tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69776619303958185982024-03-19T00:30:55.755-07:00Life Of The Party Always!"Because life is supposed to be fun!"Life of the Party Always!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17342857264275758061noreply@blogger.comBlogger177125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977661930395818598.post-47815631704571106642012-02-11T16:00:00.000-08:002012-02-11T16:00:58.198-08:00Valentine’s Day at Eagles Nest Winery<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWhflkq4DJEm9uWmeMgEirsy5CJkkXgeAd1CQjf-u9AGEL27zbpim38llVDZxkhIn-PaKLLtnUYqJsMByS8zvNMmO6q7VhHMaWqIIrr69Lx5HUlB8C_82vueJTUc63pGWeB2pZOu6ym_x/s1600/Brie+en+Croute+with+Mushroom+Port+Wine+Jam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWhflkq4DJEm9uWmeMgEirsy5CJkkXgeAd1CQjf-u9AGEL27zbpim38llVDZxkhIn-PaKLLtnUYqJsMByS8zvNMmO6q7VhHMaWqIIrr69Lx5HUlB8C_82vueJTUc63pGWeB2pZOu6ym_x/s320/Brie+en+Croute+with+Mushroom+Port+Wine+Jam.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We’re off for another wonderful day with our friends at Eagles Nest Winery in Ramona to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Leave it to Julie to think of a fun twist for our wine tasting pleasure. She has combined wine tasting with the sharing of appetizers and desserts in their newly re-decorated tasting room. Each taster is invited to bring their favorite recipe for a dessert or appetizer to share with everyone. There will even be prizes of their Viognier Port given for the top 3 in each category. Wonder who will tempt us most? Here is my offering for the day. Do try this at home with your favorite wine until you can get up to Eagles Nest to pair it with one of theirs!<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brie en Croute with Mushroom Port Wine Jam</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients:</span></span></b><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 tbs butter<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3 tbs port<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 tbs olive oil<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2/3 cup dates, pitted and chopped<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 medium onion, medium dice<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 (8 ounce) wheel Brie cheese, very cold</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 cups fresh cremini mushrooms, medium dice<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 sheet frozen puff pastry<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/8 tsp thyme<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 egg, beaten for egg wash</span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt butter and caramelize onions. In a separate skillet brown and caramelize the mushrooms. Add port and thyme and simmer for 2 minutes. Add dates and cook until warmed through. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUbjS9FQSwFfHtRSdhkavzoG0k0IqEsnOz4pleo8alBC56TypyQ4QU7kp14oTBJ2azvaGSaegKnFcMv7Y7E1oj3Z2DVy4Dha4dFmZ1wXyFACv-I_G-uIFR6pwRI1DfoiJe2ZmO69U7WVX/s1600/Mushroom+Port++Wine+Jam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUbjS9FQSwFfHtRSdhkavzoG0k0IqEsnOz4pleo8alBC56TypyQ4QU7kp14oTBJ2azvaGSaegKnFcMv7Y7E1oj3Z2DVy4Dha4dFmZ1wXyFACv-I_G-uIFR6pwRI1DfoiJe2ZmO69U7WVX/s320/Mushroom+Port++Wine+Jam.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Slice the cold Brie wheel in half horizontally so that there is a top and a bottom; fill with the onion/mushroom mixture. Replace the top of the Brie. Make sure brie is very cold so it will slice easier.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1uSD7SyuZH93ogD-gTX3nPdPYL5IZiz0ati1QU1Dcb5XNc_-tDOgRAXh2WdDW43bknrw_kReIXNxgPHOZwTaIvdrGYSMrGAIepKTmR-pzJnOlwpXeJEXK3hYjR4WtEr-wBaDA2WgTFcq1/s1600/Mushroom+Stuffed+Brie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1uSD7SyuZH93ogD-gTX3nPdPYL5IZiz0ati1QU1Dcb5XNc_-tDOgRAXh2WdDW43bknrw_kReIXNxgPHOZwTaIvdrGYSMrGAIepKTmR-pzJnOlwpXeJEXK3hYjR4WtEr-wBaDA2WgTFcq1/s320/Mushroom+Stuffed+Brie.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Lay the puff pastry out on a baking sheet. Place the brie in the center of the pastry. Gather up the edges of the pastry, pressing around the brie and gather at the top, gently pressing to seal. Brush the beaten egg over top and sides of Brie. Place Brie in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes so dough and cheese will be cold when you bake it. Bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes until pastry is golden brown.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyHOk7PAYnXB3BIp5_h3_wXmnEo2GS0xaTWPI8bG7FHsqY3XeiiCa4T2DZHdWfoZkdzJR0oKombgVx4AE6KghLDpDy8uzOnKvZJ_fytEhqh2O5eJiY7zOasuHhDtRv0-ejUu2SptNtAj6/s1600/Brie+en+Croute.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyHOk7PAYnXB3BIp5_h3_wXmnEo2GS0xaTWPI8bG7FHsqY3XeiiCa4T2DZHdWfoZkdzJR0oKombgVx4AE6KghLDpDy8uzOnKvZJ_fytEhqh2O5eJiY7zOasuHhDtRv0-ejUu2SptNtAj6/s320/Brie+en+Croute.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Serve with crackers. To give a special look, cut extra pastry into heart or flower shapes, brush with egg wash and bake until golden. </span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
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</div>Life of the Party Always!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17342857264275758061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977661930395818598.post-88243455588192079492011-12-28T17:15:00.000-08:002012-01-09T17:34:58.195-08:00Salmon with East-West Spice Rub and Orange-Soy Glaze<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiarkIcBCRd8xug-ixOjs7OCzNgbK4ZX49ayMnUq-U5_yLkWZlbXkgOugognac4OttbbVuyElv4X1LP-pZufgAvg3cO_5Pl0uMyOIDQQdePgO1rVhrB6ZiHkVPbn9hC6UcqZt6_kJSfkrHJ/s1600/Spice+rubbed+salmon2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiarkIcBCRd8xug-ixOjs7OCzNgbK4ZX49ayMnUq-U5_yLkWZlbXkgOugognac4OttbbVuyElv4X1LP-pZufgAvg3cO_5Pl0uMyOIDQQdePgO1rVhrB6ZiHkVPbn9hC6UcqZt6_kJSfkrHJ/s1600/Spice+rubbed+salmon2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Salmon-licious! This was the hit of Christmas dinner! Not that eveything else wasn't fabulous, but the salmon was rubbed and grilled to perfection thanks to Brett and Kelly. My sister-in-law, Kelly, asked if I had a salmon recipe and I remembered this crowd pleaser from several years back. Even if you have a few people that think they don’t care for salmon “because it is too fishy”, this could change their minds about salmon forever! The spice rub gives a little warmth and the glaze a little sweetness to create an amazing flavor that will surprise even your most adamant fish loather. Kelly loved it so much that she posted the recipe on the board at work to share with friends and the recipe disappeared…..just like your salmon will!</span></span></div><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Spice mixture:</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 tablespoon sugar </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 1/2 teaspoons five-spice powder </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/2 teaspoon salt </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Glaze:</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 (3 x 1/2-inch) orange rind strips </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 orange) </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/3 cup honey </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 tablespoons minced green onions </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 1/2 teaspoons dark sesame oil </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4 garlic cloves, minced </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Remaining ingredients: </span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">8 (6-ounce) salmon fillets (about 2 inches thick) </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cooking spray </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Preparation:</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To prepare spice mixture, combine first 5 ingredients in a small bowl.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To prepare glaze, combine rind and next 8 ingredients (rind through cinnamon) in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes. Strain through a sieve; discard solids.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Prepare grill.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rub the fillets with spice mixture. Cover; refrigerate 10 minutes. Place, skin sides down, on a grill rack coated with cooking spray. Grill 16 minutes, covered, or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork, basting occasionally with glaze. Remove skin; discard. Arrange fillets on a platter; sprinkle with sliced onions and sesame seeds.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
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</div>Life of the Party Always!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17342857264275758061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977661930395818598.post-54534331797932838192011-12-23T11:33:00.000-08:002011-12-23T11:33:01.143-08:00Pomegranate Champagne Punch ~ Friday's 5 o'clock Wet Your Whistle Call!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLs7zDVY2jHrDBNlwh-os9aWVnUB8i5MIKYBZsZP_zew6nLZqkUthrIMSbWtPjgrvw6hUBi-FAnowXoNaCdmvjTEOCSgsKLvbj5oLzOElGeLt77hQztgyUmVxFqkZsA8sNd870U6piBtpZ/s1600/pomegranate_champagne_punch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLs7zDVY2jHrDBNlwh-os9aWVnUB8i5MIKYBZsZP_zew6nLZqkUthrIMSbWtPjgrvw6hUBi-FAnowXoNaCdmvjTEOCSgsKLvbj5oLzOElGeLt77hQztgyUmVxFqkZsA8sNd870U6piBtpZ/s320/pomegranate_champagne_punch.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Punch is like having a team of elves that keep the cocktails flowing. The holiday season is filled with parties, cookie swaps, and the holiday meal with family. Punch is a great way to serve a tasty drink and free you up to enjoy your guests. Add a decorative ice ring to the punch and you have a beautiful display at your holiday table. Cheers to a happy holiday gathering!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pomegranate Champagne Punch</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bon Appétit December 2007 <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 3;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients:</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/2 cup water</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/2 cup sugar</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 - 750-ml bottles chilled brut Champagne, Sparkling Wine or Prosecco </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 1/2 cups white rum</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 1/4 cups pomegranate juice</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2large lemons, thinly sliced, divided</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pomegranate seeds, divided</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fresh mint leaves, divided</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 ice ring*</span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 3;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Preparation:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bring 1/2 cup water and sugar to boil in small saucepan, stirring until sugar dissolves. Simmer 5 minutes. Cool syrup completely.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Combine Champagne, rum, and pomegranate juice in punch bowl. Add enough syrup to sweeten to taste. Mix in half of the lemon slices, pomegranate seeds, and mint leaves. Add ice ring to bowl. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> * <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ice Ring</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtVdulEN2xD4ji8jZJ1iv5t2FU5hyphenhyphenWJu59LSjhckajPnlWQ4Yr7brTEseXdJ7F3g_I8f8DPloxkD9qqwUv4gq1p8vcfD4ljbTr8z5JcleFH_rgNwTLs0zzOdw0YHjfFPVDhX8XvLfl05E/s1600/ice+ringjpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtVdulEN2xD4ji8jZJ1iv5t2FU5hyphenhyphenWJu59LSjhckajPnlWQ4Yr7brTEseXdJ7F3g_I8f8DPloxkD9qqwUv4gq1p8vcfD4ljbTr8z5JcleFH_rgNwTLs0zzOdw0YHjfFPVDhX8XvLfl05E/s1600/ice+ringjpg.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients:</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 (12 ounce) cans ginger ale (more if you ring is bigger)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/2 cup lemon juice</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">P</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">omegranate seeds</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lemon Slices</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mint Leaves</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Directions:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mix ginger ale with lemon juice. Pour 2 1/2 cups of the mixture into a 1 quart ring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Freeze.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Arrange the fruit on top of the ice. Slowly, pour remaining juice mixture over the top so that you don't disturb your fruit decorations. If you are using a mold that is fluted on “top” make sure that you lay the fruit so that it shows best when flipped over. If mold is flat then lay fruit face up so that it shows best when placed in the punch bowl.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Freeze. To unmold, run cold water around outside of the mold until it releases (don’t get water in the ice mold) </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHd1HGigIpHbsNVt86CEroT_vOFLh85ggS1dKvySMvTRWjfCyez-mUq0-OJ0vRg3lT_xAPLcde_N4rmkCG81v4ELx2c4F_A5kH3mPP14GxdzZFNEJTIZ4bK8GypusykZ22YL1zMn-T_lHn/s1600/Santa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHd1HGigIpHbsNVt86CEroT_vOFLh85ggS1dKvySMvTRWjfCyez-mUq0-OJ0vRg3lT_xAPLcde_N4rmkCG81v4ELx2c4F_A5kH3mPP14GxdzZFNEJTIZ4bK8GypusykZ22YL1zMn-T_lHn/s1600/Santa.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div>Life of the Party Always!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17342857264275758061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977661930395818598.post-47586357833516909982011-12-16T13:11:00.000-08:002011-12-16T13:11:00.355-08:00Partridge in a Peartini ~ Friday's 5 o'clock Wet Your Whistle Call!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi01ulifsSAAtvDMBDVxKQnvE3pWJhh1AlgdN385Zs8TZEJDlYZJC80sFoaRBi5t0m-jndW-cRy8AvYjIBd1KvHePuKN4m7ABTq-Db8H_8R4mSZJLBSQh6hv8rQTuv91gOhXnK20qID2m9V/s1600/Partridge+in+a+Peartini.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi01ulifsSAAtvDMBDVxKQnvE3pWJhh1AlgdN385Zs8TZEJDlYZJC80sFoaRBi5t0m-jndW-cRy8AvYjIBd1KvHePuKN4m7ABTq-Db8H_8R4mSZJLBSQh6hv8rQTuv91gOhXnK20qID2m9V/s320/Partridge+in+a+Peartini.JPG" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On the first day of Christmas my true love made with me, a Partridge in a Pear-tini. My husband and I like to experiment with new flavors for cocktails and came up with this festive holiday drink. All the seasonal flavors of winter like citrus, pears and almonds come through as you smell and then sip our pear martini. The chipotle sugar rim adds a hint of heat that “pears” nicely with the clean fruit flavors. The rosemary sprig represents the partridge tail and teases the senses with each sip. So much going on, just like the holidays, but with a calmer satisfaction! Happy Holidays!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiEUy-4eeTv1CYm4i3e3BmT1ADNbNjxU9ycNisoaneYL9axEY6YOuGwE-KA-JRhk2gkPOsS_wK6XMuTDPWMaETPojsi9XlzZqzIOsW11GmWeYAAiIb6AfkWEPrpUosHH3yHStM82K8BNbh/s1600/partridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiEUy-4eeTv1CYm4i3e3BmT1ADNbNjxU9ycNisoaneYL9axEY6YOuGwE-KA-JRhk2gkPOsS_wK6XMuTDPWMaETPojsi9XlzZqzIOsW11GmWeYAAiIb6AfkWEPrpUosHH3yHStM82K8BNbh/s200/partridge.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Partridge in a Peartini<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients:</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4 oz Citrus Vodka</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/4 oz Orgeat</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 oz Pear Nectar</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 oz Fresh Lemon juice</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/8 tsp Chipotle Powder</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 tbs Sugar</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 Rosemary Sprigs<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Directions:</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mix the chipotle and sugar together and pour onto a small dish. Run a lemon wedge around half of the rim of 2 martini glasses. Dip the rim in the chipotle sugar and set aside. Adjust the amount of chipotle based on how spicy you want the rim. A little heat in the sugar is what you are looking for.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhEP8bOVBq4-LqzKP4ALax1lv-qJFgXyNL8oIdAFBejAG8AdpI0Uuhm1k653m027s66gpe4NtTmuVNbKcpJEwyFBx82LXd6OO7bMuMIP66raSRqxispF_BNGr1z1yf1jP8xGjitApeUqVO/s1600/Peartitni+Ingredients.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhEP8bOVBq4-LqzKP4ALax1lv-qJFgXyNL8oIdAFBejAG8AdpI0Uuhm1k653m027s66gpe4NtTmuVNbKcpJEwyFBx82LXd6OO7bMuMIP66raSRqxispF_BNGr1z1yf1jP8xGjitApeUqVO/s320/Peartitni+Ingredients.JPG" width="180" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pour the vodka, Orgeat, pear nectar and lemon juice into a shaker can filled with ice and shake until very cold. Strain into the rimmed martini glasses and garnish with rosemary sprig.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRENyTbLKbr5S1_V3gbDXfLNaa6H5j-ZqX52xZ8FuzBrscK3Rkurza_ugAbf9ImjgQ8RpsI0xEkLyPKdDH48aLGQ9n9ONLqk5Ne06UjhVtpyoRQpJDstMZMLnEpYrRh65_vNQe3lKyrXTu/s1600/partridge+in+a+pear+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRENyTbLKbr5S1_V3gbDXfLNaa6H5j-ZqX52xZ8FuzBrscK3Rkurza_ugAbf9ImjgQ8RpsI0xEkLyPKdDH48aLGQ9n9ONLqk5Ne06UjhVtpyoRQpJDstMZMLnEpYrRh65_vNQe3lKyrXTu/s1600/partridge+in+a+pear+tree.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://robinandersonartist.com/index.html"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Robin Lucile Anderson Illustrations</span></span></a></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>Life of the Party Always!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17342857264275758061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977661930395818598.post-34660895758968890942011-12-09T13:35:00.000-08:002011-12-09T13:35:01.035-08:00Santa’s “Special” Cocoa ~ Friday's 5 o'clock Wet Your Whistle Call!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-u5TmxlDT3eMaDPYsniEqu-xk2iouLzWGzNWid2ZastpzJfuSthyphenhyphen7JLNtliqTdwEz3RVmOiJ-9RgVF-5Ddv4lcTTypUnjC3DIpP-66yNfT8S970QKTBh7Q6qZJFxIHGT2eS3meQ5HhcL6/s1600/Santa%2527s+Special+Cocoa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-u5TmxlDT3eMaDPYsniEqu-xk2iouLzWGzNWid2ZastpzJfuSthyphenhyphen7JLNtliqTdwEz3RVmOiJ-9RgVF-5Ddv4lcTTypUnjC3DIpP-66yNfT8S970QKTBh7Q6qZJFxIHGT2eS3meQ5HhcL6/s320/Santa%2527s+Special+Cocoa.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-line-height-alt: 10.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-line-height-alt: 10.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Santa Baby, hurry down the chimney tonight…..I made this for my Santa to warm him with his favorite flavors. To make sure that you get just what you want from your Santa, ask him what he would like for Christmas in his special cocoa and get creative. This hot cocoa is definitely a grown-up version, but you can make it kid-friendly too by omitting the liquor. For a special touch, I like to toast the marshmallow topping under the broiler or you can use a mini torch if you have one. Kids will think it is S’mores in a cup! The pinch of chili powder adds warmth and depth of flavor but not real heat. It’s the mystery ingredient that will make you cocoa extra special. The recipe can be doubled, tripled or more to please your whole family. The more the merrier!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-line-height-alt: 10.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ihbXVgcm-2GftSFzf2yaL14pFDJegJ42nALrN6Yy-3KjbfdOdRUtdmhCk-OyEpUUtjPKT5EzDCnHtDrKwR3HNfenyHCBa_lK5O48cA9k34m0j-7N36tZaokAMqpEsgLaCabByaqksihn/s1600/mr+mrs+claus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ihbXVgcm-2GftSFzf2yaL14pFDJegJ42nALrN6Yy-3KjbfdOdRUtdmhCk-OyEpUUtjPKT5EzDCnHtDrKwR3HNfenyHCBa_lK5O48cA9k34m0j-7N36tZaokAMqpEsgLaCabByaqksihn/s1600/mr+mrs+claus.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-line-height-alt: 10.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br />
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</div><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Santa’s “Special” Cocoa</span></strong></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients:</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 1/2 cups whole milk <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5 wedges of Ibarra Mexican Chocolate </span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/8 tsp Chili powder</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">~ Per each cup hot chocolate ~</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 ounces brandy </span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/4 ounce peppermint schnapps<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 ounce kahlua or coffee-flavored liquor</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/2 ounce amaretto<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mini marshmallows, toasted </span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Directions:</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pour milk into a sauce pan and bring up to heat. Finely chop the chocolate and add to the hot milk. Heat mixture until the chocolate is melted. Do not boil. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Divided your liquor of choice between two large mugs and remember to be creative. Any flavors you like, should work. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pour the chocolate mixture into the mugs and stir to combine. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OSrC-9mh1QcGLPCKZbTcPBjnmeHjui9ErAvBq7C2dIMcoCb8GgE7ixY16NQXnioIbeMvKdVCgmcsVDGGdtjiem_ZXEbVwSvgn2KE_X2Ce6lishK79ASQhydmyiSp6PpHBZRiciuFY5O5/s1600/Toasted+Marshmallows.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OSrC-9mh1QcGLPCKZbTcPBjnmeHjui9ErAvBq7C2dIMcoCb8GgE7ixY16NQXnioIbeMvKdVCgmcsVDGGdtjiem_ZXEbVwSvgn2KE_X2Ce6lishK79ASQhydmyiSp6PpHBZRiciuFY5O5/s320/Toasted+Marshmallows.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Top with marshmallows and toast with a mini-torch or toast under the broiler. If you are toasting under the broiler, line a sheet pan with aluminum foil and lightly spray with cooking spray. Mound the mini marshmallows in a pile the size of the opening of your mug. Keep the pile all about the same height so that the top marshmallows don’t bur before the rest get toasted. Watch them closely! They toast very fast! Scoop each pile off the sheet pan with a spatula and place them on top of the cocoa. Serve with good cheer!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZiKQZ3HL_cSH1DX8zQvBbRLjnideovE4LT7Twqef7TcKq1O6NFgJmXE8w3Y8ww6OjprP9N8K2vMJqFT7mr_iQZQuZNwYzXUd4z0RwtWfQLgPqjFnaMtJKYfn4RnV7MijrgMi7G6lvx-Hh/s1600/Santa+drinking+cocoa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZiKQZ3HL_cSH1DX8zQvBbRLjnideovE4LT7Twqef7TcKq1O6NFgJmXE8w3Y8ww6OjprP9N8K2vMJqFT7mr_iQZQuZNwYzXUd4z0RwtWfQLgPqjFnaMtJKYfn4RnV7MijrgMi7G6lvx-Hh/s1600/Santa+drinking+cocoa.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div>Life of the Party Always!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17342857264275758061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977661930395818598.post-46270483681502546452011-12-02T10:16:00.000-08:002011-12-02T10:16:00.365-08:00Isle of Pines ~ Friday's 5 o'clock Wet Your Whistle Call!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG1LOHLr6ezDW3UKt28Qaq-3Oy7LLLklCKI_Q4U1O6iJnamOQm4z0AZe-RYFicp2xanOUvW_YjHVrrKMP1jRlt8xo7tK4tjlzDCsMihXcblmzTccC8GNJ8V0WIvsqX_j4YuFfD1h78s0vn/s1600/Isle+of+Pines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG1LOHLr6ezDW3UKt28Qaq-3Oy7LLLklCKI_Q4U1O6iJnamOQm4z0AZe-RYFicp2xanOUvW_YjHVrrKMP1jRlt8xo7tK4tjlzDCsMihXcblmzTccC8GNJ8V0WIvsqX_j4YuFfD1h78s0vn/s320/Isle+of+Pines.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pomegranate, winters jewel! According to Andrew Knowlton of Bon Appetite, “the best cocktails are the simplest—two or three ingredients mixed in the proper quantities, with passion.” Andrew quotes an easy formula to follow: spirit + citrus juice + sweetener = cocktail. Remember it (2 ounces spirit, 1 ounce citrus juice, 1/2 to 3/4 ounce sweetener), and you'll be able to invent your own concoctions. Examples: Daiquiri (rum + lime juice + sugar), Margarita (tequila + lime juice + triple sec), and whiskey sour (whiskey + lemon juice + simple syrup). The formula is also the basis for the Isle of Pines, which takes the old-world name of Cuba's second-largest island. When grapefruits are in peak season, it easily trumps the Mojito. So get creative this holiday season and mix up a new cocktail for the Santa in your house!<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigX7R5zpfPZG6KZ9qbxnQU_C8GDQT6R1tJygRFfHW4TJ9qnPCROA9c8gA051fPrE7fHIWGgjPOtgN765LqyhWoXCKjLkiKkZm5WB3woghcNV8Q_RoWkzwD95NbP-jDC20jWDtusXCP-x78/s1600/pomegranate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigX7R5zpfPZG6KZ9qbxnQU_C8GDQT6R1tJygRFfHW4TJ9qnPCROA9c8gA051fPrE7fHIWGgjPOtgN765LqyhWoXCKjLkiKkZm5WB3woghcNV8Q_RoWkzwD95NbP-jDC20jWDtusXCP-x78/s1600/pomegranate.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ngredients:</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1/2 cup pomegranate juice</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1tablespoon sugar</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1cup white rum</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1/2 cup fresh grapefruit juice</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ice cubes</span><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Preparation:</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bring pomegranate juice and sugar to boil in heavy small saucepan, stirring until sugar dissolves. Boil until reduced to 1/4 cup, about 5 minutes. Cool syrup. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pour 2 tablespoons syrup, 1/2 cup rum, and 1/4 cup grapefruit juice into cocktail shaker. Fill with ice; shake vigorously. Strain into 2 Martini glasses. Repeat to make 2 more drinks.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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</div>Life of the Party Always!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17342857264275758061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977661930395818598.post-80315890396105704082011-11-28T19:12:00.000-08:002011-12-02T09:16:34.654-08:00A Magical Day at Eagles Nest Winery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yeXWY3gqSvXCV13Sa-8TnRkmnJQZO8D6momhI3lsgQJ8PFxhLOU0Son7F2UifWo0sT4mVBkNcmRjRmbeQx0GrUUvQiMOisKK57OOBQyPcTU1_jfwye0GYSC34LWq8h5jtJZNN9zPHhb4/s1600/Eagles+Nest+Vineyard+%2526+Cottage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yeXWY3gqSvXCV13Sa-8TnRkmnJQZO8D6momhI3lsgQJ8PFxhLOU0Son7F2UifWo0sT4mVBkNcmRjRmbeQx0GrUUvQiMOisKK57OOBQyPcTU1_jfwye0GYSC34LWq8h5jtJZNN9zPHhb4/s1600/Eagles+Nest+Vineyard+%2526+Cottage.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ever wish for a magical day and then get more than you ever hoped for? Well yesterday that is just what happened to me. My husband David and I went out to Ramona for a little wine tasting. "Ramona?" you say…that’s what I thought. Who knew there was wine in Ramona? In fact, who knew there was great wine in Ramona? Our story begins a few months ago when our friends, Kathy and Brandon, brought a bottle of wine to one of our parties and upon tasting it we asked, “Who makes this wine, it’s really good?” “<a href="http://eaglesnestwinery.com/" target="_blank">Eagles Nest Winery in Ramona</a>”, was their reply and we knew we had to make a trip to experience this for ourselves.</span></span><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxCgGmLCpRX4cao8yzQTOZ3AP2horFkhI_KlbpoMDCauMfS0lpqWq0iPs52_yj_oBtRtXZ7tZBWnmWOpaiOzkCxV9L4iXBQnWJ_LBalBNOhTCEESUiFFwp0QNUHStp-aG1AmDBpfCS1Yh/s1600/eagles+nest+winery+label.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxCgGmLCpRX4cao8yzQTOZ3AP2horFkhI_KlbpoMDCauMfS0lpqWq0iPs52_yj_oBtRtXZ7tZBWnmWOpaiOzkCxV9L4iXBQnWJ_LBalBNOhTCEESUiFFwp0QNUHStp-aG1AmDBpfCS1Yh/s1600/eagles+nest+winery+label.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And now the real magic begins. We were greeted at the gate by the smiling face of Julie, who welcomed a group of us in like long lost friends. Then she paused and split the two of us off from the rest of the group saying she thought we would enjoy being in the barrel room and talking with Dennis, the wine maker. How did she know this? Not only did we want to taste but we wanted to learn about the wines and what made them so good and she seemed to know this.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP14Qe0_xd6FoW5cMuMGZFUoUyCydAWz6d1_70RS6V14xmRbQgZFVtFBUGXYczOBHZqK0xTKSPvfpljynems65I5_9NqXIVVIjxSgGvOslYiEx_vyzN9ed8MHz1k1VH0kWYhm0SarSdpPf/s1600/barrel+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP14Qe0_xd6FoW5cMuMGZFUoUyCydAWz6d1_70RS6V14xmRbQgZFVtFBUGXYczOBHZqK0xTKSPvfpljynems65I5_9NqXIVVIjxSgGvOslYiEx_vyzN9ed8MHz1k1VH0kWYhm0SarSdpPf/s1600/barrel+room.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The barrel room was chilled to make the wine happy and Julie, a wine maker in her own right, provided us with snuggly throws to wrap around ourselves to make us happy too, as we tasted the wine . Dennis sat beside us, served us each tastes of wine to savor. He took the time to explain origins and unique histories of the grapes that brought the whole tasting experience to life. We tasted a Souzao, which is a wine grape from Portugal used in making Port. Dennis decided to make this into wine and instead used a Cabernet grape to make one of his Ports. Every wine we tasted was excellent and each distinctly different from the last. It often seems that small boutique wineries produce a few wines that all have a similar taste and style, but that is not the case with <a href="http://eaglesnestwinery.com/" target="_blank">Eagles Nest Winery</a>. With each new wine you experience the essence of that grape varietal and unique layers of complexity. Our favorites were a Ruby Cab and a Lagrein, although we would have been very happy with any of their other award winning wines.</span></span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsxY1ihqfhL6ntaA_MLnf-BQDeFA_fIK3xP9J1qArbEYlN2jtVci0hfB2EyMNUJEOSMgtj0HpRCLdxgeW-4jPBXTIpyvI4V6LKPTB1hGbk6jl_zIosEzjvitzENjvY1qbJopdyoZBBVvp/s1600/2007+Eagles+Nest+Lagrein.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsxY1ihqfhL6ntaA_MLnf-BQDeFA_fIK3xP9J1qArbEYlN2jtVci0hfB2EyMNUJEOSMgtj0HpRCLdxgeW-4jPBXTIpyvI4V6LKPTB1hGbk6jl_zIosEzjvitzENjvY1qbJopdyoZBBVvp/s320/2007+Eagles+Nest+Lagrein.JPG" width="180" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My husband is a red wine lover and he tends to stay away from the white wines, so a sweet white port seemed out of the question. However, we were both so pleasantly surprised by the White Ports that Dennis had produced. The Viognier Port has a slightly pink color and a silky feel in your mouth. It is sweet but so beautifully balanced that what you really taste is the stone fruit, toasted almond and a faint caramel flavor. It is heavenly on the nose. The Picpoul Blanc Port has a light gold color and a crisp, clean flavor. As soon as you bring your glass to your lips the aromas of pineapple and tropical fruit hits your nose. It is wonderful!</span></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg1lI0poPQmpsDub2LJmC5UFeIgwxZpz-xuX2qpBGhiXEVBDqRcaeVGa7G_8j1292MLNKKJdCwiuQqVR6ZyY4SdCvx5s4OYCQ02jdWFXTR25PF3EEIPVoRATjYhIbw7-XN4EItQWUKj-Ly/s1600/Eagles+Nest+Thanksgiving+bday+fun.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg1lI0poPQmpsDub2LJmC5UFeIgwxZpz-xuX2qpBGhiXEVBDqRcaeVGa7G_8j1292MLNKKJdCwiuQqVR6ZyY4SdCvx5s4OYCQ02jdWFXTR25PF3EEIPVoRATjYhIbw7-XN4EItQWUKj-Ly/s320/Eagles+Nest+Thanksgiving+bday+fun.JPG" width="180" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By the time we had pried every tidbit about the process of making port from Dennis’ lips it was growing dark outside. We wound our way back to the Cottage, which can also be rented for a lovely romantic getaway, and found a small group of people re-creating a Thanksgiving feast. Immediately Julie invited us to join them and I thought, can this be true? We are strangers that came to taste and have been taken in as if we are family. Could my magical wish get any better…..and then it did. I met, of all coincidences, Dianne, the sister of Karen, a college friend, that I had not seen for 30 years right there in the kitchen! </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Meanwhile, the girls in the kitchen, Janis, Sarah and Shannon were having so much fun putting the last minute touches on dinner and between the tossing of salad, the stirring of rosemary gravy and the slicing of the most succulent turkey breast, they engaged us in conversation. Everything was served buffet style along with wines from the vineyards we were overlooking. The food, wine and most of all the wonderful people that we shared this day with completed the magic that had begun at the gate when Julie first greeted us. The views are spectacular but it is the warmth and generosity of Dennis and Julie that take your breath away!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdb3XVF90MtPzWTzN3pGo6ecz27-L2WRUvYl9m4UKKld7F2zhvYEk8eFPVIMkjZAAftj9PCYTIrbtNwB5xUuR7oQk4O8NIN18YLng-q4VBMvuKZrmiSyvGUkPqGLUSjarpWNOUOYHUftp/s1600/DSC02484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdb3XVF90MtPzWTzN3pGo6ecz27-L2WRUvYl9m4UKKld7F2zhvYEk8eFPVIMkjZAAftj9PCYTIrbtNwB5xUuR7oQk4O8NIN18YLng-q4VBMvuKZrmiSyvGUkPqGLUSjarpWNOUOYHUftp/s320/DSC02484.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">All of this came together without anyone knowing they were a part of one of the best birthday celebrations I had had in quite some time. As my husband and I drove home, we reflected on what an amazing day it had been and that this was the true meaning of Thanksgiving. Sharing what you have with others, even strangers, now friends.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0QekzCwNQtRUPpA1fbTXggt2wslPR0YO6qyOXEPSlOXsoM2elLsKHLnBAwizA35o3frUKU8N21lPcQU1Y3xkZbVO90U6MLTnWwvmfI08HbnXCSgXwXqTnc-KD-l2fntpb885clR9m8hD/s1600/Eagles+Nest+Winery.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0QekzCwNQtRUPpA1fbTXggt2wslPR0YO6qyOXEPSlOXsoM2elLsKHLnBAwizA35o3frUKU8N21lPcQU1Y3xkZbVO90U6MLTnWwvmfI08HbnXCSgXwXqTnc-KD-l2fntpb885clR9m8hD/s320/Eagles+Nest+Winery.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Life of the Party Always!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17342857264275758061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977661930395818598.post-90507296123682575232011-11-24T11:31:00.000-08:002011-11-28T14:00:26.413-08:0049er Thanksgiving Dinner<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I am a big fan of traditions but sometimes you just need to shake things up! My friend Kathy did just that for this year’s Thanksgiving feast. We have known each other since we were 3 years old so her family is my family and their children are our godchildren. That childhood takes us back to Modesto, CA and we are die hard San Francisco 49er fans! Thus the theme for this Thanksgiving is the 49ers, since they are playing in the Harbaugh Brothers Duel, against the Baltimore Ravens. This game is being billed as the "first meeting between head-coaching brothers in NFL history”. The family theme carries through with the game and the dinner.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QPwML4Hzp-w/TtQBASwqDiI/AAAAAAAACeE/BzkITYOr_3A/s1600/Kathy%252C+Julie%252C+Michele.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QPwML4Hzp-w/TtQBASwqDiI/AAAAAAAACeE/BzkITYOr_3A/s320/Kathy%252C+Julie%252C+Michele.jpg" width="226" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We all had to “suit up” for the game in our 49er apparel. The only hold out was Brandon. He apparently was conflicted with his 49er leggings and his Vikings jersey. Don’t ask how he came up with that one but he did mix up some pretty fine Pre-game Cosmos!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjCedUQYcPxGuvo6UYbrsfiIAppqdOeae-pDEu9bMx25qhZ5fVQtnh96CSZmYhKF671N9eBsdPdoqjTaldwt6eaLZQ0OYeogFQO80GF1E0Q8F5JZxhntXndknKsOMIeJwPWnidjMjM8rB/s1600/Brandon+Vikings+and+49ers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjCedUQYcPxGuvo6UYbrsfiIAppqdOeae-pDEu9bMx25qhZ5fVQtnh96CSZmYhKF671N9eBsdPdoqjTaldwt6eaLZQ0OYeogFQO80GF1E0Q8F5JZxhntXndknKsOMIeJwPWnidjMjM8rB/s320/Brandon+Vikings+and+49ers.jpg" width="120" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The table is set to reflect the gold and red of the 49er colors with roses, 49er cups and pencils. Flags fly from flower pots and strings of 49er pennant lights are strung in the game room awaiting the kick off.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbCyH3mkBXXtptphivg9hSHvYugpcVrRkYvqDINfCBoq95Z-H_5Lnxdelmnpw_EJe7pCrGWLmBHFJj0iAUn5uzjU4rW1DUcSPMQVRjwEDDRwA3qOA38XxmVc08UY_8P7Qbu3CPDlXbWZm/s1600/49er+Thanksgiving+Dinner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbCyH3mkBXXtptphivg9hSHvYugpcVrRkYvqDINfCBoq95Z-H_5Lnxdelmnpw_EJe7pCrGWLmBHFJj0iAUn5uzjU4rW1DUcSPMQVRjwEDDRwA3qOA38XxmVc08UY_8P7Qbu3CPDlXbWZm/s320/49er+Thanksgiving+Dinner.JPG" width="180" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The fans all gathered for the Pre-game meal and it was indeed a feast of Thanksgiving! All our family favorites brought to be shared and enjoyed by all. The extra excitement of the game and the joy of being with wonderful family and friends had us all counting our blessing.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0By_7ExNqvyJVYOhFSoBp_cO9l14sRxlt8pZkfvOoHki62LhcThZDc2xaFAd9fv_G8Uigup6XmRTNviprwCmmYEorSiaXd3O78CpTNMo60dG99FivvOwZrl5j7CpJP-t9I_j2pczeWBz/s1600/The+Whole+Team+Pre+Game+Meal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0By_7ExNqvyJVYOhFSoBp_cO9l14sRxlt8pZkfvOoHki62LhcThZDc2xaFAd9fv_G8Uigup6XmRTNviprwCmmYEorSiaXd3O78CpTNMo60dG99FivvOwZrl5j7CpJP-t9I_j2pczeWBz/s320/The+Whole+Team+Pre+Game+Meal.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Julie, our godchild, was the perfect cheer leader for the festivities! Always enthusiastic and never lacking for humor, she was waving her flag and cheering on our team!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbm1W4_KJ3oEyrV-No4QmclHufsEj-GBAOd4yFwRVSXvfYh2s7U3d7NUmwMbiSXgZVR85YN6pIrJTwPGuydxvpvEBxZcOZR3t6qo45bQJcIcsGuAgpRMYvBXCqDFJkcDj1hWKFXzHNbOTu/s1600/Julie%252C+Our+Cheer+Leader.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbm1W4_KJ3oEyrV-No4QmclHufsEj-GBAOd4yFwRVSXvfYh2s7U3d7NUmwMbiSXgZVR85YN6pIrJTwPGuydxvpvEBxZcOZR3t6qo45bQJcIcsGuAgpRMYvBXCqDFJkcDj1hWKFXzHNbOTu/s320/Julie%252C+Our+Cheer+Leader.JPG" width="180" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It was fun to have the added theme to our traditional Thanksgiving Day feast. Next time you are thinking of doing any holiday the same way you have done it for the last 20 years, consider that sometimes a curve ball is just the play the coach should call……Mixed sports, mixed themes, sure worked for us! GO 9er's!!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuUsNU-EzHaVDh7fE1wkYDVeprbwL8vaQZ8osT4j2T2vS6x8PYjca0JHTC1eKphQSjhD165NZpxjWgzIYD1Fs2B0yvOaGe_cXhKKYHTgc_AviOvC7qRSdga18WTyf4bxJLoBJ5Onu_lKp4/s1600/Kathy%252C+our+hostess+and+Scott.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuUsNU-EzHaVDh7fE1wkYDVeprbwL8vaQZ8osT4j2T2vS6x8PYjca0JHTC1eKphQSjhD165NZpxjWgzIYD1Fs2B0yvOaGe_cXhKKYHTgc_AviOvC7qRSdga18WTyf4bxJLoBJ5Onu_lKp4/s320/Kathy%252C+our+hostess+and+Scott.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></div></span><br />
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</div>Life of the Party Always!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17342857264275758061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977661930395818598.post-5627036007600039042011-11-23T10:34:00.000-08:002011-11-28T10:52:27.615-08:00Sherry Green Beans That Sing!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7dQFkcAC5DOGTt4lbQGffvrRPGvPA2DykxSeOthuen2FeMoxyq5-HIntT357b9AVoV_HOgREfazBr3ezpyffm8PLDLSwDBGErbQgco7_TXpwdyJOvhQSWQ3G7WAQdPpseaWxuhEXAW52q/s1600/Sherry+Green+Beans.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7dQFkcAC5DOGTt4lbQGffvrRPGvPA2DykxSeOthuen2FeMoxyq5-HIntT357b9AVoV_HOgREfazBr3ezpyffm8PLDLSwDBGErbQgco7_TXpwdyJOvhQSWQ3G7WAQdPpseaWxuhEXAW52q/s320/Sherry+Green+Beans.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sher-er-rry, Sherry baby. Sher-er-rry, Sherry baby. She-er-rry, can you come out tonight? Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons may not have been asking for Sherry in their green beans but what a great idea to party up those traditional green beans for Thanksgiving! Bring out the sherry tonight and everyone can sign a round of Sherry Baby and be thankful for the variety!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Sherry Green Beans</strong></span></span></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients:</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 lb green beans, washed, trimmed and cut on diagonal</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 strips bacon, crisp</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 Tbs butter</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/2 C red bell pepper, julienne </span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/2 tsp Fines Herbs</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 tsp Dry Sherry</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/2 C toasted sliced almonds</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Salt and Pepper, to taste</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Directions:</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Clean and cut green beans and blanch until crisp tender. Place in ice water bath to stop cooking, drain and set aside. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Toast almonds under the broiler until golden brown. Watch carefully as they cook fast at the end and will burn easily.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cook bacon until crisp, drain off grease and set aside.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARGJtvh7-EYYUsZbi_vYbjmnER2azK7WMjZ63LkerGFTjpM6w-PcSaJNf4ptV2eIaYdLaNo8Npg3_SWvsOvTIHfqkAjiqsBCIcd-dkUwtbKGpYNj75aSovB7GBjovADdBdLj1fXo0ODmo/s1600/Sherry+Green+Bean+Ingredients.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARGJtvh7-EYYUsZbi_vYbjmnER2azK7WMjZ63LkerGFTjpM6w-PcSaJNf4ptV2eIaYdLaNo8Npg3_SWvsOvTIHfqkAjiqsBCIcd-dkUwtbKGpYNj75aSovB7GBjovADdBdLj1fXo0ODmo/s320/Sherry+Green+Bean+Ingredients.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Melt butter in a large pan and add green beans, bacon, bell pepper, Fines Herbs and sherry. Heat until warmed through. Add salt and pepper to taste. At this stage you can refrigerate until ready to serve. Reheat and sprinkle with toasted almonds just before servings so they stay crunchy.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYXbs2Yqi6SDo3Sz9Bt1vWZzGShJjOI4EjQdaOjsu9a1A0rp87HbvhkWdLNdVf5jOJHZrc4bW9P78REag-PXWE6pv7lLsMf3nrVg4nbcTsF0JlQ9KaSa_DbnwbNzi80DKZXbt2Q9tRFND/s1600/Sherry+Green+Beans+before+Almonds.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYXbs2Yqi6SDo3Sz9Bt1vWZzGShJjOI4EjQdaOjsu9a1A0rp87HbvhkWdLNdVf5jOJHZrc4bW9P78REag-PXWE6pv7lLsMf3nrVg4nbcTsF0JlQ9KaSa_DbnwbNzi80DKZXbt2Q9tRFND/s320/Sherry+Green+Beans+before+Almonds.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div>Life of the Party Always!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17342857264275758061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977661930395818598.post-32102280431781362112011-11-22T15:08:00.000-08:002011-11-23T15:19:51.204-08:00Give Me Gravy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dwJ80W0CkshQkW3GeNFPiOw4qONKzGFjFcHwu1V7X0EpSCvmtvQWXwW_qBYdbx5FYoIDpJoWKkcvDsdZayFthkzlddVrPCFKN5jhLWB_gryihiUPpGP2Bb2exLROr97LG3TZf8UEuAx7/s1600/gravy+in+boat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dwJ80W0CkshQkW3GeNFPiOw4qONKzGFjFcHwu1V7X0EpSCvmtvQWXwW_qBYdbx5FYoIDpJoWKkcvDsdZayFthkzlddVrPCFKN5jhLWB_gryihiUPpGP2Bb2exLROr97LG3TZf8UEuAx7/s1600/gravy+in+boat.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Give me Gravy and I am a happy girl! I love mash potatoes and gravy any time of the year but on Thanksgiving is it a must! People stress over making the gravy and it really is not worth getting wound up over when you know how to make it. If all else fails, just run it through the strainer and pour it in the boat. No one will know. Gravy and a little poem to put a smile on your lips! Happy Thanksgiving to you, your family and friends!<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">May your stuffing be tasty</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">May your turkey be plump,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">May your potatoes and gravy</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Have nary a lump.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">May your yams be delicious</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">And your pies take the prize,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">And may your Thanksgiving dinner</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Stay off your thighs! <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">No Lump Gravy<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">1/2 C white wine or dry Marsala</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">1 Tbs Dijon mustard </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">7-8 C chicken stock, hold back 1 C to mix with flour</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Pan drippings, fat separated</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">1/2 C all-purpose flour</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Directions:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong>Make gravy while turkey rests.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Pour pan juices through a fine-mesh sieve into measuring cup (do not clean roasting pan), then skim off and discard fat. (If using a fat separator, pour pan juices through sieve into separator and let stand until fat rises to top, 1 to 2 minutes. Carefully pour pan juices from separator into measure, discarding fat.) <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Place roasting pan across 2 burners, then add wine and mustard and deglaze roasting pan by bringing to a rolling simmer, stirring and scraping up brown bits, 1 minute. Add stock and pan juices to the deglazed mixture. (if stock is congealed, heat to liquefy). <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Use a small strainer to sift the flour into a medium bowl. Slowly add 1 cup of cool stock into the flour, whisking until smooth and lump free. Hot stock can create lumps so make sure stock is cool when adding to flour.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Whisk in the flour mixture to the chicken stock in the roasting pan. Reduce until the mixture thickens. Cook it for a while longer to help the starch in the flour break down and yield a slightly smoother texture. Stir in any turkey juices accumulated on platter and simmer 5 minutes. Season gravy with salt and pepper to taste.</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPEfafl1Fz6RtdSFfoDbCtZHWJOVFTTD1BDjR51l006AkzqPr7I8iL7OTO-r4WWB8eJsPh0ahN3OuDNz0CVeaGoGa0WWs4EcRye9rig2TrcUTh1nHwfd-twS-p91PZDpSv-6mk2pD5FBR/s1600/gravy+season.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPEfafl1Fz6RtdSFfoDbCtZHWJOVFTTD1BDjR51l006AkzqPr7I8iL7OTO-r4WWB8eJsPh0ahN3OuDNz0CVeaGoGa0WWs4EcRye9rig2TrcUTh1nHwfd-twS-p91PZDpSv-6mk2pD5FBR/s1600/gravy+season.jpg" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br />
</div>Life of the Party Always!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17342857264275758061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977661930395818598.post-4081822992572826552011-11-18T16:18:00.000-08:002011-11-23T21:27:36.690-08:00Pumpkin Pie Martini ~ Friday's 5 o'clock Wet Your Whistle Call!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFecNrrzElEmurkJDplUAzLrhOSVC7Pl4Lgs3-FlntkKIoTDMd5NMUBFGw5D1XaToDZxh_FgtHRueWH0CYyVtVeuLhW3_YWUInR809ZrazZPrCckLZukYIM8mW_88r_dV5EubUfRUtR_y/s1600/pumpkin+pie+martini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFecNrrzElEmurkJDplUAzLrhOSVC7Pl4Lgs3-FlntkKIoTDMd5NMUBFGw5D1XaToDZxh_FgtHRueWH0CYyVtVeuLhW3_YWUInR809ZrazZPrCckLZukYIM8mW_88r_dV5EubUfRUtR_y/s1600/pumpkin+pie+martini.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pumpkin pie says Thanksgiving but sometimes you just don’t have room for dessert. Well just like jello, there’s always room for a cocktail! Voila! Pumpkin pie in a glass! Oh so yummy and it is the perfect end to a very festive day. Make a batch of cocktails ahead of time and rim your glasses so when all the leftovers are put away, all you have to do is pour, put your feet up and relax!</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pumpkin Pie Martini<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients:</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Graham cracker, crushed</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Honey</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/2 oz Captain Morgan Spiced Rum</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 Tbs canned pumpkin puree</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 oz. vanilla vodka</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 oz. Bailey’s Irish Cream liqueur</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Whipped Cream</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Directions:</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Place graham cracker crumbs in a shallow dish. Pour honey in to a shallow dish and coat rim of martini glass with honey. Dip into graham cracker crumbs and gently swirl to coat. Lift the glass while still holding it upside down and remove any crumbs from the inside rim. Set glass aside.</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla vodka, and Bailey’s. Shake vigorously until very chilled. Strain into the rimmed glass carefully so you don’t get crumbs in the drink. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of pie spice for garnish.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUQAAINVb_ot2PiCtEeMddAZMFoyYfpyS4m7PrXPQSAZjS5xn-YwbDE_1vzBcJ6zoyvaK_q_Wfk_8J-57hbvuT3qNFxBdyWbgN6tJpatLsN7alsYtQVdqiNJCAY-KrAHE7P0N_Nae0DaF/s1600/turkey+gulp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUQAAINVb_ot2PiCtEeMddAZMFoyYfpyS4m7PrXPQSAZjS5xn-YwbDE_1vzBcJ6zoyvaK_q_Wfk_8J-57hbvuT3qNFxBdyWbgN6tJpatLsN7alsYtQVdqiNJCAY-KrAHE7P0N_Nae0DaF/s1600/turkey+gulp.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div>Life of the Party Always!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17342857264275758061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977661930395818598.post-71718702400094532872011-11-11T14:54:00.000-08:002011-12-02T09:27:01.022-08:00Smashing Pumpkin Cocktail ~ Friday's 5 o'clock Wet Your Whistle Call!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrzLkBmMx_eP5qUcIfD0aYojYYfw63G93zInA9K9esS0gtU1f9Srgh1edUN8bTb6QdV8wWNHUzYPyc8apcdxzRoLDpb1Pr7rIpxCty-KrbFoboG2XJyPProTh93Fx9-fIu-vF5oQ18sb0r/s1600/Smashing+Pumpkin+Cocktail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrzLkBmMx_eP5qUcIfD0aYojYYfw63G93zInA9K9esS0gtU1f9Srgh1edUN8bTb6QdV8wWNHUzYPyc8apcdxzRoLDpb1Pr7rIpxCty-KrbFoboG2XJyPProTh93Fx9-fIu-vF5oQ18sb0r/s320/Smashing+Pumpkin+Cocktail.jpg" width="179" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Smashing Pumpkin Cocktail at the US Grant Hotel<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">While taking a break from gearing up for the Thanksgiving festivities, my husband David and I caught an episode of the Food Networks “Best Thing I Ever Ate/Drank”. When Troy Johnson, Senior Editor of Riviera Magazine, profiled a cocktail from the <a href="http://www.usgrant.net/gallery" target="_blank">US Grant Hotel</a>, right here in downtown San Diego, we looked at each other and said, “We have to try this!”</span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Entertaining at home is fun and has its benefits but sometimes you just have to get out and feel the energy of the city, especially at the holidays. The US Grant Hotel has an interesting history making event, “The Grant Grill Invasion”, that turned the “Men Only Until 3 pm” policy on its ear! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the 1950’s and ‘60s women were not welcome until after 3 pm, so no ladies lunch at this fine hotel! That was until 1969, when a group of female attorneys stormed the Grill, with a New York gender discrimination case in hand, and demanded to be served. Over the course of the next year the women kept showing up until the sign was removed and the Grill was finally open to women. To this day, outside the Grant Grill, hangs a brass plaque commemorating this turning point in San Diego history! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9yGndr-9i3Aj5bkFdmRv6-HIPahCTrLaOpHq13F0Kqt8n8o2OyDl1ksSt__b3DgU-rEwTljLFio6-LFghU91wSOCJOZ4k-0i7VXS-E5MQSstABChAHyS_sbklPTeBQJLpAwkDwUSb97uC/s1600/Men+Only+Until+3+pm+Grant+Grill.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9yGndr-9i3Aj5bkFdmRv6-HIPahCTrLaOpHq13F0Kqt8n8o2OyDl1ksSt__b3DgU-rEwTljLFio6-LFghU91wSOCJOZ4k-0i7VXS-E5MQSstABChAHyS_sbklPTeBQJLpAwkDwUSb97uC/s320/Men+Only+Until+3+pm+Grant+Grill.JPG" width="177" /></a></div></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cheers to the Ladies! With the complex process needed to create this cocktail, why stress? Leave this one to the professionals and sit back and be pampered in the beautiful Art-Deco influenced surroundings of the <a href="http://www.usgrant.net/gallery" target="_blank">Grant Grill Lounge</a>.</span><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGK_mBX6E2j1f2k4ztWpN_o9GZ0hV49HPHgLxWx2Gt_UyxYAnU50LvPvRTqXhLHetLaTALI4u-m2SJg5aT39msE0Q75MpGpEcD-Fe6G4ftRloHPd9nl-gTngvtEcOZYbLcEM5DIHyVphcJ/s1600/Grant+Grill+Lounge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGK_mBX6E2j1f2k4ztWpN_o9GZ0hV49HPHgLxWx2Gt_UyxYAnU50LvPvRTqXhLHetLaTALI4u-m2SJg5aT39msE0Q75MpGpEcD-Fe6G4ftRloHPd9nl-gTngvtEcOZYbLcEM5DIHyVphcJ/s1600/Grant+Grill+Lounge.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This cocktail is only served during the holidays and rightly so. The flavors immediately bring to mind Thanksgiving and the warmth of spices and pumpkin pie. The drink is light, not thick and heavy with a sugar spice rim and a wooden pumpkin floating in each drink. Warning: Don’t eat the pumpkin! It’s really a putka pod and not the best way to get fiber into your diet!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcuVDGU5wCu-IhYC0P8LPV7A8fcky7msWyWNJct8_AjmtQCRU1AwlCWsMOErxgdthR5tZ_6_tmBPLF5euPdecH9vnwxoEZoTCzssnncmDUv9phlyqrLllgvGcmu2NxxAPDNMXxSQCX9OCB/s1600/Putka+Pods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcuVDGU5wCu-IhYC0P8LPV7A8fcky7msWyWNJct8_AjmtQCRU1AwlCWsMOErxgdthR5tZ_6_tmBPLF5euPdecH9vnwxoEZoTCzssnncmDUv9phlyqrLllgvGcmu2NxxAPDNMXxSQCX9OCB/s1600/Putka+Pods.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Smashing Pumpkin arrives in a silver martini shaker. Our waitress gave it a quick little shake, poured it into our rimmed glasses and the “pumpkin” bobbed to the surface to greet us. What fun!</span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em><strong>Ingredients for the Smashing Pumpkin Cocktail:</strong></em></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pumpkin and Star Anise Infused 10 Cane Rum</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grand Marnier</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">St Elizabeth Allspice Dram</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saffron Syrup</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cardamom Bitters</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fresh Meyer Lemon</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We ordered a Charcuterie Plate and Truffled French Fries and sat back to enjoy our cocktail in the elegant ambience of the Grant Grill lounge. In the glow of candlelight on each table and the sounds of relaxing music in the background, we relaxed and enjoyed the sights and sounds of downtown. This could be the beginning of a lovely Thanksgiving tradition in our house!</span><br />
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</div>Life of the Party Always!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17342857264275758061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977661930395818598.post-36018209780567491172011-11-04T16:03:00.000-07:002011-11-04T16:03:21.729-07:00Café de la Mañana ~ Friday's 5 o'clock Wet Your Whistle Call!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsEGgTr54nI_pOHarjeHQdISDpQ8O4fNactFzIcXtX2PRrL0flsciVkSjk7YGsl6cPI4UzhwaxQCNuC0SFEPt5IAy5hZhBdeXYwyQEXpqYAFiy_80IS-_imkoGjn387h6ZVe7ab_CGojRc/s1600/Cafe+de+la+Manana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsEGgTr54nI_pOHarjeHQdISDpQ8O4fNactFzIcXtX2PRrL0flsciVkSjk7YGsl6cPI4UzhwaxQCNuC0SFEPt5IAy5hZhBdeXYwyQEXpqYAFiy_80IS-_imkoGjn387h6ZVe7ab_CGojRc/s1600/Cafe+de+la+Manana.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aye Caramba! This ain’t no Gringo Coffee! Warm those bones with a tequila spiked coffee. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The coffee cocktail is the creation of Quentin Ertel, owner of </span><a href="http://www.thesaintsocialclub.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">The Saint Social Club</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> in Seattle, and is perfect after a long week and a chilly day. This cocktail will put the zip back in your shorts and give you a second wind as you wind your way into the weekend. Manana never tasted so good!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong>Café de la Mañana</strong></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span> </span></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients:</span></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <br />
1 1/2 oz Reposado Tequila <br />
1/2 oz Amaretto</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/2 oz Grand Marnier</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">8 oz. fresh-brewed coffee</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fresh agave nectar whipped cream (recipe below)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nutmeg, fresh to grate</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Directions:</span></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Add tequila, amaretto, and Grand Marnier to glass and top with fresh, hot coffee. Spoon whipped cream on top of drink. Dust with freshly grated nutmeg.</span></span><span style="font-family: "MS Gothic"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Gothic";"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br />
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</span></span><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Agave Nectar Whipped Cream<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients:</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 cup heavy cream<br />
2 Tbsp light agave nectar (not dark agave)<br />
1 tsp vanilla extract<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Directions:</span></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Pour heavy cream into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add agave and vanilla. </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Beat with a hand mixer until the cream starts to stiffen. At first everything will remain liquid around the beaters for a while and then suddenly begin to clump together at about 30-45 seconds. Your whipped cream will still be light and airy at this point and form medium peaks. Don’t whip any more or you’ll end up with butter!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOy1YReWNgw6nXZ6avP8stf8g5VVgj5gQSuV_BqCuOuvHMWgPoxdqw2O3r77HAuruS4eMl497IkXhxHvRyq45tKYqy6eYU6SiWymitjIzZ1PoHD3Ymppoik91AxaM_jgLYoqUr7HVvNt33/s1600/agave+nectar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOy1YReWNgw6nXZ6avP8stf8g5VVgj5gQSuV_BqCuOuvHMWgPoxdqw2O3r77HAuruS4eMl497IkXhxHvRyq45tKYqy6eYU6SiWymitjIzZ1PoHD3Ymppoik91AxaM_jgLYoqUr7HVvNt33/s1600/agave+nectar.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"></div></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div>Life of the Party Always!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17342857264275758061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977661930395818598.post-81945647931640073632011-10-31T16:58:00.000-07:002011-10-31T16:58:34.819-07:00Skeleton’s in the Closet Cupcakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-ER1Z2Xh0x2IPMZJyAhFEA9OchXoq9EhH1FUHuVOEaHScV_qtT4KzPT84CJ2ei4ZuQClkRsrj4PhqjZImHgt31Dqbjw_AdjJX9KKdDxjcQmNXUQTxSZsqad9bTtRQjro2n1tShBsBiCo/s1600/Dancing+Skeleton+Cupcakes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-ER1Z2Xh0x2IPMZJyAhFEA9OchXoq9EhH1FUHuVOEaHScV_qtT4KzPT84CJ2ei4ZuQClkRsrj4PhqjZImHgt31Dqbjw_AdjJX9KKdDxjcQmNXUQTxSZsqad9bTtRQjro2n1tShBsBiCo/s320/Dancing+Skeleton+Cupcakes.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bring a “ghoul” platter of cupcakes to your office or neighborhood party and get those skeletons out of the closet! It’s easy to do when you remember that “the leg bone’s connected to the knee bone and the knee bone’s connected to the foot bone”, as the song goes. You’ll have your skeletons dancing across your cupcakes in no time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For the Black & Orange Cupcakes<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients:</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Vanilla Cake Mix – use your favorite brand & follow package directions</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Almond Extract</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Black & Orange Gel Food Color</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chocolate Buttercream Frosting (recipe below)</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Directions:</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mix cake according to the directions on the package. Add ¼ teaspoon almond extract to the batter. Divide batter into 2/3 and 1/3 portions, pouring them into two separate bowls. Into 2/3 of the batter mix the orange gel food coloring and beat well. Into the 1/3 portion of batter mix the black gel food coloring and beat well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Using large spoons – such as tablespoons or soup spoons – layer the colored batters into the cupcake cups until they are 2/3 full. Start with the orange batter first , then a spoon of black batter and then top with the orange batter. This combo gives you the best color swirls. Take a butter knife and gently swirl the colors together gently. Don’t mix them too much or you will lose the design and just have grayish cupcakes! The key is to create a few swirls within the batter so that you have large swirls of color when you bite into them.</span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Place pan in oven on center rack. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cool on a rack for five minute before removing cupcakes from pan. Allow cupcakes to cool completely on rack before frosting. </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Frost cupcakes with chocolate frosting and let frosting set. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For the Skeleton Decorations</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients:</span></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">White frosting (recipe below)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wilton Black Gel Frosting in tube (Michaels)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mini Marshmallows</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Easy Chocolate Buttercream Frosting<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients:</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 cups confectioners' sugar</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 cup butter, softened</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">8 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 teaspoons instant espresso powder</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 to 3 tablespoons heavy cream</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Directions:</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Melt chocolate chips in glass bowl over pot of hot water; stir until smooth. Add espresso powder to the melted chocolate. Set aside; cool 15 minutes. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In a standing mixer fitted with a whisk, mix together sugar and butter. Mix on low speed until well blended and then increase speed to medium and beat for another 3 minutes. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Add vanilla and cream and continue to beat on medium speed for 1 minute more, adding more cream if needed for spreading consistency.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Divide frosting by 1/4 vanilla frosting into one bowl and set aside. To the other 3/4 vanilla frosting, add the melted chocolate to make the chocolate frosting.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To Decorate Skeleton Cupcakes</span></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Instructions:</span></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Place a mini marshmallow on each of the cupcake as the head and then start drawing on the skeleton body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Start with the neck and spine and then add on the bones using wiggly lines with balls on each end to create “bones” and at each “joint” of arms and legs. Add a couple of short horizontal lines for ribs. Use the picture as a guideline, but be creative and make your skeleton dance.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Using an icing bag fitted with a small round tip, pipe on a stick figure or you can put frosting/icing into a sandwich size plastic bag, seal and then snip off the very end of one corner of the bag with a scissors to create an icing bag for piping on your skeleton designs. Make sure you snip off a very small piece so that your lines will be fine. You can always snip off more if you need to.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Finish off the skeletons by drawing on his face with the black gel frosting.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_WqxtDDBm-XlDOPvN6hxNFQdZXrLE1bJc-o4J6oJ_PEVpZXEtm9uQnl5rZUdNQZ_r4Cyk3baW_UPduJ4gwEMTu_9FiZPqdq2aDYJs6YZSVXzhRgO-UvfUYaVHRtdfBozB6BtIyfq0tThi/s1600/Orange+and+Black+Swirl+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_WqxtDDBm-XlDOPvN6hxNFQdZXrLE1bJc-o4J6oJ_PEVpZXEtm9uQnl5rZUdNQZ_r4Cyk3baW_UPduJ4gwEMTu_9FiZPqdq2aDYJs6YZSVXzhRgO-UvfUYaVHRtdfBozB6BtIyfq0tThi/s320/Orange+and+Black+Swirl+.JPG" width="180" /></a></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div>Life of the Party Always!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17342857264275758061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977661930395818598.post-21822335093542799232011-10-28T12:44:00.000-07:002011-10-28T12:44:06.145-07:00Captain Ghouladas ~ Friday's 5 o'clock Wet Your Whistle Call!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZoUzN3xR-_X8sHuAt-2p3RnGQtpPED1VGzB2H51wN15TwjJjLDaM3UfREbXZuGYwXOatGDUc-UdOGOoPNBmylmgESQ6eEIIVUU1PaNs-EeCJcKuZLgHgr5ppLv868MndTXH8Z33-dC9C/s1600/Captain+Ghouladas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZoUzN3xR-_X8sHuAt-2p3RnGQtpPED1VGzB2H51wN15TwjJjLDaM3UfREbXZuGYwXOatGDUc-UdOGOoPNBmylmgESQ6eEIIVUU1PaNs-EeCJcKuZLgHgr5ppLv868MndTXH8Z33-dC9C/s320/Captain+Ghouladas.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There’s been a mutiny on the pirate ship and the crew is celebrating this Halloween massacre with a bloody good cocktail. The tell tale sign is not the blood on their hands but the stain on their lips as they toss back their Captain Ghouladas. Cheers Matey! </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmM9tnoTN9ExQRezOB4laypxCiGwrYIABNCZ3RDjdzUZr4epy9so46uI1nUDUF8a0cqXff3dDEOnKP2FETfV8oBYgCzkpm4FggxTm1ACsgzqM6J8jTYEOvqBykRESn-5S-AyDrTCOb1W3/s1600/pirate+flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmM9tnoTN9ExQRezOB4laypxCiGwrYIABNCZ3RDjdzUZr4epy9so46uI1nUDUF8a0cqXff3dDEOnKP2FETfV8oBYgCzkpm4FggxTm1ACsgzqM6J8jTYEOvqBykRESn-5S-AyDrTCOb1W3/s1600/pirate+flag.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Captain Ghouladas</strong></span></span></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The “bloody rim” is made with the same technique you use to make hard candy</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">. You can use a candy thermometer and these can found at most grocery stores, Michaels Craft Stores or discount stores. Or you can use the Cold Water Method if you don’t have a thermometer.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Ingredients:</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">1 Cup Sugar<br />
1/2 Cup Karo Syrup<br />
1/2 Cup Water<br />
Red Food Coloring</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Oven Mitt</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Aluminum Foil</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><strong>Directions:</strong></span><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Place aluminum foil on counter for finished glasses so if there are any drips, the candy will drip on the foil for easy clean up. Candy will come off glasses when soaked in hot water for 5 minutes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Candy Thermometer Method:</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Combine sugar, syrup and water. Heat, without stirring the sugar mixture, until you reach the hard crack-stage of 300 degrees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add food coloring.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cold Water Method:</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This method consists of dropping the cooked candy into a bowl of cold water and gauging the temperature of the candy based upon its reaction when it hits the liquid.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Combine sugar, syrup and water. Heat, without stirring the sugar mixture. When the candy mixture boils down and small, frothy bubbles form on the surface of the hot mixture, it's likely in the soft-crack stage. Test at this stage. The candy will form flexible threads when immersed in cold water. The temperature of the mixture is between 235 and 240 degrees now. The next stage will be hard-crack. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When the candy mixture is reduced to nearly all sugar, it's at the hard-crack stage. After being drizzled into the cold water, the candy will form brittle threads that snap when bent. The temperature of the candy will be between 300 and 310 degrees. Add food coloring.</span></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Coat Glasses:</b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Turn off the heat. Put on your oven mit! While the mixture is still hot, dunk the top of the cocktail glass into the mixture to create the bloody rim. To do several glasses, keep the mixture hot longer by reducing the heat to low. You can make as big a bloody rim as you want by dipping the glass in deep or shallow. I prefer a thinner rim and long drips of blood. Flip the glass right side up to cool. The thick consistency of the mixture will cause “drips” as it hardens on the glass!</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKiJqvxAV6rkcjsU3IX40DGbEWm-blqZzpWNYYx890RObesGOAxQlBmZ4AAN4toCugshf1BYS57EgKZFbD9pb0wc2GnybjzvAqqpY_ojYLbIvVhxT6PgzISicTRXjkf6EkGCgR8m8ROVRW/s1600/Bloody+Rim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKiJqvxAV6rkcjsU3IX40DGbEWm-blqZzpWNYYx890RObesGOAxQlBmZ4AAN4toCugshf1BYS57EgKZFbD9pb0wc2GnybjzvAqqpY_ojYLbIvVhxT6PgzISicTRXjkf6EkGCgR8m8ROVRW/s320/Bloody+Rim.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">WARNING: HOT CANDY WILL BURN YOU! BE CAREFUL WHEN YOU FLIP GLASS RIGHT SIDE UP THAT HOT CANDY DOES NOT DRIP ON YOU! WEAR AN OVEN MITT TO PROTECT YOUR HAND.</span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Simple Bloody Rims Method – much easier to make and no burn factor but not as dramatic</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corn Syrup “Blood Rim”</span></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Courtesy of Martha Stewart </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Ingredients:</strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 tablespoons corn syrup<br />
1/4 teaspoons red food coloring</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Directions:</strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pour the corn syrup in a shallow bowl. Dip a toothpick into the food coloring, and stir a very small amount into the syrup to combine. Hold a glass by the stem, dip rim into the syrup mixture, and turn glass, coating entire rim. Turn the glass upright, allowing mixture to drip down sides. Dip the remaining glasses. Set aside.</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjkzEHcb3Qwfh7AVusywKD5QMB-ooYUs_fShxq5VUwsr6mokE6CzElJ7abnKEDjRIev5nwnNA0me1y0pdc-CwlMuy3WmSrwp15hha6SaRERQxaNtPqyBwFbWqU5LUybZq3a1_cz86jAWgn/s1600/pina+goulada.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjkzEHcb3Qwfh7AVusywKD5QMB-ooYUs_fShxq5VUwsr6mokE6CzElJ7abnKEDjRIev5nwnNA0me1y0pdc-CwlMuy3WmSrwp15hha6SaRERQxaNtPqyBwFbWqU5LUybZq3a1_cz86jAWgn/s1600/pina+goulada.jpg" /></a></div></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The “Ghoulada” is a spiced up version of a Pina Colada and they go down so smoothly.</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients:</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">8 oz Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, add more to taste<br />
3 oz Coco Lopez cream of coconut, not coconut milk</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 oz heavy cream<br />
8 oz pineapple juice<br />
2 1/2 cups crushed ice</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Directions:</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Pour rum, cream of coconut, heavy cream and pineapple juice into a blender with crushed ice. If the ice is crushed it will blend faster and easier than cubed ice. Place cubed ice in a heavy freezer bag and pound until crushed. Blend mixture until smooth and </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">add more pineapple juice if mixture is too thick. Carefully pour into 4 prepared glasses and serve.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBH7KffFt1lbN313YTQCvpEytYjNsTd7llqCsdRSVByqdk1En7kgH0j2d0DnRPxgIIK4TOYtBGO0zCb6WpJiJoZx7Ib2ux0bK2AWgHiiUtlrKDlJ7TIxojX6E1y7Ky297a7ztI8P1rg2W/s1600/skeleton+pirate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBH7KffFt1lbN313YTQCvpEytYjNsTd7llqCsdRSVByqdk1En7kgH0j2d0DnRPxgIIK4TOYtBGO0zCb6WpJiJoZx7Ib2ux0bK2AWgHiiUtlrKDlJ7TIxojX6E1y7Ky297a7ztI8P1rg2W/s1600/skeleton+pirate.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div>Life of the Party Always!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17342857264275758061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977661930395818598.post-59114315856691388462011-10-23T10:25:00.000-07:002011-10-27T10:55:52.353-07:00Who Stuffed Those Shells?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVG-CJzL46l-j_YeW77EHMRdfeIQ6-EzYoF6U-jjtQ2vlQAYNrKGzgSJCbHCRtWkgu9MZ66zhVev361hMtlEBvDJzIPqZ8RU3C8siKQzHPDBUo6t0ReHzFQ5bGZ5IEAZbeHEiNiXwRedZ/s1600/veggie+stuffed+shells.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVG-CJzL46l-j_YeW77EHMRdfeIQ6-EzYoF6U-jjtQ2vlQAYNrKGzgSJCbHCRtWkgu9MZ66zhVev361hMtlEBvDJzIPqZ8RU3C8siKQzHPDBUo6t0ReHzFQ5bGZ5IEAZbeHEiNiXwRedZ/s1600/veggie+stuffed+shells.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Sneak those veggies into some pasta and your kids will love it! Bursting with cheesy goodness, the veggies add color and flavor and a healthy aspect to an old favorite. This is an easy recipe and fun to make with your kids, if you are not trying to hide the veggies. Their hands are just the right size to hold the pasta shells and stuff them. These are the kinds of meals that kids will remember when they grow up and are out on their own, cooking for friends in college. Double the recipe and freeze some for one of the crazy days when you just can't make dinner. What a treat for Mom!</span></div></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Veggie Stuffed Shells<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients:</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">24 uncooked jumbo pasta shells</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 carrot, minced</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 onion, finely chopped</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">10 oz box of frozen spinach, drained</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 cups part-skim ricotta cheese</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, reserve 1/2 cup for topping</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 egg</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 tbs parsley, chopped</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 (28-ounce) jar spaghetti sauce</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Salt & Pepper, to taste</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Preparation:</span></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pre-cook pasta shells in salted water for 9 minutes. Drain shells and pour onto a sheet pan to cool.<br />
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In a large skillet sauté carrots and onions about 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and heat to bring out the flavors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let mixture cool. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tapFGhndd-w/TqmaMi09yNI/AAAAAAAACZQ/gOUfM6Gber8/s1600/Veggie+Cheese+Stuffing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tapFGhndd-w/TqmaMi09yNI/AAAAAAAACZQ/gOUfM6Gber8/s320/Veggie+Cheese+Stuffing.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Combine 3/4 of the vegetable mixture with ricotta, mozzarella, egg, and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese in a large bowl. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Add the remaining 1/4 vegetable mixture and the chopped parsley to the jar spaghetti sauce to create a fresh sauce flavor. </span></span></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOzRVO8IqnpFgy4aqA7f9luLXVdy24b1fi_5LK6pO_V5Nz4RHJWsrOQs2Q2-QDns_sRcpuHZXf6Gv5L_SHVfY6dKgE8PCu4mWc7k_17v18EunmC3EAnET7oldBe-6JdyMCxjSYVx2-HV06/s1600/Freshen+the+Sauce.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOzRVO8IqnpFgy4aqA7f9luLXVdy24b1fi_5LK6pO_V5Nz4RHJWsrOQs2Q2-QDns_sRcpuHZXf6Gv5L_SHVfY6dKgE8PCu4mWc7k_17v18EunmC3EAnET7oldBe-6JdyMCxjSYVx2-HV06/s320/Freshen+the+Sauce.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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Pour 1/3 cup of the spaghetti sauce in the bottom of a 9x13" baking pan. Fill each cooked and cooled shell with this cheese mixture and arrange stuffed shells in a single layer, seam side up, on the sauce. Pour remaining sauce over top. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Recipe can be doubled and one pan frozen for later.</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3FU68Y0WCSS1heTBBc1lM2VG-gANzxARlWXoJueYFtfgf3sds7Nn7MeFSbx9e9CWsO5zFNwrsSjIX6RkcO5GbgyX7QP5bi296yBAjQKzUKhTKiaYLqGtFolOhY7MVL4rJ5zxw4uFEQllR/s1600/Veggie+Stuffed+Shells+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3FU68Y0WCSS1heTBBc1lM2VG-gANzxARlWXoJueYFtfgf3sds7Nn7MeFSbx9e9CWsO5zFNwrsSjIX6RkcO5GbgyX7QP5bi296yBAjQKzUKhTKiaYLqGtFolOhY7MVL4rJ5zxw4uFEQllR/s320/Veggie+Stuffed+Shells+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">To freeze:</b> Refrigerate at this point until cold. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing to remove as much air as possible. Wrap with heavy-duty foil. Write the date onit and store in freezer for up to 2-3 months. <o:p></o:p></div></span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To prepare frozen unbaked casserole:</span></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Remove foil; reserve foil. Remove plastic wrap; discard wrap. Cover frozen casserole with reserved foil; bake at 375 degrees for 1 hour and 10 minutes or until the shells are thoroughly heated. To thaw and reheat, thaw whole casserole overnight in refrigerator. Bake as directed below, adding 15-20 minutes to baking time. <br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">To bake immediately:</b> Cover with foil and bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes. Then uncover and bake for 10-15 minutes longer or until hot and bubbly. Makes 8-10 servings.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho52AE5Vd2mjW0AayNrXl5sr-5yLlivFlGY2o47-Axa37xPcbjyT8edgjyKL-rDzyKWd_Y6ia3ffAaUwivRFowmGjYbtrOVCDpxcE4-oNfrl4e3D_A9c1aWyLI4DzvVs7jCbbPeN2rMD4W/s1600/Shells+Ready+for+the+Oven.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho52AE5Vd2mjW0AayNrXl5sr-5yLlivFlGY2o47-Axa37xPcbjyT8edgjyKL-rDzyKWd_Y6ia3ffAaUwivRFowmGjYbtrOVCDpxcE4-oNfrl4e3D_A9c1aWyLI4DzvVs7jCbbPeN2rMD4W/s320/Shells+Ready+for+the+Oven.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div>Life of the Party Always!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17342857264275758061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977661930395818598.post-29541949571285261312011-10-21T15:49:00.000-07:002011-10-27T10:00:21.294-07:00Slow Death Martini ~ Friday's 5 o'clock Wet Your Whistle Call!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwrG6LsvoBlB1jBdc1fCfI9XnkwX67H7IQkhi9E3bDKmys54ItHxqj2VUxXUPklh-d2BMyaJvR8Nm7uZzoQnR_VA42rym4M3UlK2CAHuprzEV_e7Qs6zqZIKxXMaO0O75CNop71EEQdWn0/s1600/Slow+Death+Martini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwrG6LsvoBlB1jBdc1fCfI9XnkwX67H7IQkhi9E3bDKmys54ItHxqj2VUxXUPklh-d2BMyaJvR8Nm7uZzoQnR_VA42rym4M3UlK2CAHuprzEV_e7Qs6zqZIKxXMaO0O75CNop71EEQdWn0/s320/Slow+Death+Martini.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This lemony drink will sneak up on you! As the black skull floating in the yellow drink slowly begins to melt, an eerie affect begins to swirl around in your glass. As you sip your martini, the anise scent of the skull permeates your senses and combines with the rosemary lemon on your tongue. Your guests will all be talking about how nice a Slow Death can be….</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Slow Death Martini<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4 ounces vodka<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 ounces Rosemary-Lemon Syrup<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 ounce Limoncello<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Licorice Ice Cubes<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Directions:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Combine vodka, syrup, and Limoncello in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until chilled. Pour into 2 chilled martini glasses. Drop a licorice skull ice cube in each glass. Serve immediately. Makes 2 drinks but can be multiple for as many drinks as you want to serve.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpeNZaClUbaTd1r-E6w1IFHOZ_HBvzCf-_5D5Qk1439hAhHPNl_CT38ykUvhFDjSGujMWHxOeHOizyed54XQgBCMqJXUQQiVhgeQ5X3R3bG_c8VsrlhvgKh3Y4I_efi0gUErzDYEmFf5Lu/s1600/Lemon+Rosemary+Syrup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpeNZaClUbaTd1r-E6w1IFHOZ_HBvzCf-_5D5Qk1439hAhHPNl_CT38ykUvhFDjSGujMWHxOeHOizyed54XQgBCMqJXUQQiVhgeQ5X3R3bG_c8VsrlhvgKh3Y4I_efi0gUErzDYEmFf5Lu/s320/Lemon+Rosemary+Syrup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rosemary-Lemon Syrup<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 lemons<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 cups sugar<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 cups water<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 sprigs rosemary<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Directions:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">With a vegetable peeler, remove the peel from lemons, leaving bitter white pith behind. Combine peel plus remaining ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer, stirring, until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool. Strain through a fine sieve to discard solids and chill. Enough for 9-10 drinks.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYAYuzQL-5K1JCYV6LG1A7zoGOLA40FaXW11g3U2f0_H65YegJXGEIR3srrRS5p0Ddr9BiijYOaP-Qdh1tPIATQXUZO2KnKi-kasMRqH20C4eRDhrd-N8MIB_UkMerHC0so0VN2kRCC9o/s1600/anise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYAYuzQL-5K1JCYV6LG1A7zoGOLA40FaXW11g3U2f0_H65YegJXGEIR3srrRS5p0Ddr9BiijYOaP-Qdh1tPIATQXUZO2KnKi-kasMRqH20C4eRDhrd-N8MIB_UkMerHC0so0VN2kRCC9o/s1600/anise.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Licorice Skull Ice Cubes<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 cup water<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 tablespoons anise seed or </span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/faeries-finest-anise-flavor-extract/dp/B000UA0QGS"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">anise extract</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> to taste<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4 drops black food coloring<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Directions:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bring the water and anise seed to a boil in a saucepan. Remove from heat; let cool 30 minutes. Strain through a fine sieve or cheese cloth and discard solids, then stir in food coloring. Pour into ice cube trays and freeze. Use skull shaped trays if you can find them, if not then small ice cube trays will work. Found my skull trays at Michaels but have seen them at dollar stores too.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/faeries-finest-anise-flavor-extract/dp/B000UA0QGS"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">Anise extract</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> will also work instead of the anise seeds. Flavor water with extract until you have the right taste. No need to bring to a boil, just drop enough to flavor the water with licorice.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong></strong></span></span>Life of the Party Always!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17342857264275758061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977661930395818598.post-11046726862528747012011-10-17T17:42:00.000-07:002014-04-07T10:58:10.836-07:00Mad Squirrel Nut Granola Parfaits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo_-RJRKgTzzp5lP3mSzc8ARBdH-ka__diX5nR3LHMxHpIDWR77zf24W7O7Bl3xwkORbG_M9Os3_BKbGhPSiJ1lyZW1gsS9duSEXiLy9fSN7ArzKu1tFG1VSNdATzFDocmVnWOsiiDOl7c/s1600/Granola+Yogurt+Parfaits.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo_-RJRKgTzzp5lP3mSzc8ARBdH-ka__diX5nR3LHMxHpIDWR77zf24W7O7Bl3xwkORbG_M9Os3_BKbGhPSiJ1lyZW1gsS9duSEXiLy9fSN7ArzKu1tFG1VSNdATzFDocmVnWOsiiDOl7c/s320/Granola+Yogurt+Parfaits.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nothing
makes a squirrel madder than having his nuts too sweet! This granola combo is
just right; not too sweet with a warm cinnamon spice that pairs wonderfully
with fresh fruit and yogurt. All the natural flavors of the nuts, oats and
spices can be tasted in every bite. You may feel a little guilty when you think
you are having berry cobbler for breakfast but rest assured, a lot of sugar and
oil has been removed to keep all your little squirrels happy!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><strong>Mad Squirrel Nut Granola</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients:</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></b></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">4 cups rolled oats<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">1-1/2 cup honey roasted sunflower
seeds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">1/2 cup Flax seeds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">1/2 cup roasted pepitas
(pumpkin seeds)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">2 cups rough chopped mixed
nuts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">1/2 teaspoon salt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">1/3 cup brown sugar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">1/4 cup maple syrup<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">1/3 cup honey<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">1/4 cup vegetable oil<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">1/4 cup water<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">1-1/2 teaspoons ground
cinnamon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">1-1/2 teaspoons ground
pumpkin pie spice<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla
extract<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">1 cup raisins, dried
cherries, dried apricots, dried cranberries (any mixture)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Directions:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">Preheat the oven to 325
degrees F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment or aluminum foil. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">Combine the oats, seeds, and
nuts in a large bowl and set aside. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZb4dHnNJIg2DxYoutejQcZNQaU7zTZnqgNxI3IDKDHXdDuXKaT-mSCd55_WDUtu-WdbsBYTQvYU2aRoBMLM_Xkt4gE987C3h-6Nb34TP_WZ1UarRQ0eb-69vR-tRzbEwZptFhjiH8NzXD/s1600/Rolled+Oats+%2526+Nuts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZb4dHnNJIg2DxYoutejQcZNQaU7zTZnqgNxI3IDKDHXdDuXKaT-mSCd55_WDUtu-WdbsBYTQvYU2aRoBMLM_Xkt4gE987C3h-6Nb34TP_WZ1UarRQ0eb-69vR-tRzbEwZptFhjiH8NzXD/s320/Rolled+Oats+%2526+Nuts.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Stir together the salt,
brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, oil, water, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and
vanilla in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then pour over the dry
ingredients, and stir to coat. Spread the mixture out evenly on the baking
sheets. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bake in the preheated oven
until toasted, about 10 minutes on one side. Stir once halfway through and bake
for another 10 minutes. It will get crunchy as it cools so don’t overcook it as
it will burn fast. Allow to cool, and
then stir in the raisins, cherries, apricots or cranberries combo before
storing in an airtight container. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Double Recipe:</b>
Bake in the preheated oven until toasted, about 18 minutes on one side. Stir
once halfway through and bake for another 15 minutes</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Mad Squirrel Parfaits<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Vanilla
Yogurt (Trader Joe's Vanilla)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Fresh
Strawberries, chopped<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">1
bag frozen mixed berries, thawed<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Mad
Squirrel Nut Granola<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Directions:</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Mix
the thawed berries with the fresh strawberries in a container and set aside. In
a tall glass, spoon berries at the bottom, layer several spoonfuls of yogurt
and sprinkle with granola. Add another layer just like the last and serve with
a long Ice Tea Spoon. It's a real lip licker!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Life of the Party Always!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17342857264275758061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977661930395818598.post-16888532156050351752011-10-14T15:20:00.000-07:002011-10-17T15:36:54.721-07:00Spider’s Kiss ~ Friday's 5 o'clock Wet Your Whistle Call!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKAojroyqnxQCOM76JykVt4OebjzFkeS_Xvcup5SWk3lpbhfSfT49q1c8aviwWH8bQvYbjYSIKz1fxHTFZjjJvxy7R6MVrP_sAEGaa1a03sCIxPPexI450Hc8vrIE1K1eY3etW9gnsiOx/s1600/spiders+kiss.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKAojroyqnxQCOM76JykVt4OebjzFkeS_Xvcup5SWk3lpbhfSfT49q1c8aviwWH8bQvYbjYSIKz1fxHTFZjjJvxy7R6MVrP_sAEGaa1a03sCIxPPexI450Hc8vrIE1K1eY3etW9gnsiOx/s1600/spiders+kiss.png" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Feeling the bite of rough week? Bite back with a Spider’s Kiss and have everyone under your spell. The mystic of the black widow spider is captured in this visually interesting cocktail by mixologist </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Victoria D’Amato-Moran. Hauntingly beautiful yet absolutely delicious!</span><span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Spider’s Kiss<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.25in; mso-outline-level: 4;"><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ingredients:</span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">1 part Midori Melon Liqueur<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">1 part SKYY Vodka<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Juice from 1/2 Lemon<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Chocolate syrup<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Maraschino cherry<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Chocolate dipped orange slice for garnish</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Methode:</span></b><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Draw a chocolate web into a martini glass. Place in freezer and chill to create the web for your spider. </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Shake all ingredients and strain into chilled glass. Drop cherry in bottom of glass.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnVFxheOkuRkuk8nLKKMDgnRxOSGMldtdDnANBSJWmz372qVWsMv8g_ck1ny6M-zkkdHMI4LuDJO9BXtcW_RWEWskpHu4Vy4YCEClCc9GKBMYI9RyZJeVHaAdhOUcGsklb6d1aaB5q8Xm/s1600/spider+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnVFxheOkuRkuk8nLKKMDgnRxOSGMldtdDnANBSJWmz372qVWsMv8g_ck1ny6M-zkkdHMI4LuDJO9BXtcW_RWEWskpHu4Vy4YCEClCc9GKBMYI9RyZJeVHaAdhOUcGsklb6d1aaB5q8Xm/s1600/spider+web.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Garnish with a chocolate dipped orange slice. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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</div>Life of the Party Always!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17342857264275758061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977661930395818598.post-35919957272004686842011-10-12T10:58:00.000-07:002011-10-27T11:28:15.149-07:00Go Ape with Bananas and Fiber!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2BzCydQmJOChu0qlYd7rJ-LDuS-XxDUnMXeNvgQYExLFPOMCiE5BSs5wiUSf6V3rUQ1i9IrSJs8o3zVjyv5dFtxTOWPOxcA2X4MxGam8iS-_KiRg_TNN6xuDSH6TiR7htr4zycwNLip1/s1600/Banana+Bread.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2BzCydQmJOChu0qlYd7rJ-LDuS-XxDUnMXeNvgQYExLFPOMCiE5BSs5wiUSf6V3rUQ1i9IrSJs8o3zVjyv5dFtxTOWPOxcA2X4MxGam8iS-_KiRg_TNN6xuDSH6TiR7htr4zycwNLip1/s320/Banana+Bread.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Banana Bread loaves make wonderful gifts for the holidays or other special occasions. Our friends Michele & Mike recently welcomed their little girl, Ava, into the world and I made several dinners for them so they could have more time with the family and still have a great dinner. Of course their other kids got chocolate chip cookies and banana bread for a healthy treat! Wrap up a basket of goodies and deliver it to a new mom you know coming home from the hospital. She will appreciate it so much!</span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Banana Bran Bread<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients:</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/4 cup butter, melted</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 cup sugar</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 egg<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 cup bran flakes, crushed *</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 1/2 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 1/2 cup flour</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/2 tsp salt</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/2 tsp soda</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/4 tsp cinnamon</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 tsp baking powder</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/3 cup vanilla yogurt</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 tsp vanilla</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/2 cup nuts (optional)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Directions:</span></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line with wax paper or grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan. </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter and sugar. Add the eggs and mix well. In a small bowl, sift together the dry ingredients of flour, salt, soda, cinnamon and baking soda and set aside. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW49JoGt9bFD9UIg-09bEqnj_9dSLq3YjvzJZ1XXyPg8LBGzEGWHfRzPZ01I2sqEsQNKsbXUw-uU0m5ebQZJTqJvB_W-_SvJZ8kpUsZYQAPFeuhX3N91xpvU-FelfG8qTFrxm5_UjbXEeE/s1600/Ripe+Bananas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW49JoGt9bFD9UIg-09bEqnj_9dSLq3YjvzJZ1XXyPg8LBGzEGWHfRzPZ01I2sqEsQNKsbXUw-uU0m5ebQZJTqJvB_W-_SvJZ8kpUsZYQAPFeuhX3N91xpvU-FelfG8qTFrxm5_UjbXEeE/s320/Ripe+Bananas.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*Crunch up the bran flakes in your hand as you add them to the wet ingredients. 2 cups of bran flakes equals 1 cup of crushed. Mash the bananas leaving small bits of banana chunks. Stir bananas into the bran butter mixture alternating with the dry ingredients. Finally, fold in the yogurt, vanilla and nuts. Spread evenly into the prepared pan. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYXs3wC7fxT5JGU-xbgFKqlLbXfGCg0oJrWoXmeG6cZNvgBT2S4eqwSgTsqqp9EIvCvR3tHfX4lujapPSQmis8DUBJaOT-APQc1vwxqLgh5_T-D-naNKShc4iSqAnsVocyA7IA5wxcDn3/s1600/Crushed+Bran+Flakes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYXs3wC7fxT5JGU-xbgFKqlLbXfGCg0oJrWoXmeG6cZNvgBT2S4eqwSgTsqqp9EIvCvR3tHfX4lujapPSQmis8DUBJaOT-APQc1vwxqLgh5_T-D-naNKShc4iSqAnsVocyA7IA5wxcDn3/s320/Crushed+Bran+Flakes.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bake at 350 degrees for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. Cool loaf in the pan for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s important to cool bread completely so that the bread will firm up and not be too soft on the inside. Bread can be frozen for up to 3 months. Once bread is completely cooled, wrap in saran wrap and then in aluminum foil, date it and place in freezer. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
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</div>Life of the Party Always!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17342857264275758061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977661930395818598.post-19297039364626576562011-10-07T11:43:00.000-07:002011-10-07T11:43:00.143-07:00Rye Witch ~ Friday's 5 o'clock Wet Your Whistle Call!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5KY9V4hXsn6PgZoZjbr7MmQkMW3C1TFsFF1SnUOyeKHdi-uUOiQoCjOAbeIfKIlKqX2AlItaEWpNCweK6rN81FuiF2sIIr3hF7OGao5P2-WgtyC7Nuc84-5qf6yWXu2I-z9R931maIXrA/s1600/Rye+Witch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5KY9V4hXsn6PgZoZjbr7MmQkMW3C1TFsFF1SnUOyeKHdi-uUOiQoCjOAbeIfKIlKqX2AlItaEWpNCweK6rN81FuiF2sIIr3hF7OGao5P2-WgtyC7Nuc84-5qf6yWXu2I-z9R931maIXrA/s320/Rye+Witch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">October brings mystery and witchcraft so it seems apropos to have some witchy tidbits served up with our cocktail today. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the late 1600s, the Puritan settlement of Salem, Massachusetts flew into hysteria when accusations of witchcraft began to appear. One intriguing theory suggests that the community’s rye crop may have been partially to blame. Rye grass is susceptible to a particular fungus which infects the edible portions of the plant and can lead the person that consumed it to display body spasms, convulsions, unconsciousness, hallucinations, and psychosis. These side affects along with the fear and mentality of the times allowed mass hysteria to possibly take the rye poisoning to a completely elevated level; death to a witch instead of death from a plant poisoning. Throughout history many inexplicable, bizarre events may be explained through rye grass fungus poisoning.</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thus enters our cocktail the Rye Witch, courtesy of Jim Meehan that crafty mixologist! Made with Strega, this cocktail will bewitch and comfort you at the same time. <i><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Strega</span></i><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"> is the Italian word for "witch" and evokes legends of witchcraft. </span>Enjoy the Rey Witch but remember that too many of these could lead to poisoning too!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKm3eZ72qM1IY9jamQpq23WhMzAmQ7-y0__nCizPRot3T3hSJkyCdoWpU7WZc4QxOYAKEDLBRfrixoX7YOEA4Vzx_gis_d5_eYhB4GltTBUDI0hAwwLDWBqLO2HCPBZF8EYaXJI7e_uyHI/s1600/Strega.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKm3eZ72qM1IY9jamQpq23WhMzAmQ7-y0__nCizPRot3T3hSJkyCdoWpU7WZc4QxOYAKEDLBRfrixoX7YOEA4Vzx_gis_d5_eYhB4GltTBUDI0hAwwLDWBqLO2HCPBZF8EYaXJI7e_uyHI/s1600/Strega.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rye Witch<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 1/2 cups Kentucky rye whiskey (such as Rittenhouse Bottled-in-Bond or Wild Turkey)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 tablespoons Strega (herbal liqueur, can use Galliano if you can find Strega)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 tablespoons Amontillado Sherry (such as Lustau or González Byass Del Duque or dry Sherry)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 tablespoons No-Cook Simple Syrup (see below)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">12 dashes orange bitters <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">12 orange twists<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Preparation:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To make our No-Cook Simple Syrup, combine 2 cups each superfine sugar and water in an airtight container. Cover and shake until sugar dissolves. Makes 3 cups.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Combine first 5 ingredients in a large pitcher. Add ice; stir for 15–20 seconds. Strain the mixture into 6 chilled coupe glasses. Pinch an orange twist over each drink, then rub around rims of glasses to release oils from peel; discard peel. Garnish each with a fresh twist.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dk383LbI8A1WE5daQHNY-oYKGbnV8gijjQoFZP75C6HuvApLEmalNqtVROS7zN478rnXKH4kRP4yVpaf1Q1wbvitdXBZ-WpAQHkcPJWHfGpAIarZksVwG56_8GVzU1jnkf4cd40_eoKF/s1600/Strega+witch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dk383LbI8A1WE5daQHNY-oYKGbnV8gijjQoFZP75C6HuvApLEmalNqtVROS7zN478rnXKH4kRP4yVpaf1Q1wbvitdXBZ-WpAQHkcPJWHfGpAIarZksVwG56_8GVzU1jnkf4cd40_eoKF/s1600/Strega+witch.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> </span></span></div><br />
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</div>Life of the Party Always!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17342857264275758061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977661930395818598.post-3966952524957057762011-10-06T14:31:00.000-07:002011-10-06T14:31:23.891-07:00Pear & Blue Cheese Tart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFXVqCZgeC6j2PaVhzJ6NK5WxOm8Sc9X_3YzCrv9jvdpX23UvPn1V3N9ujb3ixtlKQkv5kNN7qQ9VrAIhIjyRoSrlAM-geBD0h874nNlvNlmDFoYzPD_wswMjX2qmmJ0KRi4r9FVtiWGI/s1600/Beauty.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFXVqCZgeC6j2PaVhzJ6NK5WxOm8Sc9X_3YzCrv9jvdpX23UvPn1V3N9ujb3ixtlKQkv5kNN7qQ9VrAIhIjyRoSrlAM-geBD0h874nNlvNlmDFoYzPD_wswMjX2qmmJ0KRi4r9FVtiWGI/s320/Beauty.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I did get quite a few requests for the Pear and Blue Cheese Tart recipe from my post detailing the adventures in my kitchen last weekend. You can check out the whole story and then come back to try it out for yourself.<span> </span><a href="http://lifeofthepartyalways.blogspot.com/2011/10/theory-of-relativitya-cooks-version.html">http://lifeofthepartyalways.blogspot.com/2011/10/theory-of-relativitya-cooks-version.html</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The tart is a wonderful blend of tangy blue cheese and sweetness from the pear all riding on the back of a crispy puff pastry base. The tart pairs beautifully with a Riesling or Chardonnay that isn’t too oaky. And pears are in season now!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">1 sheet thawed frozen puff pastry (8.6 oz.) <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">1 medium egg <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">2/3 cup gorgonzola dolce cheese or soft blue cheese<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">1/2 small onion, thinly sliced <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">1 tablespoon olive oil <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">1 ripe pear, thinly sliced <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Preparation:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Preheat oven to 425° with a rack set on bottom. Lay dough flat on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Poke holes all over dough with a fork, leaving the outer inch untouched. Bake until dough starts to puff, about 10 minutes. It’s important that dough puffs enough to create an edge to hold in the egg and cheese mixture.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span> </span>Whisk together egg and cheese until smooth and spread over dough, using a spoon to move mixture toward the corners. Sauté onion in oil in a frying pan until softened. Scatter onion and pear over cheese.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHjthY6oibtRJNeXZv9OwKp1x5vqTPuKlVuoPDEhbxb1TlxW95D5VcSWXQTZ5mzSNqSVDhKZsWmHsjxWSFNy1wConUebvJReUQCC5ErpafTFTLR94vRjtkC4ChmU0eNndhEjZ5mESeniH/s1600/DSC02289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHjthY6oibtRJNeXZv9OwKp1x5vqTPuKlVuoPDEhbxb1TlxW95D5VcSWXQTZ5mzSNqSVDhKZsWmHsjxWSFNy1wConUebvJReUQCC5ErpafTFTLR94vRjtkC4ChmU0eNndhEjZ5mESeniH/s320/DSC02289.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bake until pastry is golden brown and egg has set, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle with thyme and cut into squares.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div>Life of the Party Always!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17342857264275758061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977661930395818598.post-48710743071971137182011-10-05T17:25:00.000-07:002011-10-27T11:35:21.461-07:00Theory of Relativity….A Cooks Version!<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsGAEwF4aTspagr4E6X98V0GNfce7b-g6po1o79XauhgbfJ8_z_doo2WxlfRoOoFGeiqw1Gb5gb6JUhE1XizvbDwVHkfPQes4zQgNJ9N1dA-i73XEmRxa_pfdStFM-I4Kuw42gGHVT6Kp/s1600/einstein+e%253Dmc2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsGAEwF4aTspagr4E6X98V0GNfce7b-g6po1o79XauhgbfJ8_z_doo2WxlfRoOoFGeiqw1Gb5gb6JUhE1XizvbDwVHkfPQes4zQgNJ9N1dA-i73XEmRxa_pfdStFM-I4Kuw42gGHVT6Kp/s1600/einstein+e%253Dmc2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Einstein may have come up with his Theory of Relativity first but I certainly experienced my own this weekend! Since we all know about Einstein’s, let me tell you about mine. The first time you try a new recipe you are pretty sure you can make it better the next time. But that is not always the case….thus the cook’s version of the Theory. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">First of all I broke the #1 Rule of cooking – Never make something the first time to serve to guests. Try it out on yourself or spouse first! Since I did not have time and really wanted to take a Pear & Blue Cheese Tart to my good friend Nancy’s going away party (she is going to Africa for 2 years with the Peace Corp!!), I decided to go for it! The first one was lopsided and the puff pastry was puffed up too big on one end and it just did not get that nice brown color I wanted…. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ449aDQNNC7pVnulAE_uQENb8jrKT6J-Nvpum5joqbrTfRVHCVN2Olq2z4WwejSDusOmC_4OFcNzSx86ToQrrAK5WStAQKmJECYAdHWjoxSm0bFoaCbVUD9dKqiY8zqzTWT3SIIxFCh2m/s1600/DSC02290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ449aDQNNC7pVnulAE_uQENb8jrKT6J-Nvpum5joqbrTfRVHCVN2Olq2z4WwejSDusOmC_4OFcNzSx86ToQrrAK5WStAQKmJECYAdHWjoxSm0bFoaCbVUD9dKqiY8zqzTWT3SIIxFCh2m/s320/DSC02290.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> <b> Beauty.....</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I whipped up another one that I just knew was going to be better and worthy of her. Oh my gosh!! It took on a life of its own and ran all over the baking sheet like a lava flow. My husband heard my colorful exclamations from the other room and came to see what was going on. He looked in the oven and proclaimed, “It’s alive” like it was Frankenstein’s Monster. It was too funny! (kind of)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jkoq7vqul-0/TozxirlmPVI/AAAAAAAACXA/DJ3p75L5ez8/s1600/....and+the+Beast.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jkoq7vqul-0/TozxirlmPVI/AAAAAAAACXA/DJ3p75L5ez8/s320/....and+the+Beast.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> <b> .....and the Beast!</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What was funny, was that Nancy had just asked me the week before, as she was complimenting me on another appetizer that DID work out perfectly, if I ever made anything that didn’t taste great? How sweet was that? But did this kind compliment help me attract the monster in the oven just for her? Philosophy and science in one story!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAO4NTD8Kebn_K89Vu-HNcWEEsl-imOLQqbQ_mmLODpuyW90rknN99mLtix66g8MSJxKPUp8NT59PklJ_fgbXTtA6Bm3DMPw6mAGQe79QeRjSiYJRfv8guqdXnBp8HroccNvjg2Q6Uaxu/s1600/Pear+Tart+was+a+Hit%2521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAO4NTD8Kebn_K89Vu-HNcWEEsl-imOLQqbQ_mmLODpuyW90rknN99mLtix66g8MSJxKPUp8NT59PklJ_fgbXTtA6Bm3DMPw6mAGQe79QeRjSiYJRfv8guqdXnBp8HroccNvjg2Q6Uaxu/s320/Pear+Tart+was+a+Hit%2521.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> <b> It was a hit after all!</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Well the moral of the story is….Relative to the first attempt the second one should be better but when it is not, the first one now becomes the best effort. Proving it is all relative!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Life of the Party Always!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17342857264275758061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977661930395818598.post-80838831489876592252011-09-30T10:28:00.000-07:002011-09-30T10:28:38.368-07:00Parkside Fizz ~ Friday's 5 o'clock Wet Your Whistle Call!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-nMdmzm9zMyOv5y6SPxGE7w9BPZLU-ZSfJmGkRJ88gTJLQWkf27i9NhKHEBHuZ_9T0DKAHom9xf86WKaWsGQyidDYyXPUfThQSX04V8RZqLLgnaEnS8i5w75bRwKtTg9M_sQMEKTpJcC/s1600/Parkside+Fizz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-nMdmzm9zMyOv5y6SPxGE7w9BPZLU-ZSfJmGkRJ88gTJLQWkf27i9NhKHEBHuZ_9T0DKAHom9xf86WKaWsGQyidDYyXPUfThQSX04V8RZqLLgnaEnS8i5w75bRwKtTg9M_sQMEKTpJcC/s320/Parkside+Fizz.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Not only does this cocktail take you back to a bygone era, the story behind how you get one of these tasty libations holds even more mystery. Created by Jim Meehan of PDT (Please Don’t Tell) in New York’s East Village for a Belvedere Vodka cocktail contest, the cocktail story opens the “door” to a New York Speakeasy reminiscent of the 1920’s. If you’re in the City make sure you get a reservation to this nostalgic cocktail joint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will get instructions to enter a hot dog joint, Crif Dogs, with the best sign ever- a giant hot dog with "eat me" written in mustard on the dog. I hear the dogs are great too! </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLxBLRJLgWth2IDncq0Jz8V1bTa43ySjd0c9C6EtJaZvKe8Ocg9WxP5Gq0qph5WaoHQfczSMq1y7giBy3td3fFQS55iHHZrfc8v_j-ujJnGIK0NpJzZDo-ytNSCQ2Ub4MPgazKLVobSVw/s1600/crif+dogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLxBLRJLgWth2IDncq0Jz8V1bTa43ySjd0c9C6EtJaZvKe8Ocg9WxP5Gq0qph5WaoHQfczSMq1y7giBy3td3fFQS55iHHZrfc8v_j-ujJnGIK0NpJzZDo-ytNSCQ2Ub4MPgazKLVobSVw/s1600/crif+dogs.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You walk into the small hot dog eatery and enter a phone booth on the side wall. Once you pick up the receiver, a lovely voice says "may I help you?" State your reservation and with a sensual reply of "thank you", the inside wall of the phone booth opens and you are transported to another place of another era. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But if you can’t bop on over to New York this weekend, mix up this lemony cocktail and drink it in a not so usual place in your home…..<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Parkside Fizz<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients:</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6 large mint sprigs<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5 tablespoons orgeat syrup (almond; such as Monin)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 1/2cups citrus vodka (Hangar One Buddha's Hand Citron or Absolut Citron)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/2 cup plus 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 1/2 cups club soda</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Preparation:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Strip bottom leaves off mint sprigs, leaving 4–5 leaves on top. Trim sprigs, leaving about a 2" stem attached to leaves; reserve for garnish. Place leaves in a medium pitcher. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Add orgeat to pitcher. Using a muddler, gently mash mint leaves (do not tear). Add vodka and let steep for 5 minutes. Stir in lemon juice. Strain and return to pitcher. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fill 3 Old Fashioned glasses with ice cubes. Pour half of mixture into a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice; shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Strain into prepared glasses. Top each with 1/4 cup club soda. Discard ice in shaker and repeat to make 3 more cocktails. Place 1 reserved mint sprig between palms and clap to release aroma; garnish 1 cocktail. Repeat with remaining mint sprigs. Serve with straws. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong>Make it a mocktail:</strong></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Omit the vodka, double the orgeat, and triple the soda.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitAm3WykSgN-xLhoDZ59NFEwAezFmeOou0qvvJlpboq8a3YAoZ-uF11Ik6lWKFHfnBTbZXfe-t9F8TurdAhzvUfXYx1x7kb_fkHK_CZx89a8x2LIwDzSy-LhyphenhyphenzcfYfgM9NaNON6HLGe2Z7/s1600/mint+sprig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitAm3WykSgN-xLhoDZ59NFEwAezFmeOou0qvvJlpboq8a3YAoZ-uF11Ik6lWKFHfnBTbZXfe-t9F8TurdAhzvUfXYx1x7kb_fkHK_CZx89a8x2LIwDzSy-LhyphenhyphenzcfYfgM9NaNON6HLGe2Z7/s1600/mint+sprig.png" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
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</div>Life of the Party Always!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17342857264275758061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6977661930395818598.post-66757757578322687172011-09-26T16:41:00.000-07:002011-10-27T11:32:59.348-07:00Blinded by the Wine....Tasting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtnSkPtvwEjaMPGv-gwIeMxCr9ldR4zGy626SYreAS9cM_hDbpQU3BZWnOmbFLYelNAioqwELnUS8yQqW0AgwEjijhRyi0AtUERLKAjU8Qy8sNrnCMX_xXBDDg6MMZ_6DezcuJpZ2ur8E/s1600/Movie+Club+Wino%2527s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtnSkPtvwEjaMPGv-gwIeMxCr9ldR4zGy626SYreAS9cM_hDbpQU3BZWnOmbFLYelNAioqwELnUS8yQqW0AgwEjijhRyi0AtUERLKAjU8Qy8sNrnCMX_xXBDDg6MMZ_6DezcuJpZ2ur8E/s320/Movie+Club+Wino%2527s.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 7.95pt; mso-outline-level: 3;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s wine tasting time again and our friends, Grant and Sherri, throw the best party every year! This year everyone was asked to wear hats to add an extra bit of fun to the festivities! You arrive at the front door with a bottle of red or white wine; it is bagged in a brown bag and labeled with a number. The number, wine name and person who brought it are placed on a master list to be referred to later when the top three favorite wines are announced at the end of the tasting. Appetizers and wine are shared with all “connoisseurs” rating their favorite wines from 1 to 5. It is a blind tasting but thankfully with all the great food that is served, we are not blind from all the tasting! Here’s a tasty little appetizer I brought to share with the gang.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 7.95pt; mso-outline-level: 3;"><b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Smoked Salmon Mousse Terrine</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bQIYib0g4NM-rKKSD5aazKO4GJvoJwA-TT-Y-bUTN-VcXvvDz0vsj4rvsvLF_1R88-l6Wes-3yqugYaFa9bV347DJ6tV8inorpkq8q2yBGBH0Q32VangMEoB58GMxLSrjmUyGjyVaVaX/s1600/Salmon+Mousse+Terrine+with+Pita+Crackers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bQIYib0g4NM-rKKSD5aazKO4GJvoJwA-TT-Y-bUTN-VcXvvDz0vsj4rvsvLF_1R88-l6Wes-3yqugYaFa9bV347DJ6tV8inorpkq8q2yBGBH0Q32VangMEoB58GMxLSrjmUyGjyVaVaX/s320/Salmon+Mousse+Terrine+with+Pita+Crackers.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 7.95pt; mso-outline-level: 3;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 7.95pt; mso-outline-level: 3;"><b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ingredients:</span></b></div><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">12 ounces thinly sliced smoked Wild Alaskan salmon <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">8 ounces cream cheese, softened <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 cup sour cream <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, like Sriracha <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1/4 teaspoon salt <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1/4 cup diced red onion<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1/4 cup chopped dill, extra to sprinkle on top<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1/4 cup chopped capers<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Toasted baguette rounds or crackers, for spreading <o:p></o:p></span></li>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 7.95pt 0in; mso-outline-level: 3;"><b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Directions:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Line a small loaf pan with plastic wrap. Lay about 2/3 of the salmon over the plastic wrap, overlapping each slice slightly and hanging the ends over the edge so that they are long enough to cover the top of the mold after the mousse in poured in. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqI_ujwU9tf3_yqc67ANM001_kucgQT3EIqSHC9w831SsUXNx71OTKszHU5BtrG708IZYYdRTwWyOS6Xm2D2u-ip_aoH-nWye1w9a3fcHRh2auxTMzPt13qPCHC9uW6JdHSrvSuPA0TEBw/s1600/Salmon+draped+loaf+pan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqI_ujwU9tf3_yqc67ANM001_kucgQT3EIqSHC9w831SsUXNx71OTKszHU5BtrG708IZYYdRTwWyOS6Xm2D2u-ip_aoH-nWye1w9a3fcHRh2auxTMzPt13qPCHC9uW6JdHSrvSuPA0TEBw/s320/Salmon+draped+loaf+pan.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Chop the remaining salmon into 1/2-inch pieces and set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the cream cheese and sour cream until creamy and well combined. Add the hot pepper sauce and salt and stir well. In a small ramekin, heat the lemon juice in microwave for 15 seconds until hot enough to melt gelatin. Sprinkle with the gelatin, stirring until the gelatin is dissolved. Stir into the cream cheese mixture. Fold in the chopped smoked salmon and red onion, dill and capers. Spoon the mousse into the loaf pan and fold the overhanging salmon strips over to completely enclose the mousse. It will be like a wrapped package when you are done.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHfElUDSdtR9cYNA7GSCLpDwFPsjXwdMGA2pKb7-px3M5AfSC8zplTXJHViEftm7E8DbZXGoOJ3YWNnVP7BEhGL1PjkuBMmjZ2ENJC-ANtfmY-_UQidnBILiWegUM1ZnZRxkHkEjN0J7g8/s1600/Folding+the+salmon+over+mousse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHfElUDSdtR9cYNA7GSCLpDwFPsjXwdMGA2pKb7-px3M5AfSC8zplTXJHViEftm7E8DbZXGoOJ3YWNnVP7BEhGL1PjkuBMmjZ2ENJC-ANtfmY-_UQidnBILiWegUM1ZnZRxkHkEjN0J7g8/s320/Folding+the+salmon+over+mousse.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cover with the plastic wrap and chill until firm, about 3 hours. To unmold, unwrap the plastic from the loaf pan and invert the pan onto a serving plate. Gently shake to release the mold and unwrap completely. Lightly score the salmon so that it will be easier to break through the salmon to the mousse inside when serving. Sprinkle chopped dill on top of mold. Serve with toasted baguette or crackers. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8b7lDt9XQbf5P6jI7hdFcODubgfrgtjsCIOREPGgToq6brLb57EU34AtP82iPHspi9YcIGJLBbwrsUdgLB8MPD-q8X-UkuMRSfbgOetDsLqhl833Qn7QwIoJAU5Rrb2_jkwCZHkWncPl/s1600/Nancy+%2526+Terry+tasting+the+wine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8b7lDt9XQbf5P6jI7hdFcODubgfrgtjsCIOREPGgToq6brLb57EU34AtP82iPHspi9YcIGJLBbwrsUdgLB8MPD-q8X-UkuMRSfbgOetDsLqhl833Qn7QwIoJAU5Rrb2_jkwCZHkWncPl/s320/Nancy+%2526+Terry+tasting+the+wine.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cheers! Great food, fine wines and wonderful friends!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br />
</div>Life of the Party Always!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17342857264275758061noreply@blogger.com0