Friday, May 23, 2014

Cocktail Friday: Rhubarb Tom Collins

This is a delicious twist on the classic Tom Collin’s using rhubarb that is just now in season and the very first of Cindy’s mint crop. This drink is perfect for spring because it is light and refreshing. 

As most of you know we are big supporters of local products so if you aren't lucky enough to have a rhubarb plant in your backyard check out your farmer's market. 


This drink turns out to be a beautiful pink color! 


Cheers!

Rhubarb Tom Collins
Makes 1 Cup
Prepare Rhubarb Simple Syrup
2 cups chopped rhubarb 
( to prepare rhubarb wash and discard any leave
Chop into 1/2 in pieces)
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
3 TBSP Fresh Squeezed Lemon or Lime Juice 
(We recommend not using concentrated lemon juice because the flavor isn't as strong)

Place all ingredients in a sauce pan and slowly bring to a boil. Reduce temperature to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes, gently stirring occasionally. Remove from burner and let cool for 20 minutes. You can speed up cooling time by placing in the refrigerator. Once the syrup is cooled strain the mix through a fine sieve or cheesecloth to remove large rhubarb pieces. 

**Don't discard the Rhubarb. It is delicious mixed into yogurt! 

Now for the drink!

2 oz high quality gin 
1 oz rhubarb simple syrup
1/2-1 oz. fresh lemon juice
ice
splash of tonic water

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice add gin, rhubarb simply syrup, and lemon juice. Shake and pour into a Tom Collins glass. Top with a splash of tonic water. Garnish with a sprig of mint. 

Enjoy!

...And if you are interested in how a Tom Collin's got its name read this short article

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Goldie Turns 3!




The Birthday Girl

Goldie turned three in March.  Her list was short when asked what she wanted: balloons, flowers, cupcakes with sprinkles, a new party dress, a crown and lots of presents! She also wanted to go to Hawaii but unfortunately that did not happen. She is related to us, for sure!

Custom Banner by Skylar




The Two Most Serious Party Guests



The Ladies!

The Bubbly!





The salad was green leaf lettuce with cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, Ballard feta, and creamy Italian dressing.
Creamy Italian
§  ¼ Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
§  ¼ Cup Red Wine Vinegar
§  ¼ Cup Mayo
§  1 tsp. each dried basil, oregano, parsley
§  Dash of cane sugar and pinch of salt
*Experiment with these ingredients depending on how creamy you want your dressing to be.

The Kitchen Staff


Fettuccini Alfredo Topped with Oregon Pink Shrimp
Goldie is a huge pasta fan so when given her choice for dinner she chose a dish that we featured before.  See Ladies’ Valentine Party.
Vanilla Cupcakes with Butter Crème Frosting and Gold Sprinkles





Yes! We forgot the birthday candles! She was happy anyway!