Holiday Drinks

I've been doing a lot of holiday food and party planning lately. Along with great food, good beverages are an important part of entertaining.

Last year I was served a fabulous glogg at the home of my friends, Jack and Siobahn. Some may find this recipe a bit unusual, but it's delicious and really hits the spot on a cold winter day. I'll be serving this at our Winter Warm-Up on December 3!

Dept:

Jack and Siobahn's Glogg

1 - 26 oz. bottle of red wine (quality is not an issue)
1 cup brandy
1 - 12 oz. bottle of beer
1 orange, thinly sliced with rind on
1 lemon, thinly sliced with rind on
3/4 cup sugar
3 cinnamon sticks
1 tbsp. whole cloves
1 cup raisins
1/3 cup slivered almonds

Make a bag with cinnamon and cloves(we just put them in loose and then skimmed off the cloves near serving time).
Combine everything in large pot; bring to a boil; simmer for 1.5 hours covered (perfect to put in early and put on low heat in a crock pot).

Al's recipes

Al's recipes now have an index page. Check out his latest recipe for: Boeuf a la Bourguinonne.

Thanks Al!

Dept:

Spicy Marinated Olives

When I have friends over for a party, I like serving marinated olives to nibble on. Here's my version of marinated olives. I'm not a huge fan of olives, but I really like these! I'm not sure I'd throw one of these in a martini, though!

Dept:

Spicy Marinated Olives

1 jar (340 mL) green Spanish olives
3 cloves garlic, peeled, cut in half
1 lemon, cut into 8 wedges
1 bay leaf
3/4 tsp. whole cumin, toasted
1/2 tsp. chili flakes
3/4 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper
Red wine vinegar
Water
Extra virgin olive oil

Drain and rinse olives. Cut a slash at the end of each olive.
Combine olives, garlic, lemon and spices in a medium jar.
Cover olive mixture with enough red wine vinegar to cover by about two thirds. Add water to cover olives.

Make Ahead Cookie Dough

Life is hectic and I don't always have time to whip up a batch of cookies. It helps, though, to fall back on trusted recipes like Slice and Bake Shortbread and Ginger Shortbread. I make up the dough when I have time (?!) and freeze it. When I need cookies, I can just slice and bake. This is especially helpful around Christmas.

Dept:

Kitchen Confidential

So, I read Kitchen Confidential. I have to admit I was disappointed. I did get some handy tips about when to eat in restaurants (Tuesday-Thursday). And it reinforced my desire to eat in busy restaurants (fresher food). But, far too much of the book was dedicated to discussing his cocaine habit and the effects it had on his life and cooking!

Toni's Spicy Fish Cutlets

Check out my very easy and quick to make Spicy Fish Cutlets recipe!

Contributed by Toni

Dept:

Toni's Spicy Fish Cutlets

1 can Tuna 2 medium potaotoes - boiled
1 clove garlic
1/2 to 1 inch piece ginger
1/2 green chilli pepper
1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion
few corriander (cilantro) leaves
1 egg
salt to taste
bread crumbs

Mahek Indian Restaurant

Mahek is one good reason to drive out to Delta for a meal. Check out this recent review of one of my favourite Indian restaurants.

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