Do You Like Apples? How Do You Like Them Apples?! - Will Hunting

October 21,

National Applejack Month

October is National Apple Jack Month! For those of you who just said to yourselves, "I love that cereal," leave this blog now. This is not the place for you!

Applejack is a strong alcoholic beverage produced from apples, more like a super hard cider. Popular in the American colonial days, Woodchuck couldn't handle this stuff! While hard cider was very popular, it was difficult to store. Therefore they would concentrate the hard cider, by freeze distillation, also known as jacking. The cider would be left outside, then the frozen bits would gradually be removed,  removing the water, as the alcohol will not freeze. By way of jacking, the colonials could turn a cider with a 10% ABV, into a 30-40% concentrate (60-80 proof). It's said that Johnny Appleseed actually sewed his seeds to provide the rural farmers with means to the hard cider and Applejack. Hell of a guy that Johnny! Now that I think of it, it does make sense! Look at any of his pictures, he's wearing a pot on his head and he is barefoot...been there!

 A popular brand of applejack is Laird's. The oldest native distillery in America, their first recorded commercial sale was in 1780.

Cheers to our ancestors, who were always looking for a better buzz! Cheers to Johnny, the original party guy!

Jack Rose

Jack Rose is a classic cocktail, popular in the 1920s and 1930s. In Ernest Hemingway's 1926 classic, The Sun Also Rises, Jake Barnes, the narrator, drinks a Jack Rose in the Crillon Paris hotel bar while awaiting the arrival of Lady Brett Ashley.

The Jack Rose is one of six basic drinks listed in David A. Embury's classic The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks.

There are various theories as to the origin of the drink. One theory has the drink being named after and perhaps even invented by the infamous gambler Bald Jack Rose. Another great possibility is that the name came from the fact that the drink is made with applejack, and it is rose colored! Hold the phone....that's the stupidest idea ever! I bet the gambler, known for his ability to lie, made it up!

Ingredients:

1 oz Fresh lemon or lime juice

1/2 oz Grenadine

2 oz Applejack

Directions:

Shake all ingredients well with ice; 

Strain into a cocktail glass or serve over ice.

Garnish with an apple slice or a cherry.

Johnny Appleseed Chorus -Disney

Oh, the Lord is good to me
and so I thank the Lord
For giving me the things I need
The sun, and the rain and the apple tree.
The Lord is good to me.

If I leave here tomorrow, Would you still remember me?

October 20,

Lynard Skynard Day

Lynyrd Skynyrd,  The original Southern rock band, formed in Jacksonville, Fl, in 1964. During the 1970's the band would garner worldwide recognition with hits such as, "Sweet Home Alabama," and "Free Bird." 

On October 20, 1977, just three days after the release of Street Survivors, and five shows into their most successful headlining tour to date, Lynyrd Skynyrd's chartered Convair CV-300 ran out of fuel near the end of their flight from Greenville, South Carolina. Though the pilots attempted an emergency landing on a small airstrip, the plane crashed in a forest in Gillsburg, Mississippi. Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, Cassie Gaines, assistant road manager Dean Kilpatrick, pilot Walter McCreary and co-pilot William Gray were killed on impact; the other band members (Allen Collins, Gary Rossington, Leon Wilkeson, Billy Powell, Artimus Pyle, and Leslie Hawkins) and road crew suffered serious injuries.

Following the crash and the ensuing press, Street Survivors became the band's second platinum album and reached No. 5 on the U.S. album chart. 

Lynyrd Skynyrd disbanded after the tragedy. In 1987, the band reunited for a full-scale tour with five major members of the pre-crash band: crash survivors Gary Rossington, Billy Powell, Leon Wilkeson and Artimus Pyle, along with guitarist Ed King, who had left the band two years before the crash. Ronnie Van Zant's younger brother, Johnny, took over as the new lead singer. 

In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked the group No. 95 on their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. In 2006 they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The inductees included Ronnie Van Zant, Allen Collins, Gary Rossington, Ed King, Steve Gaines, Billy Powell, Leon Wilkeson, Bob Burns, and Artimus Pyle.

A toast in there honor!

Alabama Slammer 

A nod to one of the greatest songs in history, Sweet Home Alabama!

Ingredients:

1/2 oz Vodka

1/2 oz Southern Comfort

1/2 oz Amaretto

1/2 oz Sloe Gin

OJ

Preparation:

Pour the liquors into a highball glass filled with ice.

Fill with orange juice.

Free Bird 

Songwriters: Allen Collins, Ronnie Van Zant

If I leave here tomorrow

Would you still remember me?

For I must be traveling on, now

'Cause there's too many places

I've got to see

But, if I stayed here with you, girl

Things just couldn't be the same

'Cause I'm as free as a bird now

And this bird, you'll can not change

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

And the bird you cannot change

And this bird you cannot change

Lord knows, I can?t change

Bye, bye, baby it's been a sweet love

Yeah, yeah

Though this feeling I can't change

But please don't take it so badly

'Cause the Lord knows

I'm to blame

But, if I stayed here with you girl

Things just couldn't be the same

'Cause I'm as free as a bird now

And this bird, you'll can not change

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

And this bird you cannot change

And this bird you cannot change

Lord knows, I can't change

Lord help me, I can't change

Lord I can't change

Won't you fly high, free bird, yeah?

Eat'em Up Tiger's, Eat'em Up!!

October 17,

3 Down...1 To Go!!!

Bless You Boys!

Tonight at 8:00 the Tigers will take on the Yankees at home! Everyone in the D is hoping for a sweep! So grab a drink and watch the game! 

We are one game from the World Series!! Go get'em boys!!

Tigers Milk

Ingredients:

1 oz. Brandy

4 oz. Cream

1 oz. White rum

0.25 oz. Sugar syrup

Directions:

Combine the rum, brandy, sugar syrup and milk in a shaker filled with ice. 

Pour directly into a chilled cocktail glass. 

Sprinkle with ground cinnamon.

I'll drink to your health, share your wealth, run your life, steal your wife. - Grateful Dead, U.S. Blues

October16,

Feeling "Grateful"

On October 16, 1947, Robert Hall "Bob" Weir a founding member of the Grateful Dead was born.Weir played mostly rhythm guitar and sang most of the band's rock-n-roll tunes (Jerry Garcia sang The Dead's more melodic tunes). He is known for his unique style of complex voice leading, bringing unusual depth and a new approach to the role of rhythm guitar expression.

On New Year's Eve, 1963,  a 16-year-old Weir and another underage friend were wandering the back alleys of Palo Alto, looking for a club to sneak into, when they heard banjo music. They followed the music to Dana Morgan's Music Store. At the store, a young Jerry Garcia, unaware of the the date, was waiting for his students to arrive. Weir and Garcia spent the night playing music together. It was then that they decided to form a band.  Originally called Mother McCree's Uptown Jug Champions, the band was later renamed The Warlocks and eventually the Grateful Dead.
Happy Birthday Bob!

Liquid Marijuana

I don't have to explain this choice, do I?

Ingredients:

1/2 oz. Spiced Rum

1/2 oz. Blue Curacao

1/2 oz. Coconut Rum

1/2 oz.Melon Liqueur 

Fill with Pineapple Juice

1 splash Sour Mix

Directions:

Pour all liquor and a splash of sour into a glass filled with ice.

Top off with the pineapple juice.

Listen to some amazing tunes and chill

To make as a shot, pour all the ingredients into a shaker with ice

Shaka Shaka Shaka

Strain into a shot glass

Nice

"Once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right" 

Grateful Dead

Scarlett Begonias

Once in his life, every man is entitled to fall madly in love with a gorgeous redhead. - Lucille Ball

October 15,

I Love Lucy Day 

Sixty one years ago today, on October 15, 1951, I Love Lucy aired for the first time ever. The series, which ran from 1951-1957, was the most watched show in the United States for four of it's six seasons.

Originally set in an apartment building in New York City, I Love Lucy centers on Lucy Ricardo (Lucille Ball) and her bandleader hotty of a husband Ricky Ricardo (Desi Arnaz), along with their best friends and landlords Fred Mertz (William Frawley) and Ethel Mertz (Vivian Vance). In the second season, Lucy and Ricky gave birth to Ricky Ricardo Jr. The show broke ground by coinciding Lucy and Desi's real life pregnancy and delivery of Desi Arnaz Jr with little Ricky's.

I Love Lucy remains popular, with an American audience of 40 million each year.

Chocolate Covered Cherry Martini

One of my, and Americas, favorite Lucy episodes was season 2, episode 4 - Job Switching. In the episode Lucy and Ethel trade places with the boys, getting jobs in a chocolate factory, while the boys become homemakers. The rest goes down in TV history. When ever I think of chocolate candies, I think of cherry cordials, which is how we got to today's drink!

Ingredients:

1.5 oz. Creme de Cacoa
1 oz. Cherry Vodka
1 oz. half and half
.5 oz. Grenadine
Garnish:
chocolate syrup
maraschino cherry

Directions:
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice combine all ingredients.
 Shake n Bake (Don't really bake it, it's just a saying).
Squeeze chocolate syrup into the bottom of a martini glass.
 Pour martini over the top.
 Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

I Love Lucy Theme Song

I love Lucy and she loves me.

We're as happy as two can be.

Sometimes we quarrel but then, ha-ha-ha...

How we love making up again.

Lucy kisses like no one can.

She's my missus and I'm her man,

And life is heaven you see,

'Cause I love Lucy, Yes I love Lucy, and Lucy loves me!

The Birth of a Bond...James Bond

October 14,

The Birth of a Bond...James Bond

Sir Roger George Moore was born on October 14, 1927. Moore is best known for his role as hunky British M16 agent James Bond in the film series from 1973 and 1985. His films include, Live and Let Die (1973), The Man with the Golden Gun (1974), The Spy Who Loved Me (1977), Moonraker (1979), For Your Eyes Only (1981), Octopussy (1983) and A View to a Kill (1985). The James Bond film series is the longest running film series in history running from 1962 to present. In fact the latest Bond installment, starring (Drool) Daniel Craig will be released November 9. Moore starred in two other cult series as well, The Saint and The Persuaders!

Happy Birthday!

Americano

Originally name the Milano-Torinol, after the origins of it's ingredients, it was first served in the 1860's at Garspare Campari's bar in Milan, Italy.  The classic cocktail was later renamed because of its popularity with American tourists during Prohibition. It was the first cocktail ordered by James Bond in the first novel, Casino Royale, the Vesper Martini (shaken, not stirred) overshadowed the Americano in the books and movies.

Ingredients:

1 oz Campari

1 oz sweet vermouth

Club soda

Lemon twist or orange slice for garnish

Directions:

Fill an old-fashioned glass with ice cubes.

Build with the Campari and vermouth.

Top off with club soda.

Garnish with the lemon twist or orange slice.

"Happiness is...finding two olives in your martini when you're hungry."
Johnny Carson

Take pride in how far you have come and have faith in how far you can go.

October 12,

Dia de la Raza

While other countries celebrate Columbus Day, many Hispanic countries, like Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, celebrate, Dia de la Raza - Day of the Race.   Columbus' government would be the first to institute an official form of slavery and an active onslaught of brutality against the natives. The Hispanic culture is largely influenced by the indios, Native Americans.The Dia de Raza celebrates the birth of this new culture. The celebrations are not for Columbus himself, but for the acknowledgment that no matter how bitter sweet, it was his exploration that made the beautiful mixture we have today.Ancestors fought against each other sometimes, fought together other times and created families from the very beginning. The combination of cultures produced nations of mixed races that took on their own new personality,blending the best of both cultures. The Día de la Raza on October 12 is a date to be proud of your culture and to recognize everything that joins you.
Viva la Raza

Salud!

Frozen Barcelona 

I figured since Spain financed Columbus' trip, we will go with a Spanish-esque drink!

Ingredients:

1oz. Spanish brandy

1 oz Dry Sherry

1 oz.Cointreau or other Orange liqueur

1.5oz fresh orange juice

1.5 oz. Heavy Cream

2 oz Syrup

Crushed ice

Directions:

Put all the ingredients in a blender 

Add appr. 1 cup of crushed ice 

Blend 

(did I really have to tell you that was next)

Pour and Enjoy!

Garnish by dusting with cinnamon.

Labels are for filing. Labels are for clothing. Labels are not for people. ~Martina Navratilova

October 11,

National Coming Out Day

Today is National Coming Out Day (NCOD), and I'm not talking about coming outside. NCOD  is observed in many countries, including the United States,  Australia, Canada, Croatia, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. It is a civil awareness day celebrating those in the LGBT community. For those of you who have been living under a rock for that last thirty some years, coming out (of the closet) refers to coming out about one's sexual orientation or gender identity. This is the 24th annual NCOD, the first one was founded in 1988 by Dr Robert Eichberg. The date was chosen to mark the 1987 National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights.

So cheers to all my LGBT friends! Cheers to letting people be, who people gotta be!

Nuclear Rainbow

Ingredients:

1 oz Midori

1 oz Bacardi 151 rum

1 oz.  Blue Curaçao

Splash Sweet and Sour

Splash Grenadine

Directions:

Let's double the fun with two shakers today, Hey ya!

In the first shaker filled with ice add Midori and Sweet and Sour

You know what to do!

In the second one my talented little friends, Bacardi 151 and Blue Curaçao 

 Pour Midori mixture into a martini glass.

 Sink a small amount of grenadine to the bottom. 

Carefully layer the Bacardi and Curaçao mixture on top. 

Fabulous!

“Be yourself. Above all, let who you are, what you are, what you believe, shine through every sentence you write, every piece you finish.”

 John Jakes quotes

Let Your Life be Like Angel Food Cake, Light and Sweet

October 10,

Angel Food Cake Day

I don't know about you, but I am loving all of these delicious dessert holidays! Said to be the food of angels,because of it's light airy demeanor, Angel food cake is one of my favorites. Now that I think about it, I really like Devil's food cake as well, go figure!

The dieters delight first became popular in the U.S, during the 19th century. "Angel's Cake" was first seen in The Original Boston Cooking School Cook Book by Mrs.D.A. Lincoln, published in 1884. . In Fannie Merritt Farmer's 1896 updated version of the Boston Cooking School Cook Book, she uses the same recipe and calls the cake "Angel Food Cake."

So my friends..Eat, Drink and be Blessed! Cheers!

Angel's Food Martini

No words necessary! This one is straight from Heaven.

Ingredients:

1/2 oz. Vanilla Vodka

1/2 oz. Amaretto

Splash of Cranberry Juice

Splash of Pineapple Juice

Directions:

Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

Then Come on Baby, Do the Twist!

Strain in to a martini glass.

Feelin' fancy? Garnish it with shaved coconut!

May neighbors respect you,

Trouble neglect you,

The angels protect you,

And heaven accept you.

It is better to die standing than to live on your knees. -Ernesto Che Guevara

October 9,

Ever Onward to Victory

I will tread lightly on this topic today, as it is one that often sparks a bit of controversy.  The legacy of Che Guevara is one that many people disagree on. Nelson Mandela referred to him as "an inspiration for every human being who loves freedom", while others spoke of the violence that surrounded him, concluding that he was full of hate. SS is a bout having fun and celebrating, so with that in mind, I would like to celebrate what Che' stood for. I'm not talking about school kids in shirts they know nothing of. I am not referring to the bloodshed is necessary attitude.I toast the part of him that ached for others, that wanted social equality for people around the globe, who fought for the injustices everywhere, not just in his own backyard. A lead by example type of guy, he was known to do 36 hour stretches of volunteer work, cutting sugar cane or building houses. His goals included creating affordable housing, health care, employment, and education for all. Guevara urged all individuals to view each other as equals and take on the values of what he termed "el Hombre Nuevo" (the New Man). This "new man" would ultimately be "selfless and cooperative, obedient and hard working, gender-blind, incorruptible, non-materialistic, and anti-imperialist." His hopes and dreams are as relevant today as they were then.
On October 9, 1967, Ernesto "Che" Guevara was executed in Bolivia on the grounds of inciting a revolution. Earlier that same morning, while in captivity, Guevara asked to see the school teacher of the village. 22-year-old Julia Cortez would later stated that Guevara was an "agreeable looking man with a soft and ironic glance" She found herself "unable to look him in the eye" because his "gaze was unbearable, piercing, and so tranquil". Guevara pointed out to Cortez the poor condition of the schoolhouse, stating that it was "anti-pedagogical" to expect the "campesino" (peasant or rural dwelling) students to be educated there, while "government officials drive Mercedes cars". Guevara ended telling her, "that's what we are fighting against."
Months before his death Che had wrote his own epitaph:
 "Wherever death may surprise us, let it be welcome, provided that this our battle cry may have reached some receptive ear and another hand may be extended to wield our weapons."

I extend that toast to you, let your weapons be your intelligence, your words, your heart and your compassion.

Salud! 

Che Guevara

I hope I end up with a drink named after me one day! Hmm... I could just make one and put it in a blog! Just wait for my birthday!!

Ingredients:

.5 oz. Goldschlager

.5 oz.Gold Jose Cuervo

.5 oz. Jagermeister

Directions:

In a Shot glass pour Cuervo

Then pour  Jager

Top with Goldschlager

Try to enjoy, responsibly...this one is no joke!

Bonus Drink!!

Cuba Libre

No better time to break this one out! Remember the movie Cocktail? Every bartender hates "that person" who actually orders this by name.

Ingredients:

1.5 oz Bacardi

Coca Cola

* LIME*

Directions:

Add all ingredients in a glass filled with ice.

Most important! Add lime slices

That's right...it's just a rum and coke with a lime...Don't be that  DB!

"Above all, always be capable of feeling deeply any injustice committed against anyone, anywhere in the world. This is the most beautiful quality in a revolutionary."
Ernesto "Che" Guevara (excerpt from the last letter Che would write to his children)

“We need the tonic of wildness...At the same time that we are earnest to explore and learn all things, we require that all things be mysterious and unexplorable, that land and sea be indefinitely wild, unsurveyed and unfathomed by us because unfathomable. We can never have enough of nature.” ― Henry David Thoreau, Walden: Or, Life in the Woods

October 8,

Columbus Day

Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas on October 12, 1492. The anniversary is celebrated in many countries through out the world. The event is celebrated as Columbus Day in the United States, as Día de la Raza in many countries in Latin America, as Discovery Day in the Bahamas, as Día de la Hispanidad and Fiesta Nacional in Spain, as Día del Respeto a la Diversidad Cultural (Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity) in Argentina and as Día de las Américas (Day of the Americas) in Uruguay. These holidays have been celebrated unofficially since the late 18th century, and officially in various areas since the early 20th century.
Columbus Day first became an official state holiday in Colorado in 1906, and became a federal holiday in the United States in 1937. The date has been celebrated since colonial times. There is a documented celebration in New York in 1792, celebrating the 300th anniversary.100 years later, President Benjamin Harrison called upon the people of the United States to celebrate Columbus Day on the 400th anniversary of the event. Since 1971, the holiday has been fixed to the second Monday in October.
Many areas choose the day to celebrate Italian-American heritage, while others have more recently started using the day as a remembrance of the indigenous people. There are three states, Hawaii, Alaska, and South Dakota, who do not recognize the day at all.
While I'm not sure where to go with this toast..it's celebrated in Michigan, so here's to that!
As they say in Italian - Salute!

Godfather

While I cannot lie, I did enjoy using this cocktail for several reasons, one being it made me giggle  It is an incredibly delicious and popular Italian cocktail!

The only actual connection to the movie is the fact that the characters are Italian, as is Amaretto.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 oz. Scotch

1/2 oz. Amaretto

Directions:

Pour ingredients into a highball glass filled with ice.

Stir well.

Riches don't make a man rich, they only make him busier. 
Christopher Columbus 

I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion. Henry David Thoreau

October 7,

Pumpkin Day

Today is the day when people traditionally begin to hunt for their perfect pumpkins! Pumpkins are indigenous to the western hemisphere. They have been around for over 5,000 years, the Native Americans call them "isquotersquash." The Europeans had never seen a pumpkin until Columbus.

Pumpkin carving dates back to the ancient Celtic holiday known as Samhain in which Halloween is derived from. On this day the realm between our world and the spirit world is believed to be the thinnest. The Europeans used to carve turnips and gourds as a way to ward off any malevolent spirits. Once in America, the size of the pumpkin made for easier carving. Before candles where used inside Jack O' Lanterns  hot pieces of coal were used to light up the smiling pumpkins.

Lift your glass in celebration of all the things that go bump in the night, that haven't gotten into your house! Cheers to natures guard dog!

Pumpkin Pie 

Today is a perfect day for pumpkin pie! You can do pie your way, and I'll do it mine!

Ingredients:

1 oz. Malibu Rum

3/4 oz. canned pumpkin pie filling

1/2 oz. Kahlua

2 oz. Cold milk

Cinnamon

Directions:

Mix ingredients in blender with ice and blend thoroughly;

Pour into graham cracker-rimmed highball glass

(Dab the top of glass in honey, then in smashed graham crackers)

 garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon. 

I personally like to add a little dollop of whipped cream, as I would on a slice of pie!

"May Jack-o-lanterns burning bright Of soft and golden hue Pierce through the future’s veil and show What fate now holds for you.”

I Say Potato, You Say ... Potatoe? Really?

October 5,

Zinger Day!

Not the amazing little cakes. You know, a Zinger: a quick, witty, or pointed remark or retort.

After an afternoon spent recounting every person in the media's take on the debates Wednesday, this is a fun distraction. Do you remember the days of truly entertaining debates? These are the times when we miss our nations first clown Vice-President, Dan Quayle. What? He wasn't a clown, he was for real?! Ohhh, I see. Any ways we can thank him for our fun today.

On October 5, 1988, during the U.S. Vice Presidential debates, Democrat Lloyd Bentsen faced Republican Dan Quayle. Dan the Funny Man stated,  "I have as much experience in the Congress as Jack Kennedy did when he sought the presidency."

Bentsen quickly shot back with the oft-parodied zinger: "I knew Jack Kennedy; Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy."

Since that night, October 5^th has been known as Zinger Day. So let the sarcasm roll!

I'm gonna leave you with a little present today... The Best of Dan Quayle. They just don't make vice-presidents like they used to, thank God!

"If we don't succeed, we run the risk of failure."

"Republicans understand the importance of bondage between a mother and child."

I have made good judgments in the past. I have made good judgments in the future." 

"The future will be better tomorrow."

"We're going to have the best-educated American people in the world." 

"People that are really very weird can get into sensitive positions and have a tremendous impact on history."

"We have a firm commitment to NATO, we are a part of NATO. We have a firm commitment to Europe. We are a part of Europe." 

"I am not part of the problem. I am a Republican." 

"I love California, I practically grew up in Phoenix." 

"It's wonderful to be here in the great state of Chicago."

"A low voter turnout is an indication of fewer people going to the polls." 

"When I have been asked during these last weeks who caused the riots and the killing in L.A., my answer has been direct and simple: Who is to blame for the riots? The rioters are to blame. Who is to blame for the killings? The killers are to blame." 

"Illegitimacy is something we should talk about in terms of not having it." 

"We are ready for any unforeseen event that may or may not occur." 

"For NASA, space is still a high priority." 

"Quite frankly, teachers are the only profession that teach our children." 

"It isn't pollution that's harming the environment. It's the impurities in our air and water that are doing it." 

"[It's] time for the human race to enter the solar system." 

"The American people would not want to know of any misquotes that Dan Quayle may or may not make."

"Verbosity leads to unclear, inarticulate things." 

"I stand by all the misstatements that I've made."

Wedding Cake Martini

A really great couple I know is getting hitched tonight! I invite everyone to share a toast for the happy couple and send them all your best! Congratulations Matt and KT!

Ingredients: 

1 1/2 oz. Amaretto

1/2 oz. Vanilla Vodka

1 oz. Pineapple Juice

Directions:

Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice

Shake it up ooh yeah, Shake it up

Strain into martini glass

Toasts a long and happy life

Enjoy!

May the best day of your past be the worst day of your future.

Eating Taco Bell Is Like Sleeping with Your Ex. Your Gonna Feel Horrible Afterwards, and You Will Only Do It Drunk - unknown

October 4,

National Taco Day

Holy Frijoles! It's a whole day dedicated to tacos! Soft shell, hard shell, corn flour, whatever! Fish, beef, carnitas, chicken, tongue, Taco Bell, doesn't matter! I love tacos!

Bernal Díaz del Castillo, a conquistador who was alive from 1492-1585,  wrote an eyewitness account of the conquest of Mexico by the Spaniards for Hernán Cortés. He details a taco feast put together by Cortés for his captains in Coyoacán. The taco predates the arrival of Europeans, originating with the indigenous people in the Valley of Mexico, where they filled their tacos with small fish, yum.

I know what I'm having for dinner! Everyone head to your favorite Mexican restaurant, or whip up a batch of your own homemade tacos. Here's to the taco mis amigos! Delicioso!

Key West Margarita

Who can have a taco and not have a margarita? It's unnatural. The traditional margarita is delicious, but it's the twenty first century, let's step it up a notch. This beauty is not your grandma's margarita.

Ingredients:

 1 1/2 oz tequila

  1 oz melon liqueur

  1 oz Pina colada mix

  1/2 oz lime juice 

 1/2 oz orange juice

  1 dash grenadine

  1/2 cup crushed ice

 Directions:

  Mix all in blender with ice. 

Blend at slow speed until smooth 

 Pour into a glass.

Drink

Pour Another

"Any man who eats dessert is not drinking enough."    — Ernest Hemingway.

The other sports are just sports. Baseball is a love. ~Bryant Gumbel, 1981

October 3,

Triple Crown Baby!

 Tonight Detroit's own Miguel Cabrera has secured the Triple Crown, making him the first baseball player to win the coveted Triple Crown since Boston's Carl Yastrzemski in 1967. This win will make Venezuelan born, Cabrera the first ever Latino ball player to win the coveted award. 

On this same date in history, October 3, 1919, Cuban baseball player  Adolfo Luque, a pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds, became the first Latin player to appear in a World Series.

While we here in the "D" have been celebrating all week, today is extra special!  

Salud y felicidades! 

Way to go Cabbie! Eat 'em Up Tigers! Eat 'em Up!

Guarapita

The Venezuelan national rum punch is a perfect drink to celebrate with!

Ingredients:

1 (14 oz) package frozen passion fruit pulp or juice (do not defrost)

1/2 cup cold water

6 oz. Venezuelan anejo rum (Santa Teresa)

1/2 cup unrefined cane sugar (Panela) or brown sugar

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a blender to dissolve sugar.

Pour drink over ice 

garnish with tropical fruits and mint spring

Orgullo Latino! 

“I've developed a new philosophy... I only dread one day at a time.” Charlie Brown

October 2,

Good Grief!

On October 2, 1950, the first ever Peanuts strip debuted. Written and illustrated by Charles M Schulz, the comic strip ran through Februaury 13, 2000.  With 17,897 strips published in all, it is considered to be the most popular and influential comic strip in history. At it's peak the strip ran in over 2,600 newspapers, with a readership of 355 million in 75 countries, and was translated into 21 languages. 

The television debute of the Peanuts gang came in  1959 with a series of color television commercials for Ford Motor Company. The first half-hour animated special, "A Charlie Brown Christmas", aired on December 9, 1965 on  CBS. Charlie Browns All-stars and It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown aired in 1966. Thirty animated specials would run through out the years. 

It was the death of Charles Schulz on February 12, 2000 that brought the series to an end.

Cheers to Charlie Brown, the lovable loser who never quits...To holiday specials that continue to shape generations!

"Peanuts" Butter Cup Martini

This is a seriously delicious treat!

Ingredients:

Chocolate syrup

1.5 oz  Chocolate Vodka 

1 oz Castries Crème Peanut Rum (may subsitute Frangelico)

.75 oz Chocolate liqueur

.5 oz Cream

Directions:

Drizzle chocolate syrup along the inside of the Martini glass

 Add the remaining ingredients to a shaker filled with ice. 

Then there should be A Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin On!  

Strain into the prepared glass.

 Garnish with a peanut butter cup.

“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.” 

― Charles M. Schulz

When black cats prowl and pumpkins gleam, May luck be yours on Halloween.

October 1,

It's October!

It's time for Halloween decorations, Scary movie marathons, bobbing for apples, haunted houses and carving pumpkins! This is my favorite time of the year! 

Nuff said!

Creepy Cocktail

Seems like a good enough name!

Ingredients

Black sanding sugar

1 lime wedge

1 tbsp Llime juice

1 oz. Light Rum

3 tbsp Simple syrup

1/4 cup Pomegranate juice

1 oz. Dark rum

Licorice spider, for garnish

Directions:

Spread black sanding sugar on a saucer.

 Rub a lime wedge around the rim of a glass, then dip in sugar to coat.

Add ice to glass.

 Add lime juice, light rum, simple syrup, and pomegranate juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake Rattle and Roll

 Strain into glass, leaving space at top.

 Gently pour in dark rum so it floats on top.

Garnish with licorice spider tied to a stirrer.

Eat, drink and be scary. ~Author Unknown

Flattery is like chewing gum. Enjoy it but don't swallow it. Hank Ketcham

September 30,

 Chewing Gum Day

This day would certainly make Violet Beauregarde happy! Did you know chewing gum has been around for over 5,000 years. In 1848, the first commercial gum was put on the market, The State of Maine Pure Spruce Gum. In 1860,  chicle was exported from Mexico for use as a rubber substitute. Chicle didn't go far as a rubber, but thanks to companies like Adams New York Chewing Gum (1871), Black Jack (1884) and “Chiclets” (1899), it dominated the market as a chewing gum.  Most chewing gum companies now use synthetic gum bases as they are cheaper and more readily available.

So here's to a whole day of bubble blowing, gum popping, all out obnoxious fun!

Blow Pop Martini

These yummy treats were orriginally creaated in 1966 at the Triple T Candy So in Atlanta Ga. They became Charms Blow Pops in 1973.

Ingredients:

1.25 oz. Buble Gum Vodka

.5 oz. Pucker Flavor of your choice

.5 oz. Sour mix

Splash of Sprite

Directions:

Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice

Shakashakashake

Strain into a martini glass

Garnish with a mini Blow Pop *take the wrapper off first, Duh"!)

Oompa Looma Song

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Listen close, listen hard / The tale of Violet Beauregarde / This gentle girl she sees no wrong / Chewing, chewing, chewing, chewing, chewing, chewing all day long / Chewing, chewing all day long / Chewing, chewing all day long / Chewing, chewing all day long / She goes on chewing till at last / Her chewing muscles grow so fast / From her face her giant chin / Sticks out just like a violin / Chewing, chewing all day long / Chewing, chewing all day long / Chewing, chewing all day long / Oompa Loompa, Oompa Loompa, Oompa Loompa, Oompa Loompa/ For years and years she chews away / Her jaws get stronger every day / And with one great tremendous chew / They bite the poor girl's tongue in two / And that is why we try so hard / To save Miss Violet Beauregarde / Chewing, chewing all day long / Chewing, chewing all day long / Chewing, chewing, chewing, chewing, chewing, chewing all day long./ Chewing, chewing all day long./ Chewing, chewing all day long./
Blueberry Violet: Mr. Wonka!

“Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.” Nelson Mandela

September 29,

Poison Blackberry Day (This sounds fun!)

Not that Poison...

This one!

Is today the day it's okay to poison that certain person?  Hold your horses! Put the arsenic back into the cabinet, and throw away that tainted pie! This day is unfortunately not that much fun. This day is thought to date back to the 18th century when people were dying by the dozens after eating poisoned berries. The first PSA! On September 29, people would hunt the poison berries to keep others from eating them. (Perhaps saving them for other people, an early soap opera! Love it!) 

In Scotland, legend has it that these toxic berries are the devils doing. This is perfect for a full moon night! The devil himself poisoned the berries with urine and saliva, those who ate these berries would immediate fall dead, or...gulp...worse!!

So cheers to not consuming peed on berries! Good thing my dogs diddles don't do this! I'd have a garden of poisoned vegetables...eww.

Didn't know it was a Draw Something topic, did you?!

Blackberry Crush 

I don't know about you, but I prefer my blackberries with a touch of poison ;)

Ingredients:

4 blackberries

1tbsp Lemon juice

1 tbsp Simple Syrup

1 1/4 oz Vodka

Seltzer

Mint sprig

Directions:

In a glass, combine blackberries, lemon juice, and simple syrup

Lightly crush berries to release their juice.

Add ice and vodka; top with seltzer.

 Stir to combine.

Garnish with a mint sprig.

So good, you won't want to share this poison!

Here's to those who love us well,

Those who don't may go to H-----

 —Anon.  [1903, Hello Bill's Toasts]