Faux Fendant & Quintessential Coffee

As our family has explored and enjoyed various renditions of the classic (cheese) Fondue, we have observed that the Portuguese "Vinho Verde" wine is made from the same Chasselas grape as the classic Swiss Fendant. Locally, the "Vinho Verde" is available at a fraction of the price of a true Swiss Fendant, but (in our experience) provides the same (if not better) dry, fruity experience, especially since the locally available Swiss Fendants tend to be a few years old and (therefore) past their prime.

The classic Swiss Fendant wine is normally ideal for a Fondue, but whether due to age or not, the quality of authentic Swiss product available locally leaves something to be desired. The "Vinho Verde" is a very suitable substitute. Allowed a few moments to divest itself of its mild carbonation, it ‘becomes’ the Fendant.

Until very recently, I never thought I'd ever be roasting my own coffee beans. But after buying some green coffee beans and roasting them in Mrs. Practical's hot-air popcorn popper (which eventually died performing the same duty), the benefit of fresh roasted beans became rather obvious.

We have since invested in a 'FreshRoast Plus 8' roaster, and although it takes considerably longer to achieve the same darkness of roast as with the popcorn popper, the 'proper' roaster has performed quite satisfactorily (so far). The aroma of fresh roasted coffee beans is yet another of the sensory delights our household now regularly enjoys.