CARD NIGHT : CANASTA

IT MIGHT SEEM STRANGE TO START THIS POST WITH A CAKE RECIPE BUT IT’S JUST A PREPARATION FOR THE CARD NIGHT WHERE CARDS, MERRIMENT, DISCUSSION AND FOOD ARE THERE. THE RECIPE, PISTACHIO CARDAMOM BUNDT. (MARTHA STEWART CAKE PERFECTION)

PREPARATION

BUTTER AND SUGAR MIX

MIXING BATTER

INTO THE PAN,

COOLING, OUT OF THE OVEN

BEVERAGES TO BRING. DRIZLY DELIVERY

WE’VE ARRIVED AT THE DESTINATION FOR CANASTA, DOOR TO DOOR BY UBER, CHEERS!

BEFORE THE CARDS ARE DEALT

OUR VERY GOOD FRIENDS MADE THIN CRUST PIZZA FROM THE GRILLE, ADDED THE PICKLED JALAPENOS MY WIFE MADE FOR AROMATIC HEAT EVEN THOUGH WE ARE IN A HEAT WAVE SUMMERTIME CLIMATE SHELTERING IN AIR CONDITIONED SPACES

THE CARDS ARE DEALT ………………… IT’S GUYS VS GALS TEAMS (MARKERS ARE TO SIGNIFY WHO PICKED UP FROM THE DISCARD PILE FIRST TIME WITH A NATURAL PAIR) HOUSE RULES : GAME TO 5000, NO MELDING OF BLACK 3’S

INTERMISSION… CAKE TIME, NOT BAD, GOOD TO TRY DIFFERENT RECIPES. IT’S BASICALLY A POUND TYPE CAKE RECIPE WITH A PISTACHIO GLAZE. THAT’S IT FOLKS

limoncello

Adapted from https://ice-cream-magazine.com/2013/07/14/lemon-sorbet-and-limoncello/

at first I though the spelling was lemoncello, but anyways, It was a spur of the moment recipe as I like some citrus flavor to add to water. Usually I just micro plane some lemon and orange peel , with the juices and pulp and bottle it for addition to orange juice , lemon juice or lime juice as a beverage to flavor water with the addition of sugar sometimes. Also as a kombucha flavoring.

This recipe steps it up a notch as a lemon liquor such as an after dinner cordial or as a palate cleanser. Surprised as to the ease of making this as one would probably have to search the liquor store or online offerings to see it it was available. Also it didn’t require a long term infusion.

I scaled back on the quantity and used a resealable bottle the EZ cap 16 ounce version for (ECO friendly) storage.

Usually I have simple sugar stored, available for my coffee, that is, equal amounts of sugar and water heated and dissolved for my coffee which blends smoother than granulated sugar. (try a brown simple sugar as it adds a different caramel type dimension)

This base is a vodka simple syrup. I combine the liquid, vodka,the grated peel and the sugar together and then gently heat just till the sugar dissolves. Add , juice and pulp. The mix was also a 3 lemons to one orange blend. Place the bottle in the freezer for several hours and then store in the refrigerator. The trick of running the fruit in the microwave for a few seconds does work for me as it softened the fruit for squeezing.

don”t boil the liquid

that’s a hinged orange press

bottle in freezer

Drizzly ,shopping and delivery.

Disclaimer,

when reviewing , certain features , pricing, operations, and capabilities may change due to upgrades and changes within the app or website. Or I simply could be in error. Any feedback is welcome. Like, and follow if you choose. Bots will be blocked or un followed.

Depending on your location, alcohol beverages may have certain restrictions that prevent sales in certain stores.

Drizzly, an app is an easy ordering system tied to local liquor stores in your area.

Downloading the app, and ordering is simple, favorites etc. can be saved, the app shows you your shopping cart and the participating liquor stores, some stores may not carry what you require, so your order would be split into 2 separate orders. There is a minimum dollar amount for each order. Also there is the ability to have the delivery scheduled. Billing is as expected, can include a tip , cashless with expected payment systems available.

Pricing seems to be inline compared with the flyers and advertisements I see. There are some store specials like closeout in seasonal items and gift ideas. and yes you can order and deliver to a different location, so you dinner host can be pleasantly surprised to receive a parcel before you arrive for dinner. Store delivery fee, tax is added, is reasonable if you value your own labor time at a competing hourly rate, cost of transit, safety and travel time. Even if you enjoy shopping at the local shop, a last minute purchase can be done or if during your event a request goes unfilled like a cocktail that can not be completed.

In some locations local laws limit hours and restrictions so drizzly may not always be able to delivery at all times.

One can order 24/7 and the order will be delivered when the store is able to.

During my initial use of drizzly, I ordered early before the participating store was open. You get all of the usual notifications similar to Insta Cart , the shopper texted me that a item I requested was not available and suggested a same price item from the same brewery. (They also have to ability to either call or text) .

They also texted me that the delivery would be later than scheduled. Good thing I didn’t have a group of thirsty footballers on the premises ! The order was compensated by an additional free beverage.

Upon delivery, of course texted that they had arrived, the driver was gracious and apologetic on the lateness of the delivery, apparently more orders rolled in after mine. I don’t know the mechanism behind the system wheather gig workers are employed or the Drizzly is handled in house at the store.

All in all a solution to a problem, saving time and effort better spent perhaps preparing for your event, or that elusive beverage search for that ingredient required serving inlaws and loved ones that special cocktail, wine, or culinary dish. Also stores offer extras like ice and juices to stock your kitchen, fridge and bar.

Maybe stores would already offered delivery by phone to their best commercial customers, now Drizzly can deliver with a few taps to all with the smart device. (or computer).

Cheers!

2018 wrap up to 2019

Citrus beverage

Similar to a previous post, a easy combination of fruit for cold beverage. Zest all the fruit, grate ginger root, squeeze the fruit and combine all with simple sugar, refrigerate. Amounts per your preference.

a fruit beverage

What to drink !  the hot weather will be upon us and if you want to avoid those carbonated or sports drink beverages here’s an alternative.

Squeeze several oranges, funnel them into a plastic bottle, add cold water, lemon and lime juice, sugar and a small amount of salt. Shake, taste and adjust as necessary. a bit of sliced ginger root can be added also.

Of course, lemonade/limeade can also be made with lemon/lime  juice, water and sugar with a bit of salt. If you don’t have fresh lemons use the bottle type. Keeps longer than fresh lemons or limes.

 

Friday Night food Fare

From a recent Friday night

maybe what you would get in a pub

Home brew beer, fresh salsa, cheese and hand rolled corn chips.

TGIF

 

tomato herb pizza

Just getting around to posting this…..

from October 31, Ahhhhhhhh…….. from the garden…….

Whoa ! normally pizza (fococcia) and beer go together, but a glass of wine would be good.

hot cocoa, or chocolate

Again, if you have the basic ingredients (sugar, cocoa, and of course milk) around for baking make some hot cocoa as desired. Skip all those packaged mixes, of course if your a slave to the mini marshmallows, then have some of them on the shelve.

Now the basics;

*optional ingredients

1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup cocoa powder
Dash salt
Slight grind of nutmeg *
2 or 3 whole all spice *
Small piece of cinnamon*
Stir in 1/3 cup hot water to the above ingredients in a pan.
Cook and stir till mixture boils and stir for 2 minutes.
Add about 4 cups of milk and
Small cup of strong coffee*
Heat to short of boil, do not boil
Add Vanilla, a couple of drops,
Whisk till frothy and serve

now for the pics….

dry ingredients in a pan

mix in the hot water……..

boil and cook….. you could stop at this point and save it as chocolate syrup….

add milk…..

heat till almost boiling and froth with a whisk….

mmm mug it !!!

dust with coffee, cocoa powder or a ground spice like cardamon. Add a chocolate liquor if desired. Happy Winter !