Recipe: Sweet Tea Cocktail

Bright and refreshing, this is a perfect drink for welcoming warmer weather!  The lightness of this cocktail makes it perfect for serving with a meal.  Throwing a Mother's Day luncheon?  Serve sweet tea cocktails along with a buffet of springtime food favorites on a picnic table and set the mood for Mom!

Sweet Tea Cocktail

• 1.5 oz Hendrick’s gin
• 1 oz Owl’s Brew "Classic" tea for cocktails
• .5 oz fresh lemon juice
• club soda
• mint leaves & lemon wheels for garnish

Fill a glass with ice.  Add the gin, Owl's Brew and lemon juice.  Top with club soda and stir gently.  Garnish with a lemon wheel and spring of mint.

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Start with a glass of ice - we used mason jars.  Add 1.5 oz of Hendrick's gin.  The subtle cucumber flavor of this gin works especially well.

Add 1 oz. of the Owl's Brew and .5 oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Top with club soda stir gently.  Garnish with a lemon wheel and a sprig of fresh mint.  Sip and savor!

Roundup: Mother's Day Gift ideas

Mothers' Day is on Sunday, May 11th.  Plan ahead this year and get Mom something more than a card or fresh flowers.  We've rounded up a selection of gifts from our store that suit any budget and any Mother!  From macarons and tea to scented soaps and candles, you won't find these unique gifts at your local drugstore...so get a jump start on Mother's Day and show Mom some appreciation!  (click the image to shop)

Celebrating Cinco De Mayo: Simple Pork Tacos with Salsa Fresca

Cinco de Mayo is just a few days away and what better way to celebrate than with a simple pork taco recipe.  No slow roasted pork to braise and shred.  I already had pork chops in my freezer and the veggies in my fridge, to make this simple recipe with Mexican flare.  What a great excuse to try out the La Fundidora Salsas that have been staring me down every time I open the pantry! The Salsa Fresca has a cool yet vibrant flavor that pairs well with chicken, pork and fish.  These were a huge hit at my home and a great way to turn those pork chops into something unexpected.

Simple Pork Tacos with Salsa Fresca

• 4 boneless porkchops
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• taco seasoning
• corn or flour tortillas
• 1 avocado, sliced
• La Fundidora Fresca Salsa
• cilantro leaves
• salt & pepper

1. Preheat a grill pan & non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Rub the pork chops with 1 tbsp of olive oil and the taco seasoning.
2. Add the onions & bell pepper to the non-stock skillet with 1 tbsp of olive oil. Cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring until desired tenderness.
3. Add the chops to the grill pan. Cook through, about 4 minutes on each side. Once cooked, slice the chops thinly.
4. Layer the pork and sauteed veggies in each tortilla. Top with a slice of avocado, a spoonful of salsa, and a few cilantro leaves.

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Recipe: Brown Sugar + Brown Butter Derby Pecans

These delectable pecans are wonderful for any party or gathering where drinks are served. Made with browned butter and brown sugar, they are a wonderful compliment to bourbon-based cocktails, such as the Mint Julep.  Long after the Kentucky Derby is over, you can make these nuts and package them in mason jars for edible gifts!

Brown Sugar + Brown Butter Derby Pecans

• 10 oz of halved pecans
• 4 tbsp of butter
• 4 tbsp of brown sugar
• Rosemary chopped and leaves for garnishing
• Sea salt

Preheat the oven to 250. Spread the pecan halves on a large baking sheet.  Bake them for 15 minutes.  

When there are 5 minutes to go, brown your butter.  Cook butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once butter is melted it will foam up a bit, then subside. Keep stirring, a few minutes later the butter will be light brown and then will turn into a deeper brown color, you should be smelling the butter at this point.  Takes about 2-4 minutes. Remove pan from heat immediately.  

Take pecans out of oven and put into saucepan, add brown sugar and rosemary, stir.  Once incorporated, arrange pecans back onto baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes. Take out of oven and sprinkle with sea salt.  Serve warm or store in an airtight container for a future party.  

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Recipe Roundup : Traditional Kentucky Derby Fare

We've rounded up traditional Kentucky Derby fare and a few variations that break from tradition as well!  From small bites to hearty stews (and of course a cocktail) these recipes make a great spread for your Kentucky Derby gathering or for any occasion.

Miniature 'Hot Browns" made famous by The Brown Hotel in Louisville.

Kentucky's most famous stew, Burgoo is a hearty meat lovers dream!

This version of Derby pie replaces pecans with walnuts for a delicious twist.

Fluffy cream cheese biscuits are a great option for impromptu sandwich making.

This recipe for the traditional mint julep can be made ahead of time, as the ingredients steep for 3 days!

These dainty shortbread cookies are infused with the flavors of mint and bourbon.