Drinks
Za’atar Crackers
If you love za’atar flatbread but want an easier way, Za’atar Crackers are for you! Perfect for a cheese plate or to dip in hummus, labneh, or muhummara red pepper-walnut dip. Here’s the thing about za’atar crackers: they are in essence a shortcut to the most traditional way to eat za’atar, which is man’oushe flatbread.…
Read MoreAuthentic Eggnog
The richness of this authentic eggnog recipe is lightened with a big puff of whipped meringue and whipped cream. You can go non-alcoholic, but the rum really does cut the richness. Authentic eggnog, rich and creamy and heavily spiked, has always for some reason seemed out of reach come Christmas and New Year’s at home.…
Read MoreIrish Coffee
Peggy’s Irish Coffee recipe is strong and bracing, with the flavors of the coffee and whiskey offset by sugar cubes and a thick layer of heavy cream. A Post Written by Peggy Abood Maureen and I have always felt a special kinship to Saint Patrick’s Day which must have originated with birth when our 100%…
Read MoreHemingway Daiquiri
This post is written by Peggy Abood, sister of Maureen! She is one of the world’s great Hemingway devotees. The Hemingway Daquiri is so refreshing, using fresh-squeezed citrus. Blitz all of the ingredients with lots of ice to go for a frozen Hemingway Daquiri. I know when the love affair started. I wasn’t looking for…
Read MoreKir Royale with frozen berries
Champagne is given the royale treatment in the Kir Royale. A simple way to bring extra color and flavor to your special toasts. This post is by Peggy Abood! Admit it, you’re a sucker for the name too, aren’t you? Anything with the word “royale” in it has got to be worth the effort (and…
Read MoreAmaro Cocktail
The world of Amaro is rich and deep! An easy Amaro cocktail is just the ticket before or after dinner, especially a big feast. It was the bottle that got me at first. I’ve always been an easy sell for a beautiful bottle of spirits, especially when the liquid gold inside is a mystery. I…
Read MorePeggy’s Bloody Mary
A few tips for a great classic Bloody Mary cocktail recipe, for your celebratory brunches and beyond! Mix your own or use a quality purchased Bloody Mary mix. In the late ‘80s, the hottest ticket on a football Saturday morning on campus was certainly whoever Notre Dame was playing that day. A close second, though,…
Read MoreOrange Blossom Gin Fizz
The classic Gin Fizz is made even better with a whisper of orange blossom. The froth on top makes for one of the prettiest cocktails you can serve. A post from Peggy Abood. When Maureen and I first started talking about sharing cocktail recipes with you, she said we have to do some that are…
Read MoreMulberry Manhattan Cocktail
Here is a fabulous riff on a classic: the Mulberry Manhattan, using the blackberry-like flavor of Mulberry syrup. You won’t find the syrup just anywhere! Check it out here. Greetings from Peggy Abood! Maureen considers me her family mixology master, so she invited me to share some fun cocktail recipes and info with you. I say…
Read MoreFresh Mint Slushie
This fresh mint slushie, given some body with a hit of cucumber, is great with or without alcohol (bourbon, vodka, gin, arak or ouzo–any of these are great). Serve the mint slushie for a twist on the mint julep for the Kentucky Derby, and then all summer long for a fabulous barbecue party drink. Admittedly,…
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