tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67988809482045832062024-03-04T20:12:15.479-08:00becoming a foodiejen gotchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15294659378330848707noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798880948204583206.post-6401304871360673992009-08-10T11:51:00.000-07:002009-08-10T11:57:42.362-07:00a necessary change<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1oZc07-c0gJuVEycD8ZydZh5NluvLdETHYkI4sMj54I0gLSEFoeAODVrDOt0JxRgOdM8RD8ulpwXLrU1kztY_tfP0LvDEbz_sMhGkcGQIkzfNeGxb-2rOfceCpMZcAThOuXNNg-6ckgE/s1600-h/3806219055_471b802747_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 391px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1oZc07-c0gJuVEycD8ZydZh5NluvLdETHYkI4sMj54I0gLSEFoeAODVrDOt0JxRgOdM8RD8ulpwXLrU1kztY_tfP0LvDEbz_sMhGkcGQIkzfNeGxb-2rOfceCpMZcAThOuXNNg-6ckgE/s400/3806219055_471b802747_o.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368411229996527474" /></a><br />i'm doing something i should have done long ago. i'm consolidating - - something i need to learn to do more of. i will now be posting foodie goodness on <a href="http://mypolaroidblog.blogspot.com/">my other blog</a>. please join me. and if you are only interested in awesome food all day, every day - - go <a href="http://www.picturesandpancakes.blogspot.com/">here</a>.jen gotchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15294659378330848707noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798880948204583206.post-66169590182314842312009-01-30T08:33:00.000-08:002009-01-30T08:35:49.204-08:00soup<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AS3r7jcDDqegQDTGZcXHCgInDqq-VOCTIUzV7klURKRW38wi90_r8c1Ht42KjoHxfFUVXZv3RcULnC5T6Q4AlXIH5E2YhjQzh_KezMCXWmkpt-f5wMqAIrzWiaeztL7eiAkbImA9sVA/s1600-h/3182504860_fb996b971f_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AS3r7jcDDqegQDTGZcXHCgInDqq-VOCTIUzV7klURKRW38wi90_r8c1Ht42KjoHxfFUVXZv3RcULnC5T6Q4AlXIH5E2YhjQzh_KezMCXWmkpt-f5wMqAIrzWiaeztL7eiAkbImA9sVA/s400/3182504860_fb996b971f_o.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297126316864714626" /></a><br />no recipe<br />no story<br />just soup.<br /><br />see, i'm not totally neglecting you!jen gotchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15294659378330848707noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798880948204583206.post-57355151974838652802009-01-04T22:32:00.000-08:002009-01-04T22:50:22.139-08:00andrew's resolution<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzi88twleB6yZjCVnHlE2GnLLRSsxedCb2yJg8_oqV4Hq40urbGcC2pafJm1QiJwjn6GLAEXgmgjr3iqTIw8poRSrKG_C_UqPe2hieBEmW25gtcfpdQMy1JYE6CZBwFIYw0wwPiF8HgdE/s1600-h/sausage_rolls_dip.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzi88twleB6yZjCVnHlE2GnLLRSsxedCb2yJg8_oqV4Hq40urbGcC2pafJm1QiJwjn6GLAEXgmgjr3iqTIw8poRSrKG_C_UqPe2hieBEmW25gtcfpdQMy1JYE6CZBwFIYw0wwPiF8HgdE/s400/sausage_rolls_dip.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287697827509267122" /></a><br />okay. so monday, jan. 5th is actually the start of my new year. i realized it was going to be too difficult to start everything on the 1st, as it was right before the weekend. it's hard to start resolutions like diet and exercise right before the weekend. especially when part of your plan for the weekend is to eat sausage rolls. luckily for me, one of andrew's resolutions is to learn to cook. in all actuality, he is already quite a good cook. i think he is just looking to expand his repertoire to include more than stir fry and lasagna. this weekend he made one of his favorite snacks from australia. the sausage roll. the crispy, delicious, tummy-happiness-causing sausage rolls. if you have not included, "go on a diet," as one of your resolutions. i highly recommend these. and if you have included "go on a diet," you might want to rethink it (i know i am).<br /><br />here is a recipe that andrew put together for you, please pardon us both if it lacks detail (i.e. "milk")<br /><br />sausage rolls<br /><br />1 egg<br />milk<br />1 pound ground sausage<br />2 sheets puff pastry<br />2 slices of bread<br /><br /><br />mix the egg and a splash of milk in a bowl<br />cut the crusts off of the bread and soak the crustless slices in water for a minute or two.<br />cut each pastry sheet into quarters so that you have 8 in all<br />then remove bread from water and squeeze out as much water as possible<br />with your hands, mix bread evenly into the sausage.<br />roll out 8 equal size balls of sausage mixture and place onto a pastry sheet. then roll them up in each square like a pastry cigarette (his words)<br />pinch the edge closed and paint them each with the egg/milk mixture<br />put them on a tray and place in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes or until they look done (golden brown - - my words).<br /><br />i would maybe just add some salt and pepper, but this isn't my recipe.<br /><br />oh, and i made some cumin ketchup to go with it.<br /><br />rough recipe - - as i had ingested several beers by the time i made it.<br /><br />cumin ketchup (or catsup - - what's the difference?)<br /><br />3 tablespoons ketchup<br />1/2 teaspoon ground cumin<br />1/2 teaspoon worcesterchire sauce<br />salt & pepper<br /><br />mix well and enjoy with sausage rolls or turkey meatloaf.<br /><br />ps. i know my postings have been a bit, well, sparse. i am going to try to do my best to at least post something every monday and then go from there. how does that sound?jen gotchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15294659378330848707noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798880948204583206.post-45952404267534454672008-11-30T22:27:00.001-08:002008-11-30T22:33:18.796-08:00thanks, ina!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQKfnFvISq-vk-fI5JlcdZ22cO6ajczjYAw6h0ZugKl1Q1v7INhrPZEzOOQyYwLyAUUJ4J0jjqo4DVz2-RHhfrdCZbmE93BDTZve6YWgohZIRdheK-FndYPfH100v6_89tAGQMi1XAxg/s1600-h/thanksina.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 394px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQKfnFvISq-vk-fI5JlcdZ22cO6ajczjYAw6h0ZugKl1Q1v7INhrPZEzOOQyYwLyAUUJ4J0jjqo4DVz2-RHhfrdCZbmE93BDTZve6YWgohZIRdheK-FndYPfH100v6_89tAGQMi1XAxg/s400/thanksina.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274705978758138914" /></a><br />well the stuffing was a huge success. i used <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/sausage-and-herb-stuffing-recipe/index.html">this recipe</a>, and switched out the sausage for pancetta. mostly because i didn't have sausage, but i had pancetta. i was kind of scared, since i usually hate stuffing . . . especially the kind with the huge cubes of bread. i had always kind of lumped it in my mind with things like waldorf salad (yuck) and jello with floaty fruit in it. well, that is no longer the case. i will now lump it my mind with things that are awesome like french fries and <a href="http://becomingafoodie.blogspot.com/2008/04/peace-offering-strawberries-nutella.html">nutella on strawberries.</a>jen gotchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15294659378330848707noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798880948204583206.post-90384249908783096652008-11-27T08:28:00.001-08:002008-11-27T08:29:56.716-08:00happy thanksgiving<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5NmXLHrvVIU36YGz84lSdsHUnn2KGokesz_Va4mfbJF-zjcHjemnE65D8PGZbI7MjGtveuHviuygTR-E-vHVdSn6Eq5EIhZIeY9OhnzW1ViMGzlmbFVvEFvBtxqFO9jGK4U6sy6-VVlI/s1600-h/thanksgiving.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 203px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5NmXLHrvVIU36YGz84lSdsHUnn2KGokesz_Va4mfbJF-zjcHjemnE65D8PGZbI7MjGtveuHviuygTR-E-vHVdSn6Eq5EIhZIeY9OhnzW1ViMGzlmbFVvEFvBtxqFO9jGK4U6sy6-VVlI/s400/thanksgiving.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273375368890233442" /></a><br />just set the table. my folks will be here in a few hours. i have already realized that i forgot a bunch of ingredients and i don't really know how to make a proper stuffing. this should be fun.jen gotchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15294659378330848707noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798880948204583206.post-12475786130195467792008-11-20T08:12:00.000-08:002008-11-20T08:14:22.791-08:00a question.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXctMqFhOsaGHsL5HxatzZeVerK5QgijiehCbkDjyihyphenhyphenfN3lmmA4E5XzXacifW_jIdPbhm_B6Lq0EphfrPPJOUYokIg7XCPKb8Vl684O3oig_sBN0-89xrB_GDuaPqHaPqEXgyWW8l6cA/s1600-h/nothingbetter.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 391px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXctMqFhOsaGHsL5HxatzZeVerK5QgijiehCbkDjyihyphenhyphenfN3lmmA4E5XzXacifW_jIdPbhm_B6Lq0EphfrPPJOUYokIg7XCPKb8Vl684O3oig_sBN0-89xrB_GDuaPqHaPqEXgyWW8l6cA/s400/nothingbetter.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270773762641467298" /></a><br />is there really anything better than peanut butter? this morning, i can think of nothing i would rather have than a heaping spoonful of peanut butter. yum!jen gotchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15294659378330848707noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798880948204583206.post-58524657446080307852008-11-10T08:03:00.000-08:002008-11-10T08:18:33.059-08:00he likes soup, or so he says<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTix3ydyqViPfNQzhuTOxr2g8VxRzpV1z8jBLx2vgSLL90S5b2pJugaHVbWToqEJCvtAwBCDaczfGIA6gjN7hm6GlzdZHdzC1OhD-0eb9Vxax6pWPm_cR9xvJjzpLXaavS03sya_Aa23k/s1600-h/helikessoup.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 391px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTix3ydyqViPfNQzhuTOxr2g8VxRzpV1z8jBLx2vgSLL90S5b2pJugaHVbWToqEJCvtAwBCDaczfGIA6gjN7hm6GlzdZHdzC1OhD-0eb9Vxax6pWPm_cR9xvJjzpLXaavS03sya_Aa23k/s400/helikessoup.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267063671064550034" /></a><br />well many of you know the battle that is waged in the gotch household almost every day . . . jen vs. andrew in THE BATTLE OF SOUP (dah dah dah daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah). it has been a losing battle on my end for about 4 years running. you know how he has his list of foods he hates (wet meat, pulpy juice, cherries, pickles, and on and on)? well soup always seems to find it's way to the top of the list. this is a problem for me, since i am a soup lover. i love to eat soup, i love to make soup and when i feel that first bit of cold in the autumn air (which in l.a. means when it drops below 70 degrees), i want soup. and yesterday, for some odd reason, he agreed to a pot of soup. i think it is mostly because i told him it had peanut butter in it, and peanut butter is at the top of his "foods i love" list right after hamburgers. so after a short trip to the market, some chopping of vegetables, and warming of bread, soup was served. and it was good, real, real good. andrew ate every last drop, only quizzing me a few times about the ingredients. i was reluctant to tell him there was salsa in it, because he doesn't like cooked tomatoes or tomato soup. it didn't seem to phase him. he even ate the garbanzo beans, and he hates beans, except green beans. later that night, when the truth was rising to the surface, he confided in me that next time, he could do without the beans. i reminded him that he loves humus, but that was not enough. "it's a texture thing, not a taste thing" he calmly replied. either way, i feel like some progress was made here last night. there is even talk of more soup next week. i'll keep you posted. here's the <a href="http://www.cooksrecipes.com/soup/spicy_african_peanut_soup_recipe.html">recipe</a> if you are interested.jen gotchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15294659378330848707noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798880948204583206.post-32552001382406415082008-11-04T22:08:00.001-08:002008-11-04T22:09:07.966-08:00HOPE<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqudiwHtv5anBdK3t9RW08IWQIvpjhjBMT62Ux-dYJelBz5HNwmhKNKy0DsEciv-b-6SW201T0OShp9WkcuoTzIv0SeDGuuXu9y3hlwEWF5dI6s8x_P-g_6m3YMK5lRY2xOPBRngjC7Bs/s1600-h/2616174968_c9f5b46f63.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 387px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqudiwHtv5anBdK3t9RW08IWQIvpjhjBMT62Ux-dYJelBz5HNwmhKNKy0DsEciv-b-6SW201T0OShp9WkcuoTzIv0SeDGuuXu9y3hlwEWF5dI6s8x_P-g_6m3YMK5lRY2xOPBRngjC7Bs/s400/2616174968_c9f5b46f63.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265051521038579618" /></a><br />IS HERE!!!!jen gotchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15294659378330848707noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798880948204583206.post-15346191541865149022008-10-14T07:18:00.000-07:002008-10-14T07:21:58.455-07:00what we ate yesterday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnt0DE8ioY87YKgSJTj9aCOUNp-gUBQMStUoM4BG74qNwvVus8e6IbWqZ8vPQfmZKHfCb8wkZLFH_i6DC0zidKy1t0axbiXoQmfFRrZHgHFzDr0BVvQ6vuGiLFda8PzzKSUt-DQMIkLmQ/s1600-h/frompaulette.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnt0DE8ioY87YKgSJTj9aCOUNp-gUBQMStUoM4BG74qNwvVus8e6IbWqZ8vPQfmZKHfCb8wkZLFH_i6DC0zidKy1t0axbiXoQmfFRrZHgHFzDr0BVvQ6vuGiLFda8PzzKSUt-DQMIkLmQ/s400/frompaulette.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257014557133876546" /></a><br />see, i told you i wasn't gone forever. i'm slowly getting back into the swing of things. my out of town job is almost over and the change in the weather is making me long for delicious soups and spiked hot chocolate. <br /><br />this is what <a href="http://www.shopbando.com/">we</a> ate yesterday. pretty and delicious!jen gotchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15294659378330848707noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798880948204583206.post-18913945441478476932008-09-21T19:35:00.001-07:002008-09-21T19:39:52.973-07:00this blog is not dead<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5j1V-nm0lJYbhl1zBXw4KIFz0lAmXRLV4CnPc_Hu6Vsv2gBEU3-e-IX25YYDiQF9XMAJbRbpA-yyB9m6CZ8l1_xKgDRpoBwhUWj-slp-UINm5L5ypnckJ3aQkmcq29omuXRBe1R5Vp4/s1600-h/meandballoons.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5j1V-nm0lJYbhl1zBXw4KIFz0lAmXRLV4CnPc_Hu6Vsv2gBEU3-e-IX25YYDiQF9XMAJbRbpA-yyB9m6CZ8l1_xKgDRpoBwhUWj-slp-UINm5L5ypnckJ3aQkmcq29omuXRBe1R5Vp4/s400/meandballoons.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248669366116539570" /></a><br />contrary to what you might think, this blog is not dead. i'm just on hiatus. <a href="http://www.jengotch.com">this</a> and <a href="http://www.shopbando.com">this</a> and <a href="http://mypolaroidblog.blogspot.com/">this</a> are taking up a lot of my time. and becoming a foodie isn't easy. it takes work. hopefully things will slow down enough soon that i will be able to get back to cooking (something i haven't done in months - - literally months), making cocktails, shopping for new treats, etc, etc. thanks for understanding. i promise that when the time is right, i will make a triumphant return.jen gotchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15294659378330848707noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798880948204583206.post-33484864124804206242008-07-31T13:11:00.000-07:002008-12-08T22:40:57.769-08:00I feel horrible<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdzwAEINePJnhyphenhyphenV5pecesrB64kpcAEPivPFtap0O2nCk3V1FYMFDMSQfQmrE7iHGdEx8SvpsRPqzwXd-xNihggbw3ofEkPRpLAoR-S4NbFyRMsABu8KzJ4QV9gFbW7QE2Cjww0Ocu1wxE/s1600-h/2563174849_8a19b7b878_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdzwAEINePJnhyphenhyphenV5pecesrB64kpcAEPivPFtap0O2nCk3V1FYMFDMSQfQmrE7iHGdEx8SvpsRPqzwXd-xNihggbw3ofEkPRpLAoR-S4NbFyRMsABu8KzJ4QV9gFbW7QE2Cjww0Ocu1wxE/s400/2563174849_8a19b7b878_o.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229277577951211906" /></a><br />I have lied to you, broken promises, i'm a deadbeat food blogger. How did this happen? I can't believe it. I had such good intentions. From the beginning I said that I wouldn't just post for the sake of posting. I don't want to inundate you with crap, but this is crazy, right? I am just feeling really, really overwhelmed at the moment. There is so much going on in my life right now. Most of which is really fantastic; All of which is really time consuming. And the thing about being a food blogger is, it takes time (and a working scanner - - at the moment, i have neither). So hang in there, please. I beg you. It won't be like this forever, because if it is I will just curl up and die (a bit overdramatic, but you get my point). Thank you for all of your encouraging emails (some threatening one's, too). As soon as life permits, it's you and me, together, drinking, eating and having a wonderful time.jen gotchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15294659378330848707noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798880948204583206.post-34884489658148046562008-07-11T12:31:00.000-07:002008-12-08T22:40:58.157-08:00Drink of the Week<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_2frDWtPxSap5GQsmyMjPAoyUoUvoKeEUmriO4M4pf5luzpZWJrgPPMfCdKWaieLUEL5iWeR1-7JYChFPGjGM4voUEbWIaioAaAJhbwa7rd_41kDhJ0qs2oDXt18Yu4Kcpkv2eJtxEA/s1600-h/2658926708_f7ce6b05f8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_2frDWtPxSap5GQsmyMjPAoyUoUvoKeEUmriO4M4pf5luzpZWJrgPPMfCdKWaieLUEL5iWeR1-7JYChFPGjGM4voUEbWIaioAaAJhbwa7rd_41kDhJ0qs2oDXt18Yu4Kcpkv2eJtxEA/s400/2658926708_f7ce6b05f8.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221842219326441186" /></a><br />is coming. no really, it is. i actually have two, one with booze and one without, both with lemons. lots and lots of lemons. be back later with the recipes and names (that's the tough part).jen gotchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15294659378330848707noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798880948204583206.post-28052276372268625552008-06-27T09:30:00.000-07:002008-12-08T22:40:58.276-08:00The Briny Breeze - - Drink of the Week<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqlGXR5Kk4hncyNRr-mw3l8RVr-L8Qp0H9Piasn21sptXDFKgyKyhMGYcDqptBdXeR3tEotzLthJW3NighT18sk88dW0Dn9_4QeIHP5WTUvN5FHIBPdCutuDqM7XO9k2OK61MVP9S378/s1600-h/brinybreezedip.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqlGXR5Kk4hncyNRr-mw3l8RVr-L8Qp0H9Piasn21sptXDFKgyKyhMGYcDqptBdXeR3tEotzLthJW3NighT18sk88dW0Dn9_4QeIHP5WTUvN5FHIBPdCutuDqM7XO9k2OK61MVP9S378/s400/brinybreezedip.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216604427717847234" /></a><br />Oh my God? Where have I been? This is crazy. It's not that I don't care about you, no, that's not it at all. I've just been so busy. But no Drink of the Week, that was just rude. I will continue to do my best. Sometimes my best just kind of sucks. Sorry. While we are on the subject of Drink of the Week, let me introduce you to the Briny Breeze. I named it after this little town in south Florida. It's a little mobile home park right on the ocean and it is amazing. Especially if you happen to have a polaroid camera with you (which I did). So, without further adieu . . .<br /><br />The Briny Breeze<br /><br />5 small pieces of Watermelon (i used a melon baller, because melon ballers are fun)<br />3 mint leaves<br />1 oz vodka<br />A generous splash of Rose's sweetened lime juice<br />A splash of Cointreau ( I also tried it with a splash of Campari and that was good, too. I just feel like I always use Campari, but Campari is really, really good. Especially in summer.)<br />club soda or tonic water<br /><br />Plop your melon balls into a glass along with the mint leaves (i tore mine into pieces - - it feels naughty) and the vodka and then muddle it up. Add all of your splashes and stir. Fill a second glass with ice and then pour your muddled mixture over the ice, top off with club soda or tonic water. Garnish with melon balls, mint and lime - - you could even sugar the rim if you were so inclined. Now drink it!jen gotchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15294659378330848707noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798880948204583206.post-12947407600995029732008-06-13T08:50:00.000-07:002008-12-08T22:40:58.476-08:00Chamomile Mint Iced Tea<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9h3N0wNbRsNhoYLzRAAbpwprKzDC_MBGCymnaL0DAG0MtH9gdXgVRLuN8Rs0KcJNhJqZbMRYaT_vJNTKzeg4p-yerJIWy1zhBSmH9OQzdXttC0Bi1TpMy1rZNJPAZBwLlu4ipOq7kB2o/s1600-h/chamomileminticedtea.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9h3N0wNbRsNhoYLzRAAbpwprKzDC_MBGCymnaL0DAG0MtH9gdXgVRLuN8Rs0KcJNhJqZbMRYaT_vJNTKzeg4p-yerJIWy1zhBSmH9OQzdXttC0Bi1TpMy1rZNJPAZBwLlu4ipOq7kB2o/s400/chamomileminticedtea.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211396652000578738" /></a><br />All is not lost. I am still doing a drink of the week. Thanks for sticking by me. I have been so busy with work/photography/creative endeavors that my food adventures have been few and far between. I still intend to provide a Drink of the Week each week and then reinstate twenty bucks once I have a bit more free time. Let's take it easy, shall we? Sit back, relax and enjoy something soothing. <br /><br />A couple of weeks ago my friend, Lisa and I had lunch at one of my favorite places, L<a href="http://www.lepainquotidien.com/">e Pain Quotidien</a>. I was planning on having a glass of wine with lunch (I deserved it!), and then I saw a carafe of chamomile mint iced tea go by and the wine went out the window. Shall we take a break from alcohol this week? Let's. Actually, here's a deal for you. Drink this and let me know if you come up with some sort of alcohol-y twist on it and I will do the same. We can meet back Monday with our results.<br /><br />No real recipe here. I just steeped a bag of their amazing chamomile tea with some mint leaves and a bit of sugar. After about 5 minutes I poured it over a tall glass of ice that was filled with new, fresh, pretty mint leaves. Then I took a picture of it (you don't have to do that part), and then I gulped it down.jen gotchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15294659378330848707noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798880948204583206.post-33434794071621824392008-06-06T09:29:00.000-07:002008-12-08T22:40:58.787-08:00Drink of the Week - - The Peony<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWpgBANsNXypPME5SVCdXWvebFrgqrToq9aMmAKSJyRrIcIDYZgDWZUyFFw47PnEmkmW7Cjeeg4e3xqztfVSw6AvSrVbMi6WRrIgtZwSwTFkeFLdHJygs90-gpWF8PnftYuuXx3Nn6Mo/s1600-h/drinkoftheweek-peony.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWpgBANsNXypPME5SVCdXWvebFrgqrToq9aMmAKSJyRrIcIDYZgDWZUyFFw47PnEmkmW7Cjeeg4e3xqztfVSw6AvSrVbMi6WRrIgtZwSwTFkeFLdHJygs90-gpWF8PnftYuuXx3Nn6Mo/s400/drinkoftheweek-peony.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208806979211675522" /></a><br />Ok, I'm still deciding on a name for last week's Drink of the Week. C'mon you guys. I've had some really good suggestions, but I want to give it (and you) more time. For this week's Drink of the Week, I had the name before I had the drink. I was so inspired by this <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/danske/2554039750/">amazing bunch of peonies</a> that I decided to concoct a drink in their honor (they are my favorite flower. well actually, that's not entirely true. they are in a tie for the title of My Favorite Flower with the ever fragrant gardenia. I wore <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/danske/2346630414/">one</a> in my hair when we got married, although the peony was the first flower Andrew ever gave me - - great. now I'm confused.) This one probably won't get you too drunk, but there are others on the list that will. This is more like a relaxing summer day chatting with the girls while the boys sit inside screaming at the tv while watching the NBA finals type of drink (but don't get me wrong, boys can drink it, too. you may just want to give it another name like "The Widowmaker" or "Testosterone" anything but The Peony.<br /><br />The Peony<br /><br />1 6.3oz bottle of Stirrings Bitter Lemon<br />2 oz Chambord<br />1 1/2 oz Aperol<br />1 oz Maraschino Syrup<br />1 1/2 oz Rose's Sweetened Lime Juice<br /><br />Stir ingredients, pour over ice and throw in a bunch of lemon and lime slices (cause they're pretty). Oh, and if you can, serve it in a pink glass. This recipe makes 2 if you feel like sharing.jen gotchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15294659378330848707noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798880948204583206.post-15143804579197049822008-06-05T08:36:00.000-07:002008-12-08T22:40:59.033-08:00Here, You Take It.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbbz5Y-P5od9RJY49NVMENrafQZdaRRgKHAtKIju4M2heI7keW76cHnLRbqxLibwJ0tHKA57f5P5js-86bqwFbcQa-fgCEA3UGHJkPMaHM9wt3lMvSOaPfjcU6CNXws8boA0rQXjEZDE/s1600-h/20dollars.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbbz5Y-P5od9RJY49NVMENrafQZdaRRgKHAtKIju4M2heI7keW76cHnLRbqxLibwJ0tHKA57f5P5js-86bqwFbcQa-fgCEA3UGHJkPMaHM9wt3lMvSOaPfjcU6CNXws8boA0rQXjEZDE/s400/20dollars.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208422956205040722" /></a><br />You should have this twenty bucks. I don't deserve it. I wonder what you'll buy with it? I can't wait to hear all about it. I will be offering up a Drink of the Week tomorrow (all is not forgotten, plus I think we could all use one). Oh, I just had an idea. You could put your money towards <a href="http://www.fortheloveoflight.com/home.html">this</a>. Yes, do that. Or do whatever, just let me know how it ends up.jen gotchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15294659378330848707noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798880948204583206.post-9070020231920334312008-05-30T07:14:00.001-07:002008-12-08T22:40:59.253-08:00Ta Dah!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVvMQ3WU4YsDbdnAicRJ1Urghx7-XKVO5cfWDdS_rU9trTBuiRlvy1H_wz4vMfnvRGRbhzklX9Ibtk5HL9hr-yVDiCcXY-HEm3U-iCSuYLE7dLATr3d1Pk8W3bdezdqqapwEoZN9jE_6Y/s1600-h/todrinkwithourfishtacos.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVvMQ3WU4YsDbdnAicRJ1Urghx7-XKVO5cfWDdS_rU9trTBuiRlvy1H_wz4vMfnvRGRbhzklX9Ibtk5HL9hr-yVDiCcXY-HEm3U-iCSuYLE7dLATr3d1Pk8W3bdezdqqapwEoZN9jE_6Y/s400/todrinkwithourfishtacos.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206178063210487762" /></a><br />Drink of the Week. As promised. I actually had this one ready for last week and then got busy with work, and depressed about Paris, so I just sat on it. Not literally sat on it, but you knew that, didn't you. I had made some margaritas and posted a photo on flickr and then one of my favorite flickr friends, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/haeshu/">hannah</a> (haeshu) emailed me this amazing recipe, that had been passed on to her.<br /><br />2 cups lime juice (about 10 -12) limes<br />4 cups pink grapefruit juice (trust me)<br />1 cup sugar<br />2 cups tequila<br />3/4 cup grand marnier (i use cointreau sometimes, too)<br /><br />mix together until sugar is dissolved. it's good on the rocks or slightly blended.<br /><br />She assured me that although grapefruit juice might sound strange, it is delicious. She was right!<br /><br />So I took myself to the grocery store that afternoon. Bought myself some ruby red grapefruits (because i was convinced fresh squeezed would make it even better), came home and squeezed my little heart out. <br /><br />Problem number one . . . 3 grapefruits yielded about 3 oz of juice, which left me about 3 1/3 cups short. I improvised. Fortunately I didn't have a "big group" coming over (just Andrew and my brother). So here's what I did (At least I think it is what I did - - I was still in too much of a haze from my Paris ails that I forgot to write it down- - I am now literally sitting here staring at a glass pyrex measuring cup trying to envision which line the lime juice went to)<br /><br />3 oz Grapefruit juice (fresh squeezed if you are up for it)<br />4 oz Rose's sweetened lime juice (cause it's easier than waiting for sugar to dissolve, or making a simple syrup)<br />2 oz Tequila<br />1 oz Grand Marnier (or Cointreau) <br /><br />Shake with ice, pour into a glass with a salted rim (use good salt, even if they say they don't like salt, it's a margarita for christ's sake) over ice. enjoy<br /><br />One last thing. I can't come up with a name. I don't want anything "grey" or "ruby." I just want something catchy and fun. Any ideas?jen gotchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15294659378330848707noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798880948204583206.post-90943742345648039372008-05-27T06:31:00.000-07:002008-12-08T22:40:59.415-08:00bad foodie<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Wzi1eXDwsALDYouBa2d2pjGJvbbKFxKoicOZIgcXVqKvVK1E46sybXRH__K__vHqSIHFJv7peNq84HBb8wM7fPt2Rc4nOuAEyuDEu-iDdim1N14UWsv4HbQebSUPbyK2yYz2-WWkryU/s1600-h/myeyeslookedwonky.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Wzi1eXDwsALDYouBa2d2pjGJvbbKFxKoicOZIgcXVqKvVK1E46sybXRH__K__vHqSIHFJv7peNq84HBb8wM7fPt2Rc4nOuAEyuDEu-iDdim1N14UWsv4HbQebSUPbyK2yYz2-WWkryU/s400/myeyeslookedwonky.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205051222705807170" /></a><br />You guys are right. I am really sorry. I have been a bad, bad foodie. No twenty bucks, no drink of the week (although i have had several to try and drink away some sorrows). Here is the honest truth. I was extremely depressed after Paris . . . i mean it was bad. . . on the couch for days, eating everything in site, watching reruns of little house on the prairie, bad. And, I'm a bit broke - - so much so that it makes spending twenty bucks seem extravagant. I'm coming out of it. Getting <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/danske/sets/72157605184791470/">inspired</a> and playing the lottery, so I'll probably be a multi millionaire the next time you talk to me. For now I will admit defeat, tell you that it may be a couple of weeks before twenty bucks makes it's return, but promise you that this friday you will have a drink of the week. Thanks for sticking by me. Don't leave. Please, don't leave.jen gotchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15294659378330848707noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798880948204583206.post-79100157014134608452008-05-19T08:07:00.000-07:002008-12-08T22:40:59.540-08:00Business as Usual<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8Kb3EANcBAEXJiKbrjDFzDIP62-h1J2a6U4r5hKhW8CO9hdULcQ7NgBcMfs8WGgmO6-0xCTzE-gQbHhryR4EoB-gze1NwR81ymyYdhPJPx1K220w_D8wM2pjIk01_X4rGSskE69XvWk/s1600-h/treatstosample.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8Kb3EANcBAEXJiKbrjDFzDIP62-h1J2a6U4r5hKhW8CO9hdULcQ7NgBcMfs8WGgmO6-0xCTzE-gQbHhryR4EoB-gze1NwR81ymyYdhPJPx1K220w_D8wM2pjIk01_X4rGSskE69XvWk/s400/treatstosample.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202107587763811474" /></a><br />Hello. Are you still out there? Gosh, I hope so. Sorry I have been so, so . . . well, absent. I didn't plan on it. I didn't want to be. It just happened. Things seem to be getting back to normal for me (i.e. I don't cry when I think about Paris), so I want to just return to business as usual. If you wanted to see and here more about Paris, you can do so <a href="http://mypolaroidblog.blogspot.com">here</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/danske/sets/72157604881495413/">here</a>. But as far as we're concerned, it's back twenty bucks and drink of the week. I think that is best. What do you think? I sure hope you agree. Here, have some Parisian pastries. They're delicious.jen gotchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15294659378330848707noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798880948204583206.post-373195494836583382008-05-12T09:21:00.000-07:002008-12-08T22:40:59.691-08:00No One Told Me . . .<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0TXBnHiokXsGwx4irv5jEjYY39gR1ZKWhyphenhypheneALx25V8_tCcEd2tkWZDwe49rMT0pp6ld1846rAOHbutBWr2v_F4CVEYMPrqkjRcdLPTKgekFMS40GMj4k4uh98P5k2DC2pHxIjG5M06kQ/s1600-h/mynewkeychain.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0TXBnHiokXsGwx4irv5jEjYY39gR1ZKWhyphenhypheneALx25V8_tCcEd2tkWZDwe49rMT0pp6ld1846rAOHbutBWr2v_F4CVEYMPrqkjRcdLPTKgekFMS40GMj4k4uh98P5k2DC2pHxIjG5M06kQ/s400/mynewkeychain.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199528176434721890" /></a><br />that a post Paris funk could last this long. My apologies, again. I miss you guys.jen gotchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15294659378330848707noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798880948204583206.post-86992738554387285832008-05-08T09:03:00.000-07:002008-12-08T22:40:59.747-08:00I'm stuck<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMLEiO94-noqu8GyScnIFdSPYI-u6AKfQQTdP01WPUFVs0iE99Cu74I5NSwOikoJ21WldJVAD3x1GnXuhV5ih2npTb3nCGajvOhApk-gcWj4OEQblQsDtJ3LbDqwpaTl7zXxJT-gERgcU/s1600-h/mosaic3691710.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMLEiO94-noqu8GyScnIFdSPYI-u6AKfQQTdP01WPUFVs0iE99Cu74I5NSwOikoJ21WldJVAD3x1GnXuhV5ih2npTb3nCGajvOhApk-gcWj4OEQblQsDtJ3LbDqwpaTl7zXxJT-gERgcU/s400/mosaic3691710.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198039266849774834" /></a><br />So sorry I haven't been around. Still in a bit of a post Paris funk. You understand, don't you? Here is some meat and cheese as a peace offering (although not a traditional peace offering, I know). I will do my very best to give you a drink of the week tomorrow, and promise to be back to my old self next week. I need to find somewhere to spend my twenty bucks. For now, if you want to read about non food related paris stuff, click <a href="http://mypolaroidblog.blogspot.com/">here</a>.jen gotchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15294659378330848707noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798880948204583206.post-44119159650671452982008-05-05T06:03:00.001-07:002008-12-08T22:40:59.877-08:00Paris . . .<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnkIL3AcEj-49HRqz7rqu6jnfPnwSJJutvZRy_PgSYc49De14ZNvbGc4d2yROi5zFI5M9o3ks-hqg1td-37JNA2x6dwD61JMeZnQjTse0zSMz_aBEUakZcLPIuZv97wxIXlFEBQ9YuYs/s1600-h/cafeonilestlouis.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnkIL3AcEj-49HRqz7rqu6jnfPnwSJJutvZRy_PgSYc49De14ZNvbGc4d2yROi5zFI5M9o3ks-hqg1td-37JNA2x6dwD61JMeZnQjTse0zSMz_aBEUakZcLPIuZv97wxIXlFEBQ9YuYs/s400/cafeonilestlouis.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196879694332489858" /></a><br />was so amazing, but you probably already knew I was going to say that. I wish I could send you all a piece of cheese, a piece of chocolate and a glass of wine. I guess until I become wealthy enough to do that, you will have to just listen to me ramble on about it. I'll try to fill the week with Paris stories. If you want to see photos, keep checking <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/danske/sets/72157604881495413/">here</a> and <a href="http://mypolaroidblog.blogspot.com/">here</a>. Thank you for all of your suggestions. I am still in total withdrawal. Be back soon.jen gotchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15294659378330848707noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798880948204583206.post-6544252470835791272008-04-21T05:30:00.000-07:002008-12-08T22:41:00.084-08:00Half Birthdays are Important (very important)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGn5ozxdR9kkyG1yGdYYo6v1LH_JYs2zvGjADzV9L0Q8_PQ9jhxrJT7UcnJUsEhwR2Tp4fCu0OCbKxiHonegB8f8614_GGnpxeK9sRbZ39rra_TnwZ_a0pQIaaHkRS97xi_xzRUy5MvQE/s1600-h/happyhalfbirthdaytome.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGn5ozxdR9kkyG1yGdYYo6v1LH_JYs2zvGjADzV9L0Q8_PQ9jhxrJT7UcnJUsEhwR2Tp4fCu0OCbKxiHonegB8f8614_GGnpxeK9sRbZ39rra_TnwZ_a0pQIaaHkRS97xi_xzRUy5MvQE/s400/happyhalfbirthdaytome.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191675317132640866" /></a><br />And so I celebrate mine today. Eat a cupcake for me if you have a chance. Cupcakes are important, too.jen gotchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15294659378330848707noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798880948204583206.post-21050848274577473302008-04-20T23:09:00.000-07:002008-12-08T22:41:00.295-08:00A Peace Offering: Strawberries & Nutella<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiITUEObreO8rQO9L9vU_LU9dgGJ64Ja88KX2X9J7vs8MSw9ZYWBylm6ul7mev4kPRcSaESp16cIomqCyBzagHZt9C0OMAZdO0H19ZM5EdJeT53RMxZJ3nFUgjIq9hMyyFWXxboT4tTUjg/s1600-h/iknowwhatheavenlookslike.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiITUEObreO8rQO9L9vU_LU9dgGJ64Ja88KX2X9J7vs8MSw9ZYWBylm6ul7mev4kPRcSaESp16cIomqCyBzagHZt9C0OMAZdO0H19ZM5EdJeT53RMxZJ3nFUgjIq9hMyyFWXxboT4tTUjg/s400/iknowwhatheavenlookslike.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191578620238938690" /></a><br />I wanted to tell you that I might be a bit scarce the next couple of weeks. I'm sorry. I offer you this delicious treat of strawberries and nutella as a peace offering. We leaving for Vegas at the crack of dawn tomorrow for a shoot and an anniversary celebration (3 years on Wednesday), then we come back on Thursday only to turn around and leave on Friday. Yes, the Paris strip is finally upon us. I am taking my laptop to both Vegas and Paris, and I will do my very, very best. I want so much to share this trip with you. Hopefully I will be able to drop you a note or two (or a whole bunch) while I am there. I will still try to get you a Drink of the Week this Friday (I know you are a lush and you need excitement). I may not get to the twenty bucks post this week. We'll see. That's all for now. I should be asleep. I think I kind of am asleep. Sorry if this makes no sense. Goodnight (or Good Morning - - depending on when you are reading this).jen gotchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15294659378330848707noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798880948204583206.post-33523796761098647012008-04-18T09:04:00.000-07:002008-12-08T22:41:00.457-08:00Honey, Drink This!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWQYkOEBju7WslxEk8mFRxjken53Q5wbW8rKGLoJlrc9N9sSVkc22M-ix0cYu2KH-6TaF4C5wbuAJGnELP1Cvrm0dJJu770nJx9siJDAkG3qd2Ec_3ta9L0uSYI208-3VRprVEJcxywY/s1600-h/mosaic1822777.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWQYkOEBju7WslxEk8mFRxjken53Q5wbW8rKGLoJlrc9N9sSVkc22M-ix0cYu2KH-6TaF4C5wbuAJGnELP1Cvrm0dJJu770nJx9siJDAkG3qd2Ec_3ta9L0uSYI208-3VRprVEJcxywY/s400/mosaic1822777.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190622111954606530" /></a><br />Hello and welcome to my Drink of the Week. First question. Is it wrong to concoct a Drink of the Week at 8:15 Friday morning? I hope not, because that is what I just did. Last night after my shoot I took myself on a field trip over to <a href="http://www.bevmo.com/productlist.asp?area=home">BevMo</a>. Drink of the Week heaven. I didn't even bother with their awesome <a href="http://www.bevmo.com/productlist.asp?area=wine&N=306">5 cent wine sale</a>. I just b-lined it over to the liquor aisle (actually liquor aisles - - there's lots of them). I was talking to my friend Bobbi at the time and she mentioned a great liqueur called <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aperol">Aperol</a>. She said it was quite similar to Campari, but a bit more flavorful and fragrant. I just so happened to be standing in front of the last bottle of Aperol as she was telling me this, so I grabbed it. A touch of fate in the liquor store. I read the label, "based on an infusion of orange, rhubarb, china and gentian." Which means very little to me (how is something based on an infusion of china?), but I was intrigued. Just a hop, skip and a jump (and no, i didn't hop, skip or jump in there . . . it's for storytelling purposes) down from the Apertol was the sweetest bottle of booze I have ever seen, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%C3%A4renj%C3%A4ger">Barenjager honey liqueur</a>. Outfitted in it's own little woven jumpsuit, it was too irresistible to pass up. So I bought that, too, thinking it may take care of some of my "honey not dissolving in cold alcoholic beverage" problems. I also grabbed some simple syrup. My last bottle went bad. Apparently you are supposed to refrigerate after opening. If not, bad, bad things happen. And then I found the missing link, in the form of the cutest little soda bottles you have ever seen (even cuter than that damn sanbitter). <a href="http://www.stirrings.com/sodascranberry.php">Tart Cranberry Soda</a> comes in a four pack of little glass bottles with solid red caps. It's all natural cocktail soda with cranberry essences and "champagne" bubbles. How good does that sound? I got some bitter lemon flavor as well (and they have cute solid yellow tops). I paid for my things and rushed home, but by the time I got back I was just too tired to concoct. My usual tasters were nowhere to be found, so I just went to bed instead. I woke up early this morning with my Drink of the Week juices flowing (literally and figuratively) and produced this little gem of a cocktail. . .<br /><br />Honey, Drink This!<br /><br />1 6.3 oz bottle of Tart Cranberry Soda<br /><br />Ok. Before I go any further, I know you may not be able to get this stuff, so be creative. Use club soda or tonic water, cranberry juice and maybe a splash of Champagne (if you are sophisticated enough to have splashes of Champagne just laying around). Oh, and please, please let me know if you do get creative and in the process come up with something amazing. I'll be sure to post it.<br /><br />1 oz Barenjager Honey Liqueur<br />2 oz Aperol<br />2 oz white wine ( i used some pinot grigio i had open, try whatever you like and let me know).<br /><br />Combine ingredients in a glass, stir and fill with ice. Garnish with a blood orange slice (not because it's relevant, but because you can. remember, you are a foodie)<br />drink and enjoy.jen gotchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15294659378330848707noreply@blogger.com6