This week I 'ave been mostly drinking…

Dianne Barrie, Company Administrator

It has to be said that I am partial to a decent G&T, and I think I may just have found a new favourite! Over the years I have tried a number of different gins, with Hendrick’s, The Botanist and Caorunn being among my favourites. Raspberry Infused Edinburgh Gin is also a summertime treat, particularly when a dash is added to a glass of Prosecco…but I digress. My ‘new’ favourite is Darnley’s View. It has all the characteristics of a good gin – dry, with an extremely well-balanced mix of citrus and floral botanicals. Apparently an old family recipe, the principal flavours in this gin are juniper, lemon peel and elderflower which makes for instantly appealing aromas and a very smooth flavour. This is certainly a gin I will be continuing to enjoy during the last days of summer and probably for a little while after that too!

Ally Moir, Shop Assistant

This week I have been mostly drinking…Valdivieso Sauvignon Blanc 2012 from the Central Valley, Chile.  This is a clean, crisp, refreshing Sauvignon with aromas of green apples and gooseberries. Full of lovely citrus flavours, it went particularly well with the sweet and sour chicken we enjoyed for our supper on Saturday night. And, at only £7.78 per bottle it’s fabulous value for such a delicious and appealing wine.

Clive Holroyd, Database manager

Recipe for a great day:

Ingredients

• 2 red onions
• 1 Jar onion relish or chutney
• 1 leg of Lamb
• 6 cloves garlic, unpeeled but bashed
• 3 teaspoons of cumin seeds
• 3 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
• 1 jar black olives, drained
• 1/2 jar of Capers, drained
• 1 bottle Martinez Bujanda Infinitus Malbec Spain 2009
• 1 Friend's Border Collie
• Section of the West Highland Way.
• Pre-prepared Mediterranean Roast Vegetables.
• 2 packets of Couscous

Method

1. Peel and chop the onions then gently sauté in olive oil until soft and sweet.
2. Whilst the onions are cooking, dice the lamb into cubes about 1.5 - 2cm in width. Don't be too fussy about getting every last bit of meat off the bone.
3. Put all of the ingredients, including the lamb bone but excluding the dog, long distance footpath and a glass of the wine into slow cooker.
4. Take the dog and the family for an 8 mile walk along the West Highland Way.
5. Return home, put Mediterranean vegetables in oven.
6. Realise 1 glass of wine is not enough for 4 of you, so open a bottle of Vina Apaltagua Huaquen Merlot Chile 2010.
7. When roast vegetables are almost ready, prepare couscous according to instructions on pack.
8. Serve and eat food. Pour and drink wine.