Tie One On Tuesday!

One thing that I am so passionate about is the history of the cocktail. If you look at  what people were drinking at certain times, you can tell the climate of the world. 1900 brought the death of Queen Victoria, the Wright Brothers flew their plane in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina and San Francisco had a horrible earthquake followed by a 3 day fire. So many amazing changes came during the first ten years of century. So many wonderful cocktails chronicled the times.

The Original Negroni was named after an Italian gentleman who ordered the same drink every day. Nowadays the cocktail is considered a Aperitif  to stimulate the the appetite for dinner. Although the drink originated in Europe, it rose to popularity in the US during the early 1900's.

The Original Negroni
1 oz. Campari (in the family of bitters)
1 oz Gin
3/4 oz Sweet Vermouth
Combine all ingredients in an ice filled shaker. Shake until well chilled and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

The Old Fashioned is considered the very first cocktail. Although the drink was around  before 1900 it hit it's height of popularity during 1900-1910.The drink was served at the Pendennis Club in Louisville, Kentucky and to some it is the perfect concoction of what a cocktail should be. A little hooch, a sweet and a bitter.

Old Fashioned
1 sugar cube
2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
2 orange slices
3 oz bourbon
Cherry for garnish
Place the sugar cube at the bottom of an old fashioned glass
Saturate the cube with bitters
Add one orange slice and muddle
Fill the glass with ice 
Add the Bourbon
Garnish with a cherry and the other orange slice. 


Another drink that came about a few years before 1900 but rose up through the ranks is a Tom Collins. First off, there was never a man named Tom Collins. There was a Jerry Thomas( he is considered the father of American mixology). So, the Tom part comes from the type of gin used and the Collins was named after the type of glass used. The lore around Tom Collins continues, but I will tell you that regardless of who or what Tom Collins is-I love this drink. 

Tom Collins
2 oz gin
1 oz lemon juice
1 tsp superfine sugar 
3oz club soda
1 cherry for garnish
1 orange slice
In a shaker half-filled with ice cubes, combine the gin, lemon juice, and sugar. Shake well. Strain into a Collins glass almost filled with ice cubes. Add the club soda. Stir and garnish with the cherry and the orange slice.

So, what do our cocktails tell us about our history during the early 1900's? Like our world history our cocktails are full of flavor, have a dash of mystery and  wet our appetite for bigger and better things. Until next week! Bottoms up!

That's What Mama Likes

Yesterday was Mother's Day. I hope all the moms out there had a wonderful day. Even though my mother passed away 9 years ago, I still miss her. I miss her laugh. She didn't laugh, she cackled. When I was a kid, I was so embarrassed of that laugh. Now I realize that it was the best belly laugh on the planet. It meant that she was having a good time, throwing her head back and wanted everyone to know that the world shouldn't be taken so seriously. Now what does my mother have to do with movies-a lot! She loved a comedy and to honor her, I am sharing with you a few of her favorites. I'm not claiming these to be the best, but they brought a smile to her face.

When my mom was going through a rough time, we watched Blind Date over and over again. She didn't really like Bruce Willis (does anyone?) she loved John Larroquette. Every time he went a little crazy, that loud cackle came bellowing out. I have to admit, the movie was pretty funny. Bruce goes out with Kim Basinger and she has an allergy to alcohol. Well, of course you know what happens-she drinks and craziness ensue. John plays her ex boyfriend that wants her back. It is a definite winner to lift your spirit.

My mother LOVED Nick Nolte. I'm glad that she passed away before he went crazy homeless guy on us. She would have been disappointed. I'm sure in her best southern voice she would say, "Bless his heart, he can't help it. He's a drunk homeless mess." and all would be forgiven. 48 hours was Nick Nolte at his finest. The comedy was raunchy, the voice was hoarse and that's just the way my mom liked it. Nick Nolte plays a cop who works with con Eddie Murphy to solve a crime.Eddie may have stolen the movie but Nick stole my mom's heart.  The movie was so popular that they made a second one.

 Good old mom loved a man's man. She loved the bad boys. I remember asking her why she married my dad and her reply was, " He looked good in his uniform, not to mention, he had a tattoo." and my dad's reply-"She could stop traffic-36-24-36" Ain't love grand? Another thing my mother loved was a mustache. She again thought they were for bad boys, which is probably why she loved Burt Reynold in the role he was meant to play as the Bandit in Smokey and The Bandit. We even had a Trans Am-don't judge! It was the 70's and we were cool! Jackie Gleason as Sheriff Buford T. Justice is prize winning. The banter between him and his mind numbing son is hysterical. I am not ashamed to admit that I own this movie. How can you not love a movie about bringing Coors beer across the Tex-arcana border? Really? Coors? Maybe that's what made my mom laugh so hard.

Those are just three little gems that made my mom smile. To this day, I will pop in one of these great films and can hear her cackle, oh wait, that's me. Love you mom-thanks for passing on your passion for a good laugh and the loudness to let everyone know.

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

I'm turning over Scrappy Dog Sunday to Jujube. This is her Mother's Day card to Lola. 

Happy Mother's Day Mom! Sometimes I feel alone.

But then I realize that you are right there beside me. 

You keep me snuggled and warm. 

You can be silly with me...

But most of all you love me. Thanks for always barking at me and making me do the right thing. You're my best friend.

Love, your super cute and very talented daughter-Jujube

Happy Mother's day to all the moms of fuzzy babies out there. Thanks for bringing sunshine, joy and treats into little lives. You make a big difference in the world.

Sweet Saturday

Maybe it's because I have always secretly loved Alice in Wonderland or just because having a tea party is so much fun. Dressing up, having cakes and tea. It brings out the little girl in me.  I don't think there is any prettier way to add color to your average sugar cube than with these adorable royal icing flowers. They are so easy to make. I got these flowers at our local cake decorating shop but you could make your own. All you need is a little bit of royal icing to "glue" the flowers to the sugar cubes. Let them sit over night and then when you have your tea, drop one in and watch the flower float to the top as sugar cube melts. It will brighten your morning or put a smile on your guest's face at your next brunch.

Now I hear you-sweet just isn't your thing.How about a little bit of spice to take the edge out of that sweetness. These Hot Mexican Chocolate cookies will definitely wet your appetite.

Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies
Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter at room tempature
1 3/4 cups sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees, with racks in the upper and lower thirds. 
• In a medium bowl, sift flour, cocoa powder, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt.
• In a large bowl, blend  11/2 cup sugar and butter, use an electric mixer on medium (if you have a kitchen maid, use that-trust me-it won't be as messy or hard to mix). Mix until sugar and butter are fluffy (around 2 minutes)
• Add eggs and beat to combine
• Gradually add flour mixture and beat until combined.
• In a small bowl, combine 1/4 sugar and cinnamon and chili powder (if using). 
• Using a heaping tablespoon, form balls of dough and roll in cinnamon sugar mixture. 
• Place a few inches apart on parchment lined baking sheets.
• Bake until cookies are set in center and they begin to crack-about 10 minutes, Rotate on rack half way through. 5 minutes on top, 5 minutes on bottom. Transfer cookies to cooling rack. If stored in air tight container, they will last a week. 

Let me tell you-OMP can not keep his hands out of the cookie jar with these little babies! They are going to be in definite rotation.

A little sweet and a little spice for next special occasion or just to treat yourself. Come to think of it,  isn't that what everyone needs in life? A special sweet occasion with a dash of spice. Enjoy!

Feel Good Friday!

Special thanks to Uros Petrovic

Wow! What a crazy week it has been! Even though the week has been crazy the weekend is going to be nice and relaxed. The sun is shining and it's actually going to be warm this weekend! Can you believe it? Since the sun has put a smile on my face, let's see if I can do the same for you.

Do you love aprons? I do! I hardly wear them to cook but I love wearing them around the house. Just so I can look like the cute little alt-country housewife. You should check out Calamity Kim's blog! She is giving away the cutest apron ever! Even if aprons aren't your thing, check her out anyway. You will find something you love-I know I have. 

Recently I was in the button swap on Feeling Stitchy and got the cutest buttons ever from Rectangel. They are going on my green cameo sweater.

Things I remember from growing up: weird beer shampoo that I always wanted to try but my mom said she didn't want me smelling like the town bum or Tangee lipstick-it goes on clear and turns the color you want (if you want orange) or my favorite shoe in the world-Tretorns in red or black if you wanted to be fancy. Well, if you are like me and pine away at the good old days and wonder where you can get that beer shampoo then I have the place for you. The Vermont Country Store has all these things and more. Are you looking for that candy you just had to have when you were a kid-they have it (except Marathon bars-shoot!). I could spend hours on this website waxing about the good old days.

I usually don't advocate having your pups help with baking. Some people are a little whoozy when it comes to dog fur (I just don't understand) but this is just too adorable! He's helping!

Well my little chickadees! Hope this helps lift your spirits, bring a smile to your face and  puts you in a better mood. I know it has me! I am off to enjoy some much needed sunshine. Have a wonderful weekend! 

Love is life.
And if you miss love,
you miss life.
-Leo Buscaglia

Puppy Patterns!

I was recently going through my patterns and found these adorable puppy patterns. I absolutely love vintage patterns. I truly believe that they are a piece of history. What better way to see what the average woman was doing during her day.

I love any pattern that shows someone or something stitching. Her little wink is just too cute.

This little lady has a lot of mixing to do! Her little puff cuffs are the best

Oh my goodness! Be careful and don't burn your paws! Poor little pooch!

This one reminds me of Lola Mae. I like to think she looks this cute and innocent while waiting for me in the window. Hey, I can dream. 

Happy stitching!

Tie One On Tuesday!

Arriba! I feel a fire in my belly and for the first time it's not the salsa at the local Mexican joint. It's my favorite Mexican cocktails to celebrate our annual Cinco de Mayo festival (by our festival, I mean Mark and I have dinner).

Lake Chapala is the largest fresh water lake in Mexico, and apparently a tasty drink. It is a very simple drink that has a wonderful fruit taste to it. After a few of these, you will want to go skinny dipping in the nearest body of water.

Chapala Cocktail
 1 1/2 ounces premium Tequila - I'm a fan of Patron
  1/2 ounce Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice
  1/2 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice
  2 teaspoons Grenadine
  1/2 teaspoon Triple Sec Shake with ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with fresh fruit.

Oh my goodness! I do love a spicy cocktail. The combo of spicy and lime will clear your sinuses and make you smell fruity fresh. This cocktail is so good, it could make the devil weep.

Sweet and Spicy Diablo
2 cilantro leaves
1 Serrano chili sliced 1/4-inch thick, seeds removed
4 ounces tequila blanco
1 ounce lime juice
1 ounce simple syrup
Combine cilantro and chili in a cocktail shaker and muddle well. Pour in tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup and shake well. Strain drink into a rocks glass and garnish with a slice of Serrano chili.

Last but not least is a good old fashion Margarita. You can pretty much add any flavor to a Margarita and it will taste great. Strawberry?  Mango? Cucumber? It doesn't matter-it's still a tasty treat. A Margarita has three simple ingredients and really is one of the easiest cocktails you can ever make. You can have it on the rocks or blended (slushy) .

Classic Margarita
1 1/2 ounces Tequila
1/2 ounce Triple Sec
1 ounce lime juice
Line the rim of a cocktail glass with lime juice, and dip in salt. Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into the glass, and serve.

Here you go muchachos and muchachas, some wonderfully delicious cocktails to celebrate your 5th of May! You can go sweet, spicy or salty-the decision's yours. Just remember to be careful and drink responsibly , don't go mistaking that jerk at the end of the bar in a bad colorful sweater for a candy filled pinata.