MMMM good stuff!

Crostini with Fig Spread and Bubbled Brie

Prep time: 10 minutes.
Cook time: 40 minutes.

3/4 cup stemmed and chopped dried figs (slightly heaping)
3/4 cup Mirassou California Pinot Noir
1 1/2 tbsp. honey
2 lemon slices, seeds removed
24 (1/4-inch thick) baguette slices, cut on the diagonal
2 tbsp. walnut or extra virgin olive oil
1/2 lb. cold Brie, thinly sliced
1 1/2 tbsp. chopped fresh thyme
Combine figs, wine, honey and lemon slices in medium saucepan. Bring to boil, then reduce heat and cook, covered, over low heat 30 minutes. Let cool slightly, then puree in food processor or blender.

Brush bread slices with oil and place oil-side down on large baking sheet. Spread about ½ tablespoon fig spread on each baguette slice and top with equal amounts of Brie, then top with thyme. Bake at 450°F 8 to 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Makes 24 appetizers.

Pairing Suggestion: Pairs with Mirassou® California Pinot Noir.

Wine pairing

This is a link to a user wine pairing site, check it out! http://www.mirassou.com/recipes/wine-pairing-and-suggestions.asp

Holiday Wine Pairing

This sounds tasty..............
Chicken in Tomato & Olive Braise


Wine Inspired RecipesChef Katz' Chicken in Tomato & Olive Braise

Prep time: 15 minutes.
Cook time: 30 minutes.

6 chicken thighs, 5-6 ounces each
2 teaspoons kosher salt, more to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, sliced about 1/8th inch thick
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 pinch hot pepper flakes, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground fennel seed
1/4 cup Mirassou Pinot Noir
1 large can (1 pound 12 ounces) excellent quality diced tomatoes in juice
2 teaspoons brine-packed capers, rinsed
1 cup whole pitted green olives, rinsed
1 ounce Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, shaved with a vegetable peeler
1 loose cup whole parsley leaves, plucked from the stem
Preheat an oven to 325 degrees. Select a 3 to 4 quart oven-safe baking dish, and set it aside. Heat a large, heavy skillet over a medium-high burner. While the pan is heating, season the chicken with the salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the olive oil to the skillet, allow it to heat through, then add the chicken pieces skin-side down. Cook until crisp and golden, about 5 minutes, then turn and brown equally on the other side, about 4 minutes. Remove the chicken to a plate.

Pour off all but about 2 tablespoons of the fat from the skillet, and return it to the stovetop over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion, and stir often for 3 minutes, or until it smells sweet. Stir in the pepper flakes and fennel. Deglaze with the wine, stirring against the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to release the browned juices. Add the tomatoes, capers and olives, and bring the skillet to a simmer. Cook for five minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust the seasoning to taste, then pour the tomato mixture into the oven-safe baking dish. Arrange the chicken pieces over the tomato mixture, skin-side up, and sprinkle the shaved cheese over the chicken. Place the baking dish on the center rack of the oven and cook for 10 minutes, or until a thermometer reads 160 degrees in the center of the largest piece of chicken.

Garnish the dish with parsley leaves and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Serve with soft polenta or your favorite short pasta, and a crisp green salad.

Serves 6.

Pairing Suggestion: Pairs with Mirassou® California Pinot Noir

More Christmas Fun

Here's one more link to Christmas fun, http://www.frontdoor.com/buy/10-towns-with-dazzling-holiday-decorations/pictures/pg206 , enjoy the tour.

Christmas Beautiful

Check this link for some fine looking Christmas Homes http://www.hgtv.com/decorating-basics/stunning-outdoor-christmas-displays/pictures/index.html Happy Holidays!

Orange Eggnog Punch

Like Grandma made............
Orange Eggnog Punch
Ingredients1 quart reduced-fat dairy eggnog or 1 can (1 quart) eggnog1 can (12 ounces) frozen orange juice concentrate (thawed)1 can (12 ounces) ginger ale (chilled) Nutritional Information 1 Serving:Calories 177Saturated Fat 2gTotal Fat 4gProtein 7gCarbohydrate 28gFiber 0gSodium 82mgCholesterol 97mg
Introduction:This traditional holiday beverage gets fresh sparkle and flavor from the addition of ginger ale and orange juice. Makes eight 7-ounce servings.Preparation time: 5 minutes.Step 1:In a pitcher, stir eggnog and orange juice concentrate until well mixed. Pour in ginger ale and stir gently.

Christmas Champagne Punch

This sounds tasty.................
Champagne Reception Punch
Ingredients5 pints (10 cups) fresh strawberries1 1/2 cups pineapple juice (chilled)3/4 cup fresh lemon juice3/4 cup superfine sugar1 bottle (4/5 quart) champagne or sparkling wine (with or without alcohol) chilledNutritional Information 1 serving:Calories 92Saturated Fat 0gTotal Fat 0gProtein 1gCarbohydrate 17gFiber 0gSodium 1mgCholesterol 0mg
Introduction:Since colonial days, a punch of champagne and fruit has been a favorite for "very proper receptions." Makes about 2 quarts or 10 6-ounce servings.Preparation time: 15 minutes. Freezing time: 6 hours.Chilling time: 2 hours. Step 1:To make the strawberry ice cubes: At least 6 hours before party time, wash the berries. Place 1 small, pretty berry (with leafy hulls attached) in each compartment of 2 standard-size ice cube trays, then fill with water and freeze. Step 2:To prepare the punch: Remove the hulls from the remaining berries and place them in a food processor. Process for 2 minutes or until pureed, then transfer to a punch bowl. Stir in the pineapple juice, lemon juice, and sugar; cover and refrigerate. Just before serving, pour in the champagne and float the strawberry ice cubes on top.

Holiday Recipes

Do you want to try a new recipe for your Thanksgiving Turkey? If so here's a link to some new ideas. http://blog.foodnetwork.com/fn-dish/2011/11/10/best-thanksgiving-turkey-recipes/
or try this one http://www.yumsugar.com/2011-Thanksgiving-Recipes-20332020

Happy Holiday Season to All!

Christmas planning! Yeh - Right

Do you plan ahead for the Christmas Holidays? Here's a link to some planning ideas that might help. http://christmas.organizedhome.com/christmas-countdown/2011/assignments-day-18
It also offers a printable Christmas count down Calendar

Yesterdays post/Hobby Farm for Sale

I've been a resident of Olean Missouri for 33 years and I've enjoyed every day of living there. The town and my farm are loaded with history so if you're interested here's a link to some of the history. http://www.millercountymuseum.org/communities/olean.html
Don't forget "The Testicle Festival"

Great hobby farm suitable for horses!

1800's restored 3 bedroom, 2 bath home on 14 acres. Claw foot tubs, hardwood & tile floors, wood stoves, hot tub on brick patio, lots of out buildings, above ground pool, nice pasture along full time creek bottom, garden and fruit trees. Great for horses or a few cattle, sheep & chickens. Minutes from Lake of the Ozarks and Jefferson City. Only 2/10 mile of gravel.
Beautifully restored
Tall ceilings and bulls eye trim
Hardwood and tile floors
2 Woodburning stoves
2 Wells
Clawfoot tubs
14 acres
Brick Patio with Hot Tub
Above Ground Pool with large deck and slide
Raised Bed Garden and Fruit Trees
Lots of out buildings

How are Real Estate sales at Lake of the Ozarks?

The following list may be a helpful tool in your decision to determine if it's the time to buy that home at the Lake of the ozarks.

• The National Association of REALTORS released a repor showing the total home sales have improved by 8.3% in the first quarter of this year.


• By removint the 6.7 million collar sale in 2010 from the chart, we found theaverage sales price of waterfront homes has increased for the past 2 years.


• Average sales price of offshore homes has decrease, (due to 41% being forclosures).


• Interest rates remain historically low still around 4.75% for 30 year fixed.


• Qualified buyers are able to receive 100% financing.

If you are comcidering selling your home, be patient knowing location, pricing, and condition of homes still remain the most immportant aspect of selling a home.

After reviewing these reports, I bellieve this is a great time to be a buyer. You can buy more home for less money and the interest rates are still extremely low. Prices of homes will go up and interest rates will increase. Knowing when is the big question.

Reece & Nichols Al Elam Real Estate, 573-365-2311 Ext.218 or cwardenburg@reeceandnichols.com

27922 Lindsey Ln. Lake of the Ozarks, MO

Beautiful well maintained home (absolutely immaculate).


The home features 3 bedrooms 2 baths spacious great room, kitchen with lots of cabinets. Covered dock makes a relaxing afternoon ideal. Relax and enjoy views of Lake of the Ozarks (both inside and outside). The 2 well dock and furniture are included.

Price: $187,000 MLS # 3077102
Plus a 1999 Finker Flotilla available for an additional $10,000

Aqua Fin Condominium Lake of the Ozarks

If you have been dreaming about owning you own place at Lake of the Ozarks you may want to check out the beautiful 3 bedroom Lakefront condominium. Walk out to the deck, pool, and your 12x32 boat slip. Aqua Fin condos are located on Horseshoe Bend near fine restaurants and entertainment. This unit also offers a Wet Bar, Fireplace, Coffered ceilings and indirect lighting.

NAR to hike dues by $40 | Inman News

Did you know that the National Association of Realtors justed raised their dues by $40? Will this impact Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate in any way? Check out the article by clicking on the link below.

NAR to hike dues by $40 Inman News

AT&T Cellular

Just caught a news flash this morning, if you are an AT&T cell or Ipad user you might want to check into the latest news regarding your cell charges.

Real Estate at Lake of the Ozarks

Thinking about buying or selling Real Estate in the Lake of the Ozarks area, give me a call 800-247-5052 ext. 218 or email me at cwardenburg@reecandnichols.com. Reece and Nichols Al Elam Real Estate has been in business since 1941, so if you are looking for an experienced agent with a company that KNOWS the lake I'm just a call or click away.

Beautiful Lakefront Home in Lake of the Ozarks

Brick & Stone Luxury Home with all the upgrades you could imagine including heated salt water pool with hot tub and waterfall. Custom built home, Tuscan styling with attention to every detail. Kitchen and laundry room on all 3 levels. Separate game room on lower level with private bedroom and bath. Screened porch, jetted tub, pantry, security system and sound system wiring, tile floors and 3 gas fireplaces with custom built entertainment centers on each floor. This is quality and style and all the bells and whistles that anyone could want. Located in an awesome subdivision with great cove view.

For more information on this wonderful Lake of the Ozarks lakefront home call or email Connie Wardenburg at 573-280-6175, cwardenburg@reeceandnichols.com