Oh Summer Days

Nothing makes a summer afternoon even more relaxing than a great cocktail. This afternoon Byron and I went to the beach to relax with some magazines, sunscreen (and the ever present tanning oil for Byron!) and good music. We hung out for a couple of hours, played a round of croquet and soaked up some sun. 

When we got home, we made some dinner, mixed some deeee-licious cocktails about talked about what we'd like to do for our rehearsal dinner. We decided it would most suit us to do an all out BBQ where we can all relax and enjoy ourselves. And what else would be better than having fun custom cocktails? We came away with two fantastic summer cocktail recipes and of course, our all-time fave, but any of them would work well with different fruits, citruses and garnishes:

• Strawberry Gin Cocktail
• Raspberry Mojito
• Classic Gin and Tonic

Of course these would also work well for the brides and grooms who are supplying their own alcohol and hiring their own bartenders. Imagine a gorgeous country-chic wedding with spiked punch bowls or hand crafted deliciousness? Mmm....I think I'll go keep experimenting. Besides, it's Saturday night!

Click here to download the recipes! 

Top: Strawberry Gin Cocktail 
Bottom: Raspberry Mojito

Chocolate Caramel Candy Apples

I had never been a real fan of candy apples until I visited this little cafe called Golden Mint Coffee and Tea at Yonge and College here in Toronto and had the most fantastic chocolate caramel treat! Sweet Granny Smith apple covered in a layer caramel, then dipped in chocolate and wrapped with chocolate shavings, nuts, gummy bears or sprinkles!

How adorable would these be as guest treats or takeaways? Or even seating cards with labels attached to the stick? Sadly, I haven't been given the Golden Mint recipe...but I did find a fantastic substitution on the Style Me Pretty site that was provided by Jess Country Flowers.  What a great way to say thank you to your guests for coming for the evening!

Check out the SMP recipe below or take a look at a Martha Stewart recipe for mini candy apples, too! Great for a cocktail reception like mine ;).

Ingredients
2 cups packed brown sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
1 can sweet condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla

24 granny smith apples (bought from Costco wholesale $7 dozen)
3 lbs. butter at Costco $7
pointed wooden round sticks at local craft store or candy making supply company online
ribbon from Costco ($8 for 50 yard roll at Costco)

Instructions

Melt the butter in a sauce pan, add the brown sugar and corn syrup. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon over medium heat. Add the sweet condensed milk, continuing to stir. Bring the mixture to 245 degrees F. Once off the stove, add the vanilla and stir. Cool down to about 210 degrees and dip your apples or pears.

Twist off the stems on your apples and put in the wooden sticks.

Place your dipped fruit on a sheet pan which is lined with parchment paper. Let dry and then dip in melted chocolate. While the chocolate is still wet, dip in toasted coconut, chopped nuts or add pieces of candy. Place back on the parchment paper to thoroughly dry. Melt some white chocolate and place into a zip lock bag, cut the very corner off and drizzle over the apples for detailing.

Package up in clear cellophane and tie up with a pretty ribbon. These make for incredible gifts from the heart. Store in a cool place or refrigerate. To enjoy, let them sit in room temperature for 1/2 hour. Place on a cutting board and slice.

Bon appetit!