Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Store in a Cool Dry Place

I love this blog because I can share the fun that I have in the kitchen – the successes and the…no so successes. This is in the second group.

As you know, some vegetables – potatoes, onions, etc. – are to be stored in a cool, dry place. It is not uncommon for those vegetables to begin sprouting roots if they have been stored too long. Last week I went into my pantry and was surprised by the sight on an onion that was trying to take over an entire shelf! After laughing for a while at it, I had to take a picture and share it. 

The Onion Gone Wrong!
Don’t worry, I didn’t throw it out. I actually planted it in my garden. We’ll see if this crazy onion gone wrong can grow into a healthy plant.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Beachcomber Sangria

Last weekend I had the opportunity to entertain a few great friends at the beach. The weekend was a classic time with everyone enjoying themselves and the great weather. While relaxing in the sun, I wanted to create a unique drink that everyone would enjoy. From that, came the Beachcomber Sangria recipe below. Enjoy.

Beachcomber Sangria
- ¾ cup tequila
- ¼ cup triple sec
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 can lemon/lime soda
- 1 bottle Moscato wine
- 2 tablespoons sugar (if necessary*)
- Diced fruit (apples, pears, strawberries work best for this recipe)

*Note: Depending on the sweetness of the Moscato, you may not need the additional sugar. Stir the pitcher and sample it, then decide whether or not to add it.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

More American Then Apple Pie?

I’m just back from an extended Independence Day holiday and had a wonderful time. This is a great holiday for me because in my family we all got together at the beach each year and celebrated with friends, great food and fireworks. This year was no different!

While relaxing one afternoon, we heard that familiar song of the ice cream man as his truck drove down the street. With one quick glance, I knew that everyone was thinking the same thing I was and we bolted for the door together. Like children, we lined up and each picked our favorite frozen treat. As usual, I went with the classic Rocket Pop. While it is good all summer, on July 4th Weekend, the red, white, and blue icy treat is even better. As I was enjoying the sweet coolness, it hit me – the Rocket Pop could be more American than Apple Pie! I know that it doesn’t have the history of that American classic or the iconic status, but I feel it should have a place as alongside the apple pie as America’s dessert. While there will never be anything more American that “mom and apple pie” as the expression goes, I believe that Independence Day belongs to the Rocket Pop.