Back from a relaxing holiday.

I was an explorer.

The universe is filled with wonder and magical things.

Give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way.

"A few days ago I walked along the edge of the lake and was treated to the crunch and rustle of leaves with each step I made. The acoustics of this season are different and all sounds, no matter how hushed, are as crisp as autumn air."
- Eric Sloane

Happy Sunday morning!

Ye Olde Tavern's fresh fruit salad with

Lime, Honey and Mint Syrup

1/4 cup fresh lime juice

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup chopped mint

The Urban Grape’s Infamous Sangria
Serves twelve to fourteen

Ingredients
3-4 apples
1 pineapple (fresh or canned)
1 carton strawberries
4 bottles house red wine
½ bottle OJ (pasteurized, no pulp)
4 oz. canned pineapple juice
1 c. brandy
1 l ginger ale
2 lemons, juiced
2 limes, juiced

1. Cut fruit into bite-size pieces.

2. Combine all liquids and juiced fruits in a pitcher. Mix well.

3. Place fruit in a tall glass. Top with mixture and a splash of ginger ale.

Lincoln’s words are enshrined among the best of Veterans Day quotes. He said in the famous Gettysburg Address about the soldiers who died: “But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate, we can not consecrate, we can not hallow this ground.

“The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.”

Remember our soldiers who have served or are serving our country.

Every leaf speaks bliss to me,

fluttering from the autumn tree.
~ Emily Bronte quotes on the fall

A long weekend get away to Secrets, Maroma Beach, Cancun. The spa is fabulous! Loved the beach, walked for miles and rarely saw anyone. We sure picked the right time of the year to go, quiet and no hurricanes.

Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun

Vermouth Cassis

It may seem like a small thing, but one of the happiest consequences of the renewed interest in cocktails and the ingredients that go into them is the resurgence in the vermouth category. Noilly Prat used to make a dry vermouth for the North American market; it recently discontinued that version and began exporting the European formula. And Dolin, one of the best French vermouths, was reintroduced in December 2008. There are several excellent brands of crème de cassis. Most come from Dijon, France.

Place 2 cubes of ice in a highball glass. Over these pour 3 ounces dry French vermouth and 4 dashes crème de cassis. Add a twist of lemon peel and fill the glass with seltzer or vichy.