Slashfood

Slashfood http://www.slashfood.com Slashfood http://www.slashfood.com/media/feedlogo.gif Slashfood http://www.slashfood.com en-us Copyright 2009 Blogsmith, LLC. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Bourbon in the U.S.A. - When Are Mixers Not OK?http://www.slashfood.com/2009/04/14/bourbon-in-the-u-s-a-when-are-mixers-not-ok/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/04/14/bourbon-in-the-u-s-a-when-are-mixers-not-ok/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/04/14/bourbon-in-the-u-s-a-when-are-mixers-not-ok/#commentsFiled under: Parties, Whisky, America, Spirits, Liquor Cabinet, Ingredient Spotlight

Do not come between a Southern gent and his bourbon.

We learned this lesson at a recent NYC party when we observed a Mississippi native seize a bottle of Knob Creek, shake its last drops angrily into a cup and grab a bottle of pricey, small-batch Woodford Reserve only to be outraged to find this also nearly gone. "I knew I should have hidden the good stuff from these people!" he shouted, shaking his fist at the guests he'd invited to his home.

The cause of this maniacal outburst from a mild-mannered gent? Bourbon, and the thought of mixing it with store-bought gingerale. A wide-eyed belle from Jersey had ordered up a whiskey-and-ginger. Since only his finest was left, he delivered the bourbon abomination with a sigh, grumbling about "corn syrup on beautiful whiskey" in a thick accent en route.

Making a whiskey-n-ginger with the best bourbon in the house is where we -- who have certainly enjoyed a Jameson 'n ginger or (hic!) three -- would draw the line. But what does Chris Morris, master distiller at Woodford Reserve (the official whiskey of Derby Day) think?

Slashfood: "A party guest wants to combine supermarket gingerale with your excellent bourbon. Do you flip out?

Morris: "To be quite honest, I think whisky and gingerale is a great drink. Woodford Reserve has hints of ginger and a nice little citrus note and goes well with gingerale, a classic highball. Our response to anybody who thinks it's an insult is the question, 'Well, do you enjoy it?' If the answer is 'yes,' it's perfectly all right. We want make a great first impression, so if that person is a gingerale highball drinker, what better way than with Woodford Reserve in place of your regular bourbon?"

Hmm. Very interesting. What do y'all think:

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]]>bourbonderby dayDerbyDayfeaturedpartieswhiskeyWoodfordwoodford reserveWoodfordReserveAlex Van Buren2009-04-14T15:00:00+00:00Shiitake Mushroom and Wasabi-Ricotta Crostini - Feast Your Eyeshttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/04/07/feast-your-eyes-shiitake-mushroom-and-wasabi-ricotta-crostini/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/04/07/feast-your-eyes-shiitake-mushroom-and-wasabi-ricotta-crostini/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/04/07/feast-your-eyes-shiitake-mushroom-and-wasabi-ricotta-crostini/#commentsFiled under: Parties, Hors D'oeuvres, Snacks, Cheese, Feast Your Eyes, Spring, Sandwiches

Is it just us, or does this look like a canapé Snow White might serve at a party for an assortment of her big-eyed woodland friends and dwarfs? Those mushrooms are practically leaping off the screen, they look so freshly plucked. I bet Disney's tough guys would have scoffed at this chi-chi wasabi-ricotta concoction and gone for burgers and beer instead, though. Not Eating Out In New York (a culinary blog for anyone anywhere) attempted a pretty bold take on a classic appetizer, so let us know if you give it a shot in your kitchen and how it turns out.

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]]>crostinimushroomsshiitakewasabiAlex Van Buren2009-04-07T10:00:00+00:00Live Twittering from Food & Wine's Best New Chefs http://www.slashfood.com/2009/03/31/live-twittering-from-food-and-wines-best-new-chefs/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/03/31/live-twittering-from-food-and-wines-best-new-chefs/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/03/31/live-twittering-from-food-and-wines-best-new-chefs/#commentsFiled under: Parties, Magazines, Celebrations, Celebrities, Food News

You do follow our Twitter @slashfood, don'tcha? The Food & Wine Magazine's Best New Chefs festivities commence at 6:30 p.m. on April 1, and Food & Wine Editor-In-Chief Dana Cowin has been dropping devilish little hints about the winners via Twitter all day long. First person to solve the mystery wins two tickets to tomorrow night's event.

Won't you Tweet with us? If we're really lucky, we'll even post some red-hot guest chef David Chang or "Top Chef" winner Harold Dieterle cell-phone camera action.

Twit-tip: Follow all Best New Chefs posts using #BNC

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]]>best new chefsBestNewChefsbncdana cowinDanaCowindavid changDavidChangfood and winefood and wine magazineFoodAndWineFoodAndWineMagazinekat kinsmanKatKinsmantwitterKat Kinsman2009-03-31T15:30:00+00:00The RSVP Conundrum - Advice Welcomehttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/03/10/the-rsvp-conundrum-advice-welcome/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/03/10/the-rsvp-conundrum-advice-welcome/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/03/10/the-rsvp-conundrum-advice-welcome/#commentsFiled under: Parties, Dinner

party invitation

This weekend, I'm hosting a casual dinner reception following a friend's fiction reading. In the past, I've used Evite and Facebook to create invitations, but the number of responses has been increasingly dismal, so I tried sending an email this time. Out of 40 invitees, only 11 have RSVP'd so far, despite a special request for replies so that I would know how much food to cook.

As a frequent hostess, I find this to be one of the most annoying side effects of the digital age. It's easier to RSVP by email or Facebook than by phone or snail mail, yet most people don't bother. Yet it's still just as wasteful to buy and cook food that nobody eats, and just as embarrassing to run out if extra people show up.

What's a hostess to do? Do I simply delete the incommunicado among my acquaintance from future guest lists? Send nagging emails? Or must I switch back to paper invites if I want to guarantee a courteous reply? Also, I'd be interested to know whether others face this issue, or whether my friends just happen to be particularly ill-mannered.

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]]>RSVPrsvp-etiquetteAmy McDaniel2009-03-10T20:00:00+00:00Come Join Me For Philly Beer Week - March 6 - 15http://www.slashfood.com/2009/03/05/come-join-me-for-philly-beer-week-march-6-15/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/03/05/come-join-me-for-philly-beer-week-march-6-15/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/03/05/come-join-me-for-philly-beer-week-march-6-15/#commentsFiled under: Tastings, Parties, Beer, Festivals, Celebrations, Winter

Being a beer writer isn't as fun and easy as it looks. Most weeks I spend more time staring down a computer than a pint. I do say "most weeks," however. This coming week will not be one of those weeks.

From Friday, March 6th through Sunday, March 15th, Philadelphia will be host to Philly Beer Week 2009 -- a 10 day extravaganza featuring over 650 events from well over 100 participants, including dozens of different breweries and brewers crashing the city limits and some points beyond.

They've tagged the event "America's Best Beer-Drinking City," and though that title can certainly be debated, the official Philly Beer Week website lays out some compelling evidence to back their claim. A quick look at the event map makes you wonder if there's anywhere in Philadelphia not involved in Beer Week and the list of events is nothing short of overwhelming.

I'll be in town tomorrow (Friday) until Wednesday, March 11th, blogging about events along the way. My first stop will be the Opening Tap if you want to come follow me around. But better yet, check out phillybeerweek.org and see what strikes your fancy. As a former Philly resident, so many of these amazing bars have a special place in my heart, I wouldn't even know how to start playing favorites. You'll probably see me everywhere, because almost anywhere you can get to is worth the stop.

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]]>2009americas best beer-drinking citybeer weekphiladelphiaphiladelphia beerphillyphilly beerphilly beer weekphilly beer week 2009speakin sudsMike Pomranz2009-03-05T15:00:00+00:00First Birthday Cakeshttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/02/20/first-birthday-cakes/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/02/20/first-birthday-cakes/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/02/20/first-birthday-cakes/#commentsFiled under: Parties, Baking, Celebrations

My goddaughter turns 1 today and the topic of conversation around her parents' house in recent weeks has been the perfect cake for baby to celebrate her first birthday.

It got me to wondering how parents choose the right cake for that oh-so-special Kodak moment. If you have a kid named Madeline or Lady Baltimore, you can get away with serving an eponymous cake. The rest of us have to weigh taste with what will look best smeared on that beaming butter bean's face. Do you go small or big?

My friends chose to stick with tried and true recipes -- a white cake with raspberry filling, cupcakes and a cheesecake for the adults.

But I'm still curious, what would you choose?

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]]>babybirthday cakeBirthdayCakeSara Bonisteel2009-02-20T19:00:00+00:00Drink Like Hollywood at the Oscarshttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/02/18/drink-like-hollywood-at-the-oscars/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/02/18/drink-like-hollywood-at-the-oscars/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/02/18/drink-like-hollywood-at-the-oscars/#commentsFiled under: Parties, Champagne, America

Moet & Chandon

If you're throwing an Oscar party this year, don't forget the Moet & Chandon. The Champagne house is the exclusive Champagne of the 81st Academy Awards for the first time.

Of course, Moet isn't a suggestion for any of the five menus Epicurious.com developed for each of the Best Picture nominees, but even if you do one of those, the Champagne will make a nice aperitif.

Happy Awards-watching!

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]]>academy awardschampagnemoetmoet and chandonMoetAndChandonoscarsGretchen Roberts2009-02-18T14:00:00+00:00Plan a Taco Party!http://www.slashfood.com/2009/02/16/plan-a-taco-party/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/02/16/plan-a-taco-party/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/02/16/plan-a-taco-party/#commentsFiled under: Parties, Dinner, Meat, Celebrations

pretty tacos

I've always been a fan of the theme party, where the menu, music, cocktails, and decor all play into the same motif. The last big-themed party I had was my "Leon Trotsky in Mexico" party, so called because it fell on a date right between May Day and Cinco de Mayo. While I did play some tango records and mix up a fair amount of Bloody Marys and anything else made with Russian vodka, the party's big attraction was the make-your-own-taco bar. It really is one of the easiest and most crowd-pleasing menus I've ever served. Suggestions for your spread include...

Continue reading Plan a Taco Party!

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]]>Lissa Townsend Rodgers2009-02-16T16:05:00+00:00Iron City is Steeler Beerhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/01/30/iron-city-is-steeler-beer/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/01/30/iron-city-is-steeler-beer/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/01/30/iron-city-is-steeler-beer/#commentsFiled under: Parties, Beer, America

Iron City Steeler Beer

Not every football team has a (semi-) official beer, but the Steelers certainly do: Iron City. Brewed in the Lawrenceville neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Iron City has long paid homage to the hometown team, even designing a series of beer cans in their honor back in the late 70's days of the famed "Steel Curtain" defense, as well as a Jerome Bettis can a few years back.

Despite the fact that Iron City's roots go back over 100 years, 'tis no microbrew. No, think more along the lines of a Pabst or Genesee: A blue-collar beer that gets the job done. Rather like the team it shares a nickname with. As such, Iron City always feels a bit of a sales bump whenever the Steelers hit the Super Bowl. The brewers are especially hopeful this year, as many of the workers in their Pittsburgh plant have been temporarily laid off. It's apparently just until some kind of trouble with the manufacturing line can be solved. Once it is, everyone will be back.

We certainly hope so: There was a time when the Steelers had two beers, back when Rolling Rock was brewed in Latrobe, a town northwest of Pittsburgh where the Steelers had their training camp. The brewery was bought by Anheiser-Busch, who then closed it and moved all operations to New Jersey, thus severing all ties with all things Pittsburgh. Given that I have family in Latrobe, I myself haven't let a drop of the stuff pass my lips since the sale. So, if you want to honor the Steelers on Super Bowl Sunday, go for the Iron City, not the Rolling Rock.

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]]>beerbeer cansBeerCansfeaturediron cityiron ciytIronCityIronCiytlatrobelawrencevillepittsburghsuper bowlSuperBowlLissa Townsend Rodgers2009-01-30T18:55:00+00:00Switch up Your Standard Chiphttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/01/26/switch-up-your-standard-chip/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/01/26/switch-up-your-standard-chip/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/01/26/switch-up-your-standard-chip/#commentsFiled under: Parties, Snacks, Raves & Reviews

banana chips

When snacking, the tendency is to automatically reach for whatever tortilla or potato chip is within reach. Pity, since there is a whole scrumptious world of other options. So, just in time to have everyone over to watch the big game, here are a few ideas to put something else in the basket on the coffee table and also a few suggestions about dips they might pair with.

Lime Tortilla Chips - Light-years ahead of the plain kind. Tostitos makes the tastiest ones. There go very well with fruit salsa, usually mango or peach.
Sweet Potato Chips - Everyone from Pringles to Terra manufactures these, though I would swing toward the latter, since the Pringles also have cinnamon. They match nicely with corn salsa or bean dip.
Banana or Plantain Chips - Yes, I know they're not the same thing, but close enough for my purposes. Another standout with fruit salsa, though I also like them with guacamole.
Pretzel Chips - A nice combo of two great salty snacks, the chips and the pretzel. Try with spinach or onion dip.
Tabasco Cheez-Its - Don't put anything on these. You'll wind up devouring much of the box and you don't want anything to get in your way.

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]]>banana chipsBananaChipscheez-itschipsdiplime tortilal chipsLimeTortilalChipsplantain chipsPlantainChipspretzel chipsPretzelChipspringlessnacksweet potato chipsSweetPotatoChipstabascoterra chipsTerraChipstortilla chipsTortillaChipstostitosLissa Townsend Rodgers2009-01-26T10:55:00+00:00Bubbly For the (Inauguration) Ball - Wine of the Weekhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/01/19/bubbly-for-the-inauguration-ball-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/01/19/bubbly-for-the-inauguration-ball-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/01/19/bubbly-for-the-inauguration-ball-wine-of-the-week/#commentsFiled under: Parties, Wine, Champagne, America, Celebrations, Winter, Wine of the Week

Barack Obama

Tomorrow one of the most historically significant Presidential Inaugurations will be upon us. Whether you're whooping it up or crying tears of sorrow into your glass, we've got ideas for what to drink at your party (or pity party).

If you're celebrating:

The obvious drink of choice is sparkling wine--American, of course. According to Iron Horse Vineyards, their sparkling wines have been served at the White House for five consecutive Presidential administrations, and Iron Horse hopes Obama will do likewise. Their Wedding Cuvee ($38) is a popular choice and widely available, or try the Russian Cuvee ($33), which is slightly richer and sweeter than the regular Brut.

Roederer Estate sparkling wines have also been featured in White House dinners over the years. The Brut NV ($22) is affordable and widely regarded by critics as one of the top sparkling wines in the U.S.

Korbel has been the official sparkling wine for the past six inaugurations, but apparently Obama won't do sponsorship agreements this year and Korbel has to angle for honors with all the other wineries. At home, try Korbel's Brut Rose ($12) or Extra Dry ($12), which, ironically, is a little sweeter.

With any of these sparkling wines, splash in a bit of pomegranate liqueur or blue carucao (but not at the same time!) for the red, white, and blue look.

Another all-American wine is Zinfandel, a big, bold, fruity wine also ideal for celebrating. Try one from Lodi or Paso Robles for even bigger-than-normal flavor (Seven Deadly Zins ($17) is a good example) or a classic from Sonoma like Seghesio ($36).

What to drink if you're not celebrating--after the jump.

Continue reading Bubbly For the (Inauguration) Ball - Wine of the Week

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]]>american winebarack obamainaugurationinauguration dayportsparkling winewinezinfandelGretchen Roberts2009-01-19T14:02:00+00:00Meatcake!http://www.slashfood.com/2009/01/18/meatcake/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/01/18/meatcake/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/01/18/meatcake/#commentsFiled under: Parties, Dinner, Beef, Poultry, Recipes, Pork, America, Comfort Food, Meat, Celebrations

meatcakes

When a friend of mine recently asked me to help throw her a baby shower, I had many questionable suggestions-- like making it race-car rather than baby themed (accepted) to making a baby-shaped red-velvet cake with gooey red filling, except the diaper part, which would have brown icing filling (rejected).

But one of the things she was most excited about was my suggestion that I make a meatcake. That is, a cake made of meat, an idea I had found (like so many nutty ideas) on the interwebs. I took the concept, but created my own recipes--two, since a non-red-meat eater needed turkey. It may sound peculiar but the result was delicious and even rather spectacular. If you want to try it yourself....

Continue reading Meatcake!

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]]>baby showerBabyShowerbeefinstant mashed potatoesInstantMashedPotatoesmashmashed potatoesMashedPotatoesmeatmeatcakemeatloafmeshed potatoesMeshedPotatoesporkrecipessweet potatoesSweetPotatoesturkeyLissa Townsend Rodgers2009-01-18T12:05:00+00:00Balm for the Pain of Chuck E. Cheesehttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/01/15/balm-for-the-pain-of-chuck-e-cheese/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/01/15/balm-for-the-pain-of-chuck-e-cheese/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/01/15/balm-for-the-pain-of-chuck-e-cheese/#commentsFiled under: Parties, Wine, Beer, Midwest Cities, Newspapers, America

Chuck E. Cheese

I've mentioned before that my idea of hell on earth is a meal at Chuck E. Cheese, but if a Michigan franchise gets its way, they'll be easing the pain for parents with beer and wine offerings--adults only, of course. Other Chuck E. Cheese franchises offer alcoholic beverages, but one township trustee thought it was a bad idea, saying, "It's a fun kid place. Just leave it like that."

Eating rubbery pizza with fake-tasting sauce while listening to the whir and jangle of ten thousand games going at once and trying to make small talk with other parents while our kids race around on a birthday-cake induced sugar high is not my favorite way to spend a Saturday afternoon, and yet I seem to end up there several times a year. If I can take the medicine with a spoonful of sugar--er, a glassful of wine--it might not taste so bad.

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]]>beerchuck e cheesepizzawineGretchen Roberts2009-01-15T14:00:00+00:00Ginger-Pear Cocktail and the Nihilisthttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/01/01/ginger-pear-cocktail-and-the-nihilist/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/01/01/ginger-pear-cocktail-and-the-nihilist/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/01/01/ginger-pear-cocktail-and-the-nihilist/#commentsFiled under: Parties, Vodka, Recipes, Cocktails, Spirits, Liqueurs, Celebrations, Hanukkah, Christmas, New Year's, Winter

ice in glass

I do most of my cocktail inventing around the holidays. The reason for this is twofold. One, I always visit my parents and they possess a liquor cabinet that shames some bars, not only in actual number of bottles, but also in the array of top-shelf and/or rare liquors. Two, when does one find oneself in need of a drink more than the holidays?

Whether it's the merriment of celebration, the release of stress, or simply the desire to take a breather from all the socializing by indulging in a brief respite behind the bar, December is the time for mixing. And also for giving, so allow me to give you my two newly-invented cocktails for 2008: the Ginger-Pear Cocktail and the Nihilist.

Continue reading Ginger-Pear Cocktail and the Nihilist

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]]>black sambucaBlackSambucablavodcandied gingerCandiedGingercocktailcocktail shakerCocktailShakerdomaine de cantonDomaineDeCantondrinkdrinkinggingergrey gooseGreyGoosemartiniopal neraopal neroOpalNeraOpalNeropearpear vodkaPearVodkapera nectarPeraNectarpoirerecipesambucavodkaLissa Townsend Rodgers2009-01-01T10:05:00+00:00A Celebratory Alternativehttp://www.slashfood.com/2008/12/24/a-celebratory-alternative/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/12/24/a-celebratory-alternative/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/12/24/a-celebratory-alternative/#commentsFiled under: Parties, Wine, Beer, Champagne, Celebrations, Holidays, Hanukkah, Christmas, New Year's, Winter

celebration wine

Champagne or another bubbly might possibly be my stuck-on-a-desert-island drink of choice, but not everyone feels the love. Monday I posted my top eight bubblies for the holidays, but if you just don't dig sparkling wine, what can you toast with instead? Here are a few ideas.

Syrah/Shiraz from Washington state or Australia, which is big and voluptuous, smooth and silky all at once. Skip old world Syrah from the Northern Rhone, which, though it hails from the grape's true home, can give off aromas and flavors of green olives, white pepper, leather, and even meaty bacon. Great with a big ol' hunk of meat, not so great as the jumping-off point to a midnight kiss or a glass-raising toast to the man of the hour. Try the Sequel Syrah from Long Shadows Winery in Walla Walla, Washington, a Shiraz-style wine that's perfect for sipping without food.

Moscato d'Asti, a low-alcohol, barely bubbly Italian sweet white that my friend John calls "party in your mouth" is the perfect alternative to the dryness of Champagne. Try toasting with a bottle from Michele Chiarlo.

Dessert wine is best for a tête-à-tête celebration rather than a room full of happy toasters, both because it comes in half-size bottles and it's usually spendy. Splurge with Sauternes, the world's best dessert wine, or try a late harvest Riesling from Chateau Ste. Michelle.

Anything in a bottle bigger than 750 mL: a magnum (2 bottles), Jeroboam (4 bottles), or Nebuchadnezzar (20 bottles, but you'd better have help pouring) will always wow the crowd, no matter what's inside.

Or just raise a glass of beer. Cheers!

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]]>beerchampagnesparkling winewineGretchen Roberts2008-12-24T14:00:00+00:00Inexpensive New Year's Eve Idea - Beer Swap Partyhttp://www.slashfood.com/2008/12/23/inexpensive-new-years-eve-idea-beer-swap-party/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/12/23/inexpensive-new-years-eve-idea-beer-swap-party/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/12/23/inexpensive-new-years-eve-idea-beer-swap-party/#commentsFiled under: Tastings, Parties, Beer, Celebrations, Holidays, New Year's, Winter

Fireworks

When I was young and thought I was cool, New Year's Eve used to mean big cover charges for overpriced open bars (the bars may have been open, but finding a space to get to a bartender wasn't) and overrated entertainment (am I supposed to be able to recognize the name of any DJ?).

Now that I'm older, wiser, and so cool it's mind blowing, let me wax poetic on New Year's Eve for a moment and provide you with my three step plan for New Year's Eve 2009.

First off, everyone wants to get as drunk as possible on New Year's Eve and that. is. fine. You've just left the previous year in your wake and it's almost as if that last day doesn't even happen: Instantaneously, it's a whole year ago and, therefore, can be disregarded. Also, New Years Day is probably the only day of the year where you can be hungover and no one will look down on you. No one. If anything, your stock will rise. So step one, booze is a must.

After the jump, read why steps two and three lead me to believe a beer swap party is the perfect event for this New Year's Eve.

Continue reading Inexpensive New Year's Eve Idea - Beer Swap Party

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]]>beer swapbeer swap partynew years evepartyspeakin sudsMike Pomranz2008-12-23T12:00:00+00:00Inexpensive Holiday Sparklers - Wine of the Weekhttp://www.slashfood.com/2008/12/22/inexpensive-holiday-sparklers-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/12/22/inexpensive-holiday-sparklers-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/12/22/inexpensive-holiday-sparklers-wine-of-the-week/#commentsFiled under: Parties, Wine, Champagne, Celebrations, Holidays, Christmas, New Year's, Winter, Wine of the Week

Sparkling wine rows

According to a recent Decanter story, worldwide Champagne shipments have plummeted more than 20 percent worldwide. Apparently people are realizing that $180 for a bottle of wine just might be a bit...much...in these economic times.

Still, we have to buy our bubbly for the holidays. I'll probably drink some over Christmas, too, but New Year's is kind of a no-brainer for sparkling wine. Here's my advice: skip the Champagne, but skip the Cook's on the bottom shelf, too. Here are eight of my favorite holiday sparklers that taste delicious but won't break the bank. Best of all? Most of these bottles are easily attainable at any store, so you could walk in with this list and score most of them.

See the complete list after the jump.

Continue reading Inexpensive Holiday Sparklers - Wine of the Week

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]]>bubblyChampagnechristmasholidaynew yearssparkling winewineGretchen Roberts2008-12-22T14:03:00+00:00Your Reserve Food Shelfhttp://www.slashfood.com/2008/12/19/your-reserve-food-shelf/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/12/19/your-reserve-food-shelf/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/12/19/your-reserve-food-shelf/#commentsFiled under: Parties, Hors D'oeuvres, Condiments, Retro cookery, Festive Family Feasts

Scanned from Time to Entertain by Charlotte Turgeon (1954)

Fifty-four years after this printing, I'm hard-pressed to argue with Ms Turgeon on the import of having a few staple schmancy things tucked around the house, should mid-week meal boredom encroach or a party break out. Can't say I'm especially aligned with her specifics, but that could easily be a function of the 5+ decade divide.

I pride myself on being able to entertain at a moment's notice, due to the presence of these just-slightly-left of my central (olive oil, stock, Parmesan, fish sauce, double-black soy, tomato paste, rice/red wine/balsamic vinegars, fresh herbs) everyday ingredients.

Continue reading Your Reserve Food Shelf

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]]>entertainingkat kinsmanKatKinsmanpantrypantryessentialsretroretro cookbookretro cookeryRetroCookbookRetroCookeryvintage cookbookvintage recipesVintageCookbookVintageRecipesKat Kinsman2008-12-19T10:00:00+00:00Mixing Up Your Mixershttp://www.slashfood.com/2008/12/18/mixing-up-your-mixers/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/12/18/mixing-up-your-mixers/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/12/18/mixing-up-your-mixers/#commentsFiled under: Parties, Cocktails, Raves & Reviews, Soda, Non-alcoholic, Celebrations, Holidays

bottles

When it comes to assembling the bar for your holiday party, there's a certain list of basics you must have on hand--vodka, gin, whiskey, cola, tonic, etc. Such a bar will certainly serve to make a decent drink and satisfy most customers, but won't add anything special to the festivities. The easiest--and cheapest--way to add a little magic is with unusual mixers. Here's five that will add a twist to your cocktail menu.

1. Canada Dry Sparkling Green Tea Ginger Ale
It mixes equally well with bourbon, vodka and light rum and works nicely in a punch. The antioxidants listed on the bottle may come in handy when battling the holidays' excesses, but the large amount of sugar won't help with that Christmas waistline.

2. Sence Rose Petal Nectar
If you wish to offer chick drinks that are more Deneuve/Dietrich than Carrie Bradshaw, rose petal nectar can come in handy. Try the elegant American Beauty--not the brandy version, but one made with vanilla vodka, lemon juice and rose petal nectar.

Continue reading Mixing Up Your Mixers

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]]>american beautyAmericanBeautyarcher farmsArcherFarmsbarsbittersblood orangeBloodOrangecanada dryCanadaDrycocktailsfee brothersFeeBrothersginger aleGingerAlegreen teGreenTemanhattanmixersnon alcoholicNonAlcoholicpartiespeach bittersPeachBittersrose petal nectarRosePetalNectarsan pellegrinoSanPellegrinosencesour cherrySourCherrystirringstargettrader joesTraderJoesLissa Townsend Rodgers2008-12-18T17:55:00+00:00Pama Pomegranate Liqueur http://www.slashfood.com/2008/12/17/pama-pomegranate-liqueur/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/12/17/pama-pomegranate-liqueur/http://www.slashfood.com/2008/12/17/pama-pomegranate-liqueur/#commentsFiled under: Parties, Liqueurs, Holidays

bottle of pama liqueur

When I was 23 years old, I inherited my grandparents apartment, contents and all. As they were people who liked to entertain, that inheritance included a full stocked liquor cabinet. I didn't know much about alcohol back in those days, as I had barely imbibed during college and so this was a treasure trove of unknown wealth and knowledge.

Over the years, the contents of that liquor cabinet have morphed and shifted, making room for bottles of vodka (not a spirit my grandparents used much) and saying good bye to the whiskey that friends and family have pilfered. One recent addition that has really been floating my personal cocktail boat of late has been the bottle of Pama that I acquired a few months back.

Pama is a pomegranate flavored liqueur that is tangy, sweet and has a glowing red hue. It's all the pomegranate (plus some) without all the work! I like to make an adult soda with it, mixing a couple of ounces of Pama with plain old soda water, finishing it with a squeeze of lemon. It's similar to when you cut sparkling water with cranberry juice, only with a slightly intoxicating zing. It's also great for deglazing the pan when you're working with sweet and savory flavors (there's a recipe on the Pama website for Oven Roasted Pork Chops with a Shallot and Pama Sauce that sounds absolutely delicious).

If you're looking for something to add a little zip to your special holiday drink, I highly suggest that you consider Pama as your secret ingredient! If you're looking for a little recipe inspiration, there are two options after the jump.

Continue reading Pama Pomegranate Liqueur

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]]>holiday drinksHolidayDrinksPamapomegranate liqueurPomegranateLiqueurrecipesMarisa McClellan2008-12-17T15:59:00+00:00