You know how I told you the other day that I’ve been really stressed at work? Say hello to last night’s dinner: Mixed Citrus Margarita. Enough said.
The ingredients:
In a large pitcher or jug combine the tequila, juice, liqueur, and sugar to taste.
Serve over ice with lime wedges.
Additions: None
Omissions: None
Substitutions: None
Overall Rating: Like It
Source: Better Homes and Gardens magazine
I went to a friend’s for dinner last night and left around 9:40 so I could make it home in time to catch the latest episode of Chicago Fire only to find snow on my car so thick and heavy, my windshield wipers couldn’t cut through it. So there I was without a winter coat or gloves on in a full snowstorm brushing snow off my car just to drive to my house less than a mile away. I think the weather people talked more about Winter Storm Nemo last week than about this little weather event which clearly created more snow. Anyway, snows like this which leave me wet and cold just make me want to curl up with something warm. And since I don’t want to drink anything caffeinated before bed, this Vanilla-Almond Steamer is a perfectly cozy warm drink on an unexpectedly snowy night.
Milk and sugar are warmed on the stove and flavored with cinnamon sticks, vanilla and almond extracts. If I could imagine what a warmed up vanilla milkshake might taste like, I think this would be it. Use whatever milk you fancy (I used skim and loved it) because I really don’t think it will matter. The cinnamon, vanilla and almond create a soothing backdrop for this hug in a cup. If you need something one of these cold nights but have had enough tea and just can’t deal with decaf, consider this. It’s a perfect before-bedtime drink that can even be kicked up with some bourbon or rum if you so choose.
The ingredients:
Combine the milk and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat; cook until sugar dissolves, stirring frequently. Add cinnamon sticks to milk mixture; cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally (do not boil).
Remove from heat; let stand 20 minutes. Stir in extracts. Place pan over medium-high heat; cook 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Remove and discard cinnamon sticks.
Garnish with ground cinnamon and cinnamon sticks, if desired.
Additions: None
Omissions: None
Substitutions:
Overall Rating: Love It
Source: Cooking Light Magazine
I gotta tell you, after spending this week enduring Hurricane Sandy-turned Nor’Easter-turned nightmare and the ensuing loss of power for days, I was just ready to go home, sleep in my own bed and make some food. But I was tired. And by tired, I mean tuckered-out tired. My good friend Jodi put up with my sorry self since Sunday while I waited for the power to be restored in my freezing cold house. Finally, the power came back last night and it really is such a relief to flip on a lightswitch and get light. Plus, there really is nothing better than sleeping in your own cozy bed. Because I anticipated losing power this week, I figured it was a great opportunity to bring you something that doesn’t require the use of electricity and helps that lonely time go by faster: Maple-Bourbon Sour.
Bourbon is mixed with nothing but maple syrup and lemon juice. Sounds kind of crazy but the sweetness of the syrup and sourness of the lemon balance each other out while the smoky maple complements bourbon perfectly. When I got home last night, I really didn’t have the patience to make one of these but instead poured myself a red wine and tucked myself into bed while I watched tv. In the dark. Yes, after complaining about losing power, I barely turned a light on when I got it back. All I really wanted was my tv. I’m a loser. After seeing what happened to the New Jersey coast this week, I’m grateful that my biggest problem was a loss of power. I have to say that this week has been an emotional and heartbreaking time for those of us in New Jersey. I didn’t grow up here but I’ve been here long enough to know just how special and important the Jersey shore is to the people who live here (and yes, it’s really called the “shore” here, not the “beach”). It’s not just a stupid tv show (which I refuse to watch), it’s a way of life and a piece of the people here. It’s their heart and soul. And it will recover.
The ingredients:
Combine bourbon, maple syrup, and fresh lemon juice, stirring well.
Pour mixture into a cocktail shaker filled with 1/2 cup ice. Cover and shake.
Strain mixture; divide evenly between two glasses. Serve over ice, if desired.
Additions: None
Omissions: None
Substitutions: None
Overall Rating: Love It
Source: Cooking Light Magazine
