralph has some wonderful choices from Special Selects that are excellent [...]
Fall’s Here – Time for the REDS
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Now that the weather has cooled off, red wine is perfect for the season. Ralph, the ‘Wine Guy’, at HEB has some good Special Selects that go great with fall’s heartier fare.
Vintage Ink Merlot – A wonderful steak wine. Let breathe about 20 [...]
Reds
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Summertime in South Texas
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Summertime in South Texas can be summed up in one word – HOT! The folks at HEB have you covered if a cold beer is what cools you down. The selection is huge.
Ralph’s picks
Ralph’s picks today include a Shiner Boc, a Cantina [...]
Red, White & New Wines for Summer
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Are you ready to Procrastinate! Lazy or not, summer is here and HEB’s got some light fun summer wines you’ll want to try. Ralph ‘The Wine Guy’ at the HEB Plus at Blanco and 1604 can help you with all your wine [...]
Summertime with the Wine Guy at H-E-B
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Are you ready to Procrastinate! Lazy or not, summer is here and HEB’s got some light fun summer wines you’ll want to try. Ralph ‘The Wine Guy’ at the HEB Plus at Blanco and 1604 can help you with all your wine [...]
Wines Mom Will Love
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Celebrate Mother’s Day all month. Ralph, the “Wine Guy”, at HEB Plus has some fun ideas for Mom whether she likes sparkling or slightly sweet. All are bargain priced at less than $15.
Ralph’s Picks of the Week
Domaine Ste Michelle
Woodbridge Moscato
San Silvestri Moscato d’Asti
Ralph’s Picks
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H-E-B Special Selects are always a great buy. Ralph’s picks for the week are…
Benziger Chardonnay approx. $14.99
Snoqualmie Naked Gewürztraminer approx. $8.98
Sincerity Merlot/Cabernet approx. $12.98
“Special Selects” Wines from H-E-B
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Celebrate Valentine’s Day
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Happy New Year
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November 2008
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