2012 is the Year of the Dragon so there is no better way to celebrate National Rum Day (August 16) than with creative dragon inspired cocktails created by some of the nation’s most imaginative mixologists.  Using Ron Abuelo 12 Años, Panama’s finest, rich, dark and full-bodied rum, as the base spirit mix-up the delicious recipes below on August 16!

Below you’ll find an array of creative cocktails from across the nation.  

 

Nearly ten years ago, the cupcake started its rise to fame on the set of “Sex in the City” in the heart of New York City’s West Village. Carrie Bradshaw (played by Sarah Jessica Parker) bit into a pink-icing Magnolia Bakery cupcake, and it quickly became one of America’s most popular desserts. Overnight, every 18 to 35 year-old woman in America wanted to try one of these small, single-serving pastries. The appeal? It is smaller than a piece of cake, it looks pretty, and it is one of the easiest desserts to eat (no fork required) as well as clean up aft er. Aft er consuming, cupcake eaters can simply fold over the baking liner and toss it in the trash, with icing-free fingers.

INGREDIENTS FOR AUNT AIMEE'S PIE CRUST

4 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
3 sticks cold, unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 egg
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
½ cup ice cold water
Egg wash for sealing pastries
(1 egg mixed with 2 tablespoons of water)

INGREDIENTS
2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil plus 3 tablespoons
1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or 2 whole vanilla beans, scraped)
½ cup + 1 tablespoon of unsweetened, dark cocoa powder (I use Hershey’s Dark)
1 ½ cups unbleached, all-purpose flour
¾ tsp baking soda
¾ tsp sea salt
1 ¼ cups buttermilk

INGREDIENTS
2 sticks unsalted butter, soft ened
1 cup dark brown sugar (or 1 cup regular sugar + 2 tablespoons dark molasses)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons of your favorite bourbon, I use Bulleit brand
1 teaspoon Saigon cinnamon (or substitute with espresso powder)
2 large eggs
3 cups unbleached, all-purpose fl our
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt

Diet.  I hate that word.  But for two consecutive days during the week, the Mister and I are trying to discipline ourselves to go no-carb. I never realized how many carbs we eat on a daily basis until I started reading labels during our new two-day torture…I mean healthy…eating adventure.  I was reading about someone who had a lot of success using this easy routine, and I figured two days each week is achievable.  Besides, it gives you something to look forward to on day three!

Still have that Easter ham sitting in your freezer getting freezer burn?  Here’s a great recipe that I swear tastes like you’re imbibing in a bowl full of mashed potatoes!

Cheesy Ham and Cauliflower Casserole

1 package frozen (can use fresh) cauliflower

2 cups low-sodium lean ham

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup fresh baby spinach

¼ cup chopped green onions

Fresh ground pepper

Low-fat grated cheddar cheese

This Holiday Season, give a gift  that will get even your Grinchiest guests in the spirit – sophisticated table wine. VOGA Italia hails from Italy, the country best known for producing some of the world’s best wine as well as its’ keen sense of style. VOGA Italia encompasses all aspects offering a collection of crisp delicious wine thoughtfully packaged in a revolutionary re-designed bottle featuring a unique resealable cap. 

Since the company’s inception, VOGA has earned numerous awards and accolades for their sleek and sexy glass cylindrical bottle, presentation and most importantly taste.  The collection retails from $10.99 to $15.99 and includes Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Moscato, Quattro, Sparkling Pinot Grigio and Sparkling Pinot Grigio Chardonnay. VOGA is available in over 62 countries, hundreds of major cities, and can be found in thousands of the world’s trendiest bars, restaurants and shops. Wherever, whenever, if you are drinking VOGA you are drinking IN Style.

During the holidays, with everyone being short on time, we all want easy, yet delicious recipes to help continue the Christmas spirit. If that’s what you’re aft er, check these out! These recipes fall into the “so-easy-to-make- I’m-almost-embarrassed-to-call-it-a-recipe” category. Grab some ingredients, turn up the holiday tunes and serve up these savory appetizers.