The Devereaux Cocktail

I've had this recipe earmarked forever, and today was totally the day!

While this is called the Devereaux cocktail, we should probably call it the 20/20 cocktail. After quarantine, protests, terrible politics and now thick heavy smoke from terrible fires on the West coast, we could all use a happy little drink.

This.one.is.happy!

Rye whisky is not often pared with elder flower liqueur and bubbly wine, but throw in a little lemon and you have yourself some liquid sunshine!  We both needed that today! My first taste of this cocktail was surprising, I didn't know what to expect, but it was not as sweet as I thought it might be. Almost like sparkly lemonade! Very happy! 

I did adjust the amount of St Germain liqueur in the recipe after the first taste, because I happen to love, love, love it, and frankly the original amount of 1/2 oz wasn't enough to notice it in the cocktail, the original recipe is here.

Makes 1

Ingredients

1 oz bourbon
3/4 oz St Germain liqueur
1/2 oz lemon juice (fresh)
1/2 oz simple syrup
3 oz sparkling wine (I used Prosseco)

Lemon peel, twisted into a curl

A mint leaf garnish would be nice it you have one, or even a basil leaf.

Fill a tall glass with ice and pour in all the booze, lemon and simple syrup, ending with the prosecco or other sparkling wine.

Need another cocktail, check out my others on my cocktail fun page on my blog! 

Pina Colada For a Crowd

Here's something to know about me...
I don't like sticky and I don't like fussy.
SO, all those fussy, frozen blended pina colada recipes are OUT when I am entertaining a crowd.  

I want to have fun at my own party, you know???
I know you know.
It just makes sense.
Who in their right mind wants to be the sticky crabby hostess stuck in the kitchen by the blender all night?  Nope, not me.
All my cocktails are made for a crowd AND they need to be dispensable to the common household guest. 

This recipe is intended to be served over ice... hey, blend it if you like, or better yet, let your buddy blend it themselves.

Plan ahead...

1. Make the mix
2. Cut up garnishes (pineapple, cherries, oranges, whatever!) and thread on cocktail picks
3. Get some paper umbrellas
4. Add some bamboo print straws, or something else festive
5. Ice and glasses
6. GO!

Here's my easy-peasy yummy drink mix!

Make about 6 cups
Ingredients

2 cups pineapple juice
2 cups canned coconut milk (I used a 14.5oz can- close enough!)
1 cup Malibu coconut rum (or other light rum)
1 cup dark rum
1/2 cup amaretto (optional, but recommended)


Mix together, and serve over ice.  If you make it ahead, put it in the fridge until ready to serve.  
Here's my mix, ready to go for.... well, right now!!! Hahaha.

Actually, I made two batches tonight.  The first one I had to deliver to my dear niece who was in a scary car accident, but was A-OK.  Still, a near miss is a reason to celebrate.  What's better than a pitcher of pina colada delivery?
What things do YOU need to celebrate tonight?

Need some more ideas for a crowd?

The most popular blog posting I have?

Mai Tai's for a Crowd

Need some regular ideas?  "Like" my Facebook page

10 Things I might make for the BIG Game...

You know the Big Game?
The SUPER one?
As Seattle peeps, you already know who we are cheering for!
Two in a row?  Yes, please!
Here's what I MIGHT make... you can't expect me to commit right now, can you?
I thought it was great that I narrowed it down to ten selections!

I gotta admit... we are not "football people", but this event is bigger than that.
We are out there cheering for our SEAHAWKS!

We're keeping it small... maybe just another 1-2 couples, people who understand our sports deficiencies.  People that we like to hang with, comfortable, loud, cheering people, who patiently explain stuff that makes us scratch our heads.

A couple of years ago I did a Super Bowl Recipe post... now, in hindsight, I don't think it's that good.  I need more SNACKY foods!!! So here you go... 
Now, in looking at my list, I feel like the LAZIEST cook around. 
What?  You like that?
Whew....these are simple recipes folks!
Go for it.  I can't have you tired for the game, now can I?

Having a martini or two might kick it off... bring on the Skittles!
Beast Mode Skittle Martini



A selection of yummy grazing appetizers are the answer... I better get the big bag of Juanita's "Crack" corn chips! 
Almost everything here can be scooped up on a chip, pita, or some veggies!
It's Vegetarian (OK, Pescetarian friendly!) and simple to make.
 

In alphabetical order... Artichoke and Roasted Cumin Dip 
Ugly, but yummy.
 


Artichoke Olive Cheese Bread
Kinda ugly, and takes longer than anything on the rest of the list, but you CANNOT beat the yumminess factor on this one.
 



Avocado Hummus 
This one looks a LOT better than guacomole after about 30 minutes.

 

Chipotle Black Bean Dip
Takes about 2 minutes to make...
 


Prawn Queso Dip  - or if this menu is too heavy on prawns (LOL), then just make it with Hot Links!  Spoiler Alert... two more prawn recipes below!

 

Prawns with Cilantro Sauce
I don't care what you put this sauce on, it's yummy!
 


Prawns with Creamy Habanero Sauce
Make the sauce ahead of time.  Grill up some skewers of prawns before everyone gets there.  This sauce is the BOMB on chips too...
 


Sesame Dip for Veggies  
Yum.




Smoked Salmon Spread with Capers & Green Onions
So easy, so great on bread, pita, chips or veggies!



And lastly...
Spicy Feta Dip/Spread   
Actually, if it was just me?  I'd just make this one and sit with a bowlful.

 

Greek Party Themes

Above- Baklava

Healthy, tangy bright flavors.  I just love Greek, or Greek-ish, food.  
Some of you may say (and you're probably one of my sisters...) 
"Hey, that's not Greek!" 
But, maybe, just maybe it's almost Greek-like.  

Greek food is one of my all time favorites, but I often hear people say they really don't know too much about it. So, I started thinking of all the Greek recipes on my blog, and how I might organize them into some menus or party ideas.


The weather has been so nice lately, it's the perfect summer time to have a party to celebrate Greek flavors, but heck, any time of the year is fine for me with Greek food.

Below are some ideas for Greek Dinner for friends or family:

 Above- Greek Tzatziki 

The Classic Greek
Chilled Cucumber Feta Soup 
Greek Tzatziki 
Grilled Greek Potato Salad
Greek Chicken Souvlaki and Tzatziki Sauce
Baklava

Above-  Baked Greek Chicken, with Tomatoes and Feta

Fall Game Day for a Crowd
Artichoke Olive Cheese Bread
Spicy Feta Dip/Spread 
Tabouleh
Lemon, Onion and Cucumber Salad 
Baked Orzo, Spinach, Bacon and Feta   
Baked Greek Chicken, with Tomatoes and Feta 
Baklava

Above-  Greek Pork and Garbanzo Stew

The Winter Feast  
Greek Spinach Pinwheels 
Avgolemono- Greek Wedding Soup
Farro, Green Olive and Feta Salad
Greek Pork and Garbanzo Stew 

Above-  Honeydew, Cucumber and Feta Salad

Spring Healthy Dinner
Artichoke and Roasted Cumin Dip  
Honeydew, Cucumber and Feta Salad
Garlic Spinach Shrimp Scampi over Spaghetti Squash

Index of Greek (and Greek-ish) recipes from my Blog:

Appetizers:
Artichoke and Roasted Cumin Dip
Artichoke Olive Cheese Bread
Greek Spinach Pinwheels
Greek Tzatziki 
Spicy Feta Dip/Spread
Spicy Fried Garbonzos

Salad:
Farro, Green Olive and Feta Salad
Grilled Greek Potato Salad
Greek Panzanella Bread Salad
Grilled Vegetable Couscous Salad
Honeydew, Cucumber and Feta Salad
Lemon, Onion and Cucumber Salad 
Tabouleh
Watermelon, Arugula and Feta Salad

Soup:
Avgolemono- Greek Wedding Soup
Chilled Cucumber Feta Soup 
Creamy Artichoke Soup, Fast & Easy

Side dishes, or Vegetarian Options:
Black Lentils (spiced) with Yogurt & Mint
Feta & Spinach Strata
Stuffed Peppers with quinoa, spinach and feta
Spinach Artichoke Bake  
Baked Orzo, Spinach, Bacon and Feta 
Pasta with Pepperoni, Pepperoncini and Peppers
Toasted Orzo
 
Main Dishes:
Greek Chicken Souvlaki and Tzatziki Sauce
Baked Greek Chicken, with Tomatoes and Feta
Beef Kebabs with Chimichurri Sauce
Lamb Burger with Goat Cheese and Onion Jam
Greek Pork and Garbanzo Stew
Baked Prawns with Feta and Orzo Pasta
Garlic Spinach Shrimp Scampi over Spaghetti Squash
Greek Fish, baked in Parchment
Prawns al Fresco
Salmon, Spinach & Garbonzos baked in foil
Baked Orzo, Spinach, Bacon and Feta 
Pasta with Pepperoni, Pepperoncini and Peppers
Toasted Orzo


Desserts
Baklava

Other Stuff that "lend" themselves nicely to Greek Stuff:
Aioli-  Sauce Variations & Ideas to Improve Almost Anything!
Drunken Fig Jam 
Honey and Lemon Jelly 

Mai Tai's for a Crowd

 

It all started with a Hawaiian themed land mark birthday. 

I usually just serve wine and beer at parties, because "cocktailin'" (aka bartending) at your own party is a LOT of work. 

But... hey, if you are turning something major (like 50!), you need something FUN.

Like Mai Tai's!

Except I had never made them before.  Problem?  No.

As usual I look at recipes and decide what I might want to do differently. 

So here's my version of the recipe.

This makes a BUNCH of mai tai's.... in my picture down below you will see I used one of those big beverage servers for the party.  Self serve is my favorite kind of party beverage... oh really, yours too? 

I will say this is very easy to make, even during the party, if you just happen to have very thirsty friends!  One gal came running over to "watch me make it" because she had never had one from scratch...?  Whoa... I didn't even know they made mixes for this stuff?  I can be very naive when it comes to what some people do.

Here's what I did to serve' em up...

1) Large beverage server filled with pre-mixed mai tai's.

2) Ice bucket with ice, and tongs

3) Cute glasses, or plastic glasses

4) Paper umbrellas

5) Pineapple wedges and maraschino cherries, if desired.

6) Dark rum on the side, with 1 oz pour spout, for people to float it on the top of their drink 

(I showed spiced rum, but I do recommend that you use dark rum, I think it tastes better, 

and right about now, I just might be a mai tai connoisseur.)

Serves quite a few, maybe as much as 20-25 ppl for a party
Ingredients
1- 96 oz. orange juice
1- 48 oz pineapple juice
1 cup grenadine syrup
1 cup Orgreat syrup (Almond)
5 cups Malibu Rum 
1 fifth Myers Dark Rum, for serving/floating on top (optional)

Mix everything except the dark rum together, give it a stir.  
Stand back while they start to line up.

This is what we woke up to the next morning... it happens to taste very nice for brunch too.




If you need a recipe for ONE recipe, here's my Best Mai Tai in Kauai recipe!

Need another great recipe for a party?
Pina Colada for Crowd 

Need some regular ideas?  "Like" my Facebook page 

Chilled Prawns with Cilantro Sauce

About a year ago, we had individual chilled prawns served with a dab of cilantro sauce passed on a tray by servers at a cocktail hour wedding.  They were really good, but the sauce wasn't as zippy as I thought it should be, or maybe it was too little of the sauce.  It didn't seem right to chase down the servers and insist on more sauce.  
Obviously I've been thinking of this for a while... like I don't have other things that should be occupying my mind instead.  Oh well, I like to think about food; what I ate, what I want to eat, what I think others would like to eat, what I want to use up in my kitchen, what special holiday is coming up that people are going to eat at (duh, all of them).

So, for a friend's big ole' milestone birthday we had a Hawaiian theme party with pupus.  Okay, so I DO know that prawns with cilantro sauce is NOT essentially Hawaiian at all, but this seemed to be one of the most popular dishes of the night. 
Go figure?
I hadn't thought of blogging it while I was in the middle of "party central command center", so I whomped up another batch to show you all what I did, plus I wanted to eat some more of this too.  I've been using it for many, many other things, so check out the bottom of the blog for some more ideas, and pictures too.

 Makes about 1 1/2 cups
Ingredients:
 
1 bunch fresh cilantro, stems removed
5 cloves of garlic
2 jalapenos, seeded and roughly chopped
1 cup sour cream, or yogurt

2 lb prawns,  cooked, peeled and chilled (or use pre-cooked peeled from Costco)

Place the cilantro, garlic and jalapenos into food processor and blend until finely chopped.

Add about a cup of sour cream and process again until smooth.  Add about 1/2 tsp salt and mix.  Taste and add more salt if needed. Serve or chill until ready to use.  This should last a couple days in the fridge.

Here's the things I did with this sauce besides just serving it with prawns:

Mini prawn Tacos- chip, sauce, tomato slice, avocado slice, prawn, cilantro sprig. OMG, these were good!!! In full disclosure, we ate these mini tacos with the prawn salad below.  Strangely, my husband didn't complain.... hahaha, like he would!

Cilantro Prawn Salad- Toss lettuce with a couple tablespoons of sauce, lime juice and olive oil.  Top with avocado, tomatoes and prawns

Potato Salad with Cilantro-  Haven't made this one yet, but working on it later today for the Fourth.  I will update this soon.

Also, why not use it with Chicken, on burgers, on regular tacos, enchiladas... need I go on?

The Sargent MacGregor- Gimlet Martini

It was a great birthday this year.  
Lots of surprises and fun high jinks.
One of the biggest surprises was coming down stairs to a kitchen still dirty from the party the night before... OH... whew.  The party was worth it though. Even if that dirty kitchen was giving me a headache.  It was the dirtiness, nothing else.  Hahaha

But the biggest surprise was still to be discovered.
I had a bunch of wine gift bags that didn't get unpacked the night before. 
Which is kind of surprising considering the amount of 'dead soldiers' on the counters...
Anyway, I started on loading the dishwasher, and unloading the wine bags.
Well, well, one of them wasn't wine!  
It was St Germain Elderflower liqueur!  
Yum!  
Some of you may remember that I did some grousing of the cost of this liqueur when I made the French 76 Cocktail!  Two of my friends remembered that. This newly created cocktail is dedicated to my friends with last names of MacGregor and Sargent.  I was so thrilled with their surprise that my husband suggested the name for the cocktail, "the Sargent MacGregor".  It's something that makes you stand up and take notice, just as these friends can't help but naturally command when you hang with them.  
Love ya gals, thanks for the surprise!  
Sorry this post is so late after my January birthday...

Note:  Remember- a jigger is about 1-2 oz, but any like size measuring cup would work, like a 1/8 or 1/4 cup. It's the ratios that are most important.

FYI, a Gimlet is nothing more than vodka mixed with Rose's lime juice with a lime twist on the rocks.  Awesome...
.

Makes one BIG martini

2 jiggers vodka
1 jigger St. Germain
1 jigger Rose's Lime Juice
Squeeze of Lime, Lemon
Sparkling water, lemon lime flavor, to taste

Pour all ingredients (except the sparkling water) into a beverage shaker filled with ice.  Shake, shake, shake and pour into a martini glass.  Top with a float of sparkling water and garnish with a twist of lime, or a lime slice.