The Mojito

I was first introduced to the precious Thuyvi Vo through Madewell's co-hosted Caramelized holiday shopping night. She's the store director by day and the watercolor artist extraordinaire behind Dear Sir Paper Co. by night. I'm so drawn to Thuyvi's collection of prints, calendars and greeting cards, primarily because of her minimalist style and attention to detail. A "you're grate" card with painted cheese grater image is my favorite Dear Sir keepsake thus far. I believe it'll remain a greeting card to myself. After a coffee date at Cafe Keough, we conspired to stir up some cocktail recipes beyond the point-and-shoot perspective. Thuyvi's hand lettering and painted ingredient array introduce a fresh, curated approach to some of our essential seasonal beverages. What do you think?

The first? A mojito. Coincidentally, Thuyvi and I are boarding varying cruise ships this upcoming Saturday for quick trips to paradise. Despite chilling temps, I can already feel the exposed Caribbean spirit! So whether you'll sip yours beach-side on Spring break or fire-side at home, jot down these ingredients and mix away.

Oh, and if you're interested in a printed version of Thuyvi's cocktail cards (I'm envisioning bar cart art or kitchen art series!), comment on this post or send me a note! We'd love to share these with you in-person.

Cheers!

Makes 1 cocktail

1/2 ounce mint syrup (see recipe below) 2 ounces white rum 1 ounce fresh lime juice, plus spent lime half Crushed ice 2 ounces chilled soda water 1 bunch fresh spearmint, for garnish

1. Place mint syrup in a chilled pint glass. Add the rum, lime juice, and spent lime half.

2. Fill glass with crushed ice and finish with the soda water and spearmint. Serve with a straw.

Mint syrup:

12 ounces water 12 ounces sugar 5 large fresh mint sprigs

1. Gently heat the sugar and water while stirring to dissolve the sugar, and promptly remove from the heat once all the sugar is dissolved. Let the simple syrup cool to room temperature.

2. Blend the mint leaves and simple syrup in a blender for 1 minute. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth, pour into a bottle, and refrigerate; it will keep for about 1 month. You'll have enough syrup for 12 drinks.

adapted from food52

Cheesy Peasant Potatoes

Following the ArtsMemphis culinary series dinner at the James Lee House, I luckily learned a few culinary secrets in the kitchen of Master Chef Jose Gutierrez. Chef Jose, a mentor and friend, is known for his thirty plus years of experience in and influence of the Memphis fine dining scene. I'm a raving fan of his work and his culinary philosophy: "simultaneously feeding the body, the soul, and the intellect."

Chef Jose understands my desire for simplicity on one's plate and palate, hence why my first private cooking lesson revolved around the simple stove-top filet with shallot, mushroom, and to-die-for cheesy peasant potatoes. Minimal ingredients, minimal equipment and time, and maximum quality.

A few tips I took with me (that I'll gladly share with you!):

1. Soak potatoes in water once they're sliced. They'll stay bright white, and the extra starch (that usually makes them stick together) will remove itself.

2. Just because you pour a bunch of oil in the pan doesn't mean you have to eat it. The more oil, the more crispiness; but drain the pan throughout cooking, and you'll be avoiding the unhealthy foundation.

3. Everything needs parsley. Trust Jose.

Oh, and FYI: A sprinkle of cheese completely elevates the following side dish. No need for more than an ounce.

Makes 2 servings

1 potato, peeled and sliced super thin 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped 2 tablespoons canola oil 1 ounce shredded mozzarella Salt and pepper

1. Heat canola oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, place sliced potatoes in a small bowl of water to remove extra starch.

2. Add potatoes to pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Do not flip until underside begins to get crispy, approximately 3-4 minutes. Once crispy, flip allow other side to cook evenly.

3. Once potatoes are fully cooked, turn off stove and add mozzarella. Quickly toss potatoes until cheese begins to melt. Add generous sprinkle of parsley and remove from pan. Serve warm.

 

Skillet Shortcut Shakshouka

This one-dish dinner became the culmination of a "Chopped"-like personal challenge. My fridge was bare on a Monday evening (I had yet to make my weekly grocery run), and I was only left with four ingredients: an avocado, tomato, half a sweet onion, and eggs. Being the kitchen nerd that I proudly am, I found myself in the Williams Sonoma outlet the morning beforehand and collected some cute-but-totally-unecessary gadgets. Amongst the pile of new linen napkins, a spiralizer, and spoons, I bought a 6-inch mini cast iron skillet. Adorable and affordable, might I add! The low and slow cooked onions and tomatoes created a rich base for boiled eggs and diced avocado, all of which I could prep, cook, and eat in one skillet. The result? A shortcut shakshouka, my official go-to dinner for one.

Makes 1 serving

2 eggs 1 roma tomato, diced 1/2 sweet onion, diced 1/2 avocado, diced 1 tablespoon olive oil Sprinkle of mozzarella cheese Fresh herbs on hand, minced

1. Heat olive oil in a small cast iron skillet on medium heat. Add onions, cooking until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add tomatoes and continue to cook for another 5 minutes.

2. Turn broiler on high. Create two spaces in the skillet to carefully crack the eggs. Leave skillet on the stove for 2 minutes, then turn off stove and add to the broiler for 2 more minutes, until egg whites are cooked through.

3. Return skillet to the stove and top with sprinkled cheese and herbs. Add avocado and enjoy immediately.

A Box of Chocolates

"Life is like a box of chocolates." Or, at least, my life is lately.

Tessa, an adorable second-generation chocolatier from my old stomping grounds of Austin, has an eye for style and a taste for artisanal authenticity. The recipe, the family ties, the packaging, and the hand-scripted notes collectively create a refreshing brand. Perhaps it's my public relations mouth talking, but I am so impressed with Tessa's ability to merge old tradition with a modern, fresh face. I don't even know Tessa personally, but I can align with her approach as I click through the classic Chocolaterie Tessa site and break off a bite of a salted caramel milk chocolate.

The chocolates are miraculously so tiny yet so detailed. I loved the heart flourish in my box, which I'm sure is a holiday-themed move.

I know I am not the only one who fears biting into an unexpected, non-labeled chocolate (gooey colored jam, no thank you). Tessa relieves that fear factor instantly! Though she doesn't label her individual squares, the curated package celebrates the beauty of chocolate in its purest form. A few nutty and fruity flavors will be unveiled; but don't worry, you're getting plenty of ganache and truffle, too.

With only a little over a week before Valentine's Day, I urge you to order online now! My Memphis delivery arrived in a few short days, and I'm still savoring the last few chocolates. Tell Tessa that Caramelized sent you!

Brie Mine

I was first inspired by the cheesy emphasis (get it?) on Valentine's Day when I stumbled upon a clever "Brie Mine" card last year at Paper Source in Austin. Though I would have rather been the recipient than the giver of such an appropriate tagline, I bought it anyway and signed it for Alex.

I'm planning a date night in next weekend, and we never fail to begin with a cheese board of some sorts. This time, I'm all about the sweet simplicity of a cheese and honey pairing. Step aside, jams and jellies: We're relying on just a tiny drizzle of irresistible Nature Nate's honey to complement the salty nature of cheese.

The following cheeses and honey are perfect pairs for you and your Valentine's date -- who I am sure make a perfect pair, as well.

Parmigiano-Reggiano: The nutty overtones of this classic don't just go with pasta (though I can't wait to sprinkle some over my Gremelli pasta from Porcellino's). Ditch the cracker, break off a bite of the firm block of cheese, and add a dot of honey for a flavorful combination.

Blue: The stinky and bold blues surprisingly contrast nicely with a clover honey. It'll cut out the spice and sharpness that cause most to turn their heads. Be bold this Valentine's, right?

Creamy bries and goat cheese: These are a given. Supplemented honey with a hint of orange or lemon zest, you'll be tempted to eat it for appetizers, main courses, and dessert!

Now, get yourself some Nature Nate's raw honey and enjoy the romantic, sweet holiday. Share your own Nature Nate’s honey creations on social media using @naturenates and the hashtag #HoneyMakesItBetter.

This post is in partnership with Nature Nate's. Thank you for supporting my sponsors!

A Spin on Super Bowl Classics

This post was originally featured on Southern Living's blog, The Daily South! Who else is planning a Super Bowl Sunday gathering? You’ve found the right place! Luckily, our entertainment is accounted for; but inevitably as an entertainer, I am thinking about the table.

image via style me pretty

I find it intriguing and absolutely appropriate to bring football game day vibes into one’s home. My friends and I collectively crave a jumbo pretzel with mustard, or cheese nachos with a beer. Why not bring those elements into your own cozy living room? Although prosciutto bites and crudités would be much appreciated by guests, think about the reason for the season: It’s the Super Bowl, after all!

Rather than stressing over specialty drinks, understand that your party guests are perfectly content with a beer (or three)! Script a chalk label with “New England Ale” and “Seattle Golden” beers on galvanized tins. Provide frosted mugs within reach. The game day spirit will effortlessly transcend from the screen and into the hands of your party-goers.

image via love and lemons

For touchdown-worthy snacks, homemade soft pretzels with your favorite spicy brown mustard (or beer cheese dipping sauce) will satisfy the most nostalgic of fans. Personalized craft paper bags with assorted popcorns will entertain the kids, and a gourmet nacho station with guacamole, fresh jalapeño, and all the fixings will elevate a game-time classic.

No matter which NFL team your guests are rooting for, they’ll be rooting for you before the first time out!