Cooking In Stilettos... » Cocktails

Tried & True: Captain Morgan Chocolate Chip Cookies…

Lys — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:10:05 +0000

There’s a story behind the creation of these cookies like with any cocktail-esque creation.

In college, I fell in love with all things Captain Morgan thanks to my ex, A who constantly had a Captain & Coke in hand. To this day, it’s my spirit of choice. Mixed with a bit of Diet Coke, I’m in heaven. When my ex, A., was stationed in Croatia and Bosnia, I was in charge of sending care packages from our crew. One thing he always whined about was the lack of Morgan on base. Hence, *poof* Captain Morgan Chocolate Chip Cookies were born. When he was shipped to Iraq shortly after I moved here, again he whined about the lack of Morgan during a call to say “hi.” Well, a stronger version of Captain Morgan Chocolate Chip Cookies was shipped his way and he told me that the boys in his unit absolutely loved it. My friends often request this recipe and I always ask them “Morgan Cookies With or Without” for those that might not want a bit of rum goodness.

The recipe is simple – it’s the Nestle Tollhouse Recipe with a slight kick. Give it a shot – you might actually enjoy it. However, I’m not responsible should you find yourself heading to Costco to get “bargain” size bottles of Morgan for future cookie shenanigans.

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Captain Morgan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Recipe adapted from Nestle Toll House

INGREDIENTS:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
3 tbsp Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum; retain some extra for “basting”

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 375° F.
Combine flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl.
Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy.
Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels and Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum.
Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.
Brush tops of cookies with remaining Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum.
Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

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Cinco De Mayo, Skinnygirl Style…

Lys — Tue, 05 May 2009 23:13:53 +0000

Yes, I admit it – my name is Lys and I watch Bravo’s Real Housewives. What can I say – it’s a guilty pleasure for many. I, personally, enjoyed the NY season and I am looking forward to all points Jersey (but hello – why not Real Housewives of Philadelphia – Bravo, take note! We’ve got Main Line, Manayunk, Rittenhouse, etc.) However, I digress.

One of the characters that was enjoyable this season was Bethenny Frankel, the natural foods chef and owner of BethennyBakes and Skinnygirl Cocktails. We’ll have a review of her book Naturally Thinin the next week or so (with giveaway so stay tuned) but, since it IS Cinco de Mayo, one needs a margarita to celebrate properly, no?

I, for one, will be trying the Skinnygirl Margarita. No more pre-blended mixes for me. This one looks super simple and, quite frankly, to have a margarita that is not packing on a walloping 740 calories a serving, is even better in my book.

Check out the recipe below for the standard Skinnygirl Margarita as she is often drinking on the show…

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Skinnygirl Margarita, On The Rocks

Recipe courtesy of Bethenny Frankel and SkinnyGirlCocktails.com

Ingredients:

2 oz of Clear Premium Tequila (count 1, 2 while you pour, no need for measuring)
Tiny splash of Orange Liquor
Juice of four Fresh Lime Wedges

Combine all ingredients over a glass of ice and garnish with a lime wedge

Makes one serving

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Gift Idea: Penguin Sparkling Water Maker…

Lys — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 11:26:01 +0000

While doing a little retail R&R this weekend, you know this gal HAD to go to Williams Sonoma, right? First of all, if you have the chance to go on a weekend, go. The smells in there were amazing! They did some demos on Sunday and were showing their Meyer Lemon Quick Bread but I digress.

They had on display the Penguin Sparkling Water Maker which is essentially a water carbonator. I have to say, I’m a fan of the occasional bubbly water and soda. Not to mention, sparkling water is a must when I have cocktail parties. So, would I use this – probably more than I care to admit. I’ve been quite paranoid lately with all that I’ve read online re: soda, additives, etc. and to think that I could possibly make my own citrus libation and know exactly what goes in it – SOLD.

From the Williams Sonoma website:

Adding effervescence to holiday festivities, this eco-friendly soda charger quickly transforms ordinary tap water into fresh sparkling water. Enjoy it on its own or as the base for cocktails or homemade sodas. It’s fun and easy to use: Simply fill the reusable glass carafe with water, insert it into the Penguin and press the carbonating “beak.” You can customize carbonation so each batch has just the right amount of fizz. Freshly charged seltzer water is a green alternative to its store-bought counterparts. Conserving energy and resources, it eliminates the need for plastic bottles – along with the environmental impacts associated with shipping and shopping for bottled water – and no batteries or electricity are required.

While the price is a bit steep *cough cough* I wouldn’t be adverse to it if it saves money and energy in the long run. Paying it forward, one glass at a time.

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My Favorite Cocktail: The Cable Car Martini…

Lys — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 01:19:00 +0000

In Las Vegas, when I went there with Meowmix a couple years ago, I fell in love – truly, madly and deeply – with a cocktail: The Cable Car Martini.

We stayed at the MGM and that is where Cable Car and I began our torrid affair. Now, as many know, I am also a Captain Morgan aficionado. So if you give me a martini where the primary ingredient is Captain Morgan, I’m a VERY happy gal.

So, if you are a lover of all things rum and out of the box, why not give it a try…

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Cable Car Martini

Ingredients:

1½ ounce (or 2 oz.) Captain Morgan Spiced Rum

¾ ounce Orange Curacao (or 1 oz. Cointreau)

½ ounce Fresh Sweet and Sour or Fresh Lemon juice.

For the Rim:

Cinnamon

Sugar

Orange Peel for garnish

In an ice filled mixing glass, add the above ingredients, shake until well blended.

Strain into a Martini glass that has a “caramelized rim” of raw sugar and cinnamon.

Serve with a garnish of an orange spiral.

*To rim the glass, moisten the edge of the glass with a lemon wedge, dip the glass into the mixture of cinnamon sugar and let dry for 3-5 min while you mix the cocktail.

Also – you might have to add a bit more Captain Morgan to taste.

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Obsessed With: LaTienda’s Sangria Pitcher…

Lys — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 22:38:00 +0000

What is YOUR favorite summertime cocktail?

For me, it has to be Sangria. Sangria seems to bring visions of tropical breezes, cool places and relaxation. It’s always a hit whenever it’s on the menu and is one of my favorite go-to cocktails when I throw a soiree.

LaTienda has a stunning Sangria Pitcher that I’m contemplating purchasing. It’s reasonably priced and has that “wow” factor that would look fantastic on the bar. I love to make big pitchers of Sangria and my guests just keep their glasses filled throughout the night.

Effortless and elegant entertaining – can’t beat that.

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Limoncello Brings A Little Bit of Sunshine

Lys — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 19:28:00 +0000

Is this gorgeous? Gotta love Michael Chiarello and Napastyle for their excellent serving ideas. This carafe set is on my “Must get” list.

Speaking of Limoncello, the other day I bought my first bottle ofLimoncello, just because. I saw a couple cocktail recipes that I want to try and they sounded delicious. I knew it had a bit of za-za-zu as, well, we all heard about Danny Devito and George Clooney falling prey to its siren call.

As I was in my freezer this morning, that lovely bottle was just in front of my eyes begging to be in recipes other than just cocktails which sent me on a mission.

Courtesy of Epicurious, I’m adding this recipe to my arsenal for my next soiree. Enjoy!

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Mixed Berries With Marscarpone-Limoncello Cream

Recipe Courtesy of Epicurious.com

Ingredients:

For the Marscapone Cream:
3/4 cup chilled whipping cream
1/2 8-ounce container mascarpone cheese
3 tablespoons plus 1/2 cup sugar
3 tablespoons limoncello (lemon liqueur)

For the Berries:
8 cups assorted fresh berries (such as raspberries, blueberries,blackberries, and hulled sliced strawberries; about 2 pounds)
3/4 cup raspberry preserves
1 tablespoon grated lemon peel

Preparation

Combine whipping cream, mascarpone, 3 tablespoons sugar, and limoncello in large bowl. Beat until soft peaks form.

Combine all berries, raspberry preserves, lemon peel, and remaining 1/2 cup sugar in another large bowl; toss gently.

Divide berry mixture among 8 cups. Top with mascarpone cream

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A Bit O’ The Irish – Martini Style…

Lys — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 11:29:00 +0000

I know many people (including myself) has the standard Guinness or the Irish Coffee idea when it comes to cocktails from the Emerald Isle and we won’t talk about the green beer. However, Fine Living debunks the standard Irish cocktail fare and puts forth a few new ones in their “10 Cocktails For The Irish In Everyone” series.

This one I found intriguing – a fabulous Baileys Irish Martini recipe just in time for St. Patty’s Day. As a Baileys aficionado from a wee age, this is one that appears to be super simple yet chic.

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Baileys Irish Martini [Recipe courtesy of FineLiving.com]

Ingredients:
3 1/2 oz. Baileys Irish cream
3/4 oz. Bushmills Original Irish Whiskey
shot of strong, cold coffee

Instructions:
1. Drop some ice cubes into a shaker and pour over Baileys.
2. Add Bushmills Original Irish Whiskey, then a shot of strong cold coffee.
3. Shake vigorously and serve in a martini glass.

[Photo courtesy of FineLiving.com]

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