Perfect Summer Parties With Lolita!

With the start of summer comes the start of good weather, great friends, and awesome parties! So what better time to unleash your inner party planner? But with party planning comes stress… (trust me I know!) so why not lessen the work and increase the fun!! Here are some tips on how to throw a fabulous yet easy and laid back summer bash!

One of my favorite tips to help make your summer party planning easier is to keep an impromptu outdoor party kit hidden on a closet shelf or in the back of your pantry! Have your kit contain things like candles, an outdoor MP3 player and of course a complete set of my Ooops-A-Daisy Acrylic wine glasses, tray, napkins, martinis… that way you can just pull out what you need whenever you need it! You will not believe how many times you will pull out this kit! You can even add things to it over time to add to the fun. Here are some examples of what to keep in your kit!

Any yummy smelling candles with a cute holder are perfect for a summer gathering. Also add some flowers to your party space to make a fresh atmosphere… they will remind your party guests that it is summer!

My Ooops-A-Daisy Acrylic Wine Duo Part Set Ultimate is the perfect party starter. Just pull it out of your kit and set it up! It automatically creates a fun yet relaxing atmosphere for the summer bash!

I have also worked with some companies to bring you other great tips and party ideas to have a stress-free time! Take a look.

Skinny Cow WoCavé

Men have their man cave, right? Well now thanks to Skinny Cow, women can have that too! Make your own heavenly space, a WoCavé, where the men are scarce and you can get together with all the ladies or just relax by yourself. Choose a room and make it your WoCavé by setting up a fabulous rug, a comfy couch you can stretch out on, and a cooler to keep your drinks and your Skinny Cow Ice Cream cold! Decorate with your favorite room accessories such as flowers, artwork, candles etc. You can make it a girly and bright atmosphere or a dark and luxurious one, it’s whatever you prefer! Also…don’t forget the snugly blankets and your favorite chick flicks!

Here’s an example of a rug I would set up for my WoCavé!

Don’t forget a soft and cozy blanket to snuggle with in your WoCavé!

And of course don’t forget to stock up the cooler with your favorite Skinny Cow treats! This ice cream has always been a favorite of mine because their products are tasty and are low in fat! They’ve also added some new products this year including new flavors of low-fat ice cream and ice cream candy bars!

So, grab that blanket, some wine in my festive and sassy girl time glasses, your girlfriends, and of course some Skinny Cow Ice cream for a relaxing time in your WoCavé!

Next up are some tips on how to feed your hungry party guests at any type of summer soiree you plan to have without spending much money or any time cooking!

When you are hosting a party, you don’t want to spend your whole evening at the stove or the grill. I love those easy to pick up delicious finger foods that are crowd pleasers. Arby’s new King’s Hawaiian sandwiches fit the bill, folks! There are two new sandwiches only around for a short time, they have 1/3 more roast beef than their Classic Roast Beef Sandwich—and are served on a slightly sweet KING’S HAWAIIAN bun; and the Roast Beef & Swiss version is topped with Swiss cheese, crunchy and fresh pickles and creamy Dijon. Now that’s freshly sliced paradise!

Set your Arby’s Kings Hawaiian Roast Beef sandwiches on a cutely decorated table that screams summer and paradise! Of course, the sandwiches will have your guests’ taste buds in paradise—but add even more to this feeling with decorations! Set the table with flowers, my fun tableware, and a lovely tablecloth along with the Arby’s Kings Hawaiian Roast Beef sandwiches!

Here’s an example of how I would set my table: 

Now for the last tip:

At any summer party you have, there’s going to be warm weather. It’s important to stay hydrated (and that doesn’t mean with cocktails or wine!) Keep everyone hydrated with clean and crisp tasting water. I love using PUR Water Filtration Systems to provide clean water! Their filters remove contaminants others would leave behind.

This Advanced Faucet Water Filter is actually 10x more powerful than any other leading pitcher and this 7-Cup Pitcher is 2x more powerful. Think bottled water is better? EH! That’s wrong. Contaminants can actually leach in from the plastic of the bottled water and it’s much more expensive. By switching to filtered water you can be sure your water is clean and you will save up to $1,000 per year! Set up your PUR Water pitchers on your fun decorated table to make sure everyone has a good time in the warm weather!

Don’t forget these tips when planning your next summer bash! Keep your party kit handy at all costs, set up your Wocavé, serve the Arby’s KINGS HAWAIIAN Roast Beef Sandwiches to your hungry party guests, and make sure they stay hydrated with clean and fresh water from PUR water filtration! You’ll be sure to have an amazing summer bash and a relaxing Wocavé with these ideas and tips. Cheers!

FLIP AND FLOP INTO SPRING!

Have you flipped into a pool or flopped onto a beach lately?

If not, it’s time to start considering a way to do so to help us beat this seemingly endless winter. So, vacation is clearly on the mind!

As the weather becomes more and more gorgeous, surrounded by sweet azaleas and newly blossomed green grass, feel it between your toes (with wine and food in your mouth) with outdoor entertaining at its best with my FUN acrylic tableware!!

Not only is it dishwasher safe, it is so festive and no need to decorate in any other way. Perfect for the pool, beach, and backyard, even in the kitchen it will liven up a rainy day. Get the whole collection!!

Pick a sunny day to celebrate the oncoming warm days. Or, if it happens to be raining on the day you picked, you can still celebrate in your kitchen!

Throw a casual get together with yummy appetizers, fresh decorations, and of course refreshing drinks! This party can be only your closest friends, or it can have a large guest list! It’s up to you!

Atmosphere:

Whether your party space is indoors or outdoors, decorate with some fresh flowers of your choice to further show that spring is in full bloom! Set flower arrangements on tables, around food… you name it!

Another nice way to embellish the “flower theme,” is to decorate with flower garland! You can either do it yourself or buy it! Here is a nice example:

Set up tables with pretty, bright, and fun tablecloths.  Have an appetizer table and a drink table so that way guests can easily snack and get drinks at their pleasure.

It is really your choice on the type of serve ware you provide, but our Oops-A-Daisy tableware would be perfect for the occasion.

As far as food and drinks go, make sure there are fun appetizers and light refreshments so party-goers can stay cool during the first warm days they will be experiencing since last year, unless you live in Florida of course… but do not worry the following recipes will still have the same effect! Mangoes, limes, oranges, pineapples and strawberries are all in season during spring! Use those delicious fruits to your advantage and include them in your party appetizer and drink menu!

Mango Salsa

Ingredients

The directions for the following recipe can be found on chefinyou.com

• 1 large ripe yet firm mango
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced into small pieces
• 1 medium Jalapeno, seeded and diced into small pieces (if you can take the heat, add the seeds to the salsa)
• 1 small red onion, diced finely, about 1/4 cup – 1/2 cup depending on sharpness
• 1 -2 tbsp lemon/lime juice ( +/- depending on your taste )
• Salt to taste
• Little sugar to sprinkle if your mangoes are not sweet enough
• Few sprigs of cilantro, chopped
• Few mint leaves (optional)

Serve with your favorite tortilla chips!

Spinach Strawberry Salad

The directions for the following recipe can be found on cedarcirclefarm.org

Ingredients

• 8 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, and lettuce; mixed, cleaned, and spin-dried)
• 8 T goat cheese crumbled
• 4-8 baby Portobello mushrooms sliced thin
• 1 1/2 cups strawberries leaned, capped and sliced thin
• 4 T balsamic vinegar
• 2 T oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Chicken and Bacon Shish Kabobs
The directions for the following recipe can be found on food.com
Ingredients

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 10 large mushrooms, cut in half
• 2 green onions
• 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, filets cut into chunks
• ½ lb sliced thick cut bacon, cut in half
• 8 oz of pineapple chunks

Hydrangea Cupcakes

The directions for the following recipe can be found on glorioustreats.com

Ingredients

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 ¾ cups all purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

Pineapple Upside-down Cake Cocktail

The directions for the following recipe can be found at allrecipes.com

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup pineapple juice, chilled
• 1/3 cup vanilla flavored vodka
• 1 dash grenadine syrup
• 2 pineapple wedges
• 2 maraschino cherries

Strawberry Sangria
The directions for the following recipe can be found at wine.about.com
Ingredients

• 1 bottle of Rose Wine
• ½ cup white sugar
• 1 ½ cups strawberry lemonade
• 1 cup sliced strawberries

Activity:
A fun activity for the ladies might be to decorate your own pair of flip flops! Set out pairs of cheap flip flops, glitter, mini fake flowers, beads, and whatever you feel the ladies might want to wear on their feet!

Now, allow your party guests to sit back, relax and enjoy the springtime! P.S. Wearing flip-flops are a requirement!!

Time For a Mother’s Day Luncheon!

Whether you’re celebrating your own motherhood or your own mom, it’s still a perfect time to celebrate! Mother’s day is obviously the day to commemorate everything to do with moms!

Moms basically know how to do everything, and they are there for their kids through anything. No matter how many times moms say, “Because I said so, that’s why” or “Go ask your father,” you know they deserve to be celebrated!

This Mother’s Day put together a luncheon for your own mom, for yourself, or all of the moms in your extended family! Whether you’re a new mom or a grandma, this luncheon is perfect for every mom. Not only will this luncheon be celebrating moms and everything they do, it will give moms the chance to realize how amazing they are and to relax. Obviously, our #1 Mom Wine Glass would be a hit!

Atmosphere and Decoration
If it’s nice outside and if you have a porch or backyard, you can set up a pretty and sweet luncheon space outdoors. However, if the weather is not appealing or if you simply just don’t have the outdoor space, set up the same pretty and sweet space inside! Set up one table or a few tables depending on how many moms attend this soiree! If there are many moms coming to the celebration, set up a couple of tables with beautiful flower arrangements as the centerpieces! If you want to have an accent color prominent for the luncheon, make the flower arrangements associated with that color! (For example, if you have a light green accent color, add light green hydrangeas to your arrangement!) Here’s an example of a lovely flower centerpiece you can use:

Drape the tables in tablecloths made from a lovely patterned or solid-colored fabric! Set picture frames in front of the flower arrangements. These picture frames can hold quotes praising moms or pictures of the moms you’re celebrating! This will visually show them how much they are appreciated. Here’s an example of a picture frame showing a quote that could be set on a table:

Set up the luncheon space with pretty paper lanterns, strings of fake flowers, and some sort of banner that reads “Happy Mother’s Day”. If you have an accent color, make sure you associate that accent color with the decorations! Here’s a nice example of a mother’s day set up that could inspire your own!

Food and Drinks
Good food is always an essential for any celebration. Taste buds need to be pleased with a light yet delicious menu for this luncheon! If there is a larger attendance for your luncheon, a buffet option might be easier to serve food. Set up an attractively decorated buffet table that sticks with the theme of your luncheon. However, if it is just your immediate family, bring the food to the table. Have a wine and cocktail bar set up (you can simply use a table draped with a pretty tablecloth topped with ice buckets, soda, juice, your favorite wines, and other alcoholic beverages…make sure there is something for the kids!)

Drinks:
The Ladybug (Watermelon Cocktail)
The directions for the recipe below can be found at: epicurious.com
Ingredients:

• 4 cups of half frozen cubed watermelon
• ¼ cup of lime sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• ¼ cup vodka

Kids Version: Watermelonade
The directions for the recipe below can be found at: epicurious.com 

• 1 (12-pound) watermelon (preferably seedless)
• 1/4 cup sugar, divided
• 4 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, divided
• 16 cups ice cubes, divided

Food:
Start off with a yummy and light salad to serve. Here is a perfect salad recipe to use for this special occasion:

Roquefort Pear Salad
The directions for the recipe below can be found at: allrecipes.com
Ingredients:

• 1 head leaf lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
• 3 pears—peeled, cored and chopped
• 5 oz of Roquefort cheese—crumbled
• 1 avocado—peeled, pitted and diced
• ½ cup thinly sliced green onions
• ¼ cup white sugar
• ½ cup pecans
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 ½ teaspoons white sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons prepared mustard
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Fresh ground black better to taste

Now for some lunch entrée options:

Spring Basil Linguine
The directions for the recipe below can be found at: myrecipes.com
Ingredients:

• 9 ounces uncooked fresh linguine
• 1 cup shelled fresh green peas
• 4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
• 2 ounces shaved fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Chicken Parmesan Burgers
The directions for the recipe below at epicurious.com
Ingredients:

• 10 1/2-inch-thick slices French bread (4 inches in diameter); 8 slices toasted, 2 slices (crust removed) diced
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 tablespoons minced fresh basil, divided, plus 12 large basil leaves
• 3/4 cup purchased refrigerated marinara sauce
• 12 ounces ground chicken (white meat)
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon grated onion
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 ounces whole-milk mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced
• 4 large radicchio leaves

Serve asparagus as a yummy side!

Roasted Garlic Asparagus
The directions for the recipe below can be found at: epicurious.com
Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 8 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons fresh finely chopped parsley
• 2 pounds thin asparagus, ends trimmed
• Fleur de sel or coarse sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Now time for some yummy dessert to please those taste buds!

Strawberry Shortcake
The directions for the recipe below can be found at: chow.com
Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds strawberries, rinsed, hulled, and quartered
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 1 medium lemon)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt, plus a pinch
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (1/2 stick), cut into small pieces
• 2 cups heavy cream

Of course, this Mother’s Day soiree already shows a huge appreciation for all moms, but to give them something they can keep forever to remind them is just as great!

Whether it’s a grandma or a new mom you can shower them with our Mom related glassware just so they are reminded—and hey! They get some relaxation out of it too. Shower the moms with our “Love you Mom Wine Glass”, “#1 Mom Wine Glass”, and our “#1 Grandma Wine Glass”. They will sure appreciate being able to have their wine in a glass that says it all!

Be sure to check out our Mother’s Day Luncheon Pinterest board for more ideas for your Mother’s Day Luncheon! Cheers!

COCKTAILS, BAHAMA MAMA STYLE!

When I began this crazy business 10 years ago, I started with designing my collectible martini glasses with the martini recipe (the taste, ingredients, name) as the inspiration. Now, I have decided to explore the general cocktail category with a new “cocktail glass” shape, the Love My Cocktail Collection by Lolita…the cocktail recipe inspiring the design with the recipe on the bottom!

With six fun and tasty “designs”, such as Pina Colada and Bahama Mama, these new cocktail glasses are sure to meet the needs of cocktail lovers everywhere. I even have restaurants ordering them like crazy to serve and sell drinks in, and since they have just hit the shelves, you fans will have to get first dibs here on my website.

As an aside, I have come up with a liberating idea for a cocktail party, which celebrates the “Bahama Mama” in each of us ladies (gents, you will have to wait for another cocktail, but you can enjoy the scenery!) Warm weather please embrace us!

Invites
Here is a link to an invitation I LOVE….

Atmosphere
Tables can be draped with fun summery colors. I recommend a color palette of chartreuse, yellow, tangerine and turquoise.  Grass skirts around each table complete the look! I like low clear bowls of water with blue food coloring with floating candles, adding blue water to the scene enhances that Caribbean feeling. Get cheap, colorful flip-flops and scatter them around all the tables (in the Bahamas, flip-flops are the footwear of choice!)

Add beachballs, hula hoops surfboards and create your own Tiki Hut table as the bar Girls…wear a white t-shirt or tank top. Provide a pareo for each girlfriend!  Guys wear your shorts or best beachwear.  Add games like limbo to the scene!!  Serve delicious Bahama Mama Cocktails! Have a flower for each girl’s hair! Fly away and laugh as Carribean music and warm breezes caress the senses. And of course, have a bunch of Bahama Mama cocktail glasses available for your guests!

Signature Drink
THE BAHAMA MAMA
1/4 oz Coffee Liqueur
1/2 oz Dark Rum
1/2 oz Coconut Liqueur
1/4 oz 151 Proof Rum
Juice from 1/2 Lemon
Fill with Pineapple Juice

Menu Suggestions
CONCH SALAD
1 c. raw conch meat, diced small
1/4 c. celery, diced
1/4 c. onion, diced
Hot pepper and salt to taste
1/2 c. cucumber, diced
2/3 c. tomatoes, diced
1/3 c. lemon juice

In a salad bowl, combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly. Cover bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Mix again before serving.

COCONUT SHRIMP
1 lb. lg. shrimp, shelled with tails intact
1 extra lg. egg
6 tbsp. milk
1 tbsp. brown sugar
1/2 c. all purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
4 oz. (1 1/3 c.) unsweetened shredded coconut
Vegetable oil for frying

Butterfly shrimp by cutting along curved back almost through other side. Open each shrimp like a book and remove intestinal vein. Rinse gently under cold running water. Whisk the egg, milk and sugar in mixing bowl until smooth. Gradually whisk in flour and salt, then continue whisking constantly until batter is perfectly smooth. Let stand 30 minutes. Spread coconut in a thin layer on baking sheet. Hold one shrimp by tail and dip in batter, making sure batter coats all surfaces. Wipe shrimp against rim of bowl to remove excess batter and place on coconut. Repeat with remaining shrimp. Turn each shrimp in coconut to lightly coat and place on wire rack to allow coating to set. Pour enough oil into large deep skillet to measure 1 inch. Heat over medium high heat until end of shrimp dipped in oil sizzles at once. Add half the shrimp to skillet and fry, turning once, until shrimp are cooked through and coating is deep golden brown, about 2 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer shrimp to paper towels to drain briefly. Fry remaining shrimp in same manner. Serve hot as an appetizer.

LOBSTER SLIDERS
1 freshly cooked lobster, about 2 lb. total (about 1/2 lb. meat)
2 Tbs. mayonnaise
2 Tbs. crème fraîche
2 Tbs. finely chopped celery
1 Tbs. minced shallot
2 cornichons, finely chopped
1 1/2 tsp. minced fresh tarragon
1/2 tsp. grated lemon zest
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1 Tbs. unsalted butter, at room temperature
8 mini brioche rolls, split
1 small head Bibb lettuce

To remove the lobster meat, twist off the claws from the body. Using a lobster cracker or mallet, break the shell on each claw and remove the meat. Using a large, sharp knife, cut the lobster in half lengthwise from the head to the tail. Discard the black vein that runs the length of the body, and discard the small sand sac at the base of the head. Remove the meat from the body and tail. Twist off the small legs where they join the body to check for other chunks of meat. Chop the lobster meat into 1/2-inch pieces.

In a bowl, combine the lobster meat, mayonnaise, crème fraîche, celery, shallot, cornichons, tarragon and lemon zest. Stir gently to blend and season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Heat a large fry pan over medium heat. Butter the cut side of each roll. Place the rolls, buttered side down, in the pan and toast until lightly golden, about 1 minute. Transfer the rolls to a work surface and spoon about 3 Tbs. lobster mixture on the bottom half of each roll. Add a few lettuce leaves. Top with the remaining roll halves, secure with a toothpick if you like and serve immediately. Serves 8.

MANGO CHICKEN SKEWERS

6 Tbs. olive oil
¼ cup fresh lime juice
1 tsp. chili powder
½ tsp. cayenne pepper
½ tsp. salt
1 Tbs. sugar
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 ripe but firm mangoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch cubes Bell peppers, optional

In a large bowl, mix together the spices, and lime juice. Immerse the chicken and mangoes in the mixture and marinate for 2-4 hours, covered, in the refrigerator. Prepare a hot grill, line the grill with a strip of foil on one end to prevent the bottom of the skewers from burning. Take the skewers and alternately place pieces of chicken, mango and peppers. Arrange the skewers evenly on the grill. Turn them once while cooking and cook until cooked through and nicely charred. 6-10 minutes. Remove from grill and serve immediately.

PLAYLIST
Tiny Bubbles-Don Ho
Mexico-Jimmy Buffett
Three Little Birds-Bob Marley
Take Me to Paradise-Miguel Migs
Mas Que Nada- Sergio Mendes
South of the Border- Frank Sinatra
Girl-Beck
Summer Love- Justin Timberlake
Salsa Mania-Don Diego y Su Orquestra Tropica
Stir It up- Bob Marley
Good People-Jack Johnson
Cheeseburger in Paradise- Jimmy Buffett
Summer-India.Arie
She’s Royal-Tarrus Riley
Amore -Santana with Macy Gray
Red, Red Wine-UB40
Brown Eyed Girl-Van Morrison

TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

When I designed my first “animal print” glass 10 years ago, I had no idea that I would still be designing fab animal print patterns for my products. Also, I find it amazing that it is not a trend at this point, but a staple in every woman’s wardrobe and home décor!  I just read in a high design home décor magazine that every room should have “something black and something animal”. Makes sense to me. The patterns and looks of animal prints bring us a bit back to nature. The tone on tone color palettes are great with almost any other palette…And that brings up another topic…

Find the wild woman in you! Yes, it is okay to be a little crazy, a little sexy, without wearing it on your sleeve or collapsing in a drunken haze with an eye mask, or purring to your significant other in a cat costume!

So, this season, accessorize yourself with my purr-fect accessories for that impromptu girls’ night in.

I have a variety of items on my site that can become “basics” in your home repoirtoire…my favorites are obviously my animal print glasses, but I am actually LOVING the safari looks of my acrylic ware and paper accessories to match. Move into spring with a fun set of animal print acrylic wine glasses, paper chip bowls, plates, and cocktail napkins!  Not only will it help you create a sophisticated look when people walk in at a moments notice, you might just enjoy that feeling of feline, just for a moment. I can already hear you roar!

It’s also nice to be able to throw things away after a party instead of all the washing. And, the acrylic wine glasses are dishwasher safe (top rack). What could be more effortless? Join the safari, with wine in hand.

Hi, ya’ll. Yes, I’m a Southern Girl. Born and raised. So what kind of girl are you?? I have some really fun new designs that celebrate YOU…the IT GIRL.  Whether you are Yoga Girl, Redneck Girl,

Southern Girl, Sorority Girl, Graduation Girl, Sports Diva, Jersey Girl, California Girl…whatever type of girl you are, we have it! And more great gals to come this summer…these wine glasses will totally delight!

Celebrate the girl in you, or that special girl you know who needs to be reminded how amazing she really is.

An Intimate Gathering….With Ease!

Has Valentine’s Day almost passed by without a thought of your spouse or significant other? Or, if you are single, have you given a thought to pulling together something special at your house? Or just need an idea for the weekend, something different?

If so, I wanted to share a couple of fantastic ideas that can be used tonight, or anytime for that matter, for a small gathering.

Everything old is new again. The trend for retro/mini cocktails is exploding, and as a mixologist, I find it very interesting that the cocktails in the 20’s were mini because they were almost pure alcohol. Alas, I have come up with a classic cocktail that will be elegant, tastes great, and can be romantic, not pure alcohol, but retro all the same.

Do you have some antique martini glasses? If so, they are very small. Serve a nice port, or, mix this:

The Retro Cocktail:
The ingredients in this whiskey based cocktail are reminiscent of the famous “Sidecar” of the 1920’s. I have softened this original recipe a bit for flavor enhancement, for today’s discriminating cocktail palette.

1 ounce premium Crown Royal Whiskey
¼ ounce Triple Sec
¼ ounce Maraschino Cherry Juice
2 ounces Sweet and Sour Mix
1 Mini Lime Wedge
1 Maraschino Cherry

Add all liquid ingredients to a martini shaker with ice. Shake a pour. Garnish with a mini lime wedges and cherries on an olive pic.

To pair food with this cocktail, you need something a little sweet yet savory. My friend, Mary Ann Eacuello, came up with this delicious recipe. It is easy, ultra sophisticated, and delicious.

Duck Nachos:
1 package wonton wrappers or eggroll wrappers
1 bottle of Hoison Sauce
½ cups Brown sugar
½ cup Orange Juice
½ cup Maraschino Cherry Syrup (can use from a bottle of cherries)
Olive Oil
2 Duck Breasts
Manchego Cheese or other Mild, crumbly cheese such as mild feta
½ cup chopped scallions

Take two breasts of duck and coat with brown sugar, orange juice and maraschino cherry syrup and place in a plastic bag.

In a large non-stick skillet full with at least 2 inches of olive oil. Bring to medium heat.

Take wonton wrappers or egg roll wrappers cut into halves and fry just until they’re puffy. Then take them out and place them on a piece of paper towel to drain.

While the wontons drain, place the duck breasts skin side down into the pan for 7 minutes. Flip over and cook for another 7 minutes.

Spread wontons on a cookie sheet, then slice the duck breast against the grain and place on wontons with the marinade left over in the pan. Pour warm Hoison sauce over the duck and top off with scallions and Manchego cheese.

Bake at 300 degrees for about 10-15 minutes and serve.

These recipes are not complicated, and once you keep these ingredients on hand, you will never lack for an impromptu, sophisticated gathering!