SipSum Cocktailz Event Specialists

December means Christmas cheer!!!

2012-12-03T16:52:00.000-08:00

The season of giving, loving and sharing is upon us!!

With our calender ending and thoughts of the end of the world, we need to look at what is important.....

Family
Health
Great Food n Sauce
Amazing Friends
The very things that make you smile!!!!

From all of us at SipSum Cocktailz.... Merry Christmas and all the best to you and your loved ones!!

Fall is the time for comfort foods....Warm pumpkin is my favorite!

2012-10-21T10:06:00.002-07:00

In the fall we are lucky in BC to be surrounded by beautiful color. When I think of fall I always think of pumpkins and winter squash as great attributes of color for your home. You can have them on display for table and counter decor or on your plate as a colorful addition to any meal.

We live in a very resourceful country and pumpkins are relatively in-expensive. They can be roasted, baked, boiled and steamed. They have delicious seeds that can be a great snack as well.

Check out some of the ideas we wanted to share:

Roasted Pumpkin Puree

There is a prime reason for roasting a pumpkin: to get pumpkin puree. That being the case, there is one very simple way to accomplish the goal. We do not recommend baking the whole pumpkin while it is intact — you may end up with a watery mess. In addition, check with your pumpkin vendor to make sure you are buying a pie pumpkin. A pie pumpkin will have denser flesh and darker color. Once you have procured a good baking pumpkin, follow these simple steps:

Wash and dry the outside of the pumpkin.
Remove the stem end just as you would if you were making a jack-o-lantern.
From the top, cut the pumpkin in half to expose the seeds and membranes.
Using the sharp edge of a large spoon, scrape out the membrane and pumpkin seeds.
Place the two pumpkin halves, cut side down, on an oiled cookie sheet with sides. The sides are to keep oil from dripping onto the bottom of your oven.
Bake the pumpkin in a 375 degree oven for about 50 minutes. The time will depend on the size of your pumpkin and your altitude. Use a sharp knife to test for doneness. When the pumpkin is done you should experience no resistance when sliding in the knife.
Allow time for the baked pumpkin to cool enough for handling.
With your sharp spoon, scrape the baked pumpkin away from the skin. Pumpkin skin never softens. It is now fodder for the compost.
Place the pumpkin flesh in a food processor and puree until smooth.
Keep the puree in a tightly closed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or package it for the freezer. If you have a favorite recipe or two requiring pumpkin puree or winter squash puree, freeze the puree in the amounts called for in the recipe(s).

Keep in mind that pureed pumpkin and pureed winter squash can be used interchangeably in recipes. Once you have a stash of frozen pumpkin puree, you will find recipe ideas for using it everywhere you look — everything from breakfast muffins and pancakes to curried soup, pumpkin molasses cookies and pumpkin cheesecake.

Purees are great for soup bases, coulis, dips, sauces and so much more!

Pumpkin Soup

Ingredients Edit and Save

Original recipe makes 8 to 10 servingsChange Servings

1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
5 whole black peppercorns

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Directions

Heat stock, salt, pumpkin, onion, thyme, garlic, and peppercorns. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 30 minutes uncovered.
Puree the soup in small batches (1 cup at a time) using a food processor or blender.
Return to pan, and bring to a boil again. Reduce heat to low, and simmer for another 30 minutes, uncovered. Stir in heavy cream. Pour into soup bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

100 Ways to Cook a Pumpkin

Posted by BS on October 14 2010 in Featured, Lists, Recipe, Veggie

Pumpkin season is here! Now let’s be honest — for most of us, that means leftover pumpkin season is here, too — because how many times can you make boring old pumpkin pie? Never fear, Endless Simmer is here. Whether you’ve got half-a-can of pumpkin puree sitting around, a cupboard full of pumpkin pie filling, the stringy insides of a Jack-o-Lantern or just a few stray pumpkin seeds, we scoured the web for 100 creative recipes that will help you use up all that beautiful orange goodness.

http://www.endlesssimmer.com/2010/10/14/100-ways-to-cook-a-pumpkin/

Our Favorite.......Pumpkin turned into hot sauce....yum yum!

Sgt. Pepper's El Chipotle Picante Pumpkin Hot Sauce

This hot sauce is a sweet and picante blend of chipotle chiles and pumpkin puree. Goes well with smoked meats, turkey, sweet potatoes, soups, and stews. Pour some over cream cheese, pumpkin pie, or even cheesecake! Ingredients: Water, Onion, Pumpkin Puree, Cider Vinegar, Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce, Brown Sugar, Garlic, Chipotle Powder, Cumin, Cinnamon.

Roasted Pumpkin....Yummy!

2012-10-21T09:38:00.001-07:00

Boozy Cakes from Celebrations

2012-10-01T21:49:00.001-07:00

Margarita Birthday Cake for Adults

Courtney Horan
Contributor

Mar 14, 2012

More Party Ideas

Birthday Cakes

Margarita Dessert Recipes

By the time your adult birthdays start rolling around, many birthday cakes have been tried and tasted, but we doubt you've ever blown out the candles on a margarita-inspired birthday cake!

Perfect for a casual adult birthday celebration, this easy cake recipe tastes just like everyone's favorite cocktail and it couldn't be simpler to make.

Ingredients:

Crust Ingredients:

1-1/2 cups coarsely crushed pretzels

1/2 cup sugar

1/3 cup butter, melted

2 tablespoons bottled nonalcoholic margarita mix

Cake Ingredients:

1 box white cake mix

1-1/4 cups bottled nonalcoholic margarita mix

2 tablespoons tequila (optional)

1/3 cup oil

1 tablespoon grated lime peel (about 1 lime)

3 egg whites

1 container (8 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed

Additional lime slices and/or green decorating sugars, if desired

Directions:

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease bottom only of 13×9-inch pan with shortening and lightly.

In a medium bowl, mix pretzels, sugar, butter, and margarita mix. Spread evenly and press gently into bottom of pan. Set aside.

In a large bowl, beat cake mix, margarita mix, tequila (if using), oil, 1 tablespoon lime peel and the egg whites with electric mixer for about 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Pour batter over pretzel mixture.

Bake cake for 33 to 35 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool completely, about 2 hours. Frost with whipped topping; decorate with additional lime slices and or green sugars. Store covered in refrigerator.

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Cook Time:

35 minutes

Perfect Pairing:

2545 Cellars 2009 Torrontes is a light, easy-drinking wine that brings the flavors of the Margarita Birthday Cake for Adults to life.

HAve fun with your watermelons

2012-07-23T10:13:00.002-07:00

7 Edible Watermelon Craft Ideas

Jaclyn Ferrara
Marketing Manager

More Party Ideas

Summer Parties

Watermelons are always a summer favorite when it comes to a refreshing snack. From fruit pops to cocktails and desserts, we're seeing watermelon recipes pop up all over since the start of warm weather season.

Instead of chopping up your watermelon and blending it into a recipe, why not try a more creative and crafty way to serve it at your next summer party. It can be as easy as sticking a nozzle into a whole melon and turning it into a keg (a real crowd pleaser I'm sure!) or carving your watermelon into something unique like a pirate ship or shark; both of those ideas I'm sure kids will love.

Scroll through the gallery and check out a few of the most creative edible watermelon crafts we found on the web this week.

Yodamelon

May the force be with you when you create this Yoda out of your watermelon! Don't worry though, this isn't just for show. There is a hole in the back full of little watermelon pieces for guests to munch on.

Image via Kitchen Fun with My 3 Sons

Watermelon Shark

What a great way to turn half a watermelon into a cool shark! I know kids will love helping craft this and will equally enjoy eating it too!

Image via Sun Scholars

Watermelon Cake

Instead of cutting up your watermelon and serving on a platter in triangular chunks, get creative and carve out this cake topped with little watermelon balls.

Image via Veggie Belly

Screaming Watermelon

We couldn't find the tutorial on how to make this "screaming" watermelon, but it's definitely an impressive use of a pairing knife!

Image via Gily Gily

Watermelon Ship

Hosting a pirate themed party? This watermelon pirate ship is a fun and creative way to serve watermelon to your guests.

Image via Fat & Happy

Watermelon Keg

This is a craft for adults only. For the perfect way to serve watermelon vodka or any other fruity drink at your party, trying crafting up a keg with your watermelon.

Image via Man Made DIY

Flowery Watermelon
You might have to be a bit more crafty than the average watermelon carver to try out this flowery watermelon, not to mention the finished product looks too beautiful to eat!

Image via Temple of Thai

Horn Dawgs Smokin BBQ… Donna & Rob a Marriage made in Hog Heaven

2012-06-19T14:10:00.001-07:00

Horn Dawgs Smokin BBQ… Donna & Rob a Marriage made in Hog Heaven

ChilliWorld - Sauces by Type Start here on the chilli trail

2012-06-19T11:07:00.001-07:00

ChilliWorld - Sauces by Type Start here on the chilli trail

Steveston Hot Spot

2012-06-01T09:20:00.001-07:00

Steveston Village is a beautiful place to dine, day or night, and rain or shine. Sockeye City Grill is a great place to start. The diner has amazing food, great drinks, and good service. They have plenty of seats on their main floor, two nice patios, and a beautiful upstairs seating area for private parties and winter seating.

Every week they provide a fresh sheet with some delicious choices for lunch as well as their top picks everyday on their regular menu. The seafood salad you see below is full of various shellfish atop a bed of fresh greens, and tossed in an incredible lemon oil dressing. A must try!

Dinner includes some favorable dishes with fresh seafood, delectable pastas, and their famous beer battered fish and chips.

Saturday and Sunday brunch menu served from 11-2pm. The picture below is the salmon hash and is served with a nice fresh fruit plate. Our favorite is the Crab Cake Benny! Yummy! Two handmade crab cakes topped with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce, some home fries and fresh fruit. So good!

This treasure chest of menu items will be sure to bring you back for something new each visit. The scenery is gorgeous, and the entire village is a great way to spend a day off! Enjoy!

They have menu online available if you would like to see their selections!

Back in Action

2012-05-23T13:14:00.000-07:00

After a two month hiatus, I am so happy to be on the SipSum Wagon! Steve and I needed a break to research new material and get our new website ready to launch.

We have a our recipes finished for our hot sauces and now waiting on labeling.

We spend some times reflecting on what direction we would like to take SipSum Cocktailz and how we will be representing our company.

It has come to our attention we had far to many elements that were not coming together as a whole. It's all a part of the learning process.

Coming in the next few months we will be taking on a new fresh look. We have some great information to share. New recipes, new party ideas, most importantly new cocktailzzz!! With summer around the corner and days getting longer,we could not think of a better time to bring about a new beginning!!

Cheerz!!
SipSum Cocktailz Event Specialists

Spring has sprung and we have some cocktailz to share!

2012-03-29T10:45:00.000-07:00

From our friends......

The birds are chirping, the weather is clear, the flowers are blooming - all signs that point to spring! What better way to enjoy the season than with fun and flirty spring inspired cocktails? Whether you’re looking for a new libation that’s in step with the season, a new way to use a classic liqueur or easy ways to add sophistication and sizzle to your sparkling water, we’re sharing some of our favorite warm-weather cocktail recipes to help you bring on the spring, one sip at a time! We call it Spring-spiration!

Best,

Brittany

Bellini-Tini

2 shots Finlandia Vodka

¼ shot Peach Schnapps

¼ shot Chambord Liqueur

½ shot fresh white peach puree

Top with Chambord

Method: Shake ingredients with ice and strain into glass.

Garnish: Peach wedge.

St. Tropez

2 shots Chambord Flavored Vodka

4 shots cranberry juice

2 tbsp. raspberry jam

2 shots Chambord

Method: Add ingredients to blender. Add ice to top of liquid. Blend until smooth. Pour in chilled martini glass. Makes two drinks.

Garnish: Raspberry or blueberry.

Conjure Sweet Tea
4-5 mint sprigs
1.5 oz. Conjure Cognac
.75 oz. fresh lemon juice
1 oz. simple syrup
1 oz. iced tea
Fill glass with ingredients, shake, and strain over fresh ice cubes. Garnish with a mint sprig.

Golden Fizz

• 3 oz. Perfect Puree Mandarin/Tangerine Puree

• .5 oz. lime juice

• 1 oz. agave nectar

• 1 dash Angostura bitters - spelled incorrectly

Build in a highball glass. Stir ingredients mix and blend agave. Add ice to glass. Top with 3 oz. Perrier Sparkling water.

Acqua Mystica

• Infuse a tea bag of the following spices: Green cardamom pods, coriander seeds and anise seeds (1/2 teasp. each).

• Add spiced tea bag to a Perrier bottle (preferably grapefruit flavor-750ml), out of which 2 oz has been drained to avoid overflow

• Store for five hours in the refrigerator then remove tea bag and serve with fresh lemon verbena or mint sprig garnish

Legacy Liquor Store's 8 simple Wine and Food Pairing List

2012-03-06T11:09:00.002-08:00

FOOD AND WINE PAIRING

While it’s important to eat and drink what you love, there are some basic rules that can help enhance your dining experience. Here are eight suggestions to help you achieve the best pairing possible:

1. What Grows Together Goes Together
In the majority of cultures, food and wine are meant to be enjoyed together. Having pasta with a tomato sauce? Pick up a juicy Chianti Classico from Italy. Grilling a nice hearty steak? The Argentines are masters of Malbec and meat.

2. Acidity of the Food and Wine
When consuming foods with higher acidity, make sure the wine is equally high in acidity. Some foods are naturally more acidic than others. Tomatoes are an excellent example; vinaigrettes and tomato sauces need to be paired carefully - Italian wines are often high in acidity and a good place to start.

3. Tannins
Tannins are best explained in reference to the dried-out mouth feeling often experienced when drinking big red wines (also likened to drinking over-steeped tea.) Tannins need protein to break them down, and red meat has the highest content of protein. Enjoy your Californian Cabernets with a juicy steak and you won’t be disappointed. For the same reason, avoid fish and delicate white meats with tannic red wines, as tannins tend to make fish taste metallic, and overpower white meat.

4. Match Weight and Flavour Intensity
Rich, heavy foods often pair better with rich, heavy wines. Delicate wines usually suit delicate dishes. Consider the body of the wine (think of it like milk: skim, 2% or buttermilk) and choose a meal that reflects this weight equally. Often a wine with delicate nuanced flavour, such as a Riesling, will get lost with a big meaty stew. Equally, a subtle scallop dish would be lost in a big Barolo!

5. Sweet Foods and Wines
Sweet food is best paired with sweet wine. The key is to find a wine of equal or greater sweetness, as a drier wine can easily taste too tart or acidic. Chocolate works well with port, and fruit-based desserts pair nicely with ice wine.

6. Savoury Foods
Sweet wine is great with sweet food, but it also pairs brilliantly with savoury foods. Some of the most classic pairings in the world work on this basis. One of the greatest culinary experiences is pairing Stilton Blue Cheese with Sauternes. Olives, oysters, and other saltier foods benefit from being paired with a higher acidity wine like Chablis.

7. Alcohol and Spice
An interesting note to remember is that wines high in alcohol will increase the perception of spice and heat in a dish. When eating spicy cuisine, such as Thai or Indian, opt for lower alcohol percentage options such as a Riesling.

8. Champagne Pairs with Everything!
It’s true, and there are a number of reasons why: Champagne comes in a variety of styles, dry to sweet. You can pick the style that best reflects what you are eating. Champagne is high in acidity – best with acidic foods or salty foods such as oysters. The acidity will also help cut through heavier foods – think eggs Benedict on Sunday morning! It is often balanced in its alcohol, so enjoying it with spicier food usually isn’t a problem. Finally, Champagne has millions of tiny little bubbles, which work overtime to wick away any leftover food in your mouth, prepping and refreshing your palate for the next bite. Next time you aren’t sure what to have with dinner, treat yourself to a bottle of Champagne!

Gordon Ramsay prepares three pasta dishes for athletes - The F Word

2012-03-03T14:30:00.000-08:00

SipSum Cocktailz Gives Back to the Community!!

2012-02-21T17:43:00.001-08:00

We are so excited to be able to finally give back after a long stretch of hard work and focus on our business. I have taken the initiative of creating a charitable foundation called "From One Sister to Another".

Whether you are a woman or not, does not matter. If your not, then it's a guarantee you have a sister, mother or friend that may be willing to help. The premise of our charity is to help young mothers or young woman get back on their feet.

I personally have struggled as a single Mom for the past 9 years and was grateful whenever I had a helping hand. I have worked so hard and I am finally doing much better with my finances and now willing to help my sisters in need. I attend school at the Native Education College in East Vancouver and happen to be associated with the new Woman's Centre that opened January of this year.

We also happen to be lucky to have a great friendship with a local business owner by the name of Andy Miloglav. He has kindly offered to allow us space for a fun donation box that makes it easier for anyone interested in donating used clothes, accessories, jewelery. shoes, baby clothes, baby toys or anything else that will help these ladies a fresh start and a true sense of hope.

"A Little Help, Gives a lot of Hope!"

This is "Holly Hope" our donation box!

If you have anythinjg to donate you can drop off at:
5188 Westminster Hwy., Richmond, British Columbia

Or we can pick up!!
Call Cori or Steve at 604-716-4265

Blue Whip from Barproducts.com

2012-02-18T07:57:00.001-08:00

The Blue Whip Recipe Package

RECIPE
1 ½ ounce Orange Vodka
1 ¼ oz Blue Curacao
3 oz Orange Juice
3 oz Sprite
Fee Brothers Orange Bitters
Garnishes: Yellow Pineapple and Green Apple rimming sugars, orange Wedge, umbrella

In a margarita glass, fill above rim with ice. Using a jigger, measure 1 ½ ounce Orange Vodka and 1 ¼ oz Blue Curacao. Fill the rest of the glass with equal parts of Orange Juice and Sprite (or 7-up). Add a splash of Fee Brothers Orange Bitters. Pour contents into a blender and blend to preferred consistency (adding more ice if need be).
In a small bowl combine ½ cup of yellow pineapple rimming sugar and ½ cup of green apple rimming sugar and stir. Equally pour contents into a Glass Rimmer compartment. Fill other compartment with honey. Take empty margarita glass and first rim the glass with honey (the honey acts as the glue for your sugars). Then with a slight rolling motion rim the glass with your sugar mixture. As far as the sugars go you can experiment with different colors and flavors as well. Create based on party themes.
Pour the frozen mixture into your rimmed Margarita Glass and enjoy

Package Contents:

1 - 4/5pt Bottle of Fee Brothers Blue Curacao
1 4oz Bottle of Fee Brothers Orange Bitters
Rimming Sugar - Yellow Pineapple - 16 ounce pouch
Rimming Sugar - Green Apple - 16 ounce pouch
Box of 4 BarConic 12 ounce Margarita Glasses
Jigger - 0.5oz x 1oz
3 Tier Glass Rimmer - Blue
Box of 144 multi colored Parasol Picks

Planning Your own Awards Night

2012-02-17T19:45:00.000-08:00

Awards nights have become more popular and it is so easy to make it a blast for all that are invited...

Start with your "Guest List". Fun, Evite invitations are the least expensive way to go. Not to mention you can have fun with cut and paste photos. Get started cause you only have a couple days!

Decorations and ideas for decor...It is to late to order anything but the following websites will give you some awesome ideas!!
http://www.shindigz.com/

http://www.thisishollywood.com/Academy_Awards_Party_Decorations.php

http://www.toppartyideas.com/hollywood-academy-awards/

http://www.squidoo.com/vintage-hollywood-theme-decor-ideas

These are only a few!!!

Food and Snack

Start with the traditional theatre goodies like...

Popcorn (Regular or Candied)
Boxes of Candy
Hot Dogs
Nachos and Cheese

Then you can get creative with your own ideas...

Buffet Style Dinner with beautiful decor to add your special touch
Yummy appy's like asiago cheese dips, thai spring rolls, sushi to add trend
Caviar, Crab Cakes, Truffles, and Blue Cheese Vodka Ball add extra special pazzazz

Finally don't forget to add your own fun twist on party favors, like personalized awards for your friends that only you know. Fun name tags, Funky scarfs and Sunglasses to make it more unique.

Most of all have fun with this!! Stay tuned and I will add a cocktail menu to suit your special night!!

Real Cajun Recipes

2012-02-03T17:01:00.000-08:00

Found this great little recipe book online......
This family has come up with some incredible recipes and this one struck a cord!

Carol's Creole Salmon Croquettes

Main Dishes & Casseroles
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Submitted by Carol
on Wednesday, October 27, 2004

MacGourmet users, drag image to your MacGourmet recipe box.

Makes:	4 servings
Prep Time:	30 minutes
Cook Time:	20 minutes
Ready In:	50 minutes

Salmon Croquettes with a seafood surprise!

Ingredients

1 can Pinkboy salmon 14 oz drained

1 pound shrimp chopped

2 cans crabmeat drained

1 garlic clove minced

1/4 cup diced yellow onion, celery, bell pepper

1 green onion chopped

1 tbsp parsley chopped fine

1 egg

1/2 cup evaporated milk

1/2 tsp Tony's or Cajun seasoning

3 sleeves of whole wheat Ritz crackers grounded

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Directions

In a medium glass bowl, drain, flake and combine all seafood.
Add remaining ingredients, making certain that crackers are ground well Mix well.
Form into 1/2" patties and pan fry in Crisco shortening over medium heat, 5 minutes on each side. Drain and serve hot. Serve with cole slaw, fresh sliced green apples and sweet iced tea.

Valentine's Breakfast!!

2012-01-28T16:37:00.000-08:00

Though there are many beautiful locations to take your true love and there are many venues that have a romantic decor, why not try something different this year. If you want to make it special, start with something special. How about a little breakfast in bed. Most importantly breaky in bed will show your loved one that your willing to go the extra mile. This extra effort may even pay off in the bedroom!! wink*wink*

This is a great way to throw them off. Most peeps are always focused on dinner and flowers!! BOOORING! Same thing every year is not the answer. I found some cute recipes for ideas at this link:
http://www.theholidayspot.com/valentine/recipes/breakfast.htm

I like these ones....

Egg heart on toast

Use a heart stencil or use a sharp knife to cut out a heart shaped bread from the bread slice. Store the hearts.
Toast the bread and then fry it slightly over molten butter.
Prepare an egg batter as for preparing omelets. Put the egg in the heart shape after you have put in some butter. Fry properly and your special heart toast is ready.
Prepare some more batter, with small pieces of onions and capsicum. Dip the cut out heart shapes in egg and fry in oil, till they are golden brown.
Serve with freshly cut coriander leaves and sauces.
You have two hearty dishes ready!

Valentine's Day Spreads Sweet toppings to adorn your baked foods with touches of love.
Ingredients: * QUICK STRAWBERRY JAM * 1 16-oz. pkg. frozen strawberries (unsweetened) * 1 3-oz. pkg. strawberry Jell-O * FRUIT BUTTER * Butter, softened * Jam * Cream Cheese(Flavored) * 1 4-oz. pkg. cream cheese * 1 tbsp. yogurt (optional) * Strawberries or raspberries
Preparation :
1. QUICK STRAWBERRY JAM: put the unsweetened frozen strawberries into a glass bowl. Microwave on medium until the berries are hot and soft (about 12 minutes). Stir in a 3-ounce package of strawberry Jell-O. 2. FRUIT BUTTER: Blend 2 parts softened butter and 1 part strawberry, raspberry, or apricot jam. 3. FLAVORED CREAM CHEESE: Smooth 4 ounces of cream cheese with a wooden spoon. (Add a tablespoon of yogurt for a creamier consistency.) Fold in a few fresh or defrosted strawberries or raspberries.

1 of

LEARN MORE

Very Easy Fruit Salad

By: MICHELLE M

"In a hurry? Make this fruit salad in about 10 minutes. You can add or subtract different fruit according to your taste and what is in season."

Rate/Review | Read Reviews (74)

4,655 Saves

Prep Time:
10 Min

Ready In:
1 Hr 10 Min

Servings (Help)

USMetricCalculate

Original Recipe Yield 10 servings

Ingredients

1 pint strawberries - cleaned, hulled and sliced
1 pound seedless grapes, halved
3 kiwis, peeled and sliced
3 bananas, sliced
1 (21 ounce) can peach pie filling

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the strawberries, grapes, kiwis, and bananas. Gently mix in peaches. Chill for 1 hour before serving.

Check out these links as well, with so many options I could not possibly post them all, and to be quite honest everyone's taste buds crave something different. This is the best way to make it personalized.

http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Course/Breakfast-Recipes/Valentine-s-Day-Breakfast-Recipes
http://sunday-suppers.com/?p=3066
http://pinchmysalt.com/2009/02/09/valentines-day-breakfast-idea-heart-shaped-egg-in-a-nest/
http://allrecipes.com/recipes/holidays-and-events/valentines-day/

http://www.cafemom.com/group/21665/forums/read/15684335/Valentines_Breakfast_spread_for_the_family
http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/cat/2200/

Stay tuned for our Valentine's Dinner feature and our Valentine's Restaurant Review Series....

Super Cool Gifts for your lover that are not from your local mall!

2012-01-23T12:36:00.000-08:00

I love this website!!

Baronbob.com

http://www.baronbob.com/lotteryticket-willyoumarryme.htm

http://www.baronbob.com/sculptasutra-sexposition-clayfigure.htm

http://www.baronbob.com/inflatablehusband.htm

http://www.baronbob.com/ediblecandygstring.htm

http://www.baronbob.com/windup-sextoy.htm

Check out the website or the links and have fun! These gifts are great for having fun and anyone with a good sense of humor will enjoy these!!

Van Gogh Vodka Shakes Up Valentine's Day

2012-01-21T16:48:00.000-08:00

I Spirit Vodka....mmmmm....yummy!

2012-01-08T11:37:00.000-08:00

I Spirit Vodka

We found this write-up on the website below.. Looks like we have a job to do! Drink and rate another vodka. Cheers!

http://www.barnonedrinks.com/tips/dictionary/i/i-spirit-vodka-9562.html

I Spirit Vodka is a five times distilled Italian vodka from the historic land of Friuli. Possessing a clean, smooth taste, I Spirit Vodka is the result of traditional distilling techniques expertly applied to a selection of indigenous ingredients.

Combining the highest quality grains and selecting the very best white grapes from an area world-famous for its DOC-certified wines, I Spirit is produced according to a traditional recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation. The blend is distilled in copper alembics and tall rectification columns, resulting in a bright crystal vodka with a fresh aroma. The flavor is warm and velvety, reminiscent of the ingredients from which it is made. There is a particular elegance and smoothness to ISpirit that make it pleasantly unique and distinctive.

I Spirit Vodka ‘distills’ the essence of Italy in a single bottle –culture, taste, history and flavors of yesterday and today. A project created in partnership between renowned restaurateur Arrigo Cipriani of Harry’s Bar fame, the enterprising Lapo Elkann, Friuli distiller Marco Fantinel and Venetian entrepreneur Francesco Cosulich, I Spirit arrives in the US after a successful launch in Europe.

The history of I Spirit Vodka suggests that this vodka isn’t just a new product of Italy, but the revitalization of a long lost story.

Legend has it that one November night in 1195 in Venice, Andrea ‘T.’ known as il Bianco (the White One), a rich landowner and alchemist, announced in the village inn that, due to his experiments and “that generous land of fabulous grapes,” he had finally discovered the “elixir of long life.” From that night on, il Bianco’s castle became the favorite haunt of lords, rulers, artists and churchmen, all eager to try the new spirit. After il Bianco’s death, interest in the ‘elixir of long life’ waned and the tale of his spirit was lost among the inns of the Veneto region.

Moving ahead nearly 740 years to Venice, Ernest Hemmingway is spending time at Harry’s Bar. There are two things Hemmingway loves above all else at Harry’s: tasting Italian distilled alcohol with Giuseppe Cipriani, and the tales and anecdotes they share throughout their drinking time together. The tale Hemmingway finds most incredible is that of il Bianco, told while taking long sips of vodka made by a local farmer. At the end of the tale, it is said that Hemmingway jumps to his feet and declares to Giuseppe, “A toast to the genius who made it up! An absurd vision, as absurd as the idea of Italian vodka!” And they down their glasses at once. It was then, in 1934, that Giuseppe Cipriani first distilled I Spirit Vodka with the advice of Hemmingway.

Fast forward to 2009 in that same bar where Hemmingway enjoyed his vodka. Arrigo Cipriani and Lapo Elkann - two Italians with a global outlook - get together and revive the myth of Italian vodka. They raise a toast to a true distillate of culture, bottled and ready to set sail from Venice’s Lido toward foreign shores.

The Swedish Chef making Hot Sauce!!! FUUUUNY!!

2012-01-04T20:50:00.000-08:00

How To Make Your Own Hot Sauce

2012-01-04T20:47:00.000-08:00

Warm up your January with culinary creativity!! HOT SAUCE!

2012-01-04T20:46:00.000-08:00

During the cold months, there are many ways of creating concoctions that keep us warm. Some people make home made soups or stews, secret recipes for cocoa, yummy coffees, etc.

We like to make our own homemade hot sauce. My favorite part of this process is playing with different ingredients. Their are various peppers available at the local supermarket and the sky is the limit when it comes to combining ingredients.

First you have to choose your source of heat. Our favorite is orange habaneros. They have a Scoville heat rating of 100,000-500'000. Scoville heat units are an old school way of assessing the heat that comes from a pepper. Though science has come a long way and their are various other advanced technology to measure heat units, many sauces still use this as face melter units.....LOL!

Next is the best part! Going through your pantry and deciding what other flavors you would like to incorporate into your sauce is what holds the magic key. A couple of our favorites are garlic and hot mustard.

We also add a variation of spices and fresh herbs that really make it incredible. If possible, always use fresh ingredients. Fresh is best and makes your hot sauce soooo much better!

The actual process of making hot sauce can vary. We like to use a food processor and standard canning equipment. But do not hesitate to search on line for recipes and procedures to help get you started.

Once you have spent some time thinking about ingredients, it's time to get your hands dirty. It is very important to take very specific precautions when handling hot peppers. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE use gloves when handling the hotter peppers such as Habaneros, Sorrenos, Anaheim and any others with a high Scoville heat measure. If your not sure, do your research. It only takes one touch to your nose, eyes or other sensitive skin area's. The burn will last for a long time and it is very uncomfortable.

Have fun with your recipe. Like I said before this can be a magical process for a creative mind. Mix and match ingredients to get your favorite flavor and desired heat. Whether it is for personal use, for gifts, or your looking to be the next best sauce, this is a great way to experiment.

Have fun with your sauce and remember to record your variations just in case you find the perfect combo.

New's Years Eve is upon us!!

2011-12-30T13:24:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again.....The end of an old chapter and beginning of a new chapter! Though most of us have long forgotten the origin of the new year traditions and what they mean, we still like to celebrate. These days there are so many options for parties, dinners and clubs but you must be willing to drop a few hundred dollars for these events. Usually a buffet dinner of some sort is included and champagne at midnight but drinks are high prices and getting a safe ride home can be challenging. So let's start with home first and we'll share what's happening out there later....

Even though most events are tremendous fun, they are not for everyone. SipSum Cocktailz would like to share ways you can celebrate with friends at home and still have an amazing time. As we all get older, standing on a sidewalk for 3 hours waiting for a cab is less appealing.

Benefits of having a party at home....
Less expensive
No curb waits in the cold
Home cooked food rather than buffet bland food
More intimate
Less chaotic
Most important no chance of altercations with the younger crowd

Decorations are easy and available at any dollar store for next to nothing!! Streamers, balloons and party hats are necessary for any New Years Eve Party!!

Entertainment can come in many forms.....Music, XBOX Kinect is awesome for getting everyone involved, karoake is fun but can be horrible if no one can really sing, two truths and one lie is a game where everyone has to write on a sheet of paper and then the host sticks them on the wall and the other guests have to guess who`s is who`s. The lie`s can be as outrageous as possible and makes it more fun.

Our very favorite game is DICE. It`s a game that has grown with us since we began playing years ago. It`s called 7. You need 5 dice to play. Starts with everyone rolling one dice. The highest roll starts the game and it goes clockwise from there. The object is to try and get the same number in 7 rolls. The player can determine what number they will try and get by seeing if they get any pairs or triples on their first roll, from their you have 6 more chances to try and get 5 of a kind. If the player succeeds at getting 5 of a kind they get 1 point, and then have a chance to get 5 of a kind in 5 rolls, if yes, they proceed to try and get 5 in 3 rolls, if they get it again they have one final chance to get 5 of a kind in one roll. Any time the player does not get 5 of a kind, they pass the dice to the next player. The point system progresses for example:

7 rolls 1 Point
5 Rolls 2 Points
3 Rolls 3 Points
1 Roll They win the game

Each player plays to try and end with seven points. The player only progresses with the higher point levels if it is a continuous turn. If they player does not get 5 of a kind in 7 tries, when the dice comes back around to their turn, they start back at 7 tries. This game is super fun and can be played with as many players as you wish to have at the table.

Check out boozernewz.blogspot.com for Cocktail ideas!!

Party platters with cheese meats and crackers are great fillers and you can get creative as you want with the types of cheese and meat. The types of dishes used can make a difference with your appearance and can make a huge difference.

We would like to share some great ideas from our favorite websites that are incredible and easy.....
check em out! We are only sharing appy`s and finger foods. Fondue`s are making a come back as well so we added a recipe. Full sit down dinners are a whole other segment!

1 of

Cream Cheese Penguins

By: Valerie Lynne

"Just imagine a cute display of penguins, made with black olives, carrots and cream cheese! You can add scarves and hats by using fresh red pepper strips, or canned pimentos cut into different shapes. Use frilly toothpicks if you can."

Rate/Review | Read Reviews (531)

27,290 Saves

Prep Time:
30 Min

Ready In:
35 Min

Servings (Help)

USMetricCalculate

Original Recipe Yield 18 penguins

Ingredients

18 jumbo black olives, pitted
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
18 small black olives
1 carrot

Directions

Cut a slit from top to bottom, lengthwise, into the side of each jumbo olive. Carefully insert about 1 teaspoon of cream cheese into each olive. Slice the carrot into eighteen 1/4 inch thick rounds; cut a small notch out of each carrot slice to form feet. Save the cut out piece and press into center of small olive to form the beak. If necessary cut a small slit into each olive before inserting the beak.
Set a big olive, large hole side down, onto a carrot slice. Then, set a small olive onto the large olive, adjusting so that the beak, cream cheese chest and notch in the carrot slice line up. Secure with a toothpick.

1 of

Black-Eyed Pea Chowder

By: Brenda

"This is great for a New Years Eve gathering or any cold winter night. It's excellent served with cornbread. Works best when prepared the night before, and then reheated the next day."

Rate/Review | Read Reviews (33)

1,749 Saves

Prep Time:
10 Min

Cook Time:
35 Min

Ready In:
45 Min

Servings (Help)

USMetricCalculate

Original Recipe Yield 6 servings

Ingredients

1 pound diced bacon
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 (15.5 ounce) can black-eyed peas with liquid
1 (14.5 ounce) can beef consomme
1 (29 ounce) can diced tomatoes

Directions

In a large pot over medium high heat, saute the bacon until crisp. Set aside the bacon and drain the fat, reserving about 4 tablespoons of the fat in the pot. Add the celery onion and green bell pepper to the pot and saute in the bacon fat for 10 minutes, or until tender.
Add the peas, consomme and stewed tomatoes and allow to heat through, about 15 more minutes. Top with crumbled bacon when serving.

Baked Mexican Pinwheels

average rating

rate/review

prep time

15 min

total time

2 hr 25 min

makes

30 servings, 2 pinwheels (24 g) each

photo by:

kraft

recipe by: kraft

what you need

1 tub (250 g) Philadelphia Light Cream Cheese Spread

1 cup Kraft Tex Mex Light Shredded Cheese

1 cup chopped cooked chicken

1 plum tomato, seeded, finely chopped

3 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro

2 green onions, finely chopped

6 large whole wheat tortillas

make it

HEAT oven to 375°F.

MIX cream cheese spread and shredded cheese in medium bowl until well blended. Stir in next 4 ingredients.

SPREAD onto tortillas; roll up. Wrap individually in plastic wrap. Refrigerate 2 hours.

HEAT oven to 375°F. Unwrap roll-ups. Trim and discard ends. Cut each roll-up into 10 diagonal slices. Place on baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray.

BAKE 10 min., turning after 5 min.

kraft kitchens tips

SERVING SUGGESTION

Serve with sour cream.

SUBSTITUTE

Prepare using sun-dried tomato-flavoured flour tortillas.

MAKE AHEAD

Roll-ups can be refrigerated up to 24 hours before slicing and baking as directed just before serving.

Crispy Coconut Shrimp

average rating

rate/review

prep time

15 min

total time

25 min

makes

12 servings, 2 shrimp (60 g) and 2 tsp. (10 mL) dip each

photo by:

kraft

recipe by: kraft

what you need

1 cup flaked coconut, toasted

1 pouch Shake'N Bake Extra Crispy Original Coating Mix

1/4 tsp. each curry powder and cayenne pepper

24 uncooked large shrimp (1 lb./450 g), peeled, deveined

1 egg, beaten

1/2 cup Kraft Signature Creamy Masala Dressing

1 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro

make it

HEAT oven to 400°F.

COMBINE coconut, coating mix and seasonings in shallow bowl.

DIP shrimp in egg, then roll in coconut mixture until evenly coated. Place on baking sheet.

BAKE 10 to 12 min. or until shrimp are tender. Mix dressing with cilantro. Serve with shrimp.

kraft kitchens tips

MAKE AHEAD

These appetizers can be assembled ahead of time. Refrigerate up to 3 hours before baking as directed.

CURRY DIP

Mix 1/2 cup Kraft Regular or Calorie-Wise Rancher's Choice Dressing, 1/4 cup Kraft Pure Orange Marmalade, 1 tsp. curry powder and 2 or 3 drops hot pepper sauce until well blended. Refrigerate until ready to serve with the shrimp.

Quick Cheese Fondue

average rating

rate/review

prep time

5 min

total time

13 min

makes

24 servings, 2 Tbsp. (30 mL) each

photo by:

kraft

recipe by: kraft

what you need

1 cup dry white wine

2 tsp. cornstarch

2 tsp. dry mustard

1 pkg. (450 g) Velveeta Process Cheese Product, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1 cup Kraft Mozza-Cheddar Shredded Cheese

make it

MIX first 3 ingredients in medium saucepan. Add Velveeta; cook on medium heat 5 min. or until Velveeta is melted and mixture is well blended, stirring frequently.

ADD shredded cheese; cook and stir 2 to 3 min. or until melted. Transfer to fondue pot or small slow cooker set on low heat.

kraft kitchens tips

SERVING SUGGESTION

Serve with sliced apples, broccoli florets and French bread cubes.

NON-ALCOHOLIC VERSION

Substitute 25%-less-sodium chicken broth for the wine.

How To Make Christmas Decorations

2011-12-22T22:11:00.000-08:00

SipSum Cocktailz Event Specialists

December means Christmas cheer!!!

Fall is the time for comfort foods....Warm pumpkin is my favorite!

Roasted Pumpkin Puree

Pumpkin Soup

Ingredients Edit and Save

Directions

100 Ways to Cook a Pumpkin

Sgt. Pepper's El Chipotle Picante Pumpkin Hot Sauce

Roasted Pumpkin....Yummy!

Boozy Cakes from Celebrations

Margarita Birthday Cake for Adults

HAve fun with your watermelons

7 Edible Watermelon Craft Ideas

Horn Dawgs Smokin BBQ… Donna & Rob a Marriage made in Hog Heaven

ChilliWorld - Sauces by Type Start here on the chilli trail

Steveston Hot Spot

Back in Action

Spring has sprung and we have some cocktailz to share!

Legacy Liquor Store's 8 simple Wine and Food Pairing List

FOOD AND WINE PAIRING

Gordon Ramsay prepares three pasta dishes for athletes - The F Word

SipSum Cocktailz Gives Back to the Community!!

Blue Whip from Barproducts.com

Planning Your own Awards Night

Real Cajun Recipes

Carol's Creole Salmon Croquettes

Valentine's Breakfast!!

Very Easy Fruit Salad

Prep Time: 10 Min

Ready In: 1 Hr 10 Min

Servings (Help)

Ingredients

Directions

Super Cool Gifts for your lover that are not from your local mall!

Van Gogh Vodka Shakes Up Valentine's Day

I Spirit Vodka....mmmmm....yummy!

I Spirit Vodka

The Swedish Chef making Hot Sauce!!! FUUUUNY!!

How To Make Your Own Hot Sauce

Warm up your January with culinary creativity!! HOT SAUCE!

New's Years Eve is upon us!!

Cream Cheese Penguins

Prep Time: 30 Min

Ready In: 35 Min

Servings (Help)

Ingredients

Directions

Black-Eyed Pea Chowder

Prep Time: 10 Min

Cook Time: 35 Min

Ready In: 45 Min

Servings (Help)

Ingredients

Directions

Baked Mexican Pinwheels

what you need

make it

kraft kitchens tips

Crispy Coconut Shrimp

what you need

make it

kraft kitchens tips

Quick Cheese Fondue

what you need

make it

kraft kitchens tips

How To Make Christmas Decorations

Prep Time:
10 Min

Ready In:
1 Hr 10 Min

Prep Time:
30 Min

Ready In:
35 Min

Prep Time:
10 Min

Cook Time:
35 Min

Ready In:
45 Min