Happy Hour Friday: Pepper Punch

I know the Olympics start in London today, and I had every intention of doing a very British drink to toast one of my favorite cities. But, as usual, I’m behind the 8 ball and not on top of things At. All.

le sigh…..

So instead, I’m sharing this awesome drink my sister concocted. I didn’t make it, but I sure did drink it! And it was delish, even though the spice of the jalapeno pepper may not sound very appetizing. I swear it is surprisingly refreshing.

Olympics, Tales of the Cocktails, a Triathlon, and Man, I must be crazy!

I’ve been MIA lately, but I swear I have a good reason! No, really–a good reason, which would be: I’m CRAZY!

With 1,438 items on my to do list, I agreed to participate in a triathlon this weekend with two of my girl friends. ”Oh, how good for you,” you may be thinking. ”You must be in great shape to take on a triathlon!”

Um.. No. Let me explain. A good friend participated in her first triathlon this past spring (Sarah!) and was so exuberant over her wonderful accomplishment that she was able to convince me and another friend to sign on for a round of self-punishment at the hottest time of the year! (Did I mention I must be crazy?)

Happy Hour Friday: Wallaby-Darned

The Wallaby-Darned is my favorite girly drink from Outback Steakhouse. With sweet peaches and champagne, what’s not to love? :)

While shopping at our local Sam’s Club yesterday (stocking up on bulk staples like flour, sugar, etc…) I found the most beautiful peaches. Big, juicy, sweet and delicious–I figured this drink would be the perfect use for some of them!

And because it’s cold and fruity, it’s just right for summer time pool-side parties. (Unfortunately, I’ll be drinking mine inside with a good book since it’s been raining nearly non-stop every day this week with more of the same this weekend.) No matter. I’ll take the rain and the break from 100° heat. :D

Fresh Basil Pesto

One of my year-round kitchen staples is pesto sauce. It’s one of the few things I know I can use to make a quick meal when there is no other option.

A quick pesto pasta with chicken or shrimp or just veggies is simple and quick and ends up as our weeknight meal…well, pretty often. ;) Good think even picky ol’ C. likes it. lol

I usually have 1/2 an opened jar in the fridge and an unopened jar in the pantry–just to be safe. But I had no idea the difference a fresh blend would make! It tastes sooo much better

Southern Fried Fish

When I say we never fry our food (which is pretty unusual, immersed as we are in deep-fry country– as Louisiana is known), I mean we NEVER fry our food. So when I defrosted a 5lb bag of frozen redfish generously given to us by a fisherman friend, I thought one of the easiest ways to use up a bit of it was by having a good old fashioned fish fry.

Um… “Easy” being the operative word. Right. Did I mention we don’t typically fry our food?

First thing’s first: get set up outside, because there is no way I will be able to sleep in a house that stinks of burnt grease and reminds me of the shame I will feel after eating said fried food. :/

Happy Hour Friday: Fleur-tini

There is a restaurant on Bourbon St in NOLA where C. and I like to eat every now and then when we’re in town. It sits just across from Galatoire’s and offers a splendid balcony view of all the crazy shenanigans that take place on the street below.

If you’ve ever been on Bourbon, you know what I mean. If you have yet to make the trip to the Crescent City, then suffice it to say tourists + alcohol + beads for boobs = hilarity for sober people-watchers. LOL

I don’t know if this drink is Le Bayou’s very own recipe, but it is the only restaurant where I’ve ever had it. It is wonderful and refreshing–which is a requirement when the temp is around 100°, even on a shady balcony.