Feb 14 – Hidden Vegatables Cookbook

My guest this week is Heidi Herman with her new book “The Hidden Vegetables Cookbook: 90 Tasty Recipes for Veggie-Averse Adults”

Hate vegetables but still want to eat healthy? Tired of feeling guilty every time you skip the greens? What if you could enjoy your favorite meals with all the nutrition and none of the veggie taste? If you’ve ever wished you could eat healthier without choking down another forkful of kale or pretending to like Brussels sprouts, The Hidden Vegetables Cookbook is for you.

This isn’t your typical nutrition cookbook. It doesn’t try to convince you to fall in love with spinach or develop a taste for zucchini. Instead, it gives you a creative, practical way to get the benefits of vegetables without tasting them at all.
These recipes are smart, satisfying, and designed for real adults who know they should eat their veggies… but just don’t like them. Author Heidi Herman brings together 90 flavorful dishes that cleverly incorporate fresh vegetables in ways that blend, mask, and even overpower their taste so you get the nutrients without the struggle.
From hearty dinners to indulgent treats, you’ll find vegetable-packed recipes that actually taste amazing. And no, they don’t look green or “healthy” in that bland, boring way. They just taste like good food.

Whether you’re trying to eat cleaner, sneak more nutrition into your meals, or finally stop feeling bad about your veggie aversion, The Hidden Vegetables Cookbook is here to make it easy—and actually enjoyable. You’ll no longer have to avoid recipes just because they call for squash or feel left out of the healthy-eating conversation. These recipes are designed to fit into your lifestyle, not the other way around. And the best part? You’ll enjoy every bite without second-guessing what’s hidden inside. With practical, no-fuss instructions and real ingredients, you can finally eat better without sacrificing flavor or forcing down foods you dislike. Follow Heidi Herman on Facebook & X

Stop forcing down vegetables and start hiding them like a pro. Grab your copy today and eat better—on your own terms.  Get a copy NOW!

Heidi Herman was born and raised in Central Illinois, but her passion and a common theme in her writing is her Icelandic heritage. She spent more than thirty years in the telecommunications industry in a variety of roles that gave her a broad understanding of business, which she later applied to entrepreneurship, first in a small restaurant and later in a boutique publishing company.

Her writing career started with the inspiration of her mother’s example. In the winter of 2012, her mother, Íeda Jónasdóttir Herman, published a childhood memoir, which featured some of Iceland’s folklore. Heidi was immersed in childhood memories of the Scandinavian legends, lore, and imaginative stories. The myth of Iceland’s troll-like Christmas characters – Jólasveinar – sparked the imagination of many readers and led to Heidi writing her first book, “The Legend of the Icelandic Yule Lads.” It was followed by two more books on Icelandic folklore: “The Guardians of Iceland and Other Icelandic Folk Tales” and “The Icelandic Yule Lads Mayhem at the North Pole.”

In 2017, she co-authored an Icelandic cookbook, “Homestyle Icelandic Cooking for American Kitchens” with her mother, Íeda Jónasdóttir Herman, which won a US category in The Gourmand World Cookbook Awards that year. Heidi published her debut novel, “Her Viking Heart”, in 2018, and it was named the 2018 Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Gold Winner – Romance Category. Her motivational work, “On with The Butter! Spread More Living onto Everyday Life” was inspired when Heidi worked to complete her mother’s final work, “Never Too Late.” Íeda Jónasdóttir Herman (1925-2019) was 94 years old and had completed a year of new experiences to prove a person is never too old to enjoy life. That message, along with her mother’s example, led Heidi to write this new motivational book with ideas and encouragement on how anyone can find those activities and experiences.

She had authored seven books in five genres, including two cookbooks and a new series of Women’s Fiction. Today, she continues to write between time spent traveling, sharing Icelandic culture plus a number of hobbies and interests. When she’s not on the go, she is usually found cooking something up in the kitchen.  Learn more about Heidi

Good Life Guy’s Wine of the Week:
2023 Franciscan Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep garnet color. A luscious cascade of dark fruit, including black currant, black cherry, plum, and blackberry complemented by sweet vanilla and baking spices. Flavor is rich, round, and full-bodied; layered with blackberry, cherry, dried plums, and a hint of cocoa; generous weight on the palate and smooth, mouth-filling tannins; the finish lingers with flavors of rich cassis and black cherry. 14.2% TP92

On Sale at Jacob Liquor Exchange for $13.99 (Save $4)

Perfect gift or dinner compliment for Valentines Day

Posted in Other | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Feb 14 – Hidden Vegatables Cookbook

Feb 7th – Barefoot NFL Super Bowl Wine

My guest this week is Jennifer Wall, winemaker for Barefoot Wines.  Jen was on the show in December, we talked about her journey in wine, the building of the brand and tasted several white wines.  Great to have a repeat performance and this show is all about The Official Wine of the NFL and several red wines crafted by Jennifer and the barefoot team.

Jennifer Wall is the Head Winemaker for Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, a role she has held since 1995. As of late 2025, she is celebrating her 30th anniversary with the brand. Under her leadership, Barefoot has grown from producing just four wines to a diverse portfolio of more than 30 labels, becoming the world’s most-awarded wine brand with over 10,000 medals!

Jen focuses on creating wines that are “varietally correct, fruit-forward, and food-friendly”. That philosphy is what draws so many younger wine enthusiasts to the brand and to enjoy wine. She has been instrumental in the brand’s massive expansion since it was acquired by E. & J. Gallo Winery in 2005. In late 2024, Barefoot was named the 2025 American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast.

Barefoot Wine is the official wine sponsor of the NFL, a partnership established to make wine more accessible and fun for football fans, often featuring activities with NFL teams and personalities. As part of the E. & J. Gallo Winery family, Barefoot promotes a wide range of still and sparkling wines for game-day events, including tailgate parties.
  • Availability: Barefoot offers a wide variety of wines, including popular options like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio, and bubbly, available for fans throughout the season.
  • Presence: The brand has a presence at major NFL events, including the Super Bowl, and supports local teams with sponsorships.

Jennifer says: “As the Official Wine Sponsor of the NFL, our goal is to make wine more friendly and fun. So we’ve teamed up with America’s favorite sport to show that enjoying wine can—and should—be as easy as enjoying the game!”

As America tunes in to this year’s Seahawks vs Patriots Super Bowl, it’s time to upgrade your hosting game with NFL’s favorite wine brand—Barefoot. These expert wine pairings for your Super Bowl watch party will impress. When Super Bowl spending on food, wine, and fun hits historic highs, why not raise a glass to creative, budget-friendly pairings that make every play more memorable?

This year, don’t just settle for beer and chips. Bake brownies, order crab cakes, and grab Barefoot wines for every palate. If your team wins or loses, either way great wine makes every Super Bowl Sunday just a little bit sweeter. Cheers to Super Bowl food and wine pairings, cheers to Barefoot’s winemaker Jennifer Wall, and cheers to a NFL Super Bowl packed with flavor, spending, and unforgettable memories.

Good Life Guy’s Wines of the Week:
Barefoot Cabernet, Merlot, Pinot and Sweet Red
Grab any or all for your Super Bowl Party. Any size, any style…
…there is something for everyone at Jacob Liquor Exchange
Posted in Other | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Feb 7th – Barefoot NFL Super Bowl Wine

Jan 31 – Heartland Masala

My guest this week is Auyon Mukharji. Auyon and his Mom Jyoti have s great new book; “Heartland Masala. – An Indian Cookbook from an American Kitchen.”

Heartland Masala pairs 99 recipes from Indian cooking instructor Jyoti Mukharji with cultural and historical essays by her son Auyon Mukharji. An effervescent celebration of Indian cuisine and the American immigrant experience, this beautiful cookbook is playful, informative, and utterly original.

Real Simple, Food Editor’s Top Cookbook Pick
Slate, Top 10 Best Recipes of the Year
The Boston Globe, Best Cookbooks for Holiday Giving
Kansas City Magazine, Top Gifts to Give and Receive

Filled with rich storytelling, stunning visuals, and a blend of modern and traditional dishes, this book is both a heartfelt portrait of one Midwestern family and a practical guide to cooking incredible Indian meals at home. Get a copy NOW!

Here’s what makes Heartland Masala special:
• Delicious, Accessible Recipes — 99 carefully tested dishes bring Indian flavors into your kitchen, with ingredients and methods tailored for American home cooks.
• Cultural Essays & Family Stories — Fresh, insightful, and often humorous essays explore the immigrant cooking philosophy, the Mukharjis’ mother-son dynamic, and the many quirks of Indian culinary history.
• Illustrations & Stunning Photography — A 32-page full-color photo insert plus original art make this a gorgeous centerpiece for your kitchen or coffee table.
• Step-by-Step Guidance — Jyoti and Auyon include illustrations that demystify complex techniques, along with spice shopping tips to build confidence and skill.

Publishing a cookbook is not for the faint of heart, nor is it for the hopelessly disorganized. Musician and first-time author Auyon Mukharji partnered with his mother, Jyoti Mukharji, to write Heartland Masala: An Indian Cookbook from an American Kitchen, and learned early in the process that a carefully articulated plan would be critical to the success of their book, which relied heavily on art to tell its story.

Mukharji was initially recruited by his mother, a long-time teacher of Indian cooking, to assist in recipe testing for a cookbook that her students encouraged her to write. As the book that would become Heartland Masala evolved, so did his role—expanding into co-author and creative director. He began diligently researching cookbook publishing, and set to work learning as much as he could about collaborating with a creative team.1

A feast for culturally curious readers and adventurous cooks alike, Heartland Masala is unlike any Indian cookbook you’ve seen before. Follow Auyon and Heartland Masala on Substack

Good Life Guy’s Wine of the Week:
2023 Carl Graff Mosel Riesling Spatlese
I have fond memories of drinking Riesling with Indian food while living in the UK. The bright floral aromatics and subtle sweetness if a great match to the aromas and flavors of Indian cuisine. Carl Graff Mosel Riesling Spätlese is a classic German Riesling offering a rich aroma and harmonious balance. With moderate acidity and juicy fruit character, it delivers an elegant, smooth palate that highlights the Mosel’s signature freshness and finesse. ABV8.5%

Learn more about his crisp Riesling, perfect with Indian cuisine!
Order some at Jacob Liquor Exchange on N. Rock Road

Posted in Other | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Jan 31 – Heartland Masala

Jan 24 – Cafe Beaulolais

My guest this week is Chef Julian Lopez with his latest “The New CAFE BEAUJOLAIS Cookbook.” A celebration of California coastal cuisine from Mendocino’s beloved Café Beaujolais—featuring 85+ fresh, seasonal recipes from chef Julian Lopez.

“Loaded with imaginative recipes for entertaining or for everyday use, The New Café Beaujolais Cookbook has the makings of a modern classic.” —Foreword Reviews, starred review

From buttermilk cinnamon coffee cake to pine-smoked salmon and lemon cheesecake, this modern cookbook highlights the vibrant flavors that define Café Beaujolais. Chef Julian Lopez brings a fresh perspective to the restaurant’s legacy with globally inspired, locally sourced dishes for every meal of the day. Includes updated classics from former chef Margaret Fox, plus stories from The Brickery, The Waiting Room, and the farmers who make it all possible.

From Café Beaujolais to Your Kitchen:

• CALIFORNIA CUISINE AT ITS BEST: Showcases the farm-to-table flavors and culinary heritage of Northern California wine country.
• SEASONAL RECIPES FOR EVERY OCCASION: 85+ approachable recipes—from brunch to dinner—inspired by Café Beaujolais, The Brickery, and The Waiting Room.
• VISUALLY STUNNING: More than 150 full-color photographs and illustrated maps capture the people, places, and plates that define Mendocino’s food culture.
• CULINARY LEGACY, REIMAGINED: A blend of old and new, with classic Café Beaujolais favorites revisited for today’s home cook.

ORIGINAL CAFE BEAUJOLAIS BLACK BEAN CHILI RECIPE  a favorite of Julia Child

Whether you’re a home cook, cookbook collector, or longtime fan of the café, The New Café Beaujolais Cookbookis a delicious tribute to one of California’s most cherished culinary destinations. Get a copy NOW!

Julian Lopez is the chef and owner of Cafe Beaujolais restaurant located in the town of Mendocino, California. After graduating from Gonzaga University with a operations management degree in business he spent time in Southern France, Northern Italy and Southern California developing his skills in the kitchen. With the dream of opening a restaurant he and his father Peter Lopez moved to Mendocino and took over the famed Cafe Beaujolais. The business, which has been in business since 1968, focuses on bringing quality food and experiences to locals and tourists alike.

Good Life Guy’s Wine of the Week:
2023 Barra Reserve Pinot Noir, Mendocino.
Vibrant ruby in color. On the nose, an enchanting bouquet of ripe raspberries, tart cherries, and delicate floral notes. On the palate, it offers a smooth and luscious mouthfeel, with flavors of dark berries and a subtle earthiness. The wine’s balanced acidity and soft tannins contribute to a refined, lingering finish. ABV14.5%

Wine Enthusiast – 93 points
These vines have been planted organically since 1955. There is an intensity running through the nose of the wine. The aromas are lush yet flinty, with ripe berries, red plums, and supple oak carried throughout the palate. The fruit on the palate is youthful Bing cherry, Black plums, orange zest, and creamy, with grippy, lip-smacking tannins on the finish. Add a slight chill and enjoy on a warm day with loved ones.

Order some NOW from Jacob Liquor on North Rock Road

Posted in Other | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Jan 24 – Cafe Beaulolais

Jan 17 – Donna Kelly & Empanadas

My guest this week is Donna Kelly with her new book “EMPANADAS”

I grew up in Miami and enjoyed all manner of Cuban Empanadas, both sweet and savory.  It wasn’t until I lived in Spain for four years that I discovered what these little pillows of goodness had to offer.  Follow that with a more recent trip to Chile and I was hooked.  These little fried or baked delicasies can be stuffed with dang near anything.  Empanaditas (little empanadas) for appetizers, large for dinner or to accompany most any related dish.  They are just FUN and easy.

Donna Kelly’s newest cookbook is packed with over 70 recipes for doughs, flavorful fillings, and sauces to make tasty fried or baked empanadas.

Donna Kelly turns her culinary attention to those fabulous little turnovers known as empanadas in her newest cookbook. Empanadas has 3 dough variations plus a shortcut option using tortillas for either frying or baking the handheld pies. Kelly also includes over 60 recipes for both savory and sweet fillings and 7 bonus sauce and drizzle offerings.

You will find fillings such as Venezuelan Mojo Chicken, Mexican Street Corn, Louisiana Jambalaya, Asparagus and Goat Cheese, French Chicken Cordon Bleu, and Korean Beef Bulgogi. There are also holiday-themed fillings like Lucky New Year’s Hoppin’ John and Easter Ham and Scalloped Potatoes. And for your sweet tooth, you will have to try a Peach Melba or Chocolate Raspberry treat.  You need a copy of this book!  Get a copy today

 

Donna Kelly, a food fanatic and recipe developer, is the author of over 25 cookbooks including QuesadillasFrench ToastBurritos101 Things to Do With a Tortilla, and 101 Things to Do With an Air Fryer. She lives in Salt Lake City, Utah.  She and her daughter also do a blog called April Strings…

Donna Kelly & Anne Tegtmeier are a birth mother and daughter who reunited when Anne was 28 and bonded over their love for food and cooking. They blog at Apron Strings, and have authored one cookbook together. When Anne and Donna met, it was love at second sight! They have spent hundreds of hours in the kitchen sharing recipes and family stories and catching up in the nearly three decades they were separated. They love to tweak traditional dishes and give them a healthy, unprocessed spin.  You can find them on Facebook.

Good Life Guys Wine of the Week:
2020 Laberinto Trumao Norte, Maule Valley-D.O. Colbun Chile
he red blend 2020 Trumao Norte was produced with 64% Cabernet Franc, 26% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon from north-facing vines on volcanic trumao ash soils. It fermented with 20% full clusters and indigenous yeasts in concrete and matured in 400-liter French oak barrels for 14 months. It’s ripe without excess, with 14.5% alcohol and good balance.  Perfumed, sappy and elegant, with notes of patisserie, bramble and red berries and a bright mineral core, this has just the right amount of wood for balance. Tim Aken 95 points

Get some at Jacob Liquor Exchange on North Rock Road

Posted in Other | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Jan 17 – Donna Kelly & Empanadas