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Wine Snobbery for...Tequila Lovers?

Apr 24, 2014

MW
Stage· 165 messages
Apr 24, 2014

It's a Margarita-Off! Even the most dedicated of Winos cannot live on wine alone. This week we're veering way off course - south of the border style - and bringing our very best margarita-making savvy to the table, comparing notes and trading "signature" ingredients to make the WORLD'S GREATEST MARGARITA! nnSalud!

MW

Molly Wolfgram · 1:00 AM

Hola amigos!
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:01 AM

hola!!!
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:01 AM

And welcome, lushes, to the first ever online margarita-off!
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:01 AM

But first...
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:02 AM

I'd like to give a BIG shout out to Tawkers.com. Hopefully you all saw this already, but if not, they sent out an email blast to all the Tawkers subscribers last night that said exactly this:
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:03 AM

Today we're shining a much deserved spotlight on one of our favorite weekly Tawkshows: Wine Snobbery for Dummies. Jennifer Finnell is the creator of WoodsyWino.com, a blog and online storefront that celebrates all things vino. Every Wednesday night
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 1:03 AM

Yay!!!!
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:03 AM

at 9pm EST she takes the Tawkers stage to explore a different aspect of her beloved beverage: its nose and palette, the impact of its growing region, what makes the perfect pairing, and much, much more. Her co-hosts vary week-to-week but one thing r
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:04 AM

remains the same: they always host the Tawk over a bottle of wine, and encourage audience members to do the same! Join Jennifer on Wednesday as she and Molly Wolfgram venture into new territory with Wine Snobbery for… Tequila Lovers? a celebration
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:04 AM

of the almighty margarita.
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 1:04 AM

That is so awesome, Jen!
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:04 AM

THANK YOU TAWKERS! We are LOVIN' THE LOVE!
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 1:05 AM

You're a celebrity!
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:05 AM

Hey - I see more Tawkers than are actually showing up here. EVERYBODY REFRESH YOUR PAGE!
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 1:05 AM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

Saw the shout out very cool !!

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:06 AM

WE are celebs, Molly! Well, almost, anyway. Hey, groupies! ;)
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 1:06 AM

Speaking of refresh...
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 1:06 AM

My marg is mucho refresh-ing!
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:06 AM

Well, shall we get down to it? I'm drinking my most refreshing margarita in a wine glass this evening. You know...for consistency.
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:07 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shannon Kelley

Buenos noches mi amigos

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:08 AM

Miss Wolfgram - I LOVE that you led with the "refreshing" aspect, as that is what a margarita is SUPPOSED to be. Which, incidentally, has no correlation with syrup-y, commercial margarita "mixes".
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:08 AM

Kindred spirits, Shannon!
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:08 AM

We, as well, Shannon. This is some kind of never-before-known elite-ness, right here. lol
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:09 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shannon Kelley

I also have a wine glass, steam less for my tequila delight

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:09 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shannon Kelley

Awesome ladies! So proud to drink with you weekly!

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:10 AM

And how are you enjoying that, Sean? Does it come right from a bottle, or do you have to mix it?
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:10 AM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

Booby Flay's Fresh Cherry Margaritas for me.

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:11 AM

Miss Molly is experiencing technical difficulties. Just fyi...
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:12 AM

Shannon, I invented the jalapeno margarita! Purely by accident of course, but I'm glad my vision made it all the way to - wherever outside of WI you are. lol
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:12 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shannon Kelley

Oh and I should add, I had a jalapeño margarita at dinner! Now that is a killer drink

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:13 AM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

Comcast is not going to be one of our official sponsors

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:13 AM

YAY!!! So I have officially made a difference in the world!
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:14 AM

Okay, gang - Molly is offline. But she is texting me, so I will be speaking on her behalf (with minimal creative license. lol)
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:14 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shannon Kelley

IT did Jenn! All the way to Pennsylvania! And we thank you!

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:14 AM

You can find it - with a wonderfully refreshing addition of fresh cucumber - at Osorio's Latin Fusion.
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:15 AM

Molly: the fewer ingredients, the better. I whole heartedly agree.
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:15 AM

What say you, lushes?
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:15 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shannon Kelley

Ive only seen at two places so far. . both "contemporary" bar and food, delicious both times

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:15 AM

Interesting concept.
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:16 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shannon Kelley

I was at an asian-latin infusion restaurant, must be the thing to do

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:17 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shannon Kelley

Simple is ALWAYS best for good ol' fashioned drinks, tried and true

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:17 AM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

Definitely helps with the later rounds, less ingredients, harder to screw up as the tequila flows through you

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:17 AM

Because we are dedicated to education, let's tawk tequila for a second - do you all realize that there's just as much to know, understand, taste, and enjoy about good tequila as there is about wine, scotch, etc.?
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 1:18 AM

Waaaaiiiitttt, I'm back...we'll see for how long.
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:18 AM

Yes, Shannon! Sean - that's excellent, as long as you are using FRESH fruit.
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:18 AM

YAYYYYYY!!!
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:18 AM

I mean, wait...sorry, Molly...we're already drunk. See you next week.
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:18 AM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

If I'm drinking tequila I do like to keep it sweet with fruit though

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:18 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shannon Kelley

let's you enjoy the liquor in the way it should be enjoyed, something that brings out the best in it's flavor and compliments it.

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:18 AM

Shannon - do tell!
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 1:19 AM

I'm going to railroad this convo...jalapeño margaritas are heavenly.
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:19 AM

Yes, they are. Sensual, spicy, sexy, drunk...just like us!
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:19 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shannon Kelley

I actually had a friend who was i nthe Tequila marketing industry, had a very interesting chat one night

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:20 AM

That's all very insightful, Shannon! I wish we had a prize for smart-ness tonight!
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 1:20 AM

Right way? Like body shots?
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:20 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shannon Kelley

There is a lot too it, and tequila in particular, just as complex as other liquors and spirits, different methods and types

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:20 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shannon Kelley

He was talking about the agave plant and the different techniques. and the "right" ways to drink it

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:20 AM

In America, by college, we are introduced to tequila in the "American" manner. Mexicans think it's funny. Just for the record...
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:21 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shannon Kelley

in all honesty, I am surprised how much I remember, i think the conversation led to a round of tequila shots ha

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:21 AM

But good tequila is not for "shooting". It's for sipping...and enjoying. Bouquet, palate, finish...all those wine terms still apply.
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:22 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shannon Kelley

well he said room temperature and sip on it, like a whiskey almost

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:22 AM

By your description of college in 1986, Sean, I would have died of a tequila overdose.
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 1:22 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shannon Kelley

i certainly hadn't had any frame of mind at 22 to understand that tequila wasn't to be taken quickly, cold and with a lime chaser

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:23 AM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

Fishbowl size Margaritas in a college bar $2 in 1986

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:23 AM

Our beloved liquor expert, Kim, had a margarita pairing dinner one night at Osorio's Latin Fusion. Miss Mexico came to present the tequilas!
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:24 AM

We've got just your basic margs...but made correctly. The refreshing (not syrup-y way). :)
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:25 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shannon Kelley

So Jenn, what are YOU drinking?

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:25 AM

To start with, you have to have a decent tequila. For "at-home" margs, I like Camarena. Decent, but not extravagant.
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:25 AM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

Wolf sighting

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:27 AM

For a liquor substitution, go with Cointreau in place of triple sec. Personally, I skip that part altogether and squeeze fresh orange.
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:27 AM

Wish you were up here, Shannon - we would have so much fun at these pairing dinners!
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 1:28 AM

Help. Good thing I have a lot of tequila here to drown my frustrations.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 1:28 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shannon Kelley

Margarita pairing, how yummy! There is an event like that coming up at the restaurant I was at tonight, I may need to check that out

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:28 AM

Okay, Molly - QUICK - tell us your Agave secret!
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:29 AM

I'm sorry, Sean - did you just complain about shoveling snow to a Northern Wisconsinite?
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:29 AM

Guess that's why we know our tequila - something's gotta keep us warm! :)
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:30 AM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

after shoveling the driveway, in MAY

MW

Molly Wolfgram · 1:30 AM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

and we've lost our host again

MW

Molly Wolfgram · 1:30 AM

Light Organic Agave (1oz), silver tequila (2oz) and the juice of one lime. Heaven
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:30 AM

Fo sho! (sorry - I don't really talk like that!)
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:30 AM

And that's how margaritas came to be!
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:30 AM

ORIGINAL. SIMPLE. None of that fancy stuff.
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:31 AM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

it rubs the lotion on it's skin, oops wrong movie

MW

Molly Wolfgram · 1:31 AM

Yup.
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:31 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shannon Kelley

I will pop up to WI sometime Jenn, we should have a Tawkers meet-up!

MW

Molly Wolfgram · 1:31 AM

I lighten up on the agave and add a fresh fruit on occasion. So delish.
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:31 AM

Sean, I have know idea what you're talking about, but I did write a "musical" version of Silence of the Lambs. We should talk. lol
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 1:31 AM

Wait... Um, excuse me?
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:32 AM

Cool, Molly - but it has to be FRESH fruit, right? We gotta get these people off the mixes!
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 1:32 AM

We're you drunk on Tex's moonshine?
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 1:32 AM

Mixes are no bueno.
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 1:33 AM

Seriously filled with so much crap.
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:33 AM

Nah - first time livin' in Key West. It'll do stuff to ya. I did work at Margaritaville then, though. Conicidence???
MW

Molly Wolfgram · 1:33 AM

Ha! It aaaaalllll makes sense now.
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:34 AM

May I offer a simple, homemade alternative to TGIFridays (or other such commercial entity's) marg mix?
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:35 AM

Okay, fine...I'm going to, anyway. Limeade. Accent with a squeeze of FRESH lime. That's it. Boom. You're an amazing bartender, just like that.
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:36 AM

However, next time I'm going to try some Agave nectar per Molly's suggestion. I love it in my coffee - don't know why I never thought to put in in my marg.
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:36 AM

Yes sir!
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:37 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shannon Kelley

The coincidence is uncanny

MW

Molly Wolfgram · 1:37 AM

Agave nectar is a great, low glycemic sugar substitute.
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:37 AM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

I Love Key West, helluva night life down there

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:38 AM

Also, margs should ALWAYS be served on the rocks. Not frozen. Frozen is the wussy version of a margarita. Just sayin'...
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:38 AM

Plus, no brain freeze...
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:39 AM

Cuz I don't care if it's your first date or your 1,277th date - brain-freeze face just isn't a good look.
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:40 AM

That's true, Sean - restaurant cost up here has gone from $25/case to $100/case. Just like that.
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:40 AM

You were right, Shannon. You are the queen!!!
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:41 AM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

There is a major lime shortage going on right now

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:41 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shannon Kelley

that's a lot of dates

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:41 AM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

I would think by date 1277 the look would be worth a laugh

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:41 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shannon Kelley

I've always done on the rocks, whether right or wrong, I was never sure, just seemed right

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:42 AM

@Shannon - my fave is Simply Limeade, but a frozen concentrate will do in a pinch. All better that a bottle of sugar-syrup!
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:42 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shannon Kelley

I've always thought about a quick frozen limeade can to suffice in a pinch--not too syrupy?

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:42 AM

They're just shy, Sean. :)
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:42 AM

That's my man, right there! :)
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:43 AM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

ok why does it say 20 readers and 8 tawkers, there are only 5 of us logged in ?

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:43 AM

Oh, please, Shannon! The margs are JUST FINE in mexico! Maybe time for a vacation???
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:43 AM

★ Spotlighted from Steve Hoffman

All I know is I've had one margarita and my clothes are starting to fall off .

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:44 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shannon Kelley

Yea, the limes, what IS the deal?! I can't be having these struggles when Cinco de Mayo is less than 2 weeks away. You ant to talk about coincidence, the MExicans are turning on us

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:44 AM

Mr. Hoffmano's other soft spot - he survived the bacon shortage. Limes will be survivable too...
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:45 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shannon Kelley

It's like they tried to pull with the bacon shortage, turned out no so

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:45 AM

Let's go! Show the WORLD how to make a good margarita!
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:46 AM

Moving on, then...let's be ADVENTUROUS with our margs, shall we???
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:46 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shannon Kelley

That's what I am saying Jenn, packing my bags now!

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:46 AM

Tequila will never die. And, thanks to tequila, neither will we - because we're already "preserved".
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:47 AM

Fresh fruit is one thing (and sot of a no-brainer)...but what about fresh HERBS?
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:47 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shannon Kelley

We can all be survivors of this, i pray to the tequila gods for strength

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:48 AM

@ Shannon, please don't take this the wrong way, but I just fell in love with you.
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:48 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shannon Kelley

Much like an Egyptian cat, I would like my body wrapped in margarita soaked linens

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:49 AM

Basil (fresh). Rosemary (earthy). Cilantro (freshy-fresh). Ginger (spicy). And cucumbers. Always with the cucumbers.
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:49 AM

TEQUILA TIL WE DIE! Seems like that should be a motto for something. Do we need to start a movement?
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:50 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shannon Kelley

I'll just go ahead an fly to Wisconsin now and we can live in a tequila and wine filled friendship til we perish

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:52 AM

Kim's here!!!! Oh, sweet goddess of margaritas! Share with us just a tidbit of your wisdom!
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:52 AM

That's because you have the best margaritas in the whole wide world!
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:53 AM

★ Spotlighted from Kimberly Finnell

hola, y'all. who wins the best margarita? of course, it would be me, but I had this whole party-of-100 thing going on

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:54 AM

Ha, Sean - so many Thelma's, so many Louise's. An entire movement, actually, driven by wild women on tequila (um...have you ever BEEN to Wisconsin? lol)
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:54 AM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

the Thelma and louise of greater milwalkee

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:54 AM

As sad as this makes me - teary even (maybe it's the tequila?) - it is that time, my lovely friends...
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:56 AM

Since Miss Molly's is not here to discuss, next week's event will be a SURPRISE! Perhaps we'll get back to teaching - we want a "refined" group here, afterall.
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:56 AM

Haha! No we don't! :)
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:56 AM

★ Spotlighted from Kimberly Finnell

urg ... Jenn & Molly -- my computer is tweaking out & I cannot read any of your new comments

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:56 AM

★ Spotlighted from Kimberly Finnell

ooohhhhh, I did just catch a Molly suggestion of agave nectar -- YES, YES, YES!!!!!!!!!!!

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:57 AM

Kim! What do you think??? (see Sean's comment)
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:57 AM

We're only "almost famous" Shannon - let's not get ahead of ourselves. ;)
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:58 AM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

Ok since Kim is here, how about a pairing of a wine, and cheese, along with a meal we can cook if we so choose

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:58 AM

How about with cucumbers?
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:58 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shannon Kelley

You are famous now, gotta keep it tight

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:58 AM

Oh, please, please, please!!! Next week???
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:59 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shannon Kelley

Arbor Mist and velvetta?

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:59 AM

★ Spotlighted from Kimberly Finnell

you guys are AWESOME! and, gross, Shannon!

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:59 AM

We will do whatever you say, Ms. Kim! (Now I KNOW she'll go for that deal!)
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Jennifer Finnell · 1:59 AM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

that is just wrong shannon

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Jennifer Finnell · 1:59 AM

★ Spotlighted from Kimberly Finnell

Now, even though I am in Wisconsin, I am not a cheese snob. But, we could TOTALLY do an approachable wine & dinner pairing :)

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Jennifer Finnell · 2:00 AM

With cheese? With fruit? With recipes? It would be best if we can taste/pair at the same time.
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Jennifer Finnell · 2:00 AM

★ Spotlighted from Kimberly Finnell

We can do an interesting white blend, a Sauv. Blanc, a Malbec, & a Carmenere??????

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Jennifer Finnell · 2:00 AM

★ Spotlighted from Kimberly Finnell

of course, only the truly devoted will buy all 4 bottles for the tawk ...

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Jennifer Finnell · 2:01 AM

Super simple...but YOU ARE AWESOME!
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Jennifer Finnell · 2:02 AM

★ Spotlighted from Kimberly Finnell

Ummmmmm, we can do some simple recipes, but I have to think a little

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Jennifer Finnell · 2:02 AM

Okay, then...so next week, Molly & I will be co-hosting with Ms. Kim for a pairing Tawk extraordinaire!
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Jennifer Finnell · 2:02 AM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

if only we knew a wine and food expert hmmmmm ?

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Jennifer Finnell · 2:03 AM

That said, we'll get the food & wine selections posted by Sunday so y'all can acquire the necessary deliciousness to play along. :)
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Jennifer Finnell · 2:04 AM

You people are amazing - and that's not just the tequila talking! Please, please, please - if you're having fun here, invite your friends to join us next week!
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Jennifer Finnell · 2:04 AM

Good night, Gracie!
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Jennifer Finnell · 2:04 AM

★ Spotlighted from Kimberly Finnell

awesome! gotta go ... see you next week!

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Jennifer Finnell · 2:04 AM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

shots fired at the Wolfgram house, another dead router

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Jennifer Finnell · 2:04 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shannon Kelley

Good night margarita mamas and gent