Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Classic Whiskey Sour Cocktail


I love tangy!
And a classic old time cocktail, the Whiskey Sour really fits the bill.
It's kind of funny that I never had one until 50 years old.

Traditionally Whiskey Sour's have a raw egg white in them, which makes for a frothy and pretty drink. However, most restaurants and bars never serve them with an egg white.
Pity that... it is very good and adds a special festive touch.
Of course, you already know you shouldn't eat raw egg whites if you have a comprised immune system (old, pregnant or a kid... who gives a kid a cocktail anyway?). 
However, I have one question, are you still eating raw cookie dough?

I meant to save this recipe for National Whiskey Sour Day, which is August 25th, but I just couldn't wait. 


Makes 2
Ingredients
4 oz whiskey, like Bourbon or Rye
4 oz lemon simple syrup (or Sweet & Sour Mix)
Lemon juice, to taste if you want it more tangy
1 egg white (optional)

Shake in 
Garnish with cherry and lemon slice

Note-  You can always substitute a Sweet & Sour Mix for lemon simple syrup but it's just not the same.  If you have a lemon and some sugar... just make your own.  It's got a nicer "mouth feel", costs less and doesn't have weird artificial ingredients in it!
My simple syrup recipe link is HERE.

1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1-2 lemon, juiced and rind* cut into quarters

Easy.... equal parts white sugar and water.... add the lemon juice and lemon rinds. Bring to a boil, turn down the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Strain if necessary and pour into a container and chill. * The lemon rind adds a bit of bitterness, which is nice to counteract the sweet and the sour.  Call it built in "bitters" if you will.

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Top 10 Most Popular Posts 2014

2014 was a very, very good year for me.  I feel very blessed.

It's funny, when I look at was most popular of what I posted in 2014, it brings back a ton of memories and good times. I think food does that for me. Food, friends and memories. 
And, for the first year ever, I had a travel post in my Top 10... actually two!!!

Among my favorite moments personally, professionally and on the blog?
  • Posted another 100 recipes (...just one more to go before Midnight on 12/31/14).
  • Came in #8 (again...) for the KING 5 Best of Western Washington Food Blog
  • Traveled to over 12 countries, for both pleasure and for work. Russia, Italy, Germany, Thailand, Sweden, Finland, Denmark and a couple more...  I loved them all.
  • Played non-stop with my hubby of 29 years.  Still having as much fun as in the beginning, might even be more.
  • Saw our 21 year old finally get a driver's license, a car and got enrolled in college
  • Saw our 24 year old go back to college...

It was a very good year....
I'm not sure if 2015 can be any better, but I'm going to give it a go. You in?

Here's the summary:

  • One Martini
  • Two travel posts- Jamaica and Rome
  • Three Healthy - Week of lunches, Kale salad, yogurt semi-freddo
  • One pasta
  • One Crockpot soup
  • One dessert
  • One jam
 It really was a Almond Magic cake...  

 

I think all you Seahawks fans can all relate to this, Beast Mode Martini


One of the most favorite recipes from early on in our marriage, Pasta with Pepperoni & Pepperoncini  


A business trip to Italy, with a little fun thrown in on the weekend- Rome Cooking Class.


Peach Almond Semifreddo
Tasty and made with yogurt instead of cream 
 
 
I do this every week so I really ought to take a better picture!

 

 Mango Lime Jam 
We shared this (and took this picture) on a boat in the San Juan Islands. A nice memory.
 
 

Here's my other Top 10 posts from past years!
Top 10 Most Popular Posts 2013
Top 10 Most Popular Posts 2012
Top 10 Most Popular Posts 2011