This episode of Big Blend's "Eat Drink & Be Merry" show offers a fresh conversation with Robert Schueller of Melissa's World Variety Produce, who discusses their most spectacular gift baskets and gourmet boxes, from the unique, low-acidity Pink Glow Pineapple Rosé Basket to the healthy, convenient Baby Veggie Basket.
We explore the massive variety Melissa's offers (over 1,500 products!) and why their commitment to quality makes their offerings the perfect, thoughtful gift for any occasion, personal or corporate. Plus, get the inside scoop on how a gift basket can bring a taste of the tropics to the middle of winter! Their gift packages are available on their website, and their fresh produce is widely available in grocery stores.
Learn more about Melissa's Gift Baskets discussed on the show: https://open.substack.com/pub/bigblendfooddrink/p/the-worlds-freshest-gifts
Shop Melissa's: https://www.melissas.com/
--------
32:04
--------
32:04
Wine Friendly Holiday Season: Beaujolais, Risotto & New Recipe Magazine
Celebrate the holiday season with wine, food, and festive cheer in this flavorful episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Wine Time with Peggy" podcast with Peggy Fiandaca, co-owner of Arizona’s LDV Winery. Hear about the joyful traditions surrounding Beaujolais—especially Beaujolais Nouveau, the iconic wine of the season known for its fresh, celebratory spirit.
The conversation also dives into holiday entertaining, the importance of supporting small businesses, and why wine clubs make meaningful gifts. Peggy shares tips for making the perfect Mushroom Risotto. Along the way, learn about vineyard seasonality, terroir-driven wines like LDV Winery's Rhyolite series, and how food and wine create lasting holiday memories.
📘 NEW! Wine & Bites Digital Podcast & Recipe Magazine
This episode also celebrates the launch of WINE & BITES — Big Blend Radio’s "Wine Time with Peggy" Podcast & Recipe Magazine. This monthly digital publication includes the latest podcast episodes, recipes, wine & food pairing tips, and more — including the Mushroom Risotto recipe featured in this show.
👉 Read the new issue here: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/fmlb/
🍇 Learn more about LDV Winery: https://ldvwinery.com
🎧 Follow Wine Time with Peggy: https://wine-time-peggy.podbean.com/
This episode is also featured on other Big Blend Radio Network channels including "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" and "Big Daily Blend." Discover more at: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork
--------
30:37
--------
30:37
Vibrant Harvest: Growing a Kaleidoscope of Color in Your Garden
In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Garden Gossip, gardener and author Sandra Mao us to talk about her vibrant new book, “Vibrant Harvest: Cultivating a Kaleidoscope of Colors in Your Vegetable Garden.” From purple tomatoes and magenta potatoes to speckled lettuces and edible flowers, Sandra shares how colorful vegetables can transform your garden, your kitchen, and even your kids’ eating habits.
We explore the beauty and benefits of growing heirloom and hybrid varieties, seasonal planting strategies, and simple ways to get children excited about gardening. Sandra also offers practical advice on seed starting, soil prep, pest control, harvesting techniques, preserving food, and creative recipe ideas using homegrown produce.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned gardener, this inspiring conversation reminds us that vegetable gardens don’t have to be all green—they can be joyful, flavorful, and bursting with color.
📌 Resources & Links:
🔹 Follow Sandra: https://www.instagram.com/sandra.urbangarden/
🔹 Get "Vibrant Harvest": https://www.quarto.com/books/9780760395110/vibrant-harvest
🔹 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" and "Quality of Life" podcast channels. Explore the network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork
In this festive episode of The Peanut Patch Podcast, host Donna George celebrates the store’s 48th anniversary and National Peanut Butter Lovers Month! She shares nostalgic stories of peanut butter favorites, highlights Yuma’s locally grown Medjool dates, and explores how these “Nature’s Candy” gems add a special touch to charcuterie boards and holiday gatherings.
Donna also talks about peanut butter fudge, creative ways to enjoy peanut butter during Thanksgiving, and how to get a head start on holiday shopping with custom gift baskets. Whether you’re local or visiting Yuma this winter, you’ll love the sweet traditions and Southwest flavors that make The Peanut Patch a must-stop destination.
🛒 Shop year-round: https://thepeanutpatch.com/
🍽️ Get inspired in the kitchen with Donna’s recipes: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing-category/donna-george/
🎧 Listen and follow the podcast (new episodes every 1st Friday): https://peanut-patch.podbean.com/
📲 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Eat, Drink & Be Merry” and “Big Daily Blend” Podcast Channels. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork
--------
15:30
--------
15:30
Wonderful Wine and Soup Pairings for the Fall Season
Fall is here, and it’s the perfect season for comfort food and cozy sips! In this heartwarming episode of Big Blend Radio’s Wine Time with Peggy podcast, Peggy Fiandaca, co-owner of Arizona’s LDV Winery, explores the art of pairing wine with soups. From creamy bisques and hearty stews to the classic soup-and-grilled-cheese combo, learn how to layer flavors, balance textures, and select wines that elevate every spoonful.
The conversation also uncovers the meaning behind the wine term “reticent,” offers Thanksgiving wine pairing tips for both traditional and vegan menus (in celebration of World Vegan Month), and dives into how to build a harmonious holiday meal—from appetizers to desserts.
🥣 Recipe of the Month:
- Italian Wedding Soup – Get the recipe on Substack: https://bigblendfooddrink.substack.com/p/pairing-wine-with-soups
- Peggy's Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Recipe: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/roasted-butternut-squash-soup/
🍇 Learn more about LDV Winery: https://ldvwinery.com
🎧 Follow Wine Time with Peggy: https://wine-time-peggy.podbean.com/
This episode is also featured on other Big Blend Radio Network channels including Eat, Drink & Be Merry and Big Daily Blend. Discover more at: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork
This tasty Big Blend Radio foodie podcast channel features interviews, conversations, and panel discussions focusing on food and drink, cooking and recipes, and where to shop, taste, and play!