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I can’t get enough of beer and summer!  They go hand and hand like Laverne and Shirley!  If only you could brew up summer and drink it out of a beer bottle…

Sounds weird, I know.  But it woud be pretty cool!

To help celebrate my favorite beverage and season, I was thinking about attending the Michigan Brewer Guild’s Summer Beer Festival.  It would be nice to support local brewers and get my drink on! 

Oh, yeah!

I Love You, Michael!

Thank you, Michael.

I love to dance because of you.

Thank you.  

 

While beer is my drink of choice, sometimes I like to spice it up with a fruity alcoholic beverage!  Now, I must admit, I am not the best bartender.  So, I bought  The Cocktail Handbook to help me measure the perfect concoctions. 

After a few nights of practice, I did it!  I was able to measure a few alcoholic masterpieces!  To spread the joy, here the three tasty cocktails I perfected to help you start your evening out right!  Enjoy!   

Grass Skirt

Ice Cubes

1 1/2 oz Gin

1 oz Triple Sec or Cointreau

1 oz Pineapple Juice

1/2 teaspoon Grenadine

1 Pineapple Slice

Half-fill a shaker with ice cubes.  Add the gin, triple sec/Cointreau, pineapple juice, and grenadine.  Shake well and pour (unstrained) into an old-fashioned glass.  Garnish with the pineapple slice and enjoy!   

Jamaica Sunday

Crushed Ice

2 oz Jamaican Rum

1 teaspoon Clear Honey

1/2 oz Lime Juice

2 oz Lemonade

Dissolve the honey in the rum and then pour into an old-fashioned glass filled with the crushed ice.  Top with lime juice and lemonade.  Enjoy! 

Hawaiian Vodka

Ice Cubes

3 oz Vodka

1 oz Pineapple Juice

1 oz Orange Juice

1 oz Lemon Juice

1 teaspoon Grenadine

1 Lemon Slice

Half-fill a shaker with ice cubes.  Pour in the all the juices and vodka.  Shake well and strain into an old-fashioned glass.  Garnish with the lemon slice and enjoy! 

Recipes from The Cocktail Handbook

Summer is here!  And yes, my body is not ready for a bikini thanks to beer!  Oh well!  I guess all I can do is grab a frosty mug and think about which beer I would like to enjoy first! 

Let’s see…

The first beer that comes to mind is Amstel Light.  It is one dam good bier!  It is low in calories and can be enjoyed throughout the day!  Its lightness allows you drink… and drink… and drink until you can’t drink anymore!  It can be enjoyed with a variety of food; however, I personally like to drink it while munching on delicious Gouda cheese and crackers!  It is so good!  You’ll love it, I swear!

What else is there?

Another beer I enjoy drinking in the summer is Bell’s Oberon.   It is a summer classic in Detroit (and the rest of Michigan) that can be found at almost any local bar or pub.  Try it for lunch with a delicious smoked ham and Edam cheese sandwich.  Or simply enjoy it with a slice of orange on a hot summer day!  But beware, it isn’t as light as Amstel Light since it is a wheat ale, so after a few beers you should be feeling a little lightheaded.    

I guess those are my two top picks for the summer so far…  We did buy a bunch of beer the other day to taste test, so stay tuned for my reviews!  With the rate my husband and I drink, we should be able to review at least 2 more new beers by next week! 

So, until then, Cheers!

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Yes, it is sad.  We can only hope Jon and Kate get through this difficult time.

But until then…let’s drink! 

Take a swig each time:

  • Kate belittles Jon
  • Kate ‘tells’ Jon to do something (to put it nicely) 
  • Kate touches her hair (…please get a new hairstyle)
  • Kate mentions her book
  • Jon is staring off into space while Kate is talking…and talking…and talking
  • Kate talks about remodeling/decorating the house
  • Jon is ‘on a trip’
  • Kate mentions something about having a meltdown (or not having a meltdown…yet)
  • Jon is sitting on the couch alone
  • Kate is sitting on the couch alone
  • Kate is rude or sarcastic to a contractor or stranger

Chug it if:

  • Kate rolls her eyes at Jon
  • Jon rolls his eyes at Kate
  • Jon is sarcastic to Kate
  • Kate says, ‘Huge steps for me…Huge!’
  • The family van makes an appearance
  • Jon smirks when he knows Kate is uncomfortable with house project
  • Jon says, ‘It’s hard for me…’

Slam the entire bottle if:

  • Kate says, ‘I’m sorry…’
  • Jon defends himself
  • Kate and Jon show affection to one another (I know…WTF?)

For more Jon and Kate drinking game ideas, check out Chris McCorkle

Beer + Pizza = Heaven!

This is an oldie, but a goodie…Honestly…

A few months ago I bought He Said Beer, She Said Wine, a great book on beer and wine food pairing.  I must admit, I was a little skeptical at first. I always thought wine and cheese parties were a little gay (ok, a lot gay).  Then, I started reading about grapes, regions, barley, and malts and started to appreciate the true craftsmanship of beer and wine.  I guess all the Jim Koch commercials really didn’t sink in (Sorry, Sam Adams!).

Being a true pizza lover, I immediately looked up which beer would go well with a Little Ceasars Hot and Ready.  Hey, times are tough and Thursday nights are Hot and Ready Thursdays at my house!  The book suggested the sweetness of Brooklyn Brown Ale to contrast with the spiciness of the pizza’s pepperoni.  Little did the writers know, I live in a small town where the town’s name can appropriately use ‘-tucky’ as its suffix.  So, Brooklyn Brown Ale isn’t as readily available as Busch Light, Bud Light, and Miller Lite at my local liquor store.  But, leave it to the Brits with their classic Newcastle Brown Ale to save the day!  The malty brew made its occasional cameo at local shops and bars and this was my lucky day!

Newcastle

A large pizza in one hand and a six pack in the other, I was excited to try my little gourmet science experiment.  I also felt like a matchmaker bringing these two delectable gems together.  I took my first bite of the cheesy, pepperoni pizza and could feel the fusion begin.  It was so good.  Then, I took my first sip of the Newcastle.  The flavors began to flirt with each other and after a while it became full-blown foreplay. As I chewed a bit more, it was evident that there was a little taste of heaven in my mouth.  The blissful flavors of the pizza and beer neutralized one another and became a state of righteousness. 

I became a believer that night.  I could finally relate to the Top Chef Judges when they referred to acidicity and other gourmet speak.  It’s funny how once you experience a divine miracle, you want to preach the gospel to the world- even if it is a simple $5 pizza and six pack of beer.

Cinco de Mayo Quickie

 

 Cinco de Mayo is here!  And while most of the world is worried about the swine flu and its origination in Mexico, we have found the perfect drink for you to toast to all that is Mexican- Jose Cuervo Golden MargaritaDelicioso!

Best of all, this premium mix is ready to serve on the rocks in a salt-rimmed glass as soon as your bring it home!  Excelente!  And if you are a member of Costco, you can enjoy this mouthwatering drink in bulk! 

Liquor in bulk…how can you go wrong!?!  Inteligente!

Happy Cinco de Mayo, Amigo!

Beer Appreciation Day

We should all appreciate what we have, right?

House Party Food Menu

So, you’re throwing a party!  Here are some yummy house party recipes to help you fill every one’s belly with a little love!

Dips:

Frank Boni’s Four Cheese Dip

Hot Spinach-Artichoke Dip

French Onion Dip

Cheesy Spinach and Bacon Dip

Appetizers:

Grilled Stuffed Jalapeno Chiles with Grilled Red Pepper-Tomato Sauce

Basil and Tomato Feta Bruschetta

Salsa Roll Ups

Baked Crab Rangoon

Spinach Phyllo Roll Ups

Spicy Bean ‘Quesadillas’

 Wings:

Red Hot Sticky Wings

Hot Wings with Blue Cheese-Yogurt Sauce

Chicken Wings with Red Hot Honey Glaze and Blue Cheese-Celery Dipping Sauce

Ulimate Chicken Wings

Sliders and more:

Steakhouse Sliders and Mini Steak Fries

Sliders with Chipotle Mayonnaise

Vinegar and Salt Grilled Potatoes

Chicken Salad Sliders

Sloppy Joes with Maui Onion Straws

NASCAR Lovin’

Top 5 Tattoos at a NASCAR Race:

1.  A back tattoo of Jesus on the cross

2.  Barb wire arm tattoo

3.  A single rose above the nips

4.  Tramp stamp

5.  Chinese writing of ‘Love,’ ‘Faith,’ Hope,’ and ‘I’m an asshole’

And the #1 Most Admired Tattoo at a NASCAR Race…

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