Meet The Team / Alexa Weibel

Happy Drink Wine Day!

Grapes have been fermenting for this beloved libation for more than 12,000 years. From Chardonnay to Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir to Sancerre, most wine drinkers have a preferred type, but how aware are drinkers of the categorized breakdown beyond the simple "red" versus "white"?

According to The New Food Lover's Companion, wine is categorized into four different types of groups:

• Still wines, which may be rosé, red or white and fall into dry, semisweet and sweet qualifications;
• Sparkling wines, which include Champagne, Prosecco and other bubbly international varieties;
• Fortified wines, like sherry or port, with increased alcohol content from brandy or other spirits;
• Aromatic wines, like vermouth, flavored with spices or herbs.

Of course, a serving of port wine isn't quite as drinkable as a crisp glass of white, so we'll inquire as to your favorite type of wine by the classic divide: white or red? Do you decide depending on what is served or are you a devotee according to color? Spill your opinions in the comments!

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Happy National Almond Day!

In light of many recent New Years' resolutions, instead of reaching for a bag of Cheetos, many of you may be snacking on nuts. And almonds are a great choice, being the most nutrient-dense tree nut, providing magnesium, potassium, Vitamin E and -- you guessed it -- a healthy dose of protein.

California provides 80 percent of the world's supply of the crunchy nut, which is often served bare, simply roasted or toasted and salted. Good enough to enjoy on its own, it's also delicious when seasoned -- served spicy with cumin and cayenne in this recipe, spicy-sweet in a honey-sesame crust, or served saccharine, with vanilla, sugar and cinnamon. What's your favorite recipe for spiced almonds? Share it after the jump!

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Happy National Gumdrop Day!

Invented in the 1800s, this classic confectionery candy has been delighting sweet-tooth cravings for over a century with its fruity gelatin flavorings and sugar crystal coating. Although most prominently seasonally utilized during wintertime gingerbread houses, gumdrops are outfitted for each and every season, with springy fruit flavors, autumnal spices, and even more unique varieties, like that of "Crows" licorice.

For an artistic rendition of the whimsical snack, check out this lively video for an appropriately lively visual representation of the candy's vibrant taste.

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Happy Celebration of Chocolate Month!

"Chemically speaking, chocolate is really the world's perfect food," says nutrition researcher Michael Levine. And according to statistics, the general population agrees: In fact, more than $345 million worth of chocolate candy is purchased during the week of Valentine's Day alone, which adds up to a whopping 58 million pounds. The most lucrative chocolate sale day this week? Apparently sweethearts plan ahead, since it's not Valentine's Day but February 13th -- with February 15 close on its heels, as smart shoppers swoop up discounted chocolate.

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Happy Potato Lover's Month!

Often overlooked as but the carb-ier half of "meat and potatoes," taters have actually been around since 500 B.C., when they were grown -- and worshiped -- by the Incas. But despite the potato's storied history (including Spanish Conquistadors, King Louis XVI's strategic planting of the crop, the Great Famine and Idaho's embrace), these days it's often taken for granted on the American table.

We hope these unique recipes spark some new enthusiasm for the tater!

• Leaning Potato Towers
• Oven Fries with Herbs and Pecorino
• Horseradish Twice-Baked Potatoes
• Bacon-Wrapped Tater Tots
• Potato-Celeriac Gratin
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Warm Chicken Sausage and Potato Salad
• Seasoned Potato Wedges
• Potato Pizza with Rosemary
• Provencal Potato "Bouillabaisse"

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