Divas on the Rocks

5 Minute Friday: Coffee With Friends

2009-04-23T08:56:00.000-07:00

Keeping connected with friends near and far is a challenge. Friends afar we link with easily in an increasingly savvy social networking world.

Friends that we see because they are neighbors or share activities and hobbies with us, are natural connections. We run into them head on, and chat and smile and catch up on a regular basis.

Friends that we just enjoy spending time with, but they live a little outside of our busy path of travel, seem to be the casualties in this day and age. Unless you have a hard and fast motivating reason, you can keep your head down and your nose to the grindstone without ever moving from your busy path.

This is when coffee, cocktails, and time spent across the table make such a big difference. We can rush through this multi tasking world without ever really connecting, so we need to make the connections.

Grab coffee with a friend today. It could be an old friend or a new friend. It can be lemonade instead of coffee, but renew an old connection or form some new ones.

5 Minute Friday: The Cover Drive, Finally an Australian We Can Cuddle Up To

2009-04-03T10:05:00.000-07:00

After all of our wine bottle touring of Australia, we finally found a little tasty gem that's a keeper. The Cover Drive, Jim Barry's 2006 South Australian Cabernet Sauvignon is full bodied without being heavy.

It's pricey at $17.99 (Bevmo's price, but it seems to sell for less if you shop around) a bottle. However, all you need for a 5 Minute Friday Get-Together is this bottle of wine, a box of crackers (we chose Doctor Kracker's Organic & Artisan-Baked Sunflower Cheddar Snackers) and some good friends.

Enjoy!

Elderflower Champagne Cocktail

2009-03-29T13:45:00.000-07:00

There is much to be said for wearing many hats. Yes, there is a time for wine-chugging, vintage slurping, party rocking behavior. And there is also time for refinement and dignity restoration in the form of restrained and elegant cocktails in the late afternoon. While Friday may have spiraled into a wee-hour-close-the-bar-down evening (as rumor has it), Sunday is a new day with spring sunshine on the terrace, some cheese and an Elderflower Champagne Cocktail.

I believe some wise person once said, "You are only as good as your last party." Goodness knows what happened to him.

Elderflower Champagne Cocktail

1 shot St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
Champagne
Lemon slices

Pour elderflower liqueur into a champagne flute. Top with Champagne. Garnish with lemon slices.

Filler Wine: Party Picks for March 2009

2009-03-26T16:05:00.000-07:00

If you have ever had the pleasure of throwing a party that has depleted your initial wine purchased for said party, you may be aware of the need for filler wine. Filler wine is wine that is a little cheaper, and comes in handy later in the party when no one can taste the difference anyway.

The need for filler wine became extremely clear to me as I saw a party spin out of control and the guests helped themselves to the host's wine cellar. After the wine cellar was cleared out, guests went on to party at a local bar.

The hosts shook their heads in disbelief when they realized that all of the special vintages saved for future celebrations were now bottles in their recycle bin. Not a single drop had they personally tasted as they rushed about the party trying to control the crowd. Expensive bottles had been chugged, wasted in unfinished glasses all around the house and under-appreciated.

When the wine that you bought to go with dinner or appetizers at the party disappears, bring in the filler wine. This is still good wine, but not costing you $30 or more a bottle.

Filler wine requirements:

1. Inexpensive.

2. Drinkable. It must taste good enough that you are willing to drink it if you have a whole case leftover.

Here are our March picks for filler wines:

1. Old Faithful, er, Castle Rock Pinot Noir 2006 or 2007, approx. $10/bottle

2. Hogue Cabernet Suvignon Columbia Valley 2007, approx. $10/bottle

3. Snoqualmie Chardonnay, Columbia Valley 2007, approx. $10/bottle.

A Cup of Tea, Please

2009-03-21T13:01:00.000-07:00

I have had 6 cups of this tea already and it's not even 1 pm. It's also Saturday, and we have dinner plans tonight and tomorrow, not to mention the dinner I made last night for guests from out of town and my friend Anna, who is visiting from Italy and expected for dinner this Tuesday. Cooking and entertaining around food is a win-win situation. You get to share time, food and wine with good friends, create a nice environment in your home, or be a gracious guest in someone else's. I can't think of another way I best like to enjoy my social time. That is, except when I've caught the cold my children had this week while running around like a crazy person with endless tasks, appointments, carpools and deadlines. They don't call us Divas for nothing. Let's hope this tea is as trustworthy as it says it is.

d'Arry's Original McLaren Vale '04: Too Much Money for Too Little Taste

2009-03-17T17:47:00.000-07:00

I tried another d'Arenberg--d'Arry's Original McLaren Vale '04. It cost a hefty $21.99 at BevMo, and I've had a lot better for a lot less. It tasted o-k straight out of the bottle, but as soon as it sat in my glass and decanted, it was flat. This is definitely a dump it!

The Divas are having no luck in Australia. Anyone have any good suggestions?

Divas do Guinness

2009-03-14T10:41:00.000-07:00

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, this post is devoted to Guinness Stout, the most widely consumed and exported Irish stout in the world. It's distinctive flavor of unfermented roasted barley gives it a rich taste and dark brown color, and drinking a pint of Guinness has been likened to a "meal in a glass." And here is a fun fact: Guinness stout is high in antioxidants and at 198 calories a pint, has fewer calories than a pint of milk or orange juice. Now that just makes us very happy - apparently you can drink your Guinness and eat it too.

Speaking of eating, the richness of Guinness lends itself well to cooking. It is a wonderful substitute for wine in meat sauces and braises. It also works well in baked goods and with chocolate. This multi-tasking beverage gets a thumbs up from the Divas.

Interested in recipes using Guinness? You might like:
Irish Stew from TasteFood
Guinness Gingerbread from Andrea's Recipes
Chocolate and Guinness Cupcakes from Not Quite Nigella
Guinness and Honey Spareribs from You Say Tomato

Or if you are just in the mood for something light, pour yourself a glass and call it a meal.

Grenache Down Under

2009-03-11T17:34:00.000-07:00

OK, I am going to just come out and say it. I have had red wines from Australia over the years and enjoyed many of them. Typically they are big, robust red wines - the Australian swashbuckler of wines - compared to, say, the somewhat more refined wines of France. Don't get me wrong; I love big and robust, and even better with an Australian accent. However, some Australian red wines have a pronounced vanilla flavor which I find unappealing. I know this is a generalization, but it is something I have noticed only with Australian wine.

This brings me to a bottle I tasted this week. It is a 2006 d'Arenberg Grenache "The Custodian." Reasonably priced at $13.99 I had high hopes. Dark ruby-purple in color, it has cherry, raspberry and black currant aromas combined with earthy, spicy smells. It's also heavy with vanilla flavor, and therefore not a personal choice. However, this wine has been well reviewed and rated, so I would recommend it as a well-priced full-bodied, fruity Australian wine that would stand up well to meats and grilled food - perfect Aussie fare. And if you like your swashbucklers with a scent of vanilla, this is your wine.

Wine Bottle Traveler: grab a corkscrew and join us!

2009-03-03T15:47:00.000-08:00

Lynda and I have decided that we are going to travel the world without buying tickets, packing our bags, renting a car or a hotel room. We are going to explore the world of wine with friends in the comfort of our own homes. No long lines at check in. No delays. No lost bags. Join us!

We will start with wines from Austrailia. In fact, read on, grab a few bottles of wine, call your friends, rent Australia the movie, and let's hit the road.

Wine production of commercial wines in Australia is some of the most successful in the whole world. There are many wines to chose from, so much to explore and so much of it is reasonably priced. What kind of magic is making this happen in Australia? A reliable climate makes it is easier to craft decent wine year after year.

Lynda is going to pick three wines from Australia and I will pick three. Watch this space to see which wines we chose and what we thought about them.

Cheers!

New World Tempranillo

2009-02-26T11:35:00.000-08:00

We are still in Argentina and loving it. Not only is the signature Malbec wine an affordable varietal from this new world region of wine, Argentina also produces Tempranillo wine which is best known as a Spanish varietal. With its dark fruit flavors, strong and complex aromas, the Tempranillo is a versatile wine that is fruity, full-bodied without too much oak or substantial acidity.

Preludio Vineyards in Mendoza, Argentina produces this wonderful, good value wine. The grapes are hand picked at dawn in order to harness the extraction and early morning freshness of the grape. If a wine could be treated like a diva, this one would be it. In return, we are rewarded with a well balanced wine with dark, fruit flavors, soft attack and strong tannins. At $14.00 a bottle this wine is a winner.

Margaritaville Margarita: Original Concoction Maker Recipe

2009-02-24T13:22:00.001-08:00

If you are using the Margaritaville Frozen Concoction Maker, this is the recommended amount and official recipe for your machine. If not, pop it in your blender and blend away. Happy Margaritas!

The Best Margarita Recipe (According to Margaritaville)

makes 3 drinks

4 oz. Gold Tequila
1 oz. Triple Sec
2 oz. Lime Juice
2 oz. Orange Juice
4 oz. Margaritaville Margarita Mix

Rim glass with lime juice and salt, if preferred. Mix and blend for a frozen drink. Shake and serve on ice for an on the rocks Margi.

Malbec: Argentina's Signature Wine

2009-02-13T08:16:00.000-08:00

If Merlot is the Labrador Retriever, Malbec is the Afghan Hound of the wine world. It's long, silky fur conjures romance, but it's a hunting hound underneath. No frilly, fou fou dog is this wine. It's taste is a full-bodied, intense, inky black experience.

Malbec is a thin-skinned grape that needs sun and heat to mature. It's wines are dark and juicy, with heady aromas, and licorice flavors. The altitude of Argentina, the old vineyards planted by European immigrants, and the great variation of temperature from the hot days and cool nights, produce a delicious wine.

The Malbec grape was originally introduced by a Hungarian immigrant and grown in southwestern France. It was used in small amounts and blended with other grapes. (Malbec is one of the six grapes allowed in the blend of red Bordeaux wine).

The grape then went to South America and settled in the vineyards of Argentina. With some love and gentle care, it was able to stand on it's own. Enjoyed by peasants and princes alike, it is now shipped all over the world and recognized as Argentina's signature variety.

See our post on Pascual Toso, and give Malbec a try!

Waste Not Want Not

2009-02-09T08:32:00.000-08:00

We are all for the simple pleasures in life. One such pleasure is opening a bottle of wine at the end of the day with an evening meal. Nothing fancy, mind you, but a drinkable table wine that doesn't break the bank. However, finishing that bottle of wine in one sitting is not always par for the course, begging the question, What to do with leftover wine?

Everyone is on a budget these days, and dumping wine down the drain does not earn points in frugality. So in the spirit of no waste, here are a few recommendations for those multiplying wine bottles that crowd our refrigerator shelf or kitchen counter:

Drink it! Try making Gløgg or mulled wine. Warm wine with spices is very forgiving, so remnants from numerous bottles are welcome. Heat a pot, light a fire in the fireplace, put out some cheese or salty nibbles. Then enjoy a cosy moment and take pleasure in not letting those last sips go to waste.

Cook it! Wine is an important component of tomato based sauces for pasta, braising liquids for meats, and finishing sauces for meat, fish and poultry. Those last sips are not only going to good use, they're going to delicious use.

Ferment it! Feeling scientific? Try making your own red wine vinegar. Time and patience required, but the results are rumored to be well worth it. For an interesting post on the process of making your own red wine vinegar read An Obsession with Food for guidance and be sure to let us know how it turns out.

Wow Your Valentine: Veuve and Chocolates on Sale at Cost Plus World Market

2009-02-06T01:04:00.000-08:00

Want a romantic, fancy treat for your Valentine next week? Head to Cost Plus World Market now to take advantage of their sale on chocolates and champagne. Veuve is yummy, romantic and definitely a top shelf way to impress you heart's desire.

I personally don't know about the chocolates that they are offering, but if one husband of mine is reading this he can just get me a big red heart full of chocolates from See's Candies to enjoy with the Veuve. Happy Valentine's!

Pascual Toso Malbec 2006--Nice Red, Nice Price at Costco

2009-02-03T13:20:00.001-08:00

Shopping alert. If you are looking to find tasty wine at a tasty price, head to Costco and pick up a bottle of Pascual Toso Malbec. It scored 91 points and is recommended as a best buy by the Wine Enthusiast. Great wine under $10.00--go for it!

Trader Joe-san's Sparkling Saki--Instant, Easy Entertaining

2009-01-31T17:19:00.000-08:00

If you ever just want to invite the gang over, here's the perfect easy and delicious cocktail and appetizer. Trader Joe-san's Sparkling Saki and Coconut Curry Chicken Stix or Lemongrass Chicken Stix have you entertaining in minutes.

The sparkling saki is delicious. It's bubbly and refreshing with a crisp, clean taste. I know it sounds weird, but even my husband liked it. He's a hard palate to please, so I was thrilled to find something that meets his approval.

Hit the freezer section of Trader Joe's for many frozen appetizers that look and taste fancy. Coconut Curry Stix or Lemongrass Chicken Stix are the perfect pairing for the sparkling saki. Pop them in the oven and off you go. Enjoy!

Pomegranate Power

2009-01-28T15:46:00.000-08:00

Pomegranate Sangria

There is nothing more satisfying than having a cocktail and at the same time getting a healthy dose of antioxidants. Pomegranate juice is delicious and rich in vitamins A, C, E and iron. While the fruit itself has an ancient history, its health benefits are making modern headlines. When you combine these benefits with its fruity, tart and delicious taste, pomegranate juice makes for a smart cocktail ingredient. We're all for savvy indulgences.

Pomegranate Cosmopolitan

ice cubes

1/4 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice
1-1/4 oz. Citron Vodka
1/4 oz. Cointreau
1/4 oz. Pomegranate Juice

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake well. Strain and serve in a chilled glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Pomegranate Sangria

1 bottle dry red wine
12 oz. Pomegranate Juice
1 cup Cointreau or Gran Marnier
1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1 orange, sliced, washed
1 lime, sliced, washed

In a large pitcher or bowl, combine all ingredients. Chill at least 6 hours or overnight.
Serve in glasses with fruit.

VeeV Cocktails: A Refreshing Drink For Warm Weather

2009-01-21T08:53:00.000-08:00

One of the perks of writing a little cocktail blog is spending time at the local BevMo looking for new and interesting things. When I read that inside this tall, cool looking bottle is a spirit made from the Acai berry--I had to give it a try. VeeV claims to be a "better way to drink."

Acai (pronounced ah-SIGH-ee) is the Brazilian national fruit. Loaded with antioxidants, vitamin C and E, protein and fiber, Acai is thought to be one of the healthiest fruits on the planet. Research varies on this claim, but we are talking about an alcoholic spirit, not a diet plan. Veev is also blended with all natural ingredients like prickly pear and acerola cherry.

VeeV also gets bonus points for being active in raising awareness, resources and support for the Brazilian Rainforest and the safe harvest of Acai. As an eco-friendly business, Veev's production is carbon neutral and sustainable. All of these things make the this a hip, responsible choice.

We tried Veev cocktails last weekend. With a refreshing and light berry taste, Veev makes a fabulous afternoon cocktail for warm weather.

The Diva Veev Cocktail

1 oz Veev
1/8 of a lime squeezed
ice ( two or three cubes)
sparkling water, club soda or perrier

Add Veev, lime juice and ice to champagne glass. Fill with sparkling water and stir to mix. Garnish with a lime slice. Easy, light and refreshing.

Double Affogato

2009-01-19T07:04:00.000-08:00

Affogato means drowned in Italian and is the name given to a dessert that consists of vanilla ice cream and a shot of espresso. The ice cream is "drowned" in espresso and you end up with a lovely dessert - or food group, depending on your mood.

Now, if you wish to elevate this dessert even further, this recipe would be considered a Double Affogato. In addition to the espresso, a shot of alcohol is poured over the ice cream, therefore doubly drowning the dessert. Under certain circumstances this could be considered a meal in itself.

Double Affogato
Serves 1

2 scoops of high quality vanilla bean ice cream
1 shot of espresso
Splash of liqueur such as Frangelica, Galliano or Kahlua

Optional garnish: a dollop of whipped cream and/or dark chocolate shavings

To Make:
In a goblet or glass add 2 scoops of ice cream. Pour espresso over. Pour liqueur over.
Top with optional garnishes. Enjoy!

Superbowl Party Drink

2009-01-18T10:52:00.000-08:00

Getting ready for the Superbowl? Try serving this drink during the game. Delicious, well-fortified, and guaranteed to wind-up the fans.

Tequila-Spiked Cider with Cranberry and Lime Serves 6-8

5 cups apple cider
1 3-inch cinnamon stick
4 cloves
1 cup cranberry juice cocktail
1/2 cup tequila
1/4 cup triple sec
Lime slices for garnish

In a medium saucepan, stir together cider, cinnamon and cloves. Simmer covered 10 minutes. Remove cinnamon and cloves. Add cranberry juice and heat until hot, without boiling. Remove from heat. Stir in tequila and triple sec. Pour into mugs or thermoses. Garnish mugs with lime slices.

Pinot Noir Gift List: 6 Sunset Picks for 2008

2009-01-13T11:22:00.000-08:00

If Merlot is a Labrador Retriever, than Pinot Noir is Paris Hilton's teacup Chihuahua. A diamond collar, private car and driver is definitely in order. It is a snobby grape that has to be perfect and handled with skill, or you can immediately taste it.

My own husband loves Pinot Noir. I'm often like a deer in the headlights once I'm in the store trying to pick a nice bottle for a gift. I'm good with our usual everyday wine, but when I do want to spend the extra money for something special, I want it to be just that...special.

So here are Sunset's Pinot Noir Picks for 2008--just so that you and I can have it handy for the Pinot Noir lovers on our lists.

1. Domaine Caneros Estate Pinot Noir (Caneros, $35)

2. Elk Cove Pinot Noir 2006 (Willamette Valley, $29)

3. Erath "Estate Selection" Pinot Noir 2006 (Dundee Hills, $36)

4. Handley Pinot Noir 2006 (Mendocino County, $25)

5. J Vineyards & Winery Robert Thomas Vineyard Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley, $65)

6. Lynmar Pinot Noir 2006 (Russian River Valley, $40)

Trader Joe's Treasure: Famiglia Marrone

2009-01-08T22:28:00.000-08:00

I picked up a bottle of Famiglia Marrone (Piemonte, Barbera) on my last visit to Trader Joe's. It was on the end of any aisle with TJ's chalkboard hype. The write up recommended to decant it for an hour to enjoy it to its fullest.

That night for dinner I decanted the wine early. I made dinner while I watched it's brilliant deep, red hue tempt me from afar. After a full hour, it was time to give it a try. The wine was tasty and full bodied with lots of dark cherry and chocolate.

Yum, give it a try!

Belated Christmas Cookie Recipe

2009-01-07T12:53:00.000-08:00

Hi, just wanted to share this with our Diva friends out there. I know it's too late for Christmas, but, darn, just got my Visa bill and I'm thinking about making these right now!

Jose Cuervo Cookies

serves one

1 cup of water
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup of sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup of brown sugar
4 large eggs
1 cup nuts
2 cups of dried fruit
1 bottle Jose Cuervo Tequila

To make:
Sample the Cuervo to check quality.
Check the Cuervo again, to be sure it is of the highest quality, pour one level cup and drink.

Turn on the electric mixer. Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl.
Add one peastoon of sugar. Beat again.
At this point it's best to make sure the Cuervo is still ok - try a nother cup just in case.

Turn off the mixerer thingy.
Break 2 leggs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup of dried fruit.
Pick the frigging fruit off the floor.
Mix on the turner.
If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaters just pry it loose with a drewscriver.
Sample the Cuervo to check for tonsisticity.

Next, sift two cups of salt, or something. Who geeves a sheet.
Check the Jose Cuervo.
Now shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts. Add one table.
Add a spoon of sugar, or somefink. Wh atever you can find.

Greash the oven.
Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall over.
Don't forget to beat off the turner.

Finally, throw the bowl through the window, finish the Cose Juervo and make sure to put the stove in the wishdasher.
Cherry Mistmas !

Substance with Bubbles

2009-01-03T15:16:00.000-08:00

Crostini with Fig, Mozzarella, Crispy Prosciutto, Basil

Resolution for 2009: Drink more bubbly.

Now that we have toasted in the New Year why stop drinking sparkling wine? Champagne is delicious, but for more everyday drinking try a Prosecco, Italy's version of bubbly. On average 10-20 dollars a bottle, this sparkling wine is a keeper. And to keep all those bubbles from going to your head, combine the wine with any number of starters and dishes. Try a selection of cheese, a platter of crostini, a festive starter of Shrimp Salsa, an elegant Lobster Bisque or a simple platter of Prosciutto and Melon.

Happy New Year!

Eggnog Redux

2008-12-27T09:30:00.000-08:00

Call me the DIY-Diva. At least when it comes to the kitchen. No pre-packaged, pre-mixed items, please. I'll do it myself, homemade style. You might also call me the Exhausted-Diva by the time I've chopped and diced, squeezed and puréed my way through a self-imposed menu of food and drinks.

This year we had a cocktail party on Christmas Eve with 50 of our closest friends. Once again DIY-Diva was at it in the early party planning stages. Homemade cookies and cakes, chutneys and dips, nibbles and nosh. Homemade wreaths and garlands, too. But early into the process Exhausted-Diva was rearing her head, a winter cold began to creep in and DIY-Diva began to lose steam. So, in the spirit of the New Year and, for that matter, not being bedridden for the New Year, a new Balanced-Diva emerged. Homemade cookies - sure! - but not 6 different kinds. Homemade wreaths - absolutely! - but not necessary to hike miles into the forest to find a sprig of holly. Homemade gløgg - a given! - but let's draw the line at the eggnog. A trip to Trader Joe's was just what the party planner ordered. At Trader Joe's the cookie aisle is formidable, the flower department is affordable, and, yes, Virginia, there is a delicious organic eggnog in the dairy department. This year Balanced-Diva reigned.

Now, perhaps because the eggnog was not homemade (and the gløgg was), Hostess-Diva did not push the eggnog in her usual hostess-y way. So, today there are a few cartons of leftover eggnog in the refrigerator. Here are a few suggestions on how to use leftover cartoned eggnog - courtesy of DIY-Diva.

Eggnog Latte
for a sweet start

1/2 cup eggnog
1/4 cup whole milk or reduced fat milk
1 shot of espresso
Pinch of nutmeg

Combine eggnog and milk. Steam with the wand of an espresso machine until frothy and temperature reaches 145 F.
Prepare a shot of espresso and pour into a mug. Fill mug with eggnog mixture. Top with foam from the eggnog mixture. Sprinkle with nutmeg.

Spiked Eggnog Latte
for a sweet finish

Follow above recipe, except add 2 tablespoons of bourbon (or 1 tablespoon rum and 1 tablespoon bourbon) to the espresso before adding eggnog mixture.

Peppermint Patty Party Cocktail Shots

2008-12-16T11:45:00.001-08:00

This sweet and minty shot is an excellent way to welcome guests to your holiday party. It also works well served as a martini. Either way, it's festive, fun and delicious!

Peppermint Patty Shot or Martini

Peppermint Schnapps
Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur
Vodka
Candy Canes for garnish or rimmer
ziplock baggies
rolling pin

To Rim: Put 1 or two candy canes in a ziplock bag. Roll over the candy canes with a rolling pin to crush them until fine. Use the vodka to moisten the rim of the glass and twist it in the candy.
Mix equal amounts of the Peppermint Schnapps, Godiva Liqueur and Vodka and shake with ice. Strain into shot glasses or martini glasses. If you are serving these as martinis, garnish with a mini candy cane.

There's No Season Like Gløgg Season

2008-12-14T07:21:00.000-08:00

The best part about December is that it is the beginning of gløgg season. Gløgg is the Nordic version of hot, mulled wine, known as vin chaud in France and glühwein in Germany. Red wine is heated with fruit and spices for a festive, warming drink for a cold winter day.

There are many pre-made mixes for Gløgg, but the best way to make it is from scratch. It's easy to do and requires an inexpensive dry red wine. Not only that, when you make it yourself the simmering spices and wine fill your home with wonderful holiday aromas.

Gløgg

Serves 8

For the garnish:
1 cup raisins
1/4 cup Cointreau or Rum
1/3 cup whole almonds

For the gløgg:
1 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
zest of 2 oranges
2 cinnamon sticks
10 cloves

1 cup Port wine or red dessert wine
1/2 cup Cointreau or Gran Marnier
1/4 cup brown sugar

2 bottles dry red wine

Prepare the garnish:

In a small bowl, combine the raisins and Cointreau. Let sit at room temperature for one hour.
Toast the almonds in a dry skillet on the stove. Remove from heat and coarsely chop in large pieces.

Prepare the Gløgg:
In a heavy large pot with a lid, combine all the ingredients except the 2 bottles of red wine. Bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until reduced to 2 cups, about 15 minutes.
Add red wine and warm over low heat with the lid on the pot. Do not boil.

Serve in glasses or mugs with a spoonful of raisins and almonds in each glass.

Target Dollar Bargain Delight: Edible Candy Cane Shot Glasses

2008-12-10T16:15:00.001-08:00

The Target Dollar section is featuring a gem right now: Candy Cane Shot Glasses! These make an excellent hostess gift or welcome drink for your next festive holiday gathering.

These cute and tasty glasses are super easy and delicious to fill with the liqueur of your choice. Some of our recommendations are:

Godiva Chocolate Liqueur

Bailey's Mint Liqueur

Vodka (for those calorie counting purists)

Peppermint Schnapps

Go Wild: Mix the Vodka and any of the above!

Essential Beverage for the Holiday Season: Water

2008-12-06T12:08:00.000-08:00

Water? What kind of a beverage is that? An essential beverage, in fact, and even more important during the festive holiday season. While certainly not a substitute for cocktails and tipples, water is a must-have addition to any party menu. Water is refreshing, hydrating, and a good foil to over-indulgence. A lack of water can cause dehydration, which in turn impacts blood circulation. This can cause fatigue and reduced brain activity. Water also cleanses and removes toxins from our body, hydrating our skin and, better yet, is recommended for aiding weight loss. Don't these benefits sound appropriate during a season associated with parties, drinking and excess?

Planning on throwing a dinner or cocktail party for the holidays? Make a point of offering water along with cocktails. Today, bottled waters, sparkling or still, are all the rage. Bottles of all sizes, shapes and design quality offer water with a travel pedigree that makes our passports pale in comparison. Still water from the French Alps, sparkling water from Norway, fizzy water from Italy. The choices are endless, and the bottles are tempting in their variety of presentation - if not for the water itself, than for re-use as table ornaments.

But in this age of frugality and environmental awareness, these choices and designs impact our wallets and our global footprint. So, if you would like to offer a posh sparkling water at your holiday party, what should you do? Try using a water filter for your tap water and pour the still water into carafes. Even better, invest in a water carbonator, and add your own fizz to your purified water. A water filter can cost as little as 35.00 and prices for a carbonator start at about 59.00. This will be a cost at the outset, but with a bottle of San Pelligrino running about 2.00 a bottle, this cost will be rapidly recovered during an active party season. Stylish, green, hydrated, moisturized, purified and ever-so posh - what better recipe for a Diva?

Wine Bargains: Tasty and Inexpensive for Holiday Gifts and Parties

2008-12-06T09:06:00.000-08:00

Attention Wine Lovers who like bargains!

Castle Rock Pinot Noir 2006 Mendocino County is definitely a wine that is perfect for the holiday season.
It's a delicious, big pinot noir without the big price. Give it a try, and if you get it on sale, then it’s all the better.

It’s great for gifts and parties--especially if you are having a party and buying wine by the case. I’ve bought it at Safeway and Bevmo, too.

Don't forget Safeway gives you an additional 10% off if you buy 6 or more bottles. Every penny counts these days and even a Diva can be a Recessionista!

FREE GIVE-AWAY--PARTY BLUPRINTS.COM Holiday Cookie Exchange Party Guide

2008-12-03T08:42:00.000-08:00

With money tight and holidays afoot, here is a way to entertain, share holiday cheer, and get some baking done.

Partybluprints.com is offering a 17 page FREE GIVE-AWAY eGuide on "how to host a Holiday party that is low on stress, mess and expense."

Check out this link for your free download: http://www.partybluprints.com/Articles.asp?ID=154. A Diva can never have too many good ideas up her sleeve!

The Autumn Russian--Enjoy Quickly, December is Almost Here!

2008-11-29T17:23:00.000-08:00

If you braved the Pumpkin Pie Martini and you're looking at a half FULL (not half EMPTY) bottle of Pumpkin Spice Liqueur--it's time for you to shake up an Autumn Russian.

I served this as an opening cocktail at Thanksgiving, and all legally drinking generations fully enjoyed it. Shake it fast--December is almost here.

Autumn Russian

1/2 ounce Vodka
1/2 ounce Kahlua
1 1/2 ounces Pumpkin Spice Liqueur
1/2 ounce cream

Shake the ingredients with ice, strain and serve over ice.

Yummy Pumpkin Pie in a Martini Glass

2008-11-13T22:01:00.000-08:00

Hi, I'm Diva Deb and I can't cook. I will admit this after years of denial. Once, I was making grilled cheese sandwiches for friends and kept burning them. My daughter said, "That's o-k, mom, these are just like you always make. We like them burnt."

So, here is a recipe for Pumpkin Pie in a glass--a martini glass to be exact. This is going out to all of those Divas out there who want to celebrate Thanksgiving and enjoy the flavors of the holiday--BUT who are kitchen-challenged.

Or maybe we all just like to enjoy a festive cocktail!

Pumpkin Pie Martini*

1 part Hiram Walker Pumpkin Spice
1/2 part Kahlua
1/2 part Hiram Walker Butterscotch Schnapps
1/2 part half and half

Shake well with ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.

*Recipe courtesy of Hiram Walker's Pumpkin Spice liqueur.

The Best Bloody Mary

2008-11-13T15:01:00.000-08:00

As you may rightly have noticed, the season for parties and festivities is upon us. While still October, yet well into myriad Halloween parties and events, Thanksgiving is fast approaching, and Christmas and New Years are lurking in the shadows, ready to pounce.
We Divas enjoy our parties and holidays, and welcome events that bring us together with friends and family. We don't welcome, however, the morning after a particularly late evening involving lots of libations and lots of food. Our bodies cry out "Time Out!" and we consider a life in baggy, cozy, fleecy clothing - 24/7 - when our only obligations are to warm our sofas.

This beverage is the perfect answer to Divas seeking diet or de-tox during the active holiday season: The Bloody Mary. And this Mary is a classic - timeless, always in fashion, the Diva of drinks. It's satisfying, savory, healthy and low-fat. It can be served with or without alcohol, depending on your stamina. And with this particular recipe, it can be a meal in itself, as it's loaded with lots of goodies and nibbles you can sink your teeth into.

The Best Bloody Mary

1 oz. or 1-1/2 oz. vodka, to taste
6 oz. (3/4 cup) tomato juice
Juice of 1/4 juicy lime
1 teaspoon bottled pure horseradish
2 dashes Lea & Perrin's Worcestershire sauce
1 dash Tabasco
Freshly ground black pepper
Salt to taste

Celery stalk as garnish
Lime wedge as garnish

Combine the vodka, tomato juice, lime juice, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, pepper and salt with 1 cup ice cubes. Shake well. Pour into a highball glass.
Garnish with celery stick and lime wedge.

For the Diva De-Tox:
Omit the vodka. Add additional 1/4 cup tomato juice.

For the Diva Diet:
View the beverage as a liquid salad: Omit the vodka. Add additional 1/4 cup tomato juice. Add additional garnishes such as carrot sticks, cucumber sticks, black olives.

Pumpkin Nog

2008-11-12T10:45:00.000-08:00

Who needs an egg when you have the pumpkin? We don't know about you, but we cannot wait for the Christmas season to indulge in this rich and decadent beverage. The eggs and the carols come in due time, but right now as we celebrate autumn, Halloween and the Pilgrims, let's salute the all-mighty pumpkin in this delicious version of Egg Nog.

Pumpkin Nog

1.5 oz. Brandy, such as Calvados
2.0 oz. Half and Half or whole milk
2 teaspoons Maple syrup
2 teaspoons canned pumpkin pie filling

Prepare:
Combine ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until smooth. Pour into a shaker with ice cubes. Shake well. Strain into a high ball glass with ice cubes. Garnish with ground nutmeg.

Non-Alcoholic Version:
Omit the brandy. Add 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract and additional 1.0 oz. Half and Half.

Birthday Basket: 50th Birthday Shots

2008-11-10T08:01:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, I'm at a loss of what to give a man for a birthday gift. Women? Easy! A trip to the spa, a candle, beautiful bath salts or lotions--as I said, easy! Men? Yikes.

Recently, a good friend of ours turned 50. I came up with this little gift basket and a shot that I call: The Fabulous and Fifty Shot.

Fabulous and Fifty Shot

Bourbon Whiskey
Amaretto

Pour straight up equal parts into a shot glass.

This shot is manly, yet has the amaretto to temper the bourbon--so mixed company can enjoy it, too.

I added the bottles to a gift basket. I bought festive shot glasses at the local party store, added a card and some ribbon.

(It was momentarily confiscated by our waiter at the restaurant as it was enthusiastically opened and sampled by the entire table. Never fear, the birthday boy got it back at the end of the night...but that folks, is a whole other story!)

Football Party Beverages

2008-11-08T06:51:00.000-08:00

In the spirit of lifting our spirits, what better way than inviting a few friends over to watch the football game and enjoy some food and drinks? A little communal couch-potato action sounds like the ultimate cosy get-together. You can do a pot-luck in the food department, or for some do-ahead menu suggestions read here. As for beverages, aside from the requisite beer, here is a cider recipe that should help spike up the ambience.

Not for the faint of heart, this cider is fortified with tequila and triple-sec, creating an autumnal version of a margarita. Yet, served warm it's a perfect harvest concoction. Got thermoses for the tailgating party this weekend?

Tequila-Spiked Cider with Cranberry and Lime
Serves 6-8

5 cups apple cider
1 3-inch cinnamon stick
4 cloves
1 cup cranberry juice cocktail
1/2 cup tequila
1/4 cup triple sec
Lime slices for garnish

In a medium saucepan, stir together cider, cinnamon and cloves. Simmer covered 10 minutes. Remove cinnamon and cloves. Add cranberry juice and heat until hot, without boiling. Remove from heat. Stir in tequila and triple sec. Pour into mugs or thermoses. Garnish mugs with lime slices.

Transylvanian Blood Transfusion: Easy Entertaining for Halloween

2008-10-15T07:18:00.000-07:00

This is easy to prepare for a big party and delicious. It will get the wolves howling and awaken the vampires for a bloody good time.

Transylvanian Blood Transfusion

2 parts Cranberry-Raspberry Juice
1 part Vodka

Mix a 2 to 1 ratio of juice and vodka. Pour into shot glasses and share! This can be poured on the spot or pre-mixed and refrigerated for Diva-style hosts who like to enjoy their party, too.

Highway 12 Wines at Costco

2008-10-13T07:35:00.000-07:00

Long time ago, when I confessed that I chose wine by the intrigue of its label, some very wise person (and I can't remember who, forgive me, we must have been drinking at the time) gave me some very sound wine purchasing advice:

When you are in Costco, circle the wine area bins. When you see a bin almost empty, pick that wine. Hands down, the wine lovers of Costco have consistent good taste.

This is good because, there are many times the pretty labels fail me. I've also learned just because a wine costs $20 to $30 dollars, doesn't mean it's worth drinking.
Recently, we used the Costco trick and bought two of the Highway 12 (Napa Valley) red wines. Both the Merlot and the Cab Blend (equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot) were very tasty. We considered these affordable at around $15 a bottle.

Cheers!

Contact

2008-01-01T17:35:00.000-08:00

We love to get mail, who doesn't? If you have any great ideas, top secret tips you wouldn't mind sharing, comments, questions or recipes let us know!

Drop us a line at divasontherocks@gmail.com

Shop

2008-01-01T17:34:00.000-08:00

coming soon!

Recipes

2008-01-01T17:33:00.000-08:00

coming soon!

About

2008-01-01T17:28:00.000-08:00

The Siskel and Ebert of Cocktail Divas

You are really getting the polar opposites of women writing this blog. Diva Lynda is all things elegant and classy. She is a food writer, recipe developer, cooking instructor, designer and a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Ecole de Cuisine in Paris. Her food and drinks are luscious and beautiful. Her kitchen is a shrine to all things delicious. She is skilled at making any party special with wonderful, personal touches.

Diva Deb can't cook to save her life and is looking for the easiest entertaining tips possible. She buys her cocktail appetizers at Trader Joe's and heats them up in the oven. Sometimes she throws away the box and arranges the appetizers nicely on a serving tray--sometimes the box is in plain sight and the appetizers are served from the baking pan. Even if she tries, she isn't fooling anybody.

Her favorite cocktails are easy to make and easy to drink. The less ingredients the better. If you can't buy it at Safeway, Bevmo or Costco, forget it. She is not driving to some undisclosed locale to find a magic ingredient.