Red wine
2007 Rubus Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon
This wine makes an excellent gift because it is special. Made in a small production located in Napa Valley, this cabernet can’t be found on your local grocery shelf, but is still priced around $20.

White wine
2008 Travis Chardonnay Unoaked Monterey
This chardonnay is perfect to pair with food. According to Paul, less oakey wines give a better palate for a meal, which will most likely to be served at your gathering. It will be a sure hit for around $16.

For every occasion, there is a proper (and fun!) cocktail. For Christmas mornings, that drink is Milk Punch.

Hot Milk Punch
1 oz. dark rum
1 oz. brandy
1 tsp. superfine sugar
Milk
Nutmeg

Stir well, then pour into a glass mug and fill with very hot milk. Add a few grains of nutmeg to garnish.
(Recipe and photo courtesy of www.esquire.com)

Chilly winter weather often calls for cozy nights at home with family. To warm up this holiday season, try this deliciously decadent hot cocoa.

Hot Peppermint Patty
1 oz. peppermint schnapps
1/2 oz. dark creme de cacao
1 tsp. green creme de menthe
5 – 8 oz. hot chocolate
1/2 – 1 oz. whipped cream

Put creme de cacao and peppermint schnapps into a coffee mug and fill with hot chocolate. Top with whipped cream, and add a teaspoon of green creme de menthe.
(Recipe courtesy of www.drinksmixer.com)

Maria Sakellariou, owner of the personal chef service Culinary Odyssey LLC, specializes in Mediterranean-style cooking and recommends these helpful tips (and two recipes!) for a heart-healthy diet.

1. Use olive oil exclusively. You can easily find quality olive oils that aren't too expensive, and they are healthier than butter. Olive oil is a monounsaturated fat that is high in antioxidants, while butter is a saturated fat, too much of which can increase your risk of heart disease.

2. Use fresh citrus (such as orange or lemon) juice instead of sodium to heighten the flavor of your food. Citrus juice provides a fresh burst of flavor without the adverse side effects of too much sodium, including high blood pressure.

3. Replace cream or sour cream with greek yogurt, which mimics the consistency without the added fat. This is especially helpful when used with foods such as baked potatoes or creamy soups.

4. When making soups, blend the ingredients for a creamy consistency without adding fattening foods, such as real cream.

5. Roasting heightens the layers of flavors in foods, such as meats and vegetables, especially if this is done before the full dish is prepared. For example, Maria suggest roasting a butternut squash in the oven before using it to make a delicious soup. Increasing the flavor without adding ingredients such as salt and butter keeps the dish healthy and delectable.

According to Maria, putting together a healthy meal can be both quick and simple. For a fresh take on fish and vegetables, try these heart-healthy recipes!

Aegean Style Baked Fish (serves 6)
Ingredients:
6 (4-6 oz.) filets of Grouper, Snapper or Sea Bass
3 medium tomatoes, sliced thinly
2 medium Vidalia sweet onions, sliced in rings
3-4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
3 ribs of celery, diced
3-4 sprigs of fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp. Greek oregano
Freshly ground pepper
Salt (optional)
3/4-1 cup olive oil to drizzle over fish
3/4 cup water

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees
1. Rinse fish filets, pat dry and place on foil-lined sheet pan.
2. Season with pepper (and salt if desired).
3. Slice onions and place rings on top of fish.
4. Slice tomatoes and place on top of onions.
5. Sprinkle with parsley and oregano.
6. Drizzle with olive oil.
7. Pour water in pan around fish.
8. Cover pan with foil and place in oven.
9. Cook for about 20 minutes.
10. Uncover and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.
11. Serve with roasted vegetables or rice.

Oven-Roasted Grape Tomatoes (serves 6)
Ingredients:
2 pints of sweet grape tomatoes
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil to drizzle
Freshly ground pepper
2 tbsp. Trader Joe's 21 Seasoning Salute
Chopped parsley for garnish

Directions:
1. Place tomatoes on a cookie sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
2. Sprinkle with ground pepper and 21 Seasoning Salute.
3. Turn over several times to coat well.
4. Place in preheated oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes.
5. Sprinkle with parsley.

For more information on Culinary Odyssey LLC, call 636-357-0269 or visit www.mychefsite.com/culinaryodysseypersonalchefservice.