A Matter of Happiness (and a classic bourbon cocktail)

A Matter of Happiness tells alternating tales of a 1920s trailblazer in Detroit with her modern day descendant in Kentucky bourbon country. It’s a story of determination for both. Of course, since it is set in Kentucky, there’s lots of bourbon. . . . → Read More: A Matter of Happiness (and a classic bourbon cocktail)

A Honeysuckle Cocktail for Honeysuckle Season by Mary Ellen Taylor

Honeysuckle Season and an early spring cocktail. Read on for a book review and a refreshing libation for the April/May edition for Cook the Books. . . . → Read More: A Honeysuckle Cocktail for Honeysuckle Season by Mary Ellen Taylor

Whiskey Sour Cocktail Jelly

Here’s another cocktail inspired jelly. ‘Tis the season! Whiskey Sour Cocktail Jelly is a beautifully jarred jelly with a cherry and slice of orange. . . . → Read More: Whiskey Sour Cocktail Jelly

A New Old-Fashioned, an appetizer and Buttermilk Graffiti

I’m highlighting Chef Edward Lee today. Buttermilk Graffiti is the featured book for Cook the Books. Here’s a berry delightful and thymely cocktail along with a mushroom “hummus.” . . . → Read More: A New Old-Fashioned, an appetizer and Buttermilk Graffiti

Old Fashion (Cocktail hour with Good Neighbors)

Good Neighbors is a dark tale which questions whether or not we really want to know our neighbors. Here’s a cocktail to make the drama go down a bit easier. . . . → Read More: Old Fashion (Cocktail hour with Good Neighbors)

Mommy & Daddy’s Special Helper

A cocktail to celebrate Christine Lahti’s new book, True Stories from an Unreliable Witness. . . . → Read More: Mommy & Daddy’s Special Helper

The Discovery of Chocolate and Bourbon-Cranberry Chocolate Bark

This round for Cook the Books features The Discovery of Chocolate by James Runcie. Let’s discuss the book with a bourbon-infused confection. . . . → Read More: The Discovery of Chocolate and Bourbon-Cranberry Chocolate Bark

Dinner With Edward and a Cocktail (of course)

Join me for this round of Cook the Books and this month’s selection Dinner with Edward by Isabel Vincent. Of course, I have included a cocktail recipe. What’s a dinner party without a cocktail? . . . → Read More: Dinner With Edward and a Cocktail (of course)

Elixirs for Xmas: Chocolate Bourbon Kahlua

Bourbon Kahlua from a handy bartender in Tulsa. (This stuff is golden!) . . . → Read More: Elixirs for Xmas: Chocolate Bourbon Kahlua

Bourbon-Pickled Jalapenos

As gardeners, we are dependent on the seasons. Although it is well into fall here, we are still having very mild days. This means we are trying to keep our summer produce still producing like tomatoes and peppers.

I big ‘o bucket of jalapeno hotness!

The peppers seem to love this time of year, . . . → Read More: Bourbon-Pickled Jalapenos