Sassy summer sippables: strawberry-peach sangria

Fresh summer fruits are in their prime, ladies, and before you know it, it'll be October and you'll be wondering, "Why didn't I enjoy them more when they were around???"

Of course a sumptuous peach or succulent bowl of strawberries is perfect on its own, but if you want to mix things up a bit (pun intended), whip up a batch of strawberry-peach sangria for your next summertime get-together.

Strawberry-Peach Sangria

Serves 8

• 1 750-ml bottle dry white wine
• 1 1/2 cups orange muscat
• 1 1/2 cups sliced strawberries
• 1 cup peach liqueur
• 3 peaches, each cut into 12 slices
• 1 large orange, cut crosswise into 6 slices
• 1 large lemon, cut crosswise into 6 slices
• 1/4 cup strawberry syrup (optional)

Mix all ingredients and let sit at room temperature for 2 hours, or chill for 4 hours. Serve over ice and enjoy!

(Source: YumSugar)

Summer drink trend: the winetail

If the term "wine cocktail" evokes memories of junior-high evenings furtively slurping sugary coolers in the back of your friend's mom's SUV, you'll be pleased to know that wine-based cocktails have done a lot of growing up.

And this summer, they're the hottest thing on ice.

According to a recent story in the Washington Post, "winetails" are gaining popularity among quaffers craving lower alcohol content and lighter flavors in their bevvies of choice, especially with warm summer temperatures rolling in.

Can you imagine the horror on your wine-lover friends' faces when they see you mixing, say, a hearty rioja with Coca-Cola over ice? It's called a "rioja libre," a popular drink among Spanish youths and just one of the many winetails making their way into more sophisticated circles.

And smarter winemakers, who can sniff out sales opportunities like the bouquet of a bold cabernet, are jumping on the bandwagon, hiring their own mixologists to come up with innovative concoctions. If you're looking for something different to serve at your next soirée, Ecco Domani winery proposes the Ecco Sidro:
1 t muddled ginger
1-1/2 oz apple cider
Pinch of chai tea powder
2 oz Ecco Domani Chianti

More ideas can be found at numerous websites, including Food & Wine, 1001 Cocktails, and BellaOnline ... or come up with your own concoctions and offer guests a new delight every time they visit!

(Source: Washington Post)

Doing the 'cue?

It's Memorial Day weekend, the official start not only to summer but also to grilling season.

And, while the backyard pit has traditionally been the boys' territory (as it combines two of their favorite things: food and danger), a few simple tips are all you need to prove that girls can grill with the best of 'em:

Rule 1: Always keep your grill clean.

Rule 2: Use oil or cooking spray on your cooking grate when grilling low fat foods such as fish, skinless chicken, or vegetables. Do not apply cooking spray to a lit grill.

Rule 3: Always give yourself plenty of time. Don't leave your family and/or guests waiting. Food can always be kept warm in the oven if guests aren't quite ready when it's done.

Rule 4: Always keep an eye on what you’re grilling; no abandoning your post to socialize until the cooking's done.

Rule 5: Do not use spray bottles of water to control flare-ups. Flare-ups are caused by too much fat and too much heat. Trim excess fat and when you turn meat on the grill move it to a different part of the grill.

Rule 6: Do not add sugary or oily sauces or marinades to meat on the grill, as this causes burning.

Rule 7: Keep your grill away from anything flammable like lighter fluid, fences, your house, etc..

Rule 8: Spice up your food at least an hour before you grill; this lets the flavor sink in. If you're marinating, do it overnight.

Rule 9: Use the proper tools, not regular silverware.

Rule 10: Always make more than enough food for everyone.

Ready for a little "grills gone wild?" On your mark ... get set ... light!

(Source: bbq.about.com)

A-tisket, a-tasket, a lovely picnic basket (part IV)

What better way to wrap up our "perfect picnic" series than with some sensational sweets?

When you're running around in the spring sunshine, the last thing you need is a dense, too-sweet dessert—that's why this light lemon cookie recipe is an ideal alternative.

Lemon Ricotta Cookies
Cookies:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 stick unsalted butter, softened
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 (15-ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 lemon, zested

Glaze:
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 lemon, zested

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Cookies:
In a medium bowl combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In the large bowl combine the butter and the sugar. Using an electric mixer beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating until incorporated. Add the ricotta cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Beat to combine. Stir in the dry ingredients.

Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Spoon the dough (about 2 tablespoons for each cookie) onto the baking sheets. Bake for 15 minutes, until slightly golden at the edges. Remove from the oven and let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 20 minutes.

Glaze:
Combine the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl and stir until smooth. Spoon about 1/2-teaspoon onto each cookie and use the back of the spoon to gently spread. Let the glaze harden for about 2 hours. Pack the cookies into a decorative container.

Here's to a happy ending for your perfect picnic, ladies!

(Source: food.com)

A-tisket, a-tasket, a lovely picnic basket (part III)

You need more than recipes for a truly successful picnic—you also need the right hardware. Of course you'll want something unbreakable, but disposable plates, utensils, and cups are so passé, not to mention un-eco-friendly and, em, a bit tacky.

For serving up your delectable edibles, allow us to recommend these square melanine plates from Crate & Barrel, the perfect style statement that's also perfectly practical.

And unless you plan on serving finger food exclusively, you'll need some coordinating utensils, like Preserve flatware, also from Crate & Barrel.

Then of course, there are beverages to consider. We love these Learning to Fly Acrylic Tumblers by Marimekko from Klinq.com for serving up your scrumptious aqua fresca di frutta or other refresher. And if vino is on the menu, you'll want some elegant but sturdy stemware, like the Pin Wheel Acrylic Wine Glass by Precidio.

And there you have it, ladies: all the hardware you need for a relaxed picnic that still has a sense of style. Stay tuned for more fabulous tips to come!

A-tisket, a-tasket, a lovely picnic basket (part II)

Our series of springtime picnic ideas continues with a beverage that's sure to refresh even the most enthusiastic frolickers on the warmest afternoon. And so much more stylish than a cooler full of sodas!

Aqua Fresca di Frutta
1 large cantaloupe or 1/2 a watermelon, seeded and diced (about 3 cups)*
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup sugar, plus more to taste
2 to 3 limes, juiced
Pinch salt

Puree cantaloupe or watermelon in a food processor and pour through a fine sieve to eliminate pulp. In a pitcher, mix strained fruit puree with water and add sugar, lime juice, and salt, to taste.

To transport, transfer to an empty plastic jug and keep well-chilled in a cooler.

*You could also use strawberries, pineapple, mango, or any fruit that is soft enough to puree.

Here's to a fun springtime picnic that everyone can enjoy. Cheers!

(Source: foodnetwork.com)