Thursday, January 16, 2014

NFL Playoff Party Sunday...

it could be said I'm a constant worrier,

worrying about little details, especially when it comes to
giving a little party...like this one on Sunday, when the NFL playoff games take place.

I'm a diehard New England fan, 
but I love Peyton Manning too.
so, a difficult situation, I'll just say may the best team win.

I need a bit of advice on food to serve.
mainly because we are all heading over to the
local Tex-Mex joint after the 1st game, just because we
always do this on Sunday evening.

the game is between lunch & dinner.

tell me, please, what I should serve my 10 guests.
seriously, I'm clueless right now.

except that we will have Texas Margarita's
and the fabulous drink below, which is a serious pain 
to make, but is so festive...
the New Orleans-made famous
RAMOS GIN FIZZ

Ramos Gin Fizz

Epicurious  | February 2009
by Eben Freeman, of Tailor Restaurant in New York City
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Ramos Gin Fizz recipe

photo by Elizabeth Perrin
yield
Makes 1 serving
This version of the classic New Orleans cocktail was created by Eben Freeman, bartender of Tailor restaurant in New York City.

ingredients

  • 1/4 cup (2 ounces) gin
  • 1 dash (3 to 4 drops) orange blossom water*
  • 1 large egg white
  • 1 tablespoon (1/2 ounce) half-and-half
  • 1 tablespoon (1/2 ounce) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon (1/2 ounce) fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon (1/2 ounce) simple syrup
  • 1 cup ice cubes
  • 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) seltzer

preparation

*Also called orange flower water; available in liquor stores and in the specialty foods section of some supermarkets.
In large cocktail shaker, combine gin, orange blossom water, egg white, half-and-half, lemon juice, lime juice, and simple syrup. Shake vigorously for 25 seconds. Add ice and shake for 30 seconds more.
Strain mixture into 8-ounce glass. Slowly pour soda water down inside edge of shaker to loosen remaining froth. Gently ease soda water/froth mix onto drink and serve. 
Photobucket

9 comments:

  1. Oh Marsha... I so remember visiting your blog and just sitting and listening to this great music! And here I am again... with beautiful music (and of course a great post!) I don't know why you worry - you are fab at it all! Have a great evening...

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  2. That Gin Fizz look delicious! I will definitely have to give that a try!

    Lauren,
    http://www.atouchofsoutherngrace.com/

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  3. Go Hawks! ...and Pats!
    I feel the same about Peyton.
    It's fun, because you and I know enough...to KNOW, my friend.
    w/L

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  4. Make some little chilli, garlic and lime meatballs. (Just oven roast). Do before reheat.
    Homemade sausage rolls..literally a sausage wrapped in puff pastry chilled cut and then cooked until golden. Serve with sauce.
    Lamb or chicken satay sticks...make before. Just grill on day.
    Mini pizza...simple just tomato base shaved ham, olive and basil. Use bought pastry and cut small circular bases. Assemble before...take out of fridge and cook.
    Small portions of carefully cut bought cakes with some 'add-on' garnishes, blueberry or strawberries.
    Carefully cut fruit pieces on a little skewer with hot chocolate sauce to drizzle.
    Make everything small, dainty, well garnished and then everyone will have lots of room for the Tex Mex! Xxx


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  5. It sounds like you're perhaps asking for only appetizer ideas since it's a "tweener" prior to dinner. I'd keep it somewhat simple but still ample enough. Balsamic Bruschetta, Caprese buffalo mozzarella with fresh heirloom tomatoes, jumbo shrimp cocktail, spicy tomato hummus with pita chips, hot coconut shrimp or perhaps a nice crap dip. You probably have your plan intact but I can't imagine after all that, anyone would be hungry for dinner.

    The drink recipe sounds divine & so refreshing. Thank you for this. Have a wonderful time & GO BRONCOS...I'm from Colorado but now Arizona, so that's why!

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  6. Hi Marsha! I'm sure you'll get all the details just right! Maybe stick with Southwestern flavors to complement your between game meal - you could do traditional "football foods" with a little Southwest kick - like chipotle chicken wings, etc. Failing that, I seem to recall The Barefoot Contessa has some ideas for game day in her Parties cookbook. It's going to be all football all the time here at our Seattle home. My husband is a diehard Pats fan from Boston and I grew up watching the Hawks - don't know what we'll do if they face off in the Super Bowl! Have fun. Go Pats! Go Seahawks! XO

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  7. Oh Marsha!
    This is a tough one but.....since the BRONCOS are going to win, (I am from Colorado) I am thinking you stick with the southwestern theme. Maybe a pot of tortilla soup or some kind of vegetable soup done in shot glasses, (it can be luke warm, something with a smoked, chipotle flavor) chicken or crab quesadilla cut into small pieces, empanadas...don't forget the guacamole! Tex mex is my favorite! Maybe small portions at both venues or just accept that this is going to be a carb day and enjoy. People love to eat with friends, enjoy!

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  8. Hello Marsha
    I love your music too and sat here swaying to it.
    It sounds like you will have a rich supper of Tex Mex. I love different tapenades, whipped up in the blender: one made with olives, one with roasted red peppers and a humus made with chic peas garlic and olive oil and a little tahini
    some crackers. Get a bag of raw shrimp with tails on and already cleaned. Saute some green onions, cup of chopped parsley and garlic in olive oil in a pan that can go into oven, then add shrimp, put in over at 350 for about 10-15 mins till just cooked.From oven to table, serve with french stock cut in hunks to mop up juices.
    Good luck and I hope your team wins

    Helen xx

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  9. All great suggestions here! I would stick with simple appetizers, since you are also going to dinner... pigs in a blanket, seven-layer dip with chips, a veggie tray, cheese platter, fruit, brownie bites, etc.... And if you would like our "famous" Texas chili recipe, I'd be happy to send it to you! :)

    XOXO,
    The Glam Pad

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