Oooh I just love Halloween, and it’s all starting to come together! Today I’m at the Drees Design Center sharing spooky ideas for Halloween, including striped cocktails made with Blavod Black Vodka. You can find it at The Party Source.

How does a ghoul keep track of her drink at her Halloween party? By using her own Spider Wine Charm. Click here for directions, then add a simple sturdy wire loop.

How to garnish your Crystal Head vodka?

Dinner tonight was a simple Cashew Chicken Stir Fry paired with Black Swan Chardonnay. We really liked the peach, citrus and melon flavors of the wine with the slightly spicy chicken and vegetables. It also paired well with our crab rangoon. At about $8 a bottle, Black Swan 2009 South Eastern Australia Chardonnay is our “house” chardonnay of the moment!

Serves 4-6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes

1/2 cup chicken broth
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons honey [Read more →]

I looooove this book: Pops! Icy Treats for Everyone by Krystina Castella. Her companion website is loaded with inspiring photos. Here’s her recipe for Mojito Pops.

Makes 24 two-ounce ice cube-tray pops, six 8-ounce pops, or eight 6-ounce pops (Note: Or be like me and make six popsicles and three nice sized mojitos to share while you

I had a blast leading an “Asian Adventure” for a group from ReSource yesterday.

If you’re having a Derby Party, this is the smartest way to serve Mint Juleps for a crowd. The Mint Simple Syrup is a great thing to keep on hand beyond Derby Day. Use it to sweeten ice tea or

Ingredients:
3/4 cup Sierra Mist Free or Diet Sprite Zero
1.5 oz. tequila
1 packet (two 5-calorie servings) sugar-free powdered drink mix, lemonade
2 tbsp. lime juice [Read more →]

Jay Erisman and I had such a great time with the Women in Flavors and Fragrance. Jay led us through a tasting of Bourbon and Whiskey while I paired recipes from Woodford Reserve and Amy’s Table: Food for Family and Friends. Below you’ll find photos from the event and the recipes and pairings from the event:

Country Ham and Asparagus Tartlets
Rib-Eyes with Bacon Potato Salad and Heirloom Tomatoes
Savory Corn Cake
Almond Shortcakes with Double Cream and Triple Berries

[Read more →]