Here’s hoping people are saner this year and do not doctor the candy, apples, etc. that children will be receiving. That is senseless, useless, and harmful.
Remember when we were kids? I know my dentist did. tee hee.
Have fun tonight and keep safe. Later. Please don’t let your children just dive in and start eating their treasure. Look it all over, double check everything then mete it out.
Sunny Saturday
It is a beautiful day here. Very autumn like and sunny. We are being treated out for lunch today whoopee!
After Sunday the thoughts will naturally run to Christmas…but wait – this can either be stressful or relaxed and enjoyable. Which would you prefer? Hang on, I may have the ultimate cure this this. Later.
Baking Smells…hmmmm
I just finished baking a lemon thyme loaf for my cousin and the smell throughout the house makes me think she may not get it. Love this loaf. Probably the best ever, sure beats something like banana bread ‘cuz I’m not fond of bananas, that’s why.
The recipe is in my breakfast cookbook. Later
Martini in Blue
Not only is this pretty to look at, it is really quite tasty.
- 2 parts Blueberry Vodka
- 2 parts Blueberry Schnapps
- 1 part Chambord
- Frozen Blueberries
Pour ingredients into shaker filled with ice and shake well. Strain into chilled martini glasses and garnish with a few frozen blueberries. Serve immediately!
Taste Rating: More please 9
Pucker Up Martini
For the not so feint of heart!
- 6 parts vodka (chilled)
- 1 part dry vermouth
- lemon strips
- olives
You only swirl the vermouth around the chilled martini glass and discard the excess. Pour the chilled vodka into glass and garnish with 2 manzanilla olives and a twist of lemon.
Simple but a classic martini. Now, let me tell you what really happened. I made this for son, Trevor, and didn’t just swirl the vermouth. I left it in and I thought I had killed him. 1 mouth full and he was spitting it out. So…remember, SWIRL and discard.
Taste Rating: 8
Sometimes it works!
The brain that is. We were looking for a box of pics that we had taken for my cookbook that are being planned now. Couldn’t find them!
Looked all over for them yesterday. This morning I go into the kitchen and the box was on the opposite counter waiting to give to Bill (computer guru and friend).
As I said, sometimes my brain works and sometimes it doesn’t. Later.
Red Pepper Spread
This is a wonderful spread to use when wanting a hors d’Oeuvre to put out.
- 1 tub spreadable Philadelphia cream cheese
- 1 can chunky crabmeat
- 1/2 cup Armstrong aged cheddar cheese (aged old )
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red pepper
- 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
- Crackers such as Raincoast Crisps
Preparation: Mix all ingredients together and refrigerate at least one hour. Serve with Raincoast Crisps, crackers or toasted baguette slices. You want to be able to spread this on crackers so you might have to add a tsp or two of cream to make the right consistency.
You will need spreader knives for each guest.
Serving an elegant dinner doesn’t have to cost the earth, but with a different twist on things, it will be elevated to that level and you can see how easy it is to get into the groove.
Taste Rating: 9
Chocolate Martini
My very favourite!
- 2 parts chocolate vodka
- 1 part white chocolate liqueur
- 1 part Bailey’s liqueur
Make sure the glasses are chilled. Pours 2 parts chocolate vodka, 1 part white chocolate liqueur and 1 part Bailey’s into a shaker with ice and shake well. Strain and pour into chilled glasses. You can add chocolate shavings on top or run chocolate syrup around the glass before adding drink. This is a great ‘signature drink’. That means it is the welcome drink when your guests arrive. After that…..serve wine.
Taste Rating: 9.9999999 (love it.
Table Settings
To start with the basics. I will use a setting for four people. It can be for 20 people but the basics are the same. You will need a clean and freshly ironed table cloth. Correct sized napkins (22″-26″ for table); and for hors d’oeurves, a luncheon (14″ – 18″) napkin is best. This can be the same or contrasting colour. Get your candles and candle sticks ready, flowers either picked or ordered, cutlery should sparkle, glasses -wine, water, and/or liqueur should be handwashed in hot, soapy water and rinsed in warm water and vinegar, Dry with a clean, soft cloth.
My 12 year old granddaughter set the table the way she has seen done in our home. No help or aide was given and I am so proud of her. Now, you can do it too, Right?
Holiday Martini
You will need:
- 6 parts Egg Nog
- 2 parts vodka
- 1 part Bailey Irish Cream
- 1 part White Chocolate liqueur
Pour into a shaker with cracked ice and shake well. Strain into chilled martini glasses. Garnish with a pinch of nutmeg.
You will probably lick the glasses clean. Yummy
Taste Rating: 9
Chocolate Fudge Martini
You will need for this one:
- 6 parts chocolate vodka
- 1 part coffee liqueur
- 1 part chocolate liqueur
Pour ingredients into a shaker with cracked ice and shake well. Strain into chilled martini glasses. Garnish with a chocolate covered coffee bean.
You will be the hostess that everyone wants to be when you serve this one.
Taste Rating: 9
Need a few moments
I ask that you bear with me for a day or two…my husband’s brother-in-law passed away Sunday afternoon and we need a couple of days off. There will be a few recipes popping up but that is pre-planned on my part.
Thanks, I appreciate your understanding.
Later.