Category: Cooking & Cocktails

The White Russian Xmas Martini

The White Russian Xmas Martini

Sydney came by last night and whipped up this little gem.  It made Christmas wrapping that much easier!  These are perfect for a small holiday party and I would rim the glasses ahead of time and keep in the freezer until you are ready to […]

Gin & Roses

Gin & Roses

Sydney (cocktail contributor extraordinaire) created “Gin & Roses” and even though it might be considered more of a summer drink, it tasted too good to wait until next summer to include it on the blog.

Great Grandma’s Favorite Cocktail

Great Grandma’s Favorite Cocktail

When I think of my great-grandmother, my memories are flooded with her fondness of family dinners and at every one of those dinners, serving her favorite cocktail, the”Grasshopper”.

Laughter, joke telling, and funny stories are what comes to mind when I remember my (more…)

Pork Scallopini, with sage, black pepper, and apples

Pork Scallopini, with sage, black pepper, and apples

Cookbook:  Dinner, Changing the Game by Melissa Clark First, please buy this cookbook.  You won’t be sorry as the recipes are easy and delicious!  I’m not a big pork eater but

The Welcome Home

The Welcome Home

There is a real advantage to having a professional bartender in the family such as your bar is always stocked with the good stuff, you have a built-in bartender for parties, and you get to try deliciously crafted new drinks! My daughter Sydney, the bartender, […]

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Fettuccine

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Fettuccine

I found this Shrimp Fettuccine recipe on the internet, however, there was no credit given to the original author.  If this is your recipe, please let me know so I can give you credit for your hard work in coming up (more…)

Neapolitan Cake

Neapolitan Cake

I’m wondering if it takes everyone 7 1/2 hours to make a cake from scratch?  This is only my second “non-Betty Crocker cake mix” cake and both have taken over a quarter of a day to make which just makes me want a glass of […]

Tuscan Lemon Chicken

Tuscan Lemon Chicken

Cookbook:  Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics I’m quickly learning that because I’ve started cooking magnificent recipes, not only are my meals tasting much better but the aroma that fills my house with smells of fresh ingredients, herbs and spices is worth the time and trouble […]

No-Bake Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake

No-Bake Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake

Cookbook:  Simply Beautiful Homemade Cakes by Lindsay Conchar

While this recipe called for a 9-inch springform pan, I chose to use my new Williams Sonoma Springform Mini Cheesecake Pan which by the way, I loved.

I typically choose to bake my cheesecakes, however, it was too hot in my house to (more…)

The Pomegranate Martini

The Pomegranate Martini

It’s the middle of a three day weekend and it only seemed fitting to have a Pomegranate Martini!  One of my all time favorites!