Friday, June 24, 2016

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday! Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Red Wine Gin Sour
c/o Hummingbird High
Ingredients
For the Red Wine Gin Sour:
(makes 1 cocktail, but easily scales up)
1.5 fluid ounces London dry gin
0.75 fluid ounce St. Germain elderflower liqueur
0.75 fluid ounce simple syrup 
0.75 fluid ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 large egg white
0.75 fluid ounce Italian red wine

Directions
  1. Combine the gin, elderflower liqueur, simple syrup, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and egg white in a metal cocktail shaker. Shake with the metal coil from a Hawthorne strainer for 15 to 20 seconds.

  2. Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for another 15 to 20 seconds. Strain into an empty shaker with no ice and shake vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds more.

  3. Transfer the mixture to a tall glass with ice, and finish the drink off by pouring red wine over the back of a bar spoon over the center of the glass. Given its weight, the wine will automatically sink below the foam to create that pretty ombre layered effect. Serve immediately.


Grilled Pesto Chicken and Tomato Kebabs

Ingredients
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
  • kosher salt and fresh pepper to taste 
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1-1/4 lbs skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 24 cherry tomatoes
  • 16 wooden skewers

  • Directions
    In a food processor pulse basil, garlic, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper until smooth. Slowly add the olive oil while pulsing.
    Combine the raw chicken with pesto and marinate a few hours in a bowl. Soak wooden skewers in water at least 30 minutes (or use metal ones to avoid this step). Beginning and ending with chicken, thread chicken and tomatoes onto 8 pairs of parallel skewers to make 8 kebabs total.
    Heat the outdoor grill or indoor grill pan over medium heat until hot. Be sure the grates are clean and spray lightly with oil. Place the chicken on the hot grill and cook about 3-4 minutes; turn and continue cooking until chicken is cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes.

    Strawberry Sauce

    Ingredients
    2 pounds strawberries, sliced (~4 cups)
    1/4 cup sugar
    2 tablespoons lemon juice (~1/2 lemon)
    1/4 cup water

    Directions
    1. Bring everything to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens a bit and gets syrupy, about 5-10 minutes.

    Thursday, June 23, 2016

    Straw Poll

    This week's posts have been all about summer favorites. Today we're finishing strong with the straw clutch. I love this medium because it's beachy but structured in shape. It works great for a Saturday dinner al fresco or a destination wedding. The style is so versatile.

    Banana Republic, Dot Straw Clutch, $58
    How great is this bag? Polka dots in straw? Count me in.

    JCrew, Rattan Clutch, $88
    This is a strong clutch. It's sturdy, leather closure, and perfect beads to stand on.

    Anthropologie, Wittenberg Crossbody, $88
    Leave it to Anthro to crush the straw pattern game. The stripes, texture, color!

    Simple, under $20, can't go wrong!

    Accessorizing for summer is so easy with a straw clutch. Grab your phone, keys, cards, and lipstick and walk out the door.

    Be fabulous today!

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    Wednesday, June 22, 2016

    I Feel Like Bustin' Loose

    Let's spice up this hump day with a really sassy dress. The bustier or fitted bodice dress is equal parts sexy and feminine. I think the fit is daring but spot on for those nights that you need to really make a statement.

    Starting sweet with this floral number that is great for an evening outdoor wedding.

    This dress is the new platinum blond Taylor Swift dress. Edgy but girly.

    Modcloth, Blockbuster Party Dress, $59
    Two things that make this dress extra awesome: a bow and pockets.

    This is a special dress. Pull out this weapon when you to make an entrance or make someone very, very jealous.

    The fitted bodice dress is a silhouette that demands attention. It's dramatic and photo worthy for so many summer occasions.

    Be fabulous today!

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    Tuesday, June 21, 2016

    All Tied Up

    It's the second day of summer, I'm assuming your toes are looking painted and pretty? Ok good, because I need show you these shoes. Lace up gladiator sandals. Gladiators aren't anything new, and for me, they're quite the statement shoe. Like, whoa girl that's a lot of shoe, statement. These are a bit softer, easier to pair with items already in your closet.

    Right?! These remind me of this month's pom post but next level. 

    This is your new neutral sandal. Subtle gold that goes with jeans, shorts, patterns, chambray, you name it.

    These sandals are vacation ready. Like bring me something fruity cabana boy shoes.

    Rose gold, anyone? Yeah, I thought so.

    These fun sandals are a little less intimidating than a full blown gladiator shoe and they are more versatile for your summer shoe game.

    Be fabulous today!

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