The family that stirs together…

I was reading the Spanish press this morning, and stumbled upon an articled title The families that stir together. It immediately caught my attention and so I read it, here is the original one in Spanish, but basically it reports about this two kids one 10 and the other 8 years old who make their own cocktails. Do not panic, they are non alcoholic cocktails and they are very complex, made with ingredients that very few bars in DC have. Their father is the head of food and drinks (catering) for two luxury hotels, and he was given the National Price for Gastronomy in 2003, and he has chosen to involve his kids with his “line of work” by sparking their interest in cocktails and teaching them how to do it. It is a creative game and one that in my mind is very interesting, on the one hand he is teaching them about drinks and the adult world, but in a very controlled environment, in the other hand it is such a creative exercise I would compare it to music or drawing.

For instance they came up with a version of the Cosmopolitan for kids that follows this recipe:
- Three parts infusing of red fruits or berries
- Two parts cranberry juice
- Two parts orange syrup
- One drop of lemon juice
Shake and present “up” with orange rind

Another more complex cocktail the children developed is called Cocktel de Turron, Turron is a traditional Christmas candy made in Spain, usually made with Almond Paste and honey. For adults here is the recipe:
- Praline
- White Vodka
- Chocolate Vodka
- Chocolate Syrup
- Cream
Stir the ingredients well in a shaker and serve in a tall glass with two ice cubes, top with slivered almonds.

For kids
- Praline
- Almond Tea
- Syrup
- Chocolate Syrup
- Cream
Serve “up” with some shaved ice and slivered almonds

Of course the American in me is thinking that the whole kids and bars do not mix at all, but then the Mexican in me, says why not, they will grow up to drink anyway, so they might as well learn early on. I guess that these two children will at least be fully prepared to face a bar when that time comes. Besides if you are not interested in cooking, this is a great way to play cook with alcohol.

My last thought is that the cooking revolution that has brought us all these exotic ingredients and techniques has pretty much reached everyone. When people are attempting these cocktails at home, what else is there to try? I guess it is a sigh that at least in the western world we are reaching a time period where the pleasure of food and drink re being taken to places that only an overtly wealthy society can.

A tale of two cancellations and an apology (Part I)

First things first, I need to send a big hug and apology to the couple from Chicago. I missed them this weekend, and I am truly sorry for that. I send them an email on Friday, but dumb ass I am they were arriving on that day. I know their stay in this city was not as fabulous as one would expect, and that they had to go back. They did get to see some people and I hope that at least that was nice. In my defense I am having the busiest time I have ever had at any job I my career. This is good and bad, all at the same time, because it leaves me no time to

Ok, that is off my chest then the next part of our tale. Saturday after a good swim practice, I went to brunch with the swimmers, and to my surprise and every one else’s Flawless came both swimming and to breakfast. I have to say that just looking at the man, made my morning. So at least the weekend started on the right foot. That streak was not to continue. After brunch I went home and cleaned, cleaned and cleaned. I had clothes all over the place and because I knew that there was a chance I might have company some time later on the weekend I would not have my apartment a mess. Things were put away, laundry was done and I even did the kitchen and some dishes. When I was done with this, I got a call from the Diplomat who was sick, sick, sick and he cancelled our dinner plans. I was bummed, but I understood. I was on my way to the gym and the fates knowing what was in store, had the Cook – an ex of mine, that cooks terrifically and loves entertaining – send me a text inviting for dinner. So there like Maria in the Sound of Music I could say that when a door closes and window opens. I got to the gym and did weights and cardio – cuz I hate my body, but also because I had not done chisel during the week and figured some weights are not going to kill me. I finished my workout, stretched and went home to get dressed and ready. Dinner was perfect; I was the substitute boyfriend for the Cook, since the real thing was sick. It was awkward, but we were only 4 people and of course I did a Mrs. Henderson and proceed to monopolize people’s attention and be witty and flirty and very entertaining. The food was terrific; I had worked out enough that I had 3 slices of yogurt cake – they were very small my dear Scientist – and a couple of drinks. The cook made a killer Rose Kennedy’s, just for me. The guests and the host were supposed to go to “Blowoff” after dinner, I had none such intentions, and proceeded to keep them entertained until 11:30 when they were also tired and went home. This is where I could write some fiction and say how I had sex with the ex, but no. I did not. It was not offered and I was tired and sore. I left the cook’s at midnight and went home like your everyday gay Cinderella.

Sunday morning came and I woke up at 7:30, going to bed early was he culprit and I started preparing for the day. I folded some clothes I had left on the dryer and checked the movie times for later. Why? A date had been arranged for the afternoon.

To be continued …

Oh and a nice surprise, I got an adaptor to move my pictures from my camera to the laptop and you will start seeing some new pictures in here.