FRIDAY COCKTAIL - HOLIDAY HOPPER!

This is a take on the traditional grasshopper cocktail with a twist. So rich and creamy with the creme de menthe and white creme de cacao....not especially low calorie, but IT'S THE HOLIDAYS!!!!

1 oz Midori melon liqueur
1/2 oz green creme de menthe
1/2 oz white creme de cacao
2 oz half and half
mint leaves and raspberries for garnish

Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a martini glass and garnish with mint and raspberry.


LOVE THE HOLIDAY SEASON!
ENJOY!

FRIDAY COCKTAIL - CANDY CANE!

Hope everyone had a marvelous Thanksgiving. I certainly did! Now begins all of our Christmas Holiday cocktails...yum! This makes a great pre-dinner cocktail or a perfect after dinner sweet!

3/4 oz berry flavored vodka

3/4 oz peppermint schnapps

3/4 oz white creme de cacao

1/4 oz grenadine

half & half

soda water

candy cane for garnish

In a shaker with ice, combine vodka, schnapps, white creme de cacao and grenadine. You can either crush the candy cane and rim a martini glass with it or hang the cane on the side of the glass as a garnish. Pour the vodka mix into the martini glass, fill with cream and add a splash of soda water.

WELCOME DECEMBER!

ENJOY!

FRIDAY COCKTAIL - AUTUMN EVE MARTINI!

This one may just knock your socks off!!!! Wonderful combination of flavors. A perfect start to your Thanksgiving Day festivities.

Ingredients:

1/2 oz Amaretto

1/2 oz Raspberry liqueur

1/4 oz sour mix

1/2 oz Southern Comfort

1 oz Raspberry Vodka

garnish with a cherry or raspberry

Mix all ingredients in a shaker with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a cherry or raspberry.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!

ENJOY!

FRIDAY COCKTAIL - APPLE CIDER SPARKLE!

This is a GREAT Thanksgiving punch for a big crowd. So Beth and Mary it's the one for you!


Ingredients:

6 cups apple cider(splurge get the good stuff)
2 cups of your favorite fruit juice or blend (like cran/rasp - orange/mango)
1-1/2 bottles champagne
1/2 cup lemon juice

Mix the cider, and fruit juices in a bowl or pitcher. When you are ready to serve to guests add the champagne and keep the punch chilled. Serves about 15..

GOBBLE GOBBLE!
ENJOY!

FRIDAY COCKTAIL - TWIN SIX GIN COCKTAIL!

The Twin Six Cocktail was invented in the late 1920's and was then very popular. Most bartenders now would not know it. I blog this today in honor of the twin girls being born to our family today and as a toast to my dear Uncle Louie who loved loved loved his GIN!

3 oz gin

1 oz dry vermouth

1/2 oz orange juice

1 egg white

dash of grenadine

cherry for garnish

In a shaker with ice, combine all ingredients except the cherry. Gently shake it for about 10-15 seconds and strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a cherry. Yummy

Happy Birthday Twins!

ENJOY!

HALLOWEEN FRIDAY COCKTAIL - BLOOD AND SAND!

A good friend passed this one along to me. Blood and Sand was created from the 1922 classic silent movie of the same name starring Rudolf Valentino. It is making a comeback in bars across the country that are going back to classic cocktails. This is one of only a few that feature Scotch!

The recipe calls for equal parts of all ingredients, but for a smoother taste you may want a little more scotch and orange juice.

Ingredients:
3/4 oz good Scotch
3/4 oz Orange juice
3/4 oz Cherry liqueur
3/4 oz Sweet vermouth

In a shaker with ice combine all ingredients, shake well and strain into a martini glass. You can garnish with a cherry or a slice of orange zest.


HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
ENJOY!

FRIDAY COCKTAIL - WEIHENSTEPHAN!

Best Beer I have EVER had!

In a small old grocer in Portland, ME established in 1878 an Irish Pub appeared called John A Feeney. On tap - a German beer from the OLDEST BREWERY IN THE WORLD - est in 1050ad. It is a Hefe Weiss...

Simply the smoothest silkiest beer I have ever had! The first time I visited the city of Portland...it is so quaint and fun....if you are in Maine go there.

PORTLAND!

ENJOY!

FRIDAY COCKTAIL - TEXAS FIZZ!

This one is for all my Texas Ranger Fans!!!!! It has Champagne for goodness sake so it's also for all my drinking fans!!!

1 shot gin

1 shot orange juice

1/4 shot grenadine

Champagne

In a shaker with ice, combine gin, orange juice and grenadine..shake and strain into a tall glass....FILL with champagne!!!

GO RANGERS!

ENJOY!

FRIDAY COCKTAIL - COLUMBUS COCKTAIL!

It's Columbus Day Weekend!!!!! Trees changing color, Fall crisp air...and just one more reason to celebrate being (at least partially) Italian. I could have posted some wild cocktail with Grappa and Sambuca...but that Grappa sure is an acquired (maybe) taste....so on the lighter side...and PS: I have these ingredients in my cabinet...YES!!!!

1-1/2 oz gold rum

3/4 oz apricot brandy

1 oz lime juice

lime wedge (optional garnish)

Pour all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice...shake and strain into a LARGE martini glass. Garnish with lime if you like..

HAPPY TO BE ITALIAN!

ENJOY!

FRIDAY COCKTAIL - PUMPKIN CARVER!

As we all plan our pumpkin carving parties..keep this delicious cocktail in mind. It calls for pumpkin butter and if you have never tried it you are REALLY missing something...it is marvelous. You can also use it in baking cookies, pie and tons of Halloween treats.

1-1/2 parts good orange flavored vodka
3/4 parts maple syrup
1/2 part ginger liqueur
1 tsp pumpkin butter
1 part fresh lemon juice
garnish with apple chips

In a cocktail shaker with ice combine all ingredients. Shake vigorously so citrus is incorporated. Pour into a martini glass and garnish with apple chips.

HAPPY CARVING!
ENJOY!

FIRST FRIDAY IN FALL COCKTAIL - THE AUTUMN ORCHARD!

Happy First Day of Autumn!!!

The first sip of this fabuous cocktail gives you hints of spice and fresh fruit followed by tart lime and clove...YUMMY!!! This is the ideal cocktail for a season of falling leaves and fresh crisp air.

It may sound like a lot of ingredients, but go buy them and you can make tons of these..frankly except for the lime...I have them all.....crazy!

Makes 2

1/4 cup Cognac

1/4 cup apple brandy

2 tbl orange liqueur

2 tbl pear liqueur

4 tsp fresh lime juice

2 dashes bitters

2 lime slices

ice

Mix first 6 ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously...pour into cocktail glass and float a lime slice on top. So gorgeous!

HAPPY AUTUMN!

ENJOY!

FRIDAY COCKTAIL - MAIME TAYLOR!

This is a cocktail from way way back. Don't know what to mix with your scotch? Dust off that bottle of Dewars you crack open when relatives visit and try this!! However, my husband thinks this is criminal to add anything but an ice cube to scotch.

3 oz scotch

1 tbl lime juice

ginger beer

lemon

Mix scotch and lime juice in a tall glass over ice. Fill with ginger beer and garnish with a lemon.

HAPPY FALL!

ENJOY!

FALL FRIDAY COCKTAIL - AUTUMN DELIGHT!

A simple recipe is often a good place to start when it comes to cocktails. This recipe calls for Suntory Yamazaki 12 Year Old Whisky which has some resemblance to Scotch, but any good whisky will make this "delightful". You can also try this with warm cider for a hot drink.

2 oz good whisky
6 oz apple cider
Fresh cinnamon
Apple slices

Pour whisky, and apple cider into a shaker with ice. Shake then pour into a old fashioned glass and dust with cinnamon and garnish with 2 apple slices and a cinnamon stick.

TOAST TO A DELIGHTFUL AUTUMN!
ENJOY!

FRIDAY COCKTAIL - CLOSE OF SUMMER COOLATA :(

SAD .....SAD....SAD...... end of summer is near!



Try this great pick me up after all your Labor Day festivities!!



1 oz Bailey's

2 scoops coffee ice cream

1 oz iced coffee

espresso bean (minced)

mint sprig

whipped cream



Pour baileys, ice cream and coffee in a blender with a bit of chipped ice. Blend until smooth. Pour in a pint glass and top with espresso, mint and whipped cream!



HAPPY SUMMER!

ENJOY!

FRIDAY COCKTAIL - THE HURRICANE!

The Hurricane became popular at Pat O'Brien's bar in 1940's New Orleans. According to legend it debuted at the 1939 World's Fair and the rest is history. O'Brien created the heavy "rummed" version to get rid of a large stock of rum his Southern distributors made him buy.



2 oz light rum

2 oz dark rum

2 oz passion fruit

1 oz orange juice

juice of half a lime



Mix all in a blender with ice and - of course - serve in a big Hurricane glass!



STAY SAFE EVERYONE!

ENJOY!

FRIDAY COCKTAIL - JUICY FRUIT SHOT

I know I know......there are a few too many wonderful cocktails in this photo....lol....but IT'S FRIDAY!!!...



Our bartender friend made us one of these last week and it tastes EXACTLY like Juicy Fruit gum



1 part Three Olive Bubble Gum vodka

1 part Banana liquor

splash of ginger ale



Try this!

ENJOY!

FRIDAY COCKTAIL - SNEAKY TEQUILA!

So refreshing on these dog days of summer...although today on the coast...GORGEOUS!!!! Be careful with this one...it "SNEAKS" up on you...!!!!



4 parts tequila

4 parts coconut rum

1 part peach schnapps

splash of pineapple juice

splash of cranberry juice

garnish with pineapple wedge



Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and pour into an ice filled tall glass. Garnish with the pineapple wedge.



KEEP IT SUMMER FOREVER!

ENJOY!

FRIDAY COCKTAIL - 3 SHOT FRIDAY!

I have noticed a new trend in the bar scene lately..that in itself is scary...remember the peanut butter and jelly shot? Bartenders on their slow moments tend to look at "the inventory" and start mixing concoctions in shot glasses to try to come up with the flavors we all remember. So at one of our recent visits to a local joint...we got an Oatmeal Cookie shot, Green Tea shot and the best of all Key Lime Pie shot....here goes..pretty much the ingredients are equal amounts of each liquor unless listed, but adjust to your taste....

Oatmeal Cookie

1 oz Butter schnapps

1 oz Hot Dam cinnamon schnapps

1 oz Baileys

* tastes jut like an oatmeal cookie----seriously!

Green Tea

1 oz Jameson Whisky

hint of sour apple pucker

1 oz gingerale

* a little heavy but Rachel you would love this

Key Lime Pie

1 oz Midori

1 oz Vanilla Vodka

1 oz Malibu Rum

hint of Rose's lime juice

squirt of whipped cream (YES)

*My Favorite...tastes just like the pie...could drink a whole glass of this...maybe I did????

3 SHOT FRIDAY!
ENJOY!

FRIDAY COCKTAIL - PATRIOTS ABSOLUT PEAR-fect SEASON!

FOOTBALL IS ON!!!! This cocktail complete with New England blueberries is for all the New England Patriot fans!!! Can't wait for the season to begin!

Ingredients:

2 parts Absolut Pear Vodka

1/4 part lemon juice

10 blueberries

1/2 tbl simple syrup

lemon lime soda

garnish with blueberries, raspberries and a mint sprig

Muddle the blueberries and simple syrup in a glass. Add the vodka and lemon juice. Shake and strain into a tall glass with ice. Top with lemon lime soda and garnish with blueberries, raspberries and mint.

GO PATS!

ENJOY!

FRIDAY COCKTAIL - 46 WHISKY SMASH

Simply put - for the whisky lover in all of us! There are a few variations...but I like the one with the splash of champagne on top..of course.

Looking forward to a great week with family and friends!!!

2 oz Makers Mark

4 mint leaves

one lemon wedge

one lime wedge

splash of Pomegranate liqueur

splash of simple syrup

splash of champagne

In a glass muddle all ingredients except the champagne. Strain into a glass with ice and top with champagne. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

Happy Summer!

ENJOY!

FRIDAY COCKTAIL - 4TH OF JULY PATRIOT!

Gotta love this holiday for all it's Patriotic meaning....but also as it inaugurates us into SUMMER!!!! This is a super refreshing cocktail and so fun if you can get the layering down. You can make big batches of the red ingredients and the blue ingredients and just put them together as you serve.

Red Ingredients:
1 oz watermelon schnapps
splash of cranberry juice


Blue Ingredients:
1 jalapeno thinly sliced
1 lemon thinly sliced
1 lime thinly sliced
1-1/2 oz tequila
1/4 oz blue curacao
1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water - heated until sugar dissolves)

Mix watermelon schnapps and cranberry juice in a shaker and pour over ice. In another shaker muddle (crush) the jalapeno, lemon and lime with the tequila, curacao and simple syrup. Slowly strain the blue ingredients into the glass over red ingredients with ice.

Garnish with a watermelon slice.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY TO ALL!
ENJOY!

FRIDAY COCKTAIL - WIMBLEDON'S PIMMS NO. 1!

The Kentucky Derby has the Mint Julep, the Preakness has the Black Eyed Susan....and Wimbledon has the Pimm's No. 1 Cocktail. It's origins date back to 1832 when London oyster bar owner James Pimm started offering a gin-based beverage with quinine and secret spices dubbed a digestive aid, served in small tankards known as "No. 1 Cups".

It instantly became popular all over the UK and the first Pimm bar opened at Wimbledon in 1971. Today over 80,000 pints of Pimm's No. 1 Cocktails are sold at Wimbledon every year.

2 oz Pimm's No. 1 gin

4 oz English lemonade or lemon lime soda

Garnish: mint sprig, cucumber slice, strawberry and apple slice

LOVE 15, 30 40, DEUCE!

ENJOY!

NEW EASY HONEY GLAZED SALMON

So yesterday I found this beautiful piece of Sockeye Salmon and got home and decided I wanted to prepare it differently than I had before. I went to probably 25 websites looking for a glaze for it. I wrote down 19 ingredients from all the recipes and then decided on a method and only 7 ingredients and I had them all in the pantry or refrigerator and you should too!!!

Ingredients:

olive oil for sauteing
2 tbl unsalted butter, melted
3 tsp salt (preferably sea salt but regular is fine)
3/4 tsp ground pepper
1/2 tsp dry mustard

1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

Melt the butter and spread it on top of the fish (not on the skin side). Combine salt, pepper and mustard and sprinkle on top of the butter. Warm the honey in the microwave and stir in the balsamic vinegar. Carefully spread a layer of that on top of the spices. Reserve some marinade for basting and to add on top of the fish when you serve.

In a oven proof saute pan, add a little olive oil to cover the bottom and place the fish skin side down in the pan. Cover it and cook on medium-high for about 10 minutes. Take the lid off and baste the fish with more of the honey-vinegar mixture. Place the pan in the oven and cook until your desired doneness (for me about 10 minutes longer - medium rare).

Pour a small amount of the marinade on top of the fish and serve. We also added some of the marinade to our asparagus-tomato dish. So easy and absolutely fabulous!

MORE SALMON!
ENJOY!

FRIDAY COCKTAIL - THE SUNBATHER

This delicious delight is also called Key West Lemonade, made famous at Sloppy Joe's in Key West.....been there...have the T-shirt! Considered one of the sexiest beach cocktails!!!!

2 oz sour mix

2 oz cranberry juice

1-1/2 oz (or more in my book) Absolut Citron Vodka

splash of 7Up

Lemon slice and cheery

In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine sour mix, cranberry juice and vodka. Shake and pour into glass filled with ice. Splash with 7 up and garnish with a lemon slice and cherry.

GET SEXY!

ENJOY!

FRIDAY COCKTAIL - PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY SHOTS!

YES, they really really do taste like your childhood delight. You get the peanut butter taste from the hazelnut flavor in Frangelico and the jelly taste for the raspberry flavor of the Chambord. For all my FB friends who find themselves in York Beach...Inn on the Blues makes FABULOUS ONES!!!.

3/4 oz Frangelico liqueur

3/4 oz Chambord liqueur

splash of cranberry juice

Pour all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and strain into a shot glass. YUMMMYYYY!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNIE!

ENJOY!

FRIDAY COCKTAIL - BEER MARGARITAS!!!

Sorry I have been gone awhile....busy summer already!!!! I will try to blog more!!!

This may sound weird, but the beer is the perfect solution to eliminating that fluorescent GREEN color in your margarita. Use a"not-so-micro" beer to avoid a super strong beer flavor. Use the can of limeade to measure all your ingredients. If you don't like pulp, strain the melted limeade in the water first before adding the other ingredients.

One 12oz can frozen limeade concentrate
12 oz water
12 oz tequila
12 oz beer
ice
lime wedge garnish

Pour the limeade, water, tequila and beer in a pitcher (serves 6). Stir until blended and limeade has melted. Add plenty of ice and garnish with a lime wedge. Add more water if you find it too sweet.

SUMMER IS HERE!
ENJOY!

FRIDAY COCKTAIL - THE PREAKNESS BLACK EYED SUSAN

The Black Eyed Susan is the official cocktail of the Preakness Horse Race in Baltimore, Maryland this weekend. It has been the official drink since about 1950. It's name is taken from the flowers used to make the blanket that drapes the winning horse. Many have tried to change the official drink but to no avail...

Ingredients:

1-1/4 oz whisky/bourbon

3/4 oz vodka or citrus vodka

3 oz sweet and sour

2 oz orange juice

garnish of orange or lime slice

In a highball glass with ice add the liquor. Then add the mix and juice and stir. Garnish with orange or lime slice.

LOVE HORSE RACING!

ENJOY!

SALMON IN LEMON TARRAGON SAUCE

I always thought Salmon should be in a teriyaki/honey glazed/asian style preparation....but this completely changed my mind. Found the recipe in a magazine but changed it a bit...added a few ingredients..one being wine cause WHHHIIINNEEYYY NOT!

Ingredients:

4 (6 oz) salmon fillets (seasoned with olive oil, salt and pepper)

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 tbl dijon mustard

2 tbl olive oil

4 cloves garlic minced

1 tbl fresh lemon juice

1 tbl lemon zest

2 tbl chopped fresh tarragon

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1/4 tsp Old Bay seasoning

1/4 cup white wine

Mix mayonnaise, mustard, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and zest, tarragon, salt, pepper, Old Bay and wine in a bowl.....refrigerate for 1-3 hours.

Season salmon with salt, pepper and oil and wrap in foil pouches. Bake in the oven about 10 minutes at 400 degrees. Open pouches and spread some of the sauce on top of each fillet and add a lemon slice. Bake for an additional 8-10 minutes depending on your taste. I like salmon pretty rare so keep checking on them.

Remove from the oven and serve with remaining sauce. Broccoli or asparagus are great vegetables to serve with this dish because the sauce compliments them sooooo well!

New Salmon!

ENJOY!

FRIDAY COCKTAIL - CROWN OF ROSES!

With the Royal Wedding in the record books can we please move on.....The Kentucky Derby is rapidly approaching...and let's face it the Mint Julep just doesn't taste good. So here's a sweet treat to serve.

Ingredients:

1 oz Crown Royal

1/2 oz Amaretto

1 oz pineapple juice

3 dashes of bitters

garnish with maraschino cherry

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add all ingredients. Shake for 15 second and pour in a chilled cocktail glass and add garnish.

RUN FOR THE ROSES!

ENJOY!

EASTER FRIDAY COCKTAIL - CUCUMBER MINT GIMLET

Great signature cocktail for your Easter crowd. You could substitute vodka for the gin, but then it isn't quite a true gimlet. These green-checked napkins are a perfect match to the color of this cocktail.

Ingredients:
4-1/2 cups Cucumber Gin (see below)
2-1/4 cups fresh lime juice
1 cup plus 2 tbl Mint simple syrup (see below)
Cucumber peels
Mint sprigs

Cucumber Gin: Steep 2-1/2 cups peeled cucumber in 4-1/2 cups gin. Cover and chill 8 hours to 4 days. Strain out cucumber and store in the refrigerator until you Drink It Up.

Mint Simple Syrup: Mix 1 cup sugar with 1 cup water and heat until the sugar dissolves. Add 1 cup mint leaves and remove from heat. Cover and let steep for 30 minutes to an hour. Strain and discard mint leaves. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.

To prepare cocktails: In a 2 quart pitcher combine gin, lime juice and syrup. Refrigerate for about an hour. Fill cocktail shaker with ice and cocktail mixture. Shake and pour into ice filled cocktail glasses. Serve with a cucumber peel and mint sprig. So refreshing!

HAPPY EASTER!
ENJOY!

FRIDAY COCKTAIL - KENTUCKY 95 BOURBON

An option for the first Saturday in May if the Mint Julep isn't your thing. First Saturday in May you ask - The Kentucky Derby silly!!!! This recipe is from Bobby Flay's "Bar American" restaurant and sounds delicious.... 3/4 oz Makers Mark Bourbon 3/4 oz lemon juice 1/2 oz orange juice 3/4 oz simple syrup champagne Shake first four ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a martini glass and add champagne.... ALL ABOUT THE COCKTAILS! ENJOY!

FRIDAY COCKTAIL - SEATTLE'S THE LAST WORD

In honor of the upcoming ROAD TRIP to Seattle by Rachel and friends, here is what historians call the "definitive" Seattle cocktail. Discussed and dissected, this cocktail has crossed the country, the Atlantic and is very popular in Australia. A prohibition era drink, if it were red wine it would be a full bodied red.

Few Seattle establishments make this once-forgotten cocktail perfectly. So Rachel go to Liberty, Vessel or Spur Gastropub for the best.

1/2 oz gin

1/2 oz lime juice

1/2 oz green Chartreuse

1/2 oz Maraschino liqueur

Shake all in a cocktail shake with ice, serve in a martini glass.

GO MARINERS!

ENJOY

FRIDAY COCKTAIL - THE AMARETTO!

This is not your mother's Amaretto! This is a vodka drink...YES VODKA....Now you could just go out and buy Amaretto if you like, but this seems a lot more fun and I already have all the ingredients.

Ingredients:

1 cup water

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 cups vodka

2 tbl almond extract

2 tsp vanilla extract

Combine water and the sugars in a sauce pan. Bring to a boil and heat until all sugars dissolve. Remove from heat and let cool about 10 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients. Stir and pour over ice!!!!

THE OTHER AMARETTO!

ENJOY!

SANDWICH WEEK - THE DAGWOOD!

This awesome sandwich lends itself as a catchall for whatever you have in the refrigerator and pantry. It was inspired by the towering sandwich that the character "Dagwood" in the comic strip "Blondie" liked to eat. This is the basic recipe....and the pimento stuffed green olive on top is the classic signature ingredient.

Ingredients:

2 tbl mustard

3 slices rye bread

1 tbl mayonnaise

4 slices deli ham

2 slices American cheese

2 leaves of iceburg lettuce

4 slices bologna

4 slices salami

6 dill pickles, sliced

3 slices tomato

4 slices deli turkey

2 slices swiss cheese

2 pimento stuffed olives

Spread mustard on 2 slices of bread and mayonnaise on the third. Place ham on a mustard slice, top with american cheese, lettuce, and bologna. Place salami, pickle slices, tomato, turkey and swiss cheese on the second mustard slice and place it atop the first mustard slice. Top with mayonnaise slice. Cut it in half and skewer each half with olive on a toothpick - a long one.

THE BIG ONE!

ENJOY!

SANDWICH WEEK - MUFFULETTA!

I love these sandwiches. The olive salad compliments the deli meats and cheese so well, it's like have an antipasto sandwich. I do not like mortadella so I just add more of the other meats. Those fat globules in mortadella - yuk! Now to save time you could buy muffuletta spread, but this recipe is so much better. It also calls for letting the whole sandwich refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight so plan ahead. The muffuletta olive salad recipe comes from The Central Grocery in New Orleans who has made this sandwich FAMOUS! Ingredients: 1-1/4 cup coarsely chopped cauliflower florets 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/2 tsp dried oregano 1/2 tsp dried thyme 2 small carrots roughly chopped 2 small celery stalks thinly sliced 3/4 cup chopped pitted green nicoise olives 1/2 cup chopped pitted kalamata olives 1/2 cup chopped roasted red peppers 1/4 cup drained jarred banana peppers sliced 2 tbl red wine vinegar salt pepper 1 (8"-10") round Italian loaf of bread 6 oz thinly sliced deli ham 6 oz thinly sliced Genoa salami 6 oz thinly sliced mortadella 6 oz thinly sliced provolone In sauce pan, bring cauliflower, oil, oregano, thyme, carrots, celery and 3 tbl water to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and let simmer until vegetables are tender about 10 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and stir in olives, peppers, vinegar and salt and pepper to taste. Let cool. Cut the loaf in half and hollow out some of the bread on both sides. Spread the olive salad over the bottom half. Layer ham, salami, mortadella and cheese over the salad. Then top with remaining salad and top of the loaf. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8 hours to overnight. Cut into quarters and serve. A meal in itself. DIVINE! ENJOY!

SANDWICH WEEK - SIDE O' SLAW

I made this yesterday to go with dinner, then had it for lunch today. Whenever I am out to lunch and order a sandwich, I always choose coleslaw as my side dish. Over the years I have had some great ones, good ones and "get off my plate" ones.

It really is all a matter of taste. Some of us like our slaw with more mayonnaise, some with a more vinegary bite. I like to somehow find the right balance between the two. This recipe knocked it out of the park for both me and my husband. I shredded my own cabbage and carrots which proved tedious, so if you just want to get the slaw in a bag, I used about 5-6 cups for this recipe. Always season to your taste.

Ingredients:

1 head green cabbage, shredded

1 head red cabbage, shredded

3 carrots, shredded

1 tsp minced shallot

1 cup mayonnaise

3 tbl white vinegar

2 tbl canola oil

2-1/2 tbl sugar

1/2 tsp celery salt

2 tsp salt

2 tsp pepper

Mix cabbage, carrots and shallot in a big bowl. In another bowl whisk remaining ingredients. Taste the dressing. You may want more salt, pepper, mayo or vinegar to your taste. When you have the right flavor for you, pour the dressing over the vegetables. Mix thoroughly and serve immediately. Store leftovers in an airtight container in your refrigerator.

LOVE THE SLAW!

ENJOY!

SANDWICH WEEK - FRIED TOMATO HOAGIE

This is an intensely flavorful sandwich made popular at Chickie's Italian Deli in Philly. It is a vegetarian version of the classic hoagie. Choose really good juicy beefsteak tomatoes for this one! I like to choose a spicy provolone cheese. The original recipe calls for roasted hot peppers, which I omit...but if you like the spice go for it!

Ingredients:

1 cup flour

2 eggs lightly beaten

1 cup bread crumbs

salt and pepper to taste

4 tbl unsalted butter

12 (1/2" thick) slices of tomato

2 (12" long) crusty Italian rolls

2 cups shredded or thinly sliced provolone

1 (17 oz) jar roasted red peppers drained

shredded lettuce

2 tsp oregano

1/2 cup mayonnaise

Create a breading station with flour in a bowl, eggs in another and breadcrumbs in another. Season eggs with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbl of butter in a saute pan. Bread each slice of tomato, first in flour, dip in eggs and coat with breadcrumbs and add to pan in batches. Cook turning once until coating is golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack over paper towels to drain. Keep adding butter to the pan as you sute the tomatoes.

Split the hoagie and place a layer of tomato, then provolone. Add roasted red peppers, lettuce, a little oregano, salt and pepper. Spread top half of hoagie with mayonnaise.

HAVE A HOAGIE!

ENJOY!

FRIDAY COCKTAIL - CUCUMBER MO-TINI

Cucumbers are not for salads anymore. They have taken to bar crawling. If you search the "Al Gore World Wide Web" you will find hundreds of cucumber based drinks. Many use cucumber infused vodkas or gins. Since spring is just around the corner...we hope...try this very refreshing delight! This recipe makes 6 cocktails or one by my standards...haha



Ingredients:



6 limes

1 cup packed mint leaves (no stems) and some for garnish

3 unwaxed cucumbers

1/2 cup sugar

2 cups vodka

splash of champagne



Thinly slice 3 limes and add to a pitcher. Juice the other three and add juice to the pitcher. Add mint leaves and sugar. Slice 2 cucumbers an add to the mix. Muddle these ingredients. Add vodka and steep in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Cut the remaining cucumber in very thick slices. Fill a shaker with ice and add mixture. Shake and strain into martini glasses. Top with a splash of champagne. Garnish with cucumber wedges and mint.



THINK SPRING!

ENJOY!

FRIDAY COCKTAIL - BE COINTREAUVERSIAL!

This is Cointreau's signature cocktail also known as the Cointreaupolitan! Deliciously dry and elegant. It was served at the Glamour Magazine Women of the Year Award party in 2010.

Ingredients:

2-1/2 shots of Cointreau

1-1/2 shots of cranberry juice

1 shot lemon juice

orange peel

Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour into a martini glass and garnish with the orange peel.

DELIGHTFUL!

ENJOY!

ST PAT'S DAY COCKTAIL - JAMESON SHAMROCK

Happy Saint Patrick's Day to ALL! This cocktail can be mixed in a martini shaker with ice and poured into a martini glass of a cocktail glass with ice....OR..you can layer it in a shot like this...

Ingredients:

1-1/2 oz Jameson Irish Whiskey
1/2 oz Kahlua
1/2 oz Baileys Irish Cream

GO IRISH!
ENJOY!

ESPRESSO SHORTBREAD COOKIES WITH IRISH WHISKEY GLAZE

I saw this in today's Chicago Tribune's "Good Eats" section...and these do look like "good eats"! The richness of the cookies makes the espresso and whiskey great additions. There aren't too many ingredients and only 30 minutes to make...and only a little over 200 calories a piece.

Ingredients:

Cookies:

2 sticks of unsalted Irish butter, room temperature

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 tsp coarse salt

2 cups flour

1 tbl ground espresso or coffee

Glaze:

1/4 up sugar

1/4 cup Irish Whiskey

2 tbl butter

Preheat oven to 325 degrees

For cookies, stir together butter, sugar and salt in a bowl. Mix in about half the flour and the espresso. Stir in the remaining flour and combine thoroughly. Using damp fingers, press into two buttered 8 inch round cake pans, (or 8" baking pan). Bake on the center rack of the oven for 30-35 minutes. Remove from the oven and immediately cut each pan into 8 wedges, but leave in the pans. Let cool.

For glaze, pour sugar and two tbls of whiskey into a small saucepan. Heat to a boil over high heat and boil rapidly 1 minute. Remove from heat and whisk in butter. Whisk in remaining 2 tbl whiskey. Let set to thicken slightly about one minute. Spoon over shortbread cookies. When the glaze sets remove the cookies from the pan.

GREAT WITH SOME IRISH COFFEE!

ENJOY!

CROCKPOT CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE

Why slave over the boiled dinner when you don't have to. You can toast to the Irish with your guests instead. This recipe calls for the brisket to cook on low for 10-12 hours, so adjust your timing if you cook it at a higher speed.

Ingredients:

2-3 lb corned beef brisket with seasoning packet (serves 8)
6 carrots chunked
2 onions chopped
12oz beer
2 tbl yellow mustard
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 cup water
8 wedges of cabbage

In a 4-6 quart crockpot, combine carrots and onions. Rinse the brisket and pat it dry and place on top of the vegetables. Pour beer over the brisket. Combine brown sugar and water until mixed through and pour this over the brisket. Spread seasoning packet and mustard on top of the brisket. Cook on low for 10-12 hours.

Remove brisket to a baking sheet, cover with foil and keep warm in a 200 degree oven. Place cabbage into the crockpot with the other vegetables and juices. Cook for about 30-40 minutes until the cabbage is crisp tender.
Serve beef and vegetables with a little of the cooking juices on top.

BOILING MADE EASY!
ENJOY!

IRISH SHEPHERD'S PIE

The answer is NO.....that means NO I don't EAT THIS!!!!
However, I searched high and low to find what I think is the best and most flavorful recipe for this traditional Irish staple. It has always been labeled the "leftover" dish..which meant a good use for your leftover potatoes.
The best thing about this recipe is that it calls for a "glass" of wine...now is that MY size glass or what?????


Ingredients:

1 tbl olive oil
1 tsp black pepper
1 lb ground beef or lamb
1 large onion diced
3-4 large carrots diced
1 cup frozen peas
3-4 fresh thyme sprigs chopped
2 tbl flour
1 tbl butter
1 glass red wine (LOVE THIS)
2 tbl tomato paste
2 tbl Worcestershire
1 cup chicken stock
6 cups mashed potatoes (fresh or leftover)
1 egg beaten
parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 400

Saute carrots in the olive oil and then add the onion. When they are getting soft add the meat, pepper and thyme and cook until the meat is brown. Drain the mixture and return to the pan. Add the butter and peas. Sprinkle the mixture with flour and stir to combine, Add the tomato paste, wine and Worcestershire. Reduce until the gravy starts to get thick and add the chicken stock. Season to taste. Pour the mixture in a greased 13 x 9 pan. Spread potatoes on top and brush with egg and sprinkle with parmesan. Bake for 20 minutes until potatoes are nice and brown.

Then I would serve it to guests and pour myself a GLASS of wine!
ENJOY!

IRISH BACON AND CABBAGE

It's coming..It's coming,.....Saint Patty's Day and all the greatness of an Irish "boiled" dinner. Bring it up a notch with this great recipe for bacon-cabbage.

Ingredients:

3 thick slices of bacon diced

1 head of cabbage cored and wedged

3 tbl unsalted butter melted

2 tsp nutmeg

2 cups water

1/2 cup red wine vinegar

salt

pepper

Preheat broiler

Place cabbage in a large pot. Add water and bring to a boil. Simmer over low heat until tender about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, cook bacon in a saute pan, drain and set aside. Drain the cabbage and place in a baking dish. Drizzle with the melted butter and sprinkle with bacon and nutmeg. Broil until the top layer of the cabbage is lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Season with vinegar, salt and pepper.

LUCK O' THE IRISH!

ENJOY!

IRISH WHISKY COFFEE BROWNIES

You gotta love being Irish when you can create a recipe with whisky, chocolate and coffee. These are so moist and delicious with whisky in both the brownies and the glaze topping. Makes about 36 brownies, perfect for your holiday party.

Ingredients:

1-1/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup unsalted butter

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

1-1/2 cup flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp baking soda

3/4 cup milk

1/4 cup Irish Whisky

2 tbl instant coffee crystals

1 cup chopped walnuts

2-1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar

2 tbl unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tbl Irish Whisky

1-1/4 vanilla

3-4 tbl brewed coffee

walnuts for topping

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Heat sugar, butter and 1/2 cup cocoa powder in a saucepan until butter melts. Remove from heat and add eggs and 1 tsp vanilla. Stir to combine.

Stir flour, baking powder and baking soda in a bowl. In another bowl combine milk, 1/4 cup whisky and coffee crystals. Add flour mixture and milk mixture alternately to the chocolate mixture until all combined. Stir in nuts and pour into a greased 13 x 9 x 2 pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. Place on wire rack to cool.

For glaze, stir together powdered sugar, 2 tbl cocoa powder, 1 tbl Irish Whisky, 1-1/4 tsp vanilla. Stir in 3-4 tbl of brewed coffee until you get a drizzle consistency.

Drizzle over brownies and add walnuts if you like.

POT O' GOLD!

ENJOY!

FRIDAY COCKTAIL - GREEN DUBLIN!

I have seen that our younger generation of drinkers is preferring Whisky to our traditional Vodka..crazy I think...but it is all the rage. Here is a good one and for all of us watching our pennies, it only has three ingredients. Go Irish!

Ingredients:

2 oz Irish Whisky
1 oz Sour Apple Schnapps
2 oz white cranberry juice

Pour all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with a lemon twist.

For Whisky Rachel!
ENJOY!

IRISH WEEK - IRISH SODA BREAD

So, for the next week it is IRISH WEEK!!!! Recipes and cocktails for everything Irish....okay all my Italian friends, "EMBRACE IT"! This recipe is from my good friend, Ellen!!!!! She has been a contributor to the blog every now and then...

Ingredients:

4 cups flour
4 tsp baking powder (not soda)
1 cup sugar
1 cup raisins
1 tbl caraway seeds
pinch of salt
1 - 1-1/2 cups milk

Mix first six ingredients together and add enough milk so it is doughy not stiff. Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes at 325 degrees in a lightly greased cast iron skillet, glass pie plate or 8" cake pan.

She guarantees deliciousness!
ENJOY!

FRIDAY COCKTAIL - IRISH TULLY TEA!

Seems every occasion has a version of Long Island Ice Tea...and this is even better! Frankly it will be the BEST tea you have ever tasted!

1/2 oz Irish Whisky
1/2 oz Tequila
1/2 oz Rum
1/2 oz Gin
3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
1 oz simple syrup
Garnish with Coca Cola

and then scrape me off the floor!!!!!!


TO THE IRISH!
ENJOY!

UNDER RE-IMAGING SEE YOU SOON

As you know, I do my best work with a wine glass in my hand. I am working on a new concept and you will see it soon.

As always there will be a Friday cocktail!

CHEERS! CONGRATULATIONS TO ME!

The Year of The Cook has been going strong for a FULL YEAR!!!! It has been a great experience. Thank you Rachel for inspiring me and thank you Dave for being patient and supportive throughout the Year.

While I could just close the book on the blog, I have had a lot of people plead that I keep it going. So while I may take a break here and there...or maybe reinvent the blog...I will hang in there for now.

It has been fun to hear from people who have made some of these recipes, or contributed some of their own....thanks to all of you..

CHEERS!

ENJOY!