Trader Joe-san's Sparkling Saki--Instant, Easy Entertaining

If you ever just want to invite the gang over, here's the perfect easy and delicious cocktail and appetizer. Trader Joe-san's Sparkling Saki and Coconut Curry Chicken Stix or Lemongrass Chicken Stix have you entertaining in minutes.

The sparkling saki is delicious. It's bubbly and refreshing with a crisp, clean taste. I know it sounds weird, but even my husband liked it. He's a hard palate to please, so I was thrilled to find something that meets his approval.

Hit the freezer section of Trader Joe's for many frozen appetizers that look and taste fancy. Coconut Curry Stix or Lemongrass Chicken Stix are the perfect pairing for the sparkling saki. Pop them in the oven and off you go. Enjoy!

Pomegranate Power

Pomegranate Sangria

There is nothing more satisfying than having a cocktail and at the same time getting a healthy dose of antioxidants. Pomegranate juice is delicious and rich in vitamins A, C, E and iron. While the fruit itself has an ancient history, its health benefits are making modern headlines. When you combine these benefits with its fruity, tart and delicious taste, pomegranate juice makes for a smart cocktail ingredient. We're all for savvy indulgences.


Pomegranate Cosmopolitan

ice cubes

1/4 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice
1-1/4 oz. Citron Vodka
1/4 oz. Cointreau
1/4 oz. Pomegranate Juice

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake well. Strain and serve in a chilled glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.


Pomegranate Sangria

1 bottle dry red wine
12 oz. Pomegranate Juice
1 cup Cointreau or Gran Marnier
1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1 orange, sliced, washed
1 lime, sliced, washed

In a large pitcher or bowl, combine all ingredients. Chill at least 6 hours or overnight.
Serve in glasses with fruit.

VeeV Cocktails: A Refreshing Drink For Warm Weather

One of the perks of writing a little cocktail blog is spending time at the local BevMo looking for new and interesting things. When I read that inside this tall, cool looking bottle is a spirit made from the Acai berry--I had to give it a try. VeeV claims to be a "better way to drink."

Acai (pronounced ah-SIGH-ee) is the Brazilian national fruit. Loaded with antioxidants, vitamin C and E, protein and fiber, Acai is thought to be one of the healthiest fruits on the planet. Research varies on this claim, but we are talking about an alcoholic spirit, not a diet plan. Veev is also blended with all natural ingredients like prickly pear and acerola cherry.

VeeV also gets bonus points for being active in raising awareness, resources and support for the Brazilian Rainforest and the safe harvest of Acai. As an eco-friendly business, Veev's production is carbon neutral and sustainable. All of these things make the this a hip, responsible choice.

We tried Veev cocktails last weekend. With a refreshing and light berry taste, Veev makes a fabulous afternoon cocktail for warm weather.

The Diva Veev Cocktail

• 1 oz Veev
• 1/8 of a lime squeezed
• ice ( two or three cubes)
• sparkling water, club soda or perrier
  

Add Veev, lime juice and ice to champagne glass. Fill with sparkling water and stir to mix. Garnish with a lime slice. Easy, light and refreshing.

Double Affogato

Affogato means drowned in Italian and is the name given to a dessert that consists of vanilla ice cream and a shot of espresso. The ice cream is "drowned" in espresso and you end up with a lovely dessert - or food group, depending on your mood.

Now, if you wish to elevate this dessert even further, this recipe would be considered a Double Affogato. In addition to the espresso, a shot of alcohol is poured over the ice cream, therefore doubly drowning the dessert. Under certain circumstances this could be considered a meal in itself.

Double Affogato
Serves 1

2 scoops of high quality vanilla bean ice cream
1 shot of espresso
Splash of liqueur such as Frangelica, Galliano or Kahlua

Optional garnish: a dollop of whipped cream and/or dark chocolate shavings

To Make:
In a goblet or glass add 2 scoops of ice cream. Pour espresso over. Pour liqueur over.
Top with optional garnishes. Enjoy!

Superbowl Party Drink

Getting ready for the Superbowl? Try serving this drink during the game. Delicious, well-fortified, and guaranteed to wind-up the fans.

Tequila-Spiked Cider with Cranberry and Lime Serves 6-8

5 cups apple cider
1 3-inch cinnamon stick
4 cloves
1 cup cranberry juice cocktail
1/2 cup tequila
1/4 cup triple sec
Lime slices for garnish

In a medium saucepan, stir together cider, cinnamon and cloves. Simmer covered 10 minutes. Remove cinnamon and cloves. Add cranberry juice and heat until hot, without boiling. Remove from heat. Stir in tequila and triple sec. Pour into mugs or thermoses. Garnish mugs with lime slices.

Pinot Noir Gift List: 6 Sunset Picks for 2008

If Merlot is a Labrador Retriever, than Pinot Noir is Paris Hilton's teacup Chihuahua. A diamond collar, private car and driver is definitely in order.  It is a snobby grape that has to be perfect and handled with skill, or you can immediately taste it. 

My own husband loves Pinot Noir.  I'm often like a deer in the headlights once I'm in the store trying to pick a nice bottle for a gift.  I'm good with our usual everyday wine, but when I do want to spend the extra money for something special, I want it to be just that...special.

So here are Sunset's Pinot Noir Picks for 2008--just so that you and I can have it handy for the Pinot Noir lovers on our lists.

1.  Domaine Caneros Estate Pinot Noir (Caneros, $35)

2.  Elk Cove Pinot Noir 2006 (Willamette Valley, $29)

3.  Erath "Estate Selection" Pinot Noir 2006  (Dundee Hills, $36)

4.  Handley Pinot Noir 2006 (Mendocino County, $25)

5.  J Vineyards & Winery Robert Thomas Vineyard Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley, $65)

6.  Lynmar Pinot Noir 2006 (Russian River Valley, $40)

Trader Joe's Treasure: Famiglia Marrone

I picked up a bottle of Famiglia Marrone (Piemonte, Barbera) on my last visit to Trader Joe's.  It was on the end of any aisle with TJ's chalkboard hype.  The write up recommended to decant it for an hour to enjoy it to its fullest.  

That night for dinner I decanted the wine early.  I made dinner while I watched it's brilliant deep, red hue tempt me from afar.  After a full hour, it was time to give it a try.  The wine was tasty and full bodied with lots of dark cherry and chocolate.  

Yum, give it a try!

Belated Christmas Cookie Recipe

Hi, just wanted to share this with our Diva friends out there. I know it's too late for Christmas, but, darn, just got my Visa bill and I'm thinking about making these right now!

Jose Cuervo Cookies

serves one

1 cup of water
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup of sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup of brown sugar
4 large eggs
1 cup nuts
2 cups of dried fruit
1 bottle Jose Cuervo Tequila

To make:
Sample the Cuervo to check quality.
Check the Cuervo again, to be sure it is of the highest quality, pour one level cup and drink.

Turn on the electric mixer. Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl.
Add one peastoon of sugar. Beat again.
At this point it's best to make sure the Cuervo is still ok - try a nother cup just in case.

Turn off the mixerer thingy.
Break 2 leggs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup of dried fruit.
Pick the frigging fruit off the floor.
Mix on the turner.
If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaters just pry it loose with a drewscriver.
Sample the Cuervo to check for tonsisticity.

Next, sift two cups of salt, or something. Who geeves a sheet.
Check the Jose Cuervo.
Now shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts. Add one table.
Add a spoon of sugar, or somefink. Wh atever you can find.

Greash the oven.
Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall over.
Don't forget to beat off the turner.

Finally, throw the bowl through the window, finish the Cose Juervo and make sure to put the stove in the wishdasher.
Cherry Mistmas !

Substance with Bubbles

Crostini with Fig, Mozzarella, Crispy Prosciutto, Basil

Resolution for 2009:  Drink more bubbly.

Now that we have toasted in the New Year why stop drinking sparkling wine?  Champagne is delicious, but for more everyday drinking try a Prosecco, Italy's version of bubbly.  On average 10-20 dollars a bottle, this sparkling wine is a keeper.  And to keep all those bubbles from going to your head, combine the wine with any number of starters and dishes.  Try a selection of cheese, a platter of crostini, a festive starter of Shrimp Salsa, an elegant Lobster Bisque or a simple platter of Prosciutto and Melon. 

Happy New Year!