Hitting the Bottle

Missing E Saga: Part II

I know it sounds cheesy, but I really am missing my other half. The Man and I learn a lot from each other, and definitely have certain strong points and knowledge the other doesn't. Wine, for example. Knowing that there exists red wines and white wines and some pinky ones in between is the extent of my expertise. The Man, however, has that sophisticated knowledge of what wines are best and does that swirling thing in his glass before delicately tasting his wine. I don't care for wine and I don't usually drink it unless we're out to dinner and a bottle is being ordered anyway. Even then I still prefer a Cherry Coke.

What I do care for is butternut squash risotto. I happened to have said squash and risotto and a really great recipe and decided this could occupy a good hour of my time and feed me for almost a week. But this recipe requires a cup of dry white wine. This item did not make it to my shopping cart as wines don't state on the bottle their dryness cuz you're just supposed to know. Pbbbt. Fortunately I found a bottle of Starling Riesling in the fridge, and whereas I don't know how it classifies as 'dry' it was definitely white which fit half the criteria.

But here came another problem: I've never opened a bottle of wine before. I tried a couple times, but for fear of breaking the bottle I've always passed the task on to The Man to take care of. But it was just me this time. If I couldn't have the right wine in my risotto I was determined at least to get this other wine in there. Unfolding the corkscrew, I twisted the spiral down into the cork and was pleased that I managed a straight-down twist.

But pulling a cork out is really, really hard! Perhaps if my corkscrew wasn't so anti-ergonomic and bruising my fingers as I pulled I would have had an easier time. I just couldn't get a good grip synchronized with the right angle. Finally I gave up on doing it the classy way I see in restaurants and TV. Sitting on the floor, bottle between my knees and pulling straight up I risked smacking myself in the face for the sake of a good risotto. After much effort a long sqeeeeeeez-pop! released the cork and I was victorious. That butternut squash risotto was delicious and totally worth it! Athough I would have enjoyed it more and 20 minutes earlier with The Man here, I am glad my preserverance paid off and my squash was not wasted.