Spicy Pineapple Margaritas

Perfect Pairing:  Good tequila

Since I started Perfecting the Pairing the first blog post each January is something really healthy.  It’s always a recipe to help with those New Year’s Resolutions.  In the past I have posted about a light Berries n’ Cream Dessert, the uber-healthy diet food, Chicken Vegetable Barley Soup, Sweet Sesame Green Beans, and a hearty Spaghetti Squash Pizza Casserole.  This year was to be no different, except life caught up with me and it just didn’t happen.  I did jump right on the healthy bandwagon, it just didn’t quite make it to the blog.

I kept telling myself to do it, but now we are well into January and the healthy resolutions post lost some luster.  Why not move onto something more inviting in these frigid temperatures?  Something that will remind you of being on a beach somewhere.  MARGARITAS.  Not just any margarita, a Spicy Pineapple Margarita with a cinnamon sugar rim.  Yes, please.  Add some guac and the Latin Heat Pandora station and you are basically on vacation. 

I made these margaritas with an incredible tequila, Hotel California Reposado.  It is hands down the best, smoothest tequila I have ever tasted.  It also comes in a gorgeous red glass bottle, which I am obsessed with.

When my parents are on vacation they tend to make friends.  They’ll chat with the staff, the person next to them by the pool, or the person next to them at a restaurant.  I love it!  They have made some wonderful friends through the years.  Last year while in Cabo my mom and I met a beautiful new friend named Paula while relaxing with an ocean view.  After chatting with her and her husband for some time we found out that they own and operate the Hotel California Tequila company.  Their tequila is award winning and highly rated.  The Reposado I used scored 93 points with The Critico Official Tequila Rating Co.  You could sip it on the rocks.  Or, make some quality margaritas.

One year ago on Perfecting the Pairing: Creole Jicama Hash with a Sunny Side Up Egg

Two years ago on Perfecting the Pairing: Southwestern Chicken Slow Cooker Soup

Three years ago on Perfecting the Pairing: Arugula and Parmesan Stuffed Potatoes

Four years ago on Perfecting the Pairing: Lasagna Soup

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Sgroppino Cocktail and a Pinterest Update

Perfect Pairing:  Holiday party     

I really love entertaining in my home around the holidays.  I figure if I am going to decorate my place I want to have someone else there to enjoy it with me.

Last week I had some of my favorite girls over for a holiday get together.  I tried a few new appetizers (stay tuned), and kept some of my old favorites on the menu like everyone’s favorite ham and cheese sliders, roasted vegetable dip, and green herb dip. 

I wanted a unique cocktail to round out the menu.  Last year I made a St. Germain Champagne cocktail, which I loved, but wanted something new.  I knew exactly what to do after seeing Giada make this Sgroppino cocktail on the Food Network.  It is a combination of prosecco, a dash of chilled vodka, and a scoop of lemon sorbet.  Giada added fresh mint, but I did not use it in my version.  It was delicious and refreshing. It would be great at any holiday party.

I don’t know why I waited so long, but I finally joined the ranks of Pinterest users.  I suffer from board envy because mine look pretty bare so far.  I’m excited to fill them up with great recipes and ideas.  

I also created a Perfecting the Pairing Pinterest page.  There is a board for each recipe category and links to every recipe on the site.  I know I love having the visual, so hopefully you will find this helpful as well. 

Also, I changed a few things on my site to make it more pin-friendly.  Now there is a “Pin it” button next to each picture, and a link to Perfecting the Pairing’s boards on the right side.

One year ago on Perfecting the Pairing:  German Sugar Cut-Out Cookies

Two years ago on Perfecting the Pairing:  Chili Spiced Soup with Stoplight Peppers and Avocado Relish

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Hot Buttered Rum

Perfect Pairing:  Winter party

I like to think of myself as a very healthy person and I try to eat nutritious, balanced, and light meals.  Putting butter in drinks typically does not fall into that “healthy living” category.  In defense of this drink, there is not much butter or added sugar when you consider how much this recipe makes.  Does that help?  Ok, so it’s not exactly carrot juice.  Moving on.

Hot Buttered Rum is so delicious and it just sounds welcoming.  It is also slightly dangerous because you can’t even taste the rum. 

I picture myself sipping this toddy in a cozy ski lodge in front of a blazing fire while my gloves and scarf dry nearby.  Did I mention that I haven’t skied in about 15 years?  Fortunately this drink is equally fantastic on any old frosty day!  It is the perfect thing to serve at a winter party.  It also makes your house smell like apples and cinnamon.  Is there a more welcoming aroma? 

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Grapefruit Margaritas

Perfect Pairing:  Summer Party

I just had a wonderful holiday weekend with my family.  Even though we had 100+ degree temperatures we made the most of it with lots of swimming and boating.  We also beat the heat with homemade ice cream, mojitos, and chilled white wine.  It was pretty fantastic!

I am on a grapefruit kick right now.  Once I realized you could peel and eat grapefruits rather than using a specialty spoon, it was on.  It is a labor of love to peel one, but it is worth it in the end.

I don’t love sweet drinks, so this margarita was perfect.  The ruby red grapefruit juice and the triple sec add just enough sweetness, without any other added sugar.  You could blend this with ice but I prefer it on the rocks.  There is a good amount of booze involved, so be careful!

The Perfect Pairing for Grapefruit Margaritas is a summer party.  They are refreshing and perfect for hot weather.  Try these out if you are looking for a variation to the original margarita.  I prefer the grapefruit variety!

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