Since it's summer - yes, it's here, not
officially, but c'mon, it's June - we have been getting into more refreshing beverages with fruit, ice, herbs, and well, let's be honest here, liquor. Summer cocktail concoctions have arrived. With the exciting discovery of the elusive
Blenheim Ginger Ale, we have been making some lovely discoveries like the
Moscow Mule and
Sweet Lucy, which both incorporate ginger ale (or ginger beer) and our favorite summer addition of fresh lime.
Great spirits are important (we love Hendricks for gin, Buffalo Trace for bourbon, and Vikingfjord for vodka), but the key, really, is the ginger ale. There are some good artisan ginger ales and beers out there; Cock & Bull, Reed's, Maine Root and I'm sure many, many other regional favorites that I wish I knew. However, the best we've found that literally 'knocks our socks off' is Blenheim. It's spicy, peppery, truly gingery taste is unparalleled. The one drawback is that it's incredibly hard to find, so when you do come across this lovely libation, be sure to snap as much as you can up. Check out the
official site for all the lore, and be sure to check out their
blog for new recipes and great stories.
Images via Martha Stewart, Green Olive Media
Hardy and gorgeous, we have always adored succulents. Researching and thinking about doing a 'living wall' of these beauties. Loving the great, low maintenance ideas and step by step from Sunset. Also perfect for weddings...a fresh spin on table settings, bouquets and boutonnieres.
Photos via Sunset, Apartment Therapy, Once Wed
Received this incredible (and incredibly useful) print from a friend who knows our extreme weakness for cheese. The designer, Lucy Knisley, is an illustrator raised by foodies, and native of NYC now living in Chicago. She recently published her first book, French Milk (how adorable?!), which tells the story about a girl living (and eating) in Paris with her mother. We love her sweet and varied work, see the current sampling here.
It's memorial day weekend. We have blue skies for days, cool breezes and (fingers crossed) a quiet(er) city than normal. Feeling clever and sneaky, we were able to get away last weekend for a pre-holiday camping trip, so we have a relatively low key weekend at home planned. Upon our return and mail sorting, I spotted this absolutely stunning tart in the issue of Sunset magazine we'd just received- a timely Rhubarb Cardamom Galette. Just gorgeous. Can't wait to leisurely hit the market tomorrow, pick up some fresh rhubarb and be on the porch with a piece by the afternoon. Happy long weekend!
This rainy, cold early spring day is making me want to cozy up in a cafe with it's doors open, feeling the fresh air, reading and drinking steaming cups of coffee. Some of loveliest days are the rainiest of days.
Loving the new (and first!) issue of Sweet Paul Magazine. Filled with great everyday recipes, crafts, table setting ideas and general eye candy - Sweet Paul is the extension of the wildly popular blog of the same name. How adorable would this cheese box be for an impromptu late spring picnic!
As it's the middle of March, and officially Spring, I'll be the first to admit, we're a little late to the party on this one. Winter citrus is really one of the major culinary bright spots of the early part of the year, adding much needed zing to the winter palette. Panna cottas, tarts, sorbets, marmalades and even citrus salads are the cure all for any late winter doldrums. Read all about the array of winter citrus choices here....from honeybells to clementines to satsumas, the range of options is truly surprising.
