Affogato

    

 

 

      Affogato is an Italian drink or dessert that is great for after dinner in place of a piece of cake or pie. I know in my family's house coffee itself is usually offered to guests following dinner along with the dessert for the evening. However, why not combine those two into a simple, yet delicious drink; Affogato. The name simply means "drowned" in Italian. Affogato.

 

Ingredients:

 

• 1 scoop vanilla ice cream or gelato
• 1 shot hot espresso
• Sprinkle sugar or chopped chocolate covered coffee beans

 

1. Brew espresso
2. Scoop ice cream into cup
3. Pour shot of espresso
4. Sprinkle chopped coffee beans.
5. Drink and enjoy

 

     Simple, delicious, and the perfect accompaniment to any great dinner. A great idea to add that little something different to this could be the addition of amaretto and make it just for adults. ;)

 

 

Bloody Mary

Bloody Mary

 

     It is summer here, (well supposed to be if it ever stops raining), in West Virginia, a special time of year in my part of the state, where the sun stays out for at least fifteen hours. The humidity is high which makes it feel more like 90 degrees versus 80. The perfect temperature to go down to the river and spend the whole day. I typically do this at least once a week every summer. Sit on the rocks and get a tan or float around in the river or even tube down it. Since quitting my job and taking on an evening job I have found myself doing this at least 3-4 days a week now that my days are empty. I have a lovely space I get to go to, a spot that was discovered by a good friend of mine. She has been a friend ever since she was my boss back in my high school days when I became a lifeguard at the local YMCA.  She has taught me a lot. From appreciating the spiritual side of nature to enjoying the smaller things in life. Whenever we meet up at the river she is always supplied with all the necessities. From snacks, lunch, radio, first aid, ashtray, to even toilet paper and a shovel, you name it she has packed it tightly and neatly into a little shoulder sack. One of her biggest carry-ons is her Bloody Mary, enough to supply at least the two of us, if not more, for the whole afternoon. This recipe is not hers but one I have come up with. Blood Marys are the perfect summertime, river drink. Not only are they full of goodness and heartiness from the tomato juice and spices but serve as a health benefit. Tomatoes are a good source of nutrients and help protect the skin from the bad sun rays. This recipe makes at least a gallon. Plenty for at least 2-3 of you while tubing down the river or just enjoying the goodness that summer has to offer in your little piece of heaven.  Bloody Mary

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 liter bottle vodka
• 2 large cans 100% tomato juice
• 1 tbs horseradish
• 2  limes
• 1/4 cup olive juice
• Worcestershire
• Liquid smoke
• Black pepper
• Creole seasoning

     In a gallon jug pour the vodka and the tomato juice in. Stir in the horseradish. Cut the two limes and squeeze the juice in. Save the limes for garnish or to drop into your drink. Pour in the olive juice. Add a couple dashes of Worcestershire and liquid smoke. Shake in about 3 tablespoons black pepper and about 3 tablespoons of a good Creole seasoning. Cover the gallon jug and shake, shake, shake. Ta Da! Ready to serve. Also the longer it sits in the fridge the better and spicier the taste. Simple easy and delicious Bloody Mary. The perfect summer drink and even better as an early morning hangover remedy. :) Thanks Jill. Love ya.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Serves: 2-5 depending on how much you can drink

Jill

 

Relaxing on the river

 

 

Cranberry Hot Toddy

Cranberry Hot Toddy

     In the spirit of the upcoming Thanksgiving Holiday who isn't used to seeing cranberry sauce spread out on their dining room table.  From a delicate homemade sauce with fresh berries, to what is typically found in my family's home, the blob of can jelly with its ridges indented from the can sliced up and placed on a platter. (Sadly, not very many people in my house enjoy cranberry sauce).  So I thought what about a drink made with cranberries. I mean who isn't already toasting the festive holiday?  Who isn't already a little tipsy when carving their turkey?  What uncle isn't yelling at the television due to a foul called during the football game as he absentmindedly spills a bit of his drink?  So I took a traditional cold remedy drink in our family: The Hot Toddy and placed a twist on it for the special day.  I remember my grandmother or parents drinking a Hot Toddy when they got sick or congested.  I remember my great aunt and uncle secretly sneaking them at all hours of the day.  A Hot Toddy is warming, spicy; it awakens your taste buds and allows you to come alive, or at least your mucus membranes from being sick. A traditional Hot Toddy is just hot water and whiskey.  We always used hot tea. So here goes a Thanksgiving twist on a classic cold nights drink: Cranberry Hot Toddy

Ingredients:

• 1 cup hot tea (any choice is suitable)
• 1/3 cup cranberry juice
• 1 shot whiskey (I used Bushmill's Irish Whiskey)
• 1 tbs honey
• Juice from 1 slice of lemon
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Sugar for sweetened tea 

    This is a simple recipe that really has no measurements.  I tried to simplify it as much as possible for just one glass.  Take your cup of hot tea and heat it in the microwave.  Add in the cranberry juice, lemon juice, and whiskey.  Slowly stir in the honey.  Garnish with a cinnamon stick if preferred and serve.  Change the measurements around for as many glasses as you wish to make.  You could even have a whole pot of hot tea and start mixing separate Hot Toddy's right there at the serving table.  Just place your favorite whiskey bottle, cranberry juice, and other condiments next to and mix up as you serve. It will taste just like the holiday seasons. Cheers!