Food

Change It Up

You probably know by now that I love hosting but sometimes I catch myself making my normal go-to's and not thinking outside the box enough; like my Spinach Dip. So I've been doing some research on unique food and drink pairings for my next gathering. Because good hosting takes some effort. Leave it to Kate Spade to once again, totally nail it. I pre-ordered "All In Good Taste"  about five months before it's release date and it truly is amazing. 

Here are a couple of my favorite pairings from this book:

-Martini & Swedish Meatballs (how could I not add a martini?)

-St.-Germain + Champagne & Sliders

-Minty Gimlet & Tomato Brushetta 

This my friends is the winner! I thought the combination was so unique. 

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Minty Gimlet:

2 oz Vodka
2 limes
mint
1/2 oz Simple Syrup

Throw about 10 mint leaves in the bottom of a shaker, add lime juice and syrup, muddle just a tad not too much, toss in a hand full of ice cubes and vodka. Then, just strain into a martini glass. Or if you aren't feeling fancy add everything to a highball glass. 

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The flavor combination between these things was absolutely amazing!! The Gimlet was on the sour side which is right up my alley. If you like sweeter drinks add more simple syrup. I highly reccomend this for your next get together.  

Have a fabulous Friday Pretties! xoxo  

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Perfectly Paired

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Happy Valentine's Day!  

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For this Slow Down Sunday I wanted to share what Mk and I did this weekend. Typically for this fun holiday we don't go out. We decided to get some wines we've never tried and go to our absolute favorite deli and get some delicious meats and cheeses. Off we went to the "Wine Store"!

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Then we headed to Salamone's! This adorable Italian food market was established in 1950 and taken over by Tony the origional owners son in 1971. Allow me to just say that this man is basically my hero. Not only is he sweet and knowledagable but he also had a mug of wine in his hand at 1:00 pm. He truly is one of the reasons we always go back there. He remembers you and always makes for a great experience. Businesses like this are why it's so important to shop local. 

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Then we went home and made made pizzas and did a little wine pairing. In case you were wondering what goes good with the wine we chose, this was last nights pairing:

Malbec - Gouda

Shiraz - Sharp Chedder

Rioja - Gorgonzola (We got olives stuffed with this delicious cheese), also Gouda. 

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  So slow down, drink some wine, snuggle up with your Valentine!

..Or your your fur babies, either way. 

xoxo

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A Sweet Treat

Let's get real here. Is it really almost Valentines Day?! The answer is yes and yes to it coming too fast. But since it has, I'm going to let you in on the perfect thing to give...well anyone! Here is the quickest and most delicious truffle recipe! 

Ingredients

  • 1 package (15.25 oz.) Oreos (any flavor, double stuffed or regular)
  • 1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
  • 12 oz. white melting chocolate (higher quality melting chocolate)
  • 6 oz. Sprinkles!

Here is what you do:

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  1. Crush the Oreos in a plastic bag with rolling pin or toss in the food processor
  2. Blend cream cheese with crushed Oreos
  3. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and make about 40 balls of the mixture
  4. Put them in the freezer for about 20 minutes
  5. Melt your chocolate 
  6. Be quick and coat the balls
  7. Put them back on the cookie sheet and add the sprinkles
  8. Throw them back in the fridge for 10 minutes to set. 
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Boom your done! It's that easy and now you've got delicious Valentine Gifts!

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p.s. don't forget to save two for yourself with a  glass of vino!

You can even package them cute! I found these cute little tins at Target for $1.00! 

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