Flirtatious French Martini Madness

The little taste of chambord from my Kir Royal has left me with a curious craving for more. What better way than in another delightful drink of choice- the French Martini.

Now, this one is a bit more tropical and thus a playful and fun drink (and far different from the sophisticated simplicity of the Kir Royal). Ingredients are few and simple- vodka, pineapple juice, and chambord. The pineapple definitely adds that tropical value, and the chambord sweetens the deal beautifully.

I have seen the drink as a French Cosmo as well- and you can really play it up as much as you want to. For me, simple is best and divine.

A little twist and playfulness is always fun though- and this drink delivers it just right.

Much love, xx

Cheesecake For The Chic

I love cheesecake, and I like my cheesecake to taste like cheesecake- not ruined with so many unnecessary ingredients and flavors that the taste and texture are gone. On that note- New York style has always been the one for me.

If I want chocolate, I will go for a chocolate cake or brownie or other chocolate welcoming dessert. If I want strawberries or blueberries I will then look for a tart or shortcake or other fruit friendly dessert. But when I want cheesecake- I want the quality to hold up to its name.

Don’t get me wrong-I like a flavored cheesecake from time to time, but only few have worked (consistently, one in a million doesn’t do it for me).

Pumpkin cheesecake is a whole other animal- and I do love it. The cinnamon and nutmeg are strong overpowering flavors, but it is one I don’t mind for this dessert. Mostly because the texture holds well to it and compliments it as a whole.

Key Lime I adore in most anything, and cheesecake is no exception. I am speaking of course of the true key lime, none of this neon ill colored green foolishness. Please, who keeps allowing this nonsense! Lemon works well, too. Its subtle and gives a lovely tartness-cheesecake should never be overly sweet.

Honey, Lemon Curd, Creme Fraiche, Mascarpone, and Vanilla Bean are friendly ingredients that I think will still stand to this dessert. But never multiples or over mixed combinations- simple is best. Epicurious.com has some simple recipies.

If you ever come across it or get the chance, my favorite of all favorites is an Alsace Farm Cheesecake- Oh yum! The cheese from Alsace has a distinctive taste that is so divine and delicious in this dessert.

Much love and delicious cheesecakes, xx

Glamorous Gourmet Bites At Home

Devilishly delicious and oh so simple to prepare-I love to incorporate it in any of my meals. Phyllo Dough or Puff Pastry Dough ads the extra bit of glamor to any bite you may desire.

I’ve made it on my own many times though I must say there is nothing wrong with the store bought- its prepared and ready and simple to use, not to mention less time consuming.

It is so easy to use that shapes and designs are simple and the results are lavish-you’ll look like a master of special reserved skill. Also its fun to let your creativity roam and be admired as well as enjoyed.

I adore to make my pizzas with phyllo dough- it ads that buttery crisp flakey balance to the creamy rich cheese. I tend to use goat cheese and gruyere on mine- topped with fresh tomatoes, pancetta and basil leaves. Yum.

On a day to day basis, I cannot help but prepare my favorite- a spinach pouchette. I keep it simple with spinach, gruyere, and garlic. Simple, easy, quick- and so wonderful.

The variations are endless and delicious. Experiment with the different styles, too- whether it is flat, in a triangle, rolled up, in a pouch, or in a creation of your own.

Dessert is just as easy as well-and as sweet as you care to make it

The Instinct, Samsung’s Newest Beauty

Adore it, adore it, adore it. I was anxious for the phone to arrive and now that it has- it is grander than I imagined or could have hoped for.

I’ve been playing with it now for a few days (since the Thursday just before it was released), and am simply delighted with the Instinct. It works quickly and smoothly, very easy to handle and adjustable touch sensitivity settings. The GPS works so wonderfully that I returned my tomtom device- I truly think something was wrong with at least the one I had purchased. The instinct’s GPS does everything I need it to, and as an added bonus speaks the street names to you.

Internet is great, not to mention much faster than the edge network. Sprint always has had the fastest network, and it is nice to see it in well use. It notifies me of my emails along with my missed calls and other messages. The controls are simple and make it easier to navigate throughout the screen.

Now, on mine I have added a pink rubber cover for protection and for a bit of a better grip. The phone itself is very slender and a comfortable size. In my home, our black granite counter tops and nearly black wood furniture make for a quick disappearing act for any blending object- so for me it serves an extra purpose. The phone does actually comes with a black leather case which is fitted nicely and easy to use.

One of the nicest features is quite understated though: visual voicemail. What that means is you can see who called, choose what order you wish to listen to your messages- skip some entirely, pause, rewind and fast forward, or save it for later use. All done simply by the touch of the screen.

Now, it is not a smart phone so the techies may complain a bit, but its not for them. Its for everyone and its fun and functional. I am finding it to be just the luxury item I needed- not to mention making everything simpler and more enjoyable as well.

Grapes for Gourmet Healthy Bites

When it comes to gourmet simple natural ingredients are key. Simple and beautiful on their own, grapes are one of the easiest gourmet bites to have.

I like to wash them and place then in a comfortably sized zip lock bag- ideal for snacking anywhere and at any time.

Now, when I do this I always make at least two bags and with reason: frozen grapes.

So simple and devilishly wonderful (not to mention a great snack for those who are diet conscious). Its difficult to feel guilty about snacking on something so simple and so wonderful.

When grapes are frozen, they are like little bites of sorbet with a nice crisp peel. So velvety and smooth with just the right amount of sweet. For this reason, I always keep a bag ready in the freezer.

Grocery stores are making it easier now by boxing three styles of grapes together, making choice all the more easy.

Its a simple snack that is delicious and all so better than a bag of chips or a candy bar- not too mention the no involved mess of them.

Great at home or handy at work for the long hours between meals. It keeps you happy and your stomach as well.

Irresistible Bites Of Bruschetta

Bruschetta is a wonderful appetizer for an event or snack at home, and the best part is that it can be anything. As are many of my gourmet loves-simplicity reigns above all else. Fresh wonderful ingredients, a toasted lovely bread, and herbs or cheeses to your liking. Tomatoes, basil, and cream cheese are quite popular and common, however there are no limitations.

Prosciutto with some Gruyere or Goat Cheese and balsamic vinegar is an easy to make and enjoyable to consume snack of mine. Add some basil for that extra taste, too.

Use asparagus or a fig spread- be completely different. Mango’s or maybe a cucumber medley can freshen things up.

Here’s an idea for a simple dessert- strawberries and a bit of sweet cream. Make your own creative fruit tart a la bruschetta style. For a party your guests are bound to love it.

Its a no fuss easy clean up-what’s not to love about that. Purchase a baguette and slice it yourself or purchase it pre-sliced if you prefer even. Toast it and top it as creatively as you like.

Who ever said snacking can’t be glamorous.

Gourmet Glamour

The sandwich is everywhere and in as many styles as the imagination allows. However, why limit such a delicious and simple creation to only the restaurants about town? The best consist of a few simple choice ingredients and are made with a little love.

There’s nothing to be afraid of, and use your creativity and taste to make one that speaks to you. Its great for parties and luncheons- invite some friends over to enjoy your new style, perhaps personalize some to them as well.

The simplest thing is to pick a fresh bread that you like, maybe a brioche from the bakery. Experiment with your greens, red cabbage or arugula are a few of my own favorites. Texture and color are fun- a soft bread with a crisp cabbage and maybe a melty cheese- mmm.. I adore gruyere or goat cheese myself. Maybe some balsamic and cherry tomatoes, too. It doesn’t have to be perfectly neat- a little mess can be pretty appetizing as well.

Here’s a star from Eric Greenspan’s restaurant in LA that needless to say looks quite delicious. So experiment in the restaurants and coffee shops and then bring the inspiration home for you and your loved ones. Make every day a little more special with just a touch of detail.

Here’s to more inspiring bites.