Happy 4th!

June 30, 2011 by 4 Comments

 

                                                           Time For a Change

This cocktail was created by bartenders in Washington D.C.; somewhat patriotic and, given your personal political views, appropriate for July 4th or… the next election. 

But, politics aside, it’s a great, refreshing drink that has an air of creativity without using exotic ingredients that you have to hunt for.

Ingredients:

    • 2 1/2 parts Jim Beam Black Bourbon
    • 1/4 part DeKuyper Triple Sec
    • 1/2 part fresh lemon juice
    • 1/2 part blueberry juice
    • 1/2 part lavender honey simple syrup
    • dash of orange bitters
    • super-fine sugar for rimming

 

Preparation:

  1. Rim a cocktail glass with sugar.
  2. Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
  3. Shake well.
  4. Strain into a cocktail glass

 

Have a wonderful July 4th and, please, if you indulge, let someone else,  who has not…do the driving!

 

 

Signature
Filed Under: Cocktails, Recipes Tagged With:

When there are no words…

June 29, 2011 by 6 Comments

Along with a group of friends, I went to visit another friend on Monday afternoon.

This lovely woman and her family came to this country years ago with the hope of having a better life and becoming citizens. 

It took some time.  They dealt with an unscrupulous lawyer who defrauded them out of their hard-earned money in their attempt to gain citizenship but finally, they came to realize their dream.  We offered heartfelt words of congratulation.

We all got to know Maria when she worked at our salon; we learned from her and she, from us.  We shared words and laughter.

They watched their two children, a son and daughter, gain a proper education and flourish.  Their beloved son, Edwin, was in graduate school, preparing to become an attorney. We offered our words of praise.

And, on Monday, we went to visit this loving family.

We heard Maria cry and as she asked us how she will ever get through this.  We struggled for words that got caught in our throats, mixed in with tears. 

 

Early last Saturday morning, Edwin Sandoval and his best friend, Pete Caruso, died in a car crash.  There are no words, no rationale that can bring consolation to parents who lose a child. 

Signature
Filed Under: Uncategorized

Tasty Tuesday – Tomato Salad & More

June 28, 2011 by 4 Comments

                         

What is more enjoyable than a fresh Tomato Salad?   These wonderful fruits go from garden to table bringing the best of what Summer has to offer with each bite.

Traditionally, the ingredients in this recipe, from Lidia’s Italy, are very simple, easily made by soaking sliced, day-old bread in water, draining the bread and seasoning it with salt, pepper and olive oil before topping the salad with cubes of ripe tomato and shredded basil leaves.

This version is somewhat different, made with onions and makes an excellent appetizer. You can serve it on its own, or with mozzarella, brie or feta cheese.   Add cucumbers, avocado,  prosciutto or, for added complexity, seared shrimp. It is also delicious when served with grilled meats or poultry. 

Experiment and enjoy!

 

                     

 

                                             Bread and Tomato Salad

Ingredients….

1 pound two-day old country-style bread, crusts removed, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 pounds tomatoes, cored, seeded and cut into 1/2 cubes
1 cup red onion, diced
12 fresh basil leaves, shredded
5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
fresh basil sprigs
salt
freshly ground black pepper

Next…

In a large bowl, toss bread, tomatoes, onion and shredded basil leaves until well mixed. Drizzle the olive oil and vinegar over the salad and toss to mix thoroughly. Season to taste with salt and pepper and let stand 10 minutes before serving. Decorate sprigs of fresh basil.

 

 

With avocado….

 

With brie….

                                                                                                                                             

Signature
Filed Under: Recipes Tagged With: ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »