Lavender, Bay & Anise Infused Gin | #FoodnFlix

This month the Food 'n Flix club has been watching and creating recipes inspired by the movie, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. In the US, you can watch the film, chosen by this month's host Camilla from Culinary Adventures with Camilla, on Netflix. Though it's been on my tbr list for a while now, I haven't yet read the book (by the same name) that this movie was created from. So, anything I mention in this post will be solely based on the movie adaptation.

This movie takes place during WWII, on the German Military occupied island of Guernsey, in the year 1946. The military had commandeered most of the residents food, leaving them with not much more than potatoes and ingenuity. One night, a group is caught out past curfew in good spirits, bellies full from gin and a secret meal of roast pig. As the soldiers grill them, they come up with a name for their "illegal assembly" on the fly, calling themselves members of the "Literary [...and drunkenly added...] Potato Peel Pie Society".

Beer Fruit Cocktail Sangria inspired by Warm Bodies

Let's talk zombie fiction in the form of the movie Warm Bodies today. There are two types of zombies in Warm Bodies, and neither are your typical brain-dead roamers. First we have what seem like the typical slow-moving, grunt-to-communicate zombies, but via the magic of the voice-over, we find out that there really are thoughts going on inside their heads (or at least in the head of our main character, "R"). However, they've sort of accepted their station and rove around in packs looking for food (aka humans) outside of the airport where they've taken up residence.

When these zombies consume the brains of their victims, they absorb their memories. "R" enjoys eating brains because through these memories, he actually feels more alive. One day his group runs into a group of humans and actually feels the human emotion of attraction for the first time since the zombie apocalypse began. During the fight between R's hoard and the group of humans, he unknowingly kills the boyfriend of Julie (the one that caught his clouded eye), and as he's eating his brain, gets glimpses with her in them.

I Carried a Watermelon Margarita | Dirty Dancing #FoodnFlix

We headed back to the 80's for this month's edition of Food 'n Flix with one of the best coming-of-age chick flicks of all-time, Dirty Dancing! This is one of those movies that I've seen so many times I could recite it in my sleep. I owned it on VHS, I own it on DVD, and I can't resist stopping to watch it when I come across it while flipping channels on TV. Plus, the soundtrack! I had it on tape and remember listening to one side and flipping it over in my walkman...or dual cassette deck stereo with record player...time and time again.

Fire Swamp Fireball Cocktail | The Princess Bride #FoodnFlix

I'm sliding in last minute with my submission for this month's Food 'n Flix club pick, The Princess Bride. I grew up with this 1987 film, based on the 1973 novel of the same name (which I haven't read yet, but will one of these days), so it's totally nostalgic for me, but the great thing about it is that it stands the test of time—my kids love it, too...and laugh out loud right alongside me.

Spotted Dick w/ Boozy Custard Sauce inspired by Logan | #XMenu

*light spoilers*

This film takes place in 2029, and we see that Logan is deteriorating, both inside and out, and is pretty dependent on alcohol. He and Caliban are taking care of Dr. Xavier in a deserted building in Texas, while Logan saves money to buy a Sunseeker, so that they can sail away from everything.

Love Potion cocktail | #SheMadeEllaHace

It's time for another round of She Made, Ella Hace with my friend Leslie from La Cocina de Leslie, and this month, we're creating Valentine's Day inspired recipes. Even though we had this planned in advance, today really snuck up on me, and I was scrambling last minute to create something.

Apple Brandy Punch | Chaos Comes to Longbourn

Calling all Jane Austen lovers! Today I'm hosting a book tour for the latest Pride and Prejudice variation by historical romance writer Victoria Kincaid. While Kincaid has actually written numerous variations, Chaos Comes to Longbourn was my introduction to her writing. Pride and Prejudice happens to be my favorite Austen, so I eat up any and all versions I can get my hands on.

Chaos Comes to Longbourn begins with a frustrated Mr. Darcy fleeing the ballroom in an attempt to get Elizabeth Bennet out of his mind. He winds up in the dark Netherfield library, only to stumble onto (literally) Lydia Bennet in a mild state of undress.  Although he witnessed a figure slipping out the back door, he was found in a compromising position and is forced to propose to Lydia.

Red Wine Spritzers | Finding Libbie

Today I'm hosting a book tour stop for Finding Libbie, the latest novel by Deanna Lynn Sletten. Emily Prentice is helping her grandmother clean out the farmhouse that has been in their family for generations. She comes across a box of old photographs and learns for the first time that her father, Jack, was married to his high school sweetheart before he was married to her mother.

Emily is enamored of Jack's first wife Libbie after her grandmother tells her the heartbreaking story of their marriage, and sets her sights on finding her. At first she says she just wants to make sure that she is okay, but really she wants to find a way to bring some of that old joy back to her father that he's been missing since her mother passed away.

Tequila Sunrise

I'm happy to be joining Sharon of what the fork Food Blog and a fabulous group of bloggers to help Sharon celebrate her birthday with an amazing giveaway this month! Not only do we have an amazing giveaway for you today, we also have a delicious list of birthday cocktails, cakes and other bakes—and they're ALL gluten free!

Simple Beer Shandy Slushies | #GuinnessBBQChallenge

I am working in partnership with Guinness for this this campaign. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. Please Drink Responsibly!

I'm happy to working with Guinness again this summer to share another Guinness BBQ Challenge idea! Last year I shared a grilled pizza recipe that was topped with grilled onions, peppers, corn, and brats to pair with Guinness's crisp, hoppy Blonde American Lager. This year I accepted their challenge  to put my own personal twist on a shandy.

If you're not familiar with shandies, they are basically a beer cocktail that is made using half beer and half lemonade (or gingerale, ginger beer, or another citrus juice). They're a refreshing adult beverage option for summertime, and usually have fairly low alcohol content—if you use the half and half ratio.

Rock and Roll Sangria inspired by Vampire$

Here we are, the final Sunday of the month already, and that means it's time to share another all vampire book and a movie challenge post. Kimberly's April selections were Vampire$ by John Steakley (book) and John Carpenter's Vampires (movie). And once again, the movie, while based on a really good book, was crap. Talk about taking away every thing that made the story interesting and intriguing! The only thing that really stayed the same was the name of the main character, Jack Crow and the name of one of the priests, Adam. But the names were the only similarities, as the "character of each character" was not.

The book (1990):

Jack Crow is the leader of a Vatican-sanctioned team of vampire slayers. They are the only ones. The average person does not know about the existence of vampires...until it is too late. From the outside, this team of hardened men appear a motley crue of trouble makers. But when you get an insider's glimpse, you realize that they are a devoted bunch of smart, funny, rough-around-the-edges guys with the biggest hearts. But they're not only guys, because they also have a mama bear who takes care of not only the behind-the-scenes aspects of their team, but of the actual men themselves. They save the world over and over again, while losing those dearest to them.

Whisky Sour inspired by I Am Legend

It's time for another vampire book and a movie challenge, and this month Kimberly has chosen the book I Am Legend by Richard Matheson and the movie The Omega Man to discuss. Want to know the crazy thing? I didn't even realize that I Am Legend was about vampires. We own the newest movie interpretation (I Am Legend starring Will Smith), but for some reason...and I'm guessing it has a lot to do with the times...I equated it more with the zombie apocalypse. This is just one reason that I'm joining Kimberly on her venture—new perspective.

I also didn't realize that the movie was based on a book by the same name (apparently I was not paying attention to the credits) that was first published in 1954. There were actually two movies based on the book the pre-date the Will Smith version. The first being a 60's film starring Vincent Price called The Last Man on Earth (which I haven't seen yet) and the 70's film starring Charlton Heston called The Omega Man.

Rosemary Yuzu Gin Fizz

Two things that inevitably speak to me of winter are citrus and evergreens. I know that winter is still a couple of days away, but when you wake up daily to find everything outside of your front door covered in soft white frost, it kind of puts you in the mindset a little bit early. Therefore, it just feels timely to sip this this winter-inspired fizzy gin cocktail featuring the flavors of yuzu (a citrus fruit) and rosemary (an evergreen).

I recently tried a bottle of Yuzu Liqueur (made by iichiko Bar Liqueur) for the first time, and thought that the lightly sweetened citrus liqueur would be perfect in cocktails of all sorts for the holiday season. The fresh, piney scent of rosemary seemed like a natural accompaniment to the base yuzu citrus flavor, and combined, they just beckoned for the addition of a botanical gin.

Anise-scented Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies

Although I'd like to celebrate every day like it's National Brownie Day, today is the "official" date. In the spirit of truth and brownies, I have an admission to make. I make brownies from a boxed mix 85% of the time. It's not because I'm lazy (okay, it's not usually because I'm lazy), I just like them. I grew up on brownies made from a boxed mix and I've always kept a box in my pantry for emergencies.

Sometimes I make brownies from scratch, but I like the fact that if I have 5 minutes, some vegetable oil and a couple of eggs, we're having warm gooey brownies an hour later. So, don't judge and I promise I won't judge you if you want to make your brownies from scratch every single time.

25 Drinks for your Thanksgiving Table

Although there's absolutely nothing wrong with serving milk, juice, cider, wine, or even water as the beverage options at your Thanksgiving table, sometimes it's fun to mix things up. Literally. Today I'm sharing 25 fall-inspired drink ideas for sipping alongside your turkey, stuffing, and pie. While the majority of them are cocktails, I've also included some non-alcoholic ideas for kids and adults who aren't imbibing.

Why not add a little pizzazz to your Thanksgiving spread this year with a custom drink? I think it would make a fun holiday tradition to set out some fruit, spice, herb, alcohol, juice, and sparkling water options and ask your friends and family to create their own inspired drink, as well. I hope the fantastic drinks below will inspire you!

The Bastille Apple Sour and a #ParisCocktails Book Tour Stop

"...we must stand together and raise a glass to our beloved Paris, may she ever shine bright."

-Doni Belau

As I pondered how to go about sharing my thoughts on a book based in a city so recently shaken to the core by loss and tragedy, I read the latest newsletter from Girls Guide to Paris founder, Francophile, and author of said book, Doni Belau. In a world where I, as an individual, can feel easily overwhelmed and helpless in the midst of something so heavy, her words reminded me that the best thing I can do is hold on to hope, and to light, to practice kindness towards myself and others, and to keep raising my glass—or darkness wins.

With that, I'm happy to introduce you to the newly released book by Doni Belau, Paris Cocktails. Part cookbook (in the sense that it shares 100+ recipes...only they are for cocktails, not food), part Paris Bar guide, this book quenches my thirst for both knowledge and a proper beverage.

Apple Pie Hot Toddy inspired by Broken Homes and Gardens

Today I'm happy to be hosting a book tour stop for the novel, Broken Homes & Gardens by Rebecca Kelley. If you enjoy chick-lit and rom-com's, I think you'll love spending a day with this book. Seriously, I read this book in a day. It was a fun little reality-escape on a pleasantly cool day we had last week.

Set (mostly) in Porland, Oregon, Broken Homes & Gardens centers around young-twenty-something Joanna who returns to the States after a brief stint teaching English to kids in the Czech Republic. Typical of most people that age (at least the ones I know/knew), she doesn't really know what she wants to do with her life...who she is. She falls in love with the city, gardening, and unexpectedly, a guy named Malcolm.

I loved the fact that the characters in this book are flawed, like every real person alive. They try new things and make wrong choices, and sometimes realize too late what the right choices should have been. I won't give spoilers, but this is a great love story that takes twists and turns, and ultimately concludes with a cliffhanger (hurry up book 2!).

Lemon-Lime Margarita Creamsicles

This one's for all the adults out there, doing their best to survive the hot summer sun. Whether you're having a cook-out, relaxing by the pool, or doing some sweaty yard work, you deserve a little frozen glory on a stick that's made just for you.

In case you're wondering what "frozen glory on a stick" is, well...it's an icy cold popsicle that is sweet and creamy and tangy and boozy ALL AT THE SAME TIME! Kids shouldn't be the only ones running around with sticky chins, hands, arms and permagrins without a care in the world. You know, for at least a solid five minutes...because that's about how long it takes before those cares come rushing back full-force. It's a magnificent five minutes, though.

These boozy pops feature the new Sandra Lee Cocktail Time™ Margaritas. What are these margaritas I speak of? Well, after doing her research (aka testing all of the pre-made and ready-to-serve margaritas and cocktails on the market) and finding it hard to name one that consistently tasted great, Sandra Lee decided to develop her own line. Available in key lime and strawberry flavors, they are infused with real fruit, pure cane sugar, premium blue agave silver tequila, triple sec liqueur, and other natural flavors.

Grilled Pineapple Whisky Smash

Grilled pineapple lends this whisky smash a distinctive summer twist. Thank you to thebar.com for helping me share this cocktail with you.

Although it may not say it on the calendar, summer seems to have officially set in. Bright, sunny days that beg for lake excursions, pool parties, impromptu sessions around the grill, and often beating a path to the nearest shade tree. What's one thing that can enhance each one of these options? A cold drink, glass sweating right alongside you in the heat.

But do you think whisky when you think summer cocktails? Perhaps not. I'd say it's most often considered a warming drink. I admit to wanting a nip of whisky to warm my bones on a cold day. But it also goes really well over ice, which opens it up and invites a host of flavors to drop by for a summer get-together.

Today I'm sharing a whisky cocktail made using George Dickel NO. 12® Tennessee Whisky. George Dickel chills their whisky before they filter it through sugar-maple charcoal, which filters out oils and acids, because they believe that whisky made in the winter is smoother than whisky made in the summer. No. 12 is aged longer than their Classic No. 8 blend, resulting in richer oak flavors. With subtle hints of vanilla, maple, and smoke, the resulting whisky is somewhat sweet and extremely easy to drink.

Bloody Beer w/ Antipasto Kebab garnish

Don't you think a kebab party sounds like fun? I'm thinking outdoors, sunny but mild, and a grill that's hot and ready. I see a table lined up with dishes that are piled high with cubes of all sorts of raw meat and fish...baked tofu...bowls filled to the brim with chunks of fresh vegetables and fruit...and jars upon jars of skewers in bamboo, wood, and metal just waiting to be threaded.

I'm thinking there's a stack of baggies at the end of the table with bottles of marinades in all sorts of fun flavor profiles sitting next to them. People thread their skewers, slide them into baggies, then cover them with their marinade(s) of choice. Seal the bag, write their name on it, and set it in a cooler for half an hour or so. When they're ready, they can mosey on over to the grill.

Of course, there would also be a table filled with fruit and pound cake, and other things you might slide on to a skewer to eat raw or as a dessert. Oh, and plenty of fun sauce and dipping options, as well. Probably some sort of chocolate fountain; it doesn't have to be big.