Spiked Watermelon

This summer treat is my most favourite thing....

It's simple enough... Let me explain....

First, find the perfect watermelon... I get a big one and use half as "Mommy's Treat" and half for the family to enjoy sans booze.

Here's how to pick the best watermelon:

So how do you pick the perfect melon? Some people try their luck with a pick-and-go method. It’s like a drive by watermelon-napping. Picking one up and shaking it never works. Some people just lack the confidence to pick a good one and go for the pre-cut, pre-packaged watermelon. Pitiful, to say the least.

Next time you find yourself on a watermelon hunt, refer to the following tips to nab a sweet one.

When picking the right melon one should:

First check its shape. Symmetry is the key.

Pay attention to its weight. Watermelons are mostly water so a heavier melon means a juicier melon.

Press the skin of the watermelon in various places of its surface. A good melon will not have any soft spots. Get one that’s as hard as a rock.

Notice the color. A darker green color outside offers a sweeter melon inside.

To check for ripeness, look for the sweet spot. Search for a yellow spot on the melon. This is where it sat during its growth period. The yellowish color indicates ripeness.

Lastly, smack it like it’s a bongo drum. Listen for an empty drum-like sound. Like a “Toom-Toom” sound. If it just makes a dense thud sound, set it down and test another one.

That’s it, simple enough. You can now confidently pick out a delicious watermelon for all to enjoy, perfect for the summer heat.

Bring your watermelon home and chop up what you need.

I cut just the edible part to marinade (why waste booze in the rind)

Put in a tupperware container with a few shots of booze and some water (enough to submerge the melon, I usually do a quarter of the container in alcohol and the rest water for a fresh taste that isn't too overwhelming)

Put lid on and refridgerate for an hour or so. (Sometimes I eat right away but the longer you leave it the more saturated the melon is in boozey deliciousness)

Note - Do not leave more than a day, it gets soggy and starts to go bad in my experience.

Eat!!!

I personally love Snirinoff Green Apple Vodka as my alcohol of choice, the apple tastes great with the melon.

You can add more alcohol than water if you wish but I did all booze the first time and it was too potent to enjoy (but got me hammered pretty quickly)

If you are just wanting a refreshing snack, use more water than alcohol.

Mix it up and try different flavours.

This is my own version of spiked watermelon after too many wasted and messy whole watermelons spiked (with the hole cut in the melon and the booze dripping in it over night)

My way is faster and more of a marinade :)

The best on a hot day - delicious, sweet, refreshing!

Just keep it away from the kids (lke jello shots, I always keep the boozey ones out of kids reach and ensure the children have their own alcohol free versions!!)

Can't be at the Games? Host your own Olympic Party

Not everyone can get to the games, but enjoying and celebrating the Olympics is easy to do from home.

First of all, the games are played (and replayed) all day on almost every channel. Invite some friends over and let the party begin...

Food:

Ask friends choose a country and make a dish that is authentic to that country. A variety of ethnic food will help everyone get into the spirit. Or choose a country you are rooting for and doo all the foods from that one country.

I root for Canada so I would make poutine, pancakes with Maple Syrup and maybe some smoked salmon ha ha ha. - - - OK - - - I am joking... mostly.

But there are many countries with such delicious food, it would be fun.

Beverages:

You have to have booze. Again, you could base your drinks on a particular country (I would say Canadian Whiskey for example) but why stop there?

Make Olympic Medal Martini's in Gold, Silver and Bronze.

Try drinks with your favourite countries flag colours.

Garnish with mini flag stir sticks or toothpicks (you can usually find at the dollar store)

Decorations:

Flags is the easy answer, big ones, small ones, a variety of ones... though you can use items from whatever sport you are watching to get into the spirit.

At a hockey party I had people over with their hockey masks and sticks with Canada Flags on them.... Very Fun!

Just don't use the olympic rings - Vanoc will get you ;)

Celebration:

As if the food and booze weren't enough... I have coloured sparklers and some fireworks in which I use to celebrate. When Canada got their first Gold (Love you Alex Bilodeau) we set off the red and gold while my daughter had red sparklers sizzling as she drew shapes in the sky wearing her Canada Jersey.

Of course hooting and hollering and screaming and cheering works well too ;)

So, no matter where you are - enjoy the Olympics and Celebrate!

DIPS for CHIPS

I will use this as a spot to link all my recipes for dips and sauces.

Check back often.

Superbowl Sunday

What are your superbowl plans?

I am having the annual Superbowl Party where my husband makes super-hot-wings, stuffed jalepeno peppers, and other tasty treats.

We have football mugs, trays, plates, napkins, you name it

We basically begin drinking at noon, make a ton of appies, invite friends over with appies in hand to share and we all drink, pig out, and yell at the big screen.

I am rooting for the Saints this year. I have spent a lot of time in New Orleans and I also love the story. They've played amazingly, they've overcome so much and they are my team. I think if Colts were against anyone except the Saints or the Hawks I would cheer for them, but that's not the situation.

So this SUnday no matter what you are doing I hope you tune into the game and cheer for your team.... I will be decked out in Gold and Black GO SAINTS GO!

CLICK HERE TO SEE AMAZING INSPIRATIONAL VIDEO FOR THE SAINTS TEAM

Left Over Turkey

We usually do Turkey at my parents and don't have left-overs, which is a shame, because I love left over turkey dinner food... you can do so much with it - here are some suggestions...

Sandwich

Turkey (I prefer white meat personally) with stuffing, cranberry sauce and gravy... delish!

Soup

This is really simple, you can make your own broth using the turkey bones or use canned and add your meat, veggies and whatnot... Mmmm

Casserole

Bake turkey, stuffing, gravy and veggies and top with cranberry sauce... you can also add rice or potatoes to this... do it in layers works best, but a mix-mash is ok also.

Sometimes I will add veggies to the casserole for some variety (I mean, how many days can you really eat yams, turnips and brussell sprouts? honestly, I can't even eat them one day, I dislike ALL of those veggies and those are the ones my momma makes, so typically I make carrots, corn, green beans... but to each their own)

If you want unique ideas try This Website with a ton of recipes for you and your left-over turkey dinner.

Christmas Parties

Last year I tried to go to 3 holiday parties in one evening and made it to one. A mixture of alcohol and snow prevented me from getting to all of them in one evening.

This year I limited myself to two an evening. Weekends are busy and December only has a few weekends before the holidays, so they get pretty packed.

There are different kinds of Holiday Parties I attended this year, work, friends, family, acquaintences.... bars, houses, halls, resturants..... large, small, intimate, professional..... but all had amazing food, delicious drinks and great company.



Here are some things I look for at Holiday Parties:

Star Cookies - My friend Sarah makes these tiny gingerbread star cookies. She sandwiches them together with home-made carmel and they are delicious! Every year she saves me some, even if I can't make her annual shindig (I did make it this year!!! and was rewarded with EXTRA star cookies - SCORE!)

Fondue - fondue parties are so much fun... I am lucky to have a bunch of fondue stuff but haven't hosted a fondue party (yet). The first one I went to was the best a couple years ago they had three tables of fondue set up with everything you can imagine. I will do a fondue party post soon I promise.

Music - I like classic Christmas Music playing softly in the background, nothing loud or overpowering, my fave part of holiday parties (besides great food and drink) is mingling and chatting with people.

Festive Decor - I am not saying go nuts, but if it's a holiday party, we need some lights, greenery and red or gold colour themes people!

Naniamo Bars - Any home-made version of this is amazing, store bought is ok the rest of the year, but at Christmas, home-made it is.

Artichoke & Asiago Dip - I go crazy for this stuff.

Spinach Dip & Sourdough - What can I say? I am a dippy girl... I love dips, fondue, sauces.... Spinach Dip is a classic appie but I can make an AMAZING dip that an old friend taought me years ago. I will post the recipe soon.

Eggnog - Holiday Must. Avec Booze.

Alcohol - I like a wide selection. If it's a bar or restaurant it's all good, house parties should have a variety of booze or let guests know to BYOB. I often Bring a bottle of my fave when i go to a dinner party or house part, or if I host I plan a feature drink and have a wide selection of alternatives... I also tell people to bring a bottle for the bar that way we have even more variety and everyone can help themselves. Beer Drinkers... you are outta luck, I am not a beer drinker, I usually have a case in the fridge for my hubby and that's that.

Tarts - A typical dessert but if done right are memorable and a sweet treat & easy to serve at parties, less mess than cake or pie or other desserts.

Meat - Sausage Rolls, Swedish Meatballs, boneless wings, anything bite-size and hearty... I am all for vegetarian alternatives but we need to keep the carnivores happy also. I was a vegetarian for 10 years, but now, meat is on the menu always.

Safe Ride Home - If it's a small party, spare rooms, DD's or transit/cab ride home should be available or planned. Larger parties I think cab vouchers are a great neccessity, though I hope everyone is responsible enough to plan ahead and plan a safe way home.

I know that's fairly random and broad but those are the things I like most and/or need from Holiday Parties.

Cosmo Varies from bartender to bartender....

Saturday Evening I went to a friend's birthday bash at an Irish Pub and although they allegedly had superb food [a friend had Bangers & Mash that was apparently delish...look at this photo, mmmm...]

They didn't have martini's *gasp* The server, who I actually knew through a mutual friend, said "Well, I could probably make a cosmo"

*gasp* I can't imagine what an Irish Pub's version of a cosmo might be.... I opted for whiskey... I do like whiskey... but I am not a beer drinker [despite the numerous beers they had available... their whiskey selection was equally impressive]

Anyways, it got me thinking, of just how different a cosmo is at different bars... I mean it SHOULD be straight forward, but too often people mix, adjust and create.... and I love it...

Here are a few of my fave versions of the popular Cosmopolitan Martini:

#1
-8 parts vodka
-2 parts cranberry juice
-1 part lime cordial
-1 part triple sec

Garnish with a Lemon Twist.

#2
-4 parts citron vodka
-3 parts triple sec
-1 part carnberry
-1 part lemon juice

Garnish with a Lemon Slice

#3
-2 parts vodka
-1 part triple sec
-1 part lime cordial
-1 part cranberry juice

Garnish with a lime wedge

#4
-8 parts vodka
-4 parts triple sec
-1 part lime juice

Garnish with a citrus slice or wedge.

#5
-8 parts vodka
-8 parts carnberry juice
-4 parts lime juice
-4 parts grand marnier

Garnish with a Lime Twist.

Stuffed Baby Yorkies

I had never had a home-cooked roast beef dinner until last year.

Shocking to many, we just didn't do the big, fancy, roast dinners growing up and our holidays often consisted of Turkey or Hams.

Of course I had roast beef sandwiches and what not but last year my friend invited me to her parent's for dinner, where her mom, who makes roasts weekly, cooked an amazing Roast Beef Dinner with all the fixings! It was amazing!



Now, I understand a roast takes time and effort, in which I have neither, but this is one of my fave roast beef appies to order when I go to St James Well in Port Moody, BC

Stuffed Baby Yorkies
Baby yorkshire puddings stuffed with shaved
beef and topped with horseradish cream,
au jus for dipping $10.00

These are cute little mini-yorkshire puddings filled with roast beef.

I first had them when I went in 2006 with a bunch of co-workers for a social event. The boss bought a selection of appetizer samplers and although it was all enjoyable, those mini-yorkies still haunt me and taunt me into a quick pub night in Port Moody.

Let me also add that I love pub food. Often you find certain pubs that make exceptional items and being the appetizer whore that I am.... I love pubs with friends for martini's and appies.... heaven!

St James Well also offers Traditional Poutine, Crab & Avocado Tostados, along with a variety of other appetizers, salads, entree's and Traditional Irish Food (yes, Bangers & Mash is on the menu)

Yes I am an appetizer whore.... and pub food always tempts me .... if you are in or near Port Moody, BC, I suggest popping by Newport Village and trying these yummy Stuffed Baby Yorkies

Red Robin Fave

My absolute favourite burger at Red Robin is the California Chicken Burger. Not just for the guacamole..... but the bacon, the tender chicken breast and the bottomless french fries.... which, I forgot when I was there earlier, can come as a poutine now.... Mmmmm.....

I went to Red Robin for dinner with one of my besties for our usual chit chat eats. caught up on the gossip then came to my place to hang out.

Something about the California Chicken Burger always makes me happy....

And the bottomless fries... so unhealthy but so tastey.... I like to dip them in Ranch, Plum Sauce and Hot Buzz Sauce.

**PS - Poutine and Plum Sauce are both quite Canadian... if you do not know what they are click the links for details!

Guacamole

View all Guacamole Recipes Here

Those who know me know how much I love guacamole. I always crave it. I always order extra and I always add it to any food I can. This is the first, but certainly not the last time I will have something about Guacamole on this blog.... deal with it.



I love chunky guacamole, home-made with lot's of bits of tomato and extra lime and a bit of cilantro.

My first time in Mexico my husband and I were drunk off too much tequilla and wandered into a little beach front Taco Shop. We ordered some fajita's to share and I asked for Guacamole.

Turns out, Guacamole is an entire meal in itself.... they brought me out this massive plate of green gooeyness. It was awesome.

Chips and Tortilla Shells went flying as I gobbled up that green goodness.

I have dozens of recipies for guacamole but I am not picky, as long as it isn't that "gucacmole dip" they try to sell at the local supermarket, I am happy.

View all Guacamole Recipes Here

Frogstone Grill makes it right at your table and I literally go there JUST FOR THAT. They bring the avocado and salt and pepper and jalepeno's and lime and tomato and cilantro and mash it up to your tasting... freaking AWESOME!

Mmmm.. I even had guacamole with dinner tonight and just talking about it makes me want more.....

You've been warned!

View all Guacamole Recipes Here

Sip Resto Lounge

Sip Resto Lounge is a wonderful lil' lounge on Granville Street in downtown Vancouver.

Though Granville St. is home to the night clubs in the evening and a questionable crowd in the daylight, Sip Resto offers an ambience and relaxed setting with delicious and unique food.


Their uniqueness is that everything they cook contains alcohol.

From the Seven Cheesey Dip (7 cheeses, sun-dried tomato, spinach and glenfiddich served with a pita for dipping at $14) to the Thyme Chicken Fettucini (with cherry tomatos, capers, lemon, grilled asparagus, fresh basil, asiago, and a chardonnay cream sauce for $18) to the Pina Colada Prawns (with bacardi glaze and malibu dip at $12) EVERYTHING has alcohol in it to some extent.

Some of the flavours are interestingly paired, but much of the food I have tried there is absolutely delicious.

The staff is friendly for the most part and it can get quite packed on weekend evenings (the venue itself is quite small and narrow - with next to no bathroom space)

I have been with a few friends and we really enjoyed their selection and variety. It's fun to take out of town guests or first - timers there also and boast "everything has alcohol in it so be prepared"

Let me know if you go and what you like best.