Toast: The Aperol Spritz

Happy Halloween folks!  I'll be toasting this beloved American holiday with one of my favorite Italian drink traditions in exactly the right hue…. 

source

The Aperol Spritz

3 parts prosecco

2 parts Aperol

1 part soda water

Slice of orange

Cheers!

Summer Staples: In the Kitchen

One of my favorite things about summertime is the impromptu gatherings of friends when the weather warms, schedules loosen and the light-filled evenings seem to go on forever.  Here's my standard line-up of staples that you can nearly always find in my kitchen this time of year.... allowing me to throw together simple snacks or a no-fuss, laid back tapas style meal in no time...

Tomatoes

Baguette

Olives

Balsamic Reduction - for caprese salad or as a topping over the vanilla ice cream with strawberries

Vanilla Ice Cream

Rose Wine

Rotisserie Chicken

Herb Covered Goat Cheese

Mozzarella

Other favorite add ons:  Strong Cheddar, Hummus, individual sized pastries and fresh fruit

Ulterior Motive:  I don't even have to turn the oven on. :)

say cheese!....

I guess it was bound to happen.... a newfound love affair with cheese (and olive oil, champagne and chocolate.... but I'll save that for another post).  Fromage (French for cheese) is serious business here.... and my cheese horizons were definitely broadened after my first fruitless searches for my bright orange cheddar or Monterrey Jack.  One could easily go a month without ever repeating the same type of cheese here when faced with an intimidating array of beautifully wrapped (and some rather stinky) offerings.... of which most I cannot begin to pronounce.  However,  I've settled on a few predictable favorites... a properly aged Gruyere, fresh buffalo mozzarella, creamy goat, and super sharp cheddar (I did finally find ONE; only one...it is not orange).... And, I have developed a keen craving for and appreciation of the taste bud joy that can be found on a simple cheese plate.  A wooden serving board or piece of slate....some accompaniments like nuts, dried apricots, a thinly sliced baguette, honey and a glass of wine and voila!..... instant fete!  Some pretty inspiration....

 source

the only problem.... getting some before the kids eat it all!

Well, hello Arnold Palmer....

.... let me re-introduce myself..... it has been a long time....

I actually broke a sweat on a walk this morning which got me thinking it is time to start enjoying my favorite summer-time beverage at last....  Sure, I've been stocking up the bar to make happy hour favorites such as this, this, and this but when it comes to summertime hydration; my favorite will always be the half iced tea (unsweet for me) and half lemonade.... (preferably with the lemonade on the bottom and lots of the tiny pellet ice if you want to make me really happy).... I've also been tempted to spiff up the bar a bit with a few of these fun accessories.... with all the "Gatsbyesque" inspired stuff floating around it's fun to imagine lounging about enjoying a beverage in one of these great (and inexpensive) crystal cut whiskey glasses.....

1/2/3/4/5/6

..... but then again, a plain 'ol Mason jar would do just fine too.... :)
Cheers!

Food (& Drink): The Pimm's Cup

We had the good fortune to wile away a few hours with some friends over the weekend..... chatting, eating delicious food, watching the kids run around the yard, and imbibing in this liquid goodness.....

Photograph:  Robyn Lee

a refreshingly light and unfussy concoction originating in London in the year 1840 by James Pimm..... it is the cocktail of choice at Wimbledon, British polo matches.... and now thanks to my friends.... my home for summer gatherings.      

The Pimm's Cup:

Fill a tall glass halfway with ice.

Add 1.5 oz. of Pimm's.

Top off with ginger ale or lemon lime soda.

Garnish with cucumber, strawberries or a slice of lemon.

This and my other favorite sure would make a great pairing served up on this beauty from Serena & Lily.

South Seas bar cart

Cheers to easy, breezy summertime!