Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

2 (750 milliliter) bottles dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio)3/4 cup brandy1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle ginger ale1 lemon, sliced1 orange, halved and sliced1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle club soda (optional)

1 tablespoon butter1 tablespoon olive oil1 pound button mushrooms, sliced2 medium onions, sliced3 cloves garlic, chopped2 teaspoons dried thyme1 (750 milliliter) bottle red wine1 (14.5 ounce) can beef broth1 tablespoon white sugar1 pinch salt and pepper to taste

8 ounces mixed vegetables1 (15 ounce) can red beans, drained and rinsed1/4 cup chopped onion1/4 cup chopped celery1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper1/2 cup white wine vinegar3/4 cup white sugar1 teaspoon prepared mustard1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons paprika1 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon ground black pepper1/2 teaspoon garlic powder1/2 teaspoon onion powder1/2 teaspoon dried thyme1 pound New York strip steaks, cut 3/4 inch thick1 (8 ounce) package sliced fresh mushrooms1/4 cup minced shallot2 tablespoons butter2 tablespoons red wine1 tablespoon vegetable oilsalt and pepper to taste