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Black Peppercorn Not-So-Simple Syrup
Hey, hot stuff! Wanna add some more moxie to your life? I’ve got just what the doctor ordered: Black Peppercorn Not-So-Simple Syrup. Unlock your culinary creativity with flavored syrups. They will change the face of whatever you are serving. Use Black Peppercorn Not-So-Simple Syrup in or on strawberries, peaches, tea, hot chocolate, ice cream, lamb, bacon, yogurt, and cocktails (duh)—anything that needs a little kick in the pants. For this syrup I used Tellicherry peppercorns. Tellicherry peppercorns are more robust than ordinary black peppercorns as they have been left on the vine longer. Tellicherry present citrusy, woodsy notes; toasting them intensifies their flavor even more. As with any recipe to…
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Lavender Not-So-Simple Syrup
Lavender Syrup adds such a beautiful bouquet to anything. Lavender infusions make me giddy. So many years ago I took a Saturday cooking class from one of the finest men in Augusta—Chef Heinz Sowinski—and his lavender-infused chilled cherry soup changed my life. I have been a big fan of all things lavender ever since. I use lavender syrup to enhance dozens of things–Greek yogurt, water, tea, cocktails, fruit…the list goes on. Enhanced syrups add complexity and an element of surprise! (Try this Blueberry + Creme + Lavender Frose-Merlotse) I prefer making syrup from fresh lavender. I use unopened buds that have not flowered completely that I grow on my patio.…
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Blueberries + Creme + Lavender Frosé-Merlotsé
Today I added a bullet to my professional resume: how to Photoshop my dogs out of blogging pictures. I was chopping vegetables for a salad when they came a runnin’. It happens to these Pavlovian creatures every time they hear me at work on the cutting board. For them, chopping sounds = treats. It could be carrots, apples, ____ (insert crunchy vegetable or fruit here)–it makes no difference. Chow hounds, I tell ya! But healthy snackers, nonetheless. (Oh, who am I kidding? I don’t know how to Photoshop. I have to lure them outside with peanut butter treats so I can snap some shots without their interloping.) Today it wasn’t…
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Raspberry + Thyme Frosé
This frosé screams SUMMER! It is just what these hot summer nights beg for. You know something else it screams? THE BEST WAY TO ADULT IS TO FROSE! This boozy, fruity slushee is light, refreshing, and for grown-ups only. I am on the fence about calling it frosé, though. I chose to use Merlot over rosé because it has more body and can hold up to the infusion of thyme. Instead of frosé, shouldn’t it be called Merlotsé? Raspberry + Thyme Merlotsé. Let me think about it… So about the thyme…At first I made regular raspberry frosé, and it was delicious. But I thought a hint of peppery thyme might…
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Limoncello
As a self-proclaimed connoisseur and purveyor of all things delicious, I was more than on board when Angela proposed a trip last to the Côte d’ Azur and Riviera (aka the tour de limoncello). I could talk you to all day about eating nearly a metric tonne of pasta and cheese, but I must share our story of limoncello. We drank ALL the lee-mohn-CHAY-loh. You see, while we were there, Europe was experiencing a treacherous heat-wave. We were compelled to stay cool by drinking limoncello. It became a matter of life or death. At each stop on our continental trek, we sought out limoncello. We would specifically ask for the…
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Arnold Palmer & John Daly Sippers
It’s Masters week here in Augusta. Golf fanatics are landing here by the droves to follow those little white balls on their journeys across 18 holes at the Augusta National Golf Course. The Augusta National is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world. The property is on a former nursery. The flora abounds, each hole taking its name from a signature plant. The grass underfoot has a certain spring to it. The long shadows of the loblolly pines offer respite on sunny days. The jays chirp out their gleeful songs. This tournament is much more than just the game of golf–it is a feeling. A magical…
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The Augusta Velvet Hammer
If you are looking to woo your guests with a scrumptiously boozy and frozen delight, this drink I am here to help. If you are looking for a quick loosy-goosy feel on a festive night, this drink I can help with that, too. If you are looking for irresistible charm and beguiling wit, you have come to the right place. You will be the boss of all drinks delightful if you serve this sweet + creamy + boozy + dreamy milkshake for grown-ups at your next soiree. What is this magical elixir? It’s called a Velvet Hammer, and I think I have cracked the code for its enigmatic, closely protected…
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Mojitos: Debunking the Myths
Mojito, the drink of Hemingway. Or is it? There is a small plaque hanging in El Floridita in Havana with this Hemingway quote: My mojito in La Bodeguita, My daiquiri in El…
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Basil + Grapefruit Elixir
As soon as I put the glass to my lips, I knew I was drinking the elixir of the gods. Elixirs are credited with curing illnesses. This is sure to take care of whatever ails you. In fact, that’s how I decided on its name. I was going to call it a cocktail until that fateful October day in the herb garden… I had been muddling and expressing and zesting that morning, playing around with portions and flavors. My basil syrup needed to steep before I proceeded any further with my experiment, so into the fridge it went as I collected herb prunings from the garden. In October, it is…
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Tipsy Blueberry Milkshake
WARNING: This is an “adults only” post. These milkshakes are for grownups. This grown up milkshake will make you feel like there is a party in your mouth. And the best thing about this party? You’re invited! Like the tipsy cherry milkshake, this recipe is also full-proof–you can’t screw it up. Even when it goes wrong, it is still right. Boozy milkshake boo-boos are still very consumable (wink). This one is my Tipsy Blueberry Milkshake. Drop by any time. My blender is always churning. Tipsy Blueberry Milkshake for 2 INGREDIENTS-ish* 1 cup tipsy blueberries + ½ cup 2 cups vanilla bean ice cream ⅓ cup whole milk…
eat. drink. bemerry. repeat.
