Happy Hour Fat Tuesday: Hurricane

It’s a special edition of Happy Hour Friday!  I really should have posted this last Friday, but I was actually recovering from some of the Mardi Gras festivities in N’Awlins.  {That’s how we pronounce New Orleans around these parts where I’m from}  

Spicehubby and I went down to the Crescent City last week for a little biz and frivolity.  We met up with some friends and went to 3 parades:  Babylon, Chaos and the extravagant Muses.  So. Much. FUN!    {Maybe a little too much fun…..}

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{Guest Blogger} Mardi Gras Cake

I am very happy to introduce you to today’s guest blogger, Carmen.  I’ve  known Carmen for many years and am happy to call her a long-time friend.  Among many other talents, she has started baking and decorating cakes (and cupcakes and cookies and…. well, I suppose anyting sweet that can be decorated!).  She has been very generous in accepting my request to do up something special for all my dear readers.  What a treat you’re in for!  Please welcome Carmen……

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Broccoli, Rice & Chicken Casserole

This is one of those dishes that makes me think of growing up in a small, rural Baptist church.  Dinner on the grounds, small community where everyone knows everyone and their business (lol), familiar hymns, Sunday afternoon naps, and skinned knees from biking mishaps on our gravel road.  

Someone was always sure to bring this casserole to any church event that called for food:  5th Sunday singing, baby showers, wedding showers, funerals, any occasion.  And, of course, it was always warm, familiar deliciousness made by some of the best cooks I will ever know.  Every time I try my hand at this recipe I remember faces, embraces and a feeling of home.  You know that feeling?  Back when you were a child:  security, invincibility, blissful ignorance of the heartaches life can deal out as you get older.  Certain smells trigger these feelings in me.  Or sometimes a song.  And most definitely some foods.

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Happy Hour Friday: Viagra Martini and Link Up

I have to admit, this wasn’t the drink I planned on sharing today.  A couple of ingredients slipped my chaotic mind at the grocery store, so I had to fall back on a regular favorite.  Despair not!  This is one of the BEST!

The backstory:  A few years ago someone gave us a martini bar book.  ”The Official National Bartenders Association Martini Guide”  One word:  FABULOUS     It has hundreds of recipes in it, and some of them are really great.  From classic gin and vermouth martinis to creamy, chocolatey Godiva martinis to the truly exotic martinis.

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Beef Nachos

Last night was one of those rush home from work and try to figure out what’s for dinner before it gets too late kinda nights.  I’m sure you’ve never had one of those, but it happens  all the time at my house.   I know I should plan my weekly meals out, and a lot of the time I do.  But… there is always at least one night during the week when I find myself scrambling.

Last night was one of those nights.

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Happy Hour Friday: Twist ‘n Sparkle & Link Up Party!

One of my favorite Christmas gifts was actually one that I gave (even though I loved all the gifts I received).  I gave Spicehubby Isi’s Twist ‘n Sparkle to add to his bar gadgets.  Although he liked it, I was way more excited to try it out than he was!

Making your own carbonated drinks–Brilliant!  

No more boring juices or flat tonic water.  What could be better than a DIY carbonating system?  Simple, easy, compact.  It was love at first sight for me.

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Bread Bowl Dip

So there’s a lot happening right now.  It’s Mardi Gras here in Louisiana, in case you didn’t know   There are parties, formal balls, parades and lots of eating.  It’s almost Valentine’s Day which calls for all manner of sweet treats and tasty temptations.  And there’s some big sporting event this Sunday.

Oh…. right!  It’s the SuperBowl!  lol  I’ll be watching, and eating, and recovering from a Mardi Gras ball from the night before.

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