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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Apple Cider Sangria

Perfect Pairing:  Frozen cranberries

 

Two weekends ago I went to the Food Network in Concert Festival at Ravinia.  My parents bought the tickets last May at a charity event, and I had been looking forward to it for months.  During the day there were 50+ chefs and wineries serving, and at night Phillip Phillips and John Mayer played a concert.  Win win.

I’ve been to other food festivals, so I had a pretty good idea what to expect.  This event was by far the best one I’ve ever attended.  Ravinia was an ideal venue because you never felt cramped (except for the 15 minutes of rain when everyone crowded under the tent) and you were always wondering what was around the next corner, like an Airstream speakeasy serving Don Julio Lavendar Palomas and Spicy Margaritas!

There were a few celebrity sightings including Fabio Viviani and a handful of Food Network celebrities.  Ina Garten was not there, unfortunately.  That would have been a highlight!

The food was incredible.  I think my favorite bite was a corn and coconut chilled chowder from Graham Elliot and a seared scallop from…. well I can’t remember where that was from.  It was amazing.  The vendors did not skimp on portion sizes or quality ingredients.  Another favorite was a healthy slice of foie gras with candied bacon and hazelnuts.  Ridiculous.

We lucked out with the weather.  It was warm,  but they predicted a 60-80% chance of showers.  We came prepared with a tarp.

I think we had about 10 raindrops hit us and and then the rest of the day and night was ideal. 

I am loving Fall in the Midwest this year.  We have had some beautiful summer-like days.  Over the weekend I visited my parents at the lake and enjoyed 80+ degree days.  On a whim I decided to make a fall-ish cocktail, even though it was not quite nippy outside.  This Apple Cider Sangria is a WINNER.

Chilled white wine is mixed with apple cider, brandy, fruit and cinnamon sticks. 

The cinnamon sticks and brandy add a spicy warmth that sets this drink apart from typical sangria. 

I threw in some frozen cranberries.  Not only do they act as little ice cubes, they also add great color.  I actually like chomping down on the cranberries, but that might not be for everyone.  You can also squeeze a few into your glass.

Apple Cider Sangria is going to be a new fall staple!

One year ago on Perfecting the Pairing: Coconut Curry Hummus

Two years ago on Perfecting the Pairing: Smoked Salmon Breakfast

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Grapefruit Mojitos

Perfect Pairing:  Wooden spoon

Grapefruit mojitos are my official summer drink of 2014.  Fresh mint is muddled with fresh lime juice and a touch of sugar, then mixed with white rum, ruby red grapefruit juice and club soda.  Serve over ice and you have a ridiculously delish and refreshing summer drink.  AND, and and and, it is pink.  I love a pink drink.

I am not a fan of overly sweet drinks, so I don’t use much sugar in this recipe.  Feel free to increase the sugar if you like it sweet.  You could also replace the club soda with Fresca or Sierra Mist. 

Mint is a notoriously hearty plant, so if you are growing it this summer you probably have an excess of the fresh herb. My mom has a thriving mint plant that is always just begging to be trimmed down.  I am happy to use the harvest in a big batch of mojitos!

A few years ago when we purchased a bottle of Barcardi rum it came with a muddler.  I love this little tool, but if you don’t have one you can certainly use a wooden spoon to get the job done.

One year ago on Perfecting the Pairing: Nutella Crunch Ice Cream Cake

Two years ago on Perfecting the Pairing: Lemon Trifle

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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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4th of July Recipes

I say this every year, but I really need summer to slow the heck down!  It is my absolute favorite season and it always goes by way too fast.  I can hardly believe Independence Day is this week.  The weather forecast in the Midwest looks great and I plan on taking full advantage of it.  My best friend is coming for a visit and I can’t wait to spend time with her and her sweet family!  There is sure to be lots of laughing, good food, great stories, family, friends, sunshine, and celebration.

Our menu planning for the holiday weekend is well underway.  Here are some ideas for your parties! 

 
Grapefruit Margaritas – Refreshing and summery

Chicken Sausage Appetizer – Only two ingredients and a surefire hit!

Caramelized Onion Dip – If you bring this to a party you will be going home with an empty bowl. 

Corn and Avocado Salsa – My personal favorite

Jicama and Chile Lime Salt – Fresh, healthy, spicy and delicious

Crunchy Asian Noodle Salad – Perfect for a crowd

Coconut Curry Grilled Pineaple – Throw this on the grill with your hot dogs, hamburgers, and chicken breasts. 

Summer Corn Salad – Fresh corn, bacon, caramelized onions, avocado, and garden basil make this irresistible. 

Fruit Pizza Cookies – Festive and fun for the kids!

Lemon Trifle – Surprisingly light and fabulous

Strawberry Pie – An American classic

 

Happy Independence Day!

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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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St. Germain Champagne Cocktail, or Fantasy Pants

Perfect Pairing:  Holiday celebration

I have mentioned before how much I love having my girlfriends over for our famous “get-togethers”.  They are always filled with good food, friends, stories, and laughs.  It has become a bit of a tradition for me to host the Christmas get-together.  I always decorate my place so I try to plan parties so I can force others to enjoy it. 

I met these wonderful girls while working at the same company, and we were fortunate enough to have some amazing travel experiences that bonded us.  I can’t believe we have all known each other for almost 8 years!  Where does the time go?

A couple of years ago, before one of our Christmas parties, we were emailing about what everyone was going to contribute.  I mentioned that I was going to make a champagne cocktail with rosemary.  One of my friends wrote back and said, “Ooh! Fantasy Pants!”  I thought that was kind of odd, but also kind of a cute name for a drink…. I guess.  I had no idea where she came up with it but I was going with it.  When she showed up at the party I asked her about it and we realized she was trying to write “Fancy Pants” but that darn auto correct had a different plan and she sent it off without realizing it. 

That original cocktail was just so-so, but I really love this version.  It deserves the name Fantasy Pants.  I have had St. Germain recently in a few cocktails and really liked it, so that was my inspiration for this drink.  St. Germain is a French liqueur made from elderflower blossoms.  Sounds tasty, right?  St. Germain is mixed with fresh lime juice and homemade rosemary simple syrup and then topped off with sparkling wine or champagne.  This cocktail is really refreshing and not too sweet.  The subtle hint of rosemary makes it a perfect drink for the holiday season.  I am definitely keeping Fantasy Pants in my repertoire.   

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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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