#Unique Holiday Cocktail Recipes That Will Wow Your Guests

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Unique Holiday Cocktail Recipes That Will Wow Your Guests

The holiday season is the perfect time to get creative with your cocktails. Whether hosting a festive gathering, attending a cozy get-together, or just relaxing by the fire, a unique, delicious holiday cocktail can set the mood and make the occasion even more special. If you’re looking to serve up something beyond the usual eggnog or mulled wine, these inventive holiday cocktail recipes are sure…

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Cooking Classes at the Battle of Tables Culinary Studio in NYC

If you are looking for a fun way to spend time with your partner, why not look into cooking classes in New York City? It's a great way to spend a date night or a birthday party. With a wide variety of culinary classes to choose from, you are sure to find something that fits your personality.

Culinary studio nyc

A kitchen themed evening at Battle of Tables is a lot of fun. In addition to cooking some of the more upscale cuisines found throughout New York City, you'll learn to eat like a boss. This is a great way to break out of your culinary rut, and a great excuse to celebrate the holidays with your loved ones.

Battle of Tables is a family fun and learning experience rolled into one. They offer classes ranging from the simple to the complicated. You'll learn the ins and outs of safe kitchen practices, as well as the ins and outs of how to serve your best at your shindig. The best part is, you can bring your own alcohol of choice, as the studio is fully licensed and bonded.

Aside from the actual class, they also offer private and semi-private dinner parties. They can cater to as few as a few and as many as 70. The studio is located in the heart of Manhattan, making them a convenient place to host your next big bash. With a team of chefs who are happy to assist with your event, you can rest assured that your guests will be in good hands.

Check out the menu, see what the fuss is all about, and book your table today!

cooking classes near me

If you are looking for cooking classes near you, consider taking a trip to New York City's Battle of Tables Culinary studio. These culinary workshops are fun, interactive, and offer a unique experience. Classes feature recipes and multi-course demos, and are taught by a wide range of skilled chefs. There is a limit to the number of participants in each class, so you can't bring more than 25 people. All are BYOB.

You can choose from a wide variety of classes, from artisan bread to classic cocktails to Italian to Thai cuisine. There are options for kids, adults, and couples. The cost ranges from $42 to $53 per person. Guests are encouraged to bring alcohol to enjoy during the class, but the minimum age is 21.

Classes are held in a modern Chelsea kitchen. Students can participate in hands-on instructional classes that last two hours. Cooking studio NYC welcomes students of all skill levels. Some classes are for beginners, while others are for more experienced cooks. In all cases, there is a sense of humor in the classroom.

Students can also join a teen supper club. Each evening, there is a selection of recipes to choose from. For $50 to $75, you can spend an hour or so in the kitchen with other teens. During the class, you will learn how to make a variety of meals, including pizza and pasta. This is a great way to meet new friends and have a fun evening out.

Date night cooking

A culinary studio in NYC can provide you with an educational and fun experience. From pizza to paella to cocktails, these kitchen savvy companies know their business. Their chefs are more than willing to share their expertise with you and your date, or your group of friends, in a variety of cooking styles. This can be a fun way to impress the ladies and men in your life and a nice way to make your social circle feel special.

Battle of Tables is the best of the bunch. Not only will you get to cook up a storm, but you'll also have a slew of free drink options to boot. You can even sign up for a class that is geared just for you. Some of the classes are for adults, while others are for kids. Regardless of your culinary level, you'll be treated to a meal that will wowed your tastebuds, and maybe some of your dinner guests. The cost of admission isn't that high, but the quality of food and the experience of working with chefs will be worth the expense.

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101 Christmas Celebration Food Concepts|The Experience Bite

It's that time of year once again! The time of year when you make certain to have loads of individuals heading to your house anticipating some tasty Christmas Party Food Concepts!

Well never ever fear because we know just the dishes for you to utilize to wow your visitors and have them requesting for seconds! These scrumptious Christmas Party Food Concepts are sure to go quickly when your visitors see them so make extras!Vanilla Pudding

Puff Pastry Christmas Star Cookies Like providing your Christmas party guests their own little Christmas tree! These Vanilla Pudding Puff Pastry Christmas Star Cookies are as tasty as they are adorable! Get Dish Here. Gingerbread Cake If there is a Christmas party food idea that is cuter than this I would like to

see it! You will feel a little guilty about needing to destroy this one to consume it however it will vanish as soon as you take that very first bite! Get Dish Here. Candy Walking Cane Christmas Breadsticks Dish How Adorable! These Sweet Walking Stick Christmas Breadsticks are an adorable way to snack! Get Recipe

Here. Cranberry Cream Cheese Mini Phyllo Bites Bite sized perfection, these delicious little morsels are sure to disappear fast when they make the rounds at your Christmas celebration! Cranberry Cream Cheese Mini Phyllo Bites are the ideal party food concept! Get

Recipe Here. Apple Pie with Cloves If you have never ever attempted clovesin your apple pie before you are going to go nuts for this incredible Apple Pie with Cloves dish! Share this delicious reward with your guests this vacation! Get Dish Here. Blackberry Lavendar Champange Mixed Drink This champagne cocktail gets an unique twist with a simple blackberry and lavender sauce that is super simple however looks spectacular! Perfect for amusing with delicious genuine active ingredients. punch is the best way to ring in the holiday! Champagne and a perfect pairing of juices combine for a holiday punch that will have everyone returning for seconds! Get Recipe Here.Santa Cupcakes These Santa Cupcakes are as charming as they are tasty! Attempt these out on your own this evening! Get Recipe Here. Roasted Turkey Breast Dish Include some flavor to your turkey with this simple to follow Roasted Turkey Breast recipe this year. This makes sure to be the tastiest thing at your Christmas celebration this

year! Get Recipe Here. Christmas Spice Cake Eggnog Buttercream Christmas Spice Cake Eggnog Buttercream is the Holiday treat you didn't know your table

had been missing out on! A piece of this

tasty cake goes perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea! Get Dish Here. Christmas Wreath Caprese Salad One part focal point, one part appetizer! This gorgeous Christmas

Wreath Caprese Salad is a healthy method to make your table more

festive at your next Christmas Celebration! Get Recipe Here. Pomegranate Champagne Margaritas Pomegranate Champagne Margaritas are as delicious as they are head-turning. Get Dish Here.Instant Pot Honey Baked Ham Instantaneous Pot Honey Baked Ham

is the perfect method to put your instant pot to work on a delicious classic while you prepare the rest of your Christmas party food! This is a substantial time saver! Get Dish Here. Nordic Panna Cotta Skyr Wild Berries These charming

little Nordic Panna Cotta with Skyr Wild Berries cups are an ideal method for your Christmas Party visitors to have a simple to consume a single serving reward table! Your guests

will love this scrumptious Christmas Party

Food Concept! Get Recipe Here.Pomegranate Champagne Cocktail This Pomegranate Champagne Mixed drink is the easiest mixed drink for entertaining! Simply 3 active ingredients and no cooking! Get Recipe Here.Turkey Packing This simple to assemble Turkey Packing

dish is a delicious take on the traditional side meal. This is sure to be an ideal addition to anything you make for your Christmas Celebration! next Christmas party

! Get Dish Here. Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail Apple cider fulfills a shot of bourbon and they shake things up with apple butter, fresh orange & lime juiceand spices

. Get Dish Here.Thumbprint Cookies Thumbprint Cookies are a Christmas celebration food idea staple! Get Dish Here. Blood Orange Champagne Cocktail This blood orange champagne mixed drink is the perfect simple

cocktail recipe for amusing! Get Recipe Here.Quick Easy Sugar Coated Pecans This timeless Christmas Celebration Food Idea is Mixed drink Sausages

A tasty twist on a traditional

Christmas celebration food idea, these yummy little Sticky Asian Mixed drink Sausages make certain to be a success at any party!

Get Dish Here. Ultimate Christmas Cheese Board Put this yummyUltimate Christmas Cheese Board dish down on the table and view the treats fly off the platter! You may require a 2nd batch to be ready for the demand for these snacks! Get Recipe Here. Susie's Chex Celebration Mix Way better

than store purchased! This tasty Susie's Chex PartyMix recipe makes sure to be a substantial hit at any Christmas Party! Get Dish Here.

Balsamic Spiced Mixed Nuts These Balsamic Spiced

Mixed Nuts are way better than any store bought mix! Yummm! Get Dish here. Bacon Covered Water Chestnuts These Bacon Covered Water Chestnuts make sure to turn some heads and have your guests running for a taste! These are

the Christmas party food concept you have

got to have at your next get together! Get Recipe Here. Bacon Cheese Straws Yummm! These delicious Bacon Cheese Straws are snacking perfection! This is theperfect Christmas Celebration Food

Idea! Get Dish Here.Easy Christmas

Fruit Nut Cake As a gift or a Christmas party food idea, this Easy Christmas Fruit Nut Cake is a sure winner with your family and friends this year! Get Recipe Here. Gingerbread Cranberry Get Recipe Here.Christmas Wreath The Christmas Wreath isn't simply for your door this year! This healthy snacking idea is best to share with your visitors at any Christmas party! Get Recipe Here.

Chocolate Log Christmas Cake Chocolate Log Christmas Cake may be easy but it is anything but typical. This makes sure to take spotlight at your Christmas celebration this year! Get Recipe Here. Christmas Spice Chocolate Waffles Add a little joyful spice to your Vacations today with this fantastic Christmas Spice Chocolate

Waffles dish! These are crazy good! Get Dish Here. so tasty as it is with these delicious Merry Christmas Pancakes! Get Dish Here.Baked Eggs Bacon and Hash Brown Bites Wow! These Baked Eggs Bacon and Hash Brown Bites are a fantastic junk food!

These are best for a Christmas Celebration Food Concept

! Get Recipe Here. Christmas Chocolate Chia Truffles Delicious and healthy too, this Christmas Chocolate Chia Truffles recipe is a step far from the common Christmas party food

that you will be glad you took

! Get Recipe Here. Hashbrown Sausage Breakfast Casserole This Hashbrown Sausage Breakfast Casserole is sure to be the very best thing onyour Holiday table this early morning! Get Recipe Here. Christmas Sprouts Cheese Sauce Yummm! This Christmas Sprouts Cheese Sauce is sure to take center stage at any Christmas Party! Get Dish Here.

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Review: Dinner at Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Jiko

In the pantheon of inspired restaurants at Walt Disney World, Jiko — The Cooking Place has been at the top and at the bottom for me over the past few years. I’ve had excellent meals there, and I’ve had ho-hum meals there. So let’s see how this one turns out!

Learn About: San Angel Inn Restaurante

Epcot Restaurants Disney World Restaurants

This Signature table service spot is located on the lower level of Animal Kingdom Lodge, across from Boma, the resort’s popular African- and Indian-inspired buffet. (Incidentally, if you’re looking for AKL’s quick service restaurant, The Mara, you’ll also access that through the lower level, too.)

Jiko has been a guest favorite for years. The menu is a celebration of the many and varied food traditions of the African continent, employing high-end ingredients and traditional African components to create a unique (in Disney World anyway) dining experience for guests.

And while Jiko’s menu features a selection of meat dishes (you’ll see several examples below), vegan and vegetarian diners may be offered a variety of choices on a separate menu, so be sure to ask.

Jiko Sign

Atmosphere

When you dine at Jiko, you’ll want to pay attention to the space around you. The restaurant is full of details that reflect the cultures and environments of Africa. Lighting on the back wall of  the restaurant changes throughout the evening to mimic the many shades of sunset. It lends some lovely ambiance.

The Lighting Here is the Best

Above, the space is home to stylized birds, which are said to bring good luck. Likewise the floors include stylized images of grain, also to symbolize good luck and good harvest.

A Jiko Sunset!

Rings encircling the pillars of the restaurant are designed to mimic the neck rings worn by women in some African tribes. These rings symbolize wealth and beauty.

Rings represent neck rings symbolizing wealth

Seating in the restaurant is at tables, booths, and in banquettes. Window tables look out on a gurgling brook and some stonework and greenery.

Seating by the Window at Jiko

Note that banquette seating means diners may be elbow to elbow with those seated at the next table. If you’re looking for a little more privacy and space, be sure to specify to cast members at check in that you’d prefer non-banquette seating.

Seating at Jiko

There are times when seating in the wine room is available to diners. This intimate room is a lovely, warm place for a quiet dinner.

Wine Room at Jiko.

The thoughtfulness of the symbolism in Jiko creates a warm, vibrant atmosphere in which to dine. And maybe all that symbolic good luck will translate into a tasty meal!

Eats

The menu at Jiko changes regularly, reflecting the seasonality of the ingredients and creativity of the chefs. The drink menu offers cocktails taking their inspiration (at least in name) from Africa and a wine list consisting of wine representing several regions of the African continent. The wine is such a draw here that the restaurant even hosts a wine tasting on select Wednesdays.

Jiko Wine Tasting

On my visit I passed on wine but ordered the Kilimanjaro Margarita. This tart and powerful drink had a fruity undertone thanks to tangy tangerine juice. It was refreshing and light — the perfect way to start a meal here, where the food is often very rich.

Kilimanjaro Margarita

We also received complimentary rolls and butter — not always a given at Walt Disney World these days. At Jiko, spices and herbs are often used to create something that’s a step above ordinary dinner rolls. And these ones were particularly impressive for their appearance alone — check out that golden glow! The accompanying butter has a subtle sweet, cinnamon-y flavor.

Bread and Butter

On my last reviewed visit to Jiko, I wasn’t as impressed with the menu offerings as I had been in the past, so on this visit, I was determined to try a variety of items to be sure we could keep recommending Jiko as prolifically as we have in the past.

Jiko Menu

We started with the Wild Boar Tenderloin appetizer which comes with pap (a traditional corn-based starch) and chakalaka (a traditional vegetable medley often fortified with beans). The flavorful dish was tender, and I appreciated the use of traditional components done well. The serving was substantial enough to be a meal for diners with small appetites (or in combination with a second app).

Wild Boar Tenderloin

We began the entree round with Snake River Farms Wagyu Strip, and it was terrific. Perfectly rare and well-seasoned, the Strip is a lovely piece of meat. The vegetable side dish for the Wagyu was Spiced Pole Beans. These were tasty (you know I love a green bean) and a simple addition to the meat — which is really the star here. A very impressive dish, and one I wanted to immediately order again.

Snake River Farms Wagyu Strip Loin

This dish (and the Oak-Grilled Filet) were noted as coming with Lemon-Salsify Puree… but when in Jiko, get the Kids’ Macaroni and Cheese! This complex version of the comforting mac and cheese staple used to be the included side for the Filet, but now the kitchen has some freshly made every day for the kids’ menu (and guests who request it — which lots of them do!). It’s also worth noting that the current (as of this post) online menu lists the mac as the side for the Strip, so double check on your visit!

Mac and Cheese Subbed with the Wagyu

The most popular dish at Jiko is the Oak-Grilled Filet Mignon, and while the sides have undergone a few changes over the years, I still think the Mac and Cheese is the quintessential side — so I subbed it in. The same Spiced Pole Beans complete this dish. If you’re a lover of filet, this is a must.

Oak-Grilled Filet Mignon

We love the Macaroni and Cheese so much at Jiko that we got the recipe!

Next we tried the Mrouzia-Style Morrocan Lamp Tagine, which makes one heck of a first impression!

Mrouzia-Style Moroccan Lamb Tagine

The lamb is packed with rich, complex flavors, including ras el hanout (a traditional mix of many different ground spices that may include coriander, ginger, pepper, anise, and many others). It’s that blend of spices — which can vary from kitchen to kitchen — that gives this dish its something special. The Lamb Tagine is served with Parsnip Silk, Root Spinach, Medjool Date Smoor (kind of a thick chutney), and Pomegranate Glaze. 

While this dish wasn’t my favorite (I’m not a lamb fan), my dining companion grew up eating lamb in her Greek family and loved this version.

Mrouzia-Style Moroccan Lamb Tagine

The sleeper hit of the night was the Botswana Seswaa-Style Beef Short Rib. Even from a glance, this dish has a homey feeling — almost like the components of a hearty stew plated thoughtfully. The accompaniments to the tender meat included Istambu Samp and Beans, Sambal, Sukuma Wiki, and Mushrooms. This dish employs several traditional African ingredients, making it something you are unlikely to have had anywhere else. It’s delicious and interesting and absolutely worth a try.

Botswana Seswaa-Style Beef Short Ribs

Jiko is known for its rich entrees, but the desserts here are also unique and thoughtful.

Dessert Menu

In addition to desserts, Jiko offers a range of After-Dinner Drinks.

After-Dinner Drinks Menu

First up for us from the dessert menu was the Safari Sunset. This is described as Carrot Cake, Cornbread Calamansi and Lemon Cremeux, Kenyan Coffee Streusel, Citrus Gel, Valrhona Dulcey Mousse, and Candied Carrots. And it delivers those elements in a beautiful plated dessert that — let’s be honest — doesn’t look like any carrot cake we’ve tried before.

This one was fine, but strangely the best part was the streusel for me. This falls into the “fancy signature restaurant dessert” camp for me. While these desserts look fancy and have lots of components, they’re not memorable, and they’re not the kind of thing you want to order again and again in my experience.

Safari Sunset

The Kilimanjaro is probably Jiko’s most well-known dessert, having been on the menu for some time. It’s comprised of Tanzanian Chocolate Mousse, Pistachio Financier (crumbled), Pink Peppercorn Meringue, Cacao Nib Crunch, and Ras el Hanout Pineapples. This is good play on textures, and there are several techniques here that really show the skill of the pastry chefs at Jiko. But the thing I remember most about it is that those pineapples tasted cinnamon-y…like a good holiday dessert. Again, it didn’t wow.

Kilimanjaro Dessert

The final dessert of the night was the simplest of the three we tried: Malva Pudding. This dessert of Melktart Ice Cream, Kataifi, Kanu Tuile, and Cabernet Gelée is an artful play on this traditional, humble dessert. The ice cream is delicious — inspired by a popular African custard and ridiculously creamy as a result. The bird-like tuile is a lovely ode to the spirit of Jiko and offers some great crunch.

But this was a tiny dessert for the $13 price tag, and the Malva Pudding itself was unimpressive. Overall, the desserts fell flat for me at Jiko.

Malva Pudding

Overall

Jiko — The Cooking Place can be a special dining experience. And if you’ve got an adventurous palate — or if you want to challenge some of your expectations of fine dining at Walt Disney World — Jiko is a great place to do it. But, like I said, Jiko has been hit or miss for me the past few years, so consider that when making your plans. This restaurant is a long way away from just about everything else in Disney World, so it’s not a quick jaunt from a park for most people. And while my visit last week offered a few of the best eats I’ve had at Jiko in my Disney career, it’s not always a guaranteed good time.

Nosh or Not

Make your way to The Cooking Place if: 

You want to try food inspired by cuisines that are potentially more unfamiliar to you.

You’re looking to experience Signature dining, and you’re staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge.

African culture and food is something in which you’re interested, and you want to experience Disney’s version of them.

Enjoy a meal elsewhere if: 

You don’t have an adventurous palate and don’t want to waste money or calories on something you don’t think you’ll enjoy.

You want to spend your vacation dollars on souvenirs and experiences rather than expensive meals.

Animal Kingdom Lodge is really off the beaten path for you, and you don’t want to worry about all that travel.

Animal Kingdom Lodge offers fabulous, FREE Culinary Tours at Boma, Jiko, and Sanaa! Read about them here!

Have you enjoyed a visit to Jiko? Let us know what you thought in the comments below. 

Related posts:

Tips From The DFB Guide: The BEST Tables To Request at Disney World Restaurants!

Recommended Disney World Dining Plan One Credit Restaurant Values

21 Myths About Walt Disney World Food DEBUNKED

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4 Tips For Trendy Valentine’s Day Cocktails & Food Pairings

Valentine’s Day dinner service is all about creating a special and romantic experience for the couples dining with you. With a restaurant full of candle lit two-tops, VDay service will also be a bit different than your everyday service. One perfect way to create a unique experience for the hallmark holiday is to create a speciality cocktail menu. Here are tips for creating trendy Valentine’s Day cocktails that pair well with food course.

Where to Start?

Pairing cocktails with food can be tricky. With wine pairings or beer pairings, you want the drinks to compliment the food by either mimicking flavors in the food with your drink pairing to enhance and draw out those flavors. The other method is to have a wine or beer that balances flavors, like pairing a malty beer with spicy food so the sweetness of the malt helps ease the spice.

But with cocktails, the strength of alcohol can overpower easily over power food. It’s why stiff drinks like a traditional manhattan or even a mixer like vodka soda don’t work well with as side kicks for entrees.

Think Low Proof

A quick and crowd-pleasing fix to combat heavy hitting alcohol flavor is to create cocktails with low alcohol content. Amaro, fruit liqueurs, and sparkling wines are great ingredients for low proof cocktails that are exciting and creative.

Menu Flow

When I was managing bars, our dinner services for Valentine’s Day were generally preset menus with a progression of courses. With this in mind, you should create cocktails that work with each course.

First Course

The best drink to begin a meal is sparkling wine or champagne. You can create an easy to drink Champagne Cocktail that sets the right tone for a romantic meal. A sparkling wine cocktail is perfect to pair with light starters like salads or even hardier vegetable dishes like Brussels sprouts.

Here’s one recipe for a Champagne Cocktail:

.5 oz Aperol

1 sugar cube

3-4 dashes of Angostura or other Aromatic bitters

4 oz. Champagne or dry sparkling wine

Garnish with long lemon twist

To build the cocktail:

Add sugar cube to Champagne flute or coupe

Drench cube with bitters

Add Aperol

Add Champagne

Garnish with twist and serve.

This is a classic recipe that will cause your guests eyes to sparkle when it’s presented.

Getting Fancy With It

If you’d like to elevate this drink, a great way to do it is by creating a caviar of a fruit liqueur. What the heck is liqueur caviar? It’s a squishy solid ball that you make from a liquid. Fruit juices are great to use here, but to mix with sparkling wine or Champagne, I really like to use a fruit liqueur like Framboise.

Another term for this is spherification. It’s a fancy term that exists in the realm of molecular mixology. If you’re rolling your eyes here, I don’t blame you! But hear me out. This is a relatively easy process, as long as you have the right ingredients.

The ingredients you will need to purchase are sodium alginate and calcium chloride. Here’s a recipe you can follow for Cointreau caviar. Just swap whatever liqueur or juice you want for the Cointreau.

Buy Premade Spheres

And if you don’t have the time or interest in becoming a mad scientist behind the bar, you can buy pre made spheres from Cocktail Caviar.

What’s the Point?

Adding a liqueur caviar to sparkling wine adds flair and a wow factor to your drink. You can also prep them before service, and simply add them to your flute of champange and voila, you’ve created an easy drink that is quick to serve.

Fish or Seafood Pairing

One of my favorite cocktails, and one that is so refreshing, is the French 75. A mix of gin, lemon, and sparkling wine, it’s an elegant cocktail that isn’t heavy or overpowering.

But if we want to stick with the philosophy of low-proof cocktails for Valentine’s Day, then we can swap out the gin in favor St. Germain or another elderflower liqueur. This is a great drink to pair with seafood, as the floral notes of the St. Germain will add depth, and be balanced by the effervescence of the sparkling wine and the citrus of the lemon.

This is also a great pairing for a lighter chicken dish, and won’t overpower salads.

Elderflower 75 Recipe

.75 oz St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur

4 oz. Cava Brut sparkling wine

1 dash angostura bitters

Garnish with lemon twist

Beef and Meat Course Pairing

If you’re pairing a cocktail with a steak, or even lamb or rabbit, you can look to use some bold flavors in your cocktail pairing. You will still want to keep the alcohol content low, so you don’t want to just a mix an old fashioned to plop next to your meat course.

This recipe calls for just a small float of mezcal to add smoke and depth of flavor.

Deep Velvet Recipe

.5 oz Lime juice

1.5 z Aperol

3 oz. Pomengranite juice

Mezcal float

Garnish with lime wheel

After Dinner Digestif

A good after dinner drink should help a diner digest after a wonderful meal. For this digestion aid, I suggest an amaro flip. A flip is a cocktail with a full egg added to it. This gives it a thick texture that is perfect if you’re the type that wants to drink their dessert. To make it a bit more decadent, you can add chocolate bitters.

We will also use Montenegro amaro, one of the most popular amaro in Italy. Montenegro is on the sweet side when it comes to Italian liqueurs, so it is perfect for guests who may not take to the more bitter styles of amaro.

Montenegro Flip Recipe

1 oz. Montenegro amaro

.5 oz dark rum

.5 oz simple syrup, or .25 oz. demerara syrup

2-3 dashes Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate bitters

1 whole egg

Pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to garnish

  The post 4 Tips For Trendy Valentine’s Day Cocktails & Food Pairings appeared first on Uncorkd iPad Wine and Beverage Menus for Restaurants.

4 Tips For Trendy Valentine’s Day Cocktails & Food Pairings syndicated from https://happyhourspecialsyum.wordpress.com/

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Dear readers,

This is the first chance I had to make this year’s December post.  My name is Jack, Lisa’s husband, and I usually work behind the scenes at Newport Foodies, except for last month where I created the new user-friendly recipe focused Thanksgiving blog.  Lisa really appreciated all of the positive feedback we received about the new format.  She appreciated it so much that all of our future blogs will be in this new format and I will now be front and present at Newport Foodies, creating more content for all of you to view.

With this being said, I must now apologize to all of you.  You may have noticed  that you did not receive your 2017 December and New Years Eve posts from Newport Foodies.  We were in the process of creating the content for the blog posts when an unforeseen circumstance happened; Lisa was in an automobile accident.  She is in pain and recovering, but it will take some time for her to get back on track.

Some of you may not know, but my loving wife creates all of these recipes on her own.  She makes up these recipes in her head usually a day before we film.  Yes, she is extremely creative and talented!  She also loves exclamation points!!  Sometimes this can be a flashpoint for an augment during the writing process, but hey what can I say, she is excited about food!!!

So please bear with us during this Holiday Season and take a look at the below Holiday Blog from last year.  We will be up and running with a new post in February of 2018 – just in time for your Valentine’s Day  Celebration. 

Happy holidays from our family to yours – Jack

Repost: 2017 New Years Eve Baked Brie and Signature Cocktail

It’s already New Years Eve, where did this year go? I feel like I just jumped from life event to life event this year and barely had a moment to savor any of the good times. It is time for me to slow down and take it easy tonight, with the most simple but spectacular appetizer and cocktail combo that will wow any New Years Eve guest.

Baked Brie with Apricot Preserves and Pecans

This baked brie is so incredibly simple that literally anyone can pull it off. It starts with a couple of ingredients that you can get at any grocery store

Ingredients:

Large, 8 1/2″ Brie

1/4 Cup Apricot Preserves

1 Cup Chopped Pecans

Whole Pecans for Garnish

Course Kosher Salt

Crackers, Bread, Pita Chips, Vegetables, or any other dippable items

Unwrap your brie from the wax packaging. Place a large piece of tin foil into a 9″ diameter baking dish and place your brie on top of the foil.

Evenly coat your brie with about a 1/4 cup of your apricot preserves. I like to use apricot preserves because of its tartness but you can use any type of jam that you prefer.

Add a layer of chopped pecans around the top of your brie and arrange whole pecans into any shape that you would like. Finally, sprinkle the top with a healthy tablespoon of course kosher salt.

Place your baking dish over another piece of tinfoil that is large enough to fold up over the entire thing.

Fold the tinfoil up over the brie, making sure to not let any of the foil touch the top of the brie. Crimp the edges of the foil together to keep the heat in. Pop the whole thing into a 375 degree oven for 40-50 minutes until the brie is ooey gooey and very runny.

Absolutely amazing. You can pull back the foil and serve the brie straight from the baking dish or move it to a serving platter.

This brie dish is so simple but looks and tastes like it was made by a gourmet chef. It also travels well: make and bake the brie ahead of time and just pop it into your party host’s oven for 5-10 minutes to warm it back up before serving. If your serving a small group you can use a small brie and reduce ingredients accordingly. You can also prepare three smaller bries and rotate them from fridge to oven to table as the brie is finished so that you always have warm brie and don’t risk wasting any uneaten food.

2016 Signature Cocktail: Sparkling Greyhound Martini

Are you ready to become a professional bartender? Because all of your friends will think you are after you serve them our 2016 Signature Cocktail. This mix of fresh citrus, vodka, and prosecco gives this cocktail a unique and delicious flavor that you will not want to stop drinking. Be careful of this, because these bad boys are strong!

Ingredients:

Juice of 5 Grapefruits, about a 1/4 cup of juice per cocktail

1 Bottle of good Italian Prosecco

Kettle One Vodka- one shot per glass

Zest of One Lemon

Colored Sugars for Rim (optional)

Begin by juicing your grapefruits into a thin plastic or paper bowl and place into your freezer for 45 minutes, or until the juice has the consistency of a slushy. Fluff up your mixture with a spoon or fork when you are ready to put your cocktails together.

Place your colored sugar in a dish that has a surface area that is larger than your glass. Dip the rim of your martini glass into your grapefruit slush then dip into your sugar, rolling the rim into the sugar to get an even coat.

To assemble your cocktails: start with one shot of Kettle One vodka and pour into your glass.

Add 5-6 tablespoons of your grapefruit slush to your vodka.

Fill your martini glass to the top with prosecco.

Zest a lemon and top each of your drinks with a pinch of zest for color.

And that is it! Seriously easy and seriously delicious. Whether you are entertaining at home or heading to a party, these recipes are sure to wow.

I hope that your New Year celebration is full of laughter, champagne, and fun. May 2017 bring you tons of good fortune and good recipes. My January post will be all about beating the middle-of-winter blues with a boozy brunch with gal pals. Stay tuned!

Seasons greetings to all of you. You may have noticed that you did not receive your 2017 December and New Years Eve posts from Newport Foodies. We were in the process of creating the content for the blog posts when an unforeseen circumstance happened; Lisa was....(Please read the prelude to the blog to find out why we were forces to repost for this season.) Dear readers, This is the first chance I had to make this year's December post.  My name is Jack, Lisa's husband, and I usually work behind the scenes at Newport Foodies, except for last month where I created the new user-friendly recipe focused Thanksgiving blog.  

[yumyummunchies-blog]

101 Christmas Celebration Food Ideas|The Experience Bite

It's that time of year again! The time of year when you are sure to have loads of people heading to your home expecting some tasty Christmas Celebration Food Concepts!

Well never ever fear since we understand just the dishes for you to use to wow your guests and have them requesting seconds! These tasty Christmas Party Food Ideas make certain to go quick when your guests see them so make extras!Vanilla Pudding

Puff Pastry Christmas Star Cookies Like giving your Christmas celebration visitors their own little Christmas tree! These Vanilla Pudding Puff Pastry Christmas Star Cookies are as yummy as they are lovable! Get Dish Here. Gingerbread Cake If there is a Christmas celebration food idea that is cuter than this I would enjoy to

see it! You will feel a little guilty about needing to damage this one to consume it but it will disappear when you take that first bite! Get Dish Here. Sweet Cane Christmas Breadsticks Recipe How Cute! These Sweet Walking Stick Christmas Breadsticks are an adorable way to treat! Get Dish

Here. Cranberry Cream Cheese Mini Phyllo Bites Bite sized excellence, these yummy little morsels are sure to vanish quickly when they make the rounds at your Christmas celebration! Cranberry Cream Cheese Mini Phyllo Bites are the ideal party food idea! Get

Recipe Here. Apple Pie with Cloves If you have never ever tried clovesin your apple pie before you are going to go crazy for this amazing Apple Pie with Cloves dish! Share this delicious treat with your guests this holiday! Get Recipe Here. Blackberry Lavendar Champange Mixed Drink This champagne cocktail gets an unique twist with a basic blackberry and lavender sauce that is incredibly simple however looks stunning! Perfect for entertaining with delicious real active ingredients. punch is the ideal way to ring in the holiday season! Champagne and a best pairing of juices combine for a holiday punch that will have everyone coming back for seconds! Get Recipe Here.Santa Cupcakes These Santa Cupcakes are as cute as they are yummy! Attempt these out on your own tonight! Get Recipe Here. Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe Add some taste to your turkey with this simple to follow Roasted Turkey Breast dish this year. This makes certain to be the tastiest thing at your Christmas celebration this

year! Get Recipe Here. Christmas Spice Cake Eggnog Buttercream Christmas Spice Cake Eggnog Buttercream is the Vacation treat you didn't understand your table

had been missing out on! A piece of this

tasty cake goes completely with a hot cup of coffee or tea! Get Recipe Here. Christmas Wreath Caprese Salad One part focal point, one part appetiser! This beautiful Christmas

Wreath Caprese Salad is a healthy way to make your table more

festive at your next Christmas Celebration! Get Recipe Here. Pomegranate Champagne Margaritas Pomegranate Champagne Margaritas are as scrumptious as they are head-turning. Get Dish Here.Instant Pot Honey Baked Ham Immediate Pot Honey Baked Ham

is the ideal way to put your instant pot to deal with a tasty classic while you prepare the rest of your Christmas celebration food! This is a substantial time saver! Get Recipe Here. Nordic Panna Cotta Skyr Wild Berries These charming

little Nordic Panna Cotta with Skyr Wild Berries cups are a perfect way for your Christmas Party visitors to have a simple to eat a single serving treat table! Your guests

will like this tasty Christmas Party

Food Idea! Get Dish Here.Pomegranate Champagne Mixed Drink This Pomegranate Champagne Mixed drink is the simplest cocktail for entertaining! Simply 3 active ingredients and no cooking! Get Dish Here.Turkey Stuffing This simple to create Turkey Packing

dish is a scrumptious take on the timeless side meal. This makes sure to be an ideal addition to anything you make for your Christmas Celebration! next Christmas celebration

! Get Recipe Here. Apple Cider Bourbon Mixed Drink Apple cider meets a shot of bourbon and they shake things up with apple butter, fresh orange & lime juiceand spices

. Get Dish Here.Thumbprint Cookies Thumbprint Cookies are a Christmas celebration food idea staple! Get Recipe Here. Blood Orange Champagne Cocktail This blood orange champagne mixed drink is the best simple

mixed drink recipe for amusing! Get Dish Here.Quick Easy Sugar Coated Pecans This classic Christmas Party Food Idea is Mixed drink Sausages

A yummy twist on a classic

Christmas party food idea, these yummy little Sticky Asian Mixed drink Sausages make sure to be a huge hit at any celebration!

Get Recipe Here. Ultimate Christmas Cheese Board Put this yummyUltimate Christmas Cheese Board dish down on the table and view the treats fly off the platter! You may require a second batch to be prepared for the demand for these treats! Get Dish Here. Susie's Chex Celebration Mix Way much better

than store purchased! This tasty Susie's Chex PartyMix dish is sure to be a huge hit at any Christmas Celebration! Get Recipe Here.

Balsamic Spiced Mixed Nuts These Balsamic Spiced

Mixed Nuts are way better than any store purchased mix! Yummm! Get Dish here. Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts These Bacon Covered Water Chestnuts make sure to turn some heads and have your visitors running for a taste! These are

the Christmas party food concept you have

got to have at your next get together! Get Recipe Here. Bacon Cheese Straws Yummm! These tasty Bacon Cheese Straws are snacking excellence! This is thebest Christmas Party Food

Idea! Get Recipe Here.Easy Christmas

Fruit Nut Cake As a gift or a Christmas party food concept, this Easy Christmas Fruit Nut Cake is a sure winner with your buddies and family this year! Get Recipe Here. Gingerbread Cranberry Get Dish Here.Christmas Wreath The Christmas Wreath isn't simply for your door this year! This healthy snacking idea is ideal to show your guests at any Christmas party! Get Recipe Here.

Chocolate Log Christmas Cake Chocolate Log Christmas Cake may be simple but it is anything but plain. This is sure to take spotlight at your Christmas party this year! Get Dish Here. Christmas Spice Chocolate Waffles Add a little joyful spice to your Holidays today with this incredible Christmas Spice Chocolate

Waffles dish! These are insane great! Get Dish Here. so delicious as it is with these delicious Merry Christmas Pancakes! Get Recipe Here.Baked Eggs Bacon and Hash Brown Bites Wow! These Baked Eggs Bacon and Hash Brown Bites are a remarkable treat food!

These are ideal for a Christmas Celebration Food Idea

! Get Dish Here. Christmas Chocolate Chia Truffles Delicious and healthy too, this Christmas Chocolate Chia Truffles recipe is an action away from the common Christmas party food

that you will be happy you took

! Get Recipe Here. Hashbrown Sausage Breakfast Casserole This Hashbrown Sausage Breakfast Casserole makes certain to be the very best thing onyour Vacation table today! Get Recipe Here. Christmas Sprouts Cheese Sauce Yummm! This Christmas Sprouts Cheese Sauce makes certain to take spotlight at any Christmas Celebration! Get Recipe Here.