Filet Mignon with Creamy Leek and Green Peppercorn Sauce + Kansas City Steak #GIVEAWAY

The holidays are all about bringing out your best and indulging in all your favorite recipes and flavors. My indulgently creamy fresh green peppercorn sauce is a traditional companion to steak. I couldn’t help but add and my other favorite filet mignon companion, leeks, to the creamy sauce. The bite of the bourbon and the tang of the brine-soaked green peppercorns offset the richness of the cream.

It is the perfect topping to your favorite steak and you just happen to be in luck… scroll down for the recipe and further details on the Kansas City Steak Company giveaway.

Crisp weather calls for cozy gatherings and great gifts to show loved ones how much you care. The Kansas City Steak Company adds the perfect touch to any celebration – big or small – and makes the perfect gift for your favorite steak lover! Check out their top sellers and learn how you can win your own filets!

KC Signature Gift Boxed Steak Combo

Includes Super-Trimmed Boneless Ribeye Steaks, Filet Mignon and Kansas City Strip Steaks. Plus, Steak and Prime Rib Seasoning packet and The Kansas City Steak Book.

Four 6 oz. Super-Trimmed™ Filets

This filet mignon is king — butter-tender, cut from the center of the finest aged tenderloin and hand selected from premium corn-fed Kansas beef.

Filet Mignon with Creamy Leek and Green Peppercorn Sauce

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons fresh green peppercorns {packed in brine}
2 leeks, thinly sliced, well washed
2 tablespoons bourbon / whiskey
1/2 cup heavy {whipping} cream
Salt, as needed
METHOD

After cooking your filet, remove from pan to rest.
Add 1 1/2 cups of water to pan and using a flat spatula, scrap bits from bottom of pan and bring to a simmer. Add green pepper corns and leeks. Simmer for 5 minutes to soften leeks.

Add bourbon, simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove pan from heat and slowly add in heavy cream, stirring continuously. Place back on heat and simmer for 5 – 10 minutes until cream sauce begins to thicken. Taste. Add salt as needed.

Entertaining Tip:: Make this sauce ahead of time. Prepare a batch and refrigerated in an airtight container a day in advance. To reheat, transfer to a small saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring frequently.

Kansas City Steaks Holiday 2016

See the full sweepstakes rules HERE.

Disclosure Statement ~ For recipes, more gift ideas and special offers and more visit the Kansas City Steak Company website. This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Kansas City Steak, thank you for supporting the companies that make this blog possible!

December 13, 2016April 12, 2022

5 Secrets To Hosting a Successful Holiday Open House

Your social calendar is filling up but you promised yourself you would make the time to host a Holiday Open House this year. What is a hostess to do?? Not to fear. My 5 Secrets to hosting a successful holiday open house is here to get you through with ease. Simply set the date, send out the invites and follow my 5 tips for hosting a Holiday Open House. #HolidayGoals coming true!

Secret #1 to Hosting a Successful Holiday Open House :: Plan Ahead

I know… I just told you that you can do this with only weeks left in the holiday entertaining season, and now I am talking about planning! Don’t worry. You’ve got this but you still need to put in a little planning time. Believe me, an hour planning makes for an entire night full of a low stress holiday open house.

Set aside 1 – 1 1/2 hours tomorrow to create a quick guest list, a basic time-line and easy menu. With it on paper you now have a guide for planning your holiday open house.

Secret #2 to Hosting a Successful Holiday Open House :: Show Them the Green Stuff

NO, I am not talking anything illegal or even about money. I am talking about live greens, evergreens, boxwoods and other cuttings from either your own garden or purchased at the local market.

I have been hosting, planning and decorating holiday gatherings for over 20 years so take it from me, live greens go a long way. It must be something to do with bringing nature inside, the scent of pine filling your home, their intense texture or the variety of colors that is an immediate WOW factor. Use live greens at your entranceway, on your tablescape and mixed with cut flowers placed in a vase – they will transform your space into a winter wonderland guaranteed.

Secret #3 to Hosting a Successful Holiday Open House :: Bring Out the Bling

Decorating during the holiday season is all about metallics, glitter and using “the good stuff” so don’t be afraid to mix metallic serveware and your favorite flatware for your open house, or for the entire holiday season.

My new obsession… this hammered copper flatware by Argent Orfèvres for Hampton Forge. Seriously. I am completely in love with this pattern and it is now my must-have for my holiday season. It actually makes me smile when I open my flatware drawer – no joke!

Copper pairs perfectly with all metals especially the latest trends in kitchen hardware – gold, black metal, rose gold and copper. Have you seen all the copper small appliances hitting markets these days? Get a jump on the trend with your own set of Argent Orfèvres Paris Hammered Copper flatware.

Secret #4 to Hosting a Successful Holiday Open House :: Serve Punch!

One of my best friends is all about bringing retro back and what is more Retro Rad around the holidays than a big bowl of punch!

This year I am serving up a wintery spice Wassail at my holiday open house. Make up a big batch and let guest serve themselves. It looks incredibly festive on your bar and taste just as good!

Secret #5 to Hosting a Successful Holiday Open House :: Set It + Forget It

Secret #5 could be my number one secret for hosting a successful holiday open house – set it and forget it. Ok, maybe don’t completely forget about it but you get my gist.

By selecting menu items that can stand being at room temperature during the span of your party, you allow your self time to mix and mingle in between refreshing and replenishing your apps. Serve a cheese + charcuterie platter, mini quiches and a lovely seafood bite – it is the holidays after all, splurge a bit on one or two items then fill in with less pricey and more filling options.

I hope these tips help you feel more comfortable + confident hosting your own holiday open house this season.

If you have ANY questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to me via email, Instagram, Twitter or your favorite social media platform with questions – I am more than happy to answer them all!

Happy Entertaining!!

A little more about my favorite new flatwareArgent Orfèvres Paris Hammered Copper .

Created in premium 18/10 stainless steel with an artist’s eye and jeweler’s attention to detail, Argent Orfèvres Paris Hammered Copper surprises with precious metal finishes, sophisticated textures and inspired forms that elevate the experience of fine dining. The lux Argent Orfèvres brand’s expressive design is perfect for this holiday season! We hope everyone who invites Argent into their home and on to their tabletop this season will feel as decadent and magnificent as the flatware itself!

Disclosure Statement: This post is sponsored by Hampton Forge in conjunction with a social media campaign. Although I was compensated, I truly am a HUGE fan of their beautiful flatware – all opinions are my own.

November 23, 2016November 23, 2016

Metallic Inspired Thanksgiving Tablescape

Looking for Thanksgiving centerpiece ideas on Pinterest boards and home decor magazines can be as overwhelming and time-consuming as planning a wedding! Give your brain a break this Thanksgiving and create a Metallic Inspired Thanksgiving Tablescape with an easy but elegant mixture of metallic and natural elements.

The metallic trend is here to stay but don’t believe this means you can’t also use some of the traditional nature inspired Thanksgiving decor, such as gourds, wheat and Indian Corn, on your Thanksgiving tablescape this year as well.

One of my favorite looks is mixing the two decor trends together. Look for faux gourds in rich metallic tones like bronze, matte gold and copper which naturally complement the gold tones of wheat and the deep reds and browns of dried Indian Corn.

Place textured chargers under your china, then top each Thanksgiving placesetting with a linen napkin tucked into a grapevine napkin ring – then add a placecard if you like. One of my top tips for setting a Thanksgiving tablescape is to keep the decor low and tight, this allows guest to speak to each other over the centerpeice.

For this tablescape I am mixing and matching my glassware… we have “lost” a few to kitchen tragedies and I have more than enough. So why buy more when they all look so festive mixed together.

Entertainers Tip :: when mixing glassware have one common variable. For instance here they are all clear glass with a stem.

Bring all the tones and textures together on your Thanksgiving table by tucking in a few sprigs of my favorite foliage Eucalyptus. The leaf color and shape looks great with metallic seasonal decor and perhaps even a bit of the calming energy to your gathering.

Happy Thanksgiving from my home to yours!

November 20, 2016April 3, 2023

Mini Stuffing Muffins {#SundaySupper}

Stuffing is one of the most popular dishes of a Thanksgiving meal, I thought why not try making it as fun appetizer bites served before the big meal OR as a fun twist on leftover stuffing recipe served Thanksgiving night or the next day.

You can use this recipe with any stuffing recipe or leftovers, the key is to add back in moisture then bake the muffins to ensure they stick together.

Serve your mini stuffing muffins with the a side of cranberry relish for a tangy fruity and colorful topping.

MINI STUFFING MUFFINS RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon fresh chopped sage
1 cup stock, chicken/turkey or vegetable
1/2 cup dried cranberries, rough chopped
4 cups stuffing – left over or pre-made

METHHOD

Preheat the oven to 350°. Grease 12-cup mini-muffin pan with cooking spray.
In a large skillet melt butter, add sage and cook on medium heat until sage begins to crisp.
Add stock and bring to a boil.
Add chopped cranberries to liquid and allow to cook on medium for 2-3 minutes or until cranberries begin to absorb liquid.
Pack the stuffing into the muffin cups and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden. Transfer to a rack and let stand for 5 minutes. Loosen the muffins with a sharp paring knife and lift them out.
Serve warm with Cranberry Relish.

Whether you are a seasoned pro or it is your first time hosting Thanksgiving the number of details to keep track of can be daunting to say the least. You need the Ultimate Thanksgiving Planning Checklist.Get yours HERE.

How to Use Holiday Leftovers

Everyone loves the holidays, but often we’re left with way too much food. This week the Sunday Supper Community helps us spice up our leftovers and turn them into new and exciting dishes!

Thank you Christie from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventure, for hosting.

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board. Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.

November 17, 2016November 23, 2016

Easy Pumpkin Placecards

Pumpkin Placecards are super easy to make and add a festive fall accent to your Thanksgiving, Friendsgving or Harvest Celebration Tablescape. Use either kraft paper cut outs or chalk paint to give each placesetting a personalized touch.

I don’t know about you but I LOVE mini pumpkins and gourds of all kinds so while I have the chance to decorating the table with Autumn gourds I take every opportunity to do just that!

Start setting your Fall tablescape by lining the center of the table with mixed gourds, Indian Corn and a Succulent Pumpkin Centerpiece or two. There really isn’t a wrong way to group them. Pick out a variety of shapes and sizes ~ I promise they will all look perfect together!

Once I have my centerpiece in place I like to add a textured charger, a main serving plate and a fall leaf plate at each placesetting. Continuing adding seasonal elements like a grapevine napkin ring around a natural linen napkin.

The stress of hosting can be overwhelming. No matter if it is your first time hosting, Or your 10th. My ULTIMATE Thanksgiving checklist is HERE to make you look like an entertaining pro. Download yours for all my seasonal entertaining must-haves.

For a step-by-step demo how to make your own Pumpkin Placecards, you can watch my recent segment on WFLA Gayle’s Guide to Pinterest.

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel and never miss a recipe or design idea! {It’s free!}

HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN PUMPKIN PLACECARDS::

SUPPLIES ::

mini pumpkin
chalkboard paint
foam paint brush
chalk marker
leaf stencil
scissors

INSTRUCTIONS ::

For Chalkboard Pumpkin Placecard –

Using a foam applicator simply apply a stroke of black chalk paint to the side of mini pumpkin. Allow to dry and apply a second coat.

Once dry, use a chalk marker to write your guest’s name on the card. Repeat for all guests.

For Kraft Paper Leaf Pumpkin Placecard –

Using a Maple leaf form, trace the edges onto kraft paper, Cut out shape and write your guest’s name on each card.

Carefully slice a slit in the top of the pumpkin stem. Insert paper placecard into stem and place on table!

Not the DIY type… Did you know I offer services tailored to meet the needs of busy women. They are especially valuable during the holiday entertaining season. Learn more on HERE on KraylFunch.com

October 27, 2016October 29, 2016

Plan Ahead For a Stress Free Thanksgiving Day

How many plates do I need? How will I serve the potatoes? How long do I defrost THE bird? How do I keep track of who is bringing what? What if I run out of forks before dessert?

And the details add up if you are hosting overnight guests.

Where will they sleep? Do I have time to put up the wall paper in the main floor powder room before Thanksgiving?

What fork goes where?

Not to fear. My ULTIMATE Thanksgiving checklist is HERE to make you look like the entertaining pro you know is your real calling.

Avoid the last minute stress of Thanksgiving with my ULTIMATE Thanksgiving Planning Checklist.

When you say yes to the checklist you will immediately receive the first week’s must do list. Then over the next few weeks you will receive a weekly checklist of what you need to accomplish + schedule that week to have a stress free Thanksgiving.

How easy is that?

You can be the hostess you know in your heart you are. Get access to the checklist HERE.

Are you an overachiever? Perfectionist who can’t stand to wait for the weekly updates? My Fast Track planner was created for you. For only $15 you can have access to the entire checklist collection now. Buy yours HERE.

October 9, 2016April 12, 2022

Julia’s Mushroom Quiche – Quiche aux Champignons {#SundaySupper}

Almost exactly 4 years ago today on October 14th, 2012 I started cooking my way through Julia Child’s classic Mastering the Art of French Cooking , I began in my favorite category brunch. Cooking every quiche recipe in the massive cookbook and created my first Mushroom Quiche blog post – which is amazingly to this day one of my top articles on the blog.

I say amazingly because over the last 4 years blogging I have learned an incredible amount about recipe creation, photography, and writing – among many other things but that’s for another day – and my journey from the 2012 Quiche aux Champignons article to current day has been one filled with many trials, questions, friendships and of course lots of quiche.

I have been itching to have the chance to bake a Mushroom Quiche and when my friends in the Sunday Supper Movement Community posted the “sleepover foods” topic for this weeks recipe inspiration I knew it was my time to honor Julia once again, after all what is better to wake up to after a sleep-over than a slice of warm quiche for brunch.

Also in the spirit of a sleep-over, I have kept Julia’s Mushroom Quiche rustic. Crispy bits in the pie plate are a reality when baking a quiche – at least in my world – so I have chosen to keep them in. And you should too. If you are having guests sleep over most likely they are good friends and although I still love to create a seasonal Fall tablescape, I do not like to fuss over a perfect crust. And neither should you.

For the tablescape – set a few white pumpkins down the center of the table, use a rustic Water Hyacinth Charger, pull out the copper flatware, wrap your napkins in grapevine ribbon, cut a slice of quiche and wait for your guests to come down for brunch and recap the night before.

For a step-by-step demo of the Julia’s Mushroom Quiche recipe, you can watch my video tutorial below. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel and never miss a recipe or design idea! {It’s free!}

Now that’s what I call a perfect morning! What quiche should I make next?

Quiche aux Champignons  Recipe {Mushroom Quiche}

Adapted from Julia Child, Mastering the Art of French Cooking

INGREDIENTS:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons diced shallots
1 lb large white mushrooms, sliced
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons port
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups whipping cream
8-inch partially-cooked pastry shell
1/4 cup grated Swiss cheese
1/2 teaspoon pepper
pinch of Nutmeg

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Melt butter in pan add shallots for a short time then add in the sliced mushrooms, salt and port. Cover pan and cook over moderately low heat for 8 minutes. Uncover. Raise heat and boil for several minutes until liquid is completely evaporated and mushrooms are beginning to saute in their butter.

3. Beat the eggs, cream and pepper in a large mixing bowl to blend.

4. Gradually stir in the mushroom mixture {save 2-3 slices to the side}. Check seasoning. Pour into pastry shell. Spread on the cheese and place 2-3 sliced mushroom slices on the top in the center.

5. Bake in upper third of pre-heated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until puffed and browned.

Note – I have skipped the addition of the additional butter dots on top which Julia’s recipe calls for. I have found the recipe is incredibly rich even with out the extra butter dots – sorry Julia.

Makes 1 Quiche

* * * * *

Remember in the beginning when I mentioned all this things I have learned over the last few years, well the Sunday Supper community has been there the entire time – all growing together and supporting each other in person as well as on-line. For that I am very grateful. If I could I would invite them all over for a giant sleep-over and brunch. Until then please enjoy all the fabulous recipes from the community as Marion of Life Tastes Good hosts us all.

Breakfast

Bacon Jam Recipe by Life Tastes Good
Baked Ham, Egg and Cheese Sandwiches by Food Lust People Love
Breakfast Strata with Bacon and Date by Caroline’s Cooking
Broccoli Breakfast Bake by Cricket’s Confections
Classic Buttermilk Pancakes by Cosmopolitan Cornbread
Freezer-Friendly Breakfast Burrito by Brunch-n-Bites
Julia’s Mushroom Quiche – Quiche aux Champignons by An Appealing Plan
Nutty Sweet Potato Waffles by Wholistic Woman
Overnight Green Chile Breakfast Burritos by Cooking On The Ranch
Peanut Butter Chocolate Cereal Treat Bars by Crazed Mom
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes by Books n’ Cooks
Pumpkin French Toast Casserole by Moore or Less Cooking
Swedish Pancakes with Brown Sugar Bananas by Bottom Left of the Mitten
Waffle Fruit Kabobs by Home Sweet Homestead

Desserts

2-Minute Quick Fudge by Sunday Supper Movement
Classic Oatmeal Cookies by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Heavenly Oreo Dessert by Confessions of a Cooking Diva
Peach Slab Pie by Pies and Plots

Snacks

BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders by Mindy’s Cooking Obsession
Better Than Anything Chex Mix by Fantastical Sharing of Recipes
Caramel Corn by Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
Cobb Salad Dip by Food Done Light
DIY Grilled Cheese Bar by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
Fluffernutter Puff Pastry Turnovers by The Weekend Gourmet
Make-It-Yourself Caramel Apple Bar by The Freshman Cook
Maple Fish Party Mix by Sew You Think You Can Cook
Midnight Chicken Nuggets by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
S’mores Snack Mix by Positively Stacey

September 28, 2016April 12, 2022

FALL FLEA – a virtual pop-up home decor market

Fall Flea :: Monday October 3rd through Sunday October 16th

Seasonal decorating of private homes + gatherings is my passion. I have even been told that creating personalized environments is my “special gift”. I LOVE it and intend to keep creating these for my clients but I started thinking…

Why keep all the good stuff to myself?

Why not share my seasonal finds with my online community so you can add personalized touches to your home too?

Well you have by now I am sure, heard about my Seasonal Home Box which is available 4 times a year ~ that will continue to be available, not to worry. But I wanted more. I wanted another opportunity to share my finds, especially my one of a kind finds, with you each season. For you to benefit from the hours I spend scouting seasonal trends and in the stores.

I am excited to announce my first virtual pop-up market, the #FallFlea!

For two weeks this Fall – Monday October 3rd through Sunday October 16th – you can shop the virtual pop-up market from your desk, train or couch! For two weeks only you will be able to purchase fall decor items from my personal collection, recent finds and new arrivals. There will be items for your home, table, and gatherings – all decor that I use in my own home, on client projects or simply a piece I couldn’t resist!

Items will be very limited, with some only having one in stock, so if you see something you must have add it to your cart ASAP before another market goer grabs it.

What do you have to do to be a part of the #FallFlea virtual pop-up market?

Mark your calendar and get on The List for updates and announcements leading up to and during the Fall Flea.SIGN ME UP

And of course be sure to share your #FALLFLEA finds on Instagram + Facebook for a chance to win a $50 gift card that can be used during the #WINTERFLEA!

September 22, 2016September 22, 2016

It’s Cocktail Time!! Announcing the First Seasonal Home Box ADD-ON!

Thursday September 22nd is the official first day of Autumn and what better day to announce the launch of the first Seasonal Home Box Add-On!

Wish you had a signature cocktail up your sleeve for the next time guests drop by?

Love trying new flavors but not taking the time to research what the latest trend?

The Seasonal Signature Cocktail add-on is designed to bring the fun back to mixing up the perfect drink!
You can now include a Signature Cocktail Add-On to your Seasonal Home Box!!

YES! – Now I will send you a signature seasonal cocktail recipe AND the mixer ingredients. All you have to do is add the alcohol, stir it up and serve. How is that for easy!

ADD YOUR SIGNATURE COCKTAIL ADD-ON HERE to your Seasonal Home Box!

I also wanted to thank you so very much for taking the time to complete the Seasonal Home Box survey last week and providing your comments.

Getting your feedback and support {either through the survey, phone call or in person over wine…} allows me to create products that truly understand your needs and design/entertaining goals.

After looking at your responses and hearing about exactly what you are looking for, I have realized that like pants, one size does NOT fit all.

For many of you the current Seasonal Home Box Membership is the perfect answer. Arriving at your door, filled with seasonal items to spread throughout your home for each season without the stress or time spent shopping for them. For you the Seasonal Home Box is not going anywhere!

However for a few of you, a higher level of service and personalization is the answer. Also perfect! That’s the core of my business and something I love to provide. In the next week you will hear more about new products and services designed just for you.

“What’s next?” “What do I have to do?”

That’s the best part – you do not have to do a thing! Be on the look out for a special email announcing the new offerings that will become available in October – AND an incredible new opportunity you do not want to miss.

That’s all the updates for now – back to mixing up drinks and packing up Fall Decor! ADD YOUR SIGNATURE COCKTAIL HERE and grab your Fall Seasonal Home Box before they are gone!

Thank you again for all your support and being apart of the community!
Krayl Funch

PS – If you missed the opportunity to give your feed back – You still have two ways to be involved :: #1 – complete this survey in the privacy of your living room – OR – #2 – have a one-on-one phone call with me discussing your thoughts {also available in the privacy of your living room} on the current Seasonal Home Box and how it can be tweaked to meet your dreams!

Simply complete the survey here or even easier, message me : “pr {@} kraylfunch {.}com now with your preferred day and time to schedule a phone call with me THIS week to discuss it further!

{p.p.s. – you have been hiding in a cave for the summer and have no idea what I am talking about but it sounds perfect for you! Learn more about the Seasonal Home Box Membership here.}

September 19, 2016August 25, 2020

Classic Cucumber + Butter Tea Sandwich

Hosting a Tea Party is the best reason I can think to pull out your fancy dishes, iron your linen napkins, invite the ladies over and wear a frilly dress. Plus those cute little Tea Sandwiches… let’s start with a classic Cucumber + Butter Tea Sandwich recipe and add to the menu from there.

Tea Party Menu

:: :: ::

Variety of Hot Teas

Smoked Salmon + Dill Tea Sandwiches

Cucumber + Butter Tea Sandwiches

Mary’s Maine Spice Bars

Tea sandwiches are two bites of yumminess. Perfect for trying a few different flavors and still leaving room for the sweets on the table.

As the name suggests, Cucumber and Butter tea sandwiches have only a few ingredients so it is important they are high quality and fresh. Splurge a little and you will be able to tell the difference I promise.

Note:: although I always like to make entertaining easier, I will say that these beauties are best when made fresh the day of your tea party as the bread tends to absorb the moisture in the cucumbers after if left over night.

For a step-by-step demo of the recipe, you can watch my video tutorial below. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel and never miss a recipe or design idea! {It’s free!}

[yumprint-recipe id=’34’]

August 9, 2016August 9, 2016

Spiked Watermelon + Basil Agua Fresca Cocktail

I have to admit, the first time I heard about a spiked Agua Fresca was watching Shahs of Sunset on BRAVO, yes I am one of those. Reza had just arrived at MJ’s house and she greeted him with an Agua Fresca spiked with Tequilla. If you are a fan you can image it was most likely heavy spiked however, it looked refreshing, super pretty and sounded exactly like something I would love to offer my guests this summer when they stopped by {Reza if you are reading this, you are always welcome to knock on my door… just saying}.

Traditionally Agua Fresca is a non-alcoholic drink served by street vendors, in bodegas, and at cafes in Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Coming in many flavor combinations Agua Fresca is made by combining fruits, seeds, and occasionally flowers, with sugar and water.

I had just picked up a fresh juicy watermelon at the market over the weekend and my patio garden is overflowing with fresh basil, so I figured I would give a Spiked Watermelon and Basil Agua Fresca a go as my first attempt at this “exotic” recipe.

On my first try I muddled the basil leaves in the cup leaving bits of them floating in the pink juice. The flavor was nice but the leaves ended up in your mouth which although I was ok with this, I figured not everyone would be. Especially as a guest at a party, you may then be worried about bits in your teeth – at least I would be – and thats never a good thing for a party guest to be concerned about.

So I switched instead to creating an easy basil simple syrup first which imparted the same flavor with out the bits. I feel this is probably the best method when serving to a group at your home for a summer BBQ or at a beach picnic.

WATERMELON + BASIL SPIKED AGUA FRESCA RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

4 cups cubed watermelon
1/4 cup basil simple syrup
1 cup ice cubes
juice of one lime
ice, for each serving
chilled vodka
basil sprig, for garnish
watermelon slice, for garnish

METHOD

Place cubed watermelon in a blender pulse until all pieces are broken down and it has become a liquid. Add simple syrup, ice cubes and lime juice, blend until combined.

For each serving, :: In serving glass filled 3/4 with ice add 1 1/2 ounces of vodka, top with approximately 1 cup of melon mixture. Stir well to combine and chill. Garnish with basil sprig and watermelon slice. Serve chilled.

MAKES 6 – 8 SERVINGS

An Appealing Plan Hostess Tip :: make the watermelon, syrup and lime combination the day before then simply add the vodka and ice as guests arrive.

Filet Mignon with Creamy Leek and Green Peppercorn Sauce

Secret #1 to Hosting a Successful Holiday Open House :: Plan Ahead

Secret #2 to Hosting a Successful Holiday Open House :: Show Them the Green Stuff

Secret #3 to Hosting a Successful Holiday Open House :: Bring Out the Bling

Secret #4 to Hosting a Successful Holiday Open House :: Serve Punch!

Secret #5 to Hosting a Successful Holiday Open House :: Set It + Forget It

MINI STUFFING MUFFINS RECIPE

Appetizers

Breakfast

Dessert

Mains

Sides

Soups

Quiche aux Champignons Recipe {Mushroom Quiche}

INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

Breakfast

Desserts

Snacks

Fall Flea :: Monday October 3rd through Sunday October 16th

I am excited to announce my first virtual pop-up market, the #FallFlea!

Tea Party Menu

Variety of Hot Teas

Smoked Salmon + Dill Tea Sandwiches

Cucumber + Butter Tea Sandwiches

WATERMELON + BASIL SPIKED AGUA FRESCA RECIPE

An Appealing Plan Hostess Tip :: make the watermelon, syrup and lime combination the day before then simply add the vodka and ice as guests arrive.

Quiche aux Champignons  Recipe {Mushroom Quiche}