Wow. So much going on this month, and so much of it red!
The East Is Red
First, Lunar New Year. Knowing my predilection for Guinness, the nice folks at Taylor Strategies sent me a special edition made just for the Year of the Dragon. Not stout, alas, but ale flavored with dragon fruit powder and orange puree. They call it “Luck of the Dragon,” and the can is a work of art in itself, resplendent in red and gold.
The added fruit reminded me of shandy, my favorite thing to do with beer besides drink straight stout, so I was game to try it. And it’s, yes, red! But not terribly so. And it drinks very pleasantly, with a light flavor and only a hint of hops.
It’s available at the Guinness Open Gate Brewery through February.
Hearts and Heartbreak
And then there’s that holiday on the 14th. Harris Teeter did its big, over-the-top decorating job again this year, with flowers, candy, and heart-shaped everything edible, including cookies, cupcakes, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and something I just couldn’t resist: cheesecake. Several varieties. I caved and got the strawberry chocolate one, with sprinkles. I could have gotten the one with a big icing rose, but I drew the line at that.
The cheesecake was delicious! I even looked for another when I went back on the 15th, hoping for maybe a half-price bargain? But alas, none were to be found. I could have picked a consolation prize, though, from the many carts of candy boxes arrayed at the entrance.
I recognize the risk of repeating my article about post-Christmas sales, so I’ll limit the pictures to two – but the next one features a mind-blower: from the lower deck of the right-hand cart, one could purchase Lunchables in heart-shaped boxes.
The perfect Valentine for the person allergic to chocolate. Include a sympathy card.
Red and Black Birds
Speaking of heartbreak, the day after the final Super Bowl playoffs, these cupcakes were also half-price.
With the yellow and purple icing, they could double for Mardi Gras. Just replace the footballs and helmets with green glitter.
Speaking of birds, I looked out my front window the other day and found a slightly scary sight.
Black vultures tearing apart the corpse of an unfortunate raccoon, several of them disporting on my front porch. I should be grateful to them, since it could be next February before the state highway administration would get around to cleaning it up. I speak from experience. (BTW, the term of venery for vultures eating is a “wake.” This differs from vultures flying (a “kettle”) and perched (a “committee”).
It fits the February theme – red in beak and claw!
