Culinary Adventures with Camilla

Here we are at the last installment of the Winter Warm-Up Drink Series hosted by Ellen of  Family Around the Table ! Can you believe it's been six weeks of delicious, delectable winter drinks? I hope you've enjoyed all of the weeks and have been inspired to whip up some cocktails of your own. I know that I have several on my to-try list. The Final Line-Up Bourbon Hot Toddy by Family Around the Table Graham Cracker Latte by Books n’ Cooks Sweetheart Coffee by Our Good Life Winter Wonderland Mojito by Culinary Adventures with Camilla Just in case you need a recap, over the past few weeks, I have shared:  Aquavit & Tonic ,  Hot Vanilla ,  Irish Coffee ,  Earl Grey Hot Toddy   Today I envisioned a cocktail that evoked the feeling of a winter wonderland, and planned to make holly-esque garnishes with pomegranate arils and fresh mint leaves. What came out of the kitchen was less than photogranic albeit tasty. The coconut milk had thicker...

Last weekend, we tried to watch all of the Pirates of the Caribbean  movies in preparation for watching the most recent installment. We didn't get to all of them, but I did manage a dinner with some Caribbean flavors. And that required rum.  "Why is the rum always gone?" asked Captain Jack. Ummm...because it makes yummy cocktails. Duh. In all seriousness though, rum is not my drink of choice. I prefer bourbon, but Jake likes rum. So, I obliged. I made traditional mojitos, then tried a coconut version. Cheers! Ingredients 8 to 10 organic mint leaves + more for garnish 1 T freshly sqeezed lime juice 1 t organic granulated sugar 2 oz rum 2 oz coconut milk splash of sparkling water Also needed: ice, cocktail shaker Procedure Muddle together the mint leaves, lime juice, and sugar in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and stir in the rum and coconut milk. Shake and strain into a glass. Top off with sparkling water and garnish with a sp...

It's time for Group B's  Secret Recipe Club   May  reveal .  This month I was assigned to Secrets from the Cookie Princess , a blog written by Colleen. When she writes that she's " a little obsessed", she means it. She started her blog in 2010 when she began her annual holiday baking spree that consisted of creating 163 dozen cookies from over 2 dozen recipes to share with friends and family as Christmas gifts. Now she bakes not just for Christmas, but any holiday, birthday, or just because. Her Holiday Baking Total made me chuckle. She is obsessed! 2013: 119.5 dozen cookies and still working on the truffles and fudge! 2012: 117.5 dozen cookies and 30 mini loaves. 2011: 137 dozen cookies, plus bars, candy, etc. 2010: 147.5 dozen cookies 2009: 133 dozen cookies 2008: 151.5 dozen cookies plus candy 2007: 131 dozen cookies plus candy While I probably should have made cookies, given the name of my secret blog, I really, really, re...

I am using a 'pass' on this Cooking Around the World adventure. I hosted a Cuban birthday party for a friend a couple of years ago. Then, it was all centered around the cocktail - so I only have photos of my mojitos - versus the food. But I will share the recipe of what I cooked for food.   Time warp with me back a few years. I am not ashamed to admit that I planned an entire dinner party around a cocktail: the mojito. I wanted to serve mojitos, so I cooked a Cuban feast for Brian's birthday party in 2008. The main dish was a Fricase de Pollo , dessert was a coconut milk flan, all else is hazy due to too many mojitos. But here's the recipe I used for the fricase...it was tasty, I do remember that. Fricase de Pollo 2 cup sour orange juice or mix orange and grapefruit juices half and half 3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper 4 pounds chicken pieces skinned 1/3 cup vegetable oil 2 large onions peeled...