Tipsy Tuesday: Beverages for a Crowd

A jello mold that serves 20 is one thing. Spirits for a dozen is something different altogether! My mom bestowed this bevy of beverages ala Calvert Whiskey and Wabel's Liquor Store circa 1960 this weekend.We're throwing a little to-do, and I want to add some ta-daa at our modest bar. I'm thinking punch will be a pleaser - who could argue with Chapter 3?!

Like a bowl of:
Stirrup Cup
1 pint light rum
1 1/2 oz brown sugar
3 oz lime juice
6 oz pineapple juice

Serve in punch bowl with ice. Provide highball glasses filled with cracked ice and decorated with lemon peel spiral.

There are so many swell suggestions for 'home entertaining' in this handbook, it's perfection when it comes to party planning. I'd be a fool not to consult these professionals for my party.

What are your party plans?

Molds for the Masses

Kay Savage was the Dear Abby of her day. In an if-you-give-a-hoot-about-the-Detroit-Free-Press foodie kind of way. And in the back of her kinda-cookbook, Recipes From The Tower Kitchen, there is a Q & A that totally made my day.

Q--Have you a molded vegetable salad that will serve about 20?

A--[blah blah blah]...Good results can be obtained by molding this mixture in two ring molds. The centers may be used to hold small bowls of salad dressing if you wish.

Vegetable Perfection Salad
4 cans condensed beef consomme
4 pkgs lemon-flavored gelatin [why, oh why must beef be paired with lemon jello?]
2 1/2 c cold water
1/3 c lemon juice
4 hard cooked eggs, sliced
1 1/2 c sweet mix pickles, chopped
4 c shredded carrot
3 c thinly sliced celery
1/4 c chopped pimento

Do you really, really, really want me to post the instructions? I would let my stomach turn for you if you told me you wanted me to.

Please don't.

WTF?!? Friday: Shaken - not stirred.

The BH&G Blender Book does it again...
But what the hell has it done?

Corn. In. Space.

It came from outer space.And it was corn.
And Reynolds Wrap swore you could cook it with microwave energy. Because micro-waves can't penetrate aluminum foil.
But doesn't it throw sparks? Even from this duct-taped chicken?

Back in '79 no one thought so. And I can only assume that they were talking about their new pacemaker while cooking 'Stirrable Ham Stew' under foil on the corded telephone to their cousin, Shirl.

Why don't we live dangerously anymore?

Tipsy Tuesday[eve]: You Dirty Rat

I've been hanging out with some cool cats after hours.Anyone else read this bio? It really is swingin'. And it'll drive you to drink - in a good way. Inspiring the return of Tipsy Tuesday, we all have Sammy Davis, Jr. to thank - and his true love.
White Lady
2oz Dry London Gin
1/2 oz Cointreau
1/2 oz Lemon Juice
1 egg white

Shake. Strain. Pour. Be yourself.

Cranberries. Sauced.

What's a cranberry to do in their off season? Well, looky here...They pose. And sculpt.They surf.And it's all in here. If they only knew.

How did you prep your robust, ruby-red fruity friends last week? I got mine sauced.

Cranberry-Orange Relish
1 Bag fresh cranberries
Zest and juice of 2 medium oranges
1/2 Cup water
1/2 Cup sugar [more to taste]

Dissolve sugar in water and orange juice. Add zest. Add cranberries and boil until skin pops [ouch - those poor little fun-loving tarts]. Simmer for 7 minutes - until sauce thickens. Serve chilled or room temp.

Tasty with our without turkey. I'd spoon it on toast.

A feast for the eyes

Happy Thanksgiving Eve, all! From me & Pilgrim John.

I hope your apron is tied tight -- there's lots of slinging to be done in the kitschen over the next 24! I'm thankful that I get to put my feet up -- we're about to hit the road for the holiday. And I'm thankful that you still check in from time to time. And to show my appreciation, I'll be posting all through the holidays!

Enjoy your family this weekend --- see you sooner than you think!