Thirsty Thursday: Winter Warm-Up

In an attempt to blog more regularly, I have decided, like many bloggers, to theme my days. This should (hopefully) prevent me from being at a loss for what to say. Many people do a "Wordless Wednesday" post, where they simply post a photo. I did this a while back, and am going to incorporate that again.

For today's post, I give you......Thirsty Thursday!! Since I am a bartender, I may as well share some of what I know. People are always asking me what my favorite drink is to make, what my favorite shot is to take, and if I really love my job. In reverse order, the answers to those questions are:

1)Most days

2)Scooby Snack

3)Adult Apple Cider

Of course, like everything else, the answers to those questions change on a daily, weekly, or hourly basis. But I am currently satisfied with my job (although I wish I had more quality time with my family). My favorite shot to take is a Scooby Snack (recipe here), and I just created a fabulous Adult Apple Cider. It's super simple, and a nice winter warm-up.

You'll need:

2 packets of your favorite Apple Cider mix (I used our old stand-by, Alpine. If you're using loose powder, you need 2 servings.)

12 oz hot water

2-4 oz Pinnacle Whipped, Whip Cream flavored vodka

This recipe is so simple, all you do is follow the directions! Place your powdered cider in a cup and add the water. Stir until dissolved. Add 2-4 oz of the vodka. Since I made double servings of the cider, I added a double shot of vodka.

Some suggestions you might try: add real whipped cream or a caramel drizzle to your cider. I was going to attempt this, but once I tasted it, decided it didn't need anything additional. The vodka is *very* sweet!

We ended up drinking A LOT of these while putting up the tree the other night! It got us in the Holiday Spirit, they were tasty, and we had fun. These quick little cocktails are a great way to add some spice to your holiday party, or just to add a little "something special" to a cozy night around the fire. When will YOU try it?!

*SJ*

BTW, I am in no way affiliate with Alpine or Pinnacle. I'm just a bartender. I like vodka. That is all.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5

Wordless Wednesday: "Mantel"

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5

In The Kitchen: Habanero Hellfire Chili

Today I attempted chili from scratch. But not just any chili. I had to attempt Habanero Hellfire Chili from Allrecipes.com I decided to try chili, because The Boy and I were planning to put up the Christmas tree and decorate at his place tonight and chili sounded like a warm, Christmasy kind of meal.

Here's the recipe as I made it:

1 lb Hormel Black Label Thick Cut Bacon
1 lb 80/20 ground beef
1 lb reduced fat ground pork
1 pkg Texas Traditions Hickory Smoked Beef Sausage (6 links)
1 red bell pepper, diced
4 oz chopped yellow onion
4 jalapenos, chopped
2 habaneros, seeded & chopped
1 Tbsp minced garlic
1.5 Tbsp ground cumin
1 Tbsp crushed red pepper flakes
3 Tbsp chili powder
2 Tbsp beef bullion granules
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes (not drained)
2 bottles Bud Light
6 oz tomato paste
1 can whole kernel corn (drained)

So the first instructions for the recipe are to place the bacon in a large soup pot and cook over medium-high heat. I should mention here that as much as I love bacon, I cannot cook it to save my life. So of course, I burned the first six pieces I put in the pot.

Next, I googled "easiest way to cook bacon" and discovered that it can be made in the oven. 20 minutes later, I take my beautifully cooked bacon out of the oven & turn to place it on the sink. Hot bacon grease sprays all over the mat in front of the sink. The score is now Bacon-2, Sarah Jane-0.

I proceed to cook the ground beef and ground pork in the pot. Once the meat was fully browned, I added the remaining ingredients: the peppers, spices, tomatoes, and the beer. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 45-60 minutes. Add the sausage and bacon and simmer another 30 minutes.

During the last 30 minutes, I put a loaf of Pillsbury Simply Rustic French Bread in the oven. Whoa! That stuff is awesome! Perfectly crusty on the outside, light and slightly sweet on the inside. It matched perfectly with the heat of the chili.

The chili turned out really well, too, despite the Great Bacon Debacle. It was a little soupier than I typically think of chili, although still very hearty. I think the only change I'll make next time is to reduce the amount of beer. The original recipe called for one can of beer + two cups of water. I eliminated the water entirely and added another bottle of beer. I think I'll stick to one bottle, but still eliminate the water next time.

I'd love to hear suggestions on your favorite chili recipe, or any other recipe that gets you in the mood for Christmas!

*SJ*

Another Quickie

Hey there, readers!

I wanted to take a couple of minutes for another super-quick update. I'm working on moving to a new place, so I'm trying to get everything organized.

A couple of things I've been able to check off my 101 list:

3) Participate in NaNoWriMo
29) Go to a game at Cowboys' Stadium
33) Ride a mechanical bull (I really did!)
99) Eat something fried at the Texas State Fair

I plan to write about each of these in greater detail, but that will take more time than I have today. I am working on planning my Christmas menu for me and a very special someone. This afternoon, I am attending the wedding of two fabulous people, Anne & Paul.

Speaking of Christmas menus, there are only 22 more shopping days until Christmas!! I'm not even close to being ready. Are you? What special traditions or plans do you have for Christmas? How far along are you in your planning? Please tell me I'm not alone!

*SJ*

Quick Update

I know, it's been over a month since I've updated. And I was doing so well for a while!

So here's the good news: I've been able to check a few things off my 1,001 list. YAY! Of course, I haven't had the time or the energy to post about them, but that's coming.

The other big news is that it's time for NaNoWriMo!! NaNoWriMo is National Novel Writers' Month. During the month of November, crazy people all over the world attempt to write a 50,000 word novel. I've known about the event for a few years now, but this is my year to participate.

I'm about 1,010 words in, but working hard. I plan to post excerpts from my novel to this blog as time permits.

Wanna learn more about NaNo? Check out their website: www.nanowrimo.org . And stay tuned to this blog - which I promise to update more regularly - for more info on my novel.

*SJ*

Pre-Birthday Present

Birthdays are a big deal for me. I'm not particularly close to my family, so holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving are uncomfortable at best, depressing at worst. However, when I started dating Jay many moons ago, he always made a big deal about my birthday. We always went somewhere great for dinner, and the festivities usually included a big shopping spree.


Now that we're not together anymore, I knew better than to expect a big shopping spree this year. However, he still did something completely over-the-top and generous for me this year. He knew I had been talking about buying myself an iPad. In fact, I even took him to the Apple Store one day to test drive one and show him what it was all about.


Well, several days ago, I decided the nearly $800 price tag was too steep for me right now, and I really ought to do something more responsible with the money I had been saving. So I decided to buy a Barnes & Noble Nook for now and keep saving my money to pay off some other things.

Jay actually took me to B & N and paid for half of my Nook as my birthday present!!


And of course, I had to get a protective case for it. If you know me, you know I am a gadget geek. However, I am also a klutz! Hence, the need for the case. This one was designed by Johnathan Adler and I was drawn to it immediately.

I can't wait to start reading on my Nook. I was hesitant to get an eReader at first. To me, there's just something about turning the pages of a book, ya know? But now that I've had a chance to play with one a few times, I really think I'm going to like it.

Do you have an eReader? Do you like it? What are you reading now?

*SJ*

Personal Ad

Today I thought I would do something fun. I was talking to a friend today, who was trying to convince me what a great "catch" I am. Have you ever had friends like that? We were talking about a relationship that didn't work out, and he was reassuring me that I'm going to find someone who deserves me.

That got me thinking. What does someone who "deserves me" really deserve? If someone wins my heart, what comes along in the package? So I thought I would write my own personal ad. An honest description of me, and what you get if you "get" me.

Me: Equal opportunity sports fan, Football fanatic. Don't send me flowers, or take me for long walks on the beach. Buy me a book and take me to a UFC match and we'll have a great time. Avid reader, adventure seeker, and perpetual student. I could live on steak, and make the best dessert you'll ever taste. Love to travel, meet new people, and try new things.

Petite, but a spark-plug in a small package! I enjoy working out, but also enjoy a fun night out. I can be the center of attention, but also know how to relax and go with the flow. I always have a song in my head, and often dance to the beat of my own drum. Fiercely loyal to my friends, I'm often looked to as a trust-worthy confidante.

You: Equally trust-worthy, enjoys outdoor activities and trying new things. Strong sense of self and good character a must. Strong enough to take care of himself, and stand up to a feisty Puerto Rican when necessary! Mamas boys and co-dependants need not apply.

*SJ*

Word Count: 286