Long a staple of Puerto Rican holiday celebrations, coquito which affectionately translates to “little coconut” makes for a festive sip in any climate. Often appearing after Thanksgiving straight through Christmas to Three Kings Day, family visitors and guests are always offered a shot of the sweet, tropical “nog” no matter the time of day. Stateside,... Continue Reading →
drinks&nibbles: Cranberry Holiday Punch and Goat Cheese Balls
It’s been far too long since I’ve stumbled upon a majestic cheese ball on a holiday buffet or been offered a dangerously delicious glass of punch. Famously make-ahead, these classic recipes were developed to free up a host's hands and encourage communal noshing. Sharing family gossip, bonds are strengthened while buttering a crumbly cracker or... Continue Reading →
drinks&nibbles: Beer Cocktails and Brats-in-a-Blanket
On a crisp autumn day in 1810, on a field just outside city gates of Munich, a festival was held to celebrate the nuptials of the Crown Prince. Over two centuries later, world-famous “Oktoberfest” continues to grow. For 16 to 18 days (depending on the Calendar) at the end of September through the first week... Continue Reading →
drinks&nibbles: Hibiscus Palomas and Cochinta Pibil
Though CancĂşn and Cozumel might immediately come to mind when thinking of the Yucatán Peninsula, the real charm lies in the smaller towns dotting the ocean with their brightly-colored houses and shops lining cobblestoned streets, active since the conquistadors. In this vibrant but laid back region, there is a strong beachy vibe evident even in... Continue Reading →
Limoncello
Some of the fondest memories of my young life include evenings spent with family and friends dining by candlelight for hours at Cecilia’s farm in Southern Italy. A true Baroness and always gracious hostess, ever-enterprising Cecilia turned her water buffalo (as in mozzarella di bufala) estate into a thriving agriturismo, or farm-inn. I was fortunate... Continue Reading →
out&about: Sarasota Tiki Bar Hop
CASEY KEY FISH HOUSE & TIKI BAR * 801 Blackburn Point Road, Osprey, FL Sitting on wooden barstools covered in a garish thick yellow vinyl, conversation was easy going with Aly, the only bartender on duty on this humid summer afternoon. When asked for their most popular drink, she didn’t hesitate: “Rum Runner!” After just... Continue Reading →
drinks&nibbles: Prosciutto Straws and Melon Balls
The joys of summer are best served…uncomplicated. Simple flavor profiles and almost impossibly easy preparations rule the dog days. Borrowing from the classic Italian combination of ripe, juicy melon and savory cured ham, these recipes will have you by the pool or in the gadern with friends in under twenty minutes. Midori, an almost retro,... Continue Reading →
drinks&nibbles: Spritz and Venetian Wafers
These are the exciting, early days! You will no doubt notice as more and more articles are added to this delicious space every Wednesday afternoon that common themes will naturally emerge. As they pull towards each other, sections will form into solid categories, even chapters. So today, let me introduce to you one of my... Continue Reading →