Sunday, June 19, 2016

Here is how to have the perfect Tiki Party this summer!

Why a Tiki Party?
There are only a number of things I love more than a themed design party. Especially when it offers me an excuse to dress up in something festive.

The idea to throw this party came about while brainstorming themes for my ongoing "Summer of Impact" recipe collaboration with Smirnoff this year. I've always wanted to throw a retro tiki-style party, and also, since tiki functions are everything about the fun exotic punch drinks, it was a perfect match!

I began out by researching vintage tiki drinks. Made with spirits like rum, I combined things up a bit and created vodka versions that highlighted a number of my favorite Smirnoff flavor.

My celebration bar featured three up to date tiki cocktail punches. The general favorite was definitely the Blue Raspberry Island Punch, made with Smirnoff Raspberry, cream of coconut, pineapple juices, blue curacao, and soda.



I also crafted a Peach and Passion Fruit Mai Tai utilizing Smirnoff Peach and a Vodka Pina Colada Punch utilizing classic Smirnoff No. 21.




I served the punches in a mix of punch bowls and drink dispensers withglasses and ice cubes, cocktail umbrellas, and garnishes on the side for DIY helping. It's this type of relaxed and low-key approach to host a celebration because it allows guests to aid themselves while I can center on greeting and food items guests.





Tiki Party Drink Recipe That Guests Will Love!


The Blue Raspberry Island Impact Cocktail will be a favourite at youir tiki summer party.
  • 2 glasses Smirnoff Raspberry
  • 1/4 glass blue curaƧao
  • 4 cups canned chilled pineapple fruit juice
  • 2 14oz cans skin cream of coconut 1 liter chilled membership soda

Recommendations on making

Whisk jointly all ingredients except club soda within a large impact bowl. Put 4 cups ice and top with club soda pop. Serve with a lot more ice.



Putting together the Tiki Bar


It's always wise to separate your cocktails and foods as it permits more circulation in your party space. This is particularly important if, like me, you're entertaining inside an apartment or another small area.
I used stacks of guides and blocks to add a variety of height to the club, and included interesting details like a adorable hula young lady bottle opener and a classic style aluminum Tiki pub sign I found at a discount store.

Set up your punch bowls and other nightclub accessories in advance, then complete them with the beverages at the very last second. This could help you save time, and help keep the drinks great before visitors arrive.



Tiki cups are a need to for any tiki party. You will find real antique ones at thrift merchants or online shops. You can also find groups of inexpensive present day reproductions at party shops. I paid out about $3 to $5 each for my cups.


The Food At The Tiki Part


Absolutely keep it simple, despite the fact that have fun using the food. I chose to add a modern day twist simply by making my get together a "Tiki Taco Party."

Simple dishes that satisfied my guests, even though this allowed me to have a blend of fun. I broke the menu up into Polynesian or pu-pu platter design appetizers and snacks, by using a DIY taco bar to the main study course.

I made a fun (but easy! I promise! ) Pineapple Chutney Dairy products Ball that I shaped like a pineapple and decorated with pecans and the real crown from a genuine pineapple. Offered with plantain chips and rice crackers, it had been a popular appetizer that also put into that vintage, kitschy environment.

Before helping are always a hit, a couple warm appetizers which can be prepped beforehand and completed just. I went with simple Asian-Design Pork Free-Spicy and Ribs Bacon-Covered Pineapple Bites, which are a riff on the retro rumaki appetizer.


For your DIY Taco Bar, I offered a selection of roasted and pulled pork, ancho-pomegranate brisket, and a easy black corn and bean salad, as well as light blue and yellowish corn tortillas.

The meats was simple to prepare a couple of days in advance within my slow cooker then reheated right before serving. Whenever you can do things in advance to get a party, undertake it! You will be so thankful you probably did!

For the Do it yourself taco club toppings I set out bowls of my homemade cafe-style salsa and homemade pineapple salsa (dished up in a pineapple bowl! ).

Also i added some simple toppings like salted red cabbage slaw, cumin-spiced sour lotion, cilantro, cut red red onion, guacamole, and cotija cheddar cheese.

With a major meal similar to this, you don't really need a big dessert, but a little anything sweet to terminate the night is always a good strategy!.

Decorations at the Tiki Party


Don't feel like you need to spend a lot of cash buying expensive decorations! I usually recommend looking around your house for objects you already personal to create an ideal party scene or tablescape.

Bamboo placemats or kitchen table runners, multi-colored tablecloths or floral napkins can be pulled into service for this particular theme. Pretty much any souvenir you've ever bought on an tropical island, or beach vacation could work for this party style. Consider things like huge conch seashells, sand $ $ $ $, stoneware, wood made bowls or serving pieces, or multi-colored scarves.

You could have noticed that it always smells amazing from your minute you step inside if you've ever remained in a exotic resort or hotel. I love to mimic by investing in a sugary-smelling coconut or hibiscus candlestick burning in the bathroom or entryway. I assurance you it really makes an effect, although such a subtle feel.

Add Colour with Warm Blooms and Fresh fruits

My complete favorite attractive touch is natural spectacular fruits. bananas, coconuts and Pineapples as well as other tropical fruits make amazing natural and affordable decorations.
I got myself a few of each and every and dispersed them across the room The pineapples aroma amazing, way too, and add to that wonderful island feel.



Leis and flower necklaces for the guests certainly are a must for almost any tiki or Polynesian-themed party, and they're incredibly inexpensive.
I managed to buy two dozen silk lei necklaces from a celebration store for approximately $10 and maintained them by my entrance. I presented one to every guest as he or she showed up.


The Perfect Tiki Party Playlist



Finally, don't ignore the music! Each tiki get together needs a fantastic playlist. You should check out streaming sites for a premade one.

The genre of music best associated with tiki parties is named "Exotica," which is a super entertaining and unusual mix of exotic sounds with beach and wild dog noises. Look up artists like Martin Denny for a best example of this.

Other tunes and music artists and bands to think about include: Put on Ho (needless to say! ), Elvis Presley (especially the soundtrack to the motion picture Blue Hawaii! ), Henry Mancini for great jazzy lounge audio, Louis Prima's version of I Wanna Be Like You from The Jungle Book, The Beach Young men, Santo & Johnny, The Tornadoes, along with the Polynesians.


So what are you waiting for? Kick off Summer 2016 in a fun way!

 




Friday, March 25, 2016

Try hosting a perfect Bourbon tasting party!

My history with Bourbon ...
I use to hate bourbon and whiskey. I started drinking young (around 19) and would stick with beer, malt beverages, or girly flavoured alcohol bottles. Smirnoff and Malibu Rum anyone? Stomaching bourbon or anything strong just was not possible to me. They say your taste buds change every few years and now that I am older and have acquired a new taste and LOVE for bourbon!

Throwing a bourbon-tasting party

 Don't make it a boring experience for your guests. It should be a casual experience and you don't have to make it an educational one although having a piece of paper next to each bourbon listing the proof, age, and other details for those who want to learn more about each one they are sampling. For a true experience and for something guests can take home with them, have tasting note cards printed out



Selecting the bourbons to sample

 I suggest having around at least 4 to 10 different bourbons to try. You could aimlessly walk into a liquor store and buy some random brands but to make it a real experience let me help you. I would organize the bourbons into categories such as Small Batch Bourbons, Single Barrel Bourbons,  Craft Bourbons, and Rare Famous Bourbons (if you can afford and find them!)

Another thing you can do for the people who do not want to participate in the straight bourbon sampling, is have mixed cocktails available that include bourbon. Manhattans, Old Fashions or a Mint Julep may be appealing.


Small Batch Bourbons
  • Maker's Mark
  • Woodford Reserve
  • Basil Hayden
  • 1792 Ridgemont Reserve 

Single Barrel Bourbons
  • Eagle Rare 10 Year
  • Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve
  • Blanton's
  • Four Roses Single Barrel

Craft Bourbons
  • Stillhouse Whiskey
  • Dry Fly
  • King County
  • Van Brunt Stillhouse

Rare Famous Bourbons
  • Eagle Rare 17 Year
  • Old Rip Van Winkle or Pappy Van Winkle
  • George T. Stagg
  • William Larue Weller

Where to buy these bourbons?

Most stores will carry the common bourbons and can be purchased locally. Of course it is 2016 and everyone orders things online so you may also order the bourbon from the internet (just not Amazon or eBay yet!) If you are a bourbon connoisseur or are expecting guests who are, I highly suggest try obtaining some of the bourbons listed in the Rare Famous Bourbons to have available for sampling. Unfortunately your local booze store or chain liquor retailer will unlikely have any of the rare bourbons in stock so you may have to find them for sale on the internet.

Review on AceSpirits.com:
My top favourite websites for ordering bourbons and whiskey from is Ace Spirits if I do not want to go out to the store looking for them. They have a wide selection and ships to most states. They take all credit card and PayPal payments.

Delivers to: AL,CA,CO,DC,FL,IA,ID,IN,KS,LA,MD,MI,MN,MO,MT, NC,NE,NM,NY,OH,OR,SC,VT,VA,WA,WI,WV & WY
Rare Bourbons: Features lotteries to be able to buy them
Age Requirement: 21
Minimum Order: $60 View Bourbon & Whiskey Inventory

Review on LadysLiquor.com:
I have used Lady's Liquor 2 times in the last year. One time was for ordering a bottle of George T. Stag and the other time was when I found out they had 1 bottle of Pappy Van Winkle 23 year old in the inventory. The Pappy Van Winkle bourbon is some of the most famous and would be the highlight of any bourbon tasting party The prices may be slightly higher than you would pay retail if you can find it in a store and the items from LadysLiquor.com are shipped from Canada. The shipping time only took a few days but if your tasting party is soon I recommend using the express shipping to ensure your items arrive in time for the event.

Delivers to: All 50 states & world wide
Rare Bourbons: Available at times through out the year
Age Requirement: Legal age of your country
Minimum Order: No minimum order View Bourbon & Whiskey Inventory


TIP / Idea:  Remember you could skip buying the bourbon yourself and just require all guests to bring a bottle. This could make for a very fun and wild experience!


The Supplies for the Tasting Party

After accumulating some bourbon from the list above, you will still need to prepare some other materials.
  • The glass is very important for an authentic bourbon experience -- and believe it or not -- can make a difference in how the bourbon actually tastes! Some of my favorite glasses can be found on GoBourbon and are available for ordering.
  • A measuring cup is needed so you can adequately provide a proper amount of bourbon from each sample. Every sample should be 1.5oz. Especially if you have the prized bourbons like Pappy or others from BTAC (Buffalo Trace Antique Collection) this can add up to a lot of money if overserved to those who may not appreciate it as much as you!
  •  Include some food at the tasting party. Nothing heavy while tasting though! Only small appetizers. Things like dark rich chocolate, dried fruit, cheese, unsalted crackers, or nuts would be good. You do not want to ruin the bourbon taste with a large dinner while drinking! Afterwards it is wise to have food so your guests can sober up because bourbon can get you very drunk quick. 
  • Water or ice. Although most bourbons (especially rare high priced ones) should be served just neat which means no ice or dilutions -- other bourbons may call for some ice or a small bit of water. The water should be room tempature spring water. You should never be sampling the bourbon with cola or any other mixer unless a guest does not wish to participate in the sampling.

Friday, February 12, 2016

Chocolate Covered Strawberries for Valentines Day!


I will be single this year for Valentine's Day. That doesn't mean I am going to sit around depressed! I will be baking and enjoying life as usual. One quick recipe I thought I would share is my Chocolate Covered Strawberries. Whether they are for yourself or giving them as a gift, this will put a smile on anyone.

You'll be happy to know how easy it is to make chocolate-covered strawberries your self for a fraction of the cost of store-purchased. Impress for less?

Before You Go Buying

Your chocolate-covered strawberries will only taste as good as the components you use, so obtain the best you can. When it comes to the berries, bigger does not mean better, especially if strawberries don’t are actually in season. Don’t be shy about doing a taste test. Once you discover some you like, select unblemished berries fringed with fresh green leaves. If they have a stem attached, that’s even better. Stems make a beautiful presentation and they’re handy for dipping-just cut them to a consistent length. No stems? No problem-we’ll deal with that later on. For best results, intend to dip within 2 days of buying the berries. Same goes for the chocolate. Whether you utilize dark, milk, or white chocolate, choose something you’ve enjoyed and tasted. Better quality chocolate contains much more cocoa butter, and will be smoother and glossier when it melts.

What You Need

  • 1 pound refreshing strawberries
  • 8 ounces chocolate chips or bar (chopped into small pieces)
  • Optional: 8 ounces white-colored chocolate for drizzling
  • Optional: Sprinkles, coarse sugar, or well chopped nuts for decorating
  • Papers towels
  • Baking page
  • Parchment or waxed paper
  • Saucepan (optional)
  • Heatproof/microwave oven-safe dish
  • Heatproof silicone spatula (wood can retain water)
  • Skewer or toothpick (optional)
  • Spoons (optional)

1) Rinse berries under chilly water and dried out thoroughly, even the simply leaves. Important: You’ll need to make sure not the least drop of water comes into contact later together with your melted chocolate, or else it will go from silky smooth to heavy and grainy in an instant. Set the cleaned and dried fruits on a perfectly dried out towel and allow them to come to room heat while you prep the baking sheet and the chocolate.

2) Collection a baking page with parchment or waxed paper. Make use of a large enough pan to permit an inch or two of space involving the strawberries.

If you plan on coating dipped strawberries with finely chopped nut products, sprinkles, coconut flakes, crushed candy, and so on., prep them now and put them in dishes.

3) Melt the chocolate. This video clip shows you two simple ways to melt delicious chocolate-in a dish set over warm water, or in the microwave. The secret is to go slow and low for a easier melt. And I cannot say this sufficient: Do not let any water come into contact with the chocolate. This isn’t necessary if you’re using a good quality, high cocoa fat chocolat, though some individuals add shortening to the chocolate to make it smoothere

4) Dip the strawberries. The delicious chocolate should be warm, not hot. Working one-by-one, pick up a strawberry by the stem, or insert a skewer or toothpick into the top, or just get by the leaves. Drop into the chocolate, base first, to about ¾ of the way up. Carefully rotate the strawberry as you pull it out of the chocolate, therefore the excess drips into the bowl and the final drip rolls to the strawberry.

Place the strawberry to the lined baking page. Repeat until all of the strawberries are dipped.

Storage of Strawberries


It’s a good thing chocolate-covered strawberries are so simple to make, because you can’t store them for very long. A couple of days in an airtight container in a awesome spot is about the limit. I recommend making them the night before Valentine's Day for freshest taste.