IT'S 5 O'CLOCK SOMEWHERE!

Hard to believe we are well into a new year and this is my first blog of 2014! I thought I would share a couple excellent and interesting cocktails, but first let me tell you that my dear friends Dennis and Diana surprised me upon arriving in Arizona on New Year's Eve with my very own CHOPPED competition. They brought me most of what's contained in a well stocked pantry (http://whatscookingamerica.net/Q-A/Pantry.htm) and lots of very weird combinations of food (liver and pineapple??) to cook an Appetizer, Dinner and Dessert! My husband along with D&D were judges and also sous chefs...thank goodness they did not 'time' me. What a fun way to ring in the new year!

Dennis giving me lots of encouragement in the CHOPPED kitchen!

And yes, after that adventure I did need a cocktail!

Here are a couple festive cocktails I had over the Christmas season.

 

MacINTOSH MARTINI

I had this yummy cocktail at Laurie's 9:09 in Wakefield, MA (www.lauries909.com)
The ingredients are:
CROWN ROYAL
SOUR APPLE SCHNAPPS
SPLASH OF CRANBERRY
Two to one on the whiskey to sour apple ratio and then just a splash of cranberry juice, although I have also seen this drink made with 1 oz. Crown Royal and 1 oz. Vodka. Put all ingredients in an ice-filled shaker. Stir vigorously, but do not shake. Strain and serve in a beautiful martini glass. I would garnish with a thin slice of green apple. This drink tastes exactly like a MacIntosh Apple! Very refreshing and must be good for you!...ever heard of an Apple a day??

HOLIDAY COSMO

This holiday party started at my good friend Francine's house with her husband Joe making a delicious Cosmopolitan with a twist. He rubbed the rim of the glass with a wedge of lime and then rolled in crushed candy canes and garnished with a mini candy cane. You can buy the crushed candy canes at the liquor store in holiday season or just crush your own by putting in a zip lock bag and smashing with a rolling pin until very fine. A perfect way to make a traditional drink a little more special. Here's the recipe for a traditional Cosmopolitan:

Ingredients:
2 ounces Vodka (Use a mid to high quality vodka. I like Grey Goose, but any good quality vodka will work.)
1/2 ounce Triple Sec* (or Cointreau if you feel like splurging!)
3/4 ounce Cranberry Juice
1/4-1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice

OR make a batch for 4:
8 ounces Vodka
2 ounces Triple Sec
3 ounces Cranberry Juice
1-2 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice

Marilyn and Francine enjoying their holiday cocktail!

Preparation:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add all ingredients and shake for about 30 seconds until icy cold. Strain and serve in martini glass with the peel of an orange or a lemon. To make the garnish, use a vegetable peeler and peel a thin strip of either citrus over the glass so you capture any oils that may escape as you're peeling.
* A dear sweet woman we know in her 80's (who will remain nameless!) once commented that she loves Triple Sex!

Last time I told you about our wonderful anniversary trip to Virgin Gorda. I had a cocktail at the Bitter End Yacht Club that was absolutely delicious! After a little research I learned it is their signature drink called:

FROZEN LEMON CRASH

I am not sure of the proportions, but it will be fun experimenting. Here are the ingredients:
FRESH LEMON WEDGES
SUGAR SYRUP*
LIME JUICE
MOUNT GAY ECLIPSE RUM

Blend all ingredients thoroughly with ice. Serve in a 16 oz. glass. Garnish with a lemon wedge and cherry.

* To make sugar syrup (aka simple syrup) place 2 parts sugar to 1 part water in saucepan. Bring to boil stirring to dissolve sugar. Once sugar is dissolved remove from heat and let cool completely. Store in covered glass container in refrigerator. This keeps forever...kind of like Humming Bird food, but that ratio is 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. Same process.

And finally my new hairdresser, Andrea Pottinger, who is both lovely and talented gave be a great idea for a different garnish for a Bloody Mary. If you're in the Nogales area and need a cut or color give her a call. Check her out on FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/StyleHouseStudio
This garnish may sound a bit odd, but it really is good. Just make sure you get the bacon nice and crisp. It also doubles as a stirrer for your drink!

This allows you to eat and drink your breakfast in one efficient container. OR, if you must, you can serve with eggs and more bacon.

That's all for now.

Next time, we will have some food with our drinks!

HAPPY BELATED NEW YEAR TO ALL!

May your year be filled with love, laughter and

lots of fun in the kitchen!

CHEERS!

Here's my friend Diana...the inspiration behind the CHOPPED competition.
The good news is I was competing with myself, so I WON!