The Spirit World

The end of 2006 is zooming at us and the dawn of 2007 is just around the corner. After what is often a hectic holiday season it’s nice to start the New Year on a more relaxed, but still celebratory, note. And to that end when in comes to New Year’s celebrations our […]

It’s the time of the year when our thoughts turn to keeping warm and cozy - and that includes while we are outside enjoying holiday activities. Whether it’s a trip to the mountains to cut a tree, a spin around a frozen pond or skating rink or enjoying traditions in your area, such as […]

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone in the US! 
At some point this weekend, you’ll realize that all there is to eat in the house is leftovers.  Lots of turkey leftovers…. and do I have a great use for that turkey for you!  But as we normally do, let’s start with our cocktail. 
If you do a web search […]

(Pumpkin Pie Cappuccino © 2006 Nika)
My perfect thanksgiving would have a complete lack of turkey meat and loads of desserts, especially pumpkin pies. I am allergic or super sensitive to baked turkey so if I eat any leftovers, I become lost in a world of pain and freaky hallucinations.
I am much more into sides, desserts, […]

It’s stormy outside, Thanksgiving is next week and I’ve just come back from a wonderful weekend in the snow.  All of these things are leading me to a cozy and warming menu for this week’s Happy Hour at Home. 
Before going to Whistler last weekend I whipped up a batch of Hot Buttered Rum batter.  It’s […]

I’m heading up to Whistler this weekend. It’s too early for skiing but I’ll be attending Cornucopia, an annual food and wine festival held in the village.  Today’s Happy Hour at Home recipes are based on Whistler memories. 
The cocktail, the Holiday Starr, is one of a series of cocktails I created a few years ago.  […]

This weekend I’ll be celebrating a milestone birthday. And, as is usual, I’ll be competing with the rest of the world who will be celebrating Halloween - at least in those countries where Halloween or All Souls Day is celebrated. Over the years I’ve gotten used to sharing the event but just for […]

 
 
What wiggles, jiggles, and tickles the nose? Without exploring all THAT could describe (this IS a site rated for all audiences), here I am talking about a gruesome cadaveric drink, floating jello fingers with veins included, that is actually composed of a delightful sparkling apple cider. Something about the jello with Twizzlers makes the cider […]

Most people know about hard apple cider - apple cider or juice that has been allowed to ferment to produce a lightly alcoholic beverage on par with beer - normally somewhere around the 5% range. But many people are not aware there is another common hard cider, perry or hard pear cider.
The […]

Last week it was all apples, this week we are focusing on another fruit of the season, the beautiful pear! Lara has already provided you with the Pear Nectar Martini which would be a great choice for this weekend but here’s another alternative, the Pear Brandy Champagne Cocktail.
I first had this cocktail at one […]