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Tropical
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Name That Drink!
While it may not be considered a classic tiki cocktail, the tropical concoction below is one of my favorite summertime sippers. Do you know what it's called?
Happy Hour: Mai Tai
One of the best seminars I attended at last weekend's Aspen Food & Wine Classic was a cocktail class that focused on tropical cocktails. The lesson was led by Julie Reiner, the owner and bar genius behind such Manhattan hotspots as the Flatiron Lounge, Pegu Club, and the Clover Club.
Julie started off by giving us a primer on one of America's favorite drinking pastimes, the tiki bar.
Definition: Plantain
Plantain
A member of the banana family, this fruit is larger, less sweet, and more firm than the common banana. It's extremely popular in Latin American cuisine and has a mild, squashlike flavor with a starchy texture similar to a potato. Plantains are never consumed raw but are enjoyed fried, boiled, or mashed.
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Would You Eat This Tropical Fruit Chutney?
A couple weeks ago, at a buffet dinner, I came across this gross-looking condiment. The only ingredient I recognized was pecans.
As I was about to quickly pass by, I noticed a little sign that said, "Tropical Fruit Chutney with Pecans — Tastes better than it looks!"
Go Tropical With Spicy Shrimp Cocktail
After learning that larger shrimp should be deveined, I decided to throw a couple on the barbie and make a shrimp cocktail Carmen Miranda would be proud of. With the end of Spring bringing a large bounty of fresh fruit and vegetables, I picked up a couple avocados, corn on the cob, and mangoes to create a fruity and refreshing cocktail.
The shrimp rub is spicy, and alone these shrimp might make your mouth burn.
Come Party With Me: Luau Dinner For 8 - Invites
I've been planning so many large bashes these past few weeks, that I decided to do something a little more intimate this week. Dinner parties are my favorite kind of party and they are even easier to host when you have a theme to plan everything around. There is no better theme for summer than a fabulous tropical soirée!
Come Party With Me: Luau Dinner For 8 - Main & Dessert
When planning a dinner party, look for simpler recipes that can be made in advance. After the tropical chicken skewer and vegetable spring roll appetizers, invite guests to join you at the table. A macadamia nut crusted mahi mahi bakes in the oven while its sauce waits warm on the stove.
Come Party With Me: Luau Dinner For 8 - Drinks
At all of my dinner parties, I offer guests one signature cocktail with appetizers, followed by a couple bottles of wine with dinner. I am a fan of a full open bar and pleasing my friends with whatever drink floats their fancy, but I do this when a small group is coming over for drinks only. At a dinner party, there are other things to worry about - the food, the mingling of new friends with old, etc.
Come Party With Me: Luau Dinner For 8 - Appetizers
The best thing about hosting a themed dinner party, is that it's fairly easy to create a menu. Select dishes that you feel confident serving to guests. Instead of offering several sit down courses, have appetizers ready and waiting when the guests arrive.
Tropical Mango Dreamsicle
With their tart, sorbet-like outside and smooth center, I love classic orange creamsicles. As I continue my popsicle obsession, I decided to experiment with my own variation. Using mangoes and lime, I made creamsicles with a tropical twist!
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