Trying to hide a pregnancy is very hard especially when everyone’s pastime is drinking! I had to find clever ways to avoid a cocktail without looking suspicious when socializing with family and friends. This was especially true when my grandma proposed a virtual family toast to celebrate my Aunt’s graduation from Yale. I was nervous that my pregnancy would be revealed prematurely given how perceptive my family can be. For example, I once posted an unrelated encrypted message on Instagram about my blog and received a slew of inquiries from my family asking if I was going to make a pregnancy announcement. So in my quest to deceive my family I found my little fingers pitter paddling on my computer’s web browser searching for alcohol removed wines and that is when I discovered the brand FRE!

Fre, is an alcohol removed wine that still has about .05% of alcohol remaining after the removal process. My research suggest that amount of alcohol is deminis and not harmful as it is equivalent to the alcohol content found in some natural fruits. The wine looks like wine and taste like wine plus the price point is phenomenal, pricing south of $8. So if you are looking for some alcohol free ways to cheers in the new year check out the Fre wine brand!

*If pregnant please consult your doctor before consuming this product*

Hey Nickels, did you know after college I worked as a Clerk selling wine and spirits for over 2 years ? During that time I participated in wine tastings, bottles singings, and learned a ton about wine pairing. Another fun fact is my favorite thing to do while on vacation is tour a local wine vineyards. I have toured some of the best vineyards in Napa Valley, Sonoma Country, Naples Italy, Key West, and Erwinna PA. I am not a sommelier but I am no novice either. This is why wine holds a special place in my heart. I hope to project some of my enthusiasm onto you.

Today’s wine-derful selection is Apothic Red. I think this red blend can pair nicely with anything but the experts recommend it be paired with red meats and smoked cheese. Maybe go full Oliva Pope during a girl’s night in and pair it with your favorite popcorn. Check it out at your local Fine Wines and Good Spirits store or wherever you purchase your wine.

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What’s up Nickels! Here is the monthly food & wine selection. Nic’s nachos are a quick and easy crowd pleaser. As we are not currently hosting crowds, it is worth it to note these nachos reheat nicely. Also, this meal’s ingredients will cost you very little. I am not sure of the exact amount, this is not the blog for that but it is worth it.

Prep: 20 mins; Cook (in oven): 15 mins; Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced
• 1 Green pepper, sliced
• 1 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb. of ground Turkey
• 1 (8 ounce) package shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1 package of taco mix
• Pepper to taste
• 1 cup Medium salsa
• 1 bag of tortilla chips
• 1 (4 ounce) can of diced black olives (rinsed)
• 1 can of black beans (rinsed)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 2: Arrange tortilla chips on a large baking sheet.

Step 3: In a 12 inch skillet over medium heat, cook and stir the garlic, onions, and peppers in olive oil until tender. Remove from pan and set aside until later.

Step 4: In same pan in step 2, cook ground turkey until brown then add taco packet with 2/3 cups of water until sauce has thickened.

Step 5: Spread the ground turkey taco mix over the tortilla chips, add half cup of cheese, black beans, half cup of cheese, pepper/onion mix, and finally olives. Placed the sheet pan in oven for 15 minutes.