My mom always used to keep a box of chocolate covered cherries hidden in the freezer and every once in a while I would sneak in and treat myself to one. I just loved biting into the chocolaty coating to reveal the sweet cherry in the center. It was that memory that inspired this cocktail. I mixed chocolate liqueur with cherry vodka (amazing stuff by the way), a splash of half and half and a little chocolate syrup. The result is a smooth chocolaty martini with a hint of cherry sweetness.

After our wedding anniversary in September, my birthday in October, Ryan’s birthday in November and Christmas in December, by February Ryan and I are really burnt out on holidays so we never really make a huge deal out of Valentine’s day. It is nice however to do a little something. And while going out to dinner is nice, on Valentine’s day the restaurants are packed, they hurry you out and make you pay way too much for a small “special holiday” menu. Instead, Ryan and I love to make dinner together and enjoy a quiet evening at home watching movies. Because of this I decided that this week I’m going to share recipes to help you make the perfect Valentine’s dinner at home. First up is this Chocolate Covered Cherry Martini because, in my opinion,  every indulgent celebration meal should start with a cocktail.

Makes 1

You will need:

• 1.5 ounces dark chocolate liqueur
• 1 ounce cherry vodka
• 1 ounce half and half
• 1/2 cup ice
• chocolate syrup
• maraschino cherry

1. In a cocktail shaker combine chocolate liqueur, cherry vodka, half and half and ice. Shake vigorously.
2. Squeeze chocolate syrup into the bottom of a chilled martini glass. Pour martini over the top. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Enjoy!

Happy New Year’s Eve everyone! Tonight 2009 comes to a close. For some it has been a good year for others you’re ready to say  good riddance. Whichever it is, there will probably be a toast involved so I thought I would share a cocktail with you today. Its sweet and bubbly,  a perfect way to welcome 2010.

I first had a Poinsettia Cocktail a couple of weeks ago at a local restaurant. I wanted something festive so I perused their menu for a holiday cocktail special. The only one they had was called a Poinsettia Cocktail. With triple sec, champagne and a splash of cranberry it sounded delightful so I ordered one. And then I ordered another. After all, I wasn’t driving and its all about holiday cheer right?

I happened to like them so much that I decided to make them at home. When I made them, I decided to substitute prosecco, a dry sparkling wine, because I prefer it to champagne. Use whichever you prefer.

Makes 1 cocktail

You will need:

• 1.5 ounces Triple Sec
• 1/4 cup cranberry juice
• 1/2 cup prosecco or champagne

1. Pour triple sec and cranberry juice into a chilled champagne flute.
2. Top with prosecco or champagne.

Whatever your plans are for this evening, I hope you ring in 2010 with plenty of food, family, friends and fun. Be safe!

Cheers and here’s to 2010!

The first Saturday in December is usually the day that Ryan and I awake early in the morning, eat a hearty breakfast, get bundled up, grab our saw and head to a local Christmas tree farm to cut down our Christmas tree. It is a tradition that I have come to love over the last few years.  This year was bar far one of the coldest and by the time that we got home, our fingers and toes were numb and the heater just wasn’t warming us up. That is where these Peppermint Patty Cocktails came into play. Warm, chocolatey and minty, they made the perfect addition to our tree decorating day.

I still remember my first Peppermint Patty. On a cold night shortly after I turned 21, a bartender at the bar a few of us servers would go to after work approached our table and asked “Can I start you with a cocktail, maybe a Peppermint Patty?” My immediate thought was, “Is she offering me candy?” Since I figured that wasn’t right, I asked what it was. She replied “Just think a minty hot chocolate for adults”.  Mint? Chocolate? SOLD! When I took my first sip, the chocolate and minty peppermint schnapps warmed me right up. It was like Christmas in a cup and each year I make myself at least one.

Serves 2

You will need:

• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup hot chocolate mix
• 1/4 cup peppermint schnapps, plus more as needed
• whipped cream
• sprinkles

1. In a saucepan heat 2 cups of milk over medium heat, just until steamy. About 5 minutes.
2. Once milk starts to steam whisk in hot chocolate mix. Continue cooking 2-3 minutes or until hot chocolate is desired temperature. Do not boil.
3. Remove from heat and whisk in 1/4 cup of peppermint schnapps. Taste. If desired, add more schnapps.
4. Ladle mixture into glasses, top with whipped cream and sprinkles.
5. Serve.

These would make a great addition to any Christmas party. Go easy on the schnapps if it is a work affair. On second thought, you may want to add just a little bit more. Enjoy!

I noticed recently that I don’t have any recipes for drinks on this blog so what better way to start a new category then with homemade sparkling strawberry lemonade. To be honest, I had never attempted homemade lemonade before. Growing up, I was always a fan of the powdered stuff, but have since found it way too sweet for me. Making it at home allows you to adjust it to your tastes. For this recipe, I used fresh strawberries, lemons, a quick simple syrup and some sparkling water. A little sweet, a little tart and very refreshing.

You may notice seeds in my picture, and that is because I chose not to strain the strawberries after I pureed them. I like the little pieces of fresh fruit. If it’s not for you feel free to strain yours. But don’t do like a friend of mine did and strain it over the sink, make sure you have a bowl under it to catch the juice. ;-)

You will need:

• 6 lemons
• 1 to 1 1/2 cups simple syrup (recipe follows)
• 1 (16 ounce) container strawberries, hulled and halved
• 1 quart sparkling water
• ice cubes
• mint for garnish

1. Roll the lemons back and forth a couple of times on the counter to release the juices. Cut the lemons in half juice into a bowl. Remove any seeds that may have fallen into the juice.  You should get about 1 cup of lemon juice.
2. Using an immersion blender or regular blender, blend the strawberries with the 1/2 cup of the simple syrup, until smooth.
3. Pour lemon juice, strawberry puree, 1/2 cup simple syrup and sparkling water into a pitcher. Add more simple syrup if you want a little more sweetness. Add ice cubes. Chill until ready to drink.
4. Place more ice cubes in a glass, pour in chilled lemonade, garnish with mint sprig. Enjoy!

Simple Syrup

• 1 part sugar
• 1 part water

1. Combine sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Bring to a boil. Stir until sugar has dissolved.
3. Cool completely.

Simple syrup is also used in many different cocktails. Keep it in the refrigerator and it will last for a few weeks.

Enjoy!