Category: COCKTAILS

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Provence Lavender Cocktails At the Museum

The Theme: An Evening in Paris

The Venue: The new space of the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts in downtown Tampa. “The Cube” as it is called is magnificent. I huge change from their previous location and will make an impact on you each time you are able to enter the space.

The reason to be there? An Appealing Plan was the VIP Cocktail sponsor, giving me the chance to test out the latest flavor of my recent endeavor into Herb Infused Simple Syrups: Lavender. {Previous versions have included Thyme Simple Syrup used in a Tangerine Cocktail}

I was slightly concerned about going “Totally Herbal” on this one as I was using handcrafted Lavender Simple Syrup AND Bombay Sapphire Gin. For some folks out there when it comes to drinks, the sweeter the better. But standing firm to my garden/foodie side I had to bring in the herbal qualities that I love and simply hope to educate and change some minds, bringing them to other side of cocktails.

I would say the cocktail was a hit! Guests comments: “I have never had an herbal cocktail before.” “It smells wonderful.” “You should sell this!” ‘It is so pretty.” “Can I have another??” “I don’t usually drink Gin but I love this.” ” Give me anything lavender and I will try it.”

After VIP was over, the bar turned over to a water station providing “FRESH CITRUS WATER” & “CHILLED CUCUMBER WATER” Which by the volume I went through was very well received as well. Try them both on your friends and let me know what you think.

Enjoy ~ krayl

Provence Lavender Cocktail

1 ounce of good gin

3/4 ounce dry vermouth

1 ounce Sparkling Lemonade {or to taste}

¾ ounce lavender simple syrup

3-4 drops of bitters

ice, to chill

fresh lemon twist, for garnish

fresh lavender for garnish

Directions:

1 Combine all ingredients (except garnish), into a mixing glass.

2 Add ice and stir.

3 Strain into a chilled tall glass.

4 garnish with an edible flower and fresh lavender. Enjoy!

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Garden Inspired Reading

GROW COOK EAT

Grow Cook Eat will inspire people who already buy fresh, seasonal, local, organic food to grow the food they love to eat. For those who already have experience getting their hands dirty in the garden, this handbook will help them refine their gardening skills and cultivate gourmet quality food. The book also gives readers easy-to-follow planting and growing information, specific instructions for harvesting all the edible parts of the plant, advice on storing food in a way that maximizes flavor, basic preparation techniques, and recipes. The recipes at the end of each guide help readers explore the foods they grow and demonstrate how to use unusual foods, like radish greens, garlic scapes, and green coriander seeds.

Available from Random House

Landscaping for Privacy: Innovative Ways to Turn Your Outdoor Space into a Peaceful Retreat

Landscaping for Privacy brims with creative ideas for minimizing or even eliminating the nuisances that intrude on your personal outdoor space. Real-world examples show you how to keep the outside world at bay by strategically placing buffers, barriers, and screens around your property. And the helpful plant lists tell you precisely which varieties to choose in order to enhance your sense of seclusion.

If you’ve ever felt frustrated by the lack of privacy whenever you step outside your home, this inspiring book will steer you toward an achievable solution.

Available from Timber Press

Edible Cocktails

A unique cocktail guide encourages readers to use fresh, local, seasonal ingredients in their beverage recipes, in a book that offers advice on creating one’s own “cocktail garden;” infusing spirits and making homemade liqueurs; creating homemade syrups, purees and jams; and even using eggs, dairy and meat in their cocktails. Original.

Available from Strand NYC

Happy Gardening and Entertaining ~ krayl