Valentine's Day is one of our favorite holidays. Not because of the bad candy, the ridiculous stuffed animals, and all the other overdone items you find stocking the shelves but just because we really love the holiday. We especially like to celebrate it with some of our favorite ladies.
What is the holiday without some delicious drinks? We started the night with a strawberry basil martini. We followed that up with some Brut Rose champagne in flutes rimmed with gold sugar.
The martinis take a little advance prep but they are worth every last drop.
Gold Sugar Rimmed Champagne Glasses |
Strawberry Basil Martini |
Strawberry-Basil Martini
- First make the strawberry-basil sauce.
- 1 lb. strawberries, washed, hulled & sliced
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 6-10 basil leaves
- Combine all the ingredients in a small pot over medium heat. Bring to a boil; turn down to a simmer and add basil leaves. Simmer 20-30 minutes. Allow to cool and then blend in your food processor.
For the cocktail-
2 oz good vodka or gin
2 oz strawberry basil syrup
1/2 oz fresh squeezed lime juice.
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker over ice. Shake and then serve straight-up in a martini glass. Garnish with a basil leaf.
The night started with small bites including a cheese and fruit plate and homemade crab dip. Dinner was homemade fettuccine Alfredo with shrimp, salad, and baguette. The night ended with fresh fruit, baked banana wontons, and pound cake dipped in milk chocolate fondue.
It is always fun hanging out with your best girls.
Katie has been begging for the pasta recipe so here it is! Now, it is definitely not a diet dish, but it is worth a splurge once and a while! Please do not try to substitute ingredients either. That will just lead to disappointment.
Homemade Alfredo
1 stick butter
2 cups heavy cream
1/8 tsp. garlic powder
1/8 tsp white pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 pound fresh fettuccine pasta
1 pound baby salad shrimp from the seafood counter, thawed and drained
Melt butter over medium heat. Add cream, pepper, garlic, and simmer 12 minutes stirring constantly. When mixture reaches desired consistency stir in cheese. Keep stirring!
Cook pasta according to directions. You can also use dried pasta but we prefer fresh pasta.
Toss pasta with sauce and gently stir in shrimp. Cook an additional 2-3 minutes or until warm. Serve immediately.
Such a lovely and yummy Valentines Party. The first of it's kind for me~ and hopefully not the last!
ReplyDeleteIt was fun! You are a perfect guest so I imagine there will be invites for years to come.
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