Showing posts with label brunch cocktails. Show all posts
Showing posts with label brunch cocktails. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

the Fare


My Favorite Time of Day

It's true, I may love brunch just because it's an excuse to enjoy a drink before cocktail hour officially begins, and the Canadian in me leans towards a Bloody Caesar. What is a Bloody Caesar, you say? Essentially, it's the exact same as a Bloody Mary, with Clamato juice substituted for tomato juice. Add vodka of your choice, fresh squeezed lime, celery salt, Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce, and you are good to go. Don't forget the garnish - Lehmann Farms Jala-Bean-O's are a good 'n spicy addition.

Now on to the food. My favorite start to the day is a breakfast sundae - fresh, seasonal fruit, layered with plain, non-fat yogurt sweetened with a little jam. HeathGlen's makes wonderful jellies and jams which go great with yogurt, and are a healthier alternative to pre-sweetened varieties - try the Rhubarb Apple Jam with Gewurztraminer Wine. The perfect topper? Crunchy granola, of course! On the Go Granola is locally produced and offers several varieties to choose from.

If savory items are more your style, try a dish that covers all the bases. Spinach and Sundried Tomato Strata is eggs, potatoes, cheese and veggies all in one dish, and as a bonus, it can be prepared ahead of time. www.Kowalskis.com has a great recipe that is as simple as it is tasty.

Round out your meal with purchased breads and pastries. Panera Bread has a wonderful selection - my favorites are the Tomato Basil and the Cherry Vanilla bagels. mmmm.....

- Kiersa Notz, Creative Director, the Affair


the Glass


Morning Libations

Morning isn't just for coffee, especially if you're hosting a brunch for friends. And this doesn't mean that you have to stick with what to me is the most obvious choice for a morning cocktail: the Bloody Mary. Not that it's bad! In fact I'll be giving you a suggestion on it a bit later, but you can be a little bold and offer your guests a different kind of breakfast drink!

"Citrus" is a cocktail that features Cointreau, the liquor that complements the best-made margaritas. For a light refreshing drink, mix 2oz Cointreau, 3oz pink grapefruit juice and 1oz lime juice. Pour over ice in a tall class and serve! Go to www.cointreau.com for more mixology ideas!

Now for the Bloody Mary, or as the folks at Prairie vodka like to call it, the Prairie Mary. Take two parts Prairie vodka, a half cup of tomato juice, squeeze a little lemon, then add Worcestershire and hot sauce to taste! For more ideas, go to www.prairievodka.com.

Cheers to starting your day off right!

- Laurie Ziegler, Gourmet Food & Wine, the Affair